Integrated hinged cartridge housings for sample analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Hybrid prediction modes for video coding

System and method for video coding using adaptive segmentation

A method for decoding compressed video information is disclosed. The video information can include a plurality of frames each having a plurality of blocks. The method reading, from the video information, a segment map associating at least some of the plurality of blocks in a first frame of the plurality of frames with at least one segment identifier, reading, from the video information, a current block to be decoded by a decoder, reading, from the segment map, a segment identifier that is associated with the current block, reading, from the video information, at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current block and decoding the current block using the at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current block.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARTRIDGE-BASED CARBONATION OF BEVERAGES

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home. 1. A cartridge for use by a beverage making machine in forming a beverage , comprising:a container including first and second portions that are attached together and separated by an impermeable barrier, the first portion containing a gas source for emitting a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid, the second portion containing a beverage medium for mixing with a precursor liquid to form a beverage, the second portion including a wall that is movable to force beverage medium to exit the second portion for mixing with precursor liquid.2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the first portion is arranged to have an inlet through which fluid is provided to activate the gas source and an outlet through which gas exits the first portion for dissolving in the precursor liquid.3. The cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the inlet and outlet are located on a top of the first portion.4. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the second portion is arranged to have an outlet through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid.5. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the wall defines claim 1 , at least in part claim 1 , the first portion of the cartridge.6. The cartridge of claim 5 , wherein the first portion is defined at least in part by a first chamber wall claim 5 , and the second portion is defined at least in part by ...

METHOD OF OPERATING A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A REMOTELY ACCESSIBLE PERSONAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

A driver observation system has a plurality of camera modules mounted to an exterior area of a vehicle for providing real time video images on an exterior area of the vehicle. A control mechanism is coupled to the plurality of camera modules to control operation of each of the plurality of camera modules and to switch between different camera modules for viewing. A display system coupled to the control mechanism to show the real time video images. A recording device is coupled to the control mechanism for storing the real time video images.

Method and apparatus for cartridge-based carbonation of beverages

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.

Smart reordering in recursive block partitioning for advanced intra prediction in video coding

The application relates to encoding a frame via both inter-prediction and intra-prediction. The application involves first encoding a first group of blocks which are to be inter predicted 610. This is followed by encoding sub-blocks of a second group of blocks which are to be inter predicted 614, before using the decoding pixel values of the inter predicted blocks or sub blocks to encode the intra prediction sub-blocks of the second group of blocks 618. The availability of data from the inter-predicted blocks can improve the performance of intra-prediction over processing the blocks in the scan order since more pixel data is available for intra-prediction. Preferably there is a third group of blocks which is encoded using intra prediction and the decoding pixel values of the inter-predicted blocks or sub blocks 620. Preferably the blocks of the frame are processed in raster scan order. Preferably the first group of blocks is encoded before the second group of blocks, and the second group ...

Error recovery using alternate reference frame

A system, apparatus, and method for decoding a video signal having a plurality of frames including a current frame. Decoding the video signal includes generating an alternate reference frame, detecting an error in the current frame and reporting the detected error, receiving a recovery frame in response to reporting the detected error, wherein the recovery frame is encoded using the alternate reference frame; and decoding the recovery frame using the alternate reference frame. The alternate reference frame occurs prior to the current frame in the video signal and is other than a frame immediately prior to the current frame.

INDEPENDENTLY CODING FRAME AREAS

Video coding may include identifying an input frame from an input video stream, generating, by a processor, an output bitstream by encoding the input frame, wherein encoding the input frame includes dividing the input frame into at least a first contiguous area of the input frame and a second contiguous area of the input frame, generating first encoded data by encoding the first contiguous area of the input frame, generating second encoded data by encoding the second contiguous area of the input frame, wherein encoding the second contiguous area of the input frame is performed independently of encoding the first contiguous area of the input frame, and including the first encoded data and the second encoded data in the output bitstream, and outputting the output bitstream. 1. A method comprising:identifying an input frame from an input video stream; dividing the input frame into at least a first contiguous area of the input frame and a second contiguous area of the input frame;', 'generating first encoded data by encoding the first contiguous area of the input frame;', 'generating second encoded data by encoding the second contiguous area of the input frame, wherein encoding the second contiguous area of the input frame is performed independently of encoding the first contiguous area of the input frame; and', 'including the first encoded data and the second encoded data in the output bitstream; and, 'generating, by a processor, an output bitstream by encoding the input frame, wherein encoding the input frame includesoutputting the output bitstream.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the input frame has a frame height and a frame width; and the first contiguous area has the frame height and a first area width that is less than the frame width; and', 'the second contiguous area has the frame height and a second area width that is less than the frame width., 'dividing the input frame includes dividing the input frame vertically, such that3. The method of claim 2 , ...

System and method for video encoding using constructed reference frame

Disclosed herein is a method for digital video encoding prediction comprising creating a constructed reference frame using an encoder and compressing a series of source video frames using the constructed reference frame to obtain a bitstream including a compressed digital video signal for a subsequent decoding process. The constructed reference frame is omitted from the series of digital video frames during the subsequent viewing process.

Smart reordering in recursive block partitioning for advanced intra prediction in video coding

Smart reordering in recursive block partitioning for advanced intra prediction in video coding

ACCESSORY MOUNT ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

A mount assembly for attaching a light bar to a tow mount of a vehicle. The mount assembly has a bracket with a channel that allows the tow mount to only enter the bracket from a first direction. The tow mount is secured within the channel by a blocking member that extends across at least a portion of the channel. 1. A bracket attachable to a tow mount of a vehicle , the bracket comprising:a bracket body that defines a channel, the channel comprising a first portion spaced apart from a second portion, the channel having at least one open side adapted to receive the tow mount into the channel from a first direction, the channel having a slot through which a portion of the tow mount extends when the tow mount is seated in the channel, the first and second portions being configured to block the tow mount from leaving the channel along a second direction and a third direction, the second and third directions being orthogonal to one another and to the first direction.2. The bracket of further comprising a blocking element configured to extend across at least a portion of the channel.3. The bracket of further comprising an intermediate portion connecting the first portion to the second portion.4. The bracket of wherein the intermediate portion and the blocking element are substantially planar.5. The bracket of claim 4 , wherein the intermediate portion is substantially parallel to the blocking element.6. An assembly comprising:a first bracket;a second bracket spaced apart from the second bracket;a spacer extending between the first bracket and the second bracket; anda mount arrangement carried by at least one of the first bracket, the second bracket, and the spacer, the mount arrangement adapted to provide an attachment site for coupling a structure to the assembly,wherein the first and second bracket each comprise a bracket body that defines a channel, the channel comprising a first portion spaced apart from a second portion, the channel having at least one open side ...

Adaptive Directional Loop Filter

An apparatus and method in which an edge is identified 602 in a frame, the edge being non-perpendicular with respect to a boundary of a block in the frame. A directional filter is selected 604 from a set of directional filters, each having a filter angle, based on one of an orientation of the non-perpendicular edge or signalling data included as part of an encoded video sequence in association with the frame. The selected directional filter is applied 606 to the edge. The selection may include selecting a directional filter based on a directional intra prediction mode used for encoding the block, a filter angle most closely matching an angle signaled as part of the video sequence, a reduction of the number of blocking artifacts, a threshold value for blocking artefacts, or a frequency of filter use. Each directional filter of the set of directional filters can have a filter angle between 0 and 180 degrees, exclusive. The directional filtering may be applied as part of an encoding or decoding ...

Integrated cartridge housings for sample analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing including a top portion having a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, a bottom portion separate from the top portion including a second substantially rigid zone, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The top portion and the bottom portion are bonded to form the cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Smart reordering in recursive block partitioning for advanced intra prediction in video coding

The application relates to encoding a frame via both inter-prediction and intra-prediction. The application involves first encoding a first group of blocks which are to be inter predicted 610. This is followed by encoding sub-blocks of a second group of blocks which are to be inter predicted 614, before using the decoding pixel values of the inter predicted blocks or sub blocks to encode the intra prediction sub-blocks of the second group of blocks 618. The availability of data from the inter-predicted blocks can improve the performance of intra-prediction over processing the blocks in the scan order since more pixel data is available for intra-prediction. Preferably there is a third group of blocks which is encoded using intra prediction and the decoding pixel values of the inter-predicted blocks or sub blocks 620. Preferably the blocks of the frame are processed in raster scan order. Preferably the first group of blocks is encoded before the second group of blocks, and the second group ...

Smart reordering in recursive block partitioning for advanced intra prediction in video coding

Video data streams can be encoded and decoded using inter or intra prediction. The blocks of a frame can be processed based on depth, from the lowest level sub-blocks to the highest level large blocks, and divided into groups of blocks that are inter predicted, blocks having sub-blocks that are inter predicted and sub-blocks that are intra predicted, and blocks that are intra predicted. The inter predicted blocks are encoded or decoded first, followed by the inter predicted sub-blocks, the intra predicted sub-blocks, and the intra predicted blocks. Data from the inter predicted blocks and sub-blocks may be used to improve the prediction performance of intra predicted blocks and sub-blocks.

System and Method for Video Encoding Using Constructed Reference Frame

Decoding an encoded video stream may include generating, by a processor in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, a decoded video for presentation to a user, and outputting the decoded video. Generating the decoded video may include receiving an encoded video stream, generating a decoded constructed reference frame by decoding an encoded constructed reference frame from the encoded video stream, generating a decoded current frame by decoding an encoded current frame from the encoded video stream using the decoded constructed reference frame as a reference frame, and including the decoded current frame in the decoded video such that the decoded constructed reference frame is omitted from the decoded video.

Smart reordering in recursive block partitioning for advanced intra prediction in video coding

Video data streams can be encoded and decoded using inter or intra prediction. The blocks of a frame can be processed based on depth, from the lowest level sub-blocks to the highest level large blocks, and divided into groups of blocks to be inter predicted, blocks having sub-blocks that are to be inter predicted and sub-blocks that are to be intra predicted, and blocks to be intra predicted, and the blocks to be inter predicted are encoded first, the blocks having sub-blocks to be inter predicted and intra predicted encoded second, and the blocks to be intra predicted encoded last. The availability of data from the inter predicted blocks can improve the performance of intra prediction over processing the blocks in the scan order since more pixel data is available for intra prediction of some blocks.

Adaptive temporal filtering for alternate frame reference rendering

A method for using an alternate frame reference (ARF) includes selecting an anchor frame and video frames, where the anchor frame includes an anchor block, and the anchor block includes an anchor pixel; identifying, for the anchor block of the anchor frame, respective reference blocks in the video frames; determining, for the anchor pixel and using an anchor patch, respective distances between the anchor pixel and respective co-located reference pixels of the respective reference blocks, where the anchor patch includes anchor patch pixels, and a respective distance, of the respective distances, between the anchor pixel and a respective co-located reference pixel is determined using the anchor patch pixels and co-located reference pixels; determining, using the respective distances, respective weights; determining, using the respective weights, an ARF pixel that is co-located with the anchor pixel; and encoding, in a compressed bitstream, the ARF.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO ENCODING USING ADAPTIVE SEGMENTATION

A method for decoding compressed video information is disclosed. The video information can include a plurality of frames each having a plurality of blocks. The method includes reading from the video information a segment map that associates blocks in the frame with four segment identifiers. Each segment identifier is associated with one or more segment parameters, such as quantization parameters, loop filter type, loop filter strength and sub-pixel interpolation filter. The blocks in each segment are then decoded using the associated segment parameters. Segment parameters can persist to following frames unless overwritten by a subsequent frame. A frame can also include a bit suppressing segmentation, in which case default parameters are sued for all blocks in the frame.

Hybrid prediction modes for video coding

Determining a prediction block for a current block of a current frame of a video stream using a template having pixel locations that conform to a subset of pixel locations of the current block. A first portion of the prediction block having the same pattern of pixel locations as the template is populated 604 by inter-predicted pixel values, and a second part of the prediction block is populated 606 by intra-predicted pixel values. The prediction block is used to encode or decode the current block. The intra­predicted pixel values may be determined using inter-predicted pixel values of the first section, pixel values of pixels adjacent to the current block, or both. The template may be one of a plurality of masks and may be selected using a rate distortion measure.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CODING USING MOTION VECTOR SEGMENTATION

Disclosed herein is a method for encoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks having pixels. The method includes determining motion vectors for a first block in the at least one frame and at least some of the blocks that are neighbors to the first block, identifying neighboring blocks having motion vectors that are similar to the motion vector of the first block, assigning the first block and the identified neighboring blocks to a segment using a processor, applying a segment parameter to at least one block in the segment and encoding the at least one block using the segment parameter.

Multi-layer-multi-reference prediction using adaptive temporal filtering

Encoding or decoding blocks of video frames using multiple reference frames with adaptive temporal filtering can include generating one or more candidate reference frames by applying temporal filtering to one or more frames of a video sequence according to relationships between respective ones of the one or more frames and a current frame of the video sequence. A reference frame to use for predicting the current frame can be selected from the one or more candidate reference frames, and a prediction block can be generated using the selected reference frame. During an encoding operation, the prediction block can be used to encode a block of a current frame of the video sequence. During a decoding operation, the prediction block can be used to decode a block of a current frame of the video sequence.

Hybrid prediction modes for video coding

A prediction block is determined for a current block of a current frame of a video stream using a template having pixel locations that conform to a subset of the pixel locations of the current block. A first portion of the prediction block having the same pattern of pixel locations as the template is populated by inter-predicted pixel values, and the remaining portion of the prediction block is populated by intra-predicted pixel values. The intra-predicted pixel values may be determined using inter-predicted pixel values of the first portion, pixel values of pixels adjacent to the current block, or both.

Apparatus and method for using an alternate reference frame to decode a video frame

A current block and a reference frame used to compress the current block are selected from a bitstream. The reference frame has an alternate reference block created by obtaining a preliminary alternate reference block for the current block, obtaining a predictor block that is generated based on a frame other than the current frame, and creating the alternate reference block when the difference between the two predictors is less than a threshold. The alternate reference block is created by using certain blocks from the sequence of frames that are more different from the preliminary alternate reference block than other non-selected blocks. The current block is decoded using the alternate reference block. In this way, a predictor block that is different from a golden frame predictor is made available when an existing alternate reference block is too similar to the golden frame predictor to be useful.

PROVIDING CONVERGENCE POINTS

In general, a method includes receiving a first geographic location of a first mobile device, receiving a second geographic location of a second mobile device, determining, based at least in part on the first geographic location and the second geographic location, a geographic point of convergence for the first mobile device and the second mobile device. In response to receiving an instruction from one or more of the first mobile device and the second mobile device to determine the geographic point of convergence, first instructions are provided to the first mobile device for navigating toward the geographic point of convergence, and second instructions are provided to the second mobile device for navigating toward the geographic point of convergence. 1. A method comprising:receiving a first geographic location of a first mobile device;receiving a second geographic location of a second mobile device;determining, using one or more processors, based at least in part on the first geographic location and the second geographic location, a geographic point of convergence for the first mobile device and the second mobile device, wherein the geographic point of convergence is a meeting point for the first mobile device and the second mobile device; and providing first turn-by-turn directions to the first mobile device for navigating to the geographic point of convergence; and', 'providing second turn-by-turn directions to the second mobile device for navigating to the geographic point of convergence., 'in response to receiving an instruction from one or more of the first mobile device and the second mobile device to determine the geographic point of convergence2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the geographic point of convergence is based at least in part on one or more geographic locations specified in a map application.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the map application runs on one or more of the first mobile device and the second mobile device.4. The ...

ENHANCING COMPRESSION QUALITY USING ALTERNATE REFERENCE FRAME

A system, apparatus, and method for decoding a video signal having a plurality of frames including a current frame. Decoding the video signal can include generating an alternate reference frame having a first quality level, determining a boost value indicative of a second quality level higher than the first quality level, determining whether to apply the boost value to the alternative reference frame, and selectively applying the boost value to the alternative reference frame if it is determined to apply the boost value to the alternative reference frame. The alternate reference frame can occur prior to the current frame in the video signal and other than a frame immediately prior to the current frame. 1. A method for decoding a video signal having a plurality of frames including a current frame , comprising:generating an alternate reference frame having a first quality level, wherein the alternate reference frame occurs prior to the current frame in the video signal and wherein the alternate reference frame is other than a frame immediately prior to the current frame;determining a boost value, the boost value indicative of a second quality level higher than the first quality level;determining whether to apply the boost value to the alternate reference frame; andselectively applying the boost value to the alternate reference frame based on the determination whether to apply the boost value to the alternative reference frame.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether to apply the boost value comprises:calculating an interval for applying the boost value to the alternate reference frame, wherein the calculated interval is based on one or more factors.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein selectively applying the boost value comprises:applying the boost value to the alternate reference frame if the current frame meets the calculated interval.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the one or more factors is at least one of: an average amplitude of motion vectors ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARTRIDGE-BASED CARBONATION OF BEVERAGES

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home. 1. A cartridge for use by a beverage making machine in forming a beverage , comprising:a first portion and a second portion coupled together and separated by an impermeable barrier, the first portion containing a gas source to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid, the second portion containing a beverage medium to mix with a precursor liquid to form a beverage;wherein the cartridge defines a plane, where the first portion is located below the plane and the second portion is located above the plane;wherein the first portion is arranged to interact with the beverage making machine to receive the beverage precursor liquid to release a gas from the gas source; andwherein the second portion is arranged to interact with the beverage making machine to provide the beverage medium to mix with a precursor liquid to form a beverage.2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the first portion is arranged to have an inlet through which fluid is provided to activate the gas source and an outlet through which the gas exits the first portion.3. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the second portion is arranged to have an outlet through which the beverage medium exits the container to mix with the precursor liquid.4. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the second portion is at least partially defined by a wall that is movable to expel beverage medium from the ...

ERROR RECOVERY USING ALTERNATE REFERENCE FRAME

A system, apparatus, and method for decoding a video signal having a plurality of frames including a current frame. Decoding the video signal includes generating an alternate reference frame, detecting an error in the current frame and reporting the detected error, receiving a recovery frame in response to reporting the detected error, wherein the recovery frame is encoded using the alternate reference frame; and decoding the recovery frame using the alternate reference frame. The alternate reference frame occurs prior to the current frame in the video signal and is other than a frame immediately prior to the current frame. 1. A method for decoding a video signal having a plurality of frames including a current frame , comprising:generating an alternate reference frame, wherein the alternate reference frame occurs prior to the current frame in the video signal and wherein the alternate reference frame is other than a frame immediately prior to the current frame;detecting an error in the current frame and reporting the detected error;receiving a recovery frame in response to reporting the detected error, wherein the recovery frame is encoded using the alternate reference frame; anddecoding the recovery frame using the alternate reference frame.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving a key frame; andupdating at least a portion of the alternate reference frame with at least a portion of the key frame.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:updating at least a portion of the alternate reference frame with the recovery frame.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the alternate reference frame is updated periodically.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the alternate reference frame is updated periodically every X seconds.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the alternate reference frame is updated periodically every F frames.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one frame in the plurality of frames includes a frame header having a flag bit indicative ...

System and method for encoding video using temporal filter

A system and method for encoding a video is disclosed having a plurality of frames with spatially correspondent macroblocks. The method includes selecting a coding mode for each spatially correspondent macroblock, such as intra-frame coding or inter-frame coding. A weighting value is determined for each pixel in the macroblock based on the coding mode of the macroblock or other indication of the correlation of the pixel to spatially corresponding pixels in one or more other frames. A temporal filter uses the weighting values to filter noise from the plurality of frames and the resulting noise-reduced output is used in a predictive reference frame.

Method and apparatus for cartridge-based carbonation of beverages

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.

Methods and systems for encoder parameter setting optimization

Methods and systems for encoder parameter setting optimization. A media item to be provided to one or more users of a platform is identified. The media item is associated with a media class. An indication of the identified media item is provided as input to a first machine learning model. The first machine learning model is trained to predict, for a given media item, a set of encoder parameter settings that satisfy a performance criterion in view of a respective media class associated with the given media item. One or more outputs of the first machine learning model are obtained. The one or more obtained outputs include encoder data identifying one or more sets of encoder parameter settings and, for each of the sets of encoder parameter settings, an indication of a level of confidence that a respective set of encoder parameter settings satisfies the performance criterion in view of the media class associated with the identified media item. The identified media item is encoded using the ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENCODING AND DECODING VIDEO DATA

A method for encoding and decoding a video signal having frames with blocks comprised of pixels. The method reduces the complexity of the video signal to be encoded by applying a filter scheme to the input data stream in an encoder and later reversing the filter scheme in a decoder. A number of filter schemes may be tested to determine the best filter scheme that most reduces the number of distinct color values per color plane. The best filter scheme is used to filter the data to be encoded. Filter information of the best filter scheme is included in the encoded data to enable the decoder to identify the best filter scheme in order to apply the best filter scheme in reverse to re-create the original data stream. 1. A method for encoding video data , comprising:applying a plurality of filter schemes to at least a portion of the data to generate a plurality of filter outputs, each filter output having data indicating color values included in the filter output;determining the color variance of at least some of the plurality of filter outputs using a processor;selecting at least one of the plurality of filter schemes based on the color variance of the filter output generated using the selected filter scheme;encoding the video data using the at least one selected filter scheme.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the color variance of a filter output further comprises:counting the number of different color values in the filter output.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the color variance of a filter outputs further comprises:determining the statistical dispersion of color values in at least a portion of the filter output.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the color variance of a filter outputs further comprises:determining if the color values in at least a portion of the filter output include a dominant color value.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data includes an image that has been anti-aliased using a blurring filter.6. The ...

Tire carrier apparatus

A tire carrier apparatus is provided for mounting a tire upon a storage bed of a vehicle. The bed includes first and second side walls and a rear end. The apparatus comprises at least a vertical post, a latch member, and a gate. The vertical post may be connectable to the first side wall adjacent the rear end. The latch member may be connectable to the second side wall adjacent the rear end. The gate may define first and second ends and a receptacle interposed therebetween, with the first end being pivotally connectable to the vertical post and the second end being removably connectable to the latch member. The receptacle may be sized and configured to accommodate the tire with the tire being mountable thereon.

System and method for video encoding using constructed reference frame

Decoding an encoded video stream may include generating, by a processor in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, a decoded video for presentation to a user, and outputting the decoded video. Generating the decoded video may include receiving an encoded video stream, generating a decoded constructed reference frame by decoding an encoded constructed reference frame from the encoded video stream, generating a decoded current frame by decoding an encoded current frame from the encoded video stream using the decoded constructed reference frame as a reference frame, and including the decoded current frame in the decoded video such that the decoded constructed reference frame is omitted from the decoded video.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENCODING VIDEO USING TEMPORAL FILTER

A system and method for encoding a video is disclosed having a plurality of frames with spatially correspondent macroblocks. The method includes selecting a coding mode for each spatially correspondent macroblock, such as intra-frame coding or inter-frame coding. A weighting value is determined for each pixel in the macroblock based on the coding mode of the macroblock or other indication of the correlation of the pixel to spatially corresponding pixels in one or more other frames. A temporal filter uses the weighting values to filter noise from the plurality of frames and the resulting noise-reduced output is used in a predictive reference frame.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARTRIDGE-BASED CARBONATION OF BEVERAGES

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home. 1. A beverage making system , comprising:a beverage precursor liquid supply arranged to provide a precursor liquid;a single cartridge having first and second cartridge portions that are isolated from each other, the first cartridge portion containing a gas source arranged to emit gas for use in dissolving into the precursor liquid, the second cartridge portion containing a beverage medium arranged to be mixed with a liquid precursor to form a beverage; anda gas dissolution device arranged to receive gas from the first cartridge portion under pressure and dissolve the gas into the precursor liquid;wherein the system is arranged to mix precursor liquid with the beverage medium to form a beverage.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first portion is sealed from an exterior environment and a pressure in the first portion prior to breaking the seal of the first portion is less than 100 psi.3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a gas activating fluid supply arranged to provide fluid to the first portion for contact with the gas source to cause the gas source to emit gas.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system mixes the beverage medium with precursor liquid to form a beverage such that none of the beverage contacts the gas source.5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the system is arranged to pass precursor liquid through the second chamber ...

Video compression method

A method of compressing video data having at least one frame having at least one block and each block having an array of pixels is provided. The method transforms the pixels of each block into coefficients and creates an optimal transmission order of the coefficients. The method also optimizes the speed of processing compressed video data by partitioning the data bitstream and coding each partition independently. The method also predicts fractional pixel motion by selecting an interpolation method for each given plurality or block of pixels depending upon at least one metric related to each given block and varies the method from block to block. The method also enhances error recovery for a current frame using a frame prior to the frame immediately before the current frame as the only reference frame for lessening quality loss during data transmission. Enhanced motion vector coding is also provided.

Method and apparatus for using segmentation-based coding of prediction information

A method for encoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks includes assigning at least some of the plurality of blocks to a segment, determining at least one prediction element for the segment using a processor, applying the at least one prediction element to a first block and at least some of the other blocks in the segment and encoding the first block and the other blocks in the segment.

VIDEO CODING USING CONSTRUCTED REFERENCE FRAMES

Video coding using a constructed reference frame may include include generating, by a processor in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, an encoded video and outputting an output bitstream. Generating the encoded video includes receiving an input video stream, generating a constructed reference frame, generating an encoded constructed reference frame by encoding the constructed reference frame, including the encoded constructed reference frame in an output bitstream such that the constructed reference fame is a non-showable frame, generating an encoded frame by encoding a current frame from the input video stream using the constructed reference frame as a reference frame, and including the encoded frame in the output bitstream. 1. A method of encoding a video stream , the method comprising: receiving an input video stream;', 'generating a constructed reference frame;', 'generating an encoded constructed reference frame by encoding the constructed reference frame;', 'including the encoded constructed reference frame in an output bitstream such that the constructed reference fame is a non-showable frame;', 'generating an encoded frame by encoding a current frame from the input video stream using the constructed reference frame as a reference frame; and', 'including the encoded frame in the output bitstream; and, 'generating, by a processor in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, an encoded video, wherein generating the encoded video includesoutputting the output bitstream.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a value of a dimension of the constructed reference frame differs from a value of the dimension of the current frame.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein encoding the encoded constructed reference frame includes encoding the encoded constructed reference frame at a first encoding quality level and encoding the encoded current frame includes encoding the encoded current frame at a second ...

Apparatus and method for encoding video using different second-stage transform

A system, apparatus, and method of encoding a video stream having a plurality of frames, each frame having a plurality of blocks is disclosed. The method includes selecting a group of blocks from a current frame of the plurality of frames, determining a plurality of first stage transform coefficient matrices for the group of blocks using a first transform technique, determining a DC second stage transform coefficient matrix for the group of blocks based on at least some of the plurality of first stage transform coefficient matrices and using a second transform technique on a processor, and encoding the group of blocks into an encoding format using the DC second stage coefficient matrix and the first stage coefficient matrices.

System and Method for Data Communication

Disclosed herein is a method to enable a mobile device to function as a user interface to a remote application. The method includes actuating a user-actuated control on the mobile device to generate a device-output signal in accordance with a first protocol; transmitting the device-output signal over a licensed radio frequency spectrum to a wireless base station located on the same premises as the mobile device; establishing communication between the wireless base station and the remote application having a user interface that accepts a user-command signal in accordance with a second protocol that is incompatible with the circuitry and programming of the mobile device; generating a constructed-input signal based on the device-output signal; and transmitting the constructed-input signal to the remote application as the user-command signal in accordance with the second protocol to permit the mobile device to function as a controller for the remote application.

VIDEO CODING USING CONSTRUCTED REFERENCE FRAMES

Video coding using constructed reference frames may include generating, by a processor in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, a reconstructed video. Generating the reconstructed video may include receiving an encoded bitstream. Video coding using constructed reference frames may include generating a reconstructed non-showable reference frame. Generating the reconstructed non-showable reference frame may include decoding a first encoded frame from the encoded bitstream. Video coding using constructed reference frames may include generating a reconstructed frame. Generating the reconstructed frame may include decoding a second encoded frame from the encoded bitstream using the reconstructed non-showable reference frame as a reference frame. Video coding using constructed reference frames may include including the reconstructed frame in the reconstructed video and outputting the reconstructed video. 1. An apparatus comprising:a memory including instructions for encoding a video stream; and [ receive an input video stream;', 'generate an encoded constructed reference frame, wherein to generate the encoded constructed reference frame the processor executes the instructions to encode a first input frame from the input video stream;', 'include the encoded constructed reference frame in an output bitstream as a non-showable frame;', 'generate a reconstructed reference frame, wherein to generate the reconstructed reference frame the processor executes the instructions to reconstruct the encoded constructed reference frame;', 'generate an encoded frame, wherein to generate the encoded frame the processor executes the instructions to encode a second input frame from the input video stream using the reconstructed reference frame as a reference frame; and', 'include the encoded frame in the output bitstream; and, 'generate an encoded video, wherein to generate the encoded video the processor executes the instructions to, 'output the ...

Integrated hinged cartridge housings for sample analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Dynamic coefficient reordering

A system, apparatus, and method of compressing video data having at least one frame having at least one block having an array of pixels. The method includes transforming the pixels of the at least one block into coefficients, creating a default transmission order of the coefficients, creating an optimal transmission order of the coefficients, comparing a coefficient position of at least one of the coefficients in the optimal transmission order with a coefficient position of the at least one of the coefficients in the default transmission order; determining an update value based on the comparison, and selectively encoding position information of the at least one of the coefficients in the optimal transmission order based on the update value.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARTRIDGE-BASED CARBONATION OF BEVERAGES

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home. 1. A cartridge for use with a beverage forming machine in forming a beverage , comprising:a container including an internal space with a first chamber that is sealed and contains a carbon dioxide source, the carbon dioxide source being in solid form, having adsorbed carbon dioxide, and arranged to emit carbon dioxide gas for use in carbonating a precursor liquid, the container being piercable by a beverage making machine to form an inlet through which fluid is provided to activate the carbon dioxide source to emit carbon dioxide gas, and that is piercable by the beverage machine to form an outlet through which carbon dioxide gas exits the container for use in carbonating the precursor liquid, wherein a filter is included in the first chamber to allow carbon dioxide gas to pass out of the first chamber via the outlet and to resist exit of carbon dioxide source materials from the first chamber via the outlet.2. The cartridge of claim 1 , further comprising a lid that is piercable to form the inlet and the outlet.3. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the container has at least one portion that is rigid.4. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the container includes a second chamber that contains a beverage medium for use in mixing with the precursor liquid to form a beverage.5. The cartridge of claim 4 , wherein the first and second chambers are ...

ADAPTIVE TEMPORAL FILTERING FOR ALTERNATE FRAME REFERENCE RENDERING

A method for using an alternate frame reference (ARF) includes selecting an anchor frame and video frames, where the anchor frame includes an anchor block, and the anchor block includes an anchor pixel; identifying, for the anchor block of the anchor frame, respective reference blocks in the video frames; determining, for the anchor pixel and using an anchor patch, respective distances between the anchor pixel and respective co-located reference pixels of the respective reference blocks, where the anchor patch includes anchor patch pixels, and a respective distance, of the respective distances, between the anchor pixel and a respective co-located reference pixel is determined using the anchor patch pixels and co-located reference pixels; determining, using the respective distances, respective weights; determining, using the respective weights, an ARF pixel that is co-located with the anchor pixel; and encoding, in a compressed bitstream, the ARF. 1. A method for using an alternate frame reference (ARF) , comprising: the anchor frame comprises an anchor block, and', 'the anchor block comprises an anchor pixel;, 'selecting an anchor frame and video frames, wherein'}identifying, for the anchor block of the anchor frame, respective reference blocks in the video frames; the anchor patch comprises anchor patch pixels, and', 'a respective distance, of the respective distances, between the anchor pixel and a respective co-located reference pixel is determined using the anchor patch pixels and co-located reference pixels;, 'determining, for the anchor pixel and using an anchor patch, respective distances between the anchor pixel and respective co-located reference pixels of the respective reference blocks, wherein'}determining, using the respective distances, respective weights;determining, using the respective weights, an ARF pixel that is co-located with the anchor pixel; andencoding, in a compressed bitstream, the ARF.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the anchor patch is ...

Reactive conductors for increased efficiency of exploding foil initiators and other detonators

Provided among other things are reactive energetic material systems used for conductors in detonators for increased efficiencies. According to an embodiment, a detonator may include: a conductor including at least two constituents including (i) an electrically conductive constituent, and (ii) an electrically non-conductive constituent, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction; and a flyer plate having a non-conductive surface in contact with said conductor. When the sufficient electrical energy is supplied to said conductor, rapid heating and vaporization of at least a portion of the conductor occurs so as to explosively drive at least a portion of the flyer plate away from said conductor. In an embodiment, a multilayer conductor may be formed of alternating layers of at least one electrically conductive layer, and at least one electrically non-conductive layer, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction ...

Apparatus and method for creating an alternate reference frame for video compression using maximal differences

Apparatuses and methods for compressing a video signal having at least one frame with at least one block of pixel data are disclosed. A target block is selected, and an alternate reference block that is a predictor for blocks of a sequence of frames is compared to a predictor block to determine whether to create a second alternate reference block as a predictor. When a difference between the alternate reference block and the predictor block is less than a threshold, certain blocks from the sequence of frames that are more different from the first alternate reference block than other non-selected blocks are selected, and the second alternate reference block is created using the selected blocks. In this way, a predictor block that is different from a golden frame predictor is made available when an existing alternate reference block is too similar to the golden frame predictor to be useful.

System and method for decoding using parallel processing

An apparatus for decoding frames of a compressed video data stream having at least one frame divided into partitions, includes a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to read partition data information indicative of a partition location for at least one of the partitions, decode a first partition of the partitions that includes a first sequence of blocks, decode a second partition of the partitions that includes a second sequence of blocks identified from the partition data information using decoded information of the first partition.

Video compression method

A method of compressing video data having at least one frame having at least one block and each block having an array of pixels is provided. The method transforms the pixels of each block into coefficients and creates an optimal transmission order of the coefficients. The method also optimizes the speed of processing compressed video data by partitioning the data bitstream and coding each partition independently. The method also predicts fractional pixel motion by selecting an interpolation method for each given plurality or block of pixels depending upon at least one metric related to each given block and varies the method from block to block. The method also enhances error recovery for a current frame using a frame prior to the frame immediately before the current frame as the only reference frame for lessening quality loss during data transmission. Enhanced motion vector coding is also provided.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARTRIDGE-BASED CARBONATION OF BEVERAGES

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home. 1. A beverage making system , comprising:a beverage precursor liquid supply including a reservoir to hold a precursor liquid;an ice compartment separated from the reservoir by an impermeable barrier and thermally coupled to the precursor liquid in the reservoir to cool the precursor liquid;a cartridge chamber arranged to hold a cartridge having a liquid precursor to form a beverage;a carbon dioxide gas supply arranged to conduct carbon dioxide gas, under pressure greater than an ambient pressure, from the cartridge chamber to beverage precursor liquid provided via the beverage precursor liquid supply to carbonate the precursor liquid;wherein the system is configured to dispense carbonated precursor liquid that is mixed with a beverage medium in the cartridge chamber.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply is connected to a carbon dioxide gas source that is made of a solid material.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the system is arranged to mix the beverage medium with precursor liquid to form a beverage such that none of the beverage contacts the carbon dioxide gas source.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply is connected to a carbon dioxide gas cartridge.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is arranged to use the cartridge over a period of time less than about 120 seconds to form a ...

System and method for coding video using color segmentation

Disclosed herein is method for encoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks having pixels. The method includes identifying a first color of pixels in a block in the at least one frame, assigning pixels in the block having the first color to a first source segment and assigning pixels in the block having a color different than the first color to a second source segment and determining a set of motion vectors derived from first source segment and a set of motion vectors derived from the second source segment.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING SEGMENTATION-BASED CODING OF PREDICTION INFORMATION

Disclosed herein is a method for encoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks. The method includes assigning at least some of the plurality of blocks to a segment, determining at least one prediction element for the segment using a processor, applying the at least one prediction element to a first block and at least some of the other blocks in the segment and encoding the first block and the other blocks in the segment. 1. A method for encoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks , comprising:assigning at least some of the plurality of blocks to a segment;determining at least one prediction element for the segment using a processor;applying the at least one prediction element to a first block and at least some of the other blocks in the segment; andencoding the first block and the other blocks in the segment.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one prediction element is a prediction mode claim 1 , a reference frame or a motion vector.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one prediction element includes a first prediction element and at least a second prediction element different than the first element.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:applying the first prediction element and not the second prediction element to a second block in the segment.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:applying the first prediction element and the second prediction element to the first block in the segment.6. The method of claim 3 , wherein the first prediction element is at least one of a prediction mode claim 3 , a reference frame or a motion vector and the second prediction element is at least one of a prediction mode claim 3 , reference frame or a motion vector.7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:applying the at least one prediction element to all blocks the segment.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least some of the blocks are assigned to the segment based on at ...

REACTIVE CONDUCTORS FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY OF EXPLODING FOIL INITIATORS AND OTHER DETONATORS

Provided among other things are reactive energetic material systems used for conductors in detonators for increased efficiencies. According to an embodiment, a detonator may include: a conductor including at least two constituents including (i) an electrically conductive constituent, and (ii) an electrically non-conductive constituent, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction; and a flyer plate having a non-conductive surface in contact with said conductor. When the sufficient electrical energy is supplied to said conductor, rapid heating and vaporization of at least a portion of the conductor occurs so as to explosively drive at least a portion of the flyer plate away from said conductor. In an embodiment, a multilayer conductor may be formed of alternating layers of at least one electrically conductive layer, and at least one electrically non-conductive layer, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction. 1. A detonator comprising:a conductor including at least two constituents including (i) an electrically conductive constituent, and (ii) an electrically non-conductive constituent, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction; anda flyer plate having a non-conductive surface in contact with said conductor,wherein, when the sufficient electrical energy is supplied to said conductor, rapid heating and vaporization of at least a portion of the conductor occurs so as to explosively drive at least a portion of the flyer plate away from said conductor.2. The detonator of claim 1 , wherein the exothermic reaction of the at least two constituents is a chemical reaction claim 1 , a physical reaction claim 1 , or some combination thereof.3. The detonator of claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive constituent and the electrically non-conductive constituent comprise a metal and a metal oxide claim 1 , respectively claim 1 , of a thermite ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VIDEO CODING USING ADAPTIVE LOOP FILTER

Methods for reducing blocking artifacts at the boundary between adjacent blocks reconstructed from a frame of compressed video information are disclosed herein. The frame includes a prediction stage parameter and a residual error attribute with respect to at least one of the blocks. One method includes reconstructing the at least one block based on the prediction stage parameter and the residual error attribute, categorizing the at least one reconstructed block into one of a plurality of categories based on the prediction stage parameter and the residual error attribute, identifying a filter strength value for the category in which the at least one reconstructed block is categorized based on at least one of the prediction stage parameter or the residual error attribute associated with that category, and filtering the boundary adjacent to the at least one reconstructed block using the identified filter strength value. 1. A method for reducing blocking artifacts at the boundary between adjacent blocks reconstructed from a frame of compressed video information that includes a prediction stage parameter and a residual error attribute with respect to at least one of the blocks , the method comprising:reconstructing the at least one block based on the prediction stage parameter and the residual error attribute;categorizing the at least one reconstructed block into one of a plurality of categories based on the prediction stage parameter and the residual error attribute;identifying a filter strength value for the category in which the at least one reconstructed block is categorized based on at least one of the prediction stage parameter or the residual error attribute associated with that category; andfiltering the boundary adjacent to the at least one reconstructed block using the identified filter strength value.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the prediction stage parameter includes at least one of a reference frame type and a prediction mode.3. The method of claim 2 , ...

ENHANCING FRACTIONAL PIXEL MOTION PREDICTION USING A PLURALITY OF FILTERS

A system, apparatus, and method for encoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks. The method includes determining, for a first block in the at least one frame, a motion vector that describes a spatial relationship between the first block and a second block within a previously encoded frame that is similar to the first block, determining a complexity value representative of a complexity of the second block; determining a length value representative of a length of the motion vector; selecting a filter from a plurality of filters based on at least one of the length value or the complexity value wherein the plurality of filters includes at least a bicubic filter and a bilinear filter; and applying the selected filter to at least a portion of the previously encoded frame to derive a predictor block. 1. A method of encoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks , comprising:determining, for a first block in the at least one frame, a motion vector that describes a spatial relationship between the first block and a second block within a previously encoded frame that is similar to the first block;determining a complexity value representative of a complexity of the second block;determining a length value representative of a length of the motion vector;selecting a filter from a plurality of filters based on at least one of the length value or the complexity value, wherein the plurality of filters includes at least a bicubic filter and a bilinear filter; andapplying the selected filter to at least a portion of the previously encoded frame to derive a predictor block.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:encoding the first block using the predictor block.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein selecting the filter comprises:selecting the bilinear filter if the length value exceeds a predetermined length threshold.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein selecting the filter comprises:selecting the bicubic filter if the ...

Apparatus and method for decoding video encoded using a temporal filter

Embodiments of an apparatus and method for decoding an encoded bitstream to generate a video signal are taught. A decoder receives the bitstream and decodes a portion thereof to obtain at least a portion of a predictive reference frame. The reference frame is generated by, for example, selecting a filter set including a target frame with a block having a plurality of pixels and at least one adjacent frame, determining a coding mode associated with the block, determining a block-specific factor derived from the coding mode, determining weighted averages of pixels in the filter set and using the weighted averages to generate the predictive reference frame. The decoder also generates a residual from another portion of the encoded bitstream that represents a portion of a frame of the plurality of frames and reconstructs the portion of the frame by adding the residual to the predictive reference frame.

Center of motion for encoding motion fields

A system and method for encoding and decoding a video is disclosed having a plurality of frames with spatially correspondent blocks comprised of pixels. The encoding method includes determining a motion field for a plurality of pixels in a first frame having a same direction of movement as each other, the motion field having a center of motion, at least one dimension defining a shape of the motion field and a motion vector, encoding the motion field into a bitstream, associating at least one block of the first frame with the motion field and encoding each block associated with the motion field into the bitstream without a separate motion vector. Motion fields can be reused across multiple frames, decreasing the number of bits spent to encode motion vectors.

System and method for video coding using adaptive segmentation

A method for decoding compressed video information is disclosed. The video information can include a plurality of frames each having a plurality of blocks. The method includes reading from the video information a segment map that associates blocks in the frame with four segment identifiers. Each segment identifier is associated with one or more segment parameters, such as quantization parameters, loop filter type, loop filter strength and sub-pixel interpolation filter. The blocks in each segment are then decoded using the associated segment parameters. Segment parameters can persist to following frames unless overwritten by a subsequent frame. A frame can also include a bit suppressing segmentation, in which case default parameters are used for all blocks in the frame.

Method and apparatus for cartridge-based carbonation of beverages

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO CODING

An apparatus for decoding compressed video information may include a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to receive a compressed video stream including compressed video information, read, from the compressed video information, a segment map associating at least some blocks in a first frame with at least one segment identifier, read, from the compressed video information, a current encoded block, read, from the segment map, a segment identifier that is associated with the current encoded block, read, from the compressed video information, at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current encoded block, generate a current decoded block by decoding the current encoded block using the at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current encoded block, and output the current decoded block for presentation or storage. 1. An apparatus for decoding compressed video information , the apparatus comprising:a memory; and receive a compressed video stream, the compressed video stream including compressed video information, the compressed video information including a plurality of frames, each frame from the plurality of frames including a plurality of blocks;', 'read, from the compressed video information, a segment map associating at least some of the plurality of blocks in a first frame of the plurality of frames with at least one segment identifier;', 'read, from the compressed video information, a current encoded block;', 'read, from the segment map, a segment identifier that is associated with the current encoded block;', 'read, from the compressed video information, at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current encoded block;', 'generate a current decoded block by decoding the current encoded block using the at least one segment parameter associated with the ...

Apparatus and method for filtering video using extended edge-detection

A system, apparatus, and method for filtering a decoded video stream having a plurality of frames, each frame having a plurality of blocks. The method can include selecting a current block from a current frame of the plurality of frames and an adjacent block from the current frame of the plurality of frames, the current block being adjacent to and sharing an edge with the adjacent block and filtering the edge between the current block and the adjacent block using a processor if an output from an edge-detection function of the values of at least four pixels located about the edge and within a line of pixels extending through both the current block and the adjacent block is less than an edge threshold.

Independently coding frame areas

Video coding may include identifying an input frame from an input video stream, generating, by a processor, an output bitstream by encoding the input frame, wherein encoding the input frame includes dividing the input frame into at least a first contiguous area of the input frame and a second contiguous area of the input frame, generating first encoded data by encoding the first contiguous area of the input frame, generating second encoded data by encoding the second contiguous area of the input frame, wherein encoding the second contiguous area of the input frame is performed independently of encoding the first contiguous area of the input frame, and including the first encoded data and the second encoded data in the output bitstream, and outputting the output bitstream.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARTRIDGE-BASED CARBONATION OF BEVERAGES

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home. 1. A cartridge for use with a beverage making machine in forming a beverage , comprising:a container defining a sealed internal space with a first chamber and a second chamber that are isolated from each other by a wall that establishes an air tight space in the second chamber, the first chamber being positioned over the wall and the second chamber and containing a carbon dioxide source in solid form, having adsorbed carbon dioxide, and arranged to emit carbon dioxide gas for use in carbonating a precursor liquid to form a beverage, the second chamber containing a beverage medium for use in mixing with the precursor liquid to form a beverage,the container having a top that is piercable by a beverage making machine to form an inlet through which fluid is provided to activate the carbon dioxide source in the first chamber to emit carbon dioxide gas, and that is piercable by the beverage machine at the top to form an outlet through which carbon dioxide gas exits the container for use in carbonating the precursor liquid, andthe container being piercable below the wall to introduce pressurized gas into the second chamber to move beverage medium out of the second chamber, and is arranged to have an opening located at a bottom of the second chamber through which the beverage medium exits out of the second chamber.2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein ...

System and Method for Decoding Using Parallel Processing

An apparatus for decoding frames of a compressed video data stream having at least one frame divided into partitions, includes a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to read partition data information indicative of a partition location for at least one of the partitions, decode a first partition of the partitions that includes a first sequence of blocks, decode a second partition of the partitions that includes a second sequence of blocks identified from the partition data information using decoded information of the first partition. 1. An apparatus for decoding frames of a compressed video data stream , including at least one frame divided into partitions , the apparatus comprising:a memory; anda processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to:read partition data information indicative of a partition location for at least one of the partitions;decode a first partition of the partitions that includes a first sequence of blocks; anddecode a second partition of the partitions that includes a second sequence of blocks identified from the partition data information, using decoded information of the first partition;wherein the first partition and the second partition have each been individually compressed.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the decoding includes decoding lossless coded information.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to identify one row of blocks in the frame having a boundary between the first partition and the second partition.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first partition includes contiguous blocks in at least a portion of a first row and at least a portion of a first subsequent row.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the second partition includes contiguous blocks in at least a portion of a second row and at least a portion of a second subsequent row.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first partition comprises blocks of two or ...

SMART REORDERING IN RECURSIVE BLOCK PARTITIONING FOR ADVANCED INTRA PREDICTION IN VIDEO CODING

Video data streams can be encoded and decoded using inter or intra prediction. The blocks of a frame can be processed based on depth, from the lowest level sub-blocks to the highest level large blocks, and divided into groups of blocks that are inter predicted, blocks having sub-blocks that are inter predicted and sub-blocks that are intra predicted, and blocks that are intra predicted. The inter predicted blocks are encoded or decoded first, followed by the inter predicted sub-blocks, the intra predicted sub-blocks, and the intra predicted blocks. Data from the inter predicted blocks and sub-blocks may be used to improve the prediction performance of intra predicted blocks and sub-blocks.

System and method for decoding using parallel processing

Encoding a stream of video data including at least one frame having a plurality of rows of blocks video may include encoding the plurality of rows using a second encoding scheme, wherein the input to encoding each row includes information contained in an adjacent row, dividing the plurality of rows into a plurality of partitions, wherein at least two adjacent rows are placed into separate partitions, further encoding each of the plurality of the partitions using a first encoding scheme, recording a value indicative of the number or of partitions into which the plurality of rows have been divided, and recording a value indicative of the location of the partitions within the encoded video data.

INDEPENDENTLY CODING FRAME AREAS

Video coding may include identifying an input frame from an input video stream, generating, by a processor, an output bitstream by encoding the input frame, wherein encoding the input frame includes dividing the input frame into at least a first contiguous area of the input frame and a second contiguous area of the input frame, generating first encoded data by encoding the first contiguous area of the input frame, generating second encoded data by encoding the second contiguous area of the input frame, wherein encoding the second contiguous area of the input frame is performed independently of encoding the first contiguous area of the input frame, and including the first encoded data and the second encoded data in the output bitstream, and outputting the output bitstream.

MULTI-LAYER-MULTI-REFERENCE PREDICTION USING ADAPTIVE TEMPORAL FILTERING

Encoding or decoding blocks of video frames using multiple reference frames with adaptive temporal filtering can include generating one or more candidate reference frames by applying temporal filtering to one or more frames of a video sequence according to relationships between respective ones of the one or more frames and a current frame of the video sequence. A reference frame to use for predicting the current frame can be selected from the one or more candidate reference frames, and a prediction block can be generated using the selected reference frame. During an encoding operation, the prediction block can be used to encode a block of a current frame of the video sequence. During a decoding operation, the prediction block can be used to decode a block of a current frame of the video sequence. 1. A method for encoding frames of a video sequence , the method comprising:generating one or more candidate reference frames by applying temporal filtering to one or more frames of the video sequence according to relationships between respective ones of the one or more frames and a current frame of the video sequence;selecting a reference frame to use for predicting the current frame from the one or more candidate reference frames; andgenerating a prediction block using the reference frame, wherein a block of the current frame is encodable using the prediction block.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein generating one or more candidate reference frames by applying temporal filtering to one or more frames of the video sequence according to relationships between respective ones of the one or more frames and a current frame of the video sequence comprises:determining a distance in display order between the current frame and a frame of the one or more frames; andresponsive to determining that the distance exceeds a threshold, generating a candidate reference frame corresponding to the frame.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the temporal filtering applied to the frame to generate ...

Method for measurement of gas concentration with modulated light at two absorption maxima

A method for improving optical measurement of gas concentration includes steps for directing narrow band light to the gas to be measured and measuring the attenuation of the light in the gas, modulating the center wavelength of the light source around or over a first predetermined absorption maximum (absorption line) of the measured gas and aside of it, measuring the attenuation of the light in the gas as a function of the center wavelength of the light, and determining the gas concentration based on the measurement. The center wavelength of the light is varied such that the center wavelength is adapted to coincide with at least one other absorption maximum (peak) with different absorption properties of the gas to be measured, and correspondingly the attenuation of the other absorption maximum or maxima is measured as a function of the center wavelength of the light.

DYNAMIC COEFFICIENT REORDERING

A system, apparatus, and method of compressing video data having at least one frame having at least one block having an array of pixels. The method includes transforming the pixels of the at least one block into coefficients, creating a default transmission order of the coefficients, creating an optimal transmission order of the coefficients, comparing a coefficient position of at least one of the coefficients in the optimal transmission order with a coefficient position of the at least one of the coefficients in the default transmission order; determining an update value based on the comparison, and selectively encoding position information of the at least one of the coefficients in the optimal transmission order based on the update value.

Integrated cartridge housings for sample analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing including a top portion having a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, a bottom portion separate from the top portion including a second substantially rigid zone, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The top portion and the bottom portion are bonded to form the cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

ADAPTIVE DIRECTIONAL LOOP FILTER

Adaptive directional loop filtering can reduce the number of blocking artifacts produced by coding a non-perpendicular picture edge in a frame of a video sequence. A directional filter is selected from a set of directional filters based on one of an orientation of the non-perpendicular picture edge or filter data included as part of an encoded video sequence in association with the frame. The selection can include selecting a directional filter based on a directional intra prediction mode used for encoding the block, a filter angle most closely matching an angle explicitly signaled as part of the video sequence, the incremental reduction of the number of blocking artifacts, a threshold value for blocking artifacts, or a frequency of filter use. Each directional filter of the set of directional filters can have a filter angle between 0 and 180 degrees, exclusive. 1. An apparatus , comprising:at least one processor configured to execute instructions stored in a non-transitory storage medium to:identify, in a frame of an encoded video sequence, a picture edge that is non-perpendicular with respect to a boundary of a current block of the frame;select a directional filter from a set of directional filters based on filter signaling data included as part of the encoded video sequence in association with the frame, each directional filter having a respective filter angle; andapply the selected directional filter to the picture edge.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein selecting the directional filter from the set of directional filters comprises executing instructions to:identify, as the filter signaling data, a prediction angle associated with a directional intra prediction mode used for encoding the current block; andselect the directional filter from the set of directional filters having a filter angle most closely matching the prediction angle.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein selecting the directional filter from the set of directional filters comprises executing ...

Packet detection system and method

A packet detection technique is disclosed in which an average correlation signal is generated representative of the match between a repetitive sequence of symbols; an average power signal is generated representative of the average power in the sequence of symbols; a scaled magnitude of the average correlation signal scaled by a first predetermined scale factor is produced; and one of the average power signal and scaled magnitude of the average correlation signal are multiplied by the second scale factor and compared to determine whether there is a match between a repetitive sequence of symbols.

Integrated Hinged Cartridge Housings for Sample Analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

System and method for video encoding using adaptive loop filter

Methods for decoding frames of compressed video information are disclosed. Each frame includes a plurality of blocks having a prediction stage parameter and a residual error attribute. One method includes categorizing each of the blocks into categories based on at least one of the prediction stage parameter or the residual error attribute, determining a loop filter strength value to each of the categories, and filtering the boundary adjacent to at least one of the blocks using the loop filter strength assigned to the category in which that block is categorized.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO CODING USING ADAPTIVE SEGMENTATION

A method for decoding compressed video information is disclosed. The video information can include a plurality of frames each having a plurality of blocks. The method reading, from the video information, a segment map associating at least some of the plurality of blocks in a first frame of the plurality of frames with at least one segment identifier, reading, from the video information, a current block to be decoded by a decoder, reading, from the segment map, a segment identifier that is associated with the current block, reading, from the video information, at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current block and decoding the current block using the at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current block. 1. A method for decoding compressed video information including a plurality of frames , each having a plurality of blocks , comprising:reading, from the video information, a segment map associating at least some of the plurality of blocks in a first frame of the plurality of frames with at least one segment identifier;reading, from the video information, a current block to be decoded by a decoder;reading, from the segment map, a segment identifier that is associated with the current block;reading, from the video information, at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current block; anddecoding the current block using the at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current block.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one segment parameter includes at least one of a quantization parameter claim 1 , a loop filter type claim 1 , a loop filter strength value or a sub-pixel interpolation filter.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein a plurality of segment parameters are associated with the segment identifier and a first one of the plurality of ...

Multi-functional exercise apparatus

A multi-functional exercise apparatus for exercising arms, shoulders and trunk of a user. This exercise apparatus may include a stationary bicycle support platform and includes an upper body assembly which is movably engaged to and extended about the bicycle's seat mount. An arm-shoulder device is movably engaged to the upper body assembly. By providing such exercise apparatus, a user can move the upper body assembly with respect to the bicycle's seat mount to exercise the user's trunk while moving the arm-shoulder device to exercise the arms and shoulders. The user can independently or simultaneously rotate the bicycle's foot pedals with the user's legs to exercise the same for a more complete workout.

System and method for video encoding using constructed reference frame

Disclosed herein is a method for digital video encoding prediction comprising creating a constructed reference frame using an encoder and compressing a series of source video frames using the constructed reference frame to obtain a bitstream including a compressed digital video signal for a subsequent decoding process. The constructed reference frame is omitted from the series of digital video frames during the subsequent viewing process.

CODER OPTIMIZATION USING INDEPENDENT BITSTREAM PARTITIONS AND MIXED MODE ENTROPY CODING

A system, apparatus, and method for encoding a video signal having a plurality of frames including a current frame. The method includes identifying a first block within the current frame; determining at least one predictor token related to the first block; identifying a reference block within the plurality of frames; determining at least one prediction error token derived from a difference between the first block and the reference block; assigning the at least one predictor token to a first bitstream partition; assigning the at least one prediction error token to a second bitstream partition; and selecting a first encoding scheme for the first bitstream partition and a second encoding scheme for the second bitstream partition.

System and Method for Decoding using Parallel Processing

A method for decoding a stream of encoded video data is disclosed. The video stream includes partitions that have been compressed using lossless encoding. Each partition includes rows that have also been encoded using intra-frame or inter-frame encoding, for example. During the decoding process, two or more of the partitions are entropy decoded on two or more processors in parallel, except that partitions containing adjacent rows in the frame are decoded with an offset so that at least a portion of the output of the entropy decoding of one partition can be used as input in the entropy and intra/inter-frame decoding of the other. 117-. (canceled)18. A method for encoding video data including at least one frame having a plurality of rows of blocks , comprising:encoding the plurality of rows using a second encoding scheme, wherein the input to encoding each row includes information contained in an adjacent row;dividing the plurality of rows into a plurality of partitions, wherein at least two adjacent rows are placed into separate partitions;further encoding each of the plurality of the partitions using a first encoding scheme;recording a value indicative of the number of partitions into which the plurality of rows have been divided; andrecording a value indicative of the location of the partitions within the encoded video data.19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the second encoding scheme includes at least one of intra-frame prediction and inter-frame prediction.20. The method of claim 18 , wherein the first encoding scheme is an entropy encoding scheme.21. The method of claim 18 , wherein the first encoding scheme is context-based arithmetic coding.22. The method of claim 18 , wherein the number of partitions N is a number greater than one.23. The method of claim 18 , wherein dividing the rows into a plurality of partitions further comprises:grouping every Nth row of the at least one frame into a different one of the plurality of partitions, so that each adjacent ...

Segmentation based entropy encoding and decoding

A system, method, and apparatus for encoding and decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks are disclosed. The method disclosed includes, in one implementation, transforming coefficients in the plurality of blocks, quantizing the transformed coefficients, and ordering the quantized transform coefficients such that zero value coefficients and non-zero value coefficients are grouped together. The method also includes identifying at least one characteristic associated with at least one of the transform coefficients, an encoding process, or a quantization process, determining at least one threshold criteria for a segment, comparing the at least one threshold criteria for the segment with the at least one identified characteristic using a processor, and assigning the at least one block in the plurality of blocks to a segment based on the comparison.

Method for Improving Optical Measurement of Gas Concentration

The present invention relates to a method for improving optical measurement of gas concentration. The method comprises steps for directing narrow band light to the gas to be measured and measuring the attenuation of the light in the gas, modulating the center wavelength of the light source around or over a first predetermined absorption maximum (10) (absorption line) of the measured gas and aside of it, measuring the attenuation of the light in the gas as a function of the center wavelength of the light, and determining the gas concentration based on the measurement. According to the invention the center wavelength of the light is varied such that the center wavelength is adapted to coincide with at least one other absorption maximum (11) (peak) with different absorption properties of the gas to be measured, and correspondingly the attenuation of the other absorption maximum or maxima is measured as a function of the center wavelength of the light.

Method of improved image/video compression via data re-ordering

A method of image and video compression including data re-ordering to improve the performance of the core compression algorithm. In the inventive method, pixel values of at least part of an image are examined and then re-ordered into a new order that has greater compactability than the original pixel order. The re-ordered pixel values are then compressed, e.g., by block transform. In the particular case of a compression scheme employing a block transform, the inventive method reduces the complexity of the transform coefficients, resulting in more efficient compression. The method may be added to existing compression algorithms with only minor modifications to the bitstream and decoder architecture.

System and method for video encoding using constructed reference frame

Disclosed herein is a method for digital video encoding prediction comprising creating a constructed reference frame using an encoder and compressing a series of source video frames using the constructed reference frame to obtain a bitstream including a compressed digital video signal for a subsequent decoding process. The constructed reference frame is omitted from the series of digital video frames during the subsequent viewing process.

Coding video data with an alternate reference frame generated using a temporal filter

Implementations of the teachings herein include coding video data with an alternate reference frame generated using a temporal filter. The alternate reference frame is generated by determining a first weighting factor, for each corresponding block of a respective frame of a filter set, that represents a temporal correlation of the block with the corresponding block, determining a second weighting factor, for each pixel for each corresponding block of the respective frame of the filter set, that represents a temporal correlation of the pixel to a spatially-correspondent pixel in the block, determining a filter weight for each pixel in the block and for each spatially-correspondent pixel is each corresponding block based on the first weighting factor and the second weighting factor, and generating a weighted average pixel value for each pixel position in the block to form a block of the alternate reference frame based on the filter weights.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DECODING USING PARALLEL PROCESSING

A method for decoding a stream of encoded video data is disclosed. The video stream includes partitions that have been compressed using lossless encoding. Each partition includes rows that have also been encoded using intra-frame or inter-frame encoding, for example. During the decoding process, two or more of the partitions are entropy decoded on two or more processors in parallel, except that partitions containing adjacent rows in the frame are decoded with an offset so that at least a portion of the output of the entropy decoding of one partition can be used as input in the entropy and intra/inter-frame decoding of the other.

Apparatus and method for coding video using consistent regions and resolution scaling

An apparatus and method for encoding and decoding a video signal having a plurality of frames is disclosed. The encoding method subdivides at least one frame of the plurality of frames into a plurality of regions where each region is composed of different numbers of blocks based on their data consistency. Each region is encoded using residual having a common size. In this way, different parts of the image may be encoded at different resolutions.

Method and apparatus for entropy encoding based on encoding cost

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for compressing a video signal are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes transforming at least a portion of the video signal to produce matrices of transform coefficients, dividing the transform coefficients by at least one quantizer value to generate matrices of quantized transform coefficients, and identifying an encoding context including the transformed portion of the video signal. The method may further include determining a cost to entropy encode a non-zero value occurring within the encoding context, determining a first range including zero and having a width that is a function of the determined cost to entropy encode a non-zero value, and setting to zero at least one transform coefficient that falls within the first range.

Accessory mount assembly for motor vehicle

A mount assembly for attaching a light bar to a tow mount of a vehicle. The mount assembly has a bracket with a channel that allows the tow mount to only enter the bracket from a first direction. The tow mount is secured within the channel by a blocking member that extends across at least a portion of the channel.

Integrated cartridge housings for sample analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing including a top portion having a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, a bottom portion separate from the top portion including a second substantially rigid zone, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The top portion and the bottom portion are bonded to form the cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

System and method for decoding using parallel processing

Decoding a stream of encoded video data involves partitions that have been compressed using lossless encoding. Each partition includes rows that have also been encoded using intra-frame or inter-frame encoding. During the decoding process, two or more of the partitions are entropy decoded on two or more processors in parallel, except that partitions containing adjacent rows in the frame are decoded with an offset so that at least a portion of the output of the entropy decoding of one partition can be used as input in the entropy and intra/inter-frame decoding of the other.

Integrated Hinged Cartridge Housings for Sample Analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges. 143-. (canceled)44. A method of making a test cartridge for measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample , the method comprising the steps of:(a) molding a housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone and a second substantially flexible zone, wherein said housing has a top portion and a bottom portion separated by a hinge region wherein the top portion forms a top portion of a conduit and the bottom portion forms a bottom portion of the conduit, and said substantially rigid zone has at least one sensor recess;(b) inserting a sensor into the at least one sensor recess;(c) folding said housing at said hinge region; and(d) sealing said housing in a closed position, wherein said sealing forms the cartridge, and the cartridge comprises a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor.45. The method of claim 44 , wherein the molding comprises injection molding.46. The method of claim 44 , wherein the method further comprises the step of molding a desiccant plastic material into the housing.47. The method of claim 44 , wherein the substantially rigid zone is formed in a first injection molding step and the substantially flexible zone is formed in a second injection molding step.48. The method of claim 44 , wherein the substantially rigid zone or the substantially flexible zone is molded as a single contiguous zone.49. The method of claim 44 , wherein the substantially flexible zone is molded as a plurality of non-contiguous flexible zones ...

Apparatus and method for encoding video using assumed values with intra-prediction

A system, apparatus, and method encoding a video stream having a plurality of frames, each frame having a plurality of blocks is disclosed. The method can include selecting a current block from a current frame of the plurality of frames, the current block being in at least one of a top row or a left column of the current frame, determining one or more assumed values based on a prediction mode of the current block, creating a residual block using the current block, prediction mode of the current block, and the one or more determined assumed values, and encoding the current block using the residual block.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO ENCODING USING CONSTRUCTED REFERENCE FRAME

Disclosed herein is a method for digital video encoding prediction comprising creating a constructed reference frame using an encoder and compressing a series of source video frames using the constructed reference frame to obtain a bitstream including a compressed digital video signal for a subsequent decoding process. The constructed reference frame is omitted from the series of digital video frames during the subsequent viewing process. 1. A method of encoding a series of source video frames to be transmitted to a decoder to produce a series of decoded video frames , the method comprising:creating a constructed reference frame wherein the constructed reference frame is a frame in addition to the series of source video frames;compressing the constructed reference frame;compressing the series of source video frames to obtain a compressed digital video signal, at least one of the series of source video frames compressed using the constructed reference frame; andgenerating a bitstream including the compressed constructed reference frame and the compressed digital video signal for transmission to the decoder for a subsequent decoding process wherein the constructed reference frame is omitted from the series of decoded video frames during a subsequent viewing process.2. The method according to whereincreating a constructed reference frame comprises encoding a copy of an existing source frame into the bitstream before an appearance of the existing source frame in its order in the series; and whereincompressing the series of source video frames includes encoding the existing source frame in its order in the series using the copy of the existing source frame.3. The method according to whereinencoding the copy of the existing source frame comprises encoding the copy at a first quality level; and whereinencoding the existing source frame in its order in the series includes encoding the existing frame at a second quality level different from the first quality level.4. The ...

Cartridge for sample analysis

CODING VIDEO DATA WITH AN ALTERNATE REFERENCE FRAME GENERATED USING A TEMPORAL FILTER

Implementations of the teachings herein include coding video data with an alternate reference frame generated using a temporal filter. The alternate reference frame is generated by determining a first weighting factor, for each corresponding block of a respective frame of a filter set, that represents a temporal correlation of the block with the corresponding block, determining a second weighting factor, for each pixel for each corresponding block of the respective frame of the filter set, that represents a temporal correlation of the pixel to a spatially-correspondent pixel in the block, determining a filter weight for each pixel in the block and for each spatially-correspondent pixel is each corresponding block based on the first weighting factor and the second weighting factor, and generating a weighted average pixel value for each pixel position in the block to form a block of the alternate reference frame based on the filter weights. 1. A method for encoding a video signal having a plurality of frames , comprising:selecting a filter set of frames from the plurality of frames, the filter set including at least three frames of the plurality of frames, one of the at least three frames being an anchor frame; determining a first weighting factor, for each corresponding block of a respective frame of the filter set, that represents a temporal correlation of the block with the corresponding block;', 'determining a second weighting factor, for each pixel for each corresponding block of the respective frame of the filter set, that represents a temporal correlation of the pixel to a spatially-correspondent pixel in the block;', 'determining a filter weight for each pixel in the block and for each spatially-correspondent pixel is each corresponding block based on the first weighting factor and the second weighting factor; and', 'generating a weighted average pixel value for each pixel position in the block to form a block of the alternate reference frame based on the ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO ENCODING USING CONSTRUCTED REFERENCE FRAME

Disclosed herein is a method for digital video encoding prediction comprising creating a constructed reference frame using an encoder and compressing a series of source video frames using the constructed reference frame to obtain a bitstream including a compressed digital video signal for a subsequent decoding process. The constructed reference frame is omitted from the series of digital video frames during the subsequent viewing process.

ENCODING AND DECODING MOTION VIA IMAGE SEGMENTATION

A system and method for encoding and decoding a video image having a plurality of frames is disclosed. The method includes a previously reconstructed frame that is segmented to create an alternate reference frame used to encode a current frame. The segments of the previously reconstructed frame are assigned motion parameters, which are used to compile the alternate reference frame. The current frame is encoded and the segmentation parameters and motion parameters are transmitted in the bitstream. The segmentation parameters and motion parameters can be used by a decoder to recreate the alternate reference frame in order to decode the encoded current frame.

VIDEO COMPRESSION AND ENCODING METHOD

Disclosed herein is a method for decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks including a current block, including generating, for at least a selected pixel in the current block, a predicted value for at least one pixel located in a row i and a column j of the current block using a processor and according to the following equation: X=L+A−C; wherein Xis the predicted value, Lis the value of a pixel to the left of the current block, Ais the value of a pixel in a row above the current block and C is the value of a pixel in the row above and the column to the left of the current block and decoding the current block using the predicted value. 1 {'br': None, 'i': X', '=L', '+A', '−C;, 'sub': ij', 'i', 'j}, 'generating, for at least a selected pixel in the current block, a predicted value for at least one pixel located in a row i and a column j of the current block using a processor and according to the following equation{'sub': ij', 'i', 'j, 'wherein Xis the predicted value, Lis the value of a pixel to the left of the current block, Ais the value of a pixel in a row above the current block and C is the value of a pixel in the row above and the column to the left of the current block; and'}decoding the current block using the predicted value.. A method for decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks including a current block, comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/066,668, filed on Apr. 21, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/170,629, filed on Jun. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,953,152, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/583,872, filed Jun. 28, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety including all appendices.A portion of the disclosure of this document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no ...

VIDEO COMPRESSION AND ENCODING METHOD

Disclosed herein is a method for decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks including a current block, including generating, for at least a selected pixel in the current block, a predicted value for at least one pixel located in a row i and a column j of the current block using a processor and according to the following equation: X=L+A−C; wherein Xis the predicted value, Lis the value of a pixel to the left of the current block, Ais the value of a pixel in a row above the current block and C is the value of a pixel in the row above and the column to the left of the current block and decoding the current block using the predicted value. 1 {'br': None, 'i': X', '=L', '+A', '−C;, 'sub': ij', 'i', 'j}, 'generating, for at least a selected pixel in the current block, a predicted value for at least one pixel located in a row i and a column j of the current block using a processor and according to the following equation{'sub': ij', 'i', 'j, 'wherein Xis the predicted value, Lis the value of a pixel to the left of the current block, Ais the value of a pixel in a row above the current block and C is the value of a pixel in the row above and the column to the left of the current block; and'}decoding the current block using the predicted value.. A method for decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks including a current block, comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/066,668, filed on Apr. 21, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/170,629, filed on Jun. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,953,152, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/583,872, filed Jun. 28, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety including all appendices.A portion of the disclosure of this document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no ...

VIDEO COMPRESSION AND ENCODING METHOD

Disclosed herein is a method for decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks including a current block, including generating, for at least a selected pixel in the current block, a predicted value for at least one pixel located in a row i and a column j of the current block using a processor and according to the following equation: X=L+A−C; wherein Xis the predicted value, Lis the value of a pixel to the left of the current block, Ais the value of a pixel in a row above the current block and C is the value of a pixel in the row above and the column to the left of the current block and decoding the current block using the predicted value. 1 {'br': None, 'i': X', '=L', '+A', '−C;, 'sub': ij', 'i', 'j}, 'generating, for at least a selected pixel in the current block, a predicted value for at least one pixel located in a row i and a column j of the current block using a processor and according to the following equation{'sub': ij', 'i, 'wherein Xis the predicted value, Lis the value of a pixel to the left of the current block, is the value of a pixel in a row above the current block and C is the value of a pixel in the row above and the column to the left of the current block; and'}decoding the current block using the predicted value.. A method for decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks including a current block, comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/066,668, filed on Apr. 21, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/170,629, filed on Jun. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,953,152, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/583,872, filed Jun. 28, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety including all appendices.A portion of the disclosure of this document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no ...

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR REACTIONS

This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly. 1. A system comprising:a liquid transfer device comprising a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; anda reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device comprises a seal component configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber comprises a seal component configured to sealably engage with the liquid transfer device.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the liquid transfer device is configured to lockably engage with the reaction chamber.5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the liquid transfer device is configured to lockably engage with the reaction chamber without dispensing.6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the liquid transfer device is configured to lockably engage with the reaction chamber after dispensing.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber comprises one or more components of a biological reaction.8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a fluid reservoir.9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the reaction chamber is configured to lockably engage with the fluid reservoir.10. A liquid ...

ENCODING MOTION VECTORS FOR VIDEO COMPRESSION

Techniques for efficient coding of video content are presented. When encoding motion vectors of a current block of a current video frame, a coder management component analyzes encoded blocks of the current frame adjacent to the current block and encoded blocks of the previous video frame that occupy locations in the previous frame corresponding to the locations of the current block and blocks adjacent to the current block. The coder management component arranges motion vectors in order as a function of spatial proximity, temporal distance between the previous frame and the current frame, and/or motion vector magnitude. The coder management component selects a coding mode, based on the order, to transmit to the decoder. A coder component encodes the current block using the motion vector associated with the coding mode. 1. A system that encodes video frames , comprising:at least one memory that stores computer executable components; and [ wherein the coder management component is further configured to select a coding mode and a prior encoded motion vector of the subset of prior encoded motion vectors included in the motion vector order, based at least in part on the motion vector order, and', 'wherein the current video frame and the previous video frame are part of a sequence of video frames; and, 'a coder management component configured to arrange a subset of prior encoded motion vectors associated with prior encoded blocks of a first subset of prior encoded blocks of a current video frame and a second subset of prior encoded blocks of a previous video frame in a motion vector order, based at least in part on respective effective distances of the respective motion vectors of the subset of motion vectors in relation to a current block of the current video frame,'}, 'a coder component configured to encode the current block using the prior encoded motion vector directly to generate an encoded current block., 'at least one processor that executes the following computer ...

Integrated Cartridge Housings For Sample Analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing including a top portion having a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, a bottom portion separate from the top portion including a second substantially rigid zone, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The top portion and the bottom portion are bonded to form the cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

DETERMINE REFERENCE MOTION VECTORS

A method for encoding a video stream having a plurality of blocks including a current block. The method includes identifying, from a plurality of previously coded blocks, a plurality of candidate motion vectors; identifying, for the current block, a set of reconstructed pixel values corresponding to a set of previously coded pixel values; determining, for at least one of the plurality of candidate motion vectors, an error value based on the set of reconstructed pixel values and a set of predicted values for the set of previously coded pixel values; and selecting, from the plurality of candidate motion vectors, a reference motion vector for the current block based on the error value. 1. A method for encoding a video stream having a plurality of blocks including a current block , comprising:identifying, from a plurality of previously coded blocks, a plurality of candidate motion vectors;identifying, for the current block, a set of reconstructed pixel values corresponding to a set of previously coded pixel values;determining, for at least one of the plurality of candidate motion vectors, an error value based on the set of reconstructed pixel values and a set of predicted values for the set of previously coded pixel values; andselecting, from the plurality of candidate motion vectors, a reference motion vector for the current block based on the error value.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the set of previously coded pixel values include at least one of: one or more rows of pixel values above the current block or one or more columns of pixel values to the left of the current block.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining claim 1 , for at least one of the plurality of candidate motion vectors claim 1 , the error value includes:determining, using each of the plurality of candidate motion vectors, a corresponding set of predicted values for the set of previously coded pixel values; anddetermining, for each of the plurality of candidate motion vectors, a ...

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR REACTIONS

This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly. 117-. (canceled)18. A method comprising:(i) obtaining a liquid sample from a sample reservoir using a liquid transfer device comprising:a housing comprising a pipette tip; anda plunger unit disposed within the housing, wherein a portion of the plunger unit is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger unit remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger unit to draw a fluid from the fluid reservoir through the pipette tip; and(ii) dispensing the liquid sample.19. The method of claim 18 , wherein dispensing the liquid sample comprises dispensing the liquid sample into a reaction chamber comprising one or more components of a reaction.20. A method comprising:(i) obtaining a liquid sample from a fluid reservoir using a liquid transfer device; and(ii) dispensing the liquid sample into a reaction chamber, wherein the liquid transfer device sealably engages with the reaction chamber during or prior to dispensing.21. A method comprising:(i) obtaining a liquid sample from a fluid reservoir using a liquid transfer device; and(ii) dispensing the liquid sample into a reaction chamber, wherein the liquid transfer device lockably engages with the reaction chamber during or prior to ...

VIDEO CODING USING REFERENCE MOTION VECTORS

Techniques described use a reference motion vector to reduce the amount of bits needed to encode motion vectors for inter prediction. One method includes determining a reference motion vector used to encode a current block of a current frame. The reference motion vector was selected by identifying, multiple candidate motion vectors used to inter predict blocks, and identifying a set of reconstructed pixel values from at least one block adjacent to the current block. For each candidate motion vector, a set of predicted pixel values for the set of reconstructed pixel value is generated using the candidate motion vector and a first reference frame, and an error value is calculated based on a difference between the sets of pixel values. Finally, a reference motion vector from the candidates is selected based on the error values. The method also includes decoding the current block using the reference motion vector. 1. An apparatus for decoding a video stream within an encoded bitstream , comprising:a processor; anda memory storing instructions that cause the processor to: identifying multiple candidate motion vectors used to inter predict previously-decoded blocks;', 'identifying a set of reconstructed pixel values from at least one decoded block adjacent to the current block within the current frame;', generating, using the candidate motion vector and a first reference frame, a set of predicted pixel values for the set of reconstructed pixel values; and', 'determining an error value based on a difference between the set of predicted pixel values and the set of reconstructed pixel values; and, 'for each candidate motion vector, 'selecting, based on the error values, the reference motion vector from the candidate motion vectors; and, 'determine a reference motion vector from the encoded bitstream that was used to encode a current block of a current frame, the reference motion vector selected at an encoder bydecode the current block using the reference motion vector.2. The ...

Video coding using reference motion vectors

Techniques are described to use a reference motion vector to reduce the amount of bits needed to encode motion vectors for inter prediction. One method includes identifying a candidate motion vector used to inter predict each of a plurality of previously coded blocks to define a plurality of candidate motion vectors, identifying a set of reconstructed pixel values corresponding to a set of previously coded pixels for the current block, and generating, using each candidate motion vector, a corresponding set of predicted values for the set of previously coded pixel values within each reference frame of a plurality of reference frames. A respective error value based on a difference between the set of reconstructed pixel values and each set of predicted values is used to select a reference motion vector from the candidate motion vectors that is used to encode the motion vector for the current block.

FIXED POINT DIVISION CIRCUIT UTILIZING FLOATING POINT ARCHITECTURE

A system, method, and computer program product for dividing two binary numbers. The divider implements a fixed point division function using a floating point normalization architecture to yield the closest initial quotient approximation. The divider normalizes the input dividend and divisor to a range of [0.5, 1.0) by scaling each by necessary factors of two. The normalized inputs are submitted to a divider core that may be optimized for dividing inputs of such limited ranges. The divider core output is then rescaled by an appropriate factor of two, appropriately signed, and loaded into saturating registers for output in various formats. The divider core progressively outputs quotient bits in decreasing order of significance until a predetermined level of precision is reached, typically fewer bits than in a complete quotient, for faster output. One embodiment generates the six most significant quotient bits in one clock cycle. 1. A circuit for dividing two input binary numbers , comprising:a normalizer for normalizing an input divisor and an input dividend;a divider core for dividing the normalized inputs to produce an at least partial quotient;a scaler for reversing the normalizing; andat least one output register for outputting the at least partial quotient.2. The circuit of wherein the circuit communicates via an Advanced High-Performance Bus (AHB).3. The circuit of wherein the circuit is triggered by receipt of the divisor.4. The circuit of wherein the circuit outputs at least one of a divide-by-zero flag and a predetermined quotient value when a divide-by-zero event occurs.5. The circuit of wherein the particular register written with the dividend determines at least one of an operating mode and a data format.6. The circuit of wherein the normalizer shifts divisor bits and dividend bits claim 1 , and the scaler compares the shifts of the dividend and of the divisor and shifts the quotient bits accordingly.7. The circuit of wherein the normalizer normalizes the ...

VIDEO ENCODING AND SERVING ARCHITECTURE

Techniques for delivering content, such as videos, over a network are described. A core server and an edge server are provided. The core server has local storage. The edge server has local storage. A set of video frames is partitioned into a first group and a second group. Video frames in the first group are encoded into a scalable encoded stream. The scalable encoded stream is sent to the local storage at the edge server. The second group of video frames is encoded into a set of supplemental encoded streams using the scalable encoded stream as a reference. The supplemental encoded streams are encoded such that the bit rate and/or resolution of any two supplemental encoded streams is different. The set of supplemental encoded streams is stored in the storage of the core server. 1. A method for accessing content , the content including a plurality of frames , the method comprising:receiving, from an edge server, a scalable encoded stream including a first group of the plurality of frames;selecting a desired quality for the content from a plurality of possible qualities;receiving, from a core server, a supplemental encoded stream including a second group of the plurality of frames, the supplemental encoded stream selected from a plurality of possible streams based on the desired quality; anddecoding the scalable encoded stream and the supplemental encoded stream to reproduce the content.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of possible streams is of a different quality and a quality of the possible stream selected as the supplemental encoded stream is equal to the desired quality.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of possible streams is of a different quality and a possible stream with a quality closest to but lower than the desired quality is selected as the supplemental encoded stream responsive to unavailability of a possible stream with a quality equal to the desired quality.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the content is ...

Integrated Cartridge Housings For Sample Analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing including a top portion having a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, a bottom portion separate from the top portion including a second substantially rigid zone, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The top portion and the bottom portion are bonded to form the cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges. 1. A method of making a test cartridge for measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample , the method comprising the steps of:(a) molding a housing comprising: (i) a top portion including a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, and (ii) a bottom portion including a second substantially rigid zone, wherein the second substantially rigid zone comprises at least one sensor recess;(b) inserting a sensor into the sensor recess;(c) abutting the top portion with the bottom portion; and(d) sealing the housing in a closed position, wherein the sealing forms the cartridge, and the cartridge comprises a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the molding comprises injection molding.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the process further comprises the step of molding a desiccant plastic material into the housing.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first substantially rigid zone is formed in a first injection molding step and the substantially flexible zone is formed in a second injection molding step.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first substantially rigid zone claim 1 , the second substantially rigid zone claim 1 , or the substantially flexible zone is molded as a single contiguous zone.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the substantially flexible zone is molded ...

Opto-thermal laser detonator

An opto-thermal laser detonator uses resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material associated with secondary explosives for optical absorption and initiation by an integral laser diode. The opto-thermal laser detonator includes main explosive material; resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material; secondary explosive material, wherein the resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material and the secondary explosive material are associated to form associated material made of the resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material and the secondary explosive material; and a laser diode operatively connected to the associated material, wherein the laser diode initiates the associated material which in turn initiates the main explosive material.

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR REACTIONS

This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly. 125-. (canceled)26. A system comprising:{'b': 100', '110', '120', '130, 'a liquid transfer device () comprising a housing () having a plurality of pipette tips () and a plunger assembly (); and'}{'b': '300', 'a fluid reservoir () comprising a housing,'}{'b': 110', '100', '105', '300', '300', '100', '300, 'wherein the housing () of the liquid transfer device () comprises an asymmetrical cross-section () that is compatible with a cross-section of the housing of the fluid reservoir () and, when mated with the fluid reservoir (), the liquid transfer device () sealably engages with the fluid reservoir ().'}27130110. The system of claim 26 , wherein said plunger assembly () is disposed within said housing ().28130135. The system of claim 26 , wherein said plunger assembly () comprises a plurality of syringe plungers ().29135135120120. The system of claim 28 , wherein each syringe plunger () of said plurality of syringe plungers () seals within a pipette tip () of the plurality of pipette tips ().30135135140. The system of claim 28 , wherein each syringe plunger () of said plurality of syringe plungers () comprises an o-ring ().31110120. The system of claim 26 , wherein said housing () comprises two pipette tips ().32130135. The system of claim 28 ...

Smart reordering in recursive block partitioning for advanced intra prediction in video coding

Video data streams can be encoded and decoded using inter or intra prediction. The blocks of a frame can be processed based on depth, from the lowest level sub-blocks to the highest level large blocks, and divided into groups of blocks to be inter predicted, blocks having sub-blocks that are to be inter predicted and sub-blocks that are to be intra predicted, and blocks to be intra predicted, and the blocks to be inter predicted are encoded first, the blocks having sub-blocks to be inter predicted and intra predicted encoded second, and the blocks to be intra predicted encoded last. The availability of data from the inter predicted blocks can improve the performance of intra prediction over processing the blocks in the scan order since more pixel data is available for intra prediction of some blocks.

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR REACTIONS

This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly. 19-. (canceled)10. A liquid transfer device comprising:a housing comprising a pipette tip; anda plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly to draw a fluid from the fluid reservoir through the pipette tip.11. The liquid transfer device of claim 10 , wherein movement of the housing relative to the plunger assembly results in creation of a vacuum within the pipette tip.12. The liquid transfer device of claim 10 , wherein the housing is configured to move relative to the plunger assembly when the housing is advanced toward the fluid reservoir.13. The liquid transfer device of claim 11 , wherein the plunger assembly is configured to lock in a position resulting in creation of the vacuum.14. The liquid transfer device of claim 11 , wherein the device is configured to provide at least one of an auditory and visual indication that the plunger assembly is in a position resulting in the creation of the vacuum.15. A reaction system comprising:a fluid reservoir; and a housing comprising a pipette tip; and', 'a ...

Hybrid prediction modes for video coding

A prediction block is determined for a current block of a current frame of a video stream using a template having pixel locations that conform to a subset of the pixel locations of the current block. A first portion of the prediction block having the same pattern of pixel locations as the template is populated by inter-predicted pixel values, and the remaining portion of the prediction block is populated by intra-predicted pixel values. The intra-predicted pixel values may be determined using inter-predicted pixel values of the first portion, pixel values of pixels adjacent to the current block, or both.

VIDEO CODING USING REFERENCE MOTION VECTORS

Decoding a video sequence may include generating decoded video data by decoding encoded video data from an encoded bitstream, wherein decoding the encoded video data includes identifying candidate reference motion vectors used to decode previously decoded blocks, identifying reconstructed pixel values from a block spatially adjacent to a current block in the current frame, for each candidate reference motion vector, determining a respective score based on a difference between the reconstructed pixel values and pixel values obtained using the candidate reference motion vector, identifying a candidate reference motion vector having the minimal score from the candidate reference motion vectors as the reference motion vector, decoding a motion vector from the encoded bitstream using the reference motion vector, and decoding the current block from the encoded bitstream using the motion vector. 1. An apparatus for decoding a video sequence , the apparatus comprising: identifying candidate reference motion vectors used to decode previously decoded blocks;', 'identifying reconstructed pixel values from a block spatially adjacent to a current block in the current frame;', 'for each candidate reference motion vector, determining a respective score based on a difference between the reconstructed pixel values and pixel values obtained using the candidate reference motion vector;', 'identifying a candidate reference motion vector having the minimal score from the candidate reference motion vectors as the reference motion vector;', 'decoding a motion vector from the encoded bitstream using the reference motion vector; and', 'decoding the current block from the encoded bitstream using the motion vector., 'a processor configured to generate decoded video data by decoding encoded video data from an encoded bitstream, wherein decoding the encoded video data includes2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:the pixel values obtained using the candidate reference motion vector are obtained ...

Integrated Cartridge Housings For Sample Analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing including a top portion having a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, a bottom portion separate from the top portion including a second substantially rigid zone, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The top portion and the bottom portion are bonded to form the cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges. 1. A method for forming a cartridge , comprising:(a) providing a molded housing comprising two separate portions, at least one portion of the two separate portions comprises a substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone; and,(b) bonding the two separate portions to form a fluid channel formed by the two separate portions of the molded housing, wherein at least a portion of the substantially flexible zone forms a seal of the fluid channel.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising forming the at least one portion of the two separate portions by a two-step injection molding process.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the two-step injection molding process comprising forming the substantially rigid zone in a first injection molding step and the substantially flexible zone in a second injection molding step.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the substantially rigid zone is molded as a single contiguous zone.5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the substantially flexible zone zone is molded as a single contiguous zone.6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the substantially flexible zone is molded as a plurality of non-contiguous flexible zones.7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the substantially rigid zone is molded from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) claim 2 , polycarbonate claim 2 , polystyrene claim 2 , Topaz claim 2 , acrylic polymers ...

Method and apparatus for RFID mapping to a digital camera and digital picture delivery system

This disclosure is a method and system for the linking of digital images to RFID devices. The method includes providing at least one radio frequency identification device, each radio frequency identification device having a electronic product code; linking one or more of the electronic product codes to a digital image file; and storing the linked digital image file into a memory. The disclosure allows users to easily access only images that are linked to their RFID device. Thereby, this disclosure allows a photographer easy access to potential customers while protecting user's privacy.

System and apparatus for reactions

This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly.

System and apparatus for reactions

This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly.

System and apparatus for reactions

This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly.

System and method for video encoding using adaptive segmentation

A method for decoding compressed video information is disclosed. The video information can include a plurality of frames each having a plurality of bocks. The method includes reading from the video information a segment map that associates blocks in the frame with four segment identifiers. Each segment identifier is associated with one or more segment parameters, such as quantization parameters, loop filter type, loop filter strength and sub-pixel interpolation filter. The blocks in each segment are then decoded using the associated segment parameters. Segment parameters can persist to following frames unless overwritten by a subsequent frame. A frame can also include a bit suppressing segmentation, in which case default parameters are sued for all blocks in the frame.

System for carrying out reactions

Method and apparatus for secure traffic light interruption

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for secure traffic light interruption. A purpose of this invention is to allow for the use of a secure system to allow the interruption of the traffic light signals by emergency (and other authorized) vehicles. An objective of this invention is to allow for the use of a more secure system than the currently installed strobe only traffic light interruption (changing) systems. This invention integrates additional wireless technologies to assure that only authorized users trigger the traffic light changes that typically make it safer for emergency vehicles when they approach a traffic light.

Integrated hinged cartridge housings for sample analysis

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Apparatus for molding biaxially oriented articles

Advance coded reference prediction

Encoding and decoding using advance coded reference prediction may include identifying a sequence of temporally adjacent frames from the plurality of frames, wherein each frame in the sequence of temporally adjacent frames is associated with a respective frame position indicating a temporal location the sequence, encoding a first frame from the sequence as an intra-coded frame, generating an alternate reference frame by reconstructing the first encoded frame, encoding a second frame from the sequence with reference to a reference frame, the second frame associated with a second frame position, including the first encoded frame in a compressed bitstream at a first bitstream position, and including the second encoded frame in the compressed bitstream at a second bitstream position, wherein the second bitstream position is later than the first bitstream position and wherein the first frame position is later than the second frame position.

Video compression and encoding method

A method of compressing video data having at least one frame having at least one block and each block having an array of pixels is provided. The method transforms the pixels of each block into coefficients and creates an optimal transmission order of the coefficients. The method also optimizes the speed of processing compressed video data by partitioning the data bitstream and coding each partition independently. The method also predicts fractional pixel motion by selecting an interpolation method for each given plurality or block of pixels depending upon at least one metric related to each given block and varies the method from block to block. The method also enhances error recovery for a current frame using a frame prior to the frame immediately before the current frame as the only reference frame for lessening quality loss during data transmission. Enhanced motion vector coding is also provided.

System and method for video encoding using adaptive loop filter

Disclosed herein is a method for reducing blocking artifacts at the boundary between adjacent blocks reconstructed from a frame of compressed video information. The video information includes a prediction stage parameter with respect to at least one of the blocks. The method includes reconstructing the at least one block based on the prediction stage parameter, computing a residual error attribute from the reconstructed block, computing a filter strength value based on a baseline filter strength and at least one incremental value, wherein the incremental value is selected from a plurality of preset values based at least on one of the prediction stage parameter and residual error attribute associated with the at least one block and filtering the boundary adjacent to the at least one block using the selected filter strength value.

System and method for video encoding using adaptive loop filter

Nourishment gauge

An implement to help with weight loss may comprise a round receptacle which may be used to apportion food in measured quantities and therefore limit the amount consumed. The receptacle may be open ended or closed with a hinged or removable base and lid. It may also comprise permanent or temporary partitions which allow for food to be neatly divided and displayed. The implement may be solid or flexible, adjustable or specifically made foldable to fit a pocket or bag. The implement may also be in the form of an egg shape and placed into a vessel to limit its capacity. The implement may also be included as part of a weight-loss kit.

Video compression method

A method of compressing video data having at least one frame having at least one block and each block having an array of pixels is provided. The method transforms the pixels of each block into coefficients and creates an optimal transmission order of the coefficients. The method also optimizes the speed of processing compressed video data by partitioning the data bitstream and coding each partition independently. The method also predicts fractional pixel motion by selecting an interpolation method for each given plurality or block of pixels depending upon at least one metric related to each given block and varies the method from block to block. The method also enhances error recovery for a current frame using a frame prior to the frame immediately before the current frame as the only reference frame for lessening quality loss during data transmission. Enhanced motion vector coding is also provided.

Methods and systems for locating VOIP terminals for improved 911 service

Systems and methods are presented for providing updated VOIP terminal location information to emergency call service providers, in which RFID tags are positioned at various locations within an enterprise and coded with unique tag data. A database is provided with a mapping of RFID tag data and tag locations in the enterprise, and the VOIP phone terminals are equipped or otherwise connected with RFID tag readers. The VOIP phones read the tag data upon initiation of a 911 or other an emergency call and report the tag data to a network server that determines the VOIP phone location according to the tag data and provides the phone location to the emergency call service provider.

Method for disabling a computing device based on the location of the computing device

The present invention provides a method for disabling a computing device based on the location of the computing device. The computing device, such as a computer or the like, determines if there is a location restriction for the computing device. This can be accomplished by checking the BIOS of the computing device, and is preferably accomplished during the powering up of the computing device. If so, the computing device determines its location. This can be accomplished utilizing a Global Positioning System (GPS). The computing device is disabled if there is a location restriction for the computing device for the current location of the computing device.

SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING REACTIONS

Method and apparatus for cartridge-based carbonation of beverages

本發明係關於將氣體碳酸化或溶解於先驅物液體(譬如，水)中以形成飲料的系統、方法及匣盒。一氣體來源可被設置於一匣盒中，其被用來產生將被溶解於該先驅物液體中的氣體。一飲料媒介物(譬如，粉末式飲料混合物或液體糖漿)可被設置於同一匣盒，或一分開的匣盒中作為該氣體來源且與該先驅物液體混合以形成飲料。使用一或多個用於該氣體來源及/或飲料媒介物的匣盒可作出一用來在例如消費者家中作出起泡的飲料之易於使用且不髒亂的系統。

System and method for video encoding using adaptive loop filter

Disclosed herein is a method for reducing blocking artifacts at the boundary between adjacent blocks reconstructed from a frame of compressed video information. The video information includes a prediction stage parameter with respect to at least one of the blocks. The method includes reconstructing the at least one block based on the prediction stage parameter, computing a residual error attribute from the reconstructed block, computing a filter strength value based on a baseline filter strength and at least one incremental value, wherein the incremental value is selected from a plurality of preset values based at least on one of the prediction stage parameter and residual error attribute associated with the at least one block and filtering the boundary adjacent to the at least one block using the selected filter strength value.

Method and apparatus for cartridge-based carbonation of beverages

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source (41) can be provided in a cartridge (4) which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium (42), such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source (4) and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source (4) and/or beverage medium (42) may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home. WO 2013/019963 PCT/US2012/049356 20 21c ______31 Controllerr (14 42 6 l 4b 4o 2 -- 21 Controller 20

Video compression method

A method of compressing video data having at least one frame having at least one block and each block having an array of pixels is provided. The method transforms the pixels of each block into coefficients and creates an optimal transmission order of the coefficients. The method also optimizes the speed of processing compressed video data by partitioning the data bitstream and coding each partition independently. The method also predicts fractional pixel motion by selecting an interpolation method for each given plurality or block of pixels depending upon at least one metric related to each given block and varies the method from block to block. The method also enhances error recovery for a current frame using a frame prior to the frame immediately before the current frame as the only reference frame for lessening quality loss during data transmission. Enhanced motion vector coding is also provided.

Prediction mode-based block ordering in video coding

Video data streams can be encoded and decoded using inter or intra prediction. The blocks of a frame can be divided into groups of blocks to be inter predicted and blocks to be intra predicted, and the blocks to be inter predicted are encoded first. The availability of data from the inter predicted blocks can improve the performance of intra prediction over processing the blocks in the scan order since more pixel data is available for intra prediction of some blocks. For example, when the scan order is raster scan order, intra prediction of a block can use pixels peripheral to the bottom and right sides of the block in addition to the pixels peripheral to the top and left sides of the block.

Heat retaining materials

A heat retaining material comprises a mixture of about 20 to 35 % by weight of a triglyceride or a substitute therefor, incorporating an admixture of powdered minerals having a heat storage capability, or a mixture of 40 % to 90 % by weight of ethylene propylene rubber or thermoplastic polymer or elastomer or styrene based thermoplastic elastomers with the balance of the mixture being an inert filler material having heat storage capabilities, thus creating a mixture having malleable clay-like qualities, all the ingredients being substantially moisture free. This type of material is ideally suited for forming body warming devices and is particularly advantageous in that it can be heated in an oven such as a microwave oven.

Video compression method

A method of compressing video data having at least one frame having at least one block and each block having an array of pixels is provided. The method transforms the pixels of each block into coefficients and creates an optimal transmission order of the coefficients. The method also optimizes the speed of processing compressed video data by partitioning the data bitstream and coding each partition independently. The method also predicts fractional pixel motion by selecting an interpolation method for each given plurality or block of pixels depending upon at least one metric related to each given block and varies the method from block to block. The method also enhances error recovery for a current frame using a frame prior to the frame immediately before the current frame as the only reference frame for lessening quality loss during data transmission. Enhanced motion vector coding is also provided.

System for carrying out reactions

System and method for decoding using parallel processing

A method for decoding a stream of encoded video data is disclosed. The video stream includes partitions that have been compressed using lossless encoding. Each partition includes rows that have also been encoded using intra-frame or interframe encoding, for example. During the decoding process, two or more of the partitions are entropy decoded on two or more processors in parallel, except that partitions containing adjacent rows in the frame are decoded with an offset so that at least a portion of the output of the entropy decoding of one partition can be used as input in the entropy and intra/inter-frame decoding of the other.

Method and apparatus for cartridge-based carbonation of beverages

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source (41) can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium (42), such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source (4) and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source (41) and/or beverage medium (42) may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer’s home.

Apparatus and method for coding using motion vector segmentation

Disclosed herein is a method for encoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks having pixels. The method includes determining motion vectors for a first block in the at least one frame and at least some of the blocks that are neighbors to the first block, identifying neighboring blocks having motion vectors that are similar to the motion vector of the first block, assigning the first block and the identified neighboring blocks to a segment using a processor, applying a segment parameter to at least one block in the segment and encoding the at least one block using the segment parameter.

Method for improving optical gas concentration measurement

System and apparatus for reactions

This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly.

System and apparatus for reactions

This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly.

System and method for data communication

Disclosed herein is a method to enable a mobile device to function as a user interface to a remote application. The method includes actuating a user-actuated control on the mobile device to generate a device-output signal in accordance with a first protocol; transmitting the device-output signal to a wireless base station located on the same premises as the mobile device; establishing communication between the wireless base station and the remote application having a user interface that accepts a user-command signal in accordance with a second protocol that is incompatible with the circuitry and programming of the mobile device; generating a constructed-input signal based on the device-output signal; and transmitting the constructed-input signal to the remote application as the user-command signal in accordance with the second protocol to permit the mobile device to function as a controller for the remote application.

Therapeutic cover for a pillow, cushion, bolster or mattress

A cover 1 for a pillow, cushion, bolster or mattress having a pocket or pockets 2 attached to the outside or inside to hold a pad or pads. Preferably the pads are impregnated with aromatherapy oils to provide therapeutic or medical effects such as inducing sleep, relaxation, increasing alertness, aiding breathing, relieving headaches or depression, deterring insects or to act as an aphrodisiac. The pockets 2 may also contain herbs, magnets or magnetic powder. The pockets 2 may be made separately and may be attached to the cover 1 by a variety of methods, or they may be placed loose inside the cover 1. The pads may be formed from an absorbent material.

Adaptive directional loop filter

Adaptive directional loop filtering can reduce the number of blocking artifacts produced by coding a non-perpendicular picture edge in a frame of a video sequence. A directional filter is selected from a set of directional filters based on one of an orientation of the non-perpendicular picture edge or filter data included as part of an encoded video sequence in association with the frame. The selection can include selecting a directional filter based on a directional intra prediction mode used for encoding the block, a filter angle most closely matching an angle explicitly signaled as part of the video sequence, the incremental reduction of the number of blocking artifacts, a threshold value for blocking artifacts, or a frequency of filter use. Each directional filter of the set of directional filters can have a filter angle between 0 and 180 degrees, exclusive.

System And Method For Decoding Using Parallel Processing

An apparatus for decoding frames of a compressed video data stream having at least one frame divided into partitions, includes a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to read partition data information indicative of a partition location for at least one of the partitions, decode a first partition of the partitions that includes a first sequence of blocks, decode a second partition of the partitions that includes a second sequence of blocks identified from the partition data information using decoded information of the first partition.