The present invention reduces the number of base stations required to carry out terminal position detection. A base station which serves for terminal position detection using radio signals comprises an antenna to transmit and receive a radio signal; a radio signal receiver which generates a received signal from the radio signal received; a signal processing unit which processes the received signal and generates a transmit signal; a radio signal transmitter which generates a radio signal from the transmit signal; a control unit which exerts control of the base station operation; and a signal processing unit for position detection which performs signal processing for terminal position detection. A signal receivable range with which a signal can be received by the radio signal receiver is made longer than a signal transmission range with which a signal is transmitted by the radio signal transmitter.

In a cellular system, a method for detecting the position of a mobile terminal has been proposed (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Document Cited 1). This method comprises calculating time differences of arrival of signals transmitted from base stations to the mobile terminal (that is, time differences of propagation of the signals from the base stations to the mobile terminal T1-T2 and T3-T2), multiplying the propagating time differences by velocity of light, thus calculating differences between the propagation distances of the signals from the base stations to the mobile terminal:D1−D2=c(T1-T2); andD3−D2=c(T3-T2).
In a wireless LAN system as well, a method for detecting the position of a terminal has been proposed (for example, refer to Non-Patent Document Cited 1). This method comprises calculating time differences of arrival of a signal transmitted from the terminal and received at base stations (that is, differences between times when the base stations received the signal, Ti−T1), multiplying the time differences of arrival by velocity of light, thus calculating differences between the signal propagation distances from the terminal to the base stations:{|P−Pi|−|P−P1|}=c(Ti−T1), i=2, . . . , n.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the topology of base stations in such a conventional wireless communication system.
Base stations 1 to 3 can perform uplink communication (a terminal transmits a signal and a base station receives the signal) and downlink communication (a base station transmits a signal and a terminal receives the signal) with terminals present in their areas 11 to 13. In general, in a wireless communication system, base stations are deployed so that as small numbers of base stations as possible can serve for communication with a terminal 20 in a location. That is, the base stations are deployed so that the overlap portions of the areas 11 to 13 are minimized.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a base station for use in the wireless communication system shown in FIG. 9. The base station is representative of base stations in an instance where a terminal position is detected, based on the time differences of arrival of a signal transmitted from the terminal and received at the base stations, as described in Non-Patent Document Cited 1.
A signal received by an antenna 100 is input through a circulator 101 to a radio signal receiver 102. The radio signal receiver 102 converts the signal to a baseband signal and a baseband signal processing unit 103 performs demodulation, decoding, and error correction of the baseband signal. Then, a signal processing unit for position detection 106 performs signal processing required for position detection, such as received signal capturing, a delay profile calculation, and path detection.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a communication data rate setup process that is applied in the wireless communication system shown in FIG. 9.
In general, in the wireless communication system, uplink and downlink communication data rates are set when communication is initiated and during the communication. By a communication data rate required for quality of signal, traffic, and contents of communication (for example, voice, still picture, moving picture, data, etc.) on a radio channel between a terminal and a base station, the communication data rate of the radio channel is determined (step 310). Specifically, for example, if the quality of signal is bad, traffic is large, or the required communication data rate is low, then the communication data rate is set low. Conversely, if the quality of signal is good, traffic is small, or the required communication data rate is high, then the communication data rate is set high.
This communication data rate setup process is performed at the base station and the terminal. For uplink communication and downlink communication, different communication data rates may be set up or a same communication data rate may be set up.
[Japanese Patent Document Cited 1] JP-A No. 181242/1995
[Non-Patent Document Cited 1] Ogino Atsushi, et al. (five co-writers) "Integrated Wireless LAN Access System (1) Exploring a Position Detection System" in collected lecture papers B-5-203, p. 662, for the 2003 general conference of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers
The above-discussed conventional wireless communication system is designed such that the uplink cover area of a base station (area where the base station can receive a signal from a terminal) and the downlink cover area (area where a signal transmitted from the base station arrives at a terminal) of the base station are identical. For example, if the terminal 20 is present in the location as shown in FIG. 9, the terminal 20 is present within the uplink cover area of the base station 1, but not present within the uplink cover areas of the base stations 2, 3. Therefore, the base station 2 and base station 3 cannot receive an uplink signal transmitted by the terminal 20 (or the base stations 2 and 3 can receive, but receive only a poor quality signal from the terminal). Consequently, only the base station 1 can receive the uplink signal transmitted by the terminal 20.
To implement the above-mentioned method for detecting the position of a terminal, based on the time differences of arrival of a signal transmitted from the terminal and received at base stations (refer to Non-Patent Document Cited 1), at least three base stations have to receive an uplink signal transmitted by the terminal. To detect the position of the terminal 20 by the position detection method using such an uplink signal, thus, additional base stations 4 and 5 having uplink cover areas where the terminal 20 is present need to be installed, for example, as is shown in FIG. 12.
Requirement for communication purpose only is simply that any possible position of the terminal falls within the uplink/downlink cover areas of one base station. However, requirement for position detection of a terminal is that any possible position of the terminal must fall within the uplink cover areas of three base stations. Therefore, the number of base stations throughout the system required to realize terminal position detection increases three times as many as the number of base stations required for only communication between a base station and a terminal.
Accordingly, for a wireless communication system which provides for terminal position detection, cost needed for its equipment rises, which in turn poses a problem of rise in the cost of a location information service (service fee) that informs a terminal user of its detected position.

Base station and wireless communication system


A spread spectrum communication system includes a channel encoder configured for modulating a carrier signal with data to form an information signal. A spreading sequence generator is configured for generating a spreading sequence having a phase angle dependent upon a chaotic sequence and contiguously distributed over a predetermined range. The chaotic sequence also has a magnitude which is selectively dependent upon the pseudo-random number or chaotic sequence. The invention also includes a multiplier configured for forming a spread spectrum signal by multiplying the information signal by the spreading sequence. The spreading sequence generator is responsive to a magnitude control signal for controlling the selective dependency of said magnitude. The magnitude can be constant to form a constant amplitude zero autocorrelation signal. Alternatively, the magnitude can be allowed to vary in selectively controlled chaotic or pseudo-random manner to vary a peak to average power ratio.

1. Statement of the Technical Field
The invention concerns communications systems. More particularly, the invention concerns chaotic spread spectrum communications systems having improved transmit power capabilities based on reduced peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) waveforms.
2. Description of the Related Art
Pseudorandom number generators (PRNG) used to generate chipping sequences in conventional direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communication systems generally utilize digital logic or a digital computer and one or more algorithms to generate a sequence of numbers. While the output of conventional PRNG may approximate some of the properties of random numbers, they are not truly random. For example, the output of many PRNG have cyclostationary features that can be identified by analytical processes independent of whether or not the spreading sequence is constant energy.
Chaotic systems can generally be thought of as systems which vary unpredictably unless all of its properties are known. When measured or observed, chaotic systems do not reveal any discernible regularity or order. Chaotic systems are distinguished by a sensitive dependence on a set of initial conditions and by having an evolution through time and space that appears to be quite random. However, despite its "random" appearance, chaos is a deterministic evolution.
Practically speaking, chaotic signals are extracted from chaotic systems and have random-like, non-periodic properties that are generated deterministically. In general, a chaotic sequence is one in which the sequence is empirically indistinguishable from true randomness absent some knowledge regarding the algorithm which is generating the chaos.
Some have proposed the use of multiple pseudo-random number generators to generate a digital chaotic-like sequence. However, such systems only produce more complex pseudo-random number sequences that possess all pseudo-random artifacts and no chaotic properties. While certain polynomials can generate chaotic behavior, it is commonly held that arithmetic required to generate chaotic number sequences requires an impractical implementation due to the precisions required.
Communications systems utilizing chaotic sequences offer promise for being the basis of a next generation of low probability of intercept (LPI) waveforms, low probability of detection (LPD) waveforms, and secure waveforms. While many such communications systems have been developed for generating chaotically modulated waveforms, such communications systems suffer from low throughput. The term "throughput", as used herein, refers to the amount of data transmitted over a data link during a specific amount of time. This throughput limitation stems from the fact that a chaotic signal is produced by means of an analog chaotic circuit subject to drift.
The throughput limitation with chaos based communication systems can be traced to the way in which chaotic circuits have been implemented. The reason for reliance on analog circuits for this task has been the widely held conventional belief that efficient digital generation of chaos is impossible. Notwithstanding the apparent necessity of using analog type chaos generators, that approach has not been without problems. For example, analog chaos generator circuits are known to drift over time. The term "drift", as used herein, refers to a slow long term variation in one or more parameters of a circuit. The problem with such analog circuits is that the inherent drift forces the requirement that state information must be constantly transferred over a communication channel to keep a transmitter and receiver synchronized.
The transmitter and receiver in coherent chaos based communication systems are synchronized by exchanging state information over a data link. Such a synchronization process offers diminishing return because state information must be exchanged more often between the transmitter and the receiver to obtain a high data rate. This high data rate results in a faster relative drift. In effect, state information must be exchanged at an increased rate between the transmitter and receiver to counteract the faster relative drift. Although some analog chaotic communications systems employ a relatively efficient synchronization process, these chaotic communications systems still suffer from low throughput.
The alternative to date has been to implement non-coherent chaotic waveforms. However, non-coherent waveform based communication systems suffer from reduced throughput and error rate performance. In this context, the phrase "non-coherent waveform" means that the receiver is not required to reproduce a synchronized copy of the chaotic signals that have been generated in the transmitter. The phrase "communications using a coherent waveform" means that the receiver is required to reproduce a synchronized copy of the chaotic signals that have been generated in the transmitter.
Chaotic waveforms have differing characteristics which are dependent on how the chaos is generated and its target application. For example, chaos can be generated with a Gaussian distribution for use in maximum entropy communication systems with maximum channel capacity or low probability of intercept and low probability detection. Gaussian distributed chaos can be used as a spreading sequence in a chaotic spread spectrum communication system. One practical downside to the use of Gaussian distributed spread spectrum chaotic communications waveforms is the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). Typically, the PAPR in a chaotic spread waveform is about 13 dB. This means that the instantaneous peak power level of the chaotic spread waveform signal is 13 dB or 20 times greater as compared to the average power level. In order to avoid significant distortion, any high power amplifier (HPA) used with such a waveform is operated at a gain level such that the instantaneous peak power levels do not result in overdriving the amplifier. However, if the PAPR is 13 dB, this means that, on average, the amplifier output power is 13 dB lower than the maximum or peak power output that the HPA is capable of providing. This is sometimes referred to as HPA back-off.
For LPI/LPD applications, the reduced amplifier gain necessitated by a 13 dB PAPR is not a major concern since the goal is to reduce transmitted power as far as possible, and transmitters in such instances are not usually operated close to compression points. Other operational scenarios however, like satellite communications waveforms, power challenged systems, and anti-jamming waveforms to name a few benefit from the ability to emit as much power as possible without signal distortion. Reducing the HPA back-off permits a higher transmitted power and therefore a direct contribution to link margin, which provides improved communications link capabilities (e.g., increased signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver). Thus, there is a need for chaotic waveforms that retain many of the advantages of coherent chaotic communication systems and provide a low operating PAPR.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Anti-jam communications having selectively variable peak-to-average power ratio including a chaotic constant amplitude zero autocorrelation waveform


A test device for analyzing fluid samples. The test device includes a planar support member for supporting reagent pads, and a handle attached to, or for attaching to the planar support member. The test device can be treated with a fluid sample by disposing a fluid sample on the reagent pads. The fluid sample can be disposed onto the reagent pads by the handle, or by dipping the test device into the fluid sample.

1. Field of the Presently Disclosed and/or Claimed Inventive Concepts
The inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein relate to devices and systems for collecting and analyzing fluid samples, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a fluid test device having a handle and a method of using same.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
Test strips provided with one or more reagents therein or having one or more reagent test pads disposed thereon are conventionally known testing devices which are often used to determine whether a sufficient concentration of one or more chemicals is present in a solution. In the conventionally known procedures, the test strip having reagent chemicals disposed thereon is placed in contact with a solution to be tested, typically by dipping the test strip in the solution, or by wetting the test strip with a sample of a solution. When the test strip is sufficiently wetted, it is removed from the solution and the indication on the test strip is examined after a predetermined waiting time. The test strip may be designed to change to a particular color or range of colors corresponding to the concentration of the chemicals in the solution being examined or to emit a particular electromagnetic wavelength when irradiated which is correlated to the amount or concentration of the analyte in the solution.
The test strips may be analyzed using methods known in the art. For example, the test strips may be analyzed by exposing the reagent test pads to a spectrophotometer or other analyzer or device able to detect changes in color or other wavelengths which are reflected or emitted from the reagent test pads of the test strip.
In some types of testing, a sample or specimen from the subject to be tested is collected within a reservoir in a container such as a cup. The test strip is then deposited or dipped into sample within the container to expose the reagent test pads to the sample. It is often difficult to dip or submerge the test strip within the sample container because the test strips must themselves be grasped by the user, rendering them susceptible to being dropped and lost in the sample container or causing the fingers of the user to touch the sample within the container or by causing uneven application of the fluid to the test strip. To this end, a need exists for a test device that is easier to handle, improves sample collection and even distribution of the sample, and is less prone to being mishandled or lost.


An injection gun especially useful for injecting low volume, high pressure shots of bone cement. The gun includes a cylindrical housing with a plunger including a plunger rod extending axially through the housing. The plunger rod includes a segment which is provided with an axial series of notches. A ratchet block is slidable axially within the cylindrical housing and is concentric with the plunger rod. The ratchet cylinder mounts at least a ratchet pawl urged against the plunger rod and adapted to engage and lock into the series of notches for forward movement. A pistol grip extends from the cylindrical housing, and a lever is pivoted thereto with an extension of the lever engaging the ratchet cylinder for advancing the plunger. A second ratchet pawl is mounted on a fixed member of the cylindrical housing for retaining the plunger against rearward movement when the pawl in the ratchet cylinder is disengaged from the rod.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a feeding device for delivering low viscosity paste material under pressure, and more particularly, to an improved manual dispensing mechanism therefor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There exist various types of hand-operated paste material dispensing devices of the caulking gun variety which include a plunger adapted to advance axially through a cylinder to which the end of a paste material cartridge is attached. The plunger is advanced by a trigger-type lever pivoted to a pistol grip, and a ratchet device is mounted to the end of the lever for engaging a rod forming part of the plunger.
Such a dispensing device is advantageously used in the delivery of bone cement into cavities formed in a bone to which a prosthesis is to be mounted. An example of such an apparatus and method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,925, issued July 13, 1982 to Jo Miller, one of the co-inventors of the present invention. This patent is incorporated herein by reference. The Miller patent describes a high pressure injection gun including a housing axially supporting a plunger and rod. A hardened steel disc with a central opening rests on the rod. Contraction of the lever against the pistol grip causes the disc to tilt, lock onto the rod, and move the rod forward while compressing an axially aligned return spring. When the trigger is released, the return spring presses against the disc, releasing it from engagement on the rod and forcing it to slide on the rod to its initial position while returning the lever.
It has been found that there is a considerable amount of lost-motion in tilting the disc. For instance, one third of the travel of the lever can be lost-motion. Furthermore, when the edges of the disc defining the central opening have been worn, the disc can slip on the rod, which can be a serious situation in the middle of a surgical operation.
Other injection guns exist, such as the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,406,654, issued Sept. 27, 1983 to Robert L. Bristow. In this patent, spring mounted pawls are used which engage notches in the rod. One of the pawls is pivotally mounted to the lever. Since the rod is of relatively small diameter, the lever beyond the pivot point must be longer for the same amount of travel, and thus the pressure applied tends to be less. Although the ratchet and notch principle used in Bristow and in a caulking gun is an improvement, the mechanical advantage provided by the disc in the Miller U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,925 is lost. In the Miller patent, the disc, when engaged on the rod, effectively increases the diameter of the rod. Only a short extent of the lever is necessary above the pivot point to provide a low volume, high pressure shot of cement.

Apparatus for dispensing low viscosity semi-fluid material under pressure


Encoding efficiency is enhanced by actively combining a plurality of encoding methods. A picture element memory receives and stores picture elements within a predetermined range. A mode determinator selects an encoding mode based upon a reference picture element. A first encoding section and a second encoding section predicts the value of the encoded picture element, determines whether the prediction is correct, and then encodes the value of the encoding picture element based on the determination result and outputs a codeword for the encoding picture element. An encoding controller selectively operates the first encoding section and the second encoding section based upon one of the specific encoding modes and the other encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode selected by the mode determinator.

The present invention relates to an encoding apparatus, a decoding apparatus and their methods for encoding and decoding picture information generated by and used in a facsimile machine, a scanner, and a computer. More specifically, the present invention relates to an encoding apparatus and a decoding apparatus having two types of encoding and decoding systems for efficiently encoding and decoding picture information by switching between the two types of encoding and decoding systems. Further, the present invention relates to an encoding method and a decoding method for encoding and decoding picture information efficiently. The present invention also relates to a picture processing apparatus having an encoding apparatus and a decoding apparatus according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to a picture processing apparatus for implementing an encoding method and a decoding method according to the present invention.
Related Art 1
FIG. 66 is a block diagram showing a conventional encoding apparatus.
In FIG. 66, reference numeral 901 indicates a picture element memory for receiving, storing, and outputting the value of a picture element to be encoded (which will be referred to as an encoding picture element, or simply as a picture element) and for outputting the value of at least one encoded picture element already stored in the picture element memory and adjacent to the encoding picture element as the value of a reference picture element.
Reference numeral 907 indicates a predictor for calculating the prediction value for the encoding picture element by referring to the value of the at least one reference picture element.
Reference numeral 931 indicates a prediction error calculator for determining the prediction error by subtracting the prediction value calculated by the predictor 907 from the value of the encoding picture element.
Reference numeral 908 indicates an encoder for encoding the prediction error between the value of the encoding picture element and the prediction value calculated by the predictor 907, and for outputting codewords.
Reference numeral 910 indicates a code buffer for receiving the codewords supplied from the encoder 908 and for outputting a sequence of the codewords as a code in order of the received codewords.
Next, an operation of the conventional encoding apparatus is explained.
The predictor 907 calculates the prediction value from the value of the at least one reference picture element. The calculation method may be implemented in accordance with a predetermined prediction function or by referring to a reference table. The encoder 908 encodes the prediction error (xe2x88x92255+255, inclusive of zero, in the case of one picture element being represented by eight bits) which has been obtained by subtracting the calculated prediction value from the value of an encoding picture element by using a predetermined codeword table.
Related Art 2
As another conventional related art, conversion of the prediction errors for encoding picture elements and picture elements to be decoded into binary symbol sequences, and encoding and decoding the binary symbol sequences are known. As one of the encoding and decoding methods for binary symbols, the encoding and decoding method disclosed in Japanese Patent Registered No. 1251403 will be described herein.
According to this encoding and decoding method, as shown in FIG. 67, one codeword is allotted to a binary symbol sequence composed of one binary symbol or a plurality of binary symbols. The term xe2x80x9cencodingxe2x80x9d is used in this specification to mean an operation for determining and allotting a codeword to a sequence of a certain number (which will be hereinafter referred to as the code order) of binary xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d to symbols (More Probable Symbols abbreviated to MPSs) or binary xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d symbols (Less Probable Symbol abbreviated to LPSs) occurred, and for outputting the codeword therefor. At the time of encoding, the number of MPSs consecutively occurred is counted by an MPS counter (not shown) inside (or outside) the encoder. The counted value of MPSs is stored in an MPS memory (not shown), and the state numbers of binary symbol sequences (to be described hereafter) are stored in a state-number memory (not shown). The code order may be an integer greater than zero. However, it is assumed herein that the code order is restricted to 2n (the n-th power of 2). When the number of MPSs consecutively occurred (the count of the MPS counter) has become equal to the code order 2n, one-bit codeword xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d is allotted to the MPSs. On the other hand, when an LPS has occurred before the number of MPSs consecutively occurred becomes equal to the code order, the number of the MPSs consecutively occurred after outputting the latest codeword before occurring the LPS is expressed in terms of n-bit binary symbols, and, in order to differentiate from the sequence of the MPSs to which the codeword xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d is allotted, the codeword xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d is added to the beginning of the n-bit binary symbols. Accordingly, a codeword of (n+1) bits is allotted to the sequence of MPSs plus the LPS differentiating from the sequence of MPSs to which a codeword of xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d is allotted. The unit of a binary symbol sequence to which a codeword is allotted is referred to as a message. After the codeword is determined and output, the MPS counter is reset. A sequence of codewords output in this way constitutes a code. On the other hand, when a code is to be decoded, the code is supplied to the decoder and divided into individual codewords. Then, a binary symbol sequence is recreated by the decoder, and picture elements are reproduced. In this way, decoding is implemented.
In the aforementioned encoding and decoding method, the code order is changed so as to represent the appropriate code length in accordance with the occurrence probability of one of binary symbols estimated from past data on binary symbol sequences. For this reason, a further excellent encoding efficiency can be obtained.
A first example of the state transition method of determining the code order will be described now.
When a binary symbol sequence is encoded or decoded by an encoder or a decoder, the binary symbol sequence belongs to one of the sixteen states shown in FIG. 68. The code order is determined according to the state to which each binary symbol sequence belongs. It is assumed herein that the initial value of the state number for the encoder or the decoder is set to 0. It is also assumed herein that the MPS counter of the encoder or the decoder is reset at the beginning of the encoding process or the decoding process. During the encoding process or the decoding process, the encoder or the decoder implements state transition when a codeword has been determined. When the number of MPSs consecutively occurred in a binary symbol sequence has become equal to the code order of the binary symbol sequence, the state number of the sequence is increased by one. When an LPS has occurred in a binary symbol sequence before the number of MPSs consecutively occurred becomes equal to the code order of the binary symbol sequence, the state number of the sequence is decreased by one. However, when the number of MPSs consecutively occurred in a binary symbol sequence having the state number 15 has become equal to the code order of the binary symbol sequence, or when an LPS has occurred in a binary symbol sequence having the state number 0, the encoder or the decoder does not implement state transition, and the state number remains unchanged.
According to a second example of the method of determining the code order, there is shown a method in which the numbers of binary symbols xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d and binary symbols xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d which have occurred in a binary symbol sequence, respectively indicated by N(0) and N(1), are counted on both the transmitting side and the receiving side within the same range (such as, for example, within one line) so as to calculate the code order of the binary symbol sequence, based on the result of the count. The method of determining the code order, for example, is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. SHO59-27501 (which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,974). The calculation method is expressed by the relation of 2n+1 N(1) greater than N(0) ∃ 2n N(1). In this case, however, the code order 2n which varies with state transition of a binary symbol sequence is not less than a predetermined minimum value, nor more than a predetermined maximum value.
It is known that the encoding method shown in FIG. 67 has the following characteristics. Let us assume that a binary information source whose probability of binary symbol xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d and whose probability of binary symbol xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d are p, 1-p (p ∃ xc2xd) respectively are encoded in accordance with the encoding method shown in FIG. 67. When the occurrence of the binary symbols to be encoded may be random, the order n rendering a maximum code length in each code order minimum fulfills the following expression:
{2n/(2n+1)}#p less than {2n+1/(2n+1+1)}
Accordingly, by determining n in accordance with the above expression, a substantially optimum code can be selected.
Assuming that the number of binary symbols xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d is N(0) and the number of binary symbols xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d is N(1), the probability p is expressed as follows:
p=N(0)/{N(0)+N(1)}
Thus the above expression is reduced to as follows:
2nN(1)#N(0)#2n+1N(1)
Related Art 3
Among the conventional encoding apparatuses and the conventional decoding apparatuses, there is an encoding apparatus or a decoding apparatus wherein two encoding or decoding modes such as the mode A and the mode B are provided, for example, and encoding or decoding is implemented by switching between the mode A and the mode B according to the decision whether or not a predetermined condition for the value(s) of reference picture element(s) is satisfied. Basically, if the value(s) of reference picture element(s) satisfies a predetermined condition, encoding or decoding is implemented in the mode A. On the other hand, if the value(s) of reference picture element(s) does not satisfy a predetermined condition, encoding or decoding is implemented in the mode B. Mode switching may be accomplished, for example, in accordance with the method described in xe2x80x9cThe National Assembly 1016 of the Institute of Electronics and Communication Engineers of Japan held in 1977xe2x80x9d as the xe2x80x9crun length encoding process according to the encoding start patternsxe2x80x9d. As shown in FIG. 69, a picture element X is assumed herein to be a picture element to be encoded or decoded (which will be hereinafter simply referred to as a picture element). If the values of reference picture elements a, b, and c adjacent to the picture element X satisfy a predetermined condition xe2x80x9ca=b=cxe2x80x9d, the picture element X and the subsequent picture elements are encoded or decoded continuously in the mode A until the picture element X becomes xe2x80x9cX a prediction valuexe2x80x9d. When the picture element X occurs that does not coincide with the prediction value, the mode A is switched into the mode B. Then, the picture element X and the subsequent picture elements are encoded or decoded continuously in the mode B. When the values of the reference picture elements a, b, and c satisfy the predetermined condition xe2x80x9ca=b=cxe2x80x9d again, the mode is switched to the mode A and the subsequent encoding or decoding picture element is encoded or decoded in the mode A.
Related Art 4
In the following, encoding process and decoding process of a picture in a conventional picture pick-up apparatus is explained referring to drawings. In this related art, encoding process is performed by a picture compression circuit and decoding process is performed by a picture expansion circuit.
FIG. 70 shows a configuration of the picture compression circuit and the picture expansion circuit.
In FIG. 70, the picture compression circuit includes a process for implementing a lossless compression and another process for implementing a lossy compression.
A lossy picture compression means a compressing process where a compressibility of the picture is increased, though a quality of reproduced picture (reproducibility) is decreased.
On the other hand, a lossless picture compression means a compressing process where the quality of reproduced picture (reproducibility) is not decreased, though a compressibility of the picture is less increased than the above lossy picture compression.
A DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) circuit 951 performs two-dimensional DCT operation on an input picture to divide the picture into two-dimensional spatial frequency components. A quantization circuit 952 quantizes a DCT coefficient. An entropy encoder 953 implements Huffman coding on the quantized DCT coefficient. The lossy picture compression is performed by the DCT circuit 951, the quantization circuit 952 and the entropy encoder 953. A predictor 954 predicts data of a certain picture element by using data of the previous picture element. An entropy encoder 955 implements Huffman coding of a differential between the picture element and the picture element predicted by the predictor 954. In this way, the lossless data compression is implemented by the predictor 954 and the entropy encoder 955. A switch SW1 selects one of the compressing processes: side xe2x80x9caxe2x80x9d of the lossless compression; and side xe2x80x9cbxe2x80x9d of the lossy compression.
The picture expansion circuit includes a process for implementing a lossless expansion and a process for implementing lossy expansion. An entropy decoder 956 and a decoder 957 decode the reversibly compressed data by an inverse operation of the entropy encoder 955 and the predictor 954. An entropy decoder 958, a dequantization circuit 959 and an inverse DCT circuit 960 decode the compressed data by an inverse operation of the DCT circuit 951, the quantization circuit 952 and the entropy encoder 953. A switch SW2 selects one of the expanding processes: side xe2x80x9caxe2x80x9d of the lossless expansion; and side xe2x80x9cbxe2x80x9d of the lossy expansion.
The conventional encoding apparatus which has been described as the related art 1 encodes a prediction error by referring to a predetermined codeword table. Generally, with regard to the picture information, the statistical characteristic of the picture information displayed on a screen varies greatly depending on the part on the screen. In other words, it is known that it occurs that prediction for some part of the picture information displayed on the screen tends to be correct while other part of the picture information displayed on the screen often has great prediction errors. Although the statistical characteristic of the picture information displayed on the screen varies, the encoding apparatus according to the first conventional related art implements encoding by referring to a single codeword table. Thus, it has created a problem in that an encoding efficiency cannot be enhanced.
On the other hand, the encoding method which has been described as the related art 2 is a method of implementing encoding by referring to a plurality of codeword tables and dynamically changing the code order depending on the occurrence probability of the MPS. Consequently, if the statistical characteristic of picture information displayed varies greatly, a more excellent encoding efficiency will be provided with this encoding system than with the encoding apparatus which has been described as the first conventional related art. However, even by using the encoding method according to related art 2, when at least one codeword is allotted to a prediction error for each encoding picture element, at least one-bit code amount is required for each picture element regardless of whether or not the prediction has proved to be correct (or no prediction error has been produced). Allotting a one-bit or more bits of codeword to a prediction error although the prediction probability exceeds xc2xd means that the actual code amount required is greater than the theoretical minimum code amount (entropy) for the prediction error. In other words, it means that an encoding efficiency is reduced.
According to the aforementioned related art 4, the picture compression circuit (encoding apparatus) and the picture expansion circuit (decoding apparatus) are configured as shown in FIG. 70. The DCT circuit, the quantization circuit and the entropy encoder implement lossy picture compression and lossy picture expansion. On the other hand, the predictor and the entropy encoder implement lossless picture compression and lossless picture expansion. In this way, the conventional picture pick-up apparatus switches the lossless picture compression circuit and the lossy picture compression circuit according to the condition. In the picture pick-up apparatus, it is mostly required to increase the compressibility of the picture without decreasing the quality of the reproduced picture (reproducibility). Particularly, in the art of a digital camera, the above requests have been highly demanded these days so as to store the picked-up signals in the storage medium and to display the picked-up signals on the monitor. Input information of picture has been increasing because of a large number of picture elements of input picture, color input picture, and multiple gradation of input picture. There is a problem that the conventional picture processing apparatus cannot supply enough compressibility of picture in case of storing such information of picture in a limited capacity of the storage medium.
On handling multimedia information, picture information is transmitted, displayed, or stored together with other information such as audio information, or character information. Picture information occupies higher ratio than other information among such multimedia information, and these days it is required that the compressibility of picture is further increased.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an encoding apparatus and a decoding apparatus which can implement encoding and decoding picture information efficiently.
Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide an encoding method and a decoding method for encoding and decoding picture information efficiently by actively switching between different types of encoding systems and decoding systems.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an encoding apparatus and a decoding apparatus which can be produced in a smaller size and constructed easily even when encoding and decoding picture information are to be efficiently implemented by actively switching between different types of encoding systems and decoding systems.
Further, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a picture processing apparatus having the above-mentioned encoding apparatus and the above-mentioned decoding apparatus.
Still further, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a picture processing apparatus for implementing the above-mentioned encoding method and the above-mentioned decoding method.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an picture processing apparatus for implementing a lossless picture compression with higher compressibility than the lossless picture compression implemented by the conventional picture processing apparatus.
An encoding apparatus according to the present invention may comprise:
a picture element memory for receiving and storing a picture element having a value within a predetermined range as an encoding picture element, outputting the value of the encoding picture element, and for outputting a value of an encoded picture element adjacent to the encoding picture element as the value of a reference picture element;
a mode determinator for selecting one of a specific encoding mode and an encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode from a plurality of predefined encoding modes for the encoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first encoding section for predicting the value of the encoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, encoding the value of the encoding picture element based on a result of the determination, and for outputting a codeword for the encoding picture element;
a second encoding section for predicting the value of the encoding picture element, encoding the value of the encoding picture element without determining whether the prediction is correct, and for outputting a codeword for the encoding picture element; and
an encoding controller for selectively operating the first encoding section and the second encoding section based on one of the specific encoding mode and the encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode selected by the mode determinator.
The first encoding section may comprise:
a first predictor for calculating a prediction value of the encoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first prediction error calculator for calculating an error between the value of the encoding picture element and the prediction value calculated by the first predictor as a prediction error;
a determinator for determinating whether the prediction error calculated by the first prediction error calculator is a specific value, and for outputting a result of the determination;
a first encoder for receiving and encoding the result of the determination output from the determinator, and for outputting the codeword for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected specific encoding mode; and
a second encoder for encoding the prediction error calculated by the first prediction error calculator when the prediction error is other than the specific value for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected specific encoding mode, and for outputting the codeword for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected specific encoding mode.
The second encoding section may comprise:
a second predictor for calculating a prediction value of the encoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a second prediction error calculator for calculating an error between the value of the encoding picture element and the prediction value calculated by the second predictor as a prediction error; and
a third encoder for encoding the prediction error calculated by the second prediction error calculator for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode, regardless of whether the prediction error is the specific value, and for outputting the codeword for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode.
The first encoder may comprise a first probability estimator for receiving the result of the determination output from the determinator as a sequence of binary symbols and estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a first codeword allotter for encoding the sequence of binary symbols, and
the second encoder may comprise a first error-to-symbol converter for receiving the prediction error and converting the prediction error into a sequence of binary symbols, a second probability estimator for receiving the sequence of binary symbols and estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a second codeword allotter for encoding the sequence of binary symbols, and
the third encoder may comprise a second error-to-symbol converter for receiving the prediction error and converting the prediction error into a sequence of binary symbols, a third probability estimator for receiving the sequence of binary symbols and estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a third codeword allotter for encoding the sequence of binary symbols.
The encoding controller may have a codeword transmission order controller for changing an order for outputting codewords when a codeword has been determined by at least one of the first encoder, the second encoder, and the third encoder and when a codeword has not been determined by the other encoders.
In the encoding apparatus according to the present invention, at least one of the first error-to-symbol converter and the second error-to-symbol converter successively may generate comparison values starting with a value which would most likely occur as a prediction error to be input to one of the first error-to-symbol converter and the second error-to-symbol converter, may successively compare the generated values with the prediction error input to one of the first error-to-symbol converter and the second error-to-symbol converter one by one, and may generate and output a sequence of binary symbols based on a count of comparison time until one of the generated comparison values coincides with the prediction error.
The mode determinator may select an encoding mode for an encoding picture element based on an encoding mode for an encoded picture element preceding the encoding picture element.
In the encoding apparatus according to the present invention, at least one of the first codeword allotter, the second codeword allotter, and the third codeword allotter may change interpretation as to which one of the binary symbols is a more probable symbol, based on a change in probability estimation for one of the binary symbols respectively implemented by the first probability estimator for the first codeword allotter, the second probability estimator for the second codeword allotter, and the third probability estimator for the third codeword allotter.
The first predictor of the first encoding section and the second predictor of the second encoding section may be combined into a predictor.
At least two encoders of the first encoder, the second encoder, and the third encoder may be combined into an encoder.
In the picture encoding apparatus according to the present invention, based on information as to which one of the binary symbols is a more probable symbol and an estimated occurrence probability of the more probable symbol, at least one of the first codeword allotter, the second codeword allotter, and the third codeword allotter may implement encoding for an enlarged information source of the binary symbols effected by selecting a code most suited to a state of the enlarged information source of the binary symbols assumed from the estimated occurrence probability of the more probable symbol from a Huffman code set prepared systematically for the enlarged information source of the binary symbols.
A decoding apparatus according to the present invention may comprise:
a picture element memory for storing decoded picture elements having values within a predetermined range, and outputting the value of one of the decoded picture elements adjacent to a decoding picture element as a value of a reference picture element;
a mode determinator for selecting one of a specific decoding mode and a decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode from a plurality of predefined decoding modes for the decoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first decoding section for receiving a codeword, predicting a value of the decoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, and for decoding the codeword into the value of the decoding picture element based on a result of the determination;
a second decoding section for receiving a codeword for the decoding picture element, predicting the value of the decoding picture element, decoding the codeword into the value of the decoding picture element without determining whether the prediction is correct; and
a decoding controller for selectively operating the first decoding section and the second decoding section based on one of the specific decoding mode and the decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode selected by the mode determinator.
The first decoding section may comprise:
a first predictor for calculating a prediction value of the decoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first decoder for decoding the codeword for the decoding picture element to be decoded in the selected specific decoding mode into a result of determination indicating whether a prediction error is predetermined value;
a second decoder for decoding the codeword for the decoding picture element to be decoded in the selected specific decoding mode and having the prediction error other than the predetermined value into the prediction error other than the predetermined value;
a first decoding picture element calculator for calculating the value of the decoding picture element based on the prediction value of the decoding picture element calculated by the first predictor, the result of the determination, and the prediction error obtained by the second decoder.
The second decoding section may comprise:
a second predictor for calculating a prediction value of the decoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a third decoder for decoding the codeword for the decoding picture element to be decoded in the selected decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode into the prediction error regardless of whether the prediction error is the predetermined value;
a second decoding picture element calculator for calculating the value of the decoding picture element to be decoded in the selected decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode based on the prediction value of the decoding picture element calculated by the second predictor and the prediction error obtained by the third decoder.
The first decoder may have a first symbol restoring device for receiving the codeword and decoding the codeword into a sequence of binary symbols and a first probability estimator for estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and wherein the first decoder outputs one of the binary symbols as a result of determination, and
the second decoder may have a second symbol restoring device for receiving the codeword and decoding the codeword into a sequence of binary symbols, a second probability estimator for receiving the binary symbols and estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a first symbol-to-error converter for receiving the sequence of binary symbols and converting the sequence of binary symbols into the prediction error, and
the third decoder may have a third symbol restoring device for receiving the codeword and decoding the codeword into a sequence of binary symbols, a third probability estimator for receiving the binary symbols and estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a second symbol-to-error converter for receiving the sequence of binary symbols and converting the sequence of binary symbols into the prediction error.
The decoding controller may have a binary-symbol sequence using order controller for changing an order of using decoded binary symbols in a case where, before all sequences of binary symbols decoded by at least one of the first decoder, the second decoder, and the third decoder are used up, a sequence of binary symbols is output from the other one of the first decoder, the second decoder, and the third decoder.
In the decoding apparatus according to the present invention, at least one of the first symbol-to-error converter and the second symbol-to-error converter may convert the input sequence of binary symbols into the prediction error based on a value and a number of the binary symbols input.
The mode determinator may select a decoding mode for a decoding picture element based on a decoding mode for a decoded picture element preceding the decoding picture element.
In the decoding apparatus according to the present invention, at least one of the first symbol restoring device, the second symbol restoring device, and the third symbol restoring device may change interpretation as to which one of the binary symbols is a more probable symbol based on a change in probability estimation for the binary symbols respectively implemented by the first probability estimator for the first symbol restoring device, the second probability estimator for the second symbol restoring device and the third probability estimator for the third symbol restoring device.
The first predictor of the first decoding section and the second predictor of the second decoding section may be combined into a predictor.
At least two decoders of the first decoder, the second decoder, and the third decoder may be combined into a decoder.
In the decoding apparatus according to the present invention, based on information as to which one of the binary symbols is a more probable symbol and an estimated occurrence probability of the more probable symbol, at least one of the first symbol restoring device, the second symbol restoring device, and the third symbol restoring device may implement decoding for an enlarged information source of binary symbols effected by selecting a code most suited to a state of the enlarged information source of binary symbols assumed from the estimated occurrence probability of the more probable symbol from a Huffman code set prepared systematically for the enlarged information source of binary symbols.
An encoding method according to the present invention may comprise:
an outputting step of receiving and storing a picture element having a value within a predetermined range as an encoding picture element, outputting the value of the encoding picture element, and outputting a value of an encoded picture element adjacent to the encoding picture element as the value of a reference picture element;
a mode deciding step of selecting one of a specific encoding mode and an encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode from predefined encoding modes for the encoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first main encoding step of predicting the value of the encoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, encoding the value of the encoding picture element based on a result of determination, and outputting a codeword for the encoding picture element;
a second main encoding step of predicting the value of the encoding picture element, encoding the value of the encoding picture element without determining whether the prediction is correct, and outputting a codeword for the encoding picture element; and
an encoding controlling step of selectively operating the first main encoding step and the second main encoding step based on the specific encoding mode and the encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode selected by the mode deciding step.
The first main encoding step may comprise:
a first predicting step of calculating a prediction value of the encoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first prediction error calculating step of calculating an error between the value of the encoding picture element and the prediction value calculated by the first predicting step as a prediction error;
a determination step of determinating whether the prediction error calculated by the first prediction error calculating step is a predetermined value, and outputting a result of the determination;
a first encoding step of receiving and encoding the result of the determination output by the determination step and outputting the codeword for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected specific encoding mode; and
a second encoding step of encoding the prediction error calculated by the first prediction error calculating step when the prediction error is other than the predetermined value for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected specific encoding mode, and outputting the codeword for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected specific encoding mode.
The second main encoding step may comprise:
a second predicting step of calculating a prediction value of the encoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a second prediction error calculating step of calculating an error between the value of the encoding picture element and the prediction value calculated by the second predicting step as a prediction error; and
a third encoding step of encoding the prediction error calculated by the second prediction error calculating step for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode, regardless of whether the prediction error is the predetermined value, and outputting the codeword for the encoding picture element to be encoded in the selected encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode.
The first encoding step may comprise a first probability estimating step of receiving the result of the determination output by the determination step as a sequence of binary symbols and estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols and a first codeword allotting step of encoding the sequence of binary symbols,
the second encoding step may comprise a first error-to-symbol converting step of receiving the prediction error and converting the prediction error into a sequence of binary symbols, a second probability estimating step of receiving the sequence of binary symbols and estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a second codeword allotting step of encoding the sequence of binary symbols, and
the third encoding step may comprise a second error-to-symbol converting step of receiving the prediction error and converting the prediction error into a sequence of binary symbols, a third probability estimating step of receiving the sequence of binary symbols and estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a third codeword allotting step of encoding the sequence of binary symbols.
In the encoding method according to the present invention, at least one of the first codeword allotting step, the second codeword allotting step, and the third codeword allotting step may include a step of changing interpretation as to which one of the binary symbols is a more probable symbol based on a change in probability estimation for the binary symbols respectively implemented by the first probability estimating step for the first codeword allotting step, the second probability estimating step for the second codeword allotting step, and the third probability estimating step for the third codeword allotting step.
In the encoding method according to the present invention, based on information as to which one of the binary symbols is a more probable symbol and an estimated occurrence probability of the more probable symbol, at least one of the first codeword allotting step, the second codeword allotting step, and the third codeword allotting step may implement encoding for an enlarged information source of the binary symbols effected by selecting a code most suited to a state of the enlarged information source of the binary symbols assumed from the estimated occurrence probability of the more probable symbol from a Huffman code set prepared systematically for the enlarged information source of the binary symbols.
A decoding method according to the present invention may comprise:
an outputting step of storing decoded picture elements having values within a predetermined range, and outputting the value of one of the decoded picture elements adjacent to a decoding picture element as the value of a reference picture element:
a mode deciding step of selecting one of a specific decoding mode and a decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode from a plurality of predefined decoding modes for the decoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first main decoding step of receiving a codeword, predicting a value of the decoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, and decoding the codeword into the value of the decoding picture element based on a result of the determination;
a second main decoding step of receiving a codeword, predicting the value of the decoding picture element, and decoding the codeword into the value of the decoding picture element without determining whether the prediction is correct; and
a decoding controlling step of selectively operating the first main decoding step and the second main decoding step based on the specific decoding mode and the decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode selected by the mode deciding step.
The first main decoding step may comprise:
a first predicting step of calculating a prediction value of the decoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first decoding step of decoding the codeword for the decoding picture element to be decoded in the selected specific decoding mode into a result of determination indicating whether a prediction error is a predetermined value;
a second decoding step of decoding the codeword for the decoding picture element to be decoded in the selected specific decoding mode and having the prediction error other than the predetermined value into the prediction error other than the predetermined value; and
a first decoding picture element calculating step of calculating the value of the decoding picture element based on the prediction value for the decoding picture element calculated by the first predicting step, the result of the determination, and the prediction error other than the predetermined value obtained by the second decoding step.
The second main decoding step may comprise:
a second predicting step of calculating a prediction value of the decoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a third decoding step of decoding the codeword for the decoding picture element to be decoded in the selected decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode into a prediction error regardless of whether the prediction error is the predetermined value; and
a second decoding picture element calculating step of calculating the value of the decoding picture element to be decoded in the selected decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode based on the prediction value calculated by the second predicting step and the prediction error calculated by the third decoding step.
The first decoding step may comprise a first symbol restoring step for receiving the codeword and decoding the codeword into a sequence of binary symbols and a first probability estimating step of estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a step of outputting one of the binary symbols as a result of the determination,
the second decoding step may comprise a second symbol restoring step of receiving the codeword and decoding the codeword into a sequence of binary symbols, a second probability estimating step of estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a first symbol-to-error converting step of receiving the sequence of binary symbols and converting the sequence of binary symbols into the prediction error, and
the third decoding step may comprise a third symbol restoring step of receiving the codeword and decoding the codeword into a sequence of binary symbols, a third probability estimating step of receiving the binary symbols and estimating an occurrence probability of one of the binary symbols, and a second symbol-to-error converting step of receiving the sequence of binary symbols and converting the sequence of binary symbols into the prediction error.
In the decoding method according to the present invention, at least one of the first symbol restoring step, the second symbol restoring step, and the third symbol restoring step may include a step of changing interpretation as to which one of the binary symbols is a more probable symbol based on a change in probability estimation for the binary symbols respectively implemented by the first probability estimating step for the first symbol restoring step, the second probability estimating step for the second symbol restoring step, and the third probability estimating step for the third symbol restoring step.
In the decoding method according to the present invention, based on information as to which one of the binary symbols is a more probable symbol and an estimated occurrence probability of the more probable symbol, at least one of the first symbol restoring step, the second symbol restoring step, and the third symbol restoring step may implement decoding for an enlarged information source of binary symbols effected by selecting a code most suited to a state of the enlarged information source of binary symbols assumed from the estimated occurrence probability of the more probable symbol from a Huffman code set prepared systematically for the enlarged information source of binary symbols.
The encoding apparatus may be provided in a semiconductor chip.
The encoding apparatus may be provided in a circuit board.
A picture encoding apparatus according to the present invention for receiving picture signals representing picture elements, encoding the picture elements represented by the picture signals into codes by using an encoding apparatus therein, and for outputting the codes to a subsequent processing apparatus, the encoding apparatus may comprise:
a picture element memory for receiving and storing a picture element having a value within a predetermined range as an encoding picture element, outputting the value of the encoding picture element, and for outputting a value of an encoded picture element adjacent to the encoding picture element as the value of a reference picture element;
a mode determinator for selecting one of a specific encoding mode and an encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode from a plurality of predefined encoding modes for the encoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first encoding section for predicting the value of the encoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, encoding the value of the encoding picture element based on a result of the determination, and for outputting a codeword for the encoding picture element;
a second encoding section for predicting the value of the encoding picture element, encoding the value of the encoding picture element without determining whether the prediction is correct, and for outputting a codeword for the encoding picture element; and
an encoding controller for selectively operating the first encoding section and the second encoding section based on one of the specific encoding mode and the encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode selected by the mode determinator.
The picture processing apparatus may be an electronic computer.
The picture processing apparatus may be a scanner.
The picture processing apparatus may be a facsimile machine.
The picture processing apparatus may be a display unit.
The picture processing apparatus may be a storage device.
The decoding apparatus may be provided in a semiconductor chip.
The decoding apparatus may be provided in a circuit board.
A picture processing apparatus according to the present invention for receiving a picture signal representing a code for a picture element, decoding the code into the value of the picture element by a decoding apparatus therein, and for outputting the picture element to a subsequent processing apparatus, the decoding apparatus may comprise:
a picture element memory for storing decoded picture elements having values within a predetermined range and outputting the value of one of the decoded picture elements adjacent to a decoding picture element as the value of a reference picture element;
a mode determinator for selecting one of a specific decoding mode and a decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode from a plurality of predefined decoding modes for the decoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first decoding section for receiving a codeword, predicting a value of the decoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, and for decoding the codeword into the value of the decoding picture element based on a result of the determination;
a second decoding section for receiving a codeword, predicting the value of the decoding picture element, and for decoding the codeword into the value of the decoding picture element without determining whether the prediction is correct; and
a decoding controller for selectively operating the first decoding section and the second decoding section based on the result of the determination made by the specific decoding mode and the decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode selected by the mode determinator.
The picture processing apparatus may be an electronic computer.
The picture processing apparatus may be a scanner.
The picture processing apparatus may be a facsimile machine.
The picture processing apparatus may be a printer.
The picture processing apparatus may be a display unit.
The picture processing apparatus may be a storage device.
The encoding apparatus according to the present invention may comprise:
a picture element memory for receiving and storing a picture element having a value within a predetermined range as an encoding picture element, outputting the value of the encoding picture element, and for outputting a value of an encoded picture element adjacent to the encoding picture element as the value of a reference picture element;
an encoding section for predicting the value of the encoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, encoding the value of the encoding picture element based on a result of the determination, and for outputting a codeword for the encoding picture element; and
an encoding controller for operating the encoding section based on the result of the prediction made by the encoding section.
The encoding section may comprise:
a predictor for calculating a prediction value of the encoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a prediction error calculator for calculating an error between the value of the encoding picture element and the prediction value calculated by the predictor (3) as a prediction error;
a determinator for determining whether the prediction error calculated by the prediction error calculator is a specific value and for outputting a result of determination;
a first encoder for receiving the result of determination output from the determinator, encoding the result of determination, and for outputting the codeword; and
a second encoder for encoding the prediction error calculated by the prediction error calculator when the prediction error is other than the specific value for the encoding picture element to be encoded and for outputting the codeword for the encoding picture element to be encoded.
A decoding apparatus according to the present invention may comprise:
a picture element memory for storing decoded picture elements having values within a predetermined range and for outputting the value of one of the decoded picture elements adjacent to a decoding picture element as the value of a reference picture element;
a decoding section for receiving a codeword, predicting a value of the decoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, and for decoding the codeword into the value of the decoding picture element based on a result of the determination; and
a decoding controller for operating the decoding section based on the result of the determination made by the decoding section.
The decoding section may comprise:
a predictor for calculating a prediction value for the decoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first decoder for decoding the codeword into a result of determination whether a prediction error is a predetermined value;
a second decoder for decoding the codeword for the decoding picture element whose prediction error is not the predetermined value into the prediction error;
a decoding picture element calculator for calculating the value of the decoding picture element based on the prediction value calculated by the predictor, the result of the determination, and the prediction error obtained by the second decoder.
A picture processing apparatus according to the present invention may comprise:
a picture pick-up device for picking up a picture composed of a plurality of picture elements;
a picture compression circuit for compressing the picked-up picture; and
a memory for storing the compressed picture, and
the picture compression circuit may comprise an encoding apparatus comprising:
a picture element memory for receiving and storing a picture element having a value within a predetermined range as an encoding picture element, outputting the value of the encoding picture element, and for outputting a value of an encoded picture element adjacent to the encoding picture element as the value of a reference picture element;
a mode determinator for selecting one of a specific encoding mode and an encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode from a plurality of predefined encoding modes for the encoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first encoding section for predicting the value of the encoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, encoding the value of the encoding picture element based on a result of the determination, and for outputting a codeword for the encoding picture element;
a second encoding section for predicting the value of the encoding picture element, encoding the value of the encoding picture element without determining whether the prediction is correct, and for outputting a codeword for the encoding picture element; and
an encoding controller for selectively operating the first encoding section and the second encoding section based on one of the specific encoding mode and the encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode selected by the mode determinator.
A picture processing apparatus according to the present invention may comprise:
a picture pick-up device for picking up a picture composed of a plurality of picture elements;
a picture compression circuit for compressing the picked-up picture;
a memory for storing the compressed picture; and
a picture expansion circuit for expanding the stored picture, and
the picture expansion circuit may comprise a decoding apparatus comprising:
a picture element memory for storing decoded picture elements having values within a predetermined range, and outputting the value of one of the decoded picture elements adjacent to a decoding picture element as a value of a reference picture element;
a mode determinator for selecting one of a specific decoding mode and a decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode from a plurality of predefined decoding modes for the decoding picture element based on the value of the reference picture element;
a first decoding section for receiving a codeword, predicting a value of the decoding picture element, determining whether the prediction is correct, and for decoding the codeword into the value of the decoding picture element based on a result of the determination;
a second decoding section for receiving a codeword for the decoding picture element, predicting the value of the decoding picture element, decoding the codeword into the value of the decoding picture element without determining whether the prediction is correct; and
a decoding controller for selectively operating the first decoding section and the second decoding section based on one of the specific decoding mode and the decoding mode other than the specific decoding mode selected by the mode determinator.
The picture compression circuit may comprise a plurality of the encoding apparatuses for inputting a luminance signal Y and color-difference signals U, V in parallel and for encoding the signals.
The picture compression circuit may comprise a plurality of the encoding apparatuses for inputting color signals R, G, B in parallel and for encoding the signals.
The picture compression circuit may comprise one encoding apparatus for serially inputting a luminance signal Y and color-difference signals U, V by a block unit and for encoding the signals.
The picture compression circuit may comprise one encoding apparatus for serially inputting color signals R, G, B by a block unit and for encoding the signals.
The picture expansion circuit may comprise a plurality of the decoding apparatuses for inputting an encoded luminance signal Y and encoded color-difference signals U, V in parallel and for decoding the signals.
The picture expansion circuit may comprise a plurality of the decoding apparatuses for inputting encoded color signals R, G, B in parallel and for decoding the signals.
The picture expansion circuit may comprise one decoding apparatus for serially inputting an encoded luminance signal Y and encoded color-difference signals U, V by a block unit and for decoding the signals.
The picture expansion circuit may comprise one decoding apparatus for serially inputting encoded color signals R, G, B by a block unit and for decoding the signals.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Encoding apparatus, decoding apparatus, encoding method, and decoding method


A device for coupling a pennant to a rod. The device consists of two opposed members. Each member has a semi-circular channel which surrounds and secures the rod when the two members are attached. Also, one member has a cylindrical member extending therefrom, which is inserted through a hole in the pennant and then press fit into a cylindrical slot situated in the other member.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to devices and methods therefor for attaching a pennant to a rod and in particular, to a device and method therefor into which a rod can be inserted and secured at one end and at the other end a pennant can be attached.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, pennants have a series of holes lining one of their edges. These holes are usually strengthened by grommets. Presently, a rope or metal ring is inserted through the grommets of the pennant and then attached to a rod. To remove the rope or metal rings from the pennant is a tedious procedure.
Therefore, there is a need for a simple, inexpensive device and method therefor for attaching a pennant to a rod which is easy to attach and detach.


A computer implemented system and method for generating a cross-sectional volatility index includes identifying a population of assets having predetermined characteristics to form an index, and capturing market capitalization data for each of the assets in the index. Each asset in the index is weighted according to its market capitalization, and returns are captured for each asset over a predetermined period. The weightings and the returns for each asset are used to calculate the weighted return dispersion for the index over the predetermined period, to form an XSV Index, in which the XSV Index is a measure of discrepancy in volatility among the assets in the index during the period.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to financial analysis tools, and more particularly to a computer implemented system and method for generating cross-sectional volatility indexes for populations of investable assets.
2. Background Information
Throughout this application, various publications, patents and published patent applications are referred to by an identifying citation. The disclosures of the publications, patents and published patent applications referenced in this application are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.
A wide variety of systems and methods have been developed for analyzing risk and predicting performance of financial products, many of which attempt to consider volatility. For example, call and put options or futures contracts may be used to attempt to predict market volatility. In addition, volatility indexes or portfolios may be provided, e.g., which attempt to rebalance various components in order to maintain a predetermined level of risk or volatility. Still further, the concept of cross sectional volatility is known, and may be expressed as the standard deviation of the daily returns of all the stocks trading in the market.
Volatility is thus a well known concept, that is routinely considered when making investment decisions. However, none of the known approaches provides users, such as mutual fund managers and other financial professionals, with a quick and convenient tool and method for identifying specific populations of assets, such as those of specific regions, sectors, sizes, and/or styles, that may be relatively strong candidates for active rather than passive management.
Thus, a need exists for a system and method that addresses the aforementioned unresolved issues.

System and method for generating cross-sectional volatility index


A multi-cylinder engine having an engine body with a cylinder head is provided. The engine includes first and second cylinder groups, each having a plurality of independent exhaust passage parts provided to the cylinder head and connected to cylinders of the first and second cylinder groups, respectively, and first and second collective exhaust passage parts collecting the first and second pluralities of independent exhaust passage parts at a location downstream in an exhaust gas flow direction, and having an opening formed in the side surface part of the cylinder head, first and second exhaust-pipe parts each connected to the openings of the first and second collective exhaust passage parts, respectively, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage connected at one end to the first exhaust passage group and connected at the other end to an intake passage, and an exhaust gas temperature sensor provided to the first exhaust-pipe part.

For example, as disclosed in JP1999-294264A, there are engines for vehicles provided with an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) device which recirculates a portion of exhaust gas to an intake passage for reduction in generation of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and pumping loss during intake. JP1999-294264A particularly discloses a structure in which an EGR passage is connected to some of a plurality of independent exhaust passage parts (i.e., independent exhaust pipes) connected to respective cylinders of an engine body.
JP2000-265905A discloses an engine for a vehicle, in which a plurality of independent exhaust passage parts (i.e., exhaust ports), and a collective exhaust passage part (i.e., port collecting part), which collects the plurality of independent exhaust passage parts, are formed in a cylinder head. In this engine, the plurality of independent exhaust passage parts and the collective exhaust passage part are provided inside the cylinder head, and an exhaust pipe is connected to an opening of the collective exhaust passage part which is formed in a side surface part of the cylinder head.
Meanwhile, if the structure of JP1999-294264A is incorporated into the structure of JP2000-265905A, an installation location of an exhaust gas temperature sensor may become a challenge. That is, in the engine which adopts the EGR device, although precise detection of the temperature of exhaust gas is important in terms of, for example, NOx reduction and intake charging efficiency, it is not realistic to install the exhaust gas temperature sensor inside the cylinder head, if maintainability is considered.


A dust separator of a cyclone type cleaner includes a first dust separator connected to a suction pipe, for separating dust from air by a centrifugal force for the first time; a collecting container connected to a lower portion of the first dust separator and in which the dust separated in the first dust separator is collected; and a second dust separator connected to an upper portion of the first dust separator, for sucking air which has passed through the dust separation in the first dust separator and separating dust from the air by a centrifugal force for the second time, so that an efficiency of collecting dust is improved without deteriorating a suction force of air.

In general, a vacuum cleaner sucks dust or small filth with air and accumulates them in a dust bag. But, such a vacuum cleaner is uneconomical and unsanitary since a dust bag has to be frequently changed and a user has to touch the bag whenever changing it.
Therefore, when accumulating dust or small filth, a cyclone type vacuum cleaner developed to solve such problems accumulates heavy filth first in a dust container made of a transparent material by rotation of sucked air using a centrifugal force. Accordingly, a user can see with the naked eye how much dust or filth are accumulated therein and thus can throw away the dust when a certain amount of dust is accumulated therein. Besides, the dust container is semipermanent. Since the cyclone type vacuum cleaner is economical and sanitary as described, researches therefore are actively ongoing.
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a general cyclone type vacuum cleaner.
A conventional cyclone type vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner main body 106 to which a dust separator 104 in which dust is collected by a cyclone method is attached, and a suction head 108 mounted at a lower portion of the cleaner main body 106, for sucking dust from a floor.
The cleaner main body 106 is erectly disposed, a knob which a user grabs in order to perform a cleaning operation is mounted at an upper portion of the cleaner main body 106, and a blower 130 driven when power is applied thereto, for generating a suction force for sucking dust is mounted in the cleaner main body 106.
At a lower portion of the suction head 108, there is formed a suction opening 110 into which dust is sucked and a moving wheel 112 for moving the cleaner is mounted. Also, a brush 114 for sweeping up the dust on a floor is rotatably mounted at the suction opening 110.
The suction opening 110 of the suction head 108 is connected to the dust separator 104 by a suction pipe 116 so that the dust sucked through the suction opening 110 is collected in the dust separator 104 through the suction pipe 116.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a dust separator in accordance with the conventional art.
A conventional dust separator 104 includes: a hopper 150 connected to the suction pipe 116 and having a certain eddy space, for separating the dust from air; a collecting container 152 in which the dust separated in the hopper 150 is collected; and an air discharge pipe 154 connected to an upper portion of the hopper 152 and through which air separated from the dust is discharged to the outside.                an inner diameter of the hopper 150 becomes narrower toward a lower portion thereof. The suction pipe 116 is eccentrically connected to an upper portion of the hopper 150 in order to generate an whirl in the hopper 150, and the air discharge pipe 154 is inserted in the upper portion of the hopper 150 in certain degree.
Herein, the air discharge pipe 154 is connected to the blower 130 to discharge air.
An operation of the dust separator of the conventional cyclone type vacuum cleaner constructed as above will now be described.
When the blower 130 is driven and thus a suction force is generated, dust on a floor is sucked through the suction opening 110 and then is sucked into the hopper 150 through the suction pipe 116. Air containing the dust sucked into the hopper 150 is rotated in the hopper 150 to thereby separate the dust from air by a centrifugal force. Then, the dust falls in a lower direction and thus is collected in the connecting container 152, and the air separated from the dust is discharged to the outside through the air discharge pipe 154.
However, the cyclone type vacuum cleaner in accordance with the conventional art has following problems.
When the dust and air is separated from each other in the hopper 150 by a centrifugation, fine dust in the air cannot be separated and is included in the air discharged to the outside through the air discharge pipe 154. Accordingly, an efficiency of collecting dust is deteriorated.
In order to solve this problem, if a filter for filtering the dust is installed at the air discharge pipe 154 for discharging air, the efficiency of collecting dust can be improved, but a suction force for sucking dust on a floor is deteriorated by the filter.