A vertical HPF and a horizontal HPF receive a video signal 101, and extract only a high frequency component in the vertical/horizontal directions, respectively. Absolute value taking parts take an absolute value of the high frequency components, respectively, and change their values to positive values. A horizontal accumulating/adding part and a vertical accumulating/adding part accumulate/add an input signal so as to output a vertical one-dimensional signal and a horizontal one-dimensional signal, respectively, each periodically having a peak value in the respective vertical and horizontal directions. A horizontal peak detecting part detects a horizontal peak position according to the horizontal one-dimensional signal. A vertical peak detecting part detects a vertical peak position according to the vertical one-dimensional signal and identifies a format thereof. A binarization part obtains a block boundary image, according to the horizontal peak position and the vertical peak position, in which pixel positions having a peak are provided with 1 and remaining pixel positions are provided with 0. In this manner, even if a block boundary to eliminate block noise thereon is not clearly identified, it becomes possible to correctly detect and eliminate the block boundary.

The present invention relates to block noise detecting apparatuses and block noise eliminating apparatuses, and more particularly to a block noise detecting apparatus and a block noise eliminating apparatus of a type eliminating block noise that arises in digital images as a result of image encoding carried out by compressing the digital images for transferring and recording.
Data compression is conventionally done for digital images, for example, to store the digital images with a lower volume of data. Such data compression includes a lossless encoding method and a lossy encoding method. In the lossless encoding method, encoded data, after decoding, can be completely identical to data before encoding. On the other hand, in the lossy encoding method, encoded data, after decoding, cannot always be identical to data before encoding and may include some degree of error.
The lossless encoding method generally includes discrete cosine transform (hereinafter, referred to as DCT). After DCT is carried out, quantization often follows. In this manner, when data is encoded first through DCT and then quantization, for example, the data cannot be completely identical to data before encoding and includes noise (error). This means that an encoding operation first through DCT and then quantization is lossy encoding.
To carry out DCT, first of all, a one-frame image is regionally divided into a plurality of blocks. A block herein is a group of 8xc3x978 two-dimensional pixel data, for example, and is regarded as a unit. Data encoded through DCT and quantization can be reconstituted by being subjected to inverse quantization and inverse DCT. Through the inverse quantization and inverse DCT, image data including block noise can be reconstituted.
Herein, block noise is described by referring to FIGS. 24(a)-(c).
FIGS. 24(a)-(c) are diagrams illustrating a conventional concept in eliminating the block noise. FIG. 24(a) shows a one-frame image 701, FIG. 24(b) is an enlarged view of a partial boundary (hereinafter, referred to as block boundary) 706 between a block 704 and a block 705 adjacent thereto in FIG. 24(a), and FIG. 24(c) shows a state of pixels in FIG. 24(b) after being smoothed.
It is now assumed, in FIG. 24(a), that pixels are in line in specific blocks in the one-frame image 701. In FIG. 24(b), when a pixel a in the block 704 and pixel b in the block 705 are presumably bordering on the block boundary 706, a difference in pixel level therebetween being larger than a difference in in-block pixel level between a pixel c and pixel d, for example, causes that part to be block noise. Accordingly, image quality in the part will be degraded to a greater degree.
As is known from this, block noise results from a level difference between pixels bordering on a block boundary in one-frame image.
The block noise is common in the lossy encoding method including DCT and quantization where processing is carried out on a block basis. To eliminate noise arisen in images, generally, the images are entirely subjected to smoothing. Smoothing is an operation of determining a pixel in average by using various pixels around a pixel to be processed. An operation of smoothing images with a low-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as LPF) having a few taps is also referred to as smoothing. Such smoothing can eliminate not only block noise but noise, observed in images in their entirety as shown in FIG. 24(c).
Although there is no doubt that smoothing done on pixels can advantageously eliminate block noise, edges of images other than the block noise are also smoothed. Therefore, the images will disadvantageously be blurred.
Further, in the above conventional technique, the block noise can only be eliminated in a case where a block size and a block boundary are perfectly identified.
Still further, in a case where edges of images are bordering on the block boundary, the block noise causes less influence at the edges of the images. In the conventional technique in the foregoing, however, every block boundary is subjected to smoothing. In this manner, the edges of images bordering on the block boundary will be blurred, and thus, smoothing done on the block boundary may degrade image quality to a greater degree.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a block noise detecting apparatus of a type correctly detecting a block boundary targeted to eliminate block noise even when it is not clearly identified.
Another object of the present invention is to provide block noise eliminating apparatus of a type eliminating block noise without blurring images, not smoothing images even on a block boundary, if block noise thereon is low, and best matching to visual scenes.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a block noise eliminating apparatus of a type eliminating block noise observed in an input signal even if the input signal is an analog signal or external digital signal (DVD or STB, for example) in a multi-format (interlace system or progressive system, for example).
Further, a dot clock can be regenerated in a video processing system by using the block noise detecting apparatus of the present invention.
The present invention has the following features to attain the objects above.
A first aspect is directed to a block noise detecting apparatus of a type detecting, from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis, block noise caused by decoding the video signal, the apparatus comprising:
means for detecting a level of the block noise in the video signal; and
means for detecting a block boundary (where the block noise is generated) in the video signal.
As described above, in the first aspect, by correctly detecting a block boundary of an image to be regionally divided into a plurality of blocks and a block noise level thereon, block noise can be detected.
A second aspect is directed to a block noise detecting apparatus of a type detecting, from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis, block noise caused by decoding the video signal, the apparatus comprising:
signal extracting means for receiving the video signal and extracting only a high frequency component therefrom;
absolute value taking means for taking an absolute value of a high frequency component signal outputted from the signal extracting means;
accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal outputted from the absolute value taking means in a predetermined period;
periodicity detecting means for detecting periodicity of the block noise in accordance with an accumulation/addition result outputted from the accumulating/adding means; and
block boundary determining means for determining a block boundary (where the block noise is generated) from a periodic signal detected by the periodicity detecting means.
As described above, in the second aspect, by detecting periodicity of block noise and by correctly detecting a block boundary of an image to be regionally divided into a plurality of blocks, the block noise can be detected.
According to a preferable and concrete third aspect, in the second aspect, the block boundary determining means distinguishes, in binary, between positional information on the block boundary and positional information a remainder of the blocks. In this manner, a block boundary can be easily provided.
According to a fourth aspect, in the second and third aspects, the block noise detecting apparatus further comprises:
frame difference taking means for receiving the video signal and determining a signal difference among a plurality of predetermined frames thereof;
region determining means for determining, by referring to the signal difference outputted from the frame difference taking means for whether or not the difference is more than a predetermined threshold value, a region where the block noise to be eliminated is observed (hereinafter, referred to as noise region); and
block edge controlling means for masking the block boundary determined by the block boundary determining means in the noise region determined by the region determining means, and then determining a block boundary corresponding to the noise region.
As described above, in the fourth aspect, it becomes possible to further classify a block boundary compared to the second and third aspects by referring to the extent of image variation of images having block noise. As a result, only parts having high block noise observed in visual scenes can be detected as the block boundary.
According to a preferable and concrete fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the frame difference taking means determines a signal difference between a current frame and a one-frame-before frame. In this manner, only parts having high block noise observed in visual scenes can be detected as a block boundary.
According to a preferable and concrete sixth aspect, in the fourth and fifth aspects, the region determining means preferably distinguishes, in binary, between a part exceeding the threshold value and a part not exceeding the threshold value. In this manner, noise regions can be easily provided.
According to a seventh aspect, in the fourth to sixth aspects, the block noise detecting apparatus further comprises singular point eliminating means for excluding a noise part observed in a predetermined small region of the noise region determined by the region determining means, wherein
the block edge controlling means masks the block boundary determined by the block boundary determining means in the noise-part-excluded noise region outputted from the singular point eliminating means.
As described above, in the seventh aspect, the smaller regions in the image, in the fourth to sixth aspects, which hardly benefit from noise elimination by smoothing are eliminated. In this manner, processing of taking a frame difference can be enhanced and accordingly, image quality is improved and data is reduced in volume.
According to a preferable eighth aspect, in the second to seventh aspects, the signal extracting means, the absolute value taking means, the accumulating/adding means, and the periodicity detecting means each execute processing for the video signal in either a horizontal or vertical direction, or both directions.
According to a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect,
when each of the processing is executed for the video signal in the vertical direction,
the periodicity detecting means successively changes frames used for detection according to a format of the video signal to be inputted.
As described above, in the ninth aspect, a block boundary can be correctly detected without deteriorating periodicity of block image regardless of formats (interlace system/progressive system, for example) of a video signal to be inputted in the eighth aspect.
A tenth aspect is directed to a block noise eliminating apparatus of a type detecting and eliminating, from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis, block noise caused by decoding the video signal, the apparatus comprising:
means for detecting a level of the block noise in the video signal;
means for detecting a block boundary (where the block noise is generated) in the video signal; and
means for eliminating, in the block boundary, only the block noise whose the detected level is more than a predetermined threshold value.
As described above, in the tenth aspect, by correctly detecting a block boundary of an image to be regionally divided into a plurality of blocks and a block noise level thereon, the block noise can be detected. In this manner, block noise observed on the block boundary can be eliminated.
An eleventh aspect is directed to a block noise eliminating apparatus of a type detecting and eliminating, from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis, block noise caused by decoding the video signal, the apparatus comprising:
signal extracting means for receiving the video signal and extracting only a high frequency component therefrom;
absolute value taking means for taking an absolute value of a high frequency component signal outputted from the signal extracting means;
accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal outputted
from the absolute value taking means in a predetermined period;
periodicity detecting means for detecting periodicity of the block noise in accordance with an accumulation/addition result outputted from the accumulating/adding means;
block boundary determining means for determining a block boundary (where the block noise is generated) from a periodic signal detected by the periodicity detecting means; and
block noise eliminating means for eliminating the block noise with respect to the block boundary.
As described above, in the eleventh aspect, by detecting periodicity of block noise and by correctly detecting a block boundary of an image to be regionally divided into a plurality of blocks, the block noise can be detected. In this manner, block noise observed on the block boundary can be eliminated.
According to a preferable and concrete twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the block boundary determining means distinguishes, in binary, between positional information on the block boundary and positional information a remainder of the blocks. In this manner, a block boundary can be easily provided.
According to a thirteenth aspect, in the eleventh and twelfth aspects, the block noise eliminating apparatus further comprises:
frame difference taking means for receiving the video signal and determining a signal difference among a plurality of predetermined frames thereof;
region determining means for determining, by referring to the signal difference outputted from the frame difference taking means for whether or not the difference is more than a predetermined threshold value, a region where the block noise to be eliminated is observed (hereinafter, referred to as noise region); and
block edge controlling means for masking the block boundary determined by the block boundary determining means in the noise region determined by the region determining means, and then determining a block boundary corresponding to the noise region, wherein
the block noise eliminating means eliminates the block noise with respect to the block boundary corresponding to the noise region.
As described above, in the thirteenth aspect, it becomes possible to further classify a block boundary as compared to the eleventh and twelfth aspects by referring to the extent of image variation of images having block noise. As a result, only parts having high block noise observed in visual scenes can be detected and eliminated as the block boundary.
According to a preferable and concrete fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the frame difference taking means preferably determines a signal difference between a current frame and a one-frame-before frame. In this manner, only parts having high block noise observed in visual scenes can be detected and eliminated as the block boundary.
According to a preferable and concrete fifteenth aspect, in the thirteenth and fourteenth aspects, the region determining means distinguishes, in binary, between a part exceeding the threshold value and a part not exceeding the threshold value. In this manner, noise regions can be easily provided.
According to a sixteenth aspect, in the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, the block noise eliminating means further comprises singular point eliminating means for excluding a noise part observed in a predetermined small region of the noise region determined by the region determining means, wherein
the block edge controlling means masks the block boundary determined by the block boundary determining means in the noise-part-excluded noise region outputted from the singular point eliminating means.
As described above, in the sixteenth aspect, the smaller regions in the image, in the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, which hardly benefit from noise elimination by smoothing are eliminated. In this manner, processing of taking the frame difference can be enhanced and accordingly, image quality is improved and data is reduced in volume.
According to a preferable seventeenth aspect, in the eleventh to sixteenth aspects, the signal extracting means, the absolute value taking part, the accumulating/adding means, and the periodicity detecting means each preferably execute processing for the video signal in either a horizontal or vertical direction, or both directions.
According to an eighteenth aspect, in the seventeenth aspect, the block noise eliminating apparatus further comprises identifying means for identifying a format for the video signal to be inputted, wherein
when each of the processing is executed for the video signal in the vertical direction,
the identifying means has the periodicity determining means successively change frames used for detection according to the format.
As described above, in the eighteenth aspect, a block boundary can be correctly detected without deteriorating periodicity of block image regardless of formats (interlace system/progressive system, for example) of a video signal to be inputted in the seventeenth aspect.
A nineteenth aspect is directed to a block noise eliminating apparatus of a type detecting and eliminating, from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis, block noise caused by decoding the video signal, the apparatus comprising:
vertical block boundary detecting means for receiving the video signal and detecting, with respect to the video signal, a block boundary (where the block noise is generated) in the lateral direction and a block noise level on a screen;
horizontal block boundary detecting means for receiving the video signal and detecting, with respect to the video signal, the block boundary in a longitudinal direction and block noise level on the screen;
block area detecting means for specifying the block boundary in both longitudinal and lateral directions from detection results of the vertical block boundary detecting means and the horizontal block boundary detecting means; and
block boundary smoothing means for smoothing the video signal to be inputted in a predetermined manner corresponding to the block boundary in both the longitudinal and lateral directions specified by the block area detecting means.
As described above, in the nineteenth aspect, a block boundary and block noise level can be correctly detected. In this manner, smoothing can be properly done according to the block noise level, and thus, block noise can be eliminated more effectively for the best match to the visual scenes.
According to a twentieth aspect showing the preferable and concrete structure, in the nineteenth aspect, the vertical block boundary detecting means comprises:
a vertical high-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as HPF) extracting only a vertical high frequency component of the video signal;
first absolute value taking means for taking an absolute value of a high frequency component signal outputted from the vertical HPF;
horizontal accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal outputted from the first absolute value taking means in the horizontal direction;
a first HPF extracting high a frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal outputted from the horizontal accumulating/adding means;
first N-point accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding a signal outputted from the first HPF on a predetermined N-point basis (where N is a positive integer);
a first temporal filter detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted from the first HPF in the temporal direction;
first maximum value detecting means for determining a maximum value and a position thereof among N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the first N-point accumulating/adding means through accumulation/addition; and
first masking means for masking the block noise level detected by the first temporal filter at the position of the maximum value outputted from the first maximum value detecting means, and then determining a vertical block boundary corresponding to the position, wherein
the horizontal block boundary detecting means comprises:
a horizontal HPF extracting only a horizontal high frequency component of the video signal;
second absolute value taking means for taking an absolute value of a high frequency component signal outputted from the horizontal HPF;
vertical accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal outputted from the second absolute value taking means in the vertical direction;
a second HPF extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal outputted from the vertical accumulating/adding means;
N-point accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding a signal outputted from the second HPF on a predetermined N-point basis;
a second temporal filter detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted from the second HPF in the temporal direction;
second maximum value detecting means for determining a maximum value and a position thereof among the N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the second N-point accumulating/adding means through accumulation/addition; and
second masking means for masking the block noise level detected by the second temporal filter at the position of the maximum value outputted from the second maximum value detecting means and then determining a vertical block boundary corresponding to the position.
In this manner, it becomes possible to detect the block noise level with less variation in the temporal direction, and to execute smoothing in an appropriate manner according to the block noise level. Accordingly, block noise can be eliminated more effectively for the best match to the visual scenes.
A twenty-first aspect is directed to a block noise eliminating apparatus of a type detecting and eliminating, from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis, block noise caused by decoding the video signal, the apparatus comprising:
AD converting means for receiving the video signal in an analog fashion and then converting the same into a digital fashion;
digital decoding means for receiving the video signal in an encoded digital fashion for decoding and outputting the decoded block boundary information;
a selector receiving the video signal outputted from the AD converting means and the video signal outputted from the digital decoding means and selectively outputting either one of the video signals as is externally instructed;
vertical block boundary detecting means for receiving the video signal selected by the selector and detecting, with respect to the video signal, a block boundary (where the block noise is generated) in the lateral direction and a block noise level on a screen;
horizontal block boundary detecting means for receiving the video signal selected by the selector and detecting, with respect to the video signal, the block boundary in the longitudinal direction and the block noise level on a screen;
block area detecting means for specifying the block boundary in both longitudinal and lateral directions from detection results of the vertical block boundary detecting means and the horizontal block boundary detecting means; and
block boundary smoothing means for smoothing the video signal to be inputted in a predetermined manner corresponding to the block boundary in both longitudinal and lateral directions specified by the block area detecting means, wherein
the vertical block boundary detecting means and the horizontal block boundary detecting means output, to the block area detecting means, the block boundary based on each of the detection results when the selector selects the video signal outputted from the AD converting means, and output the block boundary based on the block boundary information outputted from the digital decoding means when the selector selects the video signal outputted from the digital decoding means.
As described above, in the twenty-first aspect, a block boundary and block noise level corresponding to a video signal to be inputted can be correctly detected. In this manner, smoothing can be done in a proper manner according to the block noise level, and thus block noise can be eliminated more effectively for the best match to the various visual scenes to be inputted.
According to a twenty-second aspect showing the preferable and concrete structure, in the twenty-first aspect,
the vertical block boundary detecting means preferably comprises:
a vertical high-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as HPF) extracting only a vertical high frequency component of the video signal;
first absolute value taking means for taking an absolute value of a high frequency component signal outputted from the vertical HPF;
horizontal accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal outputted from the first absolute value taking means in the horizontal direction;
a first HPF extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal outputted from the horizontal accumulating/adding means;
first N-point accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding a signal outputted from the first HPF on a predetermined N-point basis (where N is a positive integer);
a first temporal filter detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted from the first HPF in the temporal direction;
first maximum value detecting means for determining a maximum value and a position thereof among N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the first N-point accumulating/adding means through accumulation/addition;
a first selector synchronizing with the selector""s selection and selectively outputting either one of the block boundary information outputted from the digital decoding means or the position of the maximum value outputted from the first maximum value detecting means; and
first masking means for masking the block noise level detected by the first temporal filter at the block boundary outputted from the first selector, and determining a vertical block boundary corresponding to the position, wherein
the horizontal block boundary detecting means comprises:
a horizontal HPF extracting only a horizontal high frequency component of the video signal;
second absolute value taking means for taking an absolute value of a high frequency component signal outputted from the horizontal HPF;
vertical accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal outputted from the second absolute value taking means in the vertical direction;
a second HPF extracting a high frequency component from an accumulated/added high frequency component signal outputted from the vertical accumulating/adding means;
N-point accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding a signal outputted from the second HPF on a predetermined N-point basis;
a second temporal filter detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted from the second HPF in the temporal direction;
second maximum value detecting means for determining a maximum value and a position thereof among the N-piece
accumulated/added values determined by the second N-point accumulating/adding means through accumulation/addition;
a second selector synchronizing with the selector""s selection and selectively outputting either one of the block boundary information outputted from the digital decoding means or the position of the maximum value outputted from the second maximum value detecting means; and
second masking means for masking the block noise level detected by the second temporal filter at the block boundary outputted from the second selector, and determining a vertical block boundary corresponding to the position.
In this manner, it becomes possible to detect the block noise level less in variation in the temporal direction, and to execute smoothing in an appropriate manner according to the block noise level. Accordingly, block noise can be eliminated more effectively for the best match to the various visual scenes to be inputted.
According to a twenty-third aspect showing the preferable and concrete structure, in the twentieth and twenty-second aspects,
the block boundary smoothing means preferably comprises:
a horizontal HPF extracting only a horizontal high frequency component of the video signal;
first multiplying means for multiplying an output of the horizontal HPF and an output of the horizontal block boundary detecting means;
first deducting means for deducting an output of the first multiplying means from the video signal;
a vertical HPF extracting only a vertical high frequency component of the video signal;
second multiplying means for multiplying an output of the vertical HPF and an output of the vertical block boundary detecting means; and
second deducting means for deducting an output of the second multiplying means from the video signal, wherein
the block noise is eliminated according to the block noise level.
In this manner, block noise can be effectively eliminated without deteriorating a video signal to be inputted.
According to a twenty-fourth aspect, in the nineteenth to twenty-third aspects, the block noise eliminating apparatus further comprises picture enhancing means for controlling a picture enhancement level emphasizing an outline part of the video signal according to the block noise level detected by the horizontal block boundary detecting means and the vertical block boundary detecting means.
As described above, in the twenty-fourth aspect, it becomes possible to properly carry out picture enhancement according to the block noise level, whereby picture enhancement of a video signal can be done without emphasizing block noise in the nineteenth to twenty-third aspects.
According to a twenty-fifth aspect, in the nineteenth to twenty-fourth aspects, the block noise eliminating apparatus further comprises controlling means for specifying the video signal (type or quality thereof, for example) to be inputted in accordance with the block noise level detected by the horizontal block boundary detecting means and the vertical block boundary detecting means, and
the controlling means on-screen-displays a result of the specification on a screen in a predetermined format.
As described above, in the twenty-fifth aspect, effects obtained by elimination of video sources or block noise can be acknowledged at a glance by on-screen-displaying information in the nineteenth to twenty-fourth aspects.
A twenty-sixth aspect is directed to a vertical block boundary detecting apparatus of a type detecting, from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis, block noise in the vertical direction caused by decoding the video signal, the apparatus comprising:
a vertical high-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as HPF) receiving the video signal and extracting only a vertical high frequency component of the video signal;
absolute value taking means for taking an absolute value of a high frequency component signal outputted from the vertical HPF;
horizontal accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal outputted from the absolute value taking means in the horizontal direction;
an HPF extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal outputted from the horizontal accumulating/adding means;
N-point accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding a signal outputted from the HPF on a predetermined N-point basis (where N is a positive integer);
a temporal filter detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted from the HPF in the temporal direction;
maximum value detecting means for determining a maximum value and a position thereof among N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the N-point accumulating/adding means through accumulation/addition; and
masking means for masking the block noise level detected by the temporal filter at the position of the maximum value outputted from the maximum value detecting means, and determining a vertical block boundary corresponding to the position.
As described above, in the twenty-sixth aspect, a device for detecting a block boundary in the vertical direction is structured separately.
A twenty-seventh aspect is directed to a horizontal block boundary detecting apparatus of a type detecting, from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis, block noise in the horizontal direction caused by decoding the video signal, the apparatus comprising:
a horizontal high-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as HPF) receiving the video signal and extracting only a vertical high frequency component of the video signal;
absolute value taking means for taking an absolute value of a high frequency component signal outputted from the horizontal HPF;
vertical accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal outputted from the absolute value taking means in the vertical direction;
an HPF extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal outputted from the vertical accumulating/adding means;
N-point accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding a signal outputted from the HPF on a predetermined N-point basis (where N is a positive integer);
a temporal filter detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted from the HPF in the temporal direction;
maximum value detecting means for determining a maximum value and a position thereof among N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the N-point accumulating/adding means through accumulation/addition; and
masking means for masking the block noise level detected by the temporal filter at the position of the maximum value outputted from the maximum value detecting means, and determining a horizontal block boundary corresponding to the position.
As described above, in the twenty-seventh aspect, a device for detecting a block boundary in the horizontal direction is structured separately.
A twenty-eighth aspect is directed to a dot clock controlling apparatus of a type controlling a dot clock to be regenerated in a video processing system in which a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis is processed, the apparatus comprising:
clock generating means for generating the dot clock used in the video processing system in accordance with a horizontal synchronizing pulse;
horizontal block boundary detecting means for receiving the video signal and detecting a longitudinal block boundary (where block noise is generated) on a screen with respect to the video signal; and
controlling means for changing delay of the clock generating means in such a manner that the block boundary detected by the horizontal block boundary detecting means periodically has a single maximum point (peak).
As described above, in the twenty-eighth aspect, a horizontal block boundary corresponding to the video signal to be inputted is detected, and then a dot clock is regenerated according to positions thereof. In this manner, a clock whose phase is coincided with that of a dot clock of the video signal can be correctly regenerated.
According to a twenty-ninth aspect showing the preferable and concrete structure, in the twenty-eighth aspect, the horizontal block boundary detecting means comprises:
a horizontal high-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as HPF) receiving the video signal and extracting only a vertical high frequency component of the video signal;
absolute value taking means for taking an absolute value of a high frequency component signal outputted from the horizontal HPF;
vertical accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal outputted from the absolute value taking means in the vertical direction;
an HPF extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal outputted from the vertical accumulating/adding means; and
N-point accumulating/adding means for accumulating/adding a signal outputted from the HPF on a predetermined N-point basis (where N is a positive integer).
In this manner, it becomes possible to correctly regenerate a clock whose phase is coincided with that of a dot clock of the video signal.
A thirtieth aspect is directed to a recording medium containing a program recorded thereon, to be run in a computer device, for detecting block noise from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis caused by decoding the video signal, the program for realizing an operational environment on the computer device comprising the steps of:
extracting only a high frequency component from the video signal;
taking an absolute value of the extracted high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal in a predetermined period;
detecting periodicity of the block noise in accordance with the accumulation/addition result; and
determining a block boundary (where the block noise is generated) in accordance with a signal having the detected periodicity.
According to a thirty-first aspect, in the thirtieth aspect, the program further comprises a step of eliminating the block noise with respect to the block boundary.
According to a preferable and concrete thirty-second aspect, in the thirtieth and thirty-first aspects, in the step of determining the block boundary, positional information on the block boundary and positional information on the rest are distinguished, in binary, from each other.
According to a thirty-third aspect, in the thirtieth to thirty-second aspects, the program further comprises the steps of:
determining a signal difference among a plurality of predetermined frames of the video signal;
determining a region where block noise to be eliminated is observed (hereinafter, referred to as noise region) with reference whether or not the signal difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value; and
masking the block boundary in the noise region, and determining a block boundary corresponding to the noise region.
According to a preferable and concrete thirty-fourth aspect, in the thirty-third aspect, in the step of determining the signal difference, a signal difference between a current frame and a one-before-frame is determined.
According to a preferable and concrete thirty-fifth aspect, in the thirty-third to thirty-fourth aspects, in the step of determining the noise region, a part exceeding the threshold value and a part not exceeding the threshold value are distinguished, in binary, from each other.
According to a thirty-sixth aspect, in the thirty-third to thirty-fifth aspects, the recording medium further comprises a step of eliminating a noise part in a predetermined small region of the noise region, wherein
in the step of determining a block boundary corresponding to the noise block, the block boundary is masked in the noise-part-eliminated noise region.
According to a preferable and concrete thirty-seventh aspect, in the thirtieth to thirty-sixth aspects, each of the steps is executed in either a horizontal direction or vertical direction of the video signal, or in both directions.
According to a thirty-eighth aspect, in the thirty-seventh aspect, when each of the processing is executed in the vertical direction of the video signal, in the step of detecting periodicity, frames used for detection are successively changed corresponding to a format of the video signal to be inputted.
A thirty-ninth aspect is directed to a recording medium containing a program recorded thereon, to be run in a computer device, for detecting block noise from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis caused by decoding the video signal, the program for realizing an operational environment on the computer device comprising the steps of:
detecting, with respect to the video signal, a block boundary (where the block boundary is generated) in the lateral direction and a block noise level on the screen;
detecting, with respect to the video signal, the block boundary in the longitudinal direction and block noise level on the screen;
specifying the block boundary in both longitudinal and lateral directions from a detection result obtained in the step of detecting as to the lateral direction and the step of detecting as to the longitudinal direction; and
smoothing the video signal in a predetermined manner corresponding to the block boundary in both the longitudinal and lateral directions.
According to a fortieth aspect showing the preferable and concrete technique, in the thirty-ninth aspect,
the step of detecting as to the lateral direction comprises the steps of:
extracting only a vertical high frequency component from the video signal;
taking an absolute value of the extracted high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal in the horizontal direction;
again extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding a signal outputted in the step of again extracting the high frequency component on a predetermined N-point basis (N is a positive integer);
detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted in the step of again extracting high frequency component in the temporal direction; determining a maximum value and a position thereof among N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the accumulation/addition; and
masking the detected block noise level at the position of the maximum value, and determining a vertical block boundary corresponding to the position, and
the step of detecting as to the longitudinal direction comprises the steps of:
extracting only a horizontal high frequency component of the video signal;
taking an absolute value of the extracted high 10 frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal in the vertical direction;
again extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding a signal outputted in the step of again extracting the high frequency component on a predetermined N-point basis;
detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted in the step of again extracting high frequency component in the temporal direction;
determining a maximum value and a position thereof among the N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the accumulation/addition; and
masking the detected block noise level at the position of the maximum value, and determining a vertical block boundary corresponding to the position.
A forty-first aspect is directed to a recording medium containing a program recorded thereon, to be run in a computer device, for detecting block noise from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis caused by decoding the video signal, the program for realizing an operational environment on the computer device further comprising the steps of:
converting the video signal in an analog fashion into a digital fashion;
decoding the digital-encoded video signal;
outputting the decoded block boundary information;
selecting either one of a video signal outputted in the converting step or a video signal outputted in the decoding step as is externally instructed;
detecting a lateral block boundary on a screen and a block noise level with respect to the video signal outputted in the selecting step;
detecting a longitudinal block boundary on a screen and a block noise level with respect to the video signal outputted in the selecting step;
specifying the block boundary in both longitudinal and lateral directions from detection results obtained in the step of detecting the lateral direction and the step of detecting the longitudinal direction; and
smoothing the video signal in a predetermined manner according to the block boundary in both the longitudinal and lateral directions, wherein
in the step of detecting as to lateral direction and the step of detecting as to longitudinal direction, the block boundary based on each of the detection results is outputted for the video signal outputted in the converting step, and the block boundary based on the decoded block boundary information are outputted for the video signal outputted in the decoding step.
According to a forty-second aspect showing the preferable and concretive technique, in the forty-first aspect, the step of detecting as to the lateral direction comprises the steps of:
extracting only a vertical high frequency component of the video signal;
taking an absolute value of the extracted high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal in the horizontal direction-;
again extracting high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding a signal outputted in the step of again extracting the high frequency component on a predetermined N-point basis (n is a positive integer);
detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted in the step of again extracting high frequency component in the temporal direction;
determining a maximum value and a position thereof among N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the accumulation/addition; and
synchronizing with the selecting step, and selectively outputting either one of the block boundary information and the maximum value position; and
masking the block noise level at the block boundary outputted in the selectively outputting step, and determining a vertical block boundary corresponding to the position, and
the step of detecting as to longitudinal direction comprises the steps of:
extracting only a horizontal high frequency component of the video signal;
taking an absolute value of the extracted high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal in the vertical direction-;
again extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding a signal outputted in the step of again extracting the high frequency component on a predetermined N-point basis;
detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted in the step of again extracting the high frequency component in the temporal direction;
determining a maximum value and a position thereof among the N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the accumulation/addition; and
synchronizing with the selecting step, and selectively outputting either one of the block boundary information or the position of the maximum value; and
masking the block noise level at the block boundary outputted in the selectively outputting step, and determining a horizontal block boundary corresponding to the position.
According to a forty-third aspect, in the fortieth and forty-second aspects,
the smoothing step further comprises:
a horizontal step of extracting only a horizontal high frequency component of the video signal;
a horizontal multiplying step of multiplying an output in the horizontal step and an output in the longitudinal detecting step;
a step of deducting an output in the horizontal multiplying step from the video signal;
a vertical step of extracting only a vertical high frequency component of the video signal;
a vertical multiplying step of multiplying an output in the vertical step and an output in the lateral detecting step; and
a step of deducting an output in the vertical multiplying step from the video signal, wherein
the block noise is eliminated according to the block noise level.
According to a forty-fourth aspect, in the thirty-ninth to forty-third aspects,
the program further comprising a step of controlling a picture enhancement level emphasizing an outline of the video signal according to the block noise level detected in the step of detecting as to the longitudinal direction and the step of detecting as to the lateral direction.
According to a forty-fifth aspect, in the thirty-ninth to forth-fourth aspects, the program further comprises a step of specifying the video signal (types or quality thereof, for example) to be inputted in accordance with the block noise level detected in the step of detecting as to longitudinal direction and the step of detecting as to the lateral direction, wherein
in the specifying step, the specification result is onscreen-displayed on a screen in a predetermined format.
A forth-sixth aspect is directed to a recording medium containing a program recorded thereon, to be run in a computer device, for detecting block noise in the vertical or horizontal direction from a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis caused by decoding the video signal, the program for realizing an operational environment on the computer device comprising the steps of:
extracting only a vertical or horizontal high frequency component of the video signal;
taking an absolute value of the extracted high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal in the horizontal or vertical direction;
again extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding a signal outputted in the step of again extracting the high frequency component on a predetermined N-point basis (N is a positive integer);
detecting the block noise level of the video signal by computing the signal outputted in the step of again extracting the high frequency component in the temporal direction;
determining a maximum value and a position thereof among N-piece accumulated/added values determined by the accumulation/addition; and
masking the detected block noise level at the position of the maximum value, and determining a vertical or horizontal block boundary corresponding to the position.
A forty-seventh aspect is directed to a recording medium containing a program recorded thereon, to be run in a computer device, for controlling a dot clock to be regenerated in a video processing system in which a digital video signal subjected to lossy encoding on a predetermined image block basis is processed, the program for realizing an operational environment on the computer device comprising the steps of:
receiving the video signal, and detecting, with respect to the video signal, a block boundary (where block noise is generated) in the longitudinal direction on a screen; and
changing clock delay in such a manner that the detected block boundary periodically has a single maximum point (peak) with respect to a clock generating device in which the dot clock used for the video processing system is generated based on a horizontal synchronizing pulse.
According to a forty-eighth aspect showing the preferable and concrete technique, in the forty-seventh aspect, the detecting step further comprises the steps of:
extracting only a horizontal high frequency component of the video signal;
taking an absolute value of the extracted high frequency component signal;
accumulating/adding the absolute-value-taken high frequency component signal in the vertical direction;
again extracting a high frequency component from the accumulated/added high frequency component signal; and
accumulating/adding the signal outputted in the step of again extracting the high frequency component on a predetermined N-point basis (N is a positive integer).
As described above, the thirtieth to forty-eighth aspects are directed to a recording medium on which a computer program for executing each function realized by each device in the first to twenty-ninth aspects is recorded. This is for supplying the first to twenty-ninth aspects in the form of software for an existing device.

Block noise detector and block noise eliminator

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A stroller is described that is foldable and includes a tracking adjustment mechanism. The stroller is folded by pivoting the main frame members about one pair of main connecting brackets. Handle height adjustment can be made at the bracket. Some foldable frame cross members are formed of cable, rather than tubing to reduce the weight and folded size of the stroller over stroller having foldable cross members formed of tubing. A stroller having adjustable wheel spacing for tracking and stroller center of gravity adjustment is also described.

This invention is directed to a stroller and, in particular, to a stroller that can be folded for storage.
In recent years, many developments have been made with respect to strollers. In particular, the folding features and handleability of strollers have been improved and strollers have been developed for use while jogging or in-line skating, over rugged terrain and through snow and sand.
While some previously available strollers are foldable, many folding systems are complex both in terms of use and in terms of manufacture. The various cross members required to permit folding while maintaining stroller frame rigidity can increase the weight of the stroller to undesirable levels and add to the bulk of the folded trailer.
The use of strollers is often uncomfortable because the gripping portion of the stroller handle is at an incorrect height for the user. While some strollers include mechanisms for handle height adjustment, these mechanisms are often not user friendly. The mechanisms generally require the installation of an adjustment connection near the gripping portion which can weaken the handle and which complicates stroller construction, thereby increasing stroller cost.
A common problem with previous strollers is the tendency for their wheels to move out of alignment, thereby adversely affecting stroller tracking. In particular, the front wheel or wheels can become off-centre or out of parallel position relative to the rear wheels.
Many strollers do not provide a mechanism for adjusting the stroller""s center of gravity, except by adjusting the position of the child or bags etc. loaded into the stroller. Therefore, the weight on the front forks can""t be reliably adjusted and the performance of the stroller cannot be controlled in this respect.
A stroller is needed that overcomes at least some of these problems of previous strollers.
The stroller of the present invention overcomes some of the problems set out above with respect to previous strollers. A stroller folding system is disclosed which is simple with respect to both use and manufacture and includes foldable cross members that are light-weight and durable. Stroller mechanisms are also disclosed for correcting tracking problems and to select handle height.
One stroller according to the present invention can be folded for storage and transport. The stroller includes three main structural units that pivot relative to each other at closely positioned pivotal axes. The pivotal axes are defined by a pair of brackets aligned one on each side of the stroller and into which each of the three main structural units are connected. This permits stroller construction to be simplified since only one pair of brackets is needed to be formed and mounted into the frame and many mechanical connections on the stroller are made through that pair of brackets. The procedure by which the stroller is folded is also simplified by use of the pair of aligned brackets in the present stroller.
In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stroller having a forward end and a rear end and a long axis extending through the forward end and the rear end, the stroller comprising: a plurality of wheels for supporting the stroller including at least one forward wheel positioned forward of the stroller""s centre of gravity and rear wheels; a frame supported by the wheels having main frame members including front wheel supports for engaging the at least one front wheel, a handle bar for grasping and moving the stroller and rear wheel supports for engaging the rear wheels; a connecting bracket on each side of the frame having connected thereto the main frame members and at least two of the main frame members being pivotally moveable at their connection to the connecting brackets and the connecting bracket positioned to permit the at least two main frame members to pivot about the bracket such that the stroller can be manipulated between an upright position and a folded position; and a locking means for releasably locking the stroller in the upright position.
As will be appreciated, in a three-wheeled stroller there will generally be a single front wheel supported on front forks and a pair of rear wheels. In a four-wheeled stroller the frame will generally be supported on four wheels, with two forward and two at the rear. Generally, the rear wheel supports will be connected such that they pivot together during manipulation of the frame, as will the front wheel supports in a four-wheeled stroller.
In one embodiment, the front wheel supports are rigidly connected to the connecting brackets, while the handle and rear wheel supports are pivotally connected to the connecting brackets. This arrangement provides a compact configuration when the stroller is in the folded position. In addition, this has been found to particularly facilitate the unfolding operation of the stroller since by simply lifting the folded stroller by the front wheel supports, the rear wheel supports will rotate down and away and the stroller will automatically be in a configuration in which it can be supported on its wheels.
The frame of the stroller can be formed of various rigid materials including, but not limited to, aluminum or polymeric tubing, rods or bars. The frame can include frame cross members for providing locking the stroller into a rigid position or maintaining positioning of stroller components. These frame cross members can also be formed of aluminum or polymeric tubing, rods or bars or can alternately be formed of flexible cables, as will be discussed in more detail. The frame supports a seat for accepting one or more children and, if desired, a covering or sunshade to shelter the seat. In one embodiment, the seat includes a drink bottle pocket formed in the forward part of the seat, which is accessible by a child positioned in the seat. Preferably the pocket is positioned in the seat in the area between a child passenger""s legs. In another embodiment, the sunshade includes a visor including a stiffening member permitting the visor to be set in a stationary in-use position. Preferably, the stiffening member is adjustable such that it can be moved between the stationary in-use position and a stored position.
The handle can be formed in any way to facilitate grasping and control of the stroller. Preferably, the handle is height adjustable to be comfortable for users of various height. In one embodiment, the connecting bracket includes a mechanism for handle height adjustment. Preferably, the mechanism is incorporated into the handle""s pivotal connection to the connecting bracket.
To provide frame rigidity the rear supports can have extending therebetween a cross bar or an axle. The frame can also include other cross members such as one extending between the front wheel supports and the rear supports.
The wheels are selected to support the frame and permit it to be rolled as by pushing. The wheels can be of any desired size. Preferably, the wheels are mounted to rotate in planes parallel with the long axis of the stroller and are restricted from pivoting out of these planes. A relative wheel positioning mechanism can be mounted on the stroller to permit adjustment of relative wheel alignment and/or spacing for tracking or center of gravity adjustment.
The locking means can be any mechanism or part for locking frame members in an upright position. As an example, the locking means can be pins, fasteners, overcenter mechanisms, etc.
Another stroller according to the present invention includes at least one flexible elongate cross member extending to act between main frame members. The cross member is connected to act between main frame members to maintain or limit their spacing and is particularly useful for extending between main frame members that are pivotable relative to each other and for being placed in tension between main frame members. The flexible elongate cross member can in some applications replace a stiff cross member, thereby reducing stroller complexity, folded size and weight.
Thus, according to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stroller having a forward end and a rear end and a long axis extending through the forward end and the rear end, the stroller comprising: a plurality of wheels for supporting the stroller including at least one front wheel positioned forward of the stroller""s centre of gravity and rear wheels; a frame supported by the wheels having main frame members including (a) front wheel supports for engaging the at least one front wheel, (b) a handle bar for grasping and moving the stroller and (c) rear supports securing and extending upwardly from the rear wheels; and a flexible, elongate cross member extending to act between at least two of the main frame members to control the spacing between the main frame members.
The flexible elongate cross member can be, for example, a strap, a cord, a chain or a cable. Preferably, the flexible elongate member is substantially inextensible so that the length of the cross member once in tension between two main frame members will limit the degree to which they can be separated. However, in one embodiment, the cross member has a capability of limited stretch under loads beyond a selected level so that it provides a suspension effect.
In one embodiment, the flexible elongate member is secured in fixed positions on the at least two main frame members between which it extends. In another embodiment, the flexible elongate member is secured to stroller components connected to main frame members, but through which the flexible elongate member can act to adjust the spacing between the main frame members. In another embodiment, the stroller includes a tension adjustment means for selecting the tension in the flexible elongate member as it extends between the main frame members. Various tension adjustment means such as, for example, threaded connections, turn buckles, clamps and levers are useful with the stroller.
In one stroller according to the present invention, the flexible elongate member is included in an over-center mechanism for providing frame rigidity between two main frame members. In another stroller according to the present invention, the flexible elongate member acts between the front wheel supports and the rear supports to limit the spacing therebetween.
There are various situations wherein it is desirable to adjust the spacing between the front and rear wheels. For example, the stroller center of gravity, and thereby the weight placed on the front wheel or wheels, can be controlled in part by adjusting the space between the front and rear wheels. In addition, due to manufacturing or wear and tear, the spacing and alignment between the wheels can tend to cause a stroller to lose its ability to track straight Thus, another stroller according to the present invention includes a means for relative wheel positioning, for example, to adjust stroller center of gravity and/or tracking.
Thus, according to yet another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stroller having a forward end and a rear end and a long axis extending through the forward end and the rear end, the stroller comprising: a plurality of wheels for supporting the stroller including at least one front wheel positioned forward of the stroller""s centre of gravity, a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel; a frame supported by the wheels including front wheel supports securing and extending rearwardly from the at least one front wheel, a handle bar for grasping and moving the stroller, a left rear support securing and extending upwardly from the left rear wheel and a right rear support securing and extending upwardly from the right rear wheel; and a relative wheel positioning means for selecting and maintaining the spacing of the at least one front wheel relative to at least one of the left rear wheel and the right rear wheel.
The relative wheel positioning means is useful for strollers supported on both three and four wheels. In a three-wheeled stroller, the relative wheel positioning means includes a mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the front wheel and each of the left and right rear wheels. In a four-wheeled stroller, the relative wheel positioning means includes a mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the right-side front and rear wheels and the left-side front and rear wheels.
In one embodiment, the relative wheel positioning means is two elongate members each one extending to act between the front wheel supports and one of the rear supports to control the spacing therebetween. In a three-wheeled stroller each elongate member extends between the front forks and one of the rear supports. In a four wheeled stroller, the elongate members can extend between the front and rear wheels in a parallel or a cross pattern. Each of the elongate members is substantially inextensible. The elongate members can each include a mechanism for selecting its extended length. Preferably, the mechanism for adjusting the length of the elongate member can be actuated to adjust the length while the elongate member remains connected between the front wheel support and its rear support. The mechanism for adjusting the length can be a threaded connection in the elongate member or between the elongate member and one of the supports, a telescoping member, a turn buckle, etc. In one embodiment, while the elongate members are substantially inextensible, they have limited elasticity such that loads over a selected level will cause the elongate members to stretch slightly to provide for suspension effect. In one embodiment, the elongate members each include a flexible elongate portion. The flexible elongate portion can be for example, formed of cable, chain, strap, etc. The use of a flexible portion facilitates folding of the stroller.
According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stroller having a forward end and a rear end and a long axis extending through the forward end and the rear end, the stroller comprising: a plurality of wheels for supporting the stroller including at least one front wheel positioned forward of the stroller""s centre of gravity, a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel; a frame supported by the wheels including front wheel supports securing and extending rearwardly from the at least one front wheel, a left rear support securing and extending upwardly from the left rear wheel, a right rear support securing and extending upwardly from the right rear wheel; and a handle bar for grasping and moving the stroller, the handle bar being connected into the frame by a pivotal connection and the pivotal connection being incorporated into a mechanism for handle height adjustment with respect to the stroller.
In one embodiment, the pivotal connection includes a pin secured to the handle and slidably engaged in a slot on the frame. The pin is slideably moveable in the slot between a first position and a second position, to drive the handle against a fixed fulcrum such that the gripping portion of the handle is moved into a higher position when the pin is in the first position and the gripping portion of the handle is in a lower position when the pin is in the second position. A releasable lock is provided to maintain the pin in the first position or the second position during use.
The features of (i) a pair of brackets onto which all main frame members are secured and about which selected main frame members pivot for folding; (ii) flexible cross members, (iii) relative wheel positioning means and (iv) handle height adjustment can all be used on the same stroller or individually or in combination on any particular stroller, as desired.


The disclosure invention provides a method for executing a program compiled for a source architecture on a machine having a different target architecture, a non-transitory computer readable medium configured to store instructions for performing such a method, and a system for performing such a method.

A decompiler is a program that reverses the process of a compiler which translates a computer program written in a high-level, typically human-readable language into a machine language program. In other words, a decompiler takes as input a program written in machine language, and translates that program into an equivalent program written in a higher-level language. A decompiler can be used to create a source code file that may be edited by a programmer and subsequently recompiled, or cross compiled for execution on a platform having a different machine architecture. However, decompilation does not produce source code that is identical to the original source code from which the machine language code or object code was originally generated. In particular, where optimizing compilers have been used to improve executable performance, information is frequently lost which cannot be fully recovered using a decompiler. Additionally, decompiling object code is complicated because it is difficult to separate computer code from data. Nevertheless, decompilation has found applications in algorithm extraction and analysis, in malware detection, and, to a limited degree, for source code recovery for purposes of modifying or translating object code from one environment to another.
A disassembler receives as input an executable program and converts that program into a machine independent assembly code representation. Assembly language typically has a one-to-one correspondence between assembly instructions and underlying machine instructions. A disassembled program can be reassembled by an assembler into an executable program.
In the case of interdependent software programs, translating code from one computer architecture to another typically introduces changes that break interfaces between previously interoperable programs. For example, in the case of call back programs that pass as parameters the addresses of routines or functions to allow a receiving program to invoke a routine in a calling program, translation through decompilation and recompilation to a different target architecture will typically change the addresses, and may change the size of address operands, so as to disrupt the ability of the receiving program to invoke the remote routine.
External references are references within a computer program or routine to some code or data that is not declared within that program or routine. Typically, external references in one program are identifiers that are declared in code that is compiled separately from the first program. In the event that a computer program that uses external references is decompiled and subsequently recompiled on another target architecture, the external references will not operate if the target architecture uses a different addressing scheme than the original architecture. For example, if a program that used external addresses is initially compiled to run on a 32 bit machine, the machine code for that program will use 32 bit addresses. If addresses to program code compiled for such a 32 bit machine are passed to other programs as external references, the receiving program must also be designed to receive and make use of 32 bit addresses. In the event that the calling program is recompiled for a 64 bit machine, the external references will no longer function correctly.
A load module refers to all or part of an executable program, typically in the context of a legacy, mainframe computing environment. A compiler, such as the a Cobol compiler, translates a source code program made up of one or more source code files into object code including one or more machine language program files. These object code files, in some cases together with additional object files, can be linked and assembled into an executable program. Such an executable program is constrained to run only on a processor of a specific architecture and instruction set. Typically, a processor of a given architecture has associated with its architecture an instruction set. Processors having different architectures support different instruction sets, with the result that an executable program including machine instructions of one instruction set will not generally execute on a processor having a different architecture and different corresponding instruction set.
A load module compiler that could receive as input, a compiled legacy load module such as a Cobol load module compiled for a System 390 mainframe, and that could generate as output an executable program that could run on a 64 bit x86 platform while continuing to make external references accessible would enable the migration of mainframe computing jobs to a non-mainframe environment without rewriting and/or recompiling the original Cobol source code.


Some embodiments described herein relate to a sensor that includes a first a first polymer-luminescent sensing compound configured to produce a first luminescent signal in the presence of a first analyte and a second polymer-luminescent sensing compound configured to produce a second luminescent signal in the presence of a second analyte. The second luminescent signal can have a luminescent lifetime that is at least 1.1 times greater than a luminescent lifetime of the first luminescent signal. Such temporally differences in signal can be used to deconvolute the first luminescent signal from the second luminescent signal even when, for example, the first luminescent signal and the second luminescent signal have the same or a similar emission spectrum.

Currently, sensors exist that can be implanted and integrate into the tissue of human or animal patients and/or subjects. For example, sensors exist that can be implanted a few millimeters under the skin. For example, U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2012/0265034, entitled "Tissue-integrating sensors," published on Oct. 18, 2012 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,375,494, entitled "Oxygen sensors," issued on Jun. 28, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe various implantable tissue-integrating sensors. Typically, in such sensors, luminescent sensing compounds are used to measure the concentration of an analyte of interest (e.g., oxygen (O2), glucose, lactate, or pyruvate). In addition to luminescent sensing compounds and other components, implantable sensors can include polymers or polymeric hydrogels.
A need exists for implantable sensors capable of detecting more than one analyte. It is difficult or impossible to detect more than one analyte using existing sensors. A particular challenge exists in deconvoluting signals associated with the different analytes detected by a sensor. Additionally, a polymer scaffold suitable for one luminescent sensing compound may not be suitable for a luminescent sensing compound configured to detect another analyte. Embodiments described herein relate to combinations of luminescent sensing compounds and polymerss particularly well suited to improve luminescent sensing compound performance and/or suitable for use as part of a multi-analyte sensing sensor.

Multi-analyte sensing tissue-integrating sensors


A hook for a mail bag, the hook including a planar attachment portion for attachment to a mail bag, the attachment portion defining a longitudinal axis; a planar supporting portion extending from the attachment portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis and which is planar with the attachment portion, the supporting portion defining an aperture therethrough; and a retaining portion which extends in the plane of the supporting portion and which partially occludes the aperture of the supporting portion, the retaining portion being resiliently deformable out of the plane of the supporting portion.

This application claims the benefit of application 0028143.6 filed Nov. 17, 2000 in Great Britain.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to mail bags, and in particular to hooks for attachment to mail bags for supporting the mail bags in frame fittings.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates, in plan view, a frame 1 for supporting mail bags. The frame 1 is often known as a xe2x80x9cdrop bag fittingxe2x80x9d (DBF) frame, and is usually rectangular or square in plan view. At each internal corner of the frame 1, a locating wire or projection 2 is provided. The locating projections 2 are provided for supporting a mail bag within the frame in such a way that the mail bag is supported in a open position.
FIG. 2 illustrates a mail bag 4 which is suitable for support in the drop bag fitting frame 1 of FIG. 1. The mail bag 4 has a number (in this case 4) of mail bag hooks 5 arranged around its open end. To support the mail bag the hooks 5 are positioned over the locating projections 2 of the frame 1, thereby holding the mail bag 4 in place in the frame.
However, existing designs of mail bag hook 5 are less then ideal. For example, one disadvantage of present designs of hook is that they do not retain the mail bag in place on the locating projections of the frame, particularly before the mail bag is filled with mail. One particular existing design uses horizontal wings which extend along the open edge of the mail bag, which wings engage under the frame 1 to retain the bag 4 in place. However, to release these wings can take a considerable effort and operators sometimes find that the hook section molded to the wing section breaks under the load. This then leaves a sharp end section of plastic which has caused injury to operators.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a mail bag hook which can overcome the drawbacks of the presently considered hooks and that provides secure location of a mail bag on the frame, while still allowing relatively straight forward removal of the hook from the projection.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hook for mail bag, the hook comprising a retaining portion for attachment to a region of the mail bag adjacent to an open end thereof, the retaining portion extending substantially perpendicular to the open end of the mail bag, and a suspension ring which extends from the retaining portion and defines an aperture through which a locating projection can be inserted, wherein the hook is provided with a resilient potion which extends in the aperture of the hook, such that in use, the portion is deflected.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hook for a mail bag, the hook comprising a planar attachment portion for attachment to a mail bag, the attachment portion defining a longitudinal axis, a planar supporting portion which extends from the attachment portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis and which is planar with the attachment portion, the supporting portion defining an aperture therethrough, and a retaining portion which extends in the plane of the supporting portion and which partially occludes the aperture of he supporting portion, the retaining portion being resiliently deformable out of the plane of the supporting portion.


Disclosed and taught herein is a novel vacuum return mechanism whereby the operating mechanism of a cyclic tool may be reset to its start position after having completed its operative cycle. A piston connected to the tool""s operating mechanism is caused, by action of the tool""s operating mechanism, to create a vacuum within a cylinder during the tool""s operative cycle. Upon completion of the tool""s operative cycle, the vacuum returns the piston, and thereby the tool""s operating mechanism, back to their start positions.

This invention generally relates to a hand held electromechanical fastener driving tool, and more particularly to a unique vacuum return mechanism for resetting the tool to its restart configuration.
In the past such tools have used various combinations of cables and springs for returning the tool""s driving mechanism to its restart position after having driven a fastener into a work piece. For example see commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,715, xe2x80x9cFlywheel Driven Fastener Driving Tool and Drive Unit,xe2x80x9d issued to Crutcher et al. Apr. 30, 1996.
Described and taught herein is a novel vacuum return mechanism, suitable for use in a hand held tool having a power drive cycle followed by a reset cycle whereby the tool mechanism is reset to the tools start configuration.
The vacuum return mechanism, as taught herein, comprises a cylinder having a piston assembly slidably received therein which is attached to the tool""s operating mechanism in such a way that as the tool progresses through its power cycle the piston assembly traverses through the cylinder creating a vacuum between the piston assembly and the sealed end of the cylinder opposite the piston assembly""s direction of travel. At the end of the tool"" power stroke, the vacuum between the piston assembly and the sealed end of the cylinder draws the piston assembly back towards the sealed end of the cylinder thereby resetting the piston and the tool""s operating mechanism to their appropriate restart position.
A novel structure is also taught whereby an accumulation of air between the piston assembly and the sealed end of the cylinder is permitted to bypass the piston assembly and be exhausted to the atmosphere, as the piston returns to its starting position.


Systems, methods, and devices for detecting leaks in chromatography systems are disclosed. The leak detection system includes a sealable compartment disposed to surround at least one component of a chromatography system. The detector is in communication, e.g., fluid communication, with an interior of the sealable compartment and configured to detect the leak by various mean including the presence of liquid or the presence of vapor, or both within the sealable compartment.

Chromatography systems perform separations using various fluids and mobile phases flowing through multiple components within the system. For example, solvents under low pressure can be delivered to a pump. The pump can deliver a controlled high pressure mobile phase to a column to effect a separation. The high pressure mobile phase exiting the column can be delivered to a detector for determining the separated components. Chromatography systems also use various other fluids, such as wash solutions and needle washes to clean retained compounds from the system. Chromatography systems also have waste stream(s) to collect the used fluids and mobile phase.
A leak in any one of these flows or streams can be detrimental. A leak in the high pressure mobile phase can interfere with the separation results, e.g., accuracy and reproducibility. A leak in the high pressure mobile phase can also be dangerous. Exposure to solvents can be harmful. Each component within the chromatography system should be sealed, or otherwise contained, in order to prevent leaks and maintain desired pressure and temperature levels within the system. Any leaks in the connecting tubes, fittings, or other components of a chromatography system should be identified and corrected. It can be difficult to detect leaks in chromatography systems, especially chromatography systems with low flow rates where fluid or mobile phase leaks are small.

Systems, methods, and devices for detecting leaks in a chromatography system


A method for controlling at least one fan (13) for the regulation of the cooling demand of at least two cooling elements (12) included in a drill rig (1), the cooling demand of each one of the cooling elements (12) being determined, that the determined cooling demands are weighted together and that the fan (13) is controlled based on the weighting together. The method is characterized in that at least one of the cooling elements is equipped with a safety thermostat (21), which, if required, prevents overcooling that the fluid is not allowed to circulate in the cooling elements. The invention also relates to a drill rig for the execution of the above-mentioned method.

The background of the present invention is the need of being able to provide cooling in a drill rig, or in a drilling unit, which is an established synonymous concept in the technical field, to all the cooling-dependent components that are arranged therein. By cooling-dependent components, for instance, engine, compressors and hydraulic-oil pumps are intended, as well as the fluids that circulate in the above-mentioned system and that run the risk of accumulating too much heat upon use. Said components with the appurtenant cooling elements and fans associated therewith are accommodated in an engine house arranged in the drill rig. The cooling elements consist, for instance, of an engine water cooler, a charge-air cooler, a hydraulic-oil cooler and a compressor cooler.
A generally recognized way to solve the above-mentioned problems is to place one or more fans, which presses or sucks air through cooling elements intended for the purpose. Previously, the fans have rotated at the highest rotation speed, highest power, all the time the drill rig has been in operation, without regulation of the same and independently of the cooling demand of the components of the drill rig.
Frequently or always, the different cooling elements have different instantaneous needs of cooling air, which makes the fan, consequently more or less all the time, operating more than necessary in relation to the need for either of the cooling elements or even all cooling elements.
The problem with the above-mentioned way of controlling, or to be precise, not controlling the fans, is that the cooling elements that have lower cooling demand than what the fans provide run the risk of becoming overcooled, above all when the drill rig is used in cold climates.
An additional disadvantage of letting the fan operate at a constantly high rotation speed (highest power) is that the sound level from the fans and thereby also the sound level in the driver's cab is pronounced.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Drill rig and method for controlling a fan therein


A low cost, lightweight frangible wing slot seal can be applied to a guidance wing slot of a folding fin aerial rocket or missile, providing a barrier against exposure of internal missile components to external contaminants, while allowing unhindered deployment of missile guidance wings simply by bursting through the seals. The simple design is nearly foolproof, and has no impact the likelihood of weapon failure. The seal is a flexible sheet which is sufficiently thin so as not to exceed the required volume envelope of the missile. The sheet includes a burst seam, which is breached when impacted by the leading edge of a deploying wing. No additional wing deployment force is required, and after deployment the seal has minimal impact on the aerodynamic performance of the wing.

Aerial rockets and missiles which include guidance wings have been in use at least since the late 1940's, with the FFAR (Folding Fin Aerial Rocket) being used in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and the more recent Hydra 70 family of WAFAR (Wrap-Around Fin Aerial Rocket) and the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon. System (APKWS) laser guided missile. The guidance wings for these weapons are typically folded within the main fuselage in a stowed configuration until the weapon is launched, at which point the wings are extended through slots in the fuselage and deployed in a flight configuration.
While foldable wing designs provide the advantages of compact storage and reduced launcher size, the slots in the fuselage required for deployment of the wings tend to create a hazard that internal components of the weapon will be exposed to contaminants. These can include natural contaminants, such as salt, moisture from fog, moisture from humidity, blowing sand, blowing dust, and such like. The internal components can also be exposed to induced contaminants, such as debris from an adjacent rocket launch, and contaminants resulting from handling of the missile.
One approach is to provide retractable or openable covers over the wing slots. However, such mechanisms add weight and cost to the missile, take up space which may be needed for other components, and tend to be complex and prone to failure.
What is needed, therefore, is a wing slot seal which will protect the internal components of a rocket or missile from external contaminants while the wings are in their stowed configuration, will interfere as little as possible with deployment of the wings, and will not substantially affect the aerodynamics of the missile once the wings are deployed, all without consuming significant space and without adding significant weight, cost, complexity, or likelihood of failure.

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.


A data control apparatus includes an analog signal input interface for receiving an analog signal from a first device, a communication interface for receiving correlation information indicating addresses of storage areas in a storage and conditional values associated with the storage areas, and a data controller for writing a digital value generated from the analog signal into one of the storage areas. The data controller includes a cam switch block for acquiring a reference signal generated from an input signal input from a second device and comparing a value of the reference signal with at least one of the conditional values, and a logger block for switching the storage area into which the digital value is written, on the basis of the comparison in the cam switch block, and writing the digital value into the storage area.

In facilities such as factories, what has been required is to collect data output from sensors in the form of analog signal at a high frequency, for the purpose of preventive maintenance using the sensors and improvement of the inspection accuracy of the sensors. One of the conceivable techniques to satisfy this requirement is conversion of analog signals into digital signals and recording of these digital signals (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1). Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique in which an A/D conversion apparatus installed in a programmable logic controller (PLC) stores digital signals obtained through analog to digital (AD) conversion into an internal memory in the chronological order. In this technique, the A/D conversion apparatus does not transmit the digital signals to another apparatus. This configuration can therefore achieve rapid data collection in a period as short as the period of AD conversion.

Input-output control unit, PLC and data control method


A process is provided for preparing (1) a first composition obtained by extracting a plant material with a single phase mixture of water and at least a first organic solvent under agitation so as to obtain a first extract rich in polyphenol oligomers, wherein the first composition is the first extract, and (2) a second composition obtained by extracting at least a portion of the first extract with a biphasic mixture of water and at least a second organic solvent under agitation so as to obtain a second extract rich in polyphenol monomers, dimers, and trimers, wherein the second composition is the second extract. Food products, mendicants, and cosmetics containing the first composition or the second composition are also provided.

Polyphenols have gained increasing interest due to their protective effects on human health. In particular, polyphenols were shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Therefore, polyphenols may prove useful in functional foods or as medicines. Their anti-oxidant effect may further lead to applications in cosmetics.
Polyphenols are traditionally known from cocoa beans, but other plants such as sage, green tea, other cocoa products, many other plants and also contain considerable amounts of these natural substances. Due to the increasing demand for natural antioxidants and other health-related products, there is a constant need to explore new raw materials.
Recent studies have shown that the effect of polyphenols varies with their degree of polymerisation (dp). For example, tetramers of procyanidins (dp=4), a special class of polyphenols, proved most effective for ACE inhibition in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (Ottaviani et al., Biochimie 88, 2006, 359-265), tetramers, pentamers and hexamers of procyanidins showed a high inhibitory effect of ACE in isolated rabbit lung cells (Actis-Goretta et al., FEBS Letters 555, 2003, 597-600), and protection from oxidation increases with increasing chain length of procyanidin oligomers (from dp=1 to dp=5) in model liposomes (i.e., procyanidin pentamers show a better liposome protection than procyanidin monomers (Lotito et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 276, 2000, 945-951)). Moreover, pentamers of procyanidins inhibited tyrosine kinase ErbB2 expression and decreased cell proliferation in human aortic endothelial cells (Kenny et al., Experimental Biology and Medicine 229, 2004, 255-263). Monomers, dimmers, and trimers of procyanidins, in contrast, have different pharmacokinetic profiles compared to oligomers such as tetramers, pentamers and hexamers of procyanidins.
Osman et al., Food Chemistry 86, 2004, 41-46, describe that consumption of foods and beverages rich in phenolic content can reduce the risk of heart disease, slowing the progression of atherosclerosis by acting as antioxidants towards low-density lipoprotein. Osman et al. also prepared extracts of cocoa leaves and determined their antioxidation potential. However, Osman et al. did not consider procyanidins; it also appears the total polyphenol content obtained by the process applied by Osman et al. was poor.
In JP 2000-060485A, extracts were obtained by extraction with water/hydrochloride for 30 minutes at 90° C. However, procyanidins and their composition were not characterized; it also appears that the total procyanidin content was low. Extraction of procyanidins from cocoa beans is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,232.
However, none of the processes described in the prior art allows regulation of the relative amounts of monomers, dimmers, and trimers in comparison to higher oligomers of procyanidins that show different physiological properties. Additionally, the oligomers appear to have a significantly increased astringent effect as compared to the moners, dimers, and trimers. Moreover, some plant material contains considerable amounts of theobromine that also may cause an increase in bitterness. Processes allowing a reduction of theobromine content would thus be advantageous when plant extracts are used in food.
The challenge of providing a process for preparing polyphenol containing compositions rich in polyphenol oligomers or rich in polyphenol monomers, dimers, and trimers has not yet been solved. Processes that allow the adjustment of the relative content of monomers, dimers and/or trimers and higher procyanidin oligomers (dp=4 to 6) and at the same time reduce the content of theobromine were not known before the present invention.
The present invention provides a process for preparing polyphenol containing compositions rich in polyphenol oligomers and compositions rich in polyphenol monomers, dimers and trimers. The present inventors have developed a process for preparing polyphenol containing compositions that allows for specific adjustment of the content of monomers, dimers and/or trimers and higher procyanidin oligomers. Moreover, present invention significantly reduces the content of theobromine.

Polyphenol-rich extract from plant material