Digital High Definition Research Articles

High-definition PCR (HDPCR) detection of DNA and RNA variants in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples.

e20603 Background: Digital PCR (dPCR) is an emerging technology platform for detecting genomic variants in cancer genomes due to its high sensitivity and fast time to results compared to sequencing. However, translational oncology applications often require the measurement of more biomarkers than there are color channels available on dPCR platforms. One approach to address this limitation with dPCR is to split a sample across many wells and profile a subset of variants in each well. For input-limited samples, however, this results in fewer molecules being profiled in each dPCR well, resulting in a reduction in sensitivity and fewer patient samples processed per instrument run. ChromaCode has developed a research use only (RUO) digital High Definition PCR (HDPCR) NSCLC assay, for multiplexed detection of 14 DNA variants and 15 RNA fusion variants relevant in non-small cell lung cancer samples. The assay is constructed using both amplitude modulation and multi-channel resilient signal encoding methods. Amplitude modulation enables different variants to generate a distinguishable signal at different intensity levels in a single color channel, allowing for multiple targets to be detected within that single-color channel. In addition, resilient encoding generates a signal in more than one color channel to create a form of error detection in the assay design. Methods: Assay benchmarking was performed using over 500 contrived human biological FFPE samples, consisting of synthetic DNA or RNA variants spiked into a background matrix of FFPE-extracted DNA or RNA; over 500 contrived human biological plasma samples, consisting of synthetic DNA or RNA variants spiked into a background matrix of plasma-extracted cell free DNA or RNA; and residual human biological FFPE and plasma NSCLC samples that were previously characterized using a targeted sequencing workflow. The samples were tested using the HDPCR NSCLC assay on the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR system, and data analysis was performed with custom analysis algorithms. Results: For the more than 500 contrived FFPE and plasma samples, the HDPCR NSCLC assay had high overall agreement with expectation across a range of mutant allele fractions for both DNA and RNA analytes (≥99% PPA and ≥99% NPA). For a set of N = 25 residual human biological FFPE samples, the assay was also highly concordant (100% PPA and 99% NPA) with a targeted panel sequencing comparator. The hands-on workflow time from isolation start to analysis complete was < 24 hours. Conclusions: The HDPCR NSCLC assay is a robust RUO tool for the sensitive and rapid detection of commonly targeted variants relevant to NSCLC samples. This technology could complement sequencing assays when there is a need for a rapid turnaround time or there are limited amounts of isolated nucleic acid.

High Definition Map-Based Localization Using ADAS Environment Sensors for Application to Automated Driving Vehicles

This paper presents high definition (HD) map-based localization using advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) environment sensors for application to automated driving vehicles. A variety of autonomous driving technologies are being developed using expensive and high-performance sensors, but limitations exist due to several practical issues. In respect of the application of autonomous driving cars in the near future, it is necessary to ensure autonomous driving performance by effectively utilizing sensors that are already installed for ADAS purposes. Additionally, the most common localization algorithm, which is usually used lane information only, has a highly unstable disadvantage in the absence of that information. Therefore, it is essential to ensure localization performance with other road features such as guardrails when there are no lane markings. In this study, we would like to propose a localization algorithm that could be implemented in the near future by using low-cost sensors and HD maps. The proposed localization algorithm consists of several sections: environment feature representation with low-cost sensors, digital map analysis and application, position correction based on map-matching, designated validation gates, and extended Kalman filter (EKF)-based localization filtering and fusion. Lane information is detected by monocular vision in front of the vehicle. A guardrail is perceived by radar by distinguishing low-speed object measurements and by accumulating several steps to extract wall features. These lane and guardrail information are able to correct the host vehicle position by using the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm. The rigid transformation between the digital high definition map (HD map) and environment features is calculated through ICP matching. Each corrected vehicle position by map-matching is selected and merged based on EKF with double updating. The proposed algorithm was verified through simulation based on actual driving log data.

Lane-Marker-Based Map Construction and Map Precision Evaluation Methods Using On-Board Cameras for Autonomous Driving

This report describes a map construction and evaluation method based on lane-marker information for autonomous driving. Autonomous driving systems typically require digital high-definition (HD) maps to correct the current position of autonomous vehicles by using localization techniques. However, an HD map is usually costly to generate because it requires a special-purpose vehicle and mapping system with precise and expensive sensors. This report presents a map construction method that uses cost-efficient on-board cameras. We implement two types of map construction methods with two different cameras in terms of range and field of view and test their performances to determine the minimum sensor specification required for autonomous driving. This report also presents a constructed map evaluation method to determine the “usability” of the map for autonomous driving. Given that the system cannot obtain “true” positions of landmarks, the method judges whether the constructed map contains sufficient information for localization via the presented indices “lateral-distance error.” The methods are verified based on mapping and localization errors determined via manual driving tests. Furthermore, the smoothness of steering maneuvers is determined by conducting autonomous driving tests on a proving ground. The results reveal the necessary conditions of sensor requirements, i.e., the constant visibility of landmarks is one of the key factors for ego-localization to conduct autonomous driving.

The Impact of Convergence on the Legal Framework for Video Distribution

The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that will need to be taken into account when changing the regulatory framework for video distribution. This will be necessary due to the impact that the Internet is having on the business models of the sector. As the United States moves towards an entirely digital high definition transmission of broadcast television, an increasing number of individuals are now watching television from their computers through services such as Netflix and SageTV. It is clear that video distribution regulation needs to be modified to accommodate new business models. Requirements such as must carry rules, non-duplication and syndication will need to be changed or even eliminated for some of the new participants which include, among others, telecommunication and Internet based companies. This change, however, is not easy to accomplish due to the many conflicting interests that govern the sector today and the important investments that they have made in current business models. The paper presents a future scenario for video distribution that is Internet centric. From this scenario we identified the video distribution laws and regulations that will need to be changed or eliminated to make some services possible. As with any other major change there will be parties that are negatively affected such as local content developers, who may no longer have the benefits of the must carry rules, while other parties will be happy with the change. This paper develops an analytical framework that will assist in understanding how governments can solve issues of transition given conflicting interests. The framework will be based on organizational change and new institutional economics literature. The empirical data comes from the analysis of news events to determine if the factors identified for the framework can be empirically verified in the actions taken by the private sector, governments, and civil society. The focus is on the must carry, non-duplication, and syndication regulations that currently govern the sector.

A CONCEPT FOR AN AUTOMATED APPROACH OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT VEHICLES TO A BUS STOP

Abstract. This paper discusses the current methods for vehicle self-localization and compares previous findings to the use for urban public traffic vehicles. In specific, requirements for autonomous buses approaching a bus stop are defined. An autonomous system capable of reliable vehicle self-localization running in real-time in a city scenario shall be developed in a future work based on this paper. The comparison of filter-based estimation and graph-based optimization techniques shows that the latter suits the the automated approach to a bus stop in an urban environment the best. Based on these findings, a concept for self-localization of public transport vehicles equipped with a variety of imaging sensors with the help of a digital high definition map is presented. A current method is shown and a concept of improving the localization by inferring semantic information into landmark detection by low-level data fusion is provided. Validation and verification of the proposed fusion approach have to be carried out in the future, but a validation scenario is presented in this work.

Effects of topical piroxicam and sun filters in actinic keratosis evolution and field cancerization: a two-center, assessor-blinded, clinical, confocal microscopy and dermoscopy evaluation trial

Background: Actinic keratosis (AK) is considered an “in situ” non-melanoma skin cancer induced by ultraviolet chronic exposure. Sunscreen and topical anti-inflammatory agents like diclofenac could improve the evolution of this kind of lesions. A topical product containing piroxicam 0.8% and sun filters (50 SPF) (ACTX) has been shown to be very effective in reducing AK lesions. So far, no data are available regarding the effects of this product on skin modifications evaluated by reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dermoscopy at the lesion sites and on the skin around the lesions (field cancerization).Study aim: To evaluate in a two-center, assessor-blinded, prospective trial the effect of ACTX on AK number, RCM and dermoscopy parameter evolution of a target lesion in subjects with multiple AK lesions.Subjects and methods: A total of 54 subjects (42 men and 12 women; mean age 65 years) with AK lesions grade I–III located on the scalp (n = 36) or face (n = 18) were enrolled after their written informed consent. ACTX was applied twice daily on the face and scalp for six consecutive months. AK lesion count was performed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Lesion count was assessed in a blind fashion evaluating digital color high definition images performed at each visit and coded in a blinded fashion. RCM evaluations were performed at the same time-points. A dermoscopy evaluation was performed at baseline and after 6 months. RCM and dermoscopy were assessed on a pre-specified target lesion. The RCM severity score was used evaluating 11 items, examining stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinous and dermal layers (maximum score 11 points). The dermoscopy score evaluated erythema, scaling and follicular plugs (from 0 to 4 for each item) and pigmentation (from 0 to 5).Results: Forty-nine subjects (90%) concluded the trial. At baseline, the mean (SD) number of AK lesions was 9.6 (5.2). AK lesions significantly decreased to 5.9 and to 5.6 after 3 and 6 months of ACTX treatment (p = .001; intention to treat analysis), representing a −42% reduction. A reduction of AK lesion numbers >50% in comparison with baseline was observed in 51% of subjects at month 6. New AK lesions appeared in five subjects (9%). The RCM mean (SD) severity score at baseline was 6.4 (2.0). ACTX treatment was associated with a progressive and significant (p = .002) reduction to 4.9 after 3 months and to 4.8 (2.3) at month 6 (a −25% reduction). The dermoscopy score at baseline was 5.5 (2) and it was reduced significantly (p = .007) to 4.5 (2) at the end of the study. The product was in general very well tolerated.Conclusion: A 6 month application of ACTX in subjects with AK lesions was associated with an improvement in AK lesion count and with a reduction in the RCM/dermoscopy severity scores of the target lesion.Trial registration number: ISRCTN22070974.

INTRODUCTION OF DIGITAL TELEVISION OF DVB-T2 ON THE 9 CHANNEL IN THE DNIPRO CITY

Context. The problem of the regional television channel transition from analogue broadcasting to digital broadcasting has been solved.Objective is to identify and overcome the difficulties of the local transition to digital television standard DVB-T2 on the example of theusual regional television company.Method. A two-level transition of the regional TV channel from analog to digital broadcasting is proposed. The first level includes theelection of the best video format for broadcasting in the DVB-T2 standard and HDTV, as well as two options for replacing the televisionequipment that can provide digital terrestrial second generation digital terrestrial television and high definition television. The two options forreplacing equipment are due to the limited funds that can allocate TV company for a short time interval on the technical re-equipment. At thesecond level, the city level to calculate the real range of coverage of digital broadcasting and the proposed methods of achieving it.Results. In this example, the technique of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting for usual regional television companies isshown. Calculations carried out on the example of TV Private TV Dnipro – «Channel 9», the city Dnipro showed that the existing analoguesystem fixing, processing and transportation of the video on the regional TV channel will require the complete replacement of the equipment. Depending on the volume of finances allocated for modernization, two ways of replacing equipment are suggested. Calculations showed that minimally satisfactory coverage of digital TV in the city Dnipro provided at a distance of about 65 km. However, the quality of digital television on the verge of coverage is not provided in full by poor field strength at the point of maximum distance from the TV center.Conclusions. The method of transition of the regional TV channel from analogue broadcasting to digital broadcasting has been developed. It can be recommended for use in practice, considering local conditions in other regional channels in Ukraine.

Efficacy of a film-forming medical device containing sunscreen (50+) and piroxicam 0.8% in actinic keratosis and field cancerization: a multicenter, assessor-blinded, 3 month trial

Introduction: Sunscreen protection in subjects with actinic keratosis (AK) is highly recommended to prevent clinical evolution of this in situ skin cancer condition. Use of topical anti-cyclooxygenase drugs such as diclofenac and piroxicam reduces the number of lesions and improves the cancerization field. A film-forming medical device in a cream formulation containing organic and inorganic sun-filters (50+ SPF) and piroxicam 0.8% (ACTX) has shown in a pilot, single-center, open trial to reduce AK lesions improving the cancerization field.Aim: We evaluated in a multicenter, assessor-blinded, 3 month trial the efficacy of ACTX in AK.Methods: A total of 70 subjects with at least three AK lesions on the scalp or face were enrolled after written informed consent. Primary outcomes of the study were the clinical evolution of number of AK lesions on a target zone area and the evolution of dermoscopy features of the target lesion, assessing erythema, scaling, pigmentation, and follicular plug, using a 5 point score (from 0 to 4; maximum score: 16). Lesion count and dermoscopy score were evaluated in a blind fashion assessing digital color high definition coded images. A secondary outcome was the Investigator Global Score (IGS) of clinical evolution of the target area using a 7 point scale from −2 (significantly worse) to +4 (completely cured). IGS was evaluated in an open fashion. Subjects were instructed to apply the cream twice daily on the target area, using one finger-tip unit for the treatment of a 35 cm2 area.Results: All but one subject (40 men and 30 women, mean age 73 years) concluded the study period. At baseline the mean (±SD) number of AK lesions in the target area were 7.0 (5.9) with a median value of 5 and the dermoscopy score of the target lesion was 7.0 (2.3) with a median value of 7.0. ACTX treatment reduced AK lesions to 3.2 (2.9), (p = .0001; Wilcoxon Test), representing a 55% relative reduction. Dermoscopy score was reduced to 3.3 (2.6) (p = .0001) (a reduction of 53%). The IGS after ACTX treatment was +1.9 (1.1), with a median of 2.0. A total of 86% of subjects showed a clinical improvement of IGS (≥1) with a very significant/complete clearance (score +3 or +4) in 42% subjects. No change or a worsening of AK lesions was observed in 14% of the subjects. The product was well tolerated. No serious adverse events were reported during the duration of the trial.Conclusion: In this multicenter, assessor-blinded trial, the use of a film-forming medical device with sun protection and anti-inflammatory actions was effective in reducing AK lesions and improving the dermoscopy aspect of the target lesion in 86% of treated subjects. A head-to-head trial evaluating the efficacy of this medical device in comparison with diclofenac is warranted to establish whether this therapeutic approach could offer additional advantages in term of AK lesion reduction compared to an established topical treatment. (Trial ID: ISRCTN72020277).

Performance Review of PAPR Reduction Techniques in OFDM Systems

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) has great demand in wideband digital communication. It encodes the data on multiple carrier frequencies. Its application areas are digital audio broadcasting and high definition television, wireless network, 4G mobile communications. Due to its great advantages like it provides high spectral efficiency, remove inter symbol interference, reduced nonlinear distortion it is widely used for communication purpose. Major problem of this scheme is high Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR). To overcome this problem i.e. PAPR, here in this paper we figure out different reduction techniques, there pros and cons and also find Selective Mapping (SLM) is better technique due to its several advantages with reduced PAPR and better Bit Error Rate (BER) which is discussed further in this paper.

Are EVs the Digital Equivalent of HDTV?

ABSTRACTAre electric vehicles (EVs) a digital disruptive technology that will replace analog internal combustion engines (ICE) parallel to how digital high definition television (HDTV) supplanted analog cathode ray tube (CRT) TV? Or perhaps EV is merely a sustaining innovation and ICE will rule forever. The digital revolution from analog, mechanical, and electronic has shattered technology forever in HDTV, LED, telecommunications, fiber optics, printing, solar panels, computers, cell phones, and nanotechnology. The authors are now asking the question “Does EV technology embody sufficient digital advantage to supersede ICE?” The answer requires creativity in quantifying the digital advantage in technology, economics, energy and pollution.The authors further propose that “The digital revolution is primarily driven by the energy efficiency of minimizing losses in energy input and signal storage and transmission. The byproduct of energy in-efficiency (signal corruption) is harmful local pollution and rapid de...

Guest Editor’s Introduction

Guest Editor’s Introduction Susanne Greenhalgh In 2009, the Royal National Theatre secured research and development funding to create its own digital High Definition theater recordings, resulting in a streamed transmission of Racine’s Phèdre, starring Helen Mirren, to cinema audiences in the UK and beyond. Modeled on and informed by the Metropolitan Opera’s successful project to transmit its productions, which had begun three years earlier, the NT digital streaming was initially regarded as a more effective way than occasional touring to extend access to its work beyond London. Five years later, now with the strap line “Experience the Best of British Theatre at a Cinema near You,” the National Theatre has its own in-house production company, NT Live, and this innovative form of disseminating its repertoire has proved a critical and economic success, its worldwide ticket sales bringing in profits and royalties despite costs of around £200,000 for each digital production. The format for these presentations has been consolidated and is now copied by other institutions. Seasonal programming builds momentum and a returning audience, supported by in-cinema and online trailers, video clips and background material on websites, and social media, especially Facebook and Twitter, which are also utilized to gauge audience response and statistics and to generate a sense of interactivity. There is close liaison between the screen director and stage director from the start of rehearsals; a camera script is drawn up and tested in two full-scale filmed dressed rehearsals, while the multi-camera filming on the night can be fine-tuned by the mixing and editing of shots in response to live feed from the standard six to seven cameras, both fixed and mobile, providing a range of perspectives from “the best seats in the house.” For an institution that has boasted of producing 70 Shakespeare plays during its first half-century, the National Theatre has built up its NT Live Shakespearean content gradually, but the number of productions [End Page 255] now screened or imminent confirms that the canon is regarded as intrinsically suitable for, and deserving of, live digital dissemination. As has frequently been the case in the wake of other technological and media developments, Shakespeare serves both as guarantor of quality and a cover for innovation: a symbol, in Kate Rumbold’s words, of “enduring value and entrepreneurial creativity” (“From ‘Access’ to ‘Creativity’: Shakespeare Institutions, New Media, and the Language of Cultural Value,” Shakespeare Quarterly 61.3, 2010: 325). While the NT has livecast a wide range of plays from both the contemporary and classical repertoire, it is the Shakespeare productions that have arguably tested and developed its digital house style most fully, in the greatest variety of theater spaces. To date there have been eight NT Live relays of full length Shakespeare plays. All’s Well that Ends Well (Olivier, October 1 2009) provided the NT’s second livecast offering, directed in a mix of fairy-tale and early film style by Marianne Elliot and filmed by Robin Lough, NT Live Executive Producer. Season 2 of an increasingly varied repertoire included Nicholas Hytner’s Hamlet, with Rory Kinnear as the Prince (Olivier, December 9, 2009), and the first Shakespearean production by a partner institution, the intimate Donmar Warehouse’s King Lear, directed by Michael Grandage with a highly praised central performance by Derek Jacobi (February 3, 2010), which attracted a worldwide audience of almost 60,000 compared with 40,000 for Hamlet. Lenny Henry was a draw in the 2011/12 multicultural production of The Comedy of Errors (Olivier, March 1, 2012), directed by Dominic Cooke and filmed by Tim van Someren, while towards the end of that year Hytner’s production of a less well-known play, Timon of Athens (Olivier, November 1, 2012) was filmed by Lough on its last night, showcasing Simon Russell Beale’s performance in a modern dress version that highlighted the play’s contemporary relevance to a boom-and-bust society. Another partner institution, the Manchester International Festival, provided a widely welcomed opportunity to bring its sell-out production of Kenneth Branagh’s Macbeth, staged in a deconsecrated Manchester church in 2013, to the big screen, courtesy of van Someren. That...

A Multistandard Digital HD/SD Audio Multiplexer With Modular Ancillary Packet Substitution

This article presents a multistandard digital high-definition (HD)/standard-definition (SD)-serial digital interface (SDI) audio multiplexer (embedder) capable of inserting and replacing existing ancillary Audio Engineering Society-European Broadcasting Union packets. The insertion of audio packets in SD-SDI video is achieved with an ad hoc modular unit that shifts the existing audio packets in the video frame. This block enables the use of the entire multiplexer system in cascaded configuration along the same video line, a fundamental requirement in professional television studios. The embedder, implemented on a Virtex-5 field programmable gate array, accepts 48 kHz AES3 synchronous audio, and Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) 259 M-C and SMPTE 295 M full HD video. It occupies a small area, and installs on a system board inclusive of dedicated signal conditioning integrated circuit. The full system is tested for robust operation in audio or video production environments and for compatibility with older equipments.

Three-Dimensional Laparoscopic Imaging Improves Surgical Performance on Standardized Ex-Vivo Laparoscopic Tasks

Conventional two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopy has been limited by the lack of depth perception and spatial orientation. This disadvantage may affect surgical performance, operative time, or morbidity. Depth perception, spatial resolution, and accuracy may be improved by three-dimensional (3D) vision. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of 3D imaging on the performance of novice and experienced laparoscopic surgeons executing standardized laparoscopic tasks in an ex-vivo setting. A 3D imaging system with a digital 3D full high definition (HD) and a 2D imaging with a conventional HDTV camera were used. A total of 10 laparoscopic experts and 10 novices were evaluated while performing standardized skill tasks in a pelvic trainer. Participants were divided into two groups working either with 2D or 3D imaging. The parameters measured were time until completion of each skill and total procedure time, number of losses of working material, number of missed grasps, and number of needed support. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. The results showed a significant difference in favor of the 3D system for the amount of missed grasps in the experts as well as the novice group (P<0.0001). A slightly significant difference was also seen for the loss of working materials (P=0.0381 and P=0.0693). The study is limited by its small sample size. The 3D imaging system significantly improves spatial orientation and depth perception during laparoscopy under ex-vivo conditions.

OC10.06: Additive manufacturing technologies applied in fetal medicine researches

Objectives: To generate physical fetal models using images obtained by 3-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS), magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) to guide additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Methods: Images from 45 fetuses, including 4 sets of twins, were used. Twenty-three fetuses were normal and evaluated only by 3DUS. Twenty-two cases had complications such as conjoined twins; tumors; aneuploidy; skeletal; central nervous system; facial or thoracic defects. Scans were performed using high-resolution 3DUS. In cases of abnormalities, MR and CT were performed on the same day as 3DUS. The images obtained with 3DUS, MR or CT, were exported to a workstation in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format. A single observer performed slice-by-slice manual segmentation using a digital high definition screen. Software that converts medical images into numerical models was used to construct virtual 3D models, which were physically realised using AM technologies (SLA Viper, Objet Connex 350, ZCorp 510 or FDM Vantage). Results: The main outcomes presented were the possibility to create 3D virtual and physical models from 3DUS, MRI or CT both separately and also in various combinations. AM systems allow the conversion of a 3D virtual model to a physical model in a fast, easy and dimensionally accurate process. They were remarkably similar to the postnatal appearance of the aborted fetus or newborn baby. Conclusions: This study introduced the innovative use of AM models into fetal researches. The results suggest a new possibility for educational purposes or better interaction between parents and their unborn child during pregnancy. Normal fetus (29 weeks): Virtual and physical model built in a powder-based system.

OC11.01: Prevalence of deep endometriosis in patients of a second level ultrasound laboratory and tissue US characterization of nodules using VOCAL

Objectives: To generate physical fetal models using images obtained by 3-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS), magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) to guide additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Methods: Images from 45 fetuses, including 4 sets of twins, were used. Twenty-three fetuses were normal and evaluated only by 3DUS. Twenty-two cases had complications such as conjoined twins; tumors; aneuploidy; skeletal; central nervous system; facial or thoracic defects. Scans were performed using high-resolution 3DUS. In cases of abnormalities, MR and CT were performed on the same day as 3DUS. The images obtained with 3DUS, MR or CT, were exported to a workstation in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format. A single observer performed slice-by-slice manual segmentation using a digital high definition screen. Software that converts medical images into numerical models was used to construct virtual 3D models, which were physically realised using AM technologies (SLA Viper, Objet Connex 350, ZCorp 510 or FDM Vantage). Results: The main outcomes presented were the possibility to create 3D virtual and physical models from 3DUS, MRI or CT both separately and also in various combinations. AM systems allow the conversion of a 3D virtual model to a physical model in a fast, easy and dimensionally accurate process. They were remarkably similar to the postnatal appearance of the aborted fetus or newborn baby. Conclusions: This study introduced the innovative use of AM models into fetal researches. The results suggest a new possibility for educational purposes or better interaction between parents and their unborn child during pregnancy. Normal fetus (29 weeks): Virtual and physical model built in a powder-based system.

Mscope: Anamorphic Capture with Dual CIF HD

The Mscope process allows effective and efficient digital high-definition (HD) recording of 4 times 3 originated pictures, maintaining the same horizontal resolution while utilizing multiple HD frames (with native 16 times 9 aspect ratio) for storing additional vertical information. Therefore, Mscope allows straightforward digital HD storage of anamorphic images originated with conventional 35mm film anamorphic lenses, or full frame images originated with conventional spherical film lenses, via a 4 times 3 aspect ratio imaging sensor, using readily available HD recorders. Equally, Mscope allows digital HD recording of digitally scanned film frames originated within 4 times 3 aspect ratio frame formats. This invention can also be applied for effective mastering, exchange, presentation, distribution, exhibition, and archiving of anamorphic (and full frame) content, using industry standard HD-compliant equipment. The first practical implementation of the Mscope process is on the Arriflex D-21 film-style digital camera. Its implementation allows anamorphically captured images to be recorded as a dual HD signal. This paper details the implementation of Mscope and how it provides an effective alternative to existing acquisition and Digital Intermediate (DI) workflows, allowing the use of available HD recorders and other HD equipment (which comply with industry established standards) for production, post-production, and exchange of content shot with anamorphic 2.40:1 or full-frame (open gate) aspect ratio frame formats.

E = MC 2 + 1

This article presents a unique course for students, the course took place at the Tampere University of Technology (TUT) in the NAMU --- New AMbient MUltimedia research group. The basic idea was to create a five-minute production involving all the new technology available to the modern film-maker. We want to prove that even a non-experienced team of film-makers are capable of creating a short HD film with (almost) commonly available equipment. A full high-definition (HD) digital workflow was undertaken --- from scene to screen. In each production step, new technologies and approaches were tested to explore the world of digital film-making. In pre-production the movie-script was written collaboratively with Wiki tools. The participants' experience was evaluated, and the results are presented in this article. In production we focused on HD methods to create content and applied the Material eXchange Format (MXF) to handle metadata in production; the final movie was distributed via typical television channels, such as DVB-T, IP-TV, and DVB-H. The experimental results are presented in this article as well. In this article we present our experience in terms of technology, introduce a learning-by-doing concept during course development, and give a complete analysis of a full digital HD workflow.

International real-time streaming of 4K digital cinema

This paper describes the world’s first real-time, international transmission of 4K digital cinema and 4K Super High Definition (SHD) digital video at iGrid 2005, hosted at the California Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2) at the University of California, San Diego. Nearly six hours of live and pre-recorded 4K motion picture and audio content was streamed to iGrid in San Diego from the Research Institute for Digital Media and Content (DMC) at Keio University in Tokyo. To implement this demonstration, several new technologies were introduced, including a prototype high-performance 4K compressed multicasting system called “JPEG 2000 Flexcast”, and “Soundscape”, a practical scheme for synchronizing audio and video transmitted from different locations over IP networks. These iGrid 2005 demonstrations proved that it is now feasible to implement networked professional audio/video applications–production, post-production and distribution–even at 4K quality over IP networks up to 15,000 km long. The demonstrations also showed the new 4K motion picture technology being introduced for digital cinema can be usefully applied to other network applications such as remote telepresence, distance learning and scientific visualization.

An efficient POCS-based post-processing technique using wavelet transform in HDTV

In this paper, we propose a new post-processing method, based on the theory of the projection onto convex sets (POCS) to reduce the in digital high definition television (HDTV) decoded images. We propose a new smoothness constraint set (SCS) and its projection operator in the wavelet transform (WT) domain to remove unnecessary high-frequency components caused by blocking artifacts. We also propose a new method to find and preserve the original high frequency components of the image edge. Experimental results show that the proposed method can not only achieve a significantly enhanced subjective quality, but also exhibit the PSNR improvement in the output image.

Invited Paper: 65.3: Invited Paper: Development of Image Quality Technology for Digital High Definition Plasma TV

The requirements for flat, thin TVs that have high image quality is increasing along with the spread of digital broadcasting services and the growing popularity of Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs). We have developed a new Digital High Definition Plasma TV to satisfy such demands. The new product features an improved-image-quality system which offers images of 3.62 billion colors and a maximum gray scale with 2048 levels. This new system incorporates innovative color creation technology to produce vivid images as well as proprietary motion pattern noise reduction technology to eliminate most of the motion picture anomalies and artifacts which are a continuing problem with Plasma Display Panel (PDP) TVs. This technology makes it possible to gain a 10% increase in brightness along with a 10% decrease in power consumption.