Abstract
Recent research in high-quality audio coding seeks not only improved coding gains but also new functionalities, such as easy semantic access to compressed audio material and audio modification in the compressed domain. These objectives imply the decomposition of the audio signal into several components of specific semantic value, such as sinusoidal components, that take advantage of selective coding and parametrization tools. In this paper we presume an MDCT based audio coding environment and present a new technique combining spectral envelope normalization with accurate subtraction of sinusoidal components in the MDCT frequency domain. It is shown how a parametrization of L stationary sinusoids in the complex ODFT spectrum can lead to the effective subtraction in the real MDCT spectrum, of 3L spectral lines. A demonstration of the implementation of the technique is available on the Internet.

Abstract
This paper addresses the extraction of parametric information in an audio coder that uses the MDCT filter bank. The computation of the filter bank is reformulated as a function of the Odd-DFT, in order to allow the estimation of the frequency, the phase and the magnitude of stationary sinusoids. Closed expression delivering accurate estimates are derived and explained, and their implementation and accuracy are illustrated in a Web page that includes a demonstration Matlab M-file.

Abstract
A method for characterizing modulators is described which can be built in large integrated circuits or systems-on-chip. The method can be used to measure gain and phase, as well as, total harmonic distortion and signal to noise and harmonic distortion ratio parameters. It is prone to be built in circuit, when computational resources such as digital signal processors or re-programmable logic are available, but can also be used in computer simulations making it easier to compare expected with measured performances.

Abstract
In this paper an alternative technique for differential gain and phase testing of video ADCs based on the use of joint time-frequency analysis is presented. This technique can lead to a significant improvement in ADC testing time and in the amount of information provided by these specific tests.

Abstract
Large scale distributed systems are typically evolving environments that have to deal with interoperability, scalability, mobility and QoS adaptability requirements. Generically, these systems need adaptation mechanisms to cope with short-term (cf. programmed reconfiguration) and long-term requirements (cf. evolutionary reconfiguration). We propose a reflective component-based framework with architecture style awareness for managing architecture composition and constraining adaptation. Specifically, this framework provides the necessary tools to generate and manipulate the programming model abstractions (i.e. components, connectors and respective properties and interfaces). The framework offers a principled way to deal with both introspection and adaptation of basic and composite components. It provides the developers with the ability to choose, extend and modify architecture style managers. These managers are responsible to represent and check architecture constraints both at development and deployment time, i.e. before any architectural reconfiguration may be committed. © 2001 IEEE.

Abstract
Virtual Home Environment is a new concept that emerged in the context of the 3(rd) generation networks for mobile communications, The objective of this paper is to present the work that currently takes place in VESPER1, an IST project in the area of the VHE. The paper presents the VESPER project approach to the VHE architecture, its main components, the way they interact and the way this architecture will facilitate the creation of services embedded with the VHE concept. The paper presents also two demonstration services, their main functional features and how they use the VHE architecture defined in VESPER.