Abstract: Various improvements for video production switchers are disclosed. In a user input module, a Link button is operable to link key functions with a user controllable input device. A multicolor lighting arrangement may be provided, and possibly calibrated, for illuminating each button of a switcher with a controllable color and/or intensity. In an improved Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) scheme, a PWM output is dependent on a pseudo-random number and a threshold. A display on a keyer module may be used to provide indications of a key source and type currently associated with the keyer module. A switcher menu system may be enhanced by providing a first display for accessing a full menu system, and a second display for accessing at least a portion of the full menu system. In a modular switcher panel, a panel structure carries button modules, at least one of which is interchangeable without displacing other button modules.

Abstract: Electronic circuit card mounting assemblies and methods are disclosed. An electronic circuit card and an electronic equipment system include mating connectors to operatively couple the circuit card to the equipment system. The circuit card and the equipment system also include respective mating elements of a mounting assembly that engage each other to releasably mount the electronic circuit card to the electronic equipment system. The connectors and the elements of the mounting assembly are positioned to releasably hold the connectors in an operative position when the circuit card is mounted to the equipment system. Related methods of manufacturing electronic circuit cards and equipment systems are also provided. In one embodiment, the mounting assembly elements include a key and a socket to receive the key, and the key and the socket control one or more of a circuit card insertion force, a circuit card retention force, and a circuit removal force.

Abstract: Electronic circuit card mounting assemblies and methods are disclosed. An electronic circuit card and an electronic equipment system include mating connectors to operatively couple the circuit card to the equipment system. The circuit card and the equipment system also include respective mating elements of a mounting assembly that engage each other to releasably mount the electronic circuit card to the electronic equipment system. The connectors and the elements of the mounting assembly are positioned to releasably hold the connectors in an operative position when the circuit card is mounted to the equipment system. Related methods of manufacturing electronic circuit cards and equipment systems are also provided. In one embodiment, the mounting assembly elements include a key and a socket to receive the key, and the key and the socket control one or more of a circuit card insertion force, a circuit card retention force, and a circuit removal force.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for generating a clean clipping signal ? for a chromakey function or a video composition, including identifying background colors formed by a solid color background, shadows cast by still and moving subjects, a non-uniform reflection caused by spot lighting and non-flat backdrop or flaw wall, and translucent foreground objects, with a 3D volume in a 3D color space; determining parameters defining same by using a dirty alpha ?; generating a clean clipping signal ?shd background colors, and a clean clipping signal ?tsl for translucency colors; identifying foreground colors formed by the still and moving subjects with a 3D volume in a 3D color space; classifying colors into transition colors; and generating an area map for mapping each pixel into background, shadow, translucent, foreground, and transition areas.