Abstract: An apparatus that supports operation of an LED sign includes a backplane that connects a backplane frame output of a first video data processor circuit card to a backplane frame input of a second video data processor circuit card, and also connects a backplane frame output of the second video data processor circuit card to a backplane frame input of a sign interface circuit card. Each video data processor circuit card includes a video source input, and the sign interface circuit card includes a video data output for coupling to distribution boards located at the sign. The backplane architecture provides flexible scalability by permitting the addition of further video data processor circuit cards and further sign interface circuit cards in any desired configuration.

Abstract: A system and process for obtaining near real time, non-destructive inspection and characterization of surfaces. The system includes an infrared light source which is directed on a surface to be inspected. A portion of the reflected light is gathered and directed through an optical filter arrangement which separates the light into a plurality of sets of wavelengths which correspond to particular physical properties of the thin film, such as absorbance. The intensity of each set of wavelengths is detected by optical detectors and the resulting signals analyzed to characterize the surface.