Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing defect data indicative of defects in a product is described. In one example, each of the defects is assigned one of a plurality of severity levels and one of a plurality of impact levels. The defects are classified into categories based on combinations of severity level and impact level. A graphic representative of a topographical relation among numbers of defects in the categories is generated. The graphic is displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining lighting conditions in a video telephony environment, and for causing one or more tasks to be performed that will lead to an improvement in image quality. These tasks include, for example, (1) informing the user of the lighting conditions, (2) suggestion to the user ways to improve the lighting conditions, and (3) automatically compensating for the lighting conditions.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium are described that improve the performance of video systems. Light is shown-upon an image pickup device such as a CCD. Frames are generated in response to a clock signal that is proportional to a frame rate. In low-light conditions the frame rate and clock signal are reduced in frequency by a clock circuit so that more light is shown upon the image pickup device per frame. The clock circuit responds to a control signal from a processor that compares a representation of the image data with threshold data to determine the level of light.

Abstract: A method and system of providing user profiling for an electrical device is disclosed. Face representation data is captured with an imaging device. The imaging device focuses on the face of the user to capture the face representation data. A determination is made as to whether a facial feature database includes user facial feature data that matches the face representation data. User preference data is loaded on a memory module of the electrical device when the face representation data matches user facial feature data in the facial feature database. A new user profile is added to the user profile database when the face representation data does not match user facial feature data in the facial feature database.

Abstract: A non-tactile system and method of text entry on a device is disclosed, comprising capturing printed text as an image using a camera associated with the device, performing optical character recognition on the image to yield text recognizable by the device, and storing the text on the device. In one embodiment, text is handwritten by a user of paper and held in front of a camera on a device such as a video telephone. The video telephone utilizes optical character recognition to interpret the handwritten text into text recognizable by the phone. The user can thereby enter text into a device without use of a keyboard or touch screen device.

Abstract: A system and method of authenticating a user is thereby disclosed, comprising providing a plurality of authentication schemes for authenticating a user on a device, each of the plurality of authentication schemes having a varying level of security associated therewith, providing access to a plurality of services to the user through use of the device, each of the plurality of services having a level of information sensitivity associated therewith, associating each of the plurality of services with one of the plurality of authentication schemes, and permitting access of the user to the service associated once a user has properly been authenticated using the corresponding authentication scheme.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use in an IP-based device having at least one indicator that conveys information to a user as to conditions that may affect use of an IP service by a user of an IP-based device. Such information includes, for example, network component ports that are and are not open, IP addresses that are and are not available, call signaling anomalies, bandwidth availability, network congestion, packet loss, account status, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for presenting a user with customized access to a video telephony device. The method begins by acquiring a first representation of the face of an individual who comes within view of a camera associated with the video telephony device. The first acquired representation is compared to stored facial representations of individuals who previously registered as users with the video telephony device. If a match is found between the first acquired representation and a stored representation of a given individual, a database is accessed containing user defined information (e.g., a personal phonebook). The given individual is then presented with access to the device in accordance with the user defined information.

Abstract: A method for monitoring motion of an entity within a predetermined boundary established using a location detection technology. Sensor data is acquired from a motion sensor that senses non-positional movement of the entity and is attachable to the entity. A learned movement pattern associated with the entity is accessed. Computing techniques are used to analyze the acquired sensor data in relationship to the learned movement pattern. A current movement pattern is identified based on the analysis. It is determined whether the current movement pattern is a reportable movement pattern, and if so, a predetermined action is performed.

Abstract: An access portal is provided for establishing communication between an environmental management system used on a premises and an authorized responder equipped with an external access device. In some cases a remote host server is provided for obtaining information from the environmental management system, which in turn can transmit the information to the external access device. The access portal includes a first electronic memory segment configured to store access information associated with at least one authorized responder and a second electronic memory segment configured to store information pertaining to the premises and/or at least one occupant residing in the premises. The access portal also includes a processor for identifying a responder as an authorized responder by comparing identifying information received from the responder through the external access device with the access information stored in the first electronic memory segment.

Abstract: A method (500) for providing access to data at a consumer location (23). The consumer location (23) has a central consumer device (202) operable to access a data recording medium (402), a QAM interface (422) arranged for communication with a first remote consumer device (214), and a packet data interface (424) arranged for communication with a second remote consumer device (220). The method includes: arranging (502) for the central consumer device to receive the data from a broadband communication system; arranging (504) for storage of the received data on the data recording medium; arranging (506) for processing of a request in behalf of the first remote consumer device or the second remote consumer device, for access to the stored data; and arranging (508/510) for transmission of the stored data from the data recording medium to the requesting device via either the QAM interface or the packet data interface, as appropriate.

Abstract: A device which eliminates all RF ingress noise from entering the CATV network in the upstream communication path includes a shunt filter, a detector and a filter with a bandwidth equal to the bandwidth of the upstream communication path. The device monitors signals transmitted in the upstream bandwidth and detects when a valid upstream communication is being transmitted. Upon detection of this valid signal, the shunt filter is switched out of the upstream communication path to allow the valid transmission to be sent. When the end of the valid transmission is detected and a predetermined delay has lapsed, the shunt filter is switched to block all upstream transmissions in the upstream communication bandwidth.