Abstract: Arrangement and method for controlling the order and selection of audio effect components using of a user-controlled crosspoint switch device. A user interface controls a processor which in turn controls the crosspoint device to set a plurality of switches forming a matrix therein, thereby allowing arbitrary control over the order and selection of audio effect components, such as pedals, connected to the matrix. The user interface enables both the pre-programming of the desired effect orders and selections as well as selection of preset stored in a memory component in real-time.

Abstract: Method for forming a musical instrument string and string formed thereby in which a core wire having a coating thereon is formed and a wrap wire is wound around the coated core wire. Musical instrument string that glows in the dark and may be formed by providing a first wire that will serve as a core wire of the string, providing a second wire that will serve as a wrap wire of the string, applying a thermoplastic or thermosetting luminescent polymer to the second wire, e.g., by electrostatic application, and then curing the second wire, controlling the curing conditions under which the second wire is cured to ensure the second wire, after curing is windable, and then winding the cured, second wire around the first wire to provide the string that glows in the dark.

Abstract: Security alarm system for protecting a structure includes motion detectors connected to cameras. Each camera has a dormant state in which images are not obtained and an active state in which images are obtained and is activated into the active state when an associated motion detector detects motion. A processor is coupled to the camera(s) and arranged to control the camera(s) and receive the image obtained thereby. A telecommunications module is coupled to the processor. A handheld telecommunications unit transmits commands to the processor via the telecommunications module to cause the processor to provide images, obtained from the camera(s), to the telecommunications module to be transmitted to the telecommunications unit.

Abstract: Security alarm system for protecting a structure includes motion detectors connected to cameras. Each camera has a dormant state in which images are not obtained and an active state in which images are obtained and is activated into the active state when an associated motion detector detects motion. A processor is coupled to the camera(s) and arranged to control the camera(s) and receive the image obtained thereby. A telecommunications module is coupled to the processor. A handheld telecommunications unit transmits commands to the processor via the telecommunications module to cause the processor to provide images, obtained from the camera(s), to the telecommunications module to be transmitted to the telecommunications unit.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for controlling the order and selection of audio effect components using of a user-controlled crosspoint switch device. A user interface controls a processor which in turn controls the crosspoint device to set a plurality of switches forming a matrix therein, thereby allowing arbitrary control over the order and selection of audio effect components, such as pedals, connected to the matrix. The user interface enables both the pre-programming of the desired effect orders and selections as well as selection of preset stored in a memory component in real-time.

Abstract: Security system which includes motion detectors connected to cameras which are connected to a computer which is connected to a data communication device that informs a homeowner off-premises, the police, fire department and/or private security firm of the existence of an intrusion condition based on the images obtained by the camera. The motion detector detects motion in the field of view of an associated camera which then obtains images. A processor connected with the camera derives a silhouette of an object that triggered the motion from the obtained image(s). The silhouettes are compared to previously obtained silhouettes, such as those of various animals and humans having different sizes. A classification of the silhouette is obtained and depending on what object the silhouette is determined to correspond to, i.e., its identification, further action or countermeasures is taken. Control of the security system may be via a handheld telecommunications device.

Abstract: Security system which includes motion detectors connected to cameras which are connected to a computer which is connected to a data communication device that informs a homeowner off-premises, the police, fire department and/or private security firm of the existence of an intrusion condition based on the images obtained by the camera. The motion detector detects motion in the field of view of an associated camera which then obtains images. A processor connected with the camera derives a silhouette of an object that triggered the motion from the obtained image(s). The silhouettes are compared to previously obtained silhouettes, such as those of various animals and humans having different sizes. A classification of the silhouette is obtained and depending on what object the silhouette is determined to correspond to, i.e., its identification, further action or countermeasures is taken. Control of the security system may be via a handheld telecommunications device.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a set of strings for use with a musical instrument in which a plurality of sizes of the strings in the set are determined and a plurality of colors for the strings in the set is selected, a unique color for each string. For each string, a core wire and a wrap wire, each having a diameter size specific to the size of that string, are provided and only the wrap wire is coated with an enamel having the color of that string. The coated wrap wire is wound around the core wire and the thus-joined wrap wire and core wire are baked to form the string. As a result, each string has its unique color and specific size and when arranged on the instrument, a musician can associate colored notes on a sheet of music with each string and thereby learn how to play the instrument.