Abstract: Screen data is generated by a screen generating processor (74) of a control host computer (7) and transmitted to a programmable display apparatus (5). In accordance with the screen data, the programmable display apparatus (5) inquires a PLC (3) or the like about a state of a device (21), so as to update the display or transmit a control instruction depending on an input result. On the other hand, a control host computer (7) has a public server section (77) to transmit to a client apparatus (9) via the Internet an applet, which is generated by a compiler (76) compiling the screen data. The client apparatus (9) executes the applet to transmit to the public server section (77) an or the control instruction inquiry similar to those the programmable display apparatus (5) makes. In this way, the display is updated in accordance with a response.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the selection and connection of sub-devices managed by virtual device or logical units (LUs) within a network. In one exemplary embodiment, LU connections are preferably brought to the IP layer using HTTP commands and responses. These IP layer commands are used to communicate connection information among the LUs involved in the connection and to allow for LUs to determine which sub-devices within the LU will be used in a connection. When the specific details have been determined, the sink device will work at the network specific level to make the actual connection. This allows for the connections between LUs to be network independent until all of the specific details of the connection have been determined. After that, a connection is established using network specific commands and protocols.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices;, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate grey level magnification to improve details and contrast for a dark scene of video on a digital display system. Preferably implemented over a limited pixel level range, the video enhancement process counts the number of pixels corresponding to each level within the range in a frame and then, based on the percent level distribution of the pixels, calculates the stack of percentage distribution. From the stack of percentage distribution, a transformation process is performed to reassign the pixel values over a dark level range and to expand the distribution of the pixels. The result of transformation enhances the details and contrast of the dark area significantly without affecting the bright scene. By only applying the algorithm to dark scenes, computation loads are reduced compared with some of the full picture processing methods. Lower computational loads are important to reduce motion artifacts in high speed video applications.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A remote control unit for an entertainment system comprising a television or other display device, and a plurality of peripheral devices connected to the televisions. The remote control unit is adapted to send and receive information signals to and from the television and to the peripheral devices to control the devices. The television and remote control unit both preferably includes a receiver and transmitter and appropriate memory and logic coupled to the transmitter and receiver. Alternatively, the remote control unit preferably includes a receiver and transmitter and a repeater coupled to the receiver and the transmitter. In operation, the remote control unit sends commands to the television, which responds by sending information or a specific command back to the remote control unit. The remote control unit then retrieves and sends a specific command or repeats and sends the command received from the television to the appropriate peripheral device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate automatic convergence and geometry alignment in projection systems. Preferably, an optical element such as a lens array is coupled to all areas of the projection system's screen and to a detector element such as a photocell array. In operation, each lens of the lens array is adapted to map an individual portion or region of the screen onto the photocell array. A microprocessor, controller or the like uses the data output from the photocells to instruct an alignment controller to center or steer the beams to compensate for convergence error at a particular location. In a center alignment mode, four (4) or more beacon dots located about the periphery of the screen are detected to determine screen size and position, which is used to center the video image and the centers of the mapped regions on the screen.

Abstract: A control system including control devices with each control device including a control unit and a display device connected with the control unit via a dedicated communication line and being capable of display corresponding to a control state of the control unit. The display device includes a communication port connected with a control unit and a communication port connected with a data processing device, and a data processing section. Further, the data transmission method includes a dedicated protocol communication transmitting data with a processing device and a common protocol communication transmitting data with another processing device. In addition, the control-host computer used in the control system includes a control unit controlling a control target and a display device.

Abstract: A remote control system and method comprising a television and a light pointing apparatus adapted, in a first embodiment, to transmit a first narrow beam having a first frequency corresponding to visible light, which is used to give an indication of where the pointer is pointed, and a second expanded beam surrounding the first beam and comprising a second frequency corresponding to infrared light. In a second embodiment, the pointer transmits a single frequency modulated light beam. In operation, the beam of light is shown on the television screen to activate an on screen menu based user interface via a photo sensor, microprocessor and onscreen display controller. Screen menu items appear on the screen positioned around the periphery of the screen. The user then moves the beam of light on the screen to the periphery of the screen to optically engage one of the plurality of photo conductors, which triggers an appropriate menu sequence or the performance of a television function such as, e.g., channel up.

Abstract: A hidden LCD device suitable for a vehicle comprises a head rest having a narrow receiving space extending from a side thereof; a gear track is disposed at a lower side of said narrow receiving space of the head rest; a LCD panel is connected to a motor so that the LCD panel can be moved in or out of the narrow receiving space and can be positioned between two head rests so that passengers inside said vehicle can watch entertainment programs displayed on the LCD panel.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A method of selectively blocking television programming content wherein the user may use a free-form textual input means to input one of a number of various keywords, times, viewers, dates, ratings, programs or any number of keyword-based input. The method is capable of blocking content, based upon this input, without reference to any pre-determined ratings system. The method may utilize programming-related information available in an on-screen programming guide or other similar informational system in order to selectively block content.

Abstract: Change of the color of an image of a part shown in a screen of a display apparatus is facilitated. A screen editor apparatus includes a storage unit, a control unit and a display unit. The storage unit includes image data for displaying an image of a part, palette data for displaying a color palette, a drawing editor, and a program editor. The control unit includes a display control unit for causing the display unit to display the palette based on the palette data, an association unit for associating a selected hue with an image, and a screen data generation unit for generating screen data using the drawing editor, based on the data generated by the association unit.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A procedure (user program) in which a PLC 2 controls operation of input-output apparatuses (4) is generated on a ladder window by using a ladder editor (32a). A screen (user screen) on which a programmable display apparatus (1) displays states of the input-output apparatuses (4) is generated on a screen generating window by a screen generating editor (32b). For example, when a symbol on a ladder diagram on the ladder window next to the screen generating window is dragged and dropped onto the screen generating window, attribute data including a name and address of the input-output apparatus that relates to the symbol is copied from a ladder file (33a) for registering the user program to a screen file (33b) for registering the user screen, and a mark corresponding to the attribute data is displayed on the screen generating window. This eliminates a need of a common database for registering the attribute data.

Abstract: A flat projection television comprising an imagine engine mounted adjacent a top of an enclosure and optically coupled to a collimator mirror, a flat mirror, a mirror assembly comprising a plurality of cylindrical mirrors, and a diffuser screen. The image engine includes a cylindrical lens which expands an outgoing image horizontally. The image engine projects the image downward from the top of the enclosure toward the bottom of the enclosure where the horizontally expanding image encounters the collimator mirror which collimates the expanding beam bringing the horizontal lines back into parallel with one another. The collimator mirror also reflects the collimated image towards the front of the enclosure where it encounters the flat mirror oriented to deflect the image upward into the mirror box location of the enclosure at an appropriate angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic startup and shutdown including automatic source selection is provided for the selection of one of many video input sources provided on a visual display device in response to a new video signal being transmitted over a particular input port. The visual display device is also provided with means to power on the television in response to user input or a new video signal input source detection. The television may automatically revert to the previously-viewed source upon the powering off or lack of signal from the most newly-acquired video signal source.

Abstract: A method for displaying a photograph on a digital picture frame comprising the steps of: retrieving a digital image file containing the picture from a digital storage media device; detecting an orientation of the photograph; and displaying the image on the digital picture frame in the correct orientation on a display unit of the digital picture frame.