Abstract: A projection television set having a screen and three projection units each capable of projecting a monochromatic image onto the screen. The projection units each having a cathode ray tube (CRT) optically coupled to a projection lens, which includes both a C-lens and a compound lens. A spacer preferably having three optical passageways is coupled to and between the CRTs and projection lenses such that three coolant chambers are formed. Preferably, the spacer includes fluid passageways that interconnect the coolant chambers. Additionally, the packing members used to seal the coolant chambers preferably include position or alignment retaining components.

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: 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: 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: 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: Methods and apparatus are provided for equally aging a cathode ray tube (CRT). In the preferred embodiment, a standard CRT having a 4:3 aspect ratio is provided. An external video terminal is coupled to the CRT and receives any number of external video signals, one or more of which may be non-standard external video signals having a 16:9 aspect ratio. In response to a non-standard external video signal, the CRT is illuminated with a mismatched illumination ratio, i.e., a primary CRT region is illuminated and a secondary CRT region is not illuminated, resulting in an unequally aged CRT. A video pattern generator is coupled to the CRT and generates an internal video signal, such that the secondary CRT region is illuminated in response to the internal video signal.

Abstract: A projection television set having a screen and three projection units each capable of projecting a monochromatic image onto the screen. The projection units each having a cathode ray tube (CRT) optically coupled to a projection lens, which includes both a C-lens and a compound lens. A spacer preferably having three optical passageways is coupled to and between the CRTs and projection lenses such that three coolant chambers are formed. Preferably, the spacer includes fluid passageways that interconnect the coolant chambers. The spacer also include coolant fill ports and reservoirs, zero pressure gum tanks seated in the reservoirs, and a plurality of heat exchanging ribs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a load bearing shipping carton with a sleeve interlock that facilitates ease of assembly and structural integrity of the shipping carton assembly. The carton assembly includes a tray into which a product to be packaged is set, a cover which fits on top of the product, and a sleeve which slides over the top of the cover, product and tray assembly. The tray includes a forklift port sized to receive the tines of a forklift. The sleeve preferably includes a pair of flaps that fold into the forklift port and side walls that extend to or nearly to the bottom of the tray. In a preferred embodiment, the flaps are sized to a dimension that matches the forklift port and, when folded into position in the forklift port, the flaps increases the structural integrity of the forklift port.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for equally aging a cathode ray tube (CRT). A video input terminal is coupled to the CRT and receives an external video signal. Control circuitry is provided, which detects the aspect ratio of the signal and determines whether there is a mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and an aspect ratio of a display screen in association with the CRT. If a mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and the screen aspect ratio exists, an equalization video signal is derived from the external video signal. A primary region of the CRT is illuminated in response to the external video signal, and a secondary region of the CRT, which would otherwise be unilluminated in response to the external video signal due to the mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and the screen aspect ratio, is illuminated in response to the equalization video signal. In this manner, the CRT is uniformly aged.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the fast and effective tuning of a dual tuning audiovisual display system, such as a television. The dual tuners are selectively coupled via a selector to the display. In the preferred embodiment, one tuner is adapted for connection to a cable system with tuning via a cable box, typically controlled by the television via transmission from the television. Ordinarily, the speed of channel changing on the cable box is slower than tuning via the tuner adapted for connection to the bare cable. A control system determines whether a desired channel is available in the channel map for the tuner adapted for connection to the bare cable. If it is available, the tuning is made with that tuner. If the desired channel is not available in that channel map, but is available in the channel map associated with the slower tuner, such as premium channels available through a cable box and the associated channel map, then the cable box containing tuner system is selected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in communication between a remote control and a receiving unit provide power saving modes of operation and enable remote control use of high data generating devices, such as a trackball. A pulse position modulation protocol is provided in which the position of a single pulse, such as an infrared pulse is located in time in one of three or more locations. In the preferred embodiment, the pulse is provided at least in one of eight states, and more preferably in one of sixteen states. In the latter arrangement, a single bit provides for a hex data output by a single pulse. In this way, a single pulse may substitute for what otherwise would have been multiple pulses in a binary protocol. Power savings may be achieved through this method. A time base compensation method is provided in which the remote control provides two detectable events separated by a predetermined time as measured by the remote control time base or clock.

Abstract: To utilize a general-purpose personal computer 6 for debugging data easily in a programmable display device 10 wherein sets of processing instruction words are used on-screen for data processing, means of generalized construction is used for data communications between the computer 6 and the display device 10, and device names to be referred to in the reference information included in the instruction words are transferred, as converted to universal codes, between the computer 6 and the display device 10. The information to be displayed in serial frames 52 as branched for data processing is grouped into layers according to predetermined criteria so as to enable the operator to readily recognize the position of the current frame of information. When the movement of the information is selected, the information is moved on-screen from one layer to another layer.

Abstract: A novel system and method for secure electronic delivery of motion pictures in digital format to many end users simultaneously. In particular, the system comprises a headend system and a theater system. The headend system comprises a baseband processing system which receives analog cinema film as input, a storage system which receives digitized cinema files from the baseband processing system, a radio frequency transmission system which communicates cinema and data files to and from various users as a radio frequency bit stream, and a management system which controls transmission and storage of cinema and data files.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in communication between a remote control and a receiving unit provide power saving modes of operation and enable remote control use of high data generating devices, such as a trackball. A pulse position modulation protocol is provided in which the position of a single pulse, such as an infrared pulse is located in time in one of three or more locations. In the preferred embodiment, the pulse is provided at least in one of eight states, and more preferably in one of sixteen states. In the latter arrangement, a single bit provides for a hex data output by a single pulse. In this way, a single pulse may substitute for what otherwise would have been multiple pulses in a binary protocol. Power savings may be achieved through this method. A time base compensation method is provided in which the remote control provides two detectable events separated by a predetermined time as measured by the remote control time base or clock.

Abstract: A telemetry and control system is disclosed for use in direct current power wiring applications, such as those used in automobiles or other vehicles. The system includes a master transmitter which encodes data as a train of current pulses which modulate the d.c. supply voltage. A slave receiver at another location, connected to the same power source through pre-existing wiring, amplifies the supply voltage modulation, recovers the data waveform, and decodes it, to effect an action or display a measurement or status indication. A second transmitter combined with the slave receiver may transmit data similarly for reception by a second receiver combined with the master transmitter, to enable two-way communication therebetween. Applications of the system include an emergency battery booster, an anti-theft battery disconnection device, a distress alert system, activation and reception of data from outboard devices, and remote measurement of fluid levels, temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: An interactive graphics system for the mathematical representation of physical models, comprising at least one measuring machine bidirectionally connected to a central unit to which are connected a video screen and a keyboard and including processor means adapted to receive from the measuring machine information on at least initial identification points of the model, to control the automatic detection of information on additional points of the model by means of the same measuring machine, and to process this point information to produce the mathematical representation of the model.

Abstract: A measuring machine provides a base provided with a measurement plane and first guide means defining a first longitudinal axis with respect to the measurement plane itself, a first portal-type carriage slidable along such first guide means and provided with second guide means defining a second axis extending transversely with respect to the measurement plane, a second carriage movable on such second guide means and provided with third guide means defining a third axis orthogonal to the measurement plane, a measurement head provided with a feeler carried by the second carriage and movable with respect to it along the axis by hand grip means fixed to the second carriage and provided with at least one actuating element for manual control of the translation of the measurement head and transmission means for coupling the actuation element to the measurement head.

Abstract: An interactive graphics system for modelling physical articles, includes a measurement device connected bi-directionally with a central unit to which a video screen and a keyboard are connected, as well as processing media which are suitable for receiving from the measurement device, at least, data on initial model identification points, and for controlling the automatic collection of addition data regarding the model by means of the same measurement equipment in order to provide such data for processing for use in deriving the model.

Abstract: A touch panel system using modulated light beams to enable the system to detect when one or more of the light beams are blocked even in bright ambient light conditions. The system has a "touch sensitive" display surface with a defined perimeter. Surrounding the display surface are a multiplicity of light emitting elements and light receiving elements. These elements are located so that the light paths defined by selected pairs of light emitting and light receiving elements cross the display surface and define a grid of intersecting light paths. A scanning circuit sequentially enables selected pairs of the light emitting and light receiving elements, modulating the amplitude of the light emitted in accordance with a predetermined pattern. A filter generates a blocked path signal if the currently enabled light receiving element is not generating an output signal modulated in accordance with the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A measuring device employing laser interferometry, and featuring a device for tracking a mobile target; which tracking device is located between a light source and a semireflecting mirror, for the purpose of eliminating any inaccuracy due to the construction of the aforementioned measuring device.