Abstract: Methods of data encoding using trees formed with logic gates are described which lead to spatial compression of image data. Data encoding is achieved using a five-level wavelet transform, such as the Haar or the 2/10 transform. A dual transform engine is used, the first and engine being used for the first part of the first-level transform, the second part of the first-level transform and the subsequent-level transforms being performed by the second transform engine within a time interval which is less than or equal to the time taken by the first transform engine to effect the part-transform. Each bit plane of the resulting coefficients is then encoded by forming a tree structure from the bits and OR logical combinations thereof. Redundant data are removed from the resulting tree structure, and further data can be removed by using a predetermined compression profile.

Abstract: Methods of data encoding using trees formed with logic gates are described which lead to spatial compression of image data. Data encoding is achieved using a five-level wavelet transform, such as the Haar or the 2/10 transform. A dual transform engine is used, the first and engine being used for the first part of the first-level transform, the second part of the first-level transform and the subsequent-level transforms being performed by the second transform engine within a time interval which is less than or equal to the time taken by the first transform engine to effect the part-transform. Each bit plane of the resulting coefficients is then encoded by forming a tree structure from the bits and OR logical combinations thereof. Redundant data are removed from the resulting tree structure, and further data can be removed by using a predetermined compression profile.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for adaptively compressing and transmitting streaming video, preferably implemented in hardware as part of a codec, that adaptively applies a variable rate of compression to images in a video stream to optimize the quality attainable for a given transport bandwidth. In one or more embodiments, image frames from the video stream are divided into blocks, and a variable compression ratio compression engine compresses the blocks for transmission over a network. Depending on their compressed sizes, one or more of the compressed blocks are packaged into fixed size data packets for transmission over a network. The data packets are fed into a packet buffer. A packet servo releases packets from the buffer to achieve a desired transport data rate. The amount of compression applied by the compression engine is controlled based on the number of packets in the buffer.

Abstract: Methods of data encoding using trees formed with logic gates are described which lead to spatial compression of image data. Data encoding is achieved using a five-level wavelet transform, such as the Haar or the 2/10 transform. A dual transform engine is used, the first and engine being used for the first part of the first-level transform, the second part of the first-level transform and the subsequent-level transforms being performed by the second transform engine within a time interval which is less than or equal to the time taken by the first transform engine to effect the part-transform. Each bit plane of the resulting coefficients is then encoded by forming a tree structure from the bits and OR logical combinations thereof. Redundant data are removed from the resulting tree structure, and further data can be removed by using a predetermined compression profile.

Abstract: The present invention is a ceiling-mountable enclosure comprising a support frame, a lightweight inner enclosure, and a back box configured for installation in a suspended ceiling. The apparatus of the present invention includes a removable device door configured to be mounted to the support frame. Electrical and signal wires are routed through conduit access plates provided at the back box. Electrical or other equipment is mounted to a removable device door. The removable device door with mounted equipment is attached to the support frame, then rotated upwards to fit flush with the ceiling and fastened to the support frame. A variety of power receptacles are provided that are configured to be mounted to either the back box, the inner enclosure, or the removable device door. The enclosure includes a cooling system comprising an electrically powered fan and air ducts integrated into the inner enclosure. The air ducts include a textured surface that improves the air flow through the ducts.

Abstract: A cable retractor is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is articulate, comprising an articulate housing which comprises a cable stop housing pivotably coupled to a pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor also comprises a first pulley assembly coupled to the pulley housing, an end cap coupled to the pulley housing, a spring coupled to the end cap, and a second pulley assembly coupled to the spring. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are disposed within the pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a cable stop assembly is coupled to the cable stop housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is configured to be mountable to a cable access enclosure in a plurality of orientations.

Abstract: A triangular waveform generator includes a square waveform clock circuit and an integrating circuit. The integration circuit receives input from the square waveform clock circuit and generates a triangular waveform output. A feedback circuit is operatively connected to the integrating circuit to reduce the audio band noise content in the triangular waveform output. The feedback circuit acts as a DC balance without significant sacrifice in the linearity of the triangular waveform output.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for installing a tile-mounted ceiling speaker that combines the ease of installation of a lay-in speaker system with the visual appearance of a tile-mounted speaker system. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame, back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile, a ceiling ring configured to be mounted in an opening in a ceiling tile, and a loudspeaker cartridge configured to be mounted to the support frame through the ceiling tile opening.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for installing a tile-mounted ceiling speaker that combines the ease of installation of a lay-in speaker system with the visual appearance of a tile-mounted speaker system. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame and back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile and a loudspeaker cartridge configured to be mounted to the support frame through an appropriately-sized hole in the ceiling tile.

Abstract: A simplified VCA circuit is presented. The VCA of the present invention uses fewer components and is less complex than prior art OTA-based VCAs. Further, the VCA of the present invention has improved total harmonic distortion (THD) and DC offset characteristics as compared to prior art VCAs. The VCA may be used to prevent clipping with the addition of clipping detection circuitry.

Abstract: A modular, customizable, versatile, easy to use, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing surface mountable enclosure is presented. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes a modular housing that is configured to be gangable with one or more other housings to provide a range of sizes and configurations. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing of the invention is configured to accept a variety of interchangeable cassettes or modules that provide a variety of cable and power connections or other resources. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing of the invention includes an articulating lid mechanism that is configured to smoothly open and slide neatly out of the way while occupying a reduced volume than the lid mechanisms of the prior art. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes cam driven mounting clamps that allow the enclosure to be quickly and easily secured to a table top or other mounting surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a power supply for an amplifier is provided. The power conversion is achieved using synchronous rectifiers in a regulated half bridge power supply, taking the sum of the positive and negative rails as feedback, in order facilitate energy transfer between positive and negative output rails. This minimizes the effects of off side charging and rail sag, as well as achieving good line regulation, while allowing use of very small, low value output capacitors.

Abstract: The present invention is a ceiling-mountable enclosure comprising a support frame, a lightweight inner enclosure, and a back box configured for installation in a suspended ceiling. The apparatus of the present invention includes a removable device door configured to be mounted to the support frame. Electrical and signal wires are routed through conduit access plates provided at the back box. Electrical or other equipment is mounted to a removable device door. The removable device door with mounted equipment is attached to the support frame, then rotated upwards to fit flush with the ceiling and fastened to the support frame. A variety of power receptacles are provided that are configured to be mounted to either the back box, the inner enclosure, or the removable device door. The enclosure includes a cooling system comprising an electrically powered fan and air ducts integrated into the inner enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure distribution of digital content is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an intermediate device maintains an authorized content sink list which it uses to allow reauthorization of a first content sink for access to first content from a first content source when the first content sink has a first content sink entry on the authorized content sink list. In accordance with at least one embodiment, reauthorization is conditioned upon a first content sink entry currency status having not yet expired. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the intermediate device allows authentication of the first content sink by the first content source when no first content sink entry exists on the authorized content sink list or when the first content sink entry currency status has expired.

Abstract: The present invention is a speed control for a cable retractor. The cable retractor with which the speed control is used comprises a pulley that engages a cable that may be extended and retracted. A friction element configured to adjustably contact the cable adjacent to the pulley is attached to a movable linkage. The movement of the linkage is constrained to move along a predetermined path such that movement of the linkage along the path alters the distance between the friction element and the pulley. In one or more embodiments a cantilevered spring is attached to the linkage. An adjustable control, for example a thumbscrew, is configured to move the spring in relation to the linkage in a manner that alters the position of the friction element with respect to the cable and/or the pressure exerted by the friction element on the cable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a loudspeaker system that includes a loudspeaker and a detachable mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount include electrical connectors that are engaged when the loudspeaker is attached to the mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount comprise mating mounting structures that support the loudspeaker on the mount when the mounting structure of the loudspeaker is engaged with the mounting structure of the mount. In one or more embodiments, multiple configurations of the mount are provided that allow the loudspeaker to be mounted with a variety of orientations with respect to the mounting surface. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker comprises a tweeter with a rotatable wave guide that allows the dispersion angle of the tweeter to be adjusted to accommodate the variety of orientations at which the loudspeaker may be mounted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic compensation of insertion loss in signals transmitted over conductors is presented. The present invention is particularly applicable to the transmission of signals over long lengths of CAT-5 or similar twisted-pair cables. A reference signal having a known form and strength (e.g. a pulse signal) is provided to each pair of conductors carrying a component of a signal from a transmitter to a receiver. The receiver includes adjustable gain amplifiers for each conductor pair over which a component of the signal is transmitted. The gains of the amplifiers are initially set at an initial level (e.g., their maximum gain) to allow detection of the reference signal. Once the reference signal is detected in a conductor pair, the amplifier gains are adjusted such that the level of the reference signal is restored approximately to its original form and strength.

Abstract: A ceiling speaker assembly is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the ceiling speaker assembly includes a three-dimensional support frame attached to a perforated grille. The support frame is configured with a speaker aperture adjacent to which a speaker is mounted and a port aperture. The speaker aperture and port aperture are configured such that the speaker aperture is in communication with the front of the speaker and the port aperture is in communication with the rear of the speaker. In one or more embodiments, the support frame includes a horn cavity that functions as an acoustical cross-over such that higher frequencies generated by the speaker are emitted primarily through the speaker aperture and the lower frequencies generated by the speaker are emitted primarily through the port aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver. The loudspeaker assembly can be used to replace ceiling tiles having any size or configuration, and can also me mounted in other surfaces, such as ceiling walls, floors, table tops, etc. made of drywall, hard decking, wood, stone, cement, glass, or any other material or type of construction, or configured in a stand-alone loudspeaker frame or cabinet. The loudspeaker assembly of the present invention can be mounted in any orientation.

Abstract: A USB peripheral device comprising a limited function Universal Serial Bus (USB) host controller configured to control HID compliant USB peripheral devices on a downstream facing USB port is disclosed. The port is also capable of dynamically interfacing to any USB compliant peripheral device.