Abstract: Methods and systems for managing multiple inputs that are capable of competing or contending for a particular or primary output are described. In one embodiment, the multiple inputs are managed through the use of a software-implemented matrix switch object, and an associated data structure that is used to program the switch object and resolve contention issues between the inputs. The matrix switch object can process the multiple inputs to provide a primary output. One implementation of the switch object uses virtual input and output pins to receive and provide data streams. One specific embodiment is used in connection with multi-media editing software that enables users build or define their own editing multi-media editing projects that incorporate multiple different user-selected clips, in the form of digital data streams, into an integrated project. Each clip can be defined in terms of one or more digital data streams, e.g. video and audio streams.

Abstract: A method comprising generating a source chain for use in a development project, and caching the source chain when it is not currently required in the development project.

Abstract: A method of generating a development project including at least a matrix switch and one or more adjacent objects is presented comprising establishing an initial rendering of the development project, and negotiating buffer size and attributes between an input/output coupling the matrix switch to an input/output of the adjacent objects, wherein the negotiated buffer is utilized to communicate information between the input/output of the matrix switch and the input/output of the adjacent object by sharing information via the shared buffer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described that permit efficient processing of user-defined multi-media editing projects that combine multiple different source data streams into a single compressed data stream that represents the project. The described approaches are directed to ensuring that those compressed source data stream portions that need to be uncompressed for processing are uncompressed and processed, while those compressed source data stream portions that do not need to be uncompressed are not uncompressed. In one embodiment, a unique switch assembly is provided comprising one or more switches each of which being configured to process data streams. The switch assembly is configured to process both compressed and uncompressed data streams to provide the single compressed output data stream.

Abstract: A system receives an indication to generate a filter graph representing a user-defined development project. Media sources that are to be used in the user-defined development project are identified and a programming grid is establishing that incorporates a user's editing instructions. A matrix switch filter is generated based, at least in part, on the programming grid. The filter graph is assembled and comprises a plurality of individual filters. Buffer size and attribute characteristics are negotiated between an input/output of the matrix switch filter and an input/output of adjacent filters. Negotiated buffers are utilized to communicate media content between the matrix switch filter and adjacent filters by sharing a common buffer between inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Methods and systems of simulating dynamic properties on computer-implemented objects that do not support dynamic properties are described. In one embodiment, one or more first objects that do not support dynamic properties are provided. One or more second programmable objects are provided and are programmed to effect property value changes on the objects that do not support dynamic properties.

Abstract: A system receives an indication to generate a filter graph representing a user-defined development project. Media sources that are to be used in the user-defined development project are identified and a programming grid is establishing that incorporates a user's editing instructions. A matrix switch filter is generated based, at least in part, on the programming grid. The filter graph is assembled and comprises a plurality of individual filters. Buffer size and attribute characteristics are negotiated between an input/output of the matrix switch filter and an input/output of adjacent filters. Negotiated buffers are utilized to communicate media content between the matrix switch filter and adjacent filters by sharing a common buffer between inputs and outputs.

Abstract: A method of representing a development project is presented comprising identifying a plurality of sources comprising the development project, determining whether any of the sources are required simultaneously and, if not, dynamically generating a filter graph representation of the development project utilizing a segment filter to couple a source to multiple processing threads.

Abstract: A filter graph for processing media content is presented comprising a video processing subsystem to process video content, and an audio processing subsystem to process audio content. Each of the audio processing subsystem and the video processing subsystem is coupled through a parser to a single instance of a source of audio and video content, wherein the parser selectively provides the audio subsystem and the video subsystem with audio content and video content, respectively.

Abstract: A system is presented including a plurality of sources, and an interface, selectively coupled to the plurality of sources, to generate and implement a development project of processing chains, wherein the interface dynamically loads a processing chain for each of the plurality of media sources at a point during the execution of the project when the chain is required, and wherein the interface is configured to unload at least a subset of the chains when they are not required.

Abstract: A solder joint or seal attaching components having dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion is made thin (e.g., less than 20 ?m and preferably about 5 ?m) and of a solder such as an indium-based solder that has a tendency to creep. The solder is toroidal or otherwise shaped to avoid tensile stress in the solder. Axial shearing stress in the solder causes reversible creep without causing failure of the joint or seal. In one embodiment, a toroidal solder seal has a diameter, a footprint, and a thickness in approximate proportions of 5000:200:1.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing multiple inputs that are capable of competing or contending for a particular or primary output are described. In one embodiment, the multiple inputs are managed through the use of a software-implemented matrix switch object, and an associated data structure that is used to program the switch object and resolve contention issues between the inputs. The matrix switch object can process the multiple inputs to provide a primary output. One implementation of the switch object uses virtual input and output pins to receive and provide data streams. One specific embodiment is used in connection with multi-media editing software that enables users build or define their own editing multi-media editing projects that incorporate multiple different user-selected clips, in the form of digital data streams, into an integrated project. Each clip can be defined in terms of one or more digital data streams, e.g. video and audio streams.

Abstract: A software enabled, matrix switch is presented wherein a scalable plurality of inputs, coupled to media content sources, provide media content which is recursively routed through select media processing object(s) coupled to a scalable plurality of matrix switch outputs in accordance with a user-defined media processing project.

Abstract: Methods and systems of simulating dynamic properties on computer-implemented objects that do not support dynamic properties are described. In one embodiment, one or more first objects that do not support dynamic properties are provided. One or more second programmable objects are provided and are programmed to effect property value changes on the first objects. The programmable objects can be programmed using data structures that, in one embodiment, comprise an array of one or more sets of data structures. Each data structure set is associated with a property whose value is desired to be changed. The data structure set can define a new property value, a time at which the property value is to be changed, and how to effect the property value change. The programmable object(s) is pre-programmed with the data structures and knows when to call the first objects so that they can change their properties.

Abstract: A software enabled, matrix switch is presented wherein a scalable plurality of inputs, coupled to media content sources, provide media content which is recursively routed through select media processing object(s) coupled to a scalable plurality of matrix switch outputs in accordance with a user-defined media processing project.

Abstract: A software enabled, matrix switch is presented wherein a scalable plurality of inputs, coupled to media content sources, provide media content which is recursively routed through select media processing object(s) coupled to a scalable plurality of matrix switch outputs in accordance with a user-defined media processing project.

Abstract: A method of representing a development project is presented comprising identifying a plurality of sources comprising the development project, determining whether any of the sources are required simultaneously and, if not, dynamically generating a filter graph representation of the development project utilizing a segment filter to couple a source to multiple processing threads.

Abstract: A method of representing a development project is presented comprising identifying a plurality of sources comprising the development project, determining whether any of the sources are required simultaneously and, if not, dynamically generating a filter graph representation of the development project utilizing a segment filter to couple a source to multiple processing threads.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing media content are described and in at least some embodiments utilize a composite or composition, which can be considered as a representation of an editing project as a single track. Editing projects can have one or more tracks, and each track can be associated with one or more data stream sources that can have effects or transitions applied on them. Compositions can be nested inside one another and provide an economical way for complex editing manipulations to take place.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a clutch pack and a ball-screw actuator. The ball-screw actuator functions to axially translates an apply plate to operatively engage the clutch pack and vary the frictional engagement. This arrangement yields numerous operational advantages over the prior art including, but not limited to, establishing a direct drive between the motor output shaft and the apply plate, concentric mounting of the actuator elements with the motor output shaft, and a simplified mechanical arrangement that reduces the number of frictional elements increasing operational efficiency and decreasing motor.