Abstract: A device for measuring a gap between two objects located remotely from a user includes a base, a slider and a wedge. The slider is slidably received in the base and the wedge is attached to the slider and also slidably received in the base. A push-pull cable has a proximal end connected to the slider. The wedge is inclined at a predetermined angle and slides along an angled surface of the base such that a force applied to a distal end of the cable causes an upper surface of the wedge to move vertically forcing the wedge and the base into respective contact with the two objects forming the gap. By measuring the distance that the push-pull cable slides, the vertical distance traveled by the wedge and thus a measurement of the gap may be determined.

Abstract: A video processing system may include an input for receiving interlaced video data arranged in successive frames each including odd and even fields. A processor may be coupled to the input for determining an improper inversion of the odd and even fields based upon a pair(s) of successive first and second frames each including successive first and second fields. The processor may generate a first difference value(s) based upon a comparison between the first field in the first frame and the second field in the second frame, and a second difference value(s) based upon a comparison between a second field in the first frame and the first field in the second frame. The processor may determine an improper inversion of the odd and even fields based upon a comparison of the first difference value(s) and the second difference value(s) for the pair(s) of successive first and second frames.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring concentricity between a first component and a second component is provided. The system includes a fixture having a first spring element and a second spring element. The first spring element is configured to apply force in an orthogonal direction to the second spring element. A sensor is mounted to the fixture, and the sensor is configured to measure a distance to the second component. The fixture is configured to slide substantially inside a groove of the first component.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring concentricity between a first component and a second component is provided. The system includes a fixture having a first spring element and a second spring element. The first spring element is configured to apply force in an orthogonal direction to the second spring element. A sensor is mounted to the fixture, and the sensor is configured to measure a distance to the second component. The fixture is configured to slide substantially inside a groove of the first component.

Abstract: A video processing system may include an input for receiving video data including video signal values for a corresponding plurality of image pixels and having an image pattern therein. The system may further include a processor coupled to the input for determining a series of video signal value differences for each pair of adjacent image pixels along at least one direction, detecting at least one image transition boundary based upon the series of video signal value differences, and detecting the image pattern based upon the at least one image transition boundary.

Abstract: An audio display system can include an audio input configured to receive a plurality of inputs corresponding different audio channels of a multi-channel audio signal. A phase calculator is configured to determine a relative phase between at least a given pair of the audio channels. An amplitude calculator is configured to determine an amplitude for at least the given pair of audio channels. A display generator is configured to generate an audio display. The audio display can include an amplitude element representing the amplitude determined for each audio channel in the given pair of the audio channels, the amplitude elements being spaced apart from each other to define a phase zone between the respective pair of amplitude elements. The audio display can also include a phase output plotted in the phase zone between the respective pair of amplitude elements, the phase output representing a phase relationship between the given pair of the audio channels.

Abstract: An audio display system can include an audio input configured to receive a plurality of inputs corresponding different audio channels of a multi-channel audio signal. A phase calculator is configured to determine a relative phase between at least a given pair of the audio channels. An amplitude calculator is configured to determine an amplitude for at least the given pair of audio channels. A display generator is configured to generate an audio display. The audio display can include an amplitude element representing the amplitude determined for each audio channel in the given pair of the audio channels, the amplitude elements being spaced apart from each other to define a phase zone between the respective pair of amplitude elements. The audio display can also include a phase output plotted in the phase zone between the respective pair of amplitude elements, the phase output representing a phase relationship between the given pair of the audio channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to generate a reset signal, such as to facilitate synchronization. In one embodiment, a system to generate a reset signal includes an offset generator that provides an offset clock signal having a frequency offset relative to a frequency of an input clock signal. A reset generator generates the reset signal in response to detecting a periodic phase shift between the offset clock signal and the input clock signal.

Abstract: A defective pixel tester determines defective pixels within a digital video camera. The tester includes a video input, a memory and a controller. The video input receives video frames from the digital video camera, with each video frame defined by a plurality of pixel values. The memory stores captured video frames and pixel test results. The controller generates difference values for corresponding pixel values from different video frames, generates pixel test results based upon a comparison of the difference values to a threshold, and stores the pixel test results in the memory.

Abstract: A video processing system may include an input for receiving video data including video signal values for a corresponding plurality of image pixels and having an image pattern therein. The system may further include a processor coupled to the input for determining a series of video signal value differences for each pair of adjacent image pixels along at least one direction, detecting at least one image transition boundary based upon the series of video signal value differences, and detecting the image pattern based upon the at least one image transition boundary.

Abstract: A video processing system may include an input for receiving interlaced video data arranged in successive frames each including odd and even fields. A processor may be coupled to the input for determining an improper inversion of the odd and even fields based upon a pair(s) of successive first and second frames each including successive first and second fields. The processor may generate a first difference value(s) based upon a comparison between the first field in the first frame and the second field in the second frame, and a second difference value(s) based upon a comparison between a second field in the first frame and the first field in the second frame. The processor may determine an improper inversion of the odd and even fields based upon a comparison of the first difference value(s) and the second difference value(s) for the pair(s) of successive first and second frames.

Abstract: A multi-format display device for video production and testing selectively presents a video input signal in three or more distinct ways to facilitate analysis. A complete picture, a picture zoom an area of particular scrutiny around a cursor position, tabular pixel information, a color swatch corresponding to pixel data values and graphic plots of picture data, audio and other information can be placed in areas of a formatted display. Predetermined or input pixel selection criteria can shift the display at least temporarily to identify pixels in the display that meet the criteria as the input video signal frames proceed.

Abstract: A video display for digitized video data interpolates values between time samples, such as luminance over a horizontal line or over an average of all the horizontal lines in a video signal, so as to produce a digitally plotted test display resembling the continuous line display of an oscilloscope. A digital impulse response filter has stored coefficients that contribute as factors to the values of interpolated data points to fill the line display between sample values. Instead of changing the coefficients to produce variations interpolating the output between sample values, the coefficients are held constant and a delay factor is varied to alter the extent to which the respective coefficients and sample values interact and contribute to the interpolated values.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to generate a reset signal, such as to facilitate synchronization. In one embodiment, a system to generate a reset signal includes an offset generator that provides an offset clock signal having a frequency offset relative to a frequency of an input clock signal. A reset generator generates the reset signal in response to detecting a periodic phase shift between the offset clock signal and the input clock signal.

Abstract: A digital processor in a network ingests encoded media programs and determines conformance with variable test criteria. A storage medium or a network provides the media data as files or as streamed data. Various coding and compression formats can be served at the input or output. A scalable hierarchy of control, media analyst, and user interactive test and display processors share the processing load of decoding, processing and re-encoding media programs or segments for storage and distribution. Processing can include chroma, luma, audio level and other controls, normalizing successive segments to standards, forcing legal variable values, and marking of segments and data changes for optional user review and control using a graphic interface. The interface can display the program image and audio, multiple user selected graphic displays, tabular information including processing criteria and includes the status and queuing of segments that are in process or ready for distribution.

Abstract: A video display for digitized video data interpolates values between time samples, such as luminance over a horizontal line or over an average of all the horizontal lines in a video signal, so as to produce a digitally plotted test display resembling the continuous line display of an oscilloscope. A digital impulse response filter has stored coefficients that contribute as factors to the values of interpolated data points to fill the line display between sample values. Instead of changing the coefficients to produce variations interpolating the output between sample values, the coefficients are held constant and a delay factor is varied to alter the extent to which the respective coefficients and sample values interact and contribute to the interpolated values.

Abstract: A multi-format display device for video production and testing presents a video signal in three or more distinct ways at different areas of a display, to facilitate analysis of video data for discrete areas within the video picture. A video processor produces a complete picture from the input signal on a limited part of the device display area, such as a quadrant of a digitally controlled standard display. At another limited part, preferably on the same display, a picture zoom is presented, showing a visual enlargement of a subpart of the picture around a cursor position, preferably large enough to point out individual pixels or data samples. A third part of the display presents a tabular form of specific pixel numeric data for one or more pixels at the cursor, and also produces a color swatch corresponding to the pixel data values. Graphic plots of picture data, audio and other associated information can be placed in remaining areas.

Abstract: A fluorescent lighting system connected to an AC voltage source providing a first AC voltage is disclosed. A converter circuit connected to the AC voltage source converts the first AC voltage to a DC voltage. An oscillator circuit receives the DC voltage and produces a second AC voltage. The oscillator circuit includes a series resonant circuit and a removable installed fluorescent lamp. The series resonant circuit includes a resonant capacitor and a resonant conductor in series. The lamp has first and second elements and is connected in parallel with the resonant capacitor of the series resonant circuit such that lighting current runs between the first and second elements. The second element is connected in series with the resonant capacitor and the resonant inductor and acts as a switching element. When the lamp is removed from the system, the absence of the switching element creates an open circuit between the resonant capacitor and the resonant inductor such that the oscillator circuit does not operate.