Abstract: Systems and methods are described for capturing images of articles under test and processing the images to automatically detect the failure of a test article. The described methods include optimizing image capture to allow for the use of low cost imaging devices instead of high speed cameras or other expensive equipment. The described methods also include several methods for processing the images to identify the occurrence of a failure event.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for capturing images of articles under test and processing the images to automatically detect the failure of a test article. The described methods include optimizing image capture to allow for the use of low cost imaging devices instead of high speed cameras or other expensive equipment. The described methods also include several methods for processing the images to identify the occurrence of a failure event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for projecting an image on a surface is provided. More specifically, the method for highlighting information within an image displayed by a projection unit includes receiving a video signal; decoding the video signal; controlling a panel driver to drive a light engine within a predefined power range to display the video signal; and causing the panel driver to enter an overdrive mode driving the light engine at a power level above the preset power range for a period of a scan of the video signal at which information to be highlighted is displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for projecting an image on a surface is provided. More specifically, the method for highlighting information within an image displayed by a projection unit includes receiving a video signal; decoding the video signal; controlling a panel driver to drive a light engine within a predefined power range to display the video signal; and causing the panel driver to enter an overdrive mode driving the light engine at a power level above the preset power range for a period of a scan of the video signal at which information to be highlighted is displayed.

Abstract: A 3D image projector having a translucent rotatable hollow cylinder, the hollow cylinder having differently polarized sections, and the projector being capable of passing a light beam generally orthogonally through a wall of the hollow cylinder is disclosed.

Abstract: A rear projection system includes a screen having an expandable surface that is selectively expanded to display thereon a rear projected image illuminated by a rear pico projector. The screen is selectively contracted for enhancing portability. The rear projection system includes a foldable frame that is selectively unfolded for supporting the screen and that is selectively folded for enhancing portability. A sensor is used for converting the screen to a touchscreen when the screen surface is expanded.

Abstract: A video processing system adaptively generates and processes volume/file structure and navigation data of different data format and converts data between different formats for decoding, recording and other applications. The system processes the volume/file structure and navigation data in distinct modes including (a) pre-processing, (b) contemporaneous and (c) post-processing modes. In addition, the system provides navigation information supporting navigation through different images of one or more video programs by parsing encoded packetized data representative of a sequence of individual images to determine parameters to support navigation through the sequence of individual images. The determined parameters are formatted into a predetermined data structure and incorporated into a pre-formed navigation data field.

Abstract: A pausable system that processes multi-channel, multimedia content including a multimedia content delivery device having a priority detector for determining priority multimedia content and a decoder that can decode the priority content while the system is in a paused state. The system can also output an indicator if a priority multimedia content becomes disrupted based on a received rate compared to an embedded rate. The priority detector can also determine if the priority content is intended for a particular recipient before processing by the multimedia content delivery device.

Abstract: An arrangement is described which reduces the number of phase locked loops (PLLs) required in a typical high speed serial interface system. A reference clock is sent from a transmitter on a main board to a receiver on a system board, which employs a PLL that also drives a transmitter on the system board. The transmitter on the system board transmits a data signal to a receiver on the main board which does not require a PLL. Rather, the receiver on the main board is clocked with a static-phase, master reference clock, and the phase of the reference clock sent from the main board is controlled so as to achieve synchronism of the data signal received by the main board receiver using the static-phase, master reference clock.

Abstract: A video system such as a television signal receiver includes a touch screen that may be suitable for larger image screens. According to an exemplary embodiment, the video system includes a screen having first and second sides, wherein a depression of the screen on the first side produces an image detectable on the second side. At least one projector is disposed on the second side of the screen and projects a first video signal onto the screen. At least one camera is disposed on the second side of the screen and detects the image. A processor determines a location of the depression according to the detected image.

Abstract: A method and system for playing a video image including video frames and on-screen displays, and displaying an on-screen display associated with a video frame already played without interrupting the playing of the video frames. The displaying of the on-screen displays can be activated by the user commands received from a user. The user can select on-screen displays associated with frames of the video image played in a past pre-defined interval.

Abstract: Described herein is an audio calibration system and method that determines optimum placement and/or operating conditions of speakers for an entertainment system. The system receives an audio signal and transmits the audio signal to a speaker. A recordation of an emanated audio signal from each speaker is made. The system performs a sliding window fast Fourier transform (FFT) comparison of the recorded audio signal temporally and volumetrically with the audio signal. A time delay for each speaker is shifted so that each of the plurality of speakers is synchronized. The individual volumes are then compared for each speaker and are adjusted to collectively match. The method can align and move the convergence point of multiple audio sources. Time differences are measured with respect to a microphone as a function of position. The method uses any audio data and functions with background noise in real time.

Abstract: A network interface apparatus is capable of bypassing an inoperable or failed network device. According to an exemplary embodiment, the network interface apparatus includes first and second transformers. A network input and a network output are respectively coupled to a first side of the first transformer and a first side of the second transformer. A terminal input and a terminal output are respectively coupled to a second side of the first transformer and a second side of the second transformer. A switch assembly is coupled to the second sides of the first and second transformers. When the switch assembly is in a first state, the second side of the first transformer is coupled to the terminal output, and when the switch assembly is in a second state, the second side of the first transformer is coupled to the first side of the second transformer bypassing the terminal output.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a global pause function in a broadcast multimedia system during a pause mode including an input module having an incoming timestamp counter for providing a time-based marker value to mark when each incoming packet arrives from a tuner and an outgoing timestamp counter for providing a time-based marker value for each outgoing packet to a receiver(s), the outgoing counter being configured for controlling when to release each outgoing packet to the receiver(s). At least one global memory device is provided for storing each received packet. The input module is configured to stop the outgoing counter from incrementing in response to activation of a global pause signal for the duration of the pause mode. Data flow to all of the receiver(s) is simultaneously and automatically stopped when a pause mode is enabled.

Abstract: A power cord (14) for an electronic product (10) such as a set-top box or the like provides a reduced thermal resistance path from a heat generating portion of the set-top to the ambient air to improve heat dissipation. In a preferred embodiment, the power cord includes a ground wire having a size in excess of that necessary to carry ground current to as to increase heat conduction from the ground plane of the set-top box circuit board.

Abstract: A method and a system accomplish inspection of a mark in a frame of a film print. The system can include a frame imager which automatically selects at least one frame in the film print having an FMS mark and automatically captures an image of the frame. The image can be captured prior to, or subsequent to, the print being developed. The system also can include a marker which marks the frame with the mark. Further, the system can include a processor which automatically extracts the mark from the captured image and automatically compares the mark on the frame to a reference mark. The captured image can be stored to a database.

Abstract: A global program guide pause function in a broadcast multimedia system including a first main control configured to process multimedia content received from a packet processor, the first main control including an analyzer module for acquiring and analyzing program guide data to determine multiple time-delayed start content, a filtration module for filtering undesired content and enabling desired data streams to be saved in at least one global memory device, and a guide module for creating a program guide comprising only non-filtered programs being offered at time-delayed start times. The guide module is further configured to create multiple listings in the program guide showing a real-time versus a delayed-start time for each non-filtered program. A popular stream packet processor can be provided for saving data content corresponding to popular programs.

Abstract: Control of access to video content is achieved by filtering information identifying the available video content according to one or more applicable profiles and then delivering to an authorized user only the filtered results for the information in a form such as an electronic program guide. In this way the filtered results in the exemplary electronic program guide represent only the content items that meet the profile criteria. Content information, which fails to meet the filtering criteria, can be blocked or scrambled or deleted from the exemplary electronic program guide as a further constraint prior to delivery of the filtered set of information to the authorized user.

Abstract: A gateway is communicatively coupled between content source devices for a home entertainment network and playout devices included in the network, the gateway making use of available user, system, and other preferences of for example, respective control devices in the home entertainment network to enable controlled access of content in the network. For example, a personalized remote control device communicates with a gateway, either directly or indirectly, in a home entertainment network such that a user associated with the personalized remote control can interact personally with the gateway to modify viewing content in accordance with the specifications, preferences, and requirements for that particular user. As such, an entertainment device in communication with the personalized remote control device in the home network can be personalized for a user without the need to program and reprogram each and every entertainment device to a user's respective specifications, preferences, and requirements.

Abstract: A power cord (14) for an electronic product (10) such as a set-top box or the like provides a reduced thermal resistance path from a heat generating portion of the set-top to the ambient air to improve heat dissipation. In a preferred embodiment, the power cord includes a ground wire having a size in excess of that necessary to carry ground current to as to increase heat conduction from the ground plane of the set-top box circuit board.