Abstract: A system includes a stream controller. The stream controller may be configured to (i) determine when one of a plurality of input streams becomes invalid, (ii) switch generation of an output stream associated with the invalid input stream from the invalid input stream to a valid one of the plurality of input streams, and (iii) when the invalid input stream becomes valid again, switch the generation of the output stream back to the now valid input stream.

Abstract: Search systems and computer-implemented search methods are described. In one aspect, a search system includes a communications interface configured to access a plurality of data items of a collection, wherein the data items include a plurality of image objects individually comprising image data utilized to generate an image of the respective data item. The search system may include processing circuitry coupled with the communications interface and configured to process the image data of the data items of the collection to identify a plurality of image content facets which are indicative of image content contained within the images and to associate the image objects with the image content facets and a display coupled with the processing circuitry and configured to depict the image objects associated with the image content facets.

Abstract: Search systems and computer-implemented search methods are described. In one aspect, a search system includes a communications interface configured to access a plurality of data items of a collection, wherein the data items include a plurality of image objects individually comprising image data utilized to generate an image of the respective data item. The search system may include processing circuitry coupled with the communications interface and configured to process the image data of the data items of the collection to identify a plurality of image content facets which are indicative of image content contained within the images and to associate the image objects with the image content facets and a display coupled with the processing circuitry and configured to depict the image objects associated with the image content facets.

Abstract: Search systems and computer-implemented search methods are described. In one aspect, a search system includes a communications interface configured to access a plurality of data items of a collection, wherein the data items include a plurality of image objects individually comprising image data utilized to generate an image of the respective data item. The search system may include processing circuitry coupled with the communications interface and configured to process the image data of the data items of the collection to identify a plurality of image content facets which are indicative of image content contained within the images and to associate the image objects with the image content facets and a display coupled with the processing circuitry and configured to depict the image objects associated with the image content facets.

Abstract: A system includes a stream controller. The stream controller may be configured to generate a plurality of output streams in response to the plurality of input streams. The stream controller may be further configured to (i) determine when one of the plurality of input streams becomes invalid, (ii) switch generation of an output stream associated with the invalid input stream from the invalid input stream to a valid one of the plurality of input streams, and (iii) when the invalid input stream becomes valid again, switch the generation of the output stream back to the now valid input stream.

Abstract: Search systems and computer-implemented search methods are described. In one aspect, a search system includes a communications interface configured to access a plurality of data items of a collection, wherein the data items include a plurality of image objects individually comprising image data utilized to generate an image of the respective data item. The search system may include processing circuitry coupled with the communications interface and configured to process the image data of the data items of the collection to identify a plurality of image content facets which are indicative of image content contained within the images and to associate the image objects with the image content facets and a display coupled with the processing circuitry and configured to depict the image objects associated with the image content facets.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a database having a plurality of digital color images and a neutral gray background value for each of the images; a processor configured to receive search criteria and to identify one or more of the digital color images meeting the search criteria; and a display configured to display at least one of the identified digital color images on a neutral gray background, wherein the brightness of the neutral gray background is determined by the neutral gray background value for the image being displayed. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Precoated color chips having a reference colored basecoat and at least one reference effect appearance midcoat partially covering a portion of the basecoat are used to verify the colors of multi-layer automotive coatings when they are applied to automotive components. Visual characteristics of multi-layer automotive coatings may be verified by comparing an applied colored basecoat to the corresponding reference colored basecoat of the precoated color chips, followed by comparing an applied effect appearance midcoat to the corresponding reference effect appearance midcoat of the precoated color chips. Methods of making the precoated color chips are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system including one or more stream sources and a stream controller. The one or more stream sources may be configured to generate a plurality of input streams containing a given content at a plurality of bitrates, a plurality of resolutions, or a plurality of bitrates and resolutions. The stream controller may be configured to generate a plurality of output streams in response to the plurality of input streams. The stream controller may be further configured to (i) determine when one of the plurality of input streams becomes invalid, (ii) switch generation of an output stream associated with the invalid input stream from the invalid input stream to a valid one of the plurality of input streams, and (iii) when the invalid input stream becomes valid again, switch the generation of the output stream back to the now valid input stream.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of color matching a repair paint formula is disclosed. The method includes steps of inputting a color code for a vehicle paint; searching a computer database for formulations associated with the color code; selecting a plurality of the formulations for display; displaying digital images of the selected formulations at a plurality of viewing angles; determining one of the displayed formulations as a best match to the vehicle paint; and identifying the formulation for the best match.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a database having a plurality of digital color images and a neutral gray background value for each of the images; a processor configured to receive search criteria and to identify one or more of the digital color images meeting the search criteria; and a display configured to display at least one of the identified digital color images on a neutral gray background, wherein the brightness of the neutral gray background is determined by the neutral gray background value for the image being displayed. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of repairing a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes steps of estimating the cost of performing repairs to a damaged vehicle and determining a refinish paint formulation for refinishing a vehicle by conducting a computer-based search for a refinish paint formulation that best matches the vehicle's original finish prior to performing the repair work on the vehicle, where the repair work comprises performing any body work, mechanical systems work and/or electrical systems work and refinishing the vehicle.

Abstract: Tools for matching the color of a coating on an article are disclosed. These tools include (a) a color chip that includes a coating exhibiting gonio-apparent properties; and (b) a window disposed directly adjacent to at least one side of the color chip, wherein the window has dimensions sufficient for an observer to view the gonio-apparent properties of a coating on an underlying article and compare it to the gonio-apparent properties of the coating on the color chip. Also disclosed are paint chip books that include one or more pages having a plurality of such color tools and method for matching the color of a coating on an article utilizing such color tools.

Abstract: An integrated medical monitoring and alert system for monitoring a medical therapy delivered to a patient and patient physiological parameters is disclosed. The medical monitoring system preferably includes a central monitoring system and one or more of a therapeutic device, a patient monitor, and an integrated alert system. The components are linked together through a bi-directional communications system which can comprise a wireless communications link to provide for mobile patients and communications to remote caregivers.