Abstract: The Relevance Based Digital Building [RBDB] invention describes a method and apparatus consisting of a hardware and software environment that creates a relevance based digital building intelligence system. RBDB defines a Network Lighting System [NLS] that delivers the network fabric for an array of intelligent luminaries configured with Internet of Things [IoT] devices. Layered on the NLS network fabric is a Digital Building Intelligence information architecture that enables the building to become Self-Aware with Digital Personas. The building can manage many of its own needs through operational optimization, Machine to Machine [M2M] and machine to stakeholder interactions. RBDB allows the stakeholders associated with the building to take on a multiplicity of digital personas enabling high relevance interactions with the building and each other through these digital intelligence representations.

Abstract: The Relevance Based Digital Building [RBDB] invention describes a method and apparatus consisting of a hardware and software environment that creates a relevance based digital building intelligence system. RBDB defines a Network Lighting System [NLS] that delivers the network fabric for an array of intelligent luminaries configured with Internet of Things [IoT] devices. Layered on the NLS network fabric is a Digital Building Intelligence information architecture that enables the building to become Self-Aware with Digital Personas. The building can manage many of its own needs through operational optimization, Machine to Machine [M2M] and machine to stakeholder interactions. RBDB allows the stakeholders associated with the building to take on a multiplicity of digital personas enabling high relevance interactions with the building and each other through these digital intelligence representations.

Abstract: An interactive high definition display system generates its own graphics display data, accepts multiple video signals and graphics display signals based upon multiple standards, and selectively produces therefrom an integrated video and graphics display featuring multiple images or compositing. The incoming video signals are decoded into their corresponding RGB signals, digitized and written into memory. The incoming and internally generated graphics display data signals are also written into memory. According to preprogrammed instructions, or interactively according to instructions received via a computer interface, an integrated, multiple image or composite display pattern with both active video and graphics display images can be generated by selecting from and arranging for display the stored video and graphics display data, and viewed on a high definition display or stored on a high definition video tape recorder.

Abstract: A switch assembly that can vary at least two controllable parameters and can vary the upper, lower and any intermediary limits of the switch assembly. The switch assembly has a pair of nested coaxial rotary knobs each attached by shafts to sensors that determine the radial position of a reference point on each knob. The knobs rotate with respect to each other and are constructed to allow rotation of the knobs with one hand. The sensors are attached to the controls of the parameters, such that rotation of the knobs varies the output of the parameters. The sensors are coupled to a magnetic clutch that engages and prevents rotation of one of the knobs, when the knob is rotated into a predetermined radial position. A computer can be connected to the magnetic clutch and sensors. The computer receives input signals from the sensors and produces an output signal to the clutch, to engage the clutch and prevent rotation of the knob in accordance with a computer program.

Abstract: A network multi-media production and authoring system. A real-time network referred to as an "AV LAN" is defined. Coupled to the AV LAN are a number of shared multi-media production resource devices. These multi-media production resource devices include video tape recorders, audio tape recorders, video titling devices, graphics devices, special effects generators, etc. Also connected to the AV LAN are a number of workstations which are used to control the production resources connected to the AV LAN. The production resources are connected to the AV LAN through an interface unit known as a `device translator`. The device translator is a microprocessor driven device that translates coded messages received over the AV LAN into specific commands which the particular production resource understands.

Abstract: A video image storage, processing, and distribution system is provided with a processing and a distribution subsystem. The processing subsystem comprises at least one high performance video signal input device, one recording format independent hierarchy of storage, at least one recording format and resolution independent video data processor, and a high performance digital data recorder. The distribution subsystem comprises an archive library of recording format independent high performance digital tapes and instrument data players, a recording format independent hierarchy of staging storage, at least one recording format independent video distribution control processor, and a RF signal generation subsystem. The hierarchical storage of the processing subsystem comprises a first level of high performance random access mass storage amenable to large volume storage and high performance file transfers, and a second level of high performance random access storage amenable to high performance byte manipulations.

Abstract: An electronic image stabilization method and apparatus has application for use in hand-held video camcorders. The electronic image stabilization apparatus, contained within the camcorder, comprises a definition television (HDTV) image sensor with photosensitive cells, a gimbaled lens configuration and signal processing circuitry. The lens configuration projects a subject image upon only a portion of the image sensor. As the hand-held camcorder is physically jittered, the lens configuration projects the subject image on a different portion of HDTV image sensor. A scanner circuit reads values from the cells, and a threshold circuit compares the values to a pre-determined threshold value. If the photosensitive cell value is greater, the the projected subject image in the larger HDTV image array is determined, only the photosensitive cells illuminated by the projected subject image extracted from the HDTV image sensor. As a result, jitter in the output image, caused by hand-held shakes, is reduce or eliminated.

Abstract: An improved camera lens and filter adapter assembly has application for use in video and photographic cameras, and in particular, cameras using filters or special effects equipment. Camera lenses are housed in a helical mount located on the lens and filter adapter assembly and focusing of the lens will not rotate the helical mount in a radial direction. Because of this, filters and special effects devices, such as a polarizing filter or a matte box, which must remain stationary in a radial direction will not be effected during focusing. Filters and special effects devices are magnetically coupled to the lens and filter adapter assembly using magnetic rings. Magnetic coupling provides quick, easy and secure mounting of filters and special effects devices to cameras and permits a camera-person to cascade as many filters or special effects devices as needed.

Abstract: A variable scale device for providing signals indicating selection of an input value from a program controlled range of permissible values is disclosed. The device comprises of a belt, a first and second rollers, a rotary encoder, an interface for sending and receiving signals, a metering module having a plurality of visual displays and a forced feedback motor/clutch. Signals corresponding to the movement of the belt are encoded for sending through the interface to a processor coupled to the device. Based on the programmed responses received from the processor, visual and tactile feedback are provided to the user through the visual displays and the forced feedback motor/clutch. The program controlled range of permissible input values available for selection and the resolution of the selectable values may be dynamically set or reset by the user using the device. Furthermore, the program controlled range of permissible values supported may be increased without sacrificing the device resolution.

Abstract: A switch that can vary at least two controllable parameters and can vary the upper, lower and any intermediary limits of the switch. The switch has a pair of nested coaxial rotary knobs each attached by shafts to sensors that determine the radial position of a reference point on each knob. The knobs rotate with respect to each other and are constructed to allow rotation of the knobs with one hand. The sensors are attached to the controls of the parameters, such that rotation of the knobs varies the output of the parameters. The sensors are coupled to a magnetic clutch that engages and prevents rotation of one of the knobs, when the knob is rotated into a predetermined radial position. A computer can be connected to the magnetic clutch and sensors. The computer receives input signals from the sensors and produces an output signal to the clutch, to engage the clutch and prevent rotation of the knob in accordance with a computer program within the computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for a multi-dimensional user interface for use in audio visual production. A display system including a central processing unit (CPU) is coupled through appropriate input/output (I/O) circuitry to input devices, such as a keyboard, digital pad and/or track ball as well as a display device. The CPU is further coupled to a hard disk drive for the storage of programs and data, and is also coupled to a network through which the CPU may communicate with a variety of system resource devices such as editors, music synthesizers, graphics generators, scheduling resources, audio enhancement resources, etc. A user viewing the interface on the display may utilize one of the input devices, such as by way of example, the keyboard, to select, incorporate or otherwise integrate the various system resources to develop a unified multi-media production.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for an efficient, low cost silver recovery apparatus for recovering silver from a silver-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a replaceable silver recovery subassembly, stackable container, lid, lock ring which is locked or sealed to make the container tamperproof, and an L-shaped connector by which an anodic silver reducing, hollow core metal coil in the replacement subassembly is releasibly connected to an effluent port of the recovery apparatus. The silver recovery subassembly comprises a mesh bag which is a carrier of the metal coil and containment filter for influent sludge and particulates produced during silver reduction. The mesh bag, with support by the container and lid provides a capturing net for incoming sludge as well as particulates which form during the silver reduction process.

Abstract: A small tubular cartridge for processing of ultra low volumes of gravity flow spent photographic fixer solution to recover residual silver therefrom. The tube cartridge comprises a hollow transparent or light transmitting flexible plastic tube of synthetic resinous material such as vinyl. The transparent tube is closed by an impervious bottom end cap which is bonded or otherwise integrally secured to the lower end of the transparent tube, with a top end cap being similarly secured to the top end of the tube and providing a central axial solution outlet opening and an eccentric solution inlet opening, each opening having a downwardly directed collar. A central solution exit tube is disposed substantially coextensive and coaxially with the transparent tube and is integrally secured as by bonding at its upper end to the central axial effluent solution opening.