Abstract: Systems and methods for outputting to a vehicle dashboard screen from multiple operating systems are described in this disclosure. The systems and methods use a computing device to host different types of applications in the operating systems. A first of the operating systems runs driving-critical applications, and a second of the operating systems can run non-driving-critical applications. The first operating system has direct access to display hardware on the computing device, and can include security features to prevent it from being compromised. Outputs generated by the non-driving-critical applications in the second operating system are sent to the first operating system, where the outputs are combined with outputs from the driving-critical applications, to create a series of composite images for display on the dashboard screen. Either the first operating system or the second operating system can control the whole dashboard screen based on predetermined configurations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for outputting to a vehicle dashboard screen from multiple operating systems are described in this disclosure. The systems and methods use a computing device to host different types of applications in the operating systems. A first of the operating systems runs driving-critical applications, and a second of the operating systems can run non-driving-critical applications. The first operating system has direct access to display hardware on the computing device, and can include security features to prevent it from being compromised. Outputs generated by the non-driving-critical applications in the second operating system are sent to the first operating system, where the outputs are combined with outputs from the driving-critical applications, to create a series of composite images for display on the dashboard screen. Either the first operating system or the second operating system can control the whole dashboard screen based on predetermined configurations.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for operating a wind turbine, the wind turbine particularly comprising a tower and a rotor with rotor blades. The pitch angles of the rotor blades are adjusted to generate a force on the rotor and the tower. The force is adjusted to counteract and damp an oscillation. The adjustment is enabled by an activation decision unit, if the activation decision unit decides that certain parameters characterising the oscillation or loads of the tower indicate a requirement and/or if the activation decision unit determines that the generated force is sufficient to counteract an oscillation of the tower.

Abstract: Disclosed in improved in vehicle karaoke that receives a request from a user in a vehicle to play a karaoke song and displaying, to at least the user, an interface showing text of the selected song. In vehicle karaoke can record, with a microphone in the interior of the vehicle, audio of a performance of the song by the user and overlay the recording with the selected song over a speaker interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for operating a wind turbine, the wind turbine particularly comprising a tower and a rotor with rotor blades. The pitch angles of the rotor blades are adjusted to generate a force on the rotor and the tower. The force is adjusted to counteract and damp an oscillation. The adjustment is enabled by an activation decision unit, if the activation decision unit decides that certain parameters characterising the oscillation or loads of the tower indicate a requirement and/or if the activation decision unit determines that the generated force is sufficient to counteract an oscillation of the tower.

Abstract: In projection television (PTV) systems utilizing folded optical systems such as a rear projection CRT, DLP, LCD, or LCOS based televisions, or the like, an automatic geometric alignment (AGA) system including a first programmable logic, a second programmable logic operably coupled to the first programmable logic, and light sensors positioned in the over-scan region along the border of the screen and operably coupled to first programmable logic. In operation, the first programmable logic causes an on screen display (OSD) system to display and move test patterns on the screen and, using feed back data received from the light sensors, determines the geometric alignment and/or pin cushion effect error in the displayed test pattern. The second programmable logic, which includes deflection shaping circuitry to align, center or steer the beams from the projection systems, utilizes data received from the first programmable logic to compensate for geometric alignment error.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, sound can be projected and/or the television can be oriented automatically as a function of the location of the television remote control unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television (TV) with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, the user can use a graphical user interface-base menu system to move the sound beams around the viewing room while being presented with a graphical representation of the same. In another embodiment, a TV remote control unit can be equipped with a embedded microphone and microprocessor control to measure the audio level and transmit the level back to the TV to be used to automatically setup audio levels and delays in surround systems. In another embodiment, individual audio settings could be saved per each activity for a preferred viewing experience for a given activity.

Abstract: An IR blaster including one or more IR emitting LEDs used to generate IR signals for controlling operations of a plurality of controlled appliance and a plurality of fiber optic cables where one or more of the plurality of fiber optic cables are in light communication with an IR emitting LED. Each fiber optic cable is provided for distributing the IR signals generated by an IR LED to a respective one of the plurality of controlled appliances.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitates in a television a fast transition from a off/low power state to powered up/operating state. In a preferred embodiment, the television comprises a screen, a projection/image display engine coupled to the screen, an on-screen-display (OSD) controller coupled to the display engine, and a digital module (control module) coupled to the OSD controller. The control module preferably comprises a processor configured with a low power mode of operation and adapted to maintain the television operating parameters while in the low power mode of operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling centralized environmental and television positional control to enhance the viewing experience. In one embodiment, an environmental controller is used to adjust or control lighting, window coverings, etc., and a television positional controller is used to adjust the position of the television.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, sound can be projected and/or the television can be oriented automatically as a function of the location of the television remote control unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for audio-video entertainment systems comprising a television and surround sound system integrating the television in the audio broadcast and/or the control of the surround sound system. More particularly, in one embodiment, an audio-video entertainment system includes a television and surround sound system incorporating the television speaker as the center channel speaker of the surround sound system. In another embodiment, the audio-video entertainment system includes a television driven surround sound system with the option of incorporating the television speaker as the center channel speaker of the surround sound system.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television (TV) with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, the user can use a graphical user interface-base menu system to move the sound beams around the viewing room while being presented with a graphical representation of the same. In another embodiment, a TV remote control unit can be equipped with a embedded microphone and microprocessor control to measure the audio level and transmit the level back to the TV to be used to automatically setup audio levels and delays in surround systems. In another embodiment, individual audio settings could be saved per each activity for a preferred viewing experience for a given activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the implementation of a task or activities based user interface on a television on screen display (OSD) and a remote control unit. As provided in the embodiments described herein, the embodiments utilize the device auto detect mechanisms incorporated in HDMI 1.3 (CEC) and 1394 compliant televisions and other audio-video components to provide a user interface on the OSD or remote control unit providing activities or tasks based control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effectively and non-intrusively directly marketing a manufacturer's consumer electronic products on the screen of a television over a TCP/IP or other communication link. In a television that preferably includes a screen, an OSD controller, a video display system coupled to the screen and OSD controller, a CPU coupled to the OSD controller, and a modem or other means coupled to the CPU and used to communicate with a manufacturer's server over the internet or other network. The CPU preferably includes non-volatile memory and software stored in the memory. The software includes a menu system that includes a direct marketing menu item; selection of which by the user enables the download of marketing content over the internet and display on the television.

Abstract: In projection television (PTV) systems utilizing folded optical systems such as a rear projection CRT, DLP, LCD, or LCOS based televisions, or the like, an automatic geometric alignment (AGA) system including a first programmable logic, a second programmable logic operably coupled to the first programmable logic, and light sensors positioned in the over-scan region along the border of the screen and operably coupled to first programmable logic. In operation, the first programmable logic causes an on screen display (OSD) system to display and move test patterns on the screen and, using feed back data received from the light sensors, determines the geometric alignment and/or pin cushion effect error in the displayed test pattern. The second programmable logic, which includes deflection shaping circuitry to align, center or steer the beams from the projection systems, utilizes data received from the first programmable logic to compensate for geometric alignment error.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effectively hiding or disabling rarely used features and capabilities of a television so such features do not disturb the daily ease of use of the television and unauthorized users are prevented from changing settings and degrading the performance of the television. The television system preferably can be setup or programmed to work in either an “advanced mode” or a “daily use mode.” In the advanced mode, a user or installer is provided access to both all setup and all daily use functionality or features of the television. In the daily use mode, the overall user interface is optimized to avoid cluttering the menu system with features not needed for daily use. Users can operate all the features of the television necessary for daily use without altering any of the “authorized user only” settings and the less technically skilled will enjoy improved ease of use.

Abstract: Process and methods for effectively displaying product features in a point of purchase environment to draw the attention of the consumer to the manufacturer's television. In one embodiment, the un-used capacity of the television memory devices are used to store and run an embedded video demo. The embedded video demo can be accessed through the television's menu structure, via a dedicated button on the remote control device, or can be set to run periodically after a predetermine time period. When the embedded video is set to play continuously or periodically, the television's on-screen-display controller blocks the display on the screen of a primary video corresponding to a program signal being input to the television, which in many instances will be a common program signal broadcast to all of the televisions on display in a consumer electronics store or department.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a one embodiment, the control system will detect sync/digital video signals from an IR controlled device coupled to an input port of a primary display and control unit of the system. By testing IR power command codes, the control system can automatically identify which power commands will cause a change in input at the input port and, thus, automatically configure the control of the IR controlled device coupled to the input port.