Abstract: A solar photovoltaic module safety shutdown system includes a module-on switch coupled with a first circuit having a photovoltaic module and a System-Monitor device. The System-Monitor device couples to the module-on switch through a second circuit and to the photovoltaic module and an AC main panelboard through the first circuit. A module-off switch operatively couples with the photovoltaic module and the module-on switch. The System-Monitor device supplies a System-on signal to the module-on switch through the second circuit. The module-on switch disables the photovoltaic module by shorting it or disconnecting it from the first circuit in response to the System-On signal not being received by the module-on switch from the System-Monitor device. The module-off switch disables the photovoltaic module by shorting it in response to the System-On signal not being received by the module-on switch when the photovoltaic module is irradiated with light.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module safety shutdown system includes a module-on switch coupled with a PV module coupled with an alternating current (AC) mains panel through an inverter. A system monitor couples with the module-on switch and with the AC mains panel and generates a system-on signal. A module discharge switch couples with an inherent capacitance of the inverter and with the system monitor. The module discharge switch discharges the inherent capacitance, by coupling the inherent capacitance with a discharge element, in response to the system monitor not generating the system-on signal. In implementations a module short switch shorts the PV module in response to a passage of a predetermined amount of time after the module discharge switch is switched on. The module-on switch, module discharge switch, and module short switch may be included in a junction box of the PV module and coupled with the system monitor through multiple opto-isolators.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module safety shutdown system includes a module-on switch coupled with a PV module coupled with an alternating current (AC) mains panel through an inverter. A system monitor couples with the module-on switch and with the AC mains panel and generates a system-on signal. A module discharge switch couples with an inherent capacitance of the inverter and with the system monitor. The module discharge switch discharges the inherent capacitance, by coupling the inherent capacitance with a discharge element, in response to the system monitor not generating the system-on signal. In implementations a module short switch shorts the PV module in response to a passage of a predetermined amount of time after the module discharge switch is switched on. The module-on switch, module discharge switch, and module short switch may be included in a junction box of the PV module and coupled with the system monitor through multiple opto-isolators.

Abstract: A PV system may be used in case of emergencies. Each individual photovoltaic module receives a signal to determine if it is allowed to be operational or must shut down. Modules by default are shut off and safe to handle, absent the signal and in the presence of light.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module safety shutdown system includes a module-on switch coupled with a PV module coupled with an alternating current (AC) mains panel through an inverter. A system monitor couples with the module-on switch and with the AC mains panel and generates a system-on signal. A module discharge switch couples with an inherent capacitance of the inverter and with the system monitor. The module discharge switch discharges the inherent capacitance, by coupling the inherent capacitance with a discharge element, in response to the system monitor not generating the system-on signal. In implementations a module short switch shorts the PV module in response to a passage of a predetermined amount of time after the module discharge switch is switched on. The module-on switch, module discharge switch, and module short switch may be included in a junction box of the PV module and coupled with the system monitor through multiple opto-isolators.

Abstract: Techniques for sharing or transferring content between connected devices via dynamic collaboration user interfaces. An embodiment involves creating a first collaboration user interface between a first device and a second device. Via the first collaboration user interface, selecting content to be made available to a third device, where the selected content is currently available to the first device and not currently available to the third device. A second collaboration user interface is created between the second device and the third device. State information may be provided to a user via at least one of the first collaboration user interface and the second collaboration user interface. The second collaboration user interface causes the selected content to be available to the third device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A user interface with software tensing may be described. An apparatus may include a user interface module to display an index list, a software lens list, and an aperture box. The index list may represent a list of available options. The software lens list may display a sub-set of the list of available options that coincides with a position of the aperture box on the index list. The apparatus may also include a media lensing module to increase a size of an option in the software lens list when a pointer approaches or coincides with the option. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A solar photovoltaic module safety shutdown system includes a module-on switch coupled with a first circuit having a photovoltaic module and a System-Monitor device. The System-Monitor device couples to the module-on switch through a second circuit and to the photovoltaic module and an AC main panelboard through the first circuit. A module-off switch operatively couples with the photovoltaic module and the module-on switch. The System-Monitor device supplies a System-on signal to the module-on switch through the second circuit. The module-on switch disables the photovoltaic module by shorting it or disconnecting it from the first circuit in response to the System-On signal not being received by the module-on switch from the System-Monitor device. The module-off switch disables the photovoltaic module by shorting it in response to the System-On signal not being received by the module-on switch when the photovoltaic module is irradiated with light.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically capturing user edits in a digital recording are described. The method involves determining a beginning time stamp for an edit segment in a digital recording and an ending time stamp for the edit segment in the digital recording. The method then receives an indication from a user whether to modify the edit segment for subsequent viewing of the digital recording.

Abstract: A reduced complexity user interface is described. In an embodiment, a user interface module causes an animation of a pile of objects on a user interface display. The pile of objects is configured to expand from a contracted form when a pointer approaches a boundary of the pile on the user interface display. The user interface module is configured to determine two closest objects in the pile of objects that correspond with the pointer on the user interface display and to move the two closest objects to the pointer to visually indicate an insertion point into the pile. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An image capture system comprises an image input and processing unit. The image input obtains image information which is then passed to the processing unit. The processing unit is coupled to the image input for determining image metrics on the image information. The processing unit initiates a capture sequence when the image metrics meet a predetermined condition. The capture sequence may store one or more images, or it may indicate that one or more images have been detected. In one embodiment, the image input is a CMOS or CCD sensor.

Abstract: A dynamic region, such as subtitles, is detected in a stream of digital video, and displayed along with a static region also in the stream, such as a video region, so that nearly all of the total vertical display area of a monitor displaying the dynamic and static regions is filled. For example, when the dynamic region is detected, the vertical size of the static region is adjusted to allow the vertical display of the dynamic and static region on the monitor simultaneously, without extending beyond or reducing to less than the total vertical display size of the monitor. Also, when the dynamic region is not detected, the vertical height of the static region is adjusted to fill the total vertical display size. Moreover, iterative increase and decrease in the vertical sizes of the regions may allow for a more pleasant viewer experience.

Abstract: An audio-visual search and browse interface (AVSBI) is described. In an embodiment, a user interface module displays one or more media collections, where each of the one or more media collections includes multiple clips of media. The user interface module determines a center media collection from the one or more media collections that corresponds with a slider on a user interface display. The user interface module determines a left media collection and a right media collection based on the center media collection. The multiple clips of media in the center media collection are played via a center speaker, the multiple clips of media in the left media collection are played via a left speaker, and the multiple clips of media in the right media collection are played via a right speaker, all in a simultaneous, overlapping and cyclical manner. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An image capture system comprises an image input and processing unit. The image input obtains image information which is then passed to the processing unit. The processing unit is coupled to the image input for determining image metrics on the image information. The processing unit initiates a capture sequence when the image metrics meet a predetermined condition. The capture sequence may store one or more images, or it may indicate that one or more images have been detected. In one embodiment, the image input is a CMOS or CCD sensor.

Abstract: A wireless device, such as a remote control unit, may include an internal fingerprint identification unit. The fingerprint identification unit may be arranged to capture the user's fingerprint when the user's finger is positioned over a button that is substantially radiation transmissive. Radiation directed at the user's finger through the button may be captured for image analysis and ultimately for fingerprint identification. Thus, the device may be used to identify users who wish to access a processor-based system such as a processor-based television receiver.

Abstract: A dynamic region, such as subtitles, is detected in a stream of digital video, and displayed along with a static region also in the stream, such as a video region, so that nearly all of the total vertical display area of a monitor displaying the dynamic and static regions is filled. For example, when the dynamic region is detected, the vertical size of the static region is adjusted to allow the vertical display of the dynamic and static region on the monitor simultaneously, without extending beyond or reducing to less than the total vertical display size of the monitor. Also, when the dynamic region is not detected, the vertical height of the static region is adjusted to fill the total vertical display size. Moreover, iterative increase and decrease in the vertical sizes of the regions may allow for a more pleasant viewer experience.

Abstract: A dynamic region, such as subtitles, is detected in a stream of digital video, and displayed along with a static region also in the stream, such as a video region, so that nearly all of the total vertical display area of a monitor displaying the dynamic and static regions is filled. For example, when the dynamic region is detected, the vertical size of the static region is adjusted to allow the vertical display of the dynamic and static region on the monitor simultaneously, without extending beyond or reducing to less than the total vertical display size of the monitor. Also, when the dynamic region is not detected, the vertical height of the static region is adjusted to fill the total vertical display size. Moreover, iterative increase and decrease in the vertical sizes of the regions may allow for a more pleasant viewer experience.

Abstract: Techniques for sharing or transferring content between connected devices via dynamic collaboration user interfaces. An embodiment involves creating a first collaboration user interface between a first device and a second device. Via the first collaboration user interface, selecting content to be made available to a third device, where the selected content is currently available to the first device and not currently available to the third device. A second collaboration user interface is created between the second device and the third device. State information may be provided to a user via at least one of the first collaboration user interface and the second collaboration user interface. The second collaboration user interface causes the selected content to be available to the third device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A wireless device, such as a remote control unit, may include an internal fingerprint identification unit. The fingerprint identification unit may be arranged to capture the user's fingerprint when the user's finger is positioned over a button that is substantially radiation transmissive. Radiation directed at the user's finger through the button may be captured for image analysis and ultimately for fingerprint identification. Thus, the device may be used to identify users who wish to access a processor-based system such as a processor-based television receiver.

Abstract: An audio/video device may be part of or coupled to a video display, such as a television. The audio/video device may sync up with dedicated remote controls and remote controls, such as cellular telephones, that are not dedicated to the audio/video device. As a result, multiple independent displays may be provided, including a first display on said video display that may, for example, be a television program and a second display on each of one or more remote controls. The remote controls may display desired information independent of other remote controls and independent of the video display. For example, the remote controls may display an electronic programming guide, while the video display displays a television program.