Abstract: According to this invention, a user may capture a media link on any PC and perform this capture function at any physical location, then save the media link in a playlist, and subsequently play the media located at the media link on a TV server. The TV server may be controlled from a local device—typically a PC or a handheld remote control. Playlists may be maintained on a Web playlist function. Software on a local controller device can then select a media link from a Web playlist through the Internet, and the Web playlist function can then pass that link to a local TV server, thus avoiding the need for the controller device and the TV server to communicate through a LAN. Additionally, a playlist may include targeted advertisements shown physically adjacent to related playlist items.

Abstract: An Application-Specific Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device or fabric is described for use in applications requiring fast reconfigurability of devices in the field, enabling multiple personalities for re-using silicon resources (like arrays of large multipliers in DSP applications) from moment-to-moment for implementing different hardware algorithms. In a general purpose FPGA device or fabric, this fast reconfigurability is normally implemented by special reconfiguration support circuitry and/or additional configuration memory. Unfortunately, this flexibility requires a large amount of programmable routing resource and silicon area—limiting the viability in volume production applications. This invention describes how multi-program FPGA functionalities may be migrated to smaller die by constructing implementations with a hybrid FPGA/ASIC interconnect structure.

Abstract: An Electronic Mirror is described that can capture and display, using a digital/video camera or cameras, the image of a subject as they look when viewing themselves in a mirror. The captured image is displayed on a video monitor or TV set. A widescreen flat panel monitor is utilized, having the ability to physically rotate 90°. In portrait mode the monitor functions as an Electronic Mirror, and in landscape mode is capable of functioning as a conventional TV set or video monitor. Rotation is either manual or motorized. Captured images of a subject may be split such that a portion reflecting one type of outfit may be combined with a portion reflecting a different outfit, thus electronically creating a combination of clothing that may never have been actually worn. Video capture may also be supported enabling a subject to capture and display a 360 degree view as they turn around.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for remote control of a media server computer from a controller device, typically a laptop computer, where remote operation of the media server, including the selection of videos and other digital media may be performed from the controller while normal TV programming (cable, satellite, or broadcast) is viewed on the TV. Other embodiments describe background operations performed on the controller device, the media server, or both, such that new videos may be located on the web or locally on the LAN while a current video is playing on the media server and viewed on the TV. Methods are also described for more reliably establishing network connections between the controller and media server, and systems and methods are described for implementing a multi-video display on the media server where videos to be displayed on the media server are displayed on and selected by a controller device.

Abstract: A software programmable DSP with a field programmable instruction set is described where customized instructions can be created, or certain existing instructions can be modified, at the user's location after taking delivery of the processor. The FPGA fabric used to implement the reprogrammable instructions is restricted to supporting the software-programmable DSP—never functioning as an independent coprocessor—and therefore enabling the reprogrammable instructions to exist in the normal stream of DSP software execution. DSP-type functions implemented in the FPGA fabric are also restricted to being automatically generated such that they are synchronous with the processor clocks—enabling easy conversion to an ASIC.

Abstract: A concealed pinhole camera assembly for video surveillance is described where the image sensor is mounted opposite a pinhole opening in the face plate for a wall plug or switch, mounted in turn on an electrical junction box. The pinhole opening is located in the position normally occupied by a mounting screw, thus concealing its location. An additional mounting mechanism may be utilized to secure the face plate and camera assembly to the junction box.

Abstract: A temperature control system is disclosed where a single smart thermostat controls a single HVAC source according to information received through a network from multiple temperature sensors placed at different locations served by the HVAC source. This system addresses the common problem most often found in multi-cubicle and/or multi-office environments where a single thermostat controls the space and temperatures vary substantially across the space, and with the time-of-day. The system may be programmed to produce a specific average temperature across the space, or alternately target different temperatures for different locations within the space according to the time-of-day, in order to compensate for changing characteristics like the position of the sun. The system is also applicable to HVAC systems for the home.

Abstract: A synchronized wireless mesh network is described where mesh nodes have one or more relay radios and multiple directional antennas aimed in horizontally orthogonal directions. A rectangular grid of such mesh nodes can include at least 4 nodes arranged in a rectangular formation such that diagonally aligned nodes are incapable of communicating directly to each other. Adjacent nodes, on the other hand, can be controlled to transmit and receive to each other in an alternating sequence. Thus, diagonally aligned nodes can be controlled to transmit and receive in unison. Such a network can enable for greater speed and simultaneity of packet propagation and provide for less interference amongst adjacent nodes. Other embodiments are also described where radio transmission and reception at a particular node having multiple radios are synchronized to eliminate co-channel, adjacent channel and cross-channel interference.

Abstract: A remote controller/communicator device is described that aids in answering and processing incoming calls in a manner courteous to those in close proximity to the receiving party. These devices provide a silent, vibrating ring indication in a small wireless device that can be kept close to the user's body. Some embodiments also include bi-directional voice communications with a mobile phone thereby also implementing a wireless headset function. Additional embodiments further include a delayed “courtesy answer mode”, where the receiving party manually activates a recorded or automatically constructed message to be played for the caller, indicating that the receiving party will take their call shortly, and/or is relocating to a location where they will be better able to receive the call.

Abstract: A combined fixed directional and mobile omnidirectional interleaved wireless mesh network is described where the fixed mesh nodes have directional antennas facing in horizontally orthogonal directions. The antennas can be focused to have a horizontal beam width of less than ninety degrees in order to achieve greater strength of signal and radiation. Each directional node can have multiple radios that communicate on separate channels, such that packets propagated through the mesh network can utilize any channel to enter or leave a particular node. The combined network also includes mobile nodes that utilize multiple radios, each connected to an omnidirectional antenna and operating on a different channel. The mobile nodes can maintain constant communication with the directional nodes as they move between various quadrants covered by the directional nodes. The mobile nodes can also maintain connections to each other even during the loss of communication with the fixed directional nodes.

Abstract: An interleaved wireless mesh network is described where each mesh node always has at least two radios that have access to at least two parallel meshes, and where a packet stream may utilize either or both of these parallel meshes for any given hop, using the parallel (physical) meshes as a single (logical) mesh. Here, two sequentially adjacent packets in a particular packet stream may travel on the same mesh or on different meshes for any given hop, thereby enabling the performance of a specific sequential packet stream to be doubled. Dynamic frequency selection (DFS) operations can be performed by the parallel meshes upon sensing radar interference on a channel used by either mesh. While one mesh is performing the DFS, packets may continue to be propagated on the alternative mesh, thereby enabling continuous and uninterrupted data flow throughout the network.

Abstract: A directional and interleaved wireless mesh network is described where mesh nodes have directional antennas facing in horizontally orthogonal directions. The antennas can be focused to have a beam width of less than ninety degrees in order to achieve greater strength of signal and radiation. Each mesh node can have two radios that communicate on separate channels, such that packets propagated through the mesh network can utilize either channel in order to hop from one node to the next. Each radio can be connected to four orthogonally directed antennas in order to enable communication with adjacent nodes. Alternatively, a separate independent radio can be connected to each antenna in order to achieve greater simultaneity of transmission and reception to the node. For example, two such radio-antenna combinations can be facing in each of the four orthogonal directions, each of the two combinations operating on a different RF channel.

Abstract: An Application-Specific Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device or fabric is described for use in applications requiring fast reconfigurability of devices in the field, enabling multiple personalities for re-using silicon resources (like arrays of large multipliers in DSP applications) from moment-to-moment for implementing different hardware algorithms. In a general purpose FPGA device or fabric, this fast reconfigurability is normally implemented by special reconfiguration support circuitry and/or additional configuration memory. Unfortunately, this flexibility requires a large amount of programmable routing resource and silicon area—limiting the viability in volume production applications. This invention describes how multi-program FPGA functionalities may be migrated to smaller die by constructing implementations with a hybrid FPGA/ASIC interconnect structure.

Abstract: A system is described that enables the user to deal with an intrusion into their home without having to personally confront the intruder. Given the night-time nature of many intruder events, a display and control unit is disclosed that is suitable for residing on a bedside table, typically in the Master Bedroom, performing a remote viewing and control function. Various locations within the particular home are represented by buttons such that the user can easily choose the location(s) to be viewed and can verify, among other things, the presence of an intruder. Motion detection is various rooms may be included and viewing can be enhanced by lights controlled from this unit. User interface features are included that are simple to operate when the user is half-awake. Surveillance and control features may be combined with common bedside appliance functions including a clock-radio, a television, or a telephone.

Abstract: An enhanced communication and voicemail solution for mobile phones is described where still images and/or video clips are injected into the voice stream creating a “video-voice” call. When a receiving party is not available to take a video-voice call, this combined stream of voice and image information is stored at the mobile service provider in a manner similar to voice mail today. Then, stored video-voicemails may be retrieved at a later time by the receiving party. Also, realtime video-voice conversations may be recorded for later retrieval in order to document the conversation or because a party in the conversation is not able to view the images realtime.

Abstract: To serve prototype and initial production requirements, an emulation solution is described where an ASIC semiconductor device die containing primarily fixed functions, for example a DSP processor with programmable instruction interface, is mounted in the same package as a conventional FPGA device—the FPGA in this example implementing custom instructions for DSP algorithm acceleration and connecting primarily to the fixed function device. A fully integrated, single die ASIC solution is then available for migration of designs to higher volume production where some of the field programmable function will be replaced with fixed function. The base wafer for the ASIC device used in the prototype package and base wafer for the volume production ASIC device may be the same.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method for customizing a one-time configurable integrated circuit to include a multi-time configurable structure is disclosed. Such a method includes, in one embodiment receiving a description of circuit functionality from a user for implementation in the one-time configurable device, where the functionality includes a portion that is designated by the user to be reconfigurable. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention then models a reconfigurable structure that has enough capacity to accommodate the designated functionality. Optionally, some embodiments of the invention add in more capacity than is required to implement the designated functionality to allow for future reprogramming. The method then embeds the reconfigurable structure in the one-time configurable device. In certain embodiments, the one-time configurable device can be a mask-programmed MBA, gate array, or standard cell, while the reconfigurable structure is a PLA or modified PLA.

Abstract: An Application Specific Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device or fabric is described that is intended for use in applications requiring very fast reconfigurability of devices in the field, such that this FPGA fabric can effectively exhibit multiple personalities from time-to-time during normal use. These multiple personalities are especially valuable in re-using silicon resources (like arrays of large multipliers in DSP applications) from moment-to-moment for implementing different hardware algorithms.

Abstract: A programmable logic array (PLA) in accordance with the invention achieves a maximum amount of depopulation of programmable connections while still implementing a logic function and maintaining flexibility for future reprogramming. In addition, a PLA in accordance with the invention can be built so that no matter what functionality is programmed, performance characteristics for the device are maintained. Further, a PLA in accordance with the invention does not require a regular array structure.

Abstract: A solution for answering a call on a mobile phone is described including a “courtesy answering mode”. Here, the receiving party manually activates a recorded or automatically constructed message to be played for the caller, indicating to the calling party in effect that the receiving party will take their call shortly, and/or is relocating to a location where they will be able to properly receive the call. The receiving party can then move in a quiet and unhurried manner, without feeling compelled to start talking to the calling party. When the receiving party reaches the appropriate location, they will activate the phone to initiate the conversation. In addition, various remote controller/communicator accessories are described to further aid in answering or processing an incoming call in a manner courteous to those in close proximity to the receiving party.