Abstract: Disclosed are platforms for communicating among one or more otherwise independent systems involved in controlling functions of buildings or other sites having switchable optical devices deployed therein. Such independent systems include a window control system and one or more other independent systems such as systems that control residential home products (e.g., thermostats, smoke alarms, etc.), HVAC systems, security systems, lighting control systems, and the like. Together the systems control and/or monitor multiple features and/or products, including switchable windows and other infrastructure of a site, which may be a commercial, residential, or public site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing transcoding between bitstreams coded by hybrid video codecs which uses fewer resources than decoding/decompressing the original bitstream and recoding/recompressing it to the second format. According to a specific embodiment, the present method can exploits the similarity of the standard video compression algorithms to, where possible, convert encoded parameters in the incoming bitstreams directly into encoded parameters which constitute compliant data for the outgoing bitstream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing transcoding between bitstreams coded by hybrid video codecs which uses fewer resources than decoding/decompressing the original bitstream and recoding/recompressing it to the second format. According to a specific embodiment, the present method can exploits the similarity of the standard video compression algorithms to, where possible, convert encoded parameters in the incoming bitstreams directly into encoded parameters which constitute compliant data for the outgoing bitstream.

Abstract: A method for handling video bitstream errors in a multimedia gateway device wherein a gateway device detects errors in the incoming video bitstream and sends a signal to the originating device to refresh the bitstream without need of error detection from an end terminating device. When the terminating device signals for the video bitstream to be refreshed, the gateway locally generates and transmits an appropriate refresh frame. The invention allows the gateway to handle errors for devices such as streaming and message servers that have no built-in error handling.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source. A current breaker secured in an environmentally protected housing on the exterior of the surveillance system connected to the power supply and the electronics and surveillance equipment.

Abstract: A transportable surveillance system comprises a base configured to maintain the transportable surveillance system in an upright freestanding position and to substantially prevent movement of the base by hand. A camera is positioned above the base at a height sufficient to put the camera substantially out of reach of a person who may want to tamper with the camera. The camera is configured to obtain video data of objects in the vicinity of the surveillance system. Electronics equipment is configured to transmit the video data between the surveillance system and a remote monitoring location.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source. A current breaker secured in an environmentally protected housing on the exterior of the surveillance system connected to the power supply and the electronics and surveillance equipment.

Abstract: A method for handling video bitstream errors in a multimedia gateway device wherein a gateway device detects errors in the incoming video bitstream and sends a signal to the originating device to refresh the bitstream without need of error detection from an end terminating device. When the terminating device signals for the video bitstream to be refreshed, the gateway locally generates and transmits an appropriate refresh frame. The invention allows the gateway to handle errors for devices such as streaming and message servers that have no built-in error handling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing transcoding between bitstreams coded by hybrid video codecs which uses fewer resources than decoding/decompressing the original bitstream and recoding/recompressing it to the second format. According to a specific embodiment, the present method can exploits the similarity of the standard video compression algorithms to, where possible, convert encoded parameters in the incoming bitstreams directly into encoded parameters which constitute compliant data for the outgoing bitstream.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source. A current breaker secured in an environmentally protected housing on the exterior of the surveillance system connected to the power supply and the electronics and surveillance equipment.

Abstract: A surface fishing lure includes a body, a hydrodynamic lip, a hook attachment, a line attachment, a counterweight, a propeller, and a propeller stabilizer. Advantageously, a surface fishing lure utilizing a preferred embodiment of the present invention is significantly more successful in attracting and catching large game fish, such as Muskie.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source. A current breaker secured in an environmentally protected housing on the exterior of the surveillance system connected to the power supply and the electronics and surveillance equipment.