Other

Scientific-atlanta, Inc.

Gary D Hibbard

Charles G Whitener, Jr

Dennis L Jesensky

Samuel H Russ

The present invention is directed towards enabling a set-top box, a cable card, or a television to insert data into horizontal or vertical bars on a display image. More specifically, when an aspect ratio of a program is converted, letterboxing bars are used either along the horizontal or vertical edges. Within these edges, data is then composited at appropriate times to display such things as program information, television information, personal settings, etc. Additionally, graphical bars may be rendered in order to block any received data from being inserted into these bars.

Stretch and zoom bar for displaying information

The present invention is directed towards reducing hard disk drive (HDD) activity by reducing the activity of an internal time shift buffer (TSB). The HDD may be included in a digital host communications terminal (DHCT). The TSB can switch between buffering a high definition quality to a standard definition quality of a streaming program. Additionally, the TSB can be disabled to prevent buffering of the streaming program. The reduced buffering of the TSB is determined by several factors including the temperature of the HDD, the health of the HDD, a set-up menu including TSB options, and/or whether there is a high definition television connected to the DHCT.

Systems and methods to improve consumer product reliability and lifetime of a hard disk drive by reducing its activity

The present invention is directed towards reducing hard disk drive (HDD) activity by sharing the buffering activity between a provisional load sharing buffer (PLSB) and a time shift buffer (TSB). The HDD may be included in a digital host communications terminal (DHCT). Initially, the PLSB buffers initial streaming programs to accommodate for channel changes. Additionally, the streaming program is buffered in a standard definition quality regardless of the format of a connected television. Once a predetermined time has passed determined by the size of the PLSB without a channel change, the TSB begins buffering the streaming program. The TSB can then switch between buffering a high definition quality to a standard definition quality of a streaming high definition program depending on other factors to further decrease the HDD activity. Additionally, the TSB can be disabled to prevent buffering of the streaming program.

Provisional load sharing buffer for reducing hard disk drive (HDD) activity and improving reliability and lifetime

A device for analyzing the characteristics of filamentary material while the filamentary material moves at high speed, and a method for using the device. The material is moved past a sensing array while a light shines against the array. The material will block the light to portions of the array; and, since the array is scanned by an electrical signal of high frequency, a width of the material will be indicated by the output signal. Successive scans, and successive widths, are stored in computer storage, and a profile of the material is constructed. Various statistical data can be computed, and a stop motion device can be activated in the event material is beyond preset standards.

Profile analyzer for filamentary materials

A pattern monitoring method and apparatus wherein the movements of each individual yarn are detected and recorded. A piece of textile goods is produced, and all the yarn movements for making that piece are recorded, that record being then used as a standard. Additional pieces are made, and the yarn movements during the making of the additional pieces are detected and similarly recorded. The movements may, immediately or eventually be compared to the standard. An error signal is given when there is no match; however, an allowable error can be selected so that the error signal is given only when the error is greater than the selected allowable error. The error signal can be a light, or may be a stop motion device.

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Suwanee, GA, United States of America

Gary D Hibbard