Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering spatial audio in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a spatial audio system, including a primary network connected speaker, including a plurality of sets of drivers, where each set of drivers is oriented in a different direction, a processor system, memory containing an audio player application, wherein the audio player application configures the processor system to obtain an audio source stream from an audio source via the network interface, spatially encode the audio source, decode the spatially encoded audio source to obtain driver inputs for the individual drivers in the plurality of sets of drivers, where the driver inputs cause the drivers to generate directional audio.

Abstract: A furniture system includes an office productivity structure (OPS). The furniture system also includes a sensor coupled to the OPS, the sensor operable to detect occupancy of the OPS and generate an output signal indicative of the occupancy; and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is operable to receive the output signal generated by the sensor, determine, based on the output signal, that the OPS is occupied, and, in response to determining that the OPS is occupied, generate a command to initiate at least one action associated with the OPS or an operator of the OPS.

Abstract: An intelligent furnishing system. The furnishing system includes an electronic device, a server, and a workstation. The workstation includes a short-range communication circuit, a user interface including a light source, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive a reservation including a reservation start time, increase a communication range of the short-range communication circuit when the reservation start time is a predetermined period of time from a current time, and receive a proximity signal from the electronic device. The electronic processor is also configured to illuminate the light source in a first color, receive a check-in signal when the proximity signal is received, change the light source from the first color to a second color, receive a check-out signal when the check-in signal is received, and change the light source from the second color to a third color when the check-out signal is received.

Abstract: A furniture system includes an office productivity structure (OPS). The furniture system also includes a sensor coupled to the OPS, the sensor operable to detect occupancy of the OPS and generate an output signal indicative of the occupancy; and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is operable to receive the output signal generated by the sensor, determine, based on the output signal, that the OPS is occupied, and, in response to determining that the OPS is occupied, generate a command to initiate at least one action associated with the OPS or an operator of the OPS.

Abstract: A system and method for communicatively pairing a mobile communication device and a furniture item, such as a desk or table, includes placing the mobile communication device in a communication zone associated with the furniture item. In response to placing the mobile communication device in the communication zone, a communication link is established between the mobile communication device and a communication circuit of the furniture item. A user interface is then displayed on a display screen of the mobile communication device to show a preset height, such as a standing or sitting height, for the furniture device. When a user selects the preset height, an actuator adjusts the furniture item to the specific height. The communication circuit may use any available wireless communication protocol or circuit.

Abstract: A furniture system includes an office productivity structure (OPS). The furniture system also includes a sensor coupled to the OPS, the sensor operable to detect occupancy of the OPS and generate an output signal indicative of the occupancy; and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is operable to receive the output signal generated by the sensor, determine, based on the output signal, that the OPS is occupied, and, in response to determining that the OPS is occupied, generate a command to initiate at least one action associated with the OPS or an operator of the OPS.

Abstract: A system and method for communicatively pairing a mobile communication device and a furniture item, such as a desk or table, includes placing the mobile communication device in a communication zone associated with the furniture item. In response to placing the mobile communication device in the communication zone, a communication link is established between the mobile communication device and a communication circuit of the furniture item. A user interface is then displayed on a display screen of the mobile communication device to show a preset height, such as a standing or sitting height, for the furniture device. When a user selects the preset height, an actuator adjusts the furniture item to the specific height. The communication circuit may use any available wireless communication protocol or circuit.

Abstract: A method of communicatively pairing a first furnishing item with a second furnishing item, the method including impacting the first furnishing item against the second furnishing item. The method also includes generating a first output with a first sensor of the first furnishing item in response to an impact between the first furnishing item and the second furnishing item and generating a second output with a second sensor of the second furnishing item in response to the impact between the first furnishing item and the second furnishing item. The method further includes receiving, by a controller, the first output, receiving, by the controller, the second output, and pairing a first communication circuit of the first furnishing item with a second communication circuit of the second furnishing item in response to receiving the second output within a predetermined time of receiving the first output.

Abstract: A furniture system includes an office productivity structure (OPS). The furniture system also includes a sensor coupled to the OPS, the sensor operable to detect a parameter of the OPS and generate an output signal indicative of the parameter; and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is operable to receive the output signal generated by the sensor, determine, based on the output signal, an operation condition of the OPS, when the operation condition is determined to be within a satisfactory range, determine an estimated time before servicing is needed, and when the operation condition is determined to be outside a satisfactory range, send a service alert.

Abstract: An intelligent furnishing system. The furnishing system includes an electronic device, a server, and a workstation. The workstation includes a short-range communication circuit, a user interface including a light source, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive a reservation including a reservation start time, increase a communication range of the short-range communication circuit when the reservation start time is a predetermined period of time from a current time, and receive a proximity signal from the electronic device. The electronic processor is also configured to illuminate the light source in a first color, receive a check-in signal when the proximity signal is received, change the light source from the first color to a second color, receive a check-out signal when the check-in signal is received, and change the light source from the second color to a third color when the check-out signal is received.

Abstract: A method of communicatively pairing a first furnishing item with a second furnishing item, the method including impacting the first furnishing item against the second furnishing item. The method also includes generating a first output with a first sensor of the first furnishing item in response to an impact between the first furnishing item and the second furnishing item and generating a second output with a second sensor of the second furnishing item in response to the impact between the first furnishing item and the second furnishing item. The method further includes receiving, by a controller, the first output, receiving, by the controller, the second output, and pairing a first communication circuit of the first furnishing item with a second communication circuit of the second furnishing item in response to receiving the second output within a predetermined time of receiving the first output.

Abstract: A method of operating a desk including receiving, at a desk controller, a message from a chair, and determining a position of a user based on the message. The message includes an indication of a sensed rotation of the chair. The method also includes generating, via the desk controller, a control signal for a motor based on the position of the user. The motor is coupled to a support framework of the desk. The method further includes changing a height of the support framework of the desk according to the control signal.

Abstract: A furniture system includes an office productivity structure (OPS). The furniture system also includes a sensor coupled to the OPS, the sensor operable to detect a parameter of the OPS and generate an output signal indicative of the parameter; and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is operable to receive the output signal generated by the sensor, determine, based on the output signal, an operation condition of the OPS, when the operation condition is determined to be within a satisfactory range, determine an estimated time before servicing is needed, and when the operation condition is determined to be outside a satisfactory range, send a service alert.

Abstract: A furniture system includes a chair having a seat, a backrest coupled to the seat, and a base supporting the backrest and the seat. The furniture system also includes a plurality of sensors and a processor. Each sensor is operable to detect a physical force imparted by a user on the chair, and generate an output signal indicative of the physical force. The processor is coupled to the plurality of sensors, and is operable to receive the output signals generated by the plurality of sensors, and determine, based on at least one of the output signals, a current posture of the user sitting in the chair.

Abstract: A method of operating a desk including receiving, at a desk controller, a message from a chair, and determining a position of a user based on the message. The message includes an indication of a sensed rotation of the chair. The method also includes generating, via the desk controller, a control signal for a motor based on the position of the user. The motor is coupled to a support framework of the desk. The method further includes changing a height of the support framework of the desk according to the control signal.

Abstract: A furniture system includes a chair having a seat, a backrest coupled to the seat, and a base supporting the backrest and the seat. The furniture system also includes a plurality of sensors and a processor. Each sensor is operable to detect a physical force imparted by a user on the chair, and generate an output signal indicative of the physical force. The processor is coupled to the plurality of sensors, and is operable to receive the output signals generated by the plurality of sensors, and determine, based on at least one of the output signals, a current posture of the user sitting in the chair.

Abstract: A tightening system can be used with a helmet or other wearable article. The tightening system can have a forehead strap that is space apart from a yoke, which can be configured to engage a back side of a wearer's head. A lace can extend between the forehead strap and the yoke and a tightening mechanism can be configured to adjust tension on the lace. One or more intermediate tenders can engage the lace in the gap between the forehead strap and the yoke so that the lace path between the forehead strap and the yoke is non-linear. The yoke can have a height adjustment mechanism. The tightening mechanism can be configured to provide a clicking sound during rotation in both the tightening direction and the loosening direction. The tightening mechanism can include a rotation limiter to prevent over-tightening and/or over-loosening of the tightening mechanism.

Abstract: A tightening system can be used with a helmet or other wearable article. The tightening system can have a forehead strap that is space apart from a yoke, which can be configured to engage a back side of a wearer's head. A lace can extend between the forehead strap and the yoke and a tightening mechanism can be configured to adjust tension on the lace. One or more intermediate tenders can engage the lace in the gap between the forehead strap and the yoke so that the lace path between the forehead strap and the yoke is non-linear. The yoke can have a height adjustment mechanism. The tightening mechanism can be configured to provide a clicking sound during rotation in both the tightening direction and the loosening direction. The tightening mechanism can include a rotation limiter to prevent over-tightening and/or over-loosening of the tightening mechanism.