Abstract: Apparatus and methods to communicate audio data from either an active wireless device or a requesting wireless device to one or more audio reproduction devices that are simultaneously communicatively coupled to both the active wireless device and to the requesting wireless device are disclosed. Responsive to a request from the requesting wireless device to transmit audio data to the one or more audio reproduction devices, the active wireless device determines whether to transmit audio data from the requesting wireless device based at least in part on an audio status of the active wireless device and a set of predetermined arbitration criteria that prioritizes among applications and operating system processes that generate the audio data.

Abstract: Context-based authentication in a secure network comprised of multiple interconnected programmable devices is described. One technique includes receiving, from a programmable device, identity data and contextual data associated with a current authentication of a user attempting to access a secure network. The user is associated with the programmable device. The technique may include determining, based on the identity data and the contextual data, one or more patterns associated with the current authentication of the user. Furthermore, a risk level associated with the current authentication of the user may be determined based on the identity data, the contextual data, and the one or more patterns. In at least one scenario, access is granted to the secure network in response to the determined risk level. Other advantages and embodiments are described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to communicate audio data from either an active wireless device or a requesting wireless device to one or more audio reproduction devices that are simultaneously communicatively coupled to both the active wireless device and to the requesting wireless device are disclosed. Responsive to a request from the requesting wireless device to transmit audio data to the one or more audio reproduction devices, the active wireless device determines whether to transmit audio data from the requesting wireless device based at least in part on an audio status of the active wireless device and a set of predetermined arbitration criteria that prioritizes among applications and operating system processes that generate the audio data.

Abstract: A machine system includes monitor devices each having a camera, the monitor devices distributed over a physical area; layout logic forms images from the cameras of the monitor devices into a scene layout for the area; user interface logic receives training signals from sensors directed to a person physically present in the area and to correlate those signals to subareas of the layout; and analytical logic analyzes the layout and training signals to ascertain subareas of the area at which the monitor devices should focus machine sensor and processing resources.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a paving machine having a conveyor system is disclosed. The monitoring system may include an input device configured to receive a first input indicative of a paving material efficiency factor, and a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a conveyor speed. The monitoring system may further include a controller electronically connected to the input device and the first and configured to determine an amount of material deposited by the paving machine based on the paving material efficiency factor and the conveyor speed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to communicate audio data from either an active wireless device or a requesting wireless device to one or more audio reproduction devices that are simultaneously communicatively coupled to both the active wireless device and to the requesting wireless device are disclosed. Responsive to a request from the requesting wireless device to transmit audio data to the one or more audio reproduction devices, the active wireless device determines whether to transmit audio data from the requesting wireless device based at least in part on an audio status of the active wireless device and a set of predetermined arbitration criteria that prioritizes among applications and operating system processes that generate the audio data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting a wearing status of a wearable device, the wearing status indicating whether a user is wearing the wearable device and sending wearing status data to a companion communication device to control a behavior of the companion communication device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating a user's interaction with an electronic device to control selected audio output volumes of the device. The described methods and apparatus facilitate operation of the electronic device with a volume limit for audio content output from one or more ports of the device that is less than the maximum output volume available from the device. A first user input to increase the volume of an audio signal at one or more ports will increase the volume only to an initial volume limit that is less than the maximum output volume available. A visual, non-textual indicator of the availability of additional volume levels will be displayed to a user; and subsequent receipt of a second input to increase the volume of the audio signal will cause an increase in volume beyond the initial volume limit.

Abstract: A mobile clothesline provides mobility and is easy to set up and break down, making it ideal for areas with limited space, for example, while not requiring tools for assembly. The mobile clothesline offers an energy efficient alternative to using an electric or gas dryer. The mobile clothesline includes first and second wheeled bases having a receptacle for holding a retractable clothesline post. The post may include a plurality of arms that may extend outward from the post or may be folded in against the post. A retractable line may extend from the arms on one of the posts to interconnect with a receptacle on the arm on the other post.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a vibratory mechanism in a vehicle comprising a sensor configured to produce an operational value signal indicative of an operational characteristic of the vehicle; a computing device operable to receive the operational value signal and determine actuation values based at least in part on the operational value signal and to produce a corresponding control signal for selectively actuating the vibratory mechanism; and an input device configured to modify the actuation values during operation of the vehicle. A method for controlling a vibratory mechanism in a vehicle comprising the steps of producing an operational value signal indicative of an operational characteristic of the vehicle; determining actuation values from the operational value signal; modifying actuation values during operation of the vehicle; and signaling the vibratory mechanism to actuate in response to actuation values.

Abstract: A learning content mentoring system for use by a user to master a desired dialog stream includes a computer operable to run an editor program and generate a scenario file including a plurality of scenario segments of the desired dialog, and a player interface configured to electronically communicate with the scenario file. In this regard, the editor program is operable to challenge the user with the scenario segments of the desired dialog, the player interface is operable to transmit a response from the user to the editor program for comparison with an expected response, and the editor program interacts with the player interface based on the user response to train the user to respond with the desired dialog.

Abstract: The present invention presents novel apparatus and methods to address the problem of measuring surface characteristics of a coated medical device. A preferred embodiment of the invention incorporates a processor-controlled transport module to move a test sample at a predetermined velocity profile past a variety of fixtures. The fixtures include a processor-based, feedback-controlled servo mechanism that applies an predetermined normal force on a test sample with selected test surfaces to measure dynamic friction, abrasion resistance and durability of a coating. More generally, the invention can be used to characterize surface and pull or push properties of a wide variety of objects that also include threads, filaments, rods, tubing, wires, extrusions, films and ribbons.

Abstract: A system for data communication receives more than one input data streams that have independent clocks and an input order. The system synchronizes the input data streams to a common clock, and multiplexes the synchronized data streams onto an input of a data communication link. The system demultiplexes one or more output data streams from an output of the data communication link. The system identifies each of the output data streams and reorders the output data streams into the same order as the input data streams.