Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a rear projection system. The rear projection system may include a housing assembly configured to house at least a portion of a speaker system. The housing assembly may include a multi-function panel that is at least partially optically transmissive and includes an acoustically transparent portion. The rear projection system may further include a rear projection device positioned within the housing assembly and configured to project a graphical user interface onto an interior surface of the acoustically transparent portion of the multi-function panel. Other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, a method of controlling an electronic system includes the step of receiving by a first device a plurality of receivable wireless signals that are intended to control functions of a second device. The first device transmits a wireless signal that prevents a subset of the plurality of receivable wireless signals from controlling the second device.

Abstract: An audio/video switchbox includes a housing and one or more jacks on the housing. Each jack is configured to be connected to an end of a signal cable. A logic and control controls operation of the switchbox. The switchbox is connectable to a video display so that video images from the switchbox can be presented on the display. The switchbox is able to present an image on the display requesting that a person indicate which type of signal cable will be used to connect an audio/video device to the switchbox. The switchbox is able to automatically detect when an end of a signal cable selected by the person has been connected to one of the jacks.

Abstract: The impedance of ionic solutions may be determined using a bridge circuit where the ionic solution comprises a leg of the bridge circuit and a reference impedance characterized by a reference time constant comprises a second leg of the bridge circuit. The bridge is driven by a switched DC voltage waveform. Measurement of the ionic solution is delayed after switching to allow the reference impedance to reach its asymptotic value. The reference impedance may be varied to reduce the reference time constant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in mechanisms and techniques for accepting user input. An apparatus for accepting a user input is described comprising a display, and a plate and a control knob positioned over the display. A portion of the display is visible through the plate, and a portion of the control knob is optically transparent such that information displayed by the display is visible through the control knob. In some examples, the control knob functions as both a rotary input and as a push button input. The control knob may function as a push button input through a transfer of force through the plate to a pressure sensing switch associated with the plate. The control knob may function as a rotary control through drive gears, belts, or interaction with a light emitter and detector.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a docking station that receives content through a wired connection from a handheld media device, plays or displays the content through a speaker, and transmits content to a remote speaker.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in mechanisms and techniques for accepting user input. An apparatus for accepting a user input is described comprising a display, detector and controller. The display is configured to show an initial output. The detector is positioned in a location with respect to the display such that the detector detects placement of a trigger, such as a user's hand, proximate to the display. Various methods of detection such as infra-red detection, ultrasonic detection, capacitive detection, etc. may alternatively be used. The controller is configured to, upon placement of the trigger in a relative position with respect to the detector, cause the display to display an alternative output. After a pre-determined period of time, the display automatically reverts to the initial output or similar reduced-content output.

Abstract: A system for accepting user input including a switch arranged in an array of switches. Each switch in the array of switches is located at the edge of a pressure member. The system includes a display that displays at least one option and includes a pressure member. The pressure member has multiple sections and is positioned in relation to the array of switches such that when a force is applied, by a user, to one of the multiple sections corresponding to the switch, the pressure member transmits a resulting force to the switch causing a switch actuation. One of the multiple sections of the pressure member is spatially associated with a desired option of the at least one option. The system also includes a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to translate the switch actuation into a system state.

Abstract: A control mechanism includes an optically transparent member, a knob with a reflective surface, an optical light source, and an optical receiver. The optical light source directs light toward the knob that is reflected to the optical receiver.

Abstract: The performance of multimedia works is controlled based on indicated preferences of users.

Abstract: In some specific implementations, tracks of music make up a body of tracks available for playing. Metadata about the track may indicate relationships among the tracks, for example that they are jazz. Information about explicit and implicit reactions of a user to the playing of one or more of the tracks is stored. All of the available tracks are scored either directly as a result of the user reaction information or based on the relationships of the tracks to one another. The scoring is updated every time a user provides explicit or implicit reaction to a played track. Tracks are selected automatically for play based on the ratings or scores at the time of the selection and on a probabilistic technique that assures that every track has some possibility of being played at any time.