Abstract: A data transmitter for transmitting data to a data receiver is provided, wherein individual communication information is known to the data transmitter and the data receiver, the data transmitter being configured to generate an individual synchronization sequence while using the individual communication information.

Abstract: A network device (ND) includes a first interface controller operable to transfer data between the ND and a host processing unit (host), a second interface controller operable to transfer data between the ND and the host, a network interface configured to interface the ND with a network, and a control unit operable to: receive incoming data from the network, process the incoming data, and transmit the processed incoming data to the host through the second interface controller; or, receive outgoing data from the host through the second interface controller, process the received outgoing data, and transmit the processed outgoing data to the network. The first interface controller, the control unit, and the network interface are together operable to enable the host to transmit and/or receive other data to and/or from the network and the first interface controller. The host and the control unit share a same network address.

Abstract: Imaging gloves including wrist cameras and finger cameras are disclosed. An imaging glove includes a wrist portion, a finger portion extending from the wrist portion, a wrist camera coupled to the wrist portion, a finger camera coupled to the finger portion, a processor communicatively coupled to the wrist camera and the finger camera, a memory module communicatively coupled to the processor, and machine readable instructions stored in the memory module. When executed by the processor, the machine readable instructions cause the imaging glove to receive image data from the wrist camera or the finger camera, recognize an object in the received image data, and provide output indicative of the recognized object.

Abstract: A replaceable printer component includes a first memory device and a communication link. The first memory device stores a first secret. The communication link is configured to communicatively link the first memory device to a printer controller when the replaceable printer component is installed in a printing system. The printing system includes a second memory device storing a second secret. The second memory device is communicatively linked to the printer controller. The first memory device is configured to authenticate communications between the first memory device and the printer controller based on the first secret and the second secret.

Abstract: A sound field control system SY according to the present invention is provided with: a sound emission unit 210 which causes a plurality of speakers to emit a test sound; a sound pickup unit 130 which picks up the test sound using a microphone; an analysis unit 150 which compares information indicating a sound emission timing of a test signal sequence for causing the speakers to successively emit the test sound at a prescribed timing with a sound pickup timing of each test sound that has been picked up, and which calculates a time difference between the sound emission timing of each test sound and the sound pickup timing; and a signal processing unit 230 which performs, based on the calculated time difference between the sound emission timing of each test sound and the sound pickup timing, a delay process for a voice signal supplied to each speaker.

Abstract: Systems and methods to control a plurality of multimedia players in one or more groups are disclosed. For example, in a network including a plurality of independent playback devices, an example method includes maintaining, by an independent playback device, a zone configuration, the zone configuration characterizing one or more zone scenes. Each zone scene identifies a group configuration associated with two or more of the plurality of independent playback devices. The example method includes transmitting, by the independent playback device via a network interface, the zone configuration to a controller device. Additionally, an example playback device is disclosed which is configured to maintain a zone configuration, the zone configuration characterizing one or more zone scenes, each zone scene identifying a group configuration associated with two or more of a plurality of independent playback devices; and transmit, via a network interface, the zone configuration to a controller device.

Abstract: A remote control and streaming interface for an entertainment environment. The system includes an infrared (IR) transmitter panel holding a plurality of IR LEDs formed in an LED array. The system also includes at least one transceiver configured to maintain a bidirectional administration link with a smart handheld device and configured to maintain a separate streaming link with the smart handheld device. The system includes a processor configured to identify remote control (RC) commands received over the administration link, the processor configured to direct the LED array to generate an IR signal having a select IR pulse sequence based on the RC commands. The system also includes the LED array configured to transmit the IR signal in a reflective-deflective pattern across the entertainment environment until reaching at least one remotely controlled (RC) device within the entertainment environment wherein the RC device is positioned in a non-line of sight relation with the LED array.

Abstract: In general, techniques of controlling a plurality of multimedia players in groups are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a mechanism is provided to allow a user to group some of the players according to a theme or scene, where each of the players is located in a zone. When the scene is activated, the players in the scene react in a synchronized manner. For example, the players in the scene are all caused to play a multimedia source or music in a playlist, wherein the multimedia source may be located anywhere on a network.

Abstract: There is provided an audio illumination apparatus including an illumination unit, an audio output unit, a setting unit configured to set a parameter of at least one of illumination of the illumination unit and audio output of the audio output unit in accordance with a recognized user who is in a neighborhood, a transmission unit configured to transmit the parameter set by the setting unit to an audio illumination apparatus in the neighborhood, and a control unit configured to control the at least one of the illumination of the illumination unit and the audio output of the audio output unit in accordance with the set parameter.

Abstract: In general, techniques of controlling a plurality of multimedia players in groups are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a mechanism is provided to allow a user to group some of the players according to a theme or scene, where each of the players is located in a zone. When the scene is activated, the players in the scene react in a synchronized manner. For example, the players in the scene are all caused to play a multimedia source or music in a playlist, wherein the multimedia source may be located anywhere on a network.

Abstract: A disclosed set top box or other type of multimedia handling device (MHD) is configured to support a toggle volume feature that enables the end user to toggle between two or more substantially different audible volume settings using a single push of a single remote control button or other type of control, e.g., a touch screen control. In some embodiments, the MHD includes a processor, storage media accessible to and readable by the processor, a remote control interface in communication with the processor, a multimedia decoder, and an audio digital-to-analog converter. The remote control interface receives input from a remote control device. The multimedia decoder module receives and processes multimedia streams. The decoder generates a decoder audio output and a decoder video output. The DAC processes the decoder audio output and produces an audio signal having a particular volume level.

Abstract: A remote control is suggested, which comprises an electric signal transmitter being supplied with energy from an electrical energy storage device. The remote control comprises a generator for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy to be stored in the electrical energy storage device. The remote control is provided with a display indicating an empty electrical energy storage device. The display informs the user immediately and unambiguously about the situation that he has to recharge the energy storage of the remote control before he tries to send out a command in vain.