Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a hard and soft light module having a housing with a first surface that accommodates a lens. A first plurality of LEDs are disposed along a periphery of the first surface, the first plurality of LEDs are configured to generate light in a first direction toward an edge of the lens. A second plurality of LEDs are disposed proximate to the first surface, the second plurality of LEDs are configured to generate light in a second direction through the lens. The first plurality of LEDs are configured to generate a soft light and the second plurality of LEDs are configured to generate a hard light.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed pertaining to determining a level of proficiency of a user at a computer simulation through the use of a plurality of skill assessment tests. Each skill assessment test can test a respective skill for use in the computer simulation. The techniques can also be used to train a user for the computer simulation and/or to determine team composition using roles for use in the computer simulation. In some aspects, skill assessment tests may incorporate multiple iterations in including a first base line iteration and subsequent iterations that differ between user devices. In some embodiments, metrics that are indicative of a level of proficiency of the user can be made with respect to metrics of other users to determine a user's level of skill with respect to various groups of other users.

Abstract: Automation of the comparison of the colors of small surfaces of products. In one embodiment, color differences are measured rather than an absolute color value. An apparatus is provided for capturing color images of a portion of a product or part to provide a sample product image. The sample image is compared to an image of a standard product obtained under the same conditions with the same apparatus. The color difference is measured to determine when it is in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A peripheral device with an adaptive scroll wheel can be used to provide additional control of a host computing device. A variable force is used to change friction on the adaptive scroll wheel for different situations. Examples include stopping a scroll wheel at an end of a document, changing a number of ratchet steps based on a number of items on a list, and changing scroll profiles based on application, such as a scroll profile for document processing and a scroll profile for gaming.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to generating lighting in an efficient way while in the outdoors. The designs are meant to maximize the amount of light generated, by the smallest assembly that is rugged to use in general outdoor activities and water sports. Further designs are related to hands-free mounting capabilities on outdoor equipment such as bikes, surfboards, snowboards and other similar equipment. Additional features include various filters, waterproofing, recharging or lighting differences which provide greater visual or photographic advantages to the user.

Abstract: Webcams may include a camera housing having a front cover. The front cover may define a lens aperture and a mounting aperture. A rear surface of the front cover may include a living hinge having a protruding nub. The webcams may include a privacy shutter having a cover member and a generally cylindrical post extending from a rear surface of the cover member at a location offset from a center of the cover member. The post may be disposed within the mounting aperture. A peripheral surface of the post may define a first notch and a second notch positioned opposite one another. The protruding nub may be seated within the first notch when the privacy shutter is in a closed position and seated within the second notch when in an open position. The cover member may cover the lens aperture when the privacy shutter is in the closed position.

Abstract: A microphone includes a housing. The microphone includes a windscreen coupled with the housing. The windscreen and the housing define a central volume. The microphone includes an audio module within the central volume. The audio module includes a receiver capsule, a carrier unit coupled with the receiver capsule, and a counterweight coupled with the carrier unit. The microphone includes a suspension element that is coupled with the housing and carrier unit to suspend the audio module within the central volume. The suspension element includes an inner body that contacts the carrier unit. The suspension element includes first and second flanges extending outward from the inner body. The first and second flange are fixedly coupled with the housing. A cross-section of the first and second flange includes an arched region that extends at least partially to an inner wall of the housing. The arched regions are oriented in opposite directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to video-conferencing systems, and more particularly, to advanced camera devices with integrated background differentiation capabilities, such as background removal, background replacement, and/or background blur capabilities, which are suitable for use in a video-conferencing application. Generally, the camera devices described herein use a combination of integrated hardware and software to differentiate between the desired portion of a video stream and the undesired portion of the video stream to-be-replaced. The background differentiation and/or background replacement methods disclosed herein are generally performed, using a camera device, before encoding the video stream for transmission of the video stream therefrom.