Abstract: Various embodiments use combinations of different methods for creating virtual surround. Some of the methods used in various embodiments include: dipole beamforming, multi-stage arrays, transducer directionality, and enclosure shading. In general, each of these methods may operate over a specific frequency band in various embodiments. The use of multiple methods to create virtual sound can increase the virtual sound effect and better maintain sound quality compared to the use of a single method for creating virtual surround. Each method used to create virtual surround can be optimized for a specific system configuration based on factors such as the physical set-up of the transducers, the size and shape of the enclosure, and the input signal configuration. Various embodiments allow for an intensity difference to be created for a listener across a wide range of frequencies in order to produce constant directionality.

Abstract: A laptop computer stand includes a case having a top, a bottom, right and left sides, a front, and a back. The stand further includes a plurality of speakers disposed at right and left sides of the top, and an audio hub coupled to the speakers. The audio hub is configured to receive audio signals from a laptop computer coupled to the audio hub, and control the speakers to output audio from the audio signal. The stand further includes a cooling fan disposed in the body below the top. The top includes a top grate formed therein configured to output air blown by the fan, and the back includes a back grate configured to intake air blown out the top grate. The air blown by the fan is configured to circulate between the top of the stand and the bottom of a laptop computer positioned on the top of the stand.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a roller for an input device, where the roller's absolute angular position is measured by a magnetic encoder. A magnet is attached to the roller, possibly inside the roller so as to make the embodiment more compact. In one embodiment, the magnetization is simple and low cost. Further, tight tolerances are not required, and such a system is easy to manufacture. In one embodiment, the sensor is covered by any non-ferromagnetic material, to protect it from foreign particles, and to reduce ESD. In one embodiment, the wheel consumes much less power than conventional wheels in input devices. In one embodiment, the tilting of the wheel is measured using the same sensor that is used for measuring the rotation of the wheel. In one embodiment, a ratcheting feel provided to the user when rotating the wheel is synchronized with the rotation signal.

Abstract: A state-based remote control system for providing efficient and simple operation of a plurality of electronic devices as a coordinated system based upon an overall task. The state-based remote control system includes a housing, a keypad in communication with an electronic system contained within the housing, and a communication device in communication with the electronic system for communicating with external electronic devices. The electronic system monitors the buttons selected by a user to determine the state of all external electronic devices that are to be controlled. When the user selects a task (e.g. watch television), the electronic system automatically determines the actions required to achieve the desired task based upon the current state of the external electronic devices. After the task has been fulfilled, the electronic system updates the data to reflect the modified state of the external electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of manufacture for providing image capturing modules which can be embedded into thin displays (e.g., in laptop computers) while providing for improved image quality. In accordance with several embodiments, a webcam module embedded in a display has multiple positions. A first position (or a “rest” or “park” position) is the position of the webcam module when it is not in use. In this first position of the webcam module, it is in its most compact configuration, and lends itself to integration into a very thin display. In other positions, the webcam module has a more expanded configuration, thus leading to better image quality. Such an expanded configuration leads, amongst other things, to a larger depth of focus. In one embodiment, a stepped PCB is used to provide good image quality while maintaining a compact form factor as well as structural rigidity.

Abstract: A light weight and comfortable ear mount for a personal audio-set is disclosed. The ear mount conforms with the antihelix of a wearer's ear, thereby operating substantially as a compression spring between the wearer's antihelix and tragus, to operably secure the personal audio-set in place. In a preferred embodiment, the ear-mount is substantially kidney-shaped and includes an opening to prevent the total occlusion of the ear canal by the personal audio-set. Alternatively, the ear-mount includes a loop of material sized to operably engage the antihelix of the wearer's ear. The ear-mount is preferably reversible to allow it to be placed in either the wearer's left or right ear.

Abstract: A federated media server system. The federated media server system may include a plurality of media servers. A first media server may be coupled to a second media server over a network. The first media server may also be coupled to a third media server over the network. Additionally, the second and third media servers may be coupled to a plurality of respective clients. The first media server may be configured to record video, e.g., videoconferences, and stream recordings to clients and/or the second and third media servers. The second and third media servers may assist in performing video recording, transcoding, storage of recordings, multicasting, etc.

Abstract: A federated media server system. The federated media server system may include a plurality of media servers. A first media server may be coupled to a second media server over a network. The first media server may also be coupled to a third media server over the network. Additionally, the second and third media servers may be coupled to a plurality of respective clients. The first media server may be configured to record video, e.g., videoconferences, and stream recordings to clients and/or the second and third media servers. The second and third media servers may assist in performing video recording, transcoding, storage of recordings, multicasting, etc.

Abstract: A federated media server system. The federated media server system may include a plurality of media servers. A first media server may be coupled to a second media server over a network. The first media server may also be coupled to a third media server over the network. Additionally, the second and third media servers may be coupled to a plurality of respective clients. The first media server may be configured to record video, e.g., videoconferences, and stream recordings to clients and/or the second and third media servers. The second and third media servers may assist in performing video recording, transcoding, storage of recordings, multicasting, etc.

Abstract: A federated media server system. The federated media server system may include a plurality of media servers. A first media server may be coupled to a second media server over a network. The first media server may also be coupled to a third media server over the network. Additionally, the second and third media servers may be coupled to a plurality of respective clients. The first media server may be configured to record video, e.g., videoconferences, and stream recordings to clients and/or the second and third media servers. The second and third media servers may assist in performing video recording, transcoding, storage of recordings, multicasting, etc.

Abstract: A communication protocol in a wireless network of a transceiver and a plurality of devices, in which at least one device is a bidirectional device, and in which one or more other devices can be unidirectional devices. The unidirectional device communicates with the transceiver in a unidirectional mode from the device to the transceiver and the bidirectional device communicates with the transceiver either in a bidirectional mode or in an unidirectional mode from the device to the transceiver. The communication protocol is configured to determine which transmission mode is to be used for each device. Various techniques are provided in order to optimize the time and energy spent to transmit information from one peer to the other.

Abstract: A solid-state roller on a pointing device with enhanced features. The solid-state design described herein allows the sensor to be placed on any shape of surface, such as one that has curvature in two directions. In one embodiment, a trench or downward curve contains sensors for detecting finger movement. The user's finger can thus bend about a knuckle in a curved motion to activate the sensor, requiring little or no movement of the finger up and down. The solid-state sensors can be of one of a number of designs. In one embodiment, multiple electrodes are contacted by a finger as it moves. Each electrode is coupled to a capacitive detection circuit, for detecting the change in capacitance as the electrode is contacted by the finger.

Abstract: A method and system for adaptively configuring a remote control includes analyzing a log of events, maintained by the remote control, which indicate how the remote control and the devices it controls are used by a user. Once the analysis is performed, the system and method can suggest alternative configurations of the remote control to the user. The range and type of alternative configurations is not particularly limited and can include changing which devices are employed for various user activities and/or how those activities are performed, the placement and hierarchy of commands in a menu tree and/or troubleshooting and set up configurations. The analysis can be performed either partially or totally within the remote control, or at, or in conjunction with, a service to which the remote control connects through a network.

Abstract: A remote control method for adjusting the temporal length between first and second command codes for an activity includes transmitting the first command code and transmitting the second command code after a first temporal length to an appliance. The method includes determining whether the appliance executed the second command code including: i) if the remote control receives an input that the appliance executed the second command code, the first temporal length is stored in memory and used for subsequently requests for the activity, or if the remote control receives an input that the appliance did not execute the second command code, the first temporal length is lengthened to a second temporal length. Until the first temporal length is not lengthened to the second temporal length, the remote control repeats the transmitting steps, and the determining step where the first temporal length for the second transmitting step is substituted with the second temporal length.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a portion of a top of the plunger.

Abstract: An input device includes a top panel including a top portion and side portions, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) configured to detect the presence of a touch object on the top panel and generate a touch signal based on the presence of the touch object on the top panel, and a first flexible adhesive material disposed below top panel and above the flexible PCB, the first flexible adhesive material coupling flexible PCB to the top panel. In certain embodiments, the top panel is seamless. The flexible PCB can detect the presence of the touch object over the top portion of the top panel where the top portion of the top panel has no dead spots.