Patents Assigned to Logitech
  • Patent number: 7612685
    Abstract: An online remote control configuration system for efficiently programming a remote control to recognize a plurality of external electronic devices. The online remote control configuration system includes a remote control having a housing, a keypad, and an electronic system for receiving configuration data from a control station via a global computer network (e.g. Internet). The user preferably “samples” one or more signals from a remote control into the electronic system and then uploads the samples to the control station. The control station analyzes the uploaded samples and transmits the appropriate configuration data to properly configure the electronic system. The user may also access a web site of the control station and manually select each of the external electronic devices that the remote control is to operate after which the control station sends the appropriate configuration data to the electronic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Glen McLean Harris, Justin M. Henry
  • Publication number: 20090251417
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, a keyboard for use with a computer comprises a plurality of keys which include a plurality of programmable function keys each being programmable to have multiple shift states to provide different macro functions among the multiple shift states to be inputted to the computer; a plurality of macro shift buttons which represent the multiple shift states and which are configured to be pressed to toggle among the multiple shift states for the plurality of programmable function keys; and a macro record button configured to start and stop macro recording of the macro functions of the programmable function keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Christopher Pate, Avinash Shinde, Mark Lavelle, Roland Bosa, Nanda Kutty, Aidan Kehoe
  • Patent number: 7599002
    Abstract: This invention allows a video network camera to be mounted directly against a window or other transparent surface without any additional mounting hardware. The network camera can be mounted both inside and outside of a window without additional mounting hardware. A novel mounting apparatus in conjunction with an adjustable video sensor allows the user to quickly mount and make adjustments to the viewing angle of the network camera, thus reducing installation time and installation costs. In addition, the network camera can be mounted to walls, ceilings and other surfaces as necessary by using a second mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: W. Paul Willes, Thomas R. Rohlfing, Harold L. Simonsen, Jeffrey B. Lancaster, Andrew J. Hartsfield, Evan I. Tree
  • Publication number: 20090240821
    Abstract: A system for providing peer-to-peer connections includes a plurality of host devices behind corresponding NATs; and a plurality of STUN servers. Each host device includes first and second sockets respectively bound to first and second private ports. Each host device sends a first STUN packet through the first socket to a first STUN server and a second group of STUN packets through the second socket to the STUN servers via public ports of the corresponding NAT. The STUN servers identify the public port numbers of the public ports. Each host device calculates a predicted public port number of the corresponding NAT for the second socket, based on the public port numbers of the public ports for the first socket and the second socket, the predicted public port number to be used for peer-to-peer connection between the second socket of the host device and other host devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Juncker, Nanda Kutty
  • Publication number: 20090231274
    Abstract: A control device includes a roller configured to rotate and tilt; a roller support coupled to the roller, wherein the roller is configured to rotate relative to the roller support; the first hinge disposed adjacent to a first end of the roller support; and a second hinge disposed adjacent to a second end of the roller support, wherein the first end and the second end are substantially opposite ends of the roller support, the second hinge is above the first hinge, and the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to provide tilting support for the roller and roller support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Christian M. Blandin
  • Publication number: 20090224955
    Abstract: A remote control includes a screen configured to display a plurality of soft buttons in a first order. The remote control further includes a memory configured to store use information for the plurality of soft buttons. The use information includes a number of button presses for each of the plurality of soft buttons. The remote control further includes a processor configured to determine whether one of the plurality of soft buttons is pressed a great number of times than a second of the plurality of soft buttons, and to change the display of the plurality of soft buttons to a second order where the one of the plurality of soft buttons is displayed in the second order at a higher position than in the first order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S,A,
    Inventors: Mathew Bates, Alex Zaliauskas, Barbara Glover
  • Publication number: 20090226025
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Howes, Dominic Amae, Raymond Weikel, Robert Jacobson, Omer Kotzer
  • Publication number: 20090220118
    Abstract: A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that has a first earphone portion pivotally secured to a behind-the-head headband at a first pivot which is positioned below the longitudinal centerline of the headband. In disclosed embodiments the earphone is also slidably secured to the headband thereby allowing additional adjustment to optimize wearer comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Meier, Donald G. Varga, Dominic Amae
  • Publication number: 20090213076
    Abstract: An input device for inputting commands to a host computer includes a base. An upper housing defines a plurality of control buttons for inputting commands to the computer. The base and upper housing are movably coupled to each other to enable the mouse to be placed in a collapsed position and a raised position. A release button is configured to actuate and facilitate raising of the mouse from the collapsed position to the raised position, the raised position placing the mouse a suitable state for inputting commands to the computer using the control buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Pascal Eichenberger, Yves Karcher, Charles Seiber, Denis O'Keeffe, Martin Gleeson
  • Patent number: 7580541
    Abstract: A personal audio set formed that includes an ear-clip mounting portion pivotally secured to a frame is disclosed. In one embodiment, the frame of the personal audio set includes a sliding portion to define a first axis of rotation, and the ear hook is pivotally secured to the sliding portion to define a second axis of rotation so that the headset may be properly worn on either the wearer's left or right ear by moving the sliding portion and ear hook about their respective axes. The ear hook is preferably substantially c-shaped and dual molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Kevin Hlas, Alex Danielson, Bernhard Wildner, Omer Kotzer, Jamian Cobbett
  • Publication number: 20090196453
    Abstract: A behind-the-head personal audio set for a personal audio device is disclosed. The personal audio set has a headband portion sized to grasp the crown area of the wearer's head while aligning at least one ear cup adjacent to the wearer's ear. The headband portion defines a longitudinal, substantially horizontal, axis that substantially intersects the center of the ear cup. In disclosed preferred embodiments, the ear cup defines an ear engaging plane and the preferred geometry of this ear engaging plane with respect the headband portion's longitudinal axis and an axis of symmetry are also disclosed. Preferably, the headband portion and ear cup portion are integrally molded and ear loops are over-molded, or dual molded, thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Dominic Amae, Robert Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7567432
    Abstract: A full-size keyboard with an integrated laptop stand. In one embodiment, the laptop stand is part of a cover for a portable keyboard, with the cover unfolding and including a pop-up stand for supporting a portable computer. The stand is thus connected to the keyboard rather than being a separate article. The cover includes electronics, such as a USB hub and ports, an MP3 player docking station, speakers, etc. A flexible hinge connects the keyboard and cover, with imbedded electrical flex connectors. A presence sensor, such as a PIR sensor, shuts off battery use by these electronics when the user is not around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Tabasso, Patrick Monney, Alexis Richard, Diarmuid Macmahon, Peter Sheehan, Keith Tritschler, Brian Stephens, Linus Chien
  • Patent number: 7565583
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a receiver for processing communication information included in transmissions received from a number of cordless devices. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing communication information included in transmissions received from a number of cordless devices. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for communicating status information from a cordless device to a corresponding driver running on a host system. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing digital information included in a transmission from a composite cordless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Rolf Ambuehl, Olivier F. Bodenmann, Pierre H. Chenes, Philippe Junod
  • Publication number: 20090175481
    Abstract: A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Dominic Amae
  • Publication number: 20090174760
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combined camera, camera stand, audio hub, and audio headset charger. The audio headset is wireless, with a wireless connection to the stand/hub. The stand/hub then connects over a bus to a personal computer. The camera can be both tilted and adjusted in height on the stand. Seamless switching from one audio path (e.g., external speakers and microphone in webcam) to another (e.g., wireless headset) occurs, providing the user with a regular telephone like experience. In addition, it is easily possible to mute audio as well as video for the entire system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A
    Inventors: George Basmadjian, Ferry Gunawan, David S. O'Brien, Bruce Friedricks, Mansour Behrooz
  • Patent number: 7543064
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention achieve a very high success rate in multilayer peer-to-peer connection across firewalls and network address translators (NATs) using a single port on the local host. In one embodiment, a system of providing peer-to-peer connection comprises a plurality of host devices disposed behind corresponding NATs; and a plurality of STUN servers. Each host device includes a first socket bound to a first private port and a second socket bound to a second private port. Each host device sends a first STUN packet through the first socket to a first STUN server and a second group of STUN packets through the second socket to the STUN servers via public ports of the corresponding NAT. The STUN servers identify the public port numbers of the public ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Juncker, Nanda Kutty
  • Publication number: 20090135140
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are employed for lift-detection. Beam triangulation can be used, and in one embodiment, an optical lift detection module is separate from the optical tracking module. In one embodiment, a capacitive lift detection technique is used. A capacitor is built into the bottom case of the mouse. When the mouse is resting on a surface, the surface material serves as a dielectric for the capacitor, while air serves as the dielectric when the mouse is lifted. This dielectric change leads to a change in the capacitance value, leading to detection of lift. In one embodiment, a capacitor with an easily compressable material inserted between the two electrodes is used. In another embodiment, a mechanical plunger with an elastic membrane is used for lift detection. Lift detection can be tunable and/or customizable. The actual height of the life can be detected, rather than simple on-off notifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: LOGITECH EUROPE S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Constantin, Marc Bidiville, Olivier Theytaz, Olivier Mathis, Boris Karamata, Nicolas Chauvin, Jacques Robert
  • Patent number: 7536008
    Abstract: A light weight and comfortable ear mount for a personal audio-set is disclosed. The ear mount conforms with the anti-helix of a wearer's ear thereby operating substantially as a compression spring between the wearer's anti-helix 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 anti-helix 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Howes, Dominic Amae, Raymond Weikel, Robert Jacobson, Omer Kotzer
  • Patent number: 7532872
    Abstract: A wireless peripheral interface is used for coupling with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port for connecting a wireless peripheral with a host computer or controller. Wireless peripheral devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch pad, joysticks, and game controllers) transmit communication signals, e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals, to the peripheral interface, which are received and processed into formats suitable for transmission to the host computer or controller via USB, either alone or in combination with other standard external bus systems, such as serial and PS/2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Lazzarotto, Jean-Daniel Zanone, Gerhard A. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20090086010
    Abstract: A web cam with an interlude switch, wherein the interlude switch can be toggled between a view and an interlude mode. In its view mode, the web cam captures images of a scene for their transmittal to a web cam page hosted at a web site. With the switch in its interlude mode, the web cam system replaces the live images with interlude content which is prerecorded content which may include still and video images, slide shows, or advertisements. The prerecorded interlude content may be stored locally at the host computer, or it may be stored at and/or provided from a remote site. A user viewing a web cam page in its interlude mode, will see prerecorded interlude content as if it was provided by the digital camera. The interlude switch may be a manual or an automatic switch configured to switch between its view and interlude modes based on the occurrence of external events. The external events may include an outgoing or an incoming telephone call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Guy Tiphane