Abstract: Speaker systems can provide different levels of spaciousness. The speaker system can determine a type of audio to be played, and the speaker system can adjust the spaciousness based at least in part on the determined type of audio. The speaker system can have different default spaciousness values for different types of audio content. The speaker system can have a user interface that is configured to receive user input, and the speaker system can adjust the spaciousness based on the user input. The speaker system can permit the user to adjust the spaciousness within a defined range. The speaker system can apply different adjustable ranges for different types of audio content.

Abstract: A light system for a directed energy deposition three dimensional printer, a three-dimensional printer, and a method of printing with a three dimensional printer, the three dimensional printer including the light system including an array of light sources and an optical element for one or more of the light sources and the array of light sources includes at least two light sources. The optical element directs light emitted from the one or more light sources towards a focal region on a microwire and a substrate. The light sources provide sufficient energy to at least partially melt the substrate in the focal region. The microwire exhibits a diameter in the range of 0.1 millimeters to 1 millimeter and the microwire includes at least one of a transition metal, aluminum and magnesium.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes a three-loudspeaker array and signal processing method for rendering and playing audio content in a listening environment. The three-loudspeaker array includes a left loudspeaker element, a center/height loudspeaker element, and a right loudspeaker element. A signal processor/renderer can be programmed or configured to process input audio content with a plurality of (e.g., at least five) playback channels (e.g., left, center, right, left elevation, and right elevation channels). The right loudspeaker can be driven by a right main signal and a right elevation-cancellation signal, and/or a combined signal thereof. The left loudspeaker can be driven by a left main signal and a left elevation-cancellation signal, and/or a combined signal thereof. The center/height loudspeaker can be driven by a combination of a center main signal and an elevation/height signal derived or rendered from the input audio signal.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques of characterizing electrical characteristics of a battery cell. The techniques employ a battery monitor coupled to a battery to measure voltage of the battery cell when it is in a recovery state after application of a stimulus (e.g., discharging or charging the battery). The measured voltage of the battery cell in the recovery state is then used to generate a characterization of the battery cell. The characterization may be used, for example, to match the battery cell with one or more similar battery cells to be coupled in a battery pack. In another example, the characterization may be used to verify authenticity of the battery cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a wearable structure and/or a user-feedback element to a user is provided. The apparatus includes a wearable structure configured to be worn by a user, and a grounding assembly, coupled to the wearable structure. The grounding assembly includes: (i) an inflatable bladder, coupled to a first portion of the wearable structure, and (ii) a cord, coupled to a second portion of the wearable structure and the inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder is configured to receive a fluid from a source. The cord is configured to tighten around a portion of the user's body according to and in proportion with the fluid pressure inside the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A combined umbrella and canopy (10) that provides the advantages of both of these devices for providing maximum shade. The umbrella portion (12) is substantially similar to a standard beach umbrella having a vertical pole (16) with spokes or ribs (22, 24, 26, 28) extending radially outwardly adjacent the top (20) for supporting a fabric cover (30). The fabric cover (30) defines a front (32) and back (34) and at least two sides of the umbrella. The back (34) of the umbrella includes an additional length of fabric (36) that extends horizontally rearwardly and then curves downwardly and terminates in two spaced apart ends (38, 40). Each end includes a pocket (42, 44) that can be filled with sand to weigh the same down to maintain the ends on the beach. The additional fabric (36) is essentially a canopy (14). The umbrella structure (12) provides better support for the forward end of the canopy and prevents the same from collapsing when the wind conditions change.

Abstract: A tent (10) comprised of two panels (12, 14) are joined at their tops (16) but which have free lower ends resting on the ground. The tent (10) is maintained in its vertical position by a pair of elongated rods (22, 24) on the inside of each side panel that are arranged in an X configuration. The ends of the rods are positioned in pockets (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) provided in the interior of the four corners of each side panel and are somewhat rigid but capable of flexing outwardly to provide structural support for the side panels. Adjustment straps (40, 42, 44) along the vertical edges of the side panels are used to adjust the tension on the rods. In a second embodiment (110) only one side panel (112) is provided and a vertical pole (160, 162) is used to support the top of the panel. The slide panel (112) is also provided with crossbars in an X configuration. The vertical angle of the vertical support pole (160, 162) can be changed to adjust the height of the lean-to.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes one or more pods coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an internal structure, and (ii) an airtight bladder surrounding the internal structure, where the bladder is pneumatically coupled to a pneumatic device that is configured to control a pressurized state of the bladder. Each pod is configured to: (i) have a first degree of flexibility when the bladder of the pod is in a first pressurized state; and (ii) have a second degree of flexibility, less than the first degree of flexibility, when the bladder of the pod is in a second pressurized state different from the first pressurized state. Each pod provides a haptic stimulation to a wearer of the garment when the corresponding bladder is in the second pressurized state.

Abstract: A tent (10) comprised of two panels (12, 14) are joined at their tops (16) but which have free lower ends resting on the ground. The tent (10) is maintained in its vertical position by a pair of elongated rods (22, 24) on the inside of each side panel that are arranged in an X configuration. The ends of the rods are positioned in pockets (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) provided in the interior of the four corners of each side panel and are somewhat rigid but capable of flexing outwardly to provide structural support for the side panels. Adjustment straps (40, 42, 44) along the vertical edges of the side panels are used to adjust the tension on the rods. In a second embodiment (110) only one side panel (112) is provided and a vertical pole (160, 162) is used to support the top of the panel. The slide panel (112) is also provided with crossbars in an X configuration. The vertical angle of the vertical support pole (160, 162) can be changed to adjust the height of the lean-to.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus may include (1) a deformable material that is dimensioned to conform to a body part of a user and configured to stretch in at least one direction, (2) a transducer coupled to the deformable material, (3) a conduit that extends along the deformable material in the at least one direction and that couples the transducer to a control system, and (4) stitching in the deformable material that restricts the deformable material from stretching farther than the conduit is configured to extend. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method for determining a proximity status between electrodes may include detecting an amount of electrical charge an electrode among other electrodes that are communicatively coupled to an artificial reality device. The method may further include determining, based on the detected amount of electrical charge at the electrode, a mutual capacitance measurement that indicates an amount of mutual capacitance between the other electrodes. The method may also include determining, based on the mutual capacitance measurement, a relative proximity status between the electrodes, where the relative proximity status indicates a degree to which the electrodes are in proximity with each other. The method may further include providing the determined relative proximity status between the electrodes as an input to the artificial reality device. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method for determining a proximity status between electrodes may include detecting an amount of electrical charge an electrode among other electrodes that are communicatively coupled to an artificial reality device. The method may further include determining, based on the detected amount of electrical charge at the electrode, a mutual capacitance measurement that indicates an amount of mutual capacitance between the other electrodes. The method may also include determining, based on the mutual capacitance measurement, a relative proximity status between the electrodes, where the relative proximity status indicates a degree to which the electrodes are in proximity with each other. The method may further include providing the determined relative proximity status between the electrodes as an input to the artificial reality device. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method for determining a proximity status between electrodes may include detecting an amount of electrical charge an electrode among other electrodes that are communicatively coupled to an artificial reality device. The method may further include determining, based on the detected amount of electrical charge at the electrode, a mutual capacitance measurement that indicates an amount of mutual capacitance between the other electrodes. The method may also include determining, based on the mutual capacitance measurement, a relative proximity status between the electrodes, where the relative proximity status indicates a degree to which the electrodes are in proximity with each other. The method may further include providing the determined relative proximity status between the electrodes as an input to the artificial reality device. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined umbrella and canopy (10) that provides the advantages of both of these devices for providing maximum shade. The umbrella portion (12) is substantially similar to a standard beach umbrella having a vertical pole (16) with spokes or ribs (22, 24, 26, 28) extending radially outwardly adjacent the top (20) for supporting a fabric cover (30). The fabric cover (30) defines a front (32) and back (34) and at least two sides of the umbrella. The back (34) of the umbrella includes an additional length of fabric (36) that extends horizontally rearwardly and then curves downwardly and terminates in two spaced apart ends (38, 40). Each end includes a pocket (42, 44) that can be filled with sand to weigh the same down to maintain the ends on the beach. The additional fabric (36) is essentially a canopy (14). The umbrella structure (12) provides better support for the forward end of the canopy and prevents the same from collapsing when the wind conditions change.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes one or more pods coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an internal structure, and (ii) an airtight bladder surrounding the internal structure, where the bladder is pneumatically coupled to a pneumatic device that is configured to control a pressurized state of the bladder. Each pod is configured to: (i) have a first degree of flexibility when the bladder of the pod is in a first pressurized state; and (ii) have a second degree of flexibility, less than the first degree of flexibility, when the bladder of the pod is in a second pressurized state different from the first pressurized state. Each pod provides a haptic stimulation to a wearer of the garment when the corresponding bladder is in the second pressurized state.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes one or more pods coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an internal structure, and (ii) an airtight bladder surrounding the internal structure, where the bladder is pneumatically coupled to a pneumatic device that is configured to control a pressurized state of the bladder. Each pod is configured to: (i) have a first degree of flexibility when the bladder of the pod is in a first pressurized state; and (ii) have a second degree of flexibility, less than the first degree of flexibility, when the bladder of the pod is in a second pressurized state different from the first pressurized state. Each pod provides a haptic stimulation to a wearer of the garment when the corresponding bladder is in the second pressurized state.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes pod(s) coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an internal structure including an arrangement of a plurality of protrusions and (ii) an airtight bladder surrounding the internal structure, wherein the bladder is pneumatically coupled to a pneumatic device that is configured to control a pressurized state of the bladder. The internal structure in each pod is configured to: (i) when the respective bladder of the respective pod is in a first pressurized state, have a first degree of flexibility; and (ii) when the respective bladder is in a second pressurized state different from the first pressurized state: curve, at least partially, in a predetermined direction, and have a second degree of flexibility less than the first degree of flexibility, thereby providing a haptic stimulation to a wearer when the respective bladder is in the second pressurized state.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes pod(s) coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an outer internal structure that defines an opening, (ii) an inner internal structure disposed in the opening defined by the outer internal structure, and (iii) an airtight bladder, pneumatically coupled with a pneumatic device, surrounding the inner and outer internal structures. Further, when a bladder of a respective pod is at a first pressure, respective top surfaces of the internal structures contact a first portion of a user's body, said contact with the first portion of the body having a first area, and when the bladder is at a second pressure, the top surface of the inner internal structure and/or the top surface of the outer internal structure contact a second portion of the user's body, said contact with the second portion of the body having a second area.

Abstract: A technique includes providing a cost model to predict a total cost for supporting a computer-based product system. The cost model predicts preventive, reactive and deferred components of the total cost. The technique includes determining features of the support and computer-based product system based at least in part on the cost model.

Abstract: An optical power transfer device includes a transmitter circuit, including a laser light source that is configured to emit coherent light responsive to operation above a lasing threshold, and is configured to emit incoherent light responsive operation below the lasing threshold. A proximity sensor circuit is coupled to the transmitter circuit and is configured to output a detection signal therefrom responsive to authentication of an optical receiver including at least one photovoltaic cell having surface area of about 4 square millimeters or less within a proximity thereof. The transmitter circuit is configured to operate the laser light source below the lasing threshold to emit the incoherent light responsive to an absence of the detection signal from the proximity sensor circuit. Related devices and methods of operation are also discussed.