Abstract: An apparatus for a gripping device for a portable computing device according to various aspects of the present technology may include a selectively deployable gripping element. A center section of the gripping element may be connected to the portable computing device by a gripping element retainer. The gripping element comprises opposing ends that extend away from the center section in a first position and curl inwards towards the center section and the gripping element retainer in a second position to form a ring. The opposing ends may comprise a locking mechanism configured to retain the opposing ends in the second position. The gripping element and the gripping element retainer may also be integrated with a cover or case configured to fit around the portable computing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for a gripping device for a portable computing device according to various aspects of the present technology may include a selectively deployable gripping element. A center section of the gripping element may be connected to the portable computing device by a gripping element retainer. The gripping element comprises opposing ends that extend away from the center section in a first position and curl inwards towards the center section and the gripping element retainer in a second position to form a ring. The opposing ends may comprise a locking mechanism configured to retain the opposing ends in the second position. The gripping element and the gripping element retainer may also be integrated with a cover or case configured to fit around the portable computing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for a gripping device for a portable computing device according to various aspects of the present technology may include a selectively deployable spring element. A center section of the spring element may be connected to the portable computing device by a spring retainer. The spring element comprises opposing ends that extend away from the center section in a first position and curl inwards towards the center section and the spring retainer in a second position to form a ring. The spring retainer may be configured to rotate with respect to the portable computing device to allow the ring to be adjusted according to a desired use. The spring element and the spring retainer may also be integrated with a cover configured to fit around the portable computing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for a gripping device for a portable computing device according to various aspects of the present technology may include a selectively deployable spring element. A center section of the spring element may be connected to the portable computing device by a spring retainer. The spring element comprises opposing ends that extend away from the center section in a first position and curl inwards towards the center section and the spring retainer in a second position to form a ring. The spring retainer may be configured to rotate with respect to the portable computing device to allow the ring to be adjusted according to a desired use. The spring element and the spring retainer may also be integrated with a cover configured to fit around the portable computing device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for audibly interpreting a screen display. The method comprises: locating a display interpreter (DI) with a tactile matrix of sensors overlying a display screen; in response to sensing a proximate pointer, accepting a tactile matrix region selection; loading a first reference map, cross-referencing DI tactile matrix regions with a first field of screen icons; loading a second reference map, cross-referencing screen icons with audible recordings identifying the screen icons; mapping a screen icon to the selected tactile matrix region; and, audibly identifying the mapped screen icon. That is, the DI uses the second reference map to cross-reference the located screen icon to the audible recording identifying the screen icon, and plays the recording. In one aspect, the DI can be located over a touchscreen with touchscreen icons. Then, the method may further comprise engaging a touchscreen icon.

Abstract: A system for the automated conversion to audio of text displayed on a surface.

Abstract: A system for the automated conversion of light signals to audio.

Abstract: A level shift is provided between a first level and a second level for a first and second compensatory signal. Power supply variations are measured and the levels are compensated for these power supply variations so that the power supply does not affect the first and second levels.

Abstract: A circuit provides a restart signal to indicate a zero crossing of a continuous varying signal. A zero phase signal is generalized based on a zero crossing of the continuous varying signal. The continuous varying signal is sampled and held in accordance with the zero crossing. The continuous varying signal is converted to complementary signals, and these complementary signals are in turn converted to a signal appropriate for CMOS circuits.