Abstract: A method of navigating a visually impaired user, a navigation system and a guiding robot used in the system. The method includes the steps of: receiving a plurality of location referencing signals from a plurality of signal sources; processing the location referencing signals to determine a current location of the user in a predetermined area; planning an optimal path for the user to travel from the current location to a destination location; providing guiding information associated with the optimal path to the user; obtaining a travel instruction from the user to travel along the optimal path; and moving a guiding robot according to the travel instruction provided by the user along the optimal path until the next travel instruction is required to further move the guiding robot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of control using a single wire. The systems and methods presented allow sending or receiving commands and data through a single wire. In one embodiment, commands and data are received by the control system through a single terminal. In another embodiment, commands and data are received and transmitted from the control system through a single terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include circuits and methods for electrical current control. In one embodiment, a regulator provides power to the anode end of a set of LED strings. A current setting circuit derives its current from a current reference and generates multiple matching currents that drive the low side (cathode end) of the set of LED strings. The current setting circuit also contains a feedback signal to the regulator that helps maintain a desired voltage level to the anode end of the LED strings. This embodiment is designed to be expandable and drive any number of LED strings. The present invention may be implemented with a high or low side driver scheme to drive the current. Also, the present invention may be implemented with bipolar, nmos, pmos, or any device that operates as a transistor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include circuits and methods for electrical current control. In one embodiment, a regulator provides power to the anode end of a set of LED strings. A current setting circuit derives its current from a current reference and generates multiple matching currents that drive the low side (cathode end) of the set of LED strings. The current setting circuit also contains a feedback signal to the regulator that helps maintain a desired voltage level to the anode end of the LED strings. This embodiment is designed to be expandable and drive any number of LED strings. The present invention may be implemented with a high or low side driver scheme to drive the current. Also, the present invention may be implemented with bipolar, nmos, pmos, or any device that operates as a transistor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of control using a single wire. The systems and methods presented allow sending or receiving commands and data through a single wire. In one embodiment, commands and data are received by the control system through a single terminal. In another embodiment, commands and data are received and transmitted from the control system through a single terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of driving an electroluminescent lamp. In one embodiment, the electroluminescent lamp is driven to a first threshold during a first time period and then driven to successive voltages between the threshold and a maximum voltage during successive time. This method of driving the lamp waveshapes the lamp voltage signal. In one example, the thresholds are set to minimize audible noise from the electroluminescent lamp due to the piezoelectric effect.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of driving an electroluminescent lamp. In one embodiment, the electroluminescent lamp is driven to a first threshold during a first time period and then driven to successive voltages between the threshold and a maximum voltage during successive time. This method of driving the lamp waveshapes the lamp voltage signal. In one example, the thresholds are set to minimize audible noise from the electroluminescent lamp due to the piezoelectric effect.

Abstract: A power regulator having a single digital control pin for controlling the amount of power delivered to a load is provided. The single digital control pin is set to a first logic state for a first predetermined amount of time to specify a first power control function to be executed by the power regulator. The first power control function is executed by toggling the single digital control pin between the first logic state and a second logic state. A method for controlling the amount of power delivered to a load is also provided.