Abstract: A network controller is configured to receive a data packet from a core network for routing to a device in a wireless network. The controller may then select an antenna set from a plurality of antenna sets that are distributed across different base stations operable to transmit data packets to the destination device. The antenna set may be selected from the plurality of antenna sets based on a distribution pattern. For example, the distribution pattern may be a pseudo-randomly generated distribution pattern. The controller may then route the at least one data packet to the base station which the selected antenna set is implemented for transmission to the device. The antenna sets may be implemented on one base station, or implemented so that the antennas of an antenna set are distributed across multiple base stations. The antenna sets may also be configured to be of any number of antennas.

Abstract: Systems for utilizing bandwidth of a wireless network in an efficient manner are disclosed. Bandwidth may be allocated between different types of devices by dividing a symbol constellation into subsets of points, where each of the subsets may be used for transmitting data from a different device to a base station on single frequency channel. The symbol constellation may be shared on the frequency channel by dynamic or static allocation of the subsets of points to different devices. A first device with high data speed requirements may be allocated a first subset of points of the symbol constellation fix transmitting data to the receiver, while a second device with lower data speed requirements may be allocated a second smaller subset of the symbol constellation for transmitting data to a receiver. The first and second devices may then transmit data to the receiver on the frequency channel.

Abstract: A method for generating a spreading sequence is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals from a remote device. The plurality of signals is sampled to generate a plurality of data sets corresponding to the plurality of signals, respectively. Each data set indicates a power value of the corresponding signal. From the plurality of data sets, one or more data sets indicating a power value greater than a predetermined value is selected. A spreading sequence is generated based on the one or more selected data sets.

Abstract: A network controller is configured to receive a data packet from a core network for routing to a device in a wireless network. The controller may then select an antenna set from a plurality of antenna sets that are distributed across different base stations operable to transmit data packets to the destination device. The antenna set may be selected from the plurality of antenna sets based on a distribution pattern. For example, the distribution pattern may be a pseudo-randomly generated distribution pattern. The controller may then route the at least one data packet to the base station which the selected antenna set is implemented for transmission to the device. The antenna sets may be implemented on one base station, or implemented so that the antennas of an antenna set are distributed across multiple base stations. The antenna sets may also be configured to be of any number of antennas.

Abstract: Systems for utilizing bandwidth of a wireless network in an efficient manner are disclosed. Bandwidth may be allocated between different types of devices by dividing a symbol constellation into subsets of points, where each of the subsets may be used for transmitting data from a different device to a base station on single frequency channel. The symbol constellation may be shared on the frequency channel by dynamic or static allocation of the subsets of points to different devices. A first device with high data speed requirements may be allocated a first subset of points of the symbol constellation fix transmitting data to the receiver, while a second device with lower data speed requirements may be allocated a second smaller subset of the symbol constellation for transmitting data to a receiver. The first and second devices may then transmit data to the receiver on the frequency channel.

Abstract: A method for generating a spreading sequence is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals from a remote device. The plurality of signals is sampled to generate a plurality of data sets corresponding to the plurality of signals, respectively. Each data set indicates a power value of the corresponding signal. From the plurality of data sets, one or more data sets indicating a power value greater than a predetermined value is selected. A spreading sequence is generated based on the one or more selected data sets.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for locking a hybrid electronic device are described herein. An electronic device may include a housing, a first lock component attached to the housing or positioned in an opening of the housing, and a second lock component attached to the housing or positioned in an opening of the housing. The electronic device may be configured to connect with a locking device at the first lock component. The electronic device may also be configured to connect with an additional electronic device at the second lock component to provide a hybrid electronic device. Additionally, when the locking device is connected at the first lock component, the electronic device is configured to prevent the additional electronic device from being detached at the second lock component.

Abstract: A method for generating spread spectrum spreading sequences in communicating devices. A first device receives a first sequence of one or more signals from a second device, sends a second sequence of one or more signals to the second device, samples the first sequence of one or more signals, generates sampling results, and generates a spreading sequence based on the sampling results. The second device receives the second sequence and creates an identical spreading sequence using an identical process to create sampling results and generate the sequence. The spreading sequence may be used by the first and second devices for spread spectrum communications with each other. Gain for spread spectrum communications may be dynamically varied based on available bandwidth by varying the number of signals and sampling rate.

Abstract: A method for generating spread spectrum spreading sequences in communicating devices. A first device receives a first sequence of one or more radio frequency (RF) signals from a second device, sends a second sequence of one or more RF signals to the second device, samples the first sequence of one or more RF signals, generates sampling results, and generates a spreading sequence based on the sampling results. The second device receives the second sequence and creates an identical spreading sequence using an identical process to create sampling results and generate the sequence. The spreading sequence may be used by the first and second devices for spread spectrum communications with each other. Gain for spread spectrum communications may be dynamically varied based on available bandwidth by varying the number of RF signals and sampling rate.

Abstract: A dual-mode includes a light source configured to project a structured illumination from which visible light can be filtered. The dual-mode imager also includes a detector configured to capture both the structured illumination and visible light from the scene. A temporal or spatial filter is used to selectively block visible light from one or more portions of the detector while passing the structured illumination to the one or more portions of the detector.

Abstract: A dual-mode includes a light source configured to project a structured illumination from which visible light can be filtered. The dual-mode imager also includes a detector configured to capture both the structured illumination and visible light from the scene. A temporal or spatial filter is used to selectively block visible light from one or more portions of the detector while passing the structured illumination to the one or more portions of the detector.

Abstract: Techniques for locating wireless channels usable for transmitting media signals from personal media players that are adequately separated from wireless channels used for other purposes. One technique involves identifying a target channel and at least two additional channels within a certain proximity of the target channel, and evaluating a channel usability algorithm based on characteristics, such as the received signal strengths, of the target channel and the received signal strengths of each of the proximate channels. Based on evaluation of the algorithm, the target channel is deemed either usable or not usable to transmit the media signal. The most desirable available target channel(s) in a particular group or sub-group of wireless channels may also be identified.

Abstract: A dual-mode includes a light source configured to project a structured illumination from which visible light can be filtered. The dual-mode imager also includes a detector configured to capture both the structured illumination and visible light from the scene. A temporal or spatial filter is used to selectively block visible light from one or more portions of the detector while passing the structured illumination to the one or more portions of the detector.

Abstract: Techniques for locating wireless channels usable for transmitting media signals from personal media players that are adequately separated from wireless channels used for other purposes. One technique involves identifying a target channel and at least two additional channels within a certain proximity of the target channel, and evaluating a channel usability algorithm based on characteristics, such as the received signal strengths, of the target channel and the received signal strengths of each of the proximate channels. Based on evaluation of the algorithm, the target channel is deemed either usable or not usable to transmit the media signal. The most desirable available target channel(s) in a particular group or sub-group of wireless channels may also be identified.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for enabling a microphone module that connects to a headset jack on a game controller. The microphone may include directional or omni-directional microphone element(s) that pick up voice input from people near a peripheral, such as a game controller, but reject background sounds from the room. User controls may also be available to set the microphone gain level, either manually or automatically, and/or to mute or unmute the microphone. The microphone of the invention can be used on a wired or wireless game controller. When used with a wireless game controller, wireless microphone capabilities and freedom of movement are provided without headdress requirements imposed by headsets.

Abstract: A video game controller is equipped with an electronic input that can read a game identification code from an electronic key. When the user presents the key to the game controller, it relays the game ID to the game console. This electronic key may be read via RFID from a detachable faceplate for the controller. The game console utilizes the game ID to quickly find and launch the game from game storage. The game console itself may also be equipped with such an electronic input. The game storage can be built into the console, or on a server accessed through a home network or through the internet. Such use of an electronic key and detachable faceplate is extended to rapid and easy personalization, customization, and function enhancement of entertainment and other consumer electronics devices as well.

Abstract: A wireless device is coupled to a multi-sector antenna that includes a plurality of different sectors, any of which can be activated to transmit and receive in a desired direction specific to that sector. Optionally, an omnidirectional antenna is included for initially establishing a wireless connection with another wireless device, such as an access point. A parameter indicative of signal quality, such as throughput or received signal strength indication (RSSI) is determined by polling with each antenna sector to establish a prioritized candidate list. If a receive Trigger becomes active in response to a parameter falling below a threshold level, a new candidate sector is selected from the current list based upon a next-best signal quality. The directionality of the multi-sector antenna provides a substantially higher data rate compared to that of the conventional omnidirectional antenna.

Abstract: A wireless access point is equipped with both an omnidirectional antenna and a directable antenna that can be selectively directed to any of a plurality of directional spaces overlapping the network space served by the omnidirectional antenna. The directable antenna is directed to an optimal directional space for a client when the access point is communicating with the client at a high data rate. The access point can intermittently exchange information with other clients using the omnidirectional antenna. The omnidirectional antenna enables broadcast signals to be transmitted to any client in the entire network space, but at a lower data rate. A preferred data rate and an optimal client directional space are re-determined periodically or as necessary based on parameters such as the data rate, signal strength, and rate of success in communicating data.

Abstract: Two different and separate audio data streams are processed through a personal computer (PC) system or other computing device so that the separate and distinct audio data streams are heard through separate sound transducers. In a preferred embodiment, chat messages received over a network during execution of a multiplayer game are processed separately from sounds produced by the multiplayer game, enabling a user to hear the game sounds from speakers, separate and distinct from verbal chat messages, which are heard through earphone(s). The earphone(s) are included in a headset, as well as a microphone that enables the user to produce verbal data that are conveyed to a hardware control unit that is connected to the PC system through a universal serial bus (USB) port. The chat audio data are converted into an analog audio signal that is heard by the user in the headphone(s) and is spatially separate and distinct from the game audio data heard through the speakers.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for use with an existing antenna on a wireless device to improve directionality and/or signal strength. The accessory includes a conductive surface that is coupled to the existing antenna using a clip disposed on an arm that supports the reflector. The conductive surface is disposed at a quarter wavelength spacing from the existing antenna. Alternatively, the reflective surface may be made sufficiently large to reflect received wireless signals in regard to a plurality of existing antennas that are spaced apart, e.g., internal and external antennas. The reflector can optionally be curved to achieve a desired directional characteristic for the wireless signals reflected by the accessory. Also, a director can be included on the accessory to provide improved gain and directionality for the wireless signals, relative to the existing antenna system.