Abstract: A soundbar is described which includes a camera. The camera can be used to capture images of a listener as speakers of the soundbar output audio content to the listener. The captured images can be analysed to determine at least one characteristic of the listener (e.g. the age or gender of the listener). In one example, when the soundbar has determined a characteristic of the listener, the audio content outputted to the listener may be controlled based on the characteristic. In other examples, the images of the listener captured by the camera may be used to detect a response of the listener to media content which includes the audio content outputted from the soundbar. This response information may be combined with an indication of the characteristic of the listener in order to gather information relating to how different types of listeners respond to particular media content.

Abstract: A legacy adapter for use with devices to be powered by a power adapter is described. The legacy adapter includes a multi-purpose power connector configured to couple to a power adapter external to the electrical device, a connector configured to connect the electrical device, and a microprocessor configured to communicate digitally with the power adapter. The microprocessor communicates power requirements of the electrical device to the power adapter through the multi-purpose power connector. A related method of receiving power from a power adapter external to an electrical device through a legacy adapter is also described.

Abstract: A power adapter capable of communicating digitally with a device or a legacy adapter associated with a device is described. The power adapter includes an input port to receive power from a power source, a regulator to convert the received power from the power source, an output port configured to deliver power from the regulator to a device, and a microprocessor configured to communicate digitally with a communication module associated with the device to determine the power requirements of the device. The regulator converts the power from the power source in accordance with the power requirements of the device. A related method of adapting power to a device is also described.

Abstract: A legacy adapter for use with devices to be powered by a power adapter is described. The legacy adapter includes a multi-purpose power connector configured to couple to a power adapter external to the electrical device, a connector configured to connect the electrical device, and a microprocessor configured to communicate digitally with the power adapter. The microprocessor communicates power requirements of the electrical device to the power adapter through the multi-purpose power connector. A related method of receiving power from a power adapter external to an electrical device through a legacy adapter is also described.

Abstract: A power adapter capable of communicating digitally with a device or a legacy adapter associated with a device is described. The power adapter includes an input port to receive power from a power source, a regulator to convert the received power from the power source, an output port configured to deliver power from the regulator to a device, and a microprocessor configured to communicate digitally with a communication module associated with the device to determine the power requirements of the device. The regulator converts the power from the power source in accordance with the power requirements of the device. A related method of adapting power to a device is also described.

Abstract: An arithmetic division for implementation using hardware or software is performed by firstly storing the reciprocal of each nth value in a range 0 to X where n is greater than 1 and storing the differences between the reciprocals of the intervening n-1 values. A mantissa and an operand for an arithmetic division are received. one of the stored reciprocals is retrieved in response to the most significant part of the received mantissa and a set of differences is retrieved in response to a least significant part of the received mantissa. The differences and the reciprocal are summed and the result is multiplied by the received operand, other thereby giving the result of the arithmetic division.

Abstract: A three dimensional image is textured for display on a screen by firstly receiving data comprising the location of each elementary area (pixel) of the screen and associated image data for that pixel. Texture image data is retrieved from a memory means in dependence on the image data and an appropriate portion of that texture image data is mapped onto the pixel. The number of pixels which share the same associated image data is determined and an incremental change in the mapping of the texture data onto pixels corresponding to a one pixel increment is also determined. For each pixel sharing the same image data as an adjacent pixel the previously derived texture image data for that adjacent pixel is combined with the incremental change in texture image data to thereby derive texture image data for that pixel.

Abstract: A video/graphics memory system includes a memory device (30) having a memory core (14) and first and serial registers (16, 36). The memory device thus has a random-access port (24) for graphics data, a first serial access port (22) for image output to a display, and an auxiliary or second serial port (32) for input and output of video signal data. A single memory thus stores both video and graphics data, while the processor still has access to the random access port of the memory. Two video outputs can be provided simultaneously, or the data withdrawn through the auxiliary port can be subject to processing and then written back into the memory. In alternative arrangements, instead of using triple-ported RAM, the auxiliary port is provided by the use of external multiplexing circuitry.

Abstract: A computer which is capable of displaying both video and graphical data is provided with a central processing unit (10), a memory controller (14), and a display system (4). These units are all connected to a bus (16). Modular functional units (2), e.g. video codecs, TV outputs, audio subsystems, are used to provide optional additional functions for the display system. A coupling means (6, 12) is provided to link the modular functional units to the display system (4) and to the memory controller (14).

Abstract: A video/graphics memory system includes a memory device (30) having a memory core (14) and first and serial registers (16, 36). The memory device thus has a random-access port (24) for graphics data, a first serial access port (22) for image output to a display, and an auxiliary or second serial port (32) for input and output of video signal data. A single memory thus stores both video and graphics data, while the processor still has access to the random access port of the memory. Two video outputs can be provided simultaneously, or the data withdrawn through the auxiliary port can be subject to processing and then written back into the memory. In alternative arrangements, instead of using triple-ported RAM, the auxiliary port is provided by the use of external multiplexing circuitry.