Abstract: A method and system provides current, from an electrical hub, to a device. The method and system further receives, at the electrical hub, an indication that the device is in a first configuration state of a plurality of configuration states. An example includes detecting, at the electrical hub, a detected current value of the current sent to the device. Processes include determining, at the electrical hub, whether to generate an error indication based on a comparison of the detected current value and a first reference value or range of values associated with the first configuration state.

Abstract: A method and system provides current, from an electrical hub, to a device. The method and system further receives, at the electrical hub, an indication that the device is in a first configuration state of a plurality of configuration states. An example includes detecting, at the electrical hub, a detected current value of the current sent to the device. Processes include determining, at the electrical hub, whether to generate an error indication based on a comparison of the detected current value and a first reference value or range of values associated with the first configuration state.

Abstract: A gesture-based remote for controlling a controlled device has a first axis that defines a transverse plane normal to the first axis, an acceleration sensing system configured to detect a direction of acceleration of the remote in the transverse plane, a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive data from the acceleration sensing system and to, based at least in part on the data, estimate an intended direction of a gesture, and a transmission system for receiving data representative of the estimate from the controller and transmitting a direction signal to the device to be controlled, the direction signal being indicative of the intended direction. The direction signal is independent of rotation of the remote about the first axis.

Abstract: A remote control for a sound system includes a first type of wireless system for transmitting commands for controlling operation of a sound output device. The remote control also includes a second type of wireless system for wirelessly transmitting signals that represent sounds created by a first human voice to a first portable audio storage device which can be electrically temporarily connected to the sound output device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in mechanisms and techniques for accepting user input. An apparatus for accepting a user input is described comprising a display, and a plate and a control knob positioned over the display. A portion of the display is visible through the plate, and a portion of the control knob is optically transparent such that information displayed by the display is visible through the control knob. In some examples, the control knob functions as both a rotary input and as a push button input. The control knob may function as a push button input through a transfer of force through the plate to a pressure sensing switch associated with the plate. The control knob may function as a rotary control through drive gears, belts, or interaction with a light emitter and detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a universal remote control. The method includes receiving a transmitted signal of unknown modulation technique from a native remote control and characterizing the received signal in parameters of a pre-determined modulation technique.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in mechanisms and techniques for accepting user input. An apparatus for accepting a user input is described comprising a display, detector and controller. The display is configured to show an initial output. The detector is positioned in a location with respect to the display such that the detector detects placement of a trigger, such as a user's hand, proximate to the display. Various methods of detection such as infra-red detection, ultrasonic detection, capacitive detection, etc. may alternatively be used. The controller is configured to, upon placement of the trigger in a relative position with respect to the detector, cause the display to display an alternative output. After a pre-determined period of time, the display automatically reverts to the initial output or similar reduced-content output.

Abstract: A control mechanism includes an optically transparent member, a knob with a reflective surface, an optical light source, and an optical receiver. The optical light source directs light toward the knob that is reflected to the optical receiver.