Abstract: A speaker system includes a case, an audio input, speakers, an accelerometer, and a computer processor. The audio input is structured to receive a program audio signal from an audio device. The speakers are configured to play an audio output based on the program audio signal, the audio output causing a vibration of the case. The accelerometer is configured to detect the vibration of the case as well as a user tap on the case. The computer processor is configured to identify a user gesture that includes the tap on the case, to identify the tap apart from the case vibration by processing the detected vibration of the case and the detected user tap on the case based on information from the program audio signal to separate the detected user tap from the detected vibration, and to commence a particular function associated with the user gesture.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for modulating a power converter based on an audio signal to directly drive a speaker with a differential audio output signal. A first modulation signal and a second modulation signal are generated based on an input audio signal so that the first and second modulation signals are complementary signals to each other. In one embodiment, a feedback signal, such as an acoustic feedback signal from the speaker, is also used to generate the first and second modulation signals. A power supply voltage is modulated with the first modulation signal to generate a first voltage signal. The power supply voltage is also modulated with the second modulation signal to generate a second voltage signal. The first and second voltage signals form a differential audio signal that is used to drive the speaker. Alternatively, the power converter can drive a speaker with a single-ended output signal.

Abstract: A speaker system includes a case, an audio input, speakers, an accelerometer, and a computer processor. The audio input is structured to receive a program audio signal from an audio device. The speakers are configured to play an audio output based on the program audio signal, the audio output causing a vibration of the case. The accelerometer is configured to detect the vibration of the case as well as a user tap on the case. The computer processor is configured to identify a user gesture that includes the tap on the case, to identify the tap apart from the case vibration by processing the detected vibration of the case and the detected user tap on the case based on information from the program audio signal to separate the detected user tap from the detected vibration, and to commence a particular function associated with the user gesture.

Abstract: A speaker system includes a case, an audio input, speakers, an accelerometer, and a computer processor. The audio input is structured to receive a program audio signal from an audio device. The speakers are configured to play an audio output based on the program audio signal, the audio output causing a vibration of the case. The accelerometer is configured to detect the vibration of the case as well as a user tap on the case. The computer processor is configured to identify a user gesture that includes the tap on the case, to identify the tap apart from the case vibration by processing the detected vibration of the case and the detected user tap on the case based on information from the program audio signal to separate the detected user tap from the detected vibration, and to commence a particular function associated with the user gesture.

Abstract: A speaker system includes a case, an audio input, speakers, an accelerometer, and a computer processor. The audio input is structured to receive a program audio signal from an audio device. The speakers are configured to play an audio output based on the program audio signal, the audio output causing a vibration of the case. The accelerometer is configured to detect the vibration of the case as well as a user tap on the case. The computer processor is configured to identify a user gesture that includes the tap on the case, to identify the tap apart from the case vibration by processing the detected vibration of the case and the detected user tap on the case based on information from the program audio signal to separate the detected user tap from the detected vibration, and to commence a particular function associated with the user gesture.

Abstract: A tabletop speaker system includes an amplifier, proximity and acceleration detectors, and a processor. The processor is operatively coupled to receive signals from the proximity and accelerometer detectors, and in response to the proximity and acceleration signals, activate various functions local to the tabletop speaker system to operate and control various behaviors or features of the tabletop speaker system. In this way, the tabletop speaker system can respond to user gestures for a very natural control interface.

Abstract: A tabletop speaker system includes an amplifier, proximity and acceleration detectors, and a processor. The processor is operatively coupled to receive signals from the proximity and accelerometer detectors, and in response to the proximity and acceleration signals, activate various functions local to the tabletop speaker system to operate and control various behaviors or features of the tabletop speaker system. In this way, the tabletop speaker system can respond to user gestures for a very natural control interface.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for modulating a power converter based on an audio signal to directly drive a speaker with a differential audio output signal. A first modulation signal and a second modulation signal are generated based on an input audio signal so that the first and second modulation signals are complementary signals to each other. In one embodiment, a feedback signal, such as an acoustic feedback signal from the speaker, is also used to generate the first and second modulation signals. A power supply voltage is modulated with the first modulation signal to generate a first voltage signal. The power supply voltage is also modulated with the second modulation signal to generate a second voltage signal. The first and second voltage signals form a differential audio signal that is used to drive the speaker. Alternatively, the power converter can drive a speaker with a single-ended output signal.

Abstract: A circuit architecture, or topology, that provides a level shifter which is substantially independent of the duty cycle of an input signal includes an H-bridge arrangement of field effect transistors, a pair of capacitively coupled inputs terminals connected to the gates of the high-side (i.e., connected to the positive power supply) transistors and a pair of voltage dividers to set the bias voltage at the gates of the high-side transistors, wherein one side of each voltage divider is coupled to the power supply node and the other side of each voltage divider is cross-coupled to the output node of the opposite side of the H-bridge.

Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are provided for remote control of a locomotive in a model railroad layout having an interruptible DC power supply coupled to the railroad track. The locomotive motor is isolated from the track so as to allow use of polarity reversals on the track power signal for controlling remote effects in the locomotive such as sound effects. An on-board electronic state generator is provided in the locomotive for maintaining one at a time of a predetermined set of states, at least one of the states having a corresponding remote effect associated therewith. Remote control signals such as a reverse in polarity of the DC track power signal are used to clock the state generator to a desired state, thereby permitting control of a plurality of remote effects using only the traditional DC power supply interface. The locomotive motor is controlled by a motor reverse unit so that the motor direction is controllable independently of the polarity of the DC power signal applied to the track.