Abstract: A simple and efficient method for producing an obfuscated speech signal which may be used to mask a stream of speech, is disclosed. A speech signal representing the speech stream to be masked is obtained. The speech signal is then temporally partitioned into segments, preferably corresponding to phonemes within the speech stream. The segments are then stored in a memory, and some or all of the segments are subsequently selected, retrieved, and assembled into an obfuscated speech signal representing an unintelligible speech stream that, when combined with the speech signal or reproduced and combined with the speech stream, provides a masking effect. While the presently preferred embodiment finds application most readily in an open plan office, embodiments suitable for use in restaurants, classrooms, and in telecommunications systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A designation based system (1000) is used with a network (530) to provide for a reconfigurable working environment. The system (1000) employs at least one control wand (892) for transmitting spatial programming signals (890) to IR receivers (844) associated with switches (967) and connector modules (144). The connector modules (144) are connected to application devices, and controlled and controlling relationships can be configured and reconfigured between the switches (967) and the connector modules (144), thereby controlling interconnected application devices.

Abstract: A split bus rail system (100) is employed within a commercial interior (102). The system (100) includes a main rail (114) with a power bus assembly (116) and a communications bus assembly (112). Application devices (512) are selectively energized through connector modules (400) coupled to the bus assemblies (116, 118).

Abstract: A rail system (100) is disclosed which may be employed within a commercial interior (102). The rail system (100) comprises a series of primary-tracks (130) in a spaced apart configuration. The rail system (100) also comprises a series of cross rails (132) releasably interconnectable to the primary tracks (130). The rail system (100) permits electrical and mechanical interconnections and reconfiguration of electrical and mechanical interconnections, for various functional accessories and communications.

Abstract: A LED ladder system (650) includes strip units (674) with spaced apart LED elements. Network connection configurations (810, 850, 856, 868) receive AC power and selectively apply DC power to the strip units (674) based on control signals. A concertina visual shield configuration (902) is positioned adjacent the ladder system (650) to affect visual lighting properties.

Abstract: A structural channel system (100) includes a main structural channel rail (102), cross-channels (104) and cross-rails (106). A modular plug assembly (130) couples electrical power and communication signals to connector modules (132, 140, 144) which, in turn, control application of power to application devices (939, 969) based on the communication signals.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of fans operatively disposed in a shipping container. The fans are arranged in a plurality of banks within a closed fluid path. Each bank has a sub-set of the fans arranged in a plurality of horizontal layers. Two banks form an adjacent pair in the closed fluid path if a fluid exiting one of the two banks next enters the other of the two banks. The method includes determining a proposed fluid flow rate for each of the banks. The method also includes modifying each of the flow rates by a respective scaling factor such that the flow rates for each adjacent pair satisfy a continuity criteria. The method further includes controlling the fans based on the modified flow rates.

Abstract: A correlation system (100) is disclosed, for use with a lighting system (102). The lighting system (102) is associated with one or more wands (104) so as to initially configure or reconfigure relationships and correlation among switches and lights of the lighting system (102). The lighting system (102) includes a plurality of lighting units (106). The lighting system (102) also includes a plurality of switch units (128). The wand (104) includes an IR emitter (160) to transmit signals to said lighting units (106) and to said switch units (128) so as to effect controlling relationships among the switch units (128) and lighting units (106).

Abstract: A view morphing algorithm is applied to synchronous collections of video images from at least two video imaging devices, and interpolating between the images, creates a composite image view of the local participant. This composite image approximates what might be seen from a point between the video imaging devices, presenting the image to other video session participants.

Abstract: A correlation system is provided which is adapted for use with a lighting system (102) associated with one or more wands (104). The lighting system (102) includes lighting units (106) having lights (107). The lights (107) are controlled by a controller (108). Switch units (128) are provided. Through signals transmitted from the wands (104), control relationships can be established between the switch units (128) and the lighting units (106).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing appropriate output signals to output devices in a teleconference setting is disclosed. Input signals are obtained from input devices, and descriptive information describing the teleconference is received from several sensors. On a substantially continuous basis, using the descriptive information, a desirability is computed for each of several possible output configurations, each output configuration specifying a routing of output signals to output devices. The most desirable output configuration is then selected, and output signals are provided to output devices as specified by the selected output configuration.

Abstract: A view morphing algorithm is applied to synchronous collections of video images from at least two video imaging devices, and interpolating between the images, creates a composite image view of the local participant. This composite image approximates what might be seen from a point between the video imaging devices, presenting the image to other video session participants.

Abstract: A rail system (100) is disclosed which may be employed within a commercial interior (102). The rail system (100) comprises a series of primary-tracks (130) in a spaced apart configuration. The rail system (100) also comprises a series of cross rails (132) releasably interconnectable to the primary tracks (130). The rail system (100) permits electrical and mechanical interconnections and reconfiguration of electrical and mechanical interconnections, for various functional accessories and communications.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method for producing an obfuscated speech signal which may be used to mask a stream of speech, is disclosed. A speech signal representing the speech stream to be masked is obtained. The speech signal is then temporally partitioned into segments, preferably corresponding to phonemes within the speech stream. The segments are then stored in a memory, and some or all of the segments are subsequently selected, retrieved, and assembled into an obfuscated speech signal representing an unintelligible speech stream that, when combined with the speech signal or reproduced and combined with the speech stream, provides a masking effect. While the presently preferred embodiment finds application most readily in an open plan office, embodiments suitable for use in restaurants, classrooms, and in telecommunications systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A space division system (100) is disclosed, with the space division system (100) incorporating technology. The space division system (100) is disclosed as having a space divider (102) vertically suspended from a rail system (104). The rail system (104) includes a rail (106) with a pair of hanger clips (108) releasably secured to the rail (106) and capable of being moved along a continuum of the length of the rail (106). In one embodiment, the space divider (102) includes a main body (114) consisting of an opaque fabric. Associated with the main body (114) is lighting technology including a series of LED lights (116). Arrow lights (118) may be activated in an appropriate manner for emergency or other purposes. Color changing is also provided for purposes of wayfinding, signaling occupant activities or other external or internal circumstances.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method for producing an obfuscated speech signal which may be used to mask a stream of speech, is disclosed. A speech signal representing the speech stream to be masked is obtained. The speech signal is then temporally partitioned into segments, preferably corresponding to phonemes within the speech stream. The segments are then stored in a memory, and some or all of the segments are subsequently selected, retrieved, and assembled into an obfuscated speech signal representing an unintelligble speech stream that, when combined with the speech signal or reproduced and combined with the speech stream, provides a masking effect. While the presently preferred embodiment finds application most readily in an open plan office, embodiments suitable for use in restaurants, classrooms, and in telecommunications systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method for producing an obfuscated speech signal which may be used to mask a stream of speech, is disclosed. A speech signal representing the speech stream to be masked is obtained. The speech signal is then temporally partitioned into segments, preferably corresponding to phonemes within the speech stream. The segments are then stored in a memory, and some or all of the segments are subsequently selected, retrieved, and assembled into an obfuscated speech signal representing an unintelligible speech stream that, when combined with the speech signal or reproduced and combined with the speech stream, provides a masking effect. While the presently preferred embodiment finds application most readily in an open plan office, embodiments suitable for use in restaurants, classrooms, and in telecommunications systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method for producing an obfuscated speech signal which may be used to mask a stream of speech, is disclosed. A speech signal representing the speech stream to be masked is obtained. The speech signal is then temporally partitioned into segments, preferably corresponding to phonemes within the speech stream. The segments are then stored in a memory, and some or all of the segments are subsequently selected, retrieved, and assembled into an obfuscated speech signal representing an unintelligible speech stream that, when combined with the speech signal or reproduced and combined with the speech stream, provides a masking effect. While the presently preferred embodiment finds application most readily in an open plan office, embodiments suitable for use in restaurants, classrooms, and in telecommunications systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A correlation system (100) is disclosed, for use with a lighting system (102). The lighting system (102) is associated with one or more wands (104) so as to initially configure or reconfigure relationships and correlation among switches and lights of the lighting system (102). The lighting system (102) includes a plurality of lighting units (106). The lighting system (102) also includes a plurality of switch units (128). The wand (104) includes an IR emitter (160) to transmit signals to said lighting units (106) and to said switch units (128) so as to effect controlling relationships among the switch units (128) and lighting units (106).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing appropriate output signals to output devices in a teleconference setting is disclosed. Input signals are obtained from input devices, and descriptive information describing the teleconference is received from several sensors. On a substantially continuous basis, using the descriptive information, a desirability is computed for each of several possible output configurations, each output configuration specifying a routing of output signals to output devices. The most desirable output configuration is then selected, and output signals are provided to output devices as specified by the selected output configuration.