Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. An audio system that includes at least one audio output element may be configured for handling and outputting, via the at least one audio output element, combined-game-and-chat audio. The handling may include determining, based on user input, a mix setting for mixing together of a chat audio component and a game audio component to generate combined-game-and-chat audio signals; determining a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element of the audio system; and determining based on a mixing related parameter, a delay for applying the volume setting in the audio output element. The mix setting may be determined based on a data set characterizing the audio system. Application of one or both of the mix setting and the volume setting may be controlled, such as based a plurality of ramp up or down steps, for gradual or stepped changes.

Abstract: A bingo gaming system, machine, and method include a main bingo game, a feature bingo game, a main reel game associated with the main bingo game, and a feature reel game associated with the feature bingo game. The main reel game simulates outcomes of the main bingo game. The feature reel game simulates outcomes of the feature bingo game. A feature bingo game may be triggered by a main bingo game outcome. Before the feature bingo game begins, a player may be given an opportunity to select a volatility option for the feature bingo game. The volatility selection may impact the probability of winning the feature bingo game (and/or feature reel game), as well as the reward(s) associated with winning the feature bingo game (and/or feature reel game).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. For example, an audio component (e.g., implemented in an element of an audio setup) may control generation and/or outputting of a combined-game-and-chat audio signals. The audio component may receive user input comprising one or both of: a setting for a desired volume of a chat audio component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signal, and a setting for a desired volume of a game audio component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signal. The audio component may determine, based on the user input, a corresponding mix setting for mixing together of the chat audio component and the game audio component in an audio source to generate the combined-game-and-chat audio signal and a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element; provide the mix setting to the audio source; and provide the volume setting to the audio output element.

Abstract: A storage enclosure of ample size to contain common firearms within, comprising a box with a door attached to the top of the box with articulating hinges, that latches at the bottom of the box. A latch release mechanism at the bottom of the box, with a release bar on the exterior of the bottom of the box, which when pressed inward, releases the latches and allows the door to open unassisted by the user via the force of compression springs. Within the interior of the storage enclosure are slatted attachment structures—both on the interior of the box and the interior of the door—to which a vast array of self-defense weapons can be mounted with retaining devices of various type (hooks, pegs, etc.). To the storage enclosure assembly is attached cladding elements—legs, panels, fascia—to make a bed headboard.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. For example, an audio component (e.g., implemented in an element of an audio setup) may control generation and/or outputting of a combined-game-and-chat audio signals. The audio component may receive user input comprising one or both of: a setting for a desired volume of a chat audio component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signal, and a setting for a desired volume of a game audio component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signal. The audio component may determine, based on the user input, a corresponding mix setting for mixing together of the chat audio component and the game audio component in an audio source to generate the combined-game-and-chat audio signal and a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element; provide the mix setting to the audio source; and provide the volume setting to the audio output element.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. For example, an audio component (e.g., implemented in an element of an audio setup) may control generation and/or outputting of a combined-game-and-chat audio signals. The audio component may receive user input comprising one or both of: a setting for a desired volume of a chat audio component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signal, and a setting for a desired volume of a game audio component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signal. The audio component may determine, based on the user input, a corresponding mix setting for mixing together of the chat audio component and the game audio component in an audio source to generate the combined-game-and-chat audio signal and a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element; provide the mix setting to the audio source; and provide the volume setting to the audio output element.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. For example, an audio component (e.g., implemented in an element of an audio setup) may control generation and/or outputting of a combined-game-and-chat audio signals. The audio component may receive user input comprising one or both of: a setting for a desired volume of a chat audio component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signal, and a setting for a desired volume of a game audio component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signal. The audio component may determine, based on the user input, a corresponding mix setting for mixing together of the chat audio component and the game audio component in an audio source to generate the combined-game-and-chat audio signal and a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element; provide the mix setting to the audio source; and provide the volume setting to the audio output element.

Abstract: A method (100) of dispensing an ophthalmic lens for a wearer is disclosed. The method (100) includes measuring (104) the relative location of, and/or relationship between, selected anatomical features of a wearer's head or face to obtain one or more measurement values and processing (106) the one or more measurement values to design and/or select an ophthalmic lens having a shape that depends on the measured values. The ophthalmic lens element is then dispensed to the wearer. A dispensing system (200) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing timing recovery from a received digital data stream where the digital data stream is a series of consecutive data samples. The method separates the data stream into a series of consecutive observation periods where each observation period includes the same number of consecutive data samples. The method also includes identifying a series of consecutive timing recovery data samples in each observation period where the timing recovery data samples are used for timing recovery and other data samples in the observation period are not used for timing recovery, and where the number of data samples used for timing recovery in each observation period is less than the number of data samples that are not used for timing recovery in the observation period. The method then uses the timing recovery data samples for timing recovery in each observation period.

Abstract: The invention provides mesostructured materials and methods of preparing mesostructured materials including metal-rich mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrids, porous metal-nonmetal nanocomposite mesostructures, and ordered metal mesostructures with uniform pores. The nanoparticles can be metal, metal alloy, metal mixture, intermetallic, metal-carbon, metal-ceramic, semiconductor-carbon, semiconductor-ceramic, insulator-carbon or insulator-ceramic nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. A block copolymer/ligand-stabilized nanoparticle solution is cast, resulting in the formation of a metal-rich (or semiconductor-rich or insulator-rich) mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrid. The hybrid is heated to an elevated temperature, resulting in the formation of an ordered porous nanocomposite mesostructure. A nonmetal component (e.g., carbon or ceramic) is then removed to produce an ordered mesostructure with ordered and large uniform pores.

Abstract: A timing recovery system that provides a timing estimate between a transmitter clock and a receiver clock. The system includes a down-converter that converts a received intermediate frequency signal in the receiver and down-converts, using Fs/4 down-conversion, the received signal into baseband in-phase and quadrature phase signals. The baseband in-phase and quadrature phase signals are sent to a direct down-converter that frequency shifts the in-phase and quadrature phase. The frequency-shifted in-phase and quadrature phase baseband signals are then low-pass filtered in order to isolate the frequency components of interest, reduce noise, and remove zeros that are artifacts of the Fs/4 down-conversion. The signals are sent to a square-law non-linearity circuit that provides squaring non-linearity to generate non-linear in-phase and quadrature phase signals. The non-linear in-phase and quadrature phase signals are sent to a single-pole, low-pass post-filter circuit that generates the timing estimate.

Abstract: A method of designing and/or selecting a progressive addition lens design for a wearer is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes displaying a graphical representation of an initial progressive addition lens design including design parameters having design values. A user interface is provided including, for each of one or more of the design parameters, a control that is adjustable over a range of levels, each level in the range being associated with a corresponding value of the respective design parameter. A control is adjusted to select a level and the selection is processed so as to substantially simultaneously update the displayed graphical representation in accordance with the selected level to provide a modified progressive lens design. A system for designing and/or selecting a progressive addition lens design for a wearer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing timing recovery from a received digital data stream where the digital data stream is a series of consecutive data samples. The method separates the data stream into a series of consecutive observation periods where each observation period includes the same number of consecutive data samples. The method also includes identifying a series of consecutive timing recovery data samples in each observation period where the timing recovery data samples are used for timing recovery and other data samples in the observation period are not used for timing recovery, and where the number of data samples used for timing recovery in each observation period is less than the number of data samples that are not used for timing recovery in the observation period. The method then uses the timing recovery data samples for timing recovery in each observation period.

Abstract: A timing recovery system that provides a timing estimate between a transmitter clock and a receiver clock. The system includes a down-converter that converts a received intermediate frequency signal in the receiver and down-converts, using Fs/4 down-conversion, the received signal into baseband in-phase and quadrature phase signals. The baseband in-phase and quadrature phase signals are sent to a direct down-converter that frequency shifts the in-phase and quadrature phase. The frequency-shifted in-phase and quadrature phase baseband signals are then low-pass filtered in order to isolate the frequency components of interest, reduce noise, and remove zeros that are artifacts of the Fs/4 down-conversion. The signals are sent to a square-law non-linearity circuit that provides squaring non-linearity to generate non-linear in-phase and quadrature phase signals. The non-linear in-phase and quadrature phase signals are sent to a single-pole, low-pass post-filter circuit that generates the timing estimate.

Abstract: A method for testing a person's vision is disclosed. The method includes providing, for display to the person, one or more sequences of test images, each test image including one or more test symbols. For each test image, a target symbol is identified to the person. The person then views each test image in the sequence and activates a control in response to recognizing a test symbol that replicates the shape of the target symbol. At the completion of the sequence, a parameter value associated with the activations is processed and correlated with a vision metric. A system for testing a person's vision is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention involves the prescribing and/or dispensing ophthalmic lenses, such as progressive addition lenses, for a wearer. In one form of the invention lens usage information is obtained from a wearer and entered into a programmed computer. The programmed computer processes the lens usage information to provide a separate weighted lifestyle score for each of one or more respective lifestyle score categories, such that each weighted lifestyle score is a function of a predetermined relationship between the respective lifestyle score category and at least ophthalmic lens design feature. The programmed computer then selects or designs an ophthalmic lens design using one or more of the weighted lifestyle scores such that the selected or designed ophthalmic lens has at least one lens design feature which has been customised using one or more of the weighted lifestyle scores.

Abstract: The invention provides mesostructured materials and methods of preparing mesostructured materials including metal-rich mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrids, porous metal-nonmetal nanocomposite mesostructures, and ordered metal mesostructures with uniform pores. The nanoparticles can be metal, metal alloy, metal mixture, intermetallic, metal-carbon, metal-ceramic, semiconductor-carbon, semiconductor-ceramic, insulator-carbon or insulator-ceramic nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. A block copolymer/ligand-stabilized nanoparticle solution is cast, resulting in the formation of a metal-rich (or semiconductor-rich or insulator-rich) mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrid. The hybrid is heated to an elevated temperature, resulting in the formation of an ordered porous nanocomposite mesostructure. A nonmetal component (e.g., carbon or ceramic) is then removed to produce an ordered mesostructure with ordered and large uniform pores.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens element (100) for correcting myopia in a wearer's eye is disclosed. The lens element (100) includes a central zone (102) and a peripheral zone (104). The central zone (102) provides a first optical correction for substantially correcting myopia associated with the foveal region of the wearer's eye. The peripheral zone (104) surrounds the central zone (102) and provides a second optical correction for substantially correcting myopia or hyperopia associated with a peripheral region of the retina of the wearer's eye. A system and method for dispensing or designing an ophthalmic lens element for correcting myopia in a wearer's eye is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, method and computer-readable media for organizing a listing of key pairs to increase the likelihood that key pairs more likely to satisfy database queries will be examined in the course of the query execution before key pairs that are less likely to satisfy a database query.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a vehicle includes an axle tube and a housing secured to the end of the axle tube. A hub includes a drive flange located axially outward from the housing and a spindle projecting from the drive flange into the housing. The hub spindle has a substantially solid body with drive splines about an external surface of the spindle. Rolling elements are located between the hub spindle and the housing for enabling the hub to rotate about an axis. The hub includes an inner race defining an inner raceway located around and carried by the hub spindle for engagement with the rolling elements. An axle shaft is positioned within the axle tube and includes splines that are coupled to the external drive splines of the hub. The axle shaft includes a substantially hollow end positioned within the housing having the shaft splines positioned within an inner surface of the hollow end of the axle shaft.