Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for displaying data or an image from a headset and acquiring data with a headset. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer operably coupled to the processor, and a projector/scanner operably coupled to the processor for displaying an image on a surface exterior to the headset. The projector may also be used to acquire or capture data from a surface exterior to the headset. Advantageously, data and images may be displayed and acquired with a headset without requiring the headset to be taken off.

Abstract: Mechanisms for providing electrical controls on a rotating assembly such as a cable winding device are disclosed. The cable winding device generally includes an electronic control actuator such as a keycap attached to a housing and providing an actuating pad actuatable via an opening provided in the housing, the housing containing a spool, a circuit component including an electronic control such as a switch actuatable via the actuating pad, and a rotational actuator interface such as a skid pad located over the electronic control to interface between the actuator pad and the electronic control at all rotational orientations of the switch relative to the actuating pad and/or even while the spool is rotating. The circuit component and the skid pad are configured to rotate with the spool relative to the housing. The switch is disposed off of an axis of rotation and may be, for example, an answer/end, on/off, mute, volume, play/stop, rewind/fast forward, and/or enter/accept control.

Abstract: A rotary matrix switch allows arbitrary selection from among different electrical connection configurations between m input terminals and n output terminals by rotation of a shaft or dial. A rotary shaft has a plurality of contact mechanisms at spaced locations and angular positions. The locations of the contact mechanisms correspond to individual contacts between the input and output terminals. The contact mechanisms may be lobes, indentations, conductive strips, or the like. Rotation of the shaft selectively engages ones of the contact mechanism to connect electrically various input and output terminals. The rotary shaft is removable to allow for the ability to make field upgrades and provide new configurations of connections. One embodiment of the invention can function as a telephone headset adapter, wherein rotation of a shaft allows the user to choose easily from among different handset port wiring configurations.