Abstract: Speaker control systems are implemented using a variety of systems and methods. In one such system, an audio signal is distributed to at least one speaker selected from a set of speakers. The system includes a set of audio-distribution circuits for distributing the audio signal to the set of speakers. Logic circuitry is used to automatically determine an impedance-based parameter for use in distributing the audio signal to the at least one selected speaker based at least partly on a load-tolerance parameter for an audio source and on an impedance of the at least one selected speaker. The logic circuitry controls distribution of the audio signal to the selected speakers based at least partly on the impedance-based parameter. One or more of the set of audio-distribution circuits are used by the logic circuitry to distribute the audio signal to the at least one selected speaker.

Abstract: A system for streaming a plurality of video or other recorded signals from storage to receiving devices maintains each of the signal streams at their encoded bit rate. The bit rate of each stream is detected from the stored signals and a corresponding queue is set up in memory or in a network interface card for outputting data at the detected bit rate. A channel timing module in the signal streaming device contains a two-stage dithered counter for each bit rate. The first stage of the counter counts one clock cycle longer than the second stage. By adjusting the ratio of the first stage and second stage counters in a fixed number of cycles (the dither cycle) a very precise average count is achieved. The average count is calculated to achieve the desired bit rate with a given packet size. Every time either the first stage of the second counter times out, a packet of data is sent to the corresponding queue in the network interface.

Abstract: A system for streaming a plurality of video or other recorded signals from storage to receiving devices maintains each of the signal streams at their encoded bit rate. The bit rate of each stream is detected from the stored signals and a corresponding queue is set up in a network interface card for outputting data at the detected bit rate. A channel timing module in the signal streaming device contains pairs of counters, one pair for each stream. The primary counter in each pair is set to have a period slightly less than the period of the stored signal. A secondary counter in each pair is set to have a period that is larger than an integer multiple of the primary counter by an amount equal to the difference between the multiple periods of the primary counter and the same multiple of the stored signals. Every time either the primary or the secondary counter times out, a packet of data is sent to the corresponding queue in the network interface.

Abstract: A multi-function consumer music system includes one or more of a disc drive, e.g., for CDs, non-volatile storage for textual title and track information about the CDs and storing recorded content, and a communication link to receive broadcast or direct transmissions of recorded content. Also included is a communication device, such as an interface to a cellular telephone, an 802.11b network, or a Bluetooth network, that communicates with a remote database to obtain the textual information and a link to cover art from the remote database and displays the obtained data (plus the cover art obtained using the link) to the user. If recorded content is played back to the user when the system is not in communication with the remote database, information for identifying the content is stored and requested when the system is back in communication with the database.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting the contour or shape of one or more articles by projecting multiple light beams on a different portions of an atricle, and measuring the level of light reflected from the article. The amount of light reflected indicates the distance of the light emitter/detector from the article. Readings from multiple light emitter/detector pairs provide an indication of the contour of the object. The readings may be processed to provide an indication of the number and size of articles passing by the sensors. The device may be placed over a conveyor carrying objects to be counted and/or sized.