Audio Reproducing System (e.g., By Pulse Signal, Etc.) Patents (Class 340/4.4)
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Patent number: 11625008Abstract: Methods and systems for managing a premises are disclosed. The premises may comprise a premises system and a gateway in communication with the premises. The gateway may send, to a remote device, premise data received from the premises system.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.Inventors: Reza Raji, Gerald Gutt
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Patent number: 11449012Abstract: Methods and systems for managing a premises are disclosed. The premises may comprise a premises device and a gateway device in communication with the premises device. The gateway may send, to a server device and based on a current mode associated with the premises, one or more messages.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.Inventors: Reza Raji, Gerald Gutt
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Patent number: 11378922Abstract: Methods and systems for managing a premises are described. A gateway device may monitor a plurality of devices at a premises. A mobile device may receive, from the gateway device, data indicative of one or more events of the plurality of devices. The mobile device may output a user interface comprising status information associated with the plurality of devices. The user interface may allow for user input to generate control operations associated with the premises.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.Inventors: Reza Raji, Gerald Gutt
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Patent number: 11320970Abstract: A content delivery system (1) is provided with: a content storage unit (61) for storing a plurality of contents that correspond to each of a plurality of kinds of information pertaining to one commodity (12) that is the object of sales promotion; an output unit (18) for outputting one content from among the plurality of contents; a touch panel (15) for displaying a selection input unit (19), which corresponds to the plurality of contents, on a screen; an input acceptance unit (47) for accepting an input operation performed on the selection input unit (19); and a switching unit (48) that, when an input operation is performed on the selection input unit (19), switches a content that corresponds to the selection input unit (19) for output by the output unit (18).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignees: SMILE TV CO., LTD.Inventor: Toshiro Sasaki
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Patent number: 11260812Abstract: An apparatus (101) for enabling storing of settings of a vehicle (201), a system, a vehicle (201), a method (300, 400, 500, 600), a computer program (105) and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (108) are disclosed. The apparatus (101) comprises a processing means and a memory means for storing at least one setting of the vehicle (201) for at least one user. The apparatus (101) is configured to determine that access into a vehicle (201) has been granted in dependence on a first primary identifier having been received from a first primary electronic device (218A) and determine that a first secondary identifier corresponding to a first user of the vehicle (201) has been received from a first secondary electronic device (221).Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: Kevin Cockings, Aaron Whitehead, Michael Decock
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Patent number: 11144713Abstract: A communication device according to an embodiment includes an interpreter, a storage, and a generator. The interpreter is configured to interpret a content of a message addressed to a target user. The storage stores information on a personal feature of the target user. The generator is configured to generate a response message simulating a response by the target user on the basis of the content of the message addressed to the target user, which is interpreted by the interpreter, and the information on the personal feature of the target user stored in the storage.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Digital Solutions CorporationInventors: Daisuke Shinohara, Kazuhiko Abe, Hideki Ibi, Megumi Kobayashi, Satoko Kikuchi, Tomoko Takeyama, Masaya Hirabara, Tomoya Minatani, Michinari Kino, Yuki Kawakami, Yuji Tanaka
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Patent number: 10777070Abstract: An occupancy alarm system for warning a driver of vehicle occupancy includes an electronics module that is configured to couple to a vehicle, and which is operationally couplable to an electronic control unit (ECU) and an electrical circuit of the vehicle. The electronics module comprises a module transceiver and a plurality of sensors, which is configured to determine an occupancy status of the vehicle. A fob device that is retained by a driver who exits the vehicle comprises a fob receiver, which is GPS enabled, a fob transceiver, and a speaker. CPU programming code that is positioned on a CPU of the ECU enables the ECU to selectively actuate the module transceiver, based on occupancy status of the vehicle and a position of the driver relative to the vehicle, to communicate an alert signal to the fob device via the fob transceiver to alert the driver to the occupancy status.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Inventors: Diane Holder, Ainsworth Carter
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Patent number: 10539711Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for operating a laser attraction. Aspects include instructing a plurality of laser transmitters to each emit a laser beam, each of the emitted laser beams being detected by a particular receiver device. In addition, a signal may be received that indicates that one of the laser beams has been broken. In an aspect, the signal may be received from a receiver device that is associated with the broken laser beam. Further, the receiver device may be instructed to illuminate a light source when the laser beam is broken, the light source being part of the receiver device.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Z IMAGE, LLCInventors: John Bonvallet, Ted Ziemkowski
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Patent number: 10429177Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for blocked sensor detection and notification. A signal may be received from a sensor. The sensor may be determined to be producing anomalous output based on checking the signal from the sensor against a signal from a second sensor on the same sensor device as the sensor, checking the signal from the sensor against signals from sensors on additional sensor devices, and checking the signal from the sensor against a slow temporal model for the sensor. In response to the determination that the sensor is producing anomalous output, a notification may be generated indicating the sensor is producing anomalous output, and a confidence level in the sensor may be degraded.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Aveek Ravishekhar Purohit, Michael Dixon
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Patent number: 9959727Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Yoky Matsuoka, David Sloo, Shigefumi Honjo, Scott A. McGaraghan, Michael Plitkins, Maxime Veron, Isabel Guenette
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Patent number: 9860076Abstract: Methods and systems are described for setting operation rules for use in controlling aspects of a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for establishing operation rules in a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by the processor to receive a spoken command having a plurality of rule setting terms, establish at least one operation rule for the home automation system based on the spoken command, and store the at least one operation rule for later use by the home automation system.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Vivint, Inc.Inventor: Jeremy B. Warren
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Patent number: 9747814Abstract: An approach to notifying a person who is hard of hearing of audible events based on a configurable device. The device has microphones and associated buttons mounted on its surface. The user programs the device by depressing a selected button longer than a preconfigured time to place the device in listen mode. The user generates the desired audible event and the device records the audible event. The selected button is depressed again to instruct the device to associate the audible event with a visual alarm indicator of colored/flashing lights and/or a text projection. The device listens for the audible event and activates the visual alarm indicator when the device detects the audible event.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Arthur J. Bariska, Jr., Joel L. Masser, Kevin D. McKenzie, Eileen P. Tedesco
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Patent number: 9703864Abstract: Directional sound location is used to determine security events of a security system. A sound sensor reports a vector direction to a sound source of an acoustic signal. If the vector direction is historically observed at similar times, then perhaps the sound source is not considered a security event. However, if the vector direction is unknown or unfamiliar, the security system may infer the security event and notify emergency services.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignees: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P., AT&T MOBILITY II LLCInventors: James H. Pratt, Steven Belz, Michael Lattanzi, Constance Missimer
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Patent number: 9489809Abstract: Disclosed are wearable indicator devices and methods of using same. The device is a head-mounted device for detecting an alert condition and providing an alert to a user. The device has a display unit with one or more LEDs and a driver circuit configured to control the brightness of the one or more LEDs. The device also has a control unit having a microprocessor, a memory buffer in electronic communication with the microprocessor, a microphone in electronic communication with the microprocessor, and a radio transceiver configured to interface with an external computing system. The microprocessor can be configured to gather audio samples from the microphone, analyze one or more gathered audio samples for an alert condition, transmit the alert condition, and control the LEDs based on the alert condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Heads Up Display Inc.Inventors: Brendon Charles Dever, William Clark Dever, Brian Raymond Bezanson, Robert Maefs, George Hampton
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Patent number: 9479267Abstract: A device and a method provide for transmitting, via a communication interface operating in a low frequency body area network (BAN) communication mode, a low frequency, on-body signal to another device; determining whether to continue a BAN communication with the other device based on whether an on-body BAN signal is received from the other device that is responsive to the low frequency, on-body signal; and switching the communication interface to a high frequency BAN communication mode based on a determination that the on-body BAN signal is received, wherein the high frequency BAN communication mode configures the communication interface to transmit and receive an on-body signal within a frequency band different from a frequency band of the low frequency BAN communication mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications Inc.Inventors: Thomas Bolin, Magnus Midholt, Ola Thorn, Erik Bengtsson, Henrik Bengtsson
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Patent number: 9048818Abstract: A system and method to efficiently use a plurality of ‘receivers’ to monitor a larger plurality of ‘sources’ for audio content. Upon identifying that a source is active, one of the plural receivers is assigned to convey the content to a destination. All other receivers are prevented from monitoring that specific source for the duration of its activity, but continue to monitor the remaining sources. ‘Source’ includes any source of information containing audio content. ‘Receiver’ includes any device capable of selectively conveying such content, including physical switches, hardware or software multiplexers, microphones, radio receivers, or any other means of obtaining such content.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: RangeCast Technologies, LLCInventor: Terence Sean Sullivan
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Publication number: 20150130586Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable bed handheld remote control that may include a handheld housing, a touch sensor on a front face of the handheld housing, a transmitter and the like. The touch sensor may be presented in a slider form and may be adapted to facilitate a user in adjusting a frame position of an adjustable bed. The transmitter may be electrically coupled to a processor and may receive input from the touch sensor, for communication control signals to the adjustable bed in accordance with the input received from the touch sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
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Publication number: 20150091691Abstract: Embodiments of a capacitive sensor configuration for proximity detection by a playback device are provided. The playback device may include a capacitive proximity sensor configured to detect physical movement in a first direction, and a speaker grille on a surface of the playback device oriented at a relative angle to the capacitive proximity sensor. The capacitive proximity sensor includes a first metal electrode coupled to the speaker grille such that the capacitive proximity sensor may be further configured to detect physical movement in a second direction that is substantially at the relative angle to the first direction. The playback device may be configured to determine based on a detection of physical movement by the capacitive proximity sensor, a physical approach of an entity towards the playback device from one or more of the first direction and the second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Sonos, Inc.Inventor: Thomas CALATAYUD
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Publication number: 20140313006Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems (200), apparatus and methods utilizing the soundscape of the appliance (204) to generate content for a dynamic output. In various embodiments, the output generated by the apparatus is varied based on differences in the acoustic signal resulting from changes in the operating state of the appliance (204). By utilizing the soundscape of the appliance (204), a non-repetitive and pseudo-random, but still recognizable outputs associated with the appliance (204), can be generated based on the various operating states of the appliance (204). The user's operation of the appliance (204) may influence the acoustic signal received by the apparatus which may further influence the output produced by the appliance (204). The systems (200), apparatus and methods described herein employ a dynamic acoustic signal of an appliance (204) to provide a user with a dynamic output to engage the user in a manner that increases their interest in and attachment to the appliance (204).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Jonathan David Mason, Dzmitry Viktorovich Aliakseyeu
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Publication number: 20140266569Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to controlling music variables. In one embodiment, a system includes a processor and a hardware control device that is operable to send one or more control signals to the processor, where the one or more control signals control one or more sound variables. The system also includes a display that displays one or more dials, where the one or more dials are associated with the one or more sound variables, and where the processor causes the one or more dials to change based on the one or more control signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Miselu, IncInventors: Yoshinari Yoshikawa, Keisuke Shingu
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Patent number: 8823523Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a voice recognition unit for recognizing a voice of a name of food, a memory for storing location information of the food received in a storage chamber, a controller for determining the voice recognized by the voice recognition unit and searching a storage location of the food voice-recognized in accordance with the recognized voice, and a voice output unit for outputting a voice message on the storage location information of the food searched by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sung-Ae Lee, Min-Kyeong Kim
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Publication number: 20140210588Abstract: A method, device, system, and media are directed to controlling a multi-tuner radio. A voice command may be received and/or filtered. An operation of the radio may be modified based on the voice command. A gesture input may be received through a gesture pad. Another operation of the multi-tuner radio may be modified based on the received gesture input. A fingerprint may be recognized with a gesture pad. A user may be authenticated based on the recognized fingerprint. The operation or the other operation may be personalized based on the fingerprint. User training may be provided for the gesture input.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: 3D RADIO LLCInventors: Michael D. ELLIS, Caron SCHWARTZ
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Patent number: 8781926Abstract: Method for communication between a central server and a computerized juke-box which operates in a conference mode, including: sending a header before any transaction, which includes the identity of the destination together, the identity of the emitter, and the size of the packets; responding from the server in the form of a data packet, each packet sent by the server being encoded using the identification code of the juke-box software; and receiving a data packet by the juke-box, which decodes the packet, simultaneously performs a check on the data received by the CRC method and sends an acknowledgement of receipt to the server indicating the accuracy of the information received, to allow it to prepare and send another packet to the juke-box.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: TouchTunes Music CorporationInventors: Guy Nathan, Tony Mastronardi
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Publication number: 20140104034Abstract: A path of a security checkpoint may lead from an entrance to an identification checkpoint, and from the identification checkpoint to at least one recomposure station. A display may display an expected wait time for at least one person to pass from the entrance to the exit, the person using at least the first portion of the path. A first audio system may provide a type of music to a first area covering at least a second portion of the path, a location of the first area and the type of music determined based on proximity of the second portion of the path to the identification checking station. A second audio system may provide instructions to a second area covering at least a third portion of the path, a location of the second area determined based on proximity of the third portion to the identification checking station.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: SECURITYPOINT HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Joseph T. Ambrefe, JR., Douglas J. Linehan
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Patent number: 8576046Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a playback device capable of externally receiving a playback signal for playing back a sound or an image, and capable of transmitting the playback signal to the playback device if it is detected that a predetermined electric source was externally supplied.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: SuncorporationInventor: Yasuhiro Uozumi
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Patent number: 8536975Abstract: A control method for a handheld terminal, including the steps of: reproducing and outputting a piece of music in accordance with a reproduction list; detecting motion of the terminal in real space and determining whether or not the detected motion corresponds to a motion situation where the terminal is moving in real space; obtaining, on the basis of motion information derived from the motion of the terminal, the movement distance of the terminal in real space when the terminal is determined to be in a motion situation where the terminal is moving in real space; comparing the movement distance with a predetermined distance determination threshold and determining whether or not the movement distance exceeds the distance determination threshold; and changing the reproduction list of music to be reproduced, when the movement distance is determined to exceed the distance determination threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Sony Mobile Communications, Inc.Inventor: Yoshiharu Yaguchi
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Patent number: 8502648Abstract: A method of directing an audio signal to an intended user by a remote-control device coupled to an audio/video device is described. The remote-control device sends an instruction to the audio/video device to transmit an audio signal. The remote-control device receives the audio signal and processes the audio signal to generate a directional audio. The directional audio is then routed to an intended user such that the directional audio signal is audible to the intended user, but not to other recipients in the vicinity.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Dasaradha Gude, Gunjan Porwal, Murli Krishna Kocherla
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Patent number: 8493204Abstract: Example methods and systems for displaying one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of a source of sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound are disclosed. A method may involve receiving audio data corresponding to sound detected by a wearable computing system. Further, the method may involve analyzing the audio data to determine both (i) a direction from the wearable computing system of a source of the sound and (ii) an intensity level of the sound. Still further, the method may involve causing the wearable computing system to display one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of the source of the sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Adrian Wong, Xiaoyu Miao
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Patent number: 8436948Abstract: A remote control system of the present invention is provided with a TV apparatus and a remote controller, and performs two-way communication. The remote controller is provided with a microphone and a speaker, and generates and outputs sound source data. Furthermore, by the use of wireless communication modules, the sound source data produced by the remote controller is transmitted to the TV apparatus, and the sound source data is transmitted from the TV apparatus to the remote controller, that is, the sound source data is exchanged, with the result that the sound source data is outputted from the TV apparatus and the remote controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigehide Yano, Koichi Saito, Masahide Tanaka, Yasuyuki Hatayama
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Patent number: 8438085Abstract: Method for communication between a central server and a computerized juke-box which operates in a conference mode, including: sending a header before any transaction, which includes the identity of the destination together, the identity of the emitter, and the size of the packets; responding from the server in the form of a data packet, each packet sent by the server being encoded using the identification code of the juke-box software; and receiving a data packet by the juke-box, which decodes the packet, simultaneously performs a check on the data received by the CRC method and sends an acknowledgement of receipt to the server indicating the accuracy of the information received, to allow it to prepare and send another packet to the juke-box.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: TouchTunes Music CorporationInventors: Guy Nathan, Tony Mastronardi
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Patent number: 8437690Abstract: A method is provided for transmitting a multimedia content from a server to a radiocommunication terminal, wherein the content comprises at least one multimedia, called initial, scene, and a series of instructions for moving the initial scene. The method includes transmitting an initial portion of the content from the server to the terminal, recording and reconstructing the initial portion on the terminal, transmitting at least one complementary portion of the content from the server to the terminal in the form of a complement to at least one portion previously received by the terminal in response to the request thereof, recording the complementary position, and reconstructing the multimedia scene updated according to the request from the portions previously received by the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: StreamezzoInventors: Jean-Claude Dufourd, Cédric Gegout, Elouan Le Coq
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Patent number: 8412532Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are provided for performing a voice command on a client device. The method can include translating, using a first speech recognizer located on the client device, an audio stream of a voice command to a first machine-readable voice command and generating a first query result using the first machine-readable voice command to query a client database. In addition, the audio stream can be transmitted to a remote server device that translates the audio stream to a second machine-readable voice command using a second speech recognizer. Further, the method can include receiving a second query result from the remote server device, where the second query result is generated by the remote server device using the second machine-readable voice command and displaying the first query result and the second query result on the client device.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Alexander Gruenstein, William J. Byrne
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Patent number: 8218791Abstract: A disclosed set top box or other type of multimedia handling device (MHD) is configured to support a toggle volume feature that enables the end user to toggle between two or more substantially different audible volume settings using a single push of a single remote control button or other type of control, e.g., a touch screen control. In some embodiments, the MHD includes a processor, storage media accessible to and readable by the processor, a remote control interface in communication with the processor, a multimedia decoder, and an audio digital-to-analog converter. The remote control interface receives input from a remote control device. The multimedia decoder module receives and processes multimedia streams. The decoder generates a decoder audio output and a decoder video output. The DAC processes the decoder audio output and produces an audio signal having a particular volume level.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Steven M. Wollmershauser, William Averill, William O. Sprague, Jr.
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Patent number: 8202598Abstract: A method of changing a functionality of an optical article is provided. The method includes exposing the optical article to an external stimulus. The optical article includes an electrically responsive layer being configured to transform from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to the external stimulus. The electrically responsive layer is configured to transform from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to an external stimulus, and is capable of irreversibly transforming the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: NBCUniversal Media, LLCInventors: Andrea Jeannine Peters, Marc Brian Wisnudel, Ben Purushotam Patel, Matthew Jeremiah Misner, Kasiraman Krishnan, Kaustubh Ravindra Nagarkar
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Patent number: 8183997Abstract: Example methods and systems for displaying one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of a source of sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound are disclosed. A method may involve receiving audio data corresponding to sound detected by a wearable computing system. Further, the method may involve analyzing the audio data to determine both (i) a direction from the wearable computing system of a source of the sound and (ii) an intensity level of the sound. Still further, the method may involve causing the wearable computing system to display one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of the source of the sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Adrian Wong, Xiaoyu Miao
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Publication number: 20110160884Abstract: A multimedia apparatus and a method for controlling operations thereof are provided. The multimedia apparatus includes an input unit for receiving a selection signal, a sensing unit for sensing disposition of the multimedia apparatus, and a controller for, if the selection signal is input, performing different operations depending on the disposition. Accordingly, various operations of the multimedia apparatus may be controlled by simple manipulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.Inventors: Ho-ik HWANG, Soo-hyun LEE, Byeong-cheol HWANG, Joon-ho WON