| LOGITECH EUROPE, S.A. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120127124 | Dual Mode Touchpad with a Low Power Mode Using a Proximity Detection Mode - A system includes a touchpad sensor array, a touch circuit, and a proximity circuit. The touch circuit executes a touch mode configured to track the position of a user or conductive object on the touchpad sensor array by detecting a change in an electrical property of the touchpad. The proximity circuit executes a proximity detection mode configured to track the position of a user or conductive object near or proximate to the touchpad sensor array by detecting a change in an electrical property of the touchpad. The system is configured to switch from the touch mode to the proximity detection mode after a predetermined period of inactivity, where the proximity detection mode can operate at one or more reduced polling rates, resulting in a reduced overall power dissipation. The system is configured to switch back to the touch mode when activity is detected by the proximity circuit. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120121119 | In-Ear Monitor with Concentric Sound Bore Configuration - A in-ear monitor is provided that is coupleable to an external audio source and that may be configured as a custom fit IEM or configured to accept a removable eartip, the in-ear monitor including at least two drivers and at least two concentric sound delivery tubes that acoustically couple the audio output from each of the drivers to the acoustic output surface of the in-ear monitor. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120082333 | REVERSIBLE BEHIND-THE-HEAD MOUNTED PERSONAL AUDIO SET WITH PIVOTING EARPHONE - A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120033848 | SPEAKER WITH MONITOR MOUNTABLE STAND - A speaker system with a mount pivotally secured to a speaker frame for detachably securing the speaker system to a display monitor is disclosed. The mount pivots relative to the frame so as to allow the display monitor to be operably received between the mount and frame thereby holding the speaker system in place. A securing structure is preferably provided to hold the mount at a desired position, and resilient padding is preferably provided between the frame, mount and display monitor. The mount can also have a substantially planar bottom surface which allows the speaker system to rest on a desktop simply by positioning the substantially planar bottom surface of the mount on the desktop. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120026325 | OPTIMIZED MOVABLE IR FILTER IN CAMERAS - Embodiments of the present invention include a camera having two modes: a visible light imaging mode (day-mode) and an IR imaging mode (night-mode). In the visible light imaging mode, an IR filter is in line with the lens assembly. In the IR imaging mode, the IR filter is mechanically removed, and IR light is allowed to pass to the sensor. In one embodiment, in the IR imaging mode, IR lighting is provided by an IR LEDs on the camera to illuminate the scene. In one embodiment, the various components are chosen, balanced and optimized so that images captured using visible light and images captured using non-visible light are both in focus. In one embodiment, an algorithm determines when there sufficient visible light is present and when it is not, and thus determines when to switch the camera from one mode to another. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20110292241 | EXTENDED FLICKER CANCELLATION FOR AUTO EXPOSURE FOR A VIDEO CAMERA - A video camera includes a light collection array including a plurality of light collection cells configured to collect light from a scene and a processor coupled to the light collection array. The processor is configured determine a brightness of the scene based on the light collected by the light collection array from the scene. Based on the determined brightness, the processor is configured to determine if the brightness of the scene requires a light collection time of each cell to be less than a flicker on time of a light source lighting the scene so that the light collection array collects a sufficient amount of light so that a brightness of a video stream or a still image is substantially at a predetermined level. If the light collection time is determined to be less than the flicker on time to maintain brightness of the video stream or the still image at the predetermined level and if the brightness of the scene is less than a predetermined brightness, the processor is configured to set the light collection time at the flicker on time of the light source. If the light collection time is determined to be less than the flicker on time to maintain brightness of the video stream or the still image at the predetermined level and if the brightness of the scene is at, or greater than, the predetermined brightness, the processor is configured to set the light collection time less than the flicker on time of the light source. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110288805 | CONTROL DEVICE WITH AN ACCELEROMETER SYSTEM - A control device includes a two-dimensional inertial system configured to measure an acceleration of the control device. A control circuit is coupled to the two-dimensional inertial system where the control circuit is configured to receive acceleration information for the acceleration measured by the two-dimensional inertial system. The control circuit is further configured to integrate the acceleration information to calculate the velocity of the control device and determine if the velocity of the control device becomes zero along one or both of the two dimensions for which the two-dimensional inertial system is configured to measure acceleration. The control circuit is further configured to correct a drift in the velocity if the control circuit determines that the velocity is zero along one or both of the two dimensions. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110246680 | RECEIVER CONFIGURED TO PAIR TO MULTIPLE WIRELESS DEVICES - A computerized method provides for a computer to interact with peripheral devices where a complete set of control functions of the peripheral devices are operable on the computer. The method includes receiving by a computer from a receiver coupled to the computer an enumerator report having a peripheral device report and a device index included in a set of device indices. The peripheral device report is sent from a select peripheral device to the receiver. The method further includes determining by the computer the device index in the enumerator report. The method further includes routing by the computer the peripheral device report to a device driver associated with the device index. The device driver is configured to provide a complete set of operating function for a peripheral device associated with the device driver. The computer executes a command function from the peripheral device report issued by the select peripheral device. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110243548 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE WITH LENS COVER AND FOLDING SUPPORT - An image capturing device includes a camera housing configured to house a set of electronic modules for generating a video stream from captured light. The camera housing includes a camera opening configured to let light enter the camera housing to be captured by the set of electronic modules. The webcam further includes a camera-housing base rotationally coupled to the camera housing, and includes a mounting base rotationally coupled to the camera-housing base. The camera housing is configured to rotate with respect to the camera-housing base to face the camera opening toward the mounting base or face the camera housing opening away from the mounting base. The webcam further includes a first hinge rotationally coupling the mounting base to the camera-housing base. With the camera opening facing toward the mounting base, the first hinge is configured such that the mounting base is foldable onto the camera opening to cover the camera opening. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110243547 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE WITH LENS COVER AND FOLDING SUPPORT - An image capturing device includes a camera housing configured to house a set of electronic modules for generating a video stream from captured light. The camera housing includes a camera opening configured to let light enter the camera housing to be captured by the set of electronic modules. The webcam further includes a camera-housing base rotationally coupled to the camera housing, and includes a mounting base rotationally coupled to the camera-housing base. The camera housing is configured to rotate with respect to the camera-housing base to face the camera opening toward the mounting base or face the camera housing opening away from the mounting base. The webcam further includes a first hinge rotationally coupling the mounting base to the camera-housing base. With the camera opening facing toward the mounting base, the first hinge is configured such that the mounting base is foldable onto the camera opening to cover the camera opening. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110227828 | Multi-function roller apparatus and method for a control device - A roller for a mouse includes a roller wheel having an outer portion formed of metal and a corrugated surface; a pivot arm configured to pivot in a first direction to contact the corrugated surface and to pivot in a second direction to move away from the corrugated surface; and user operable device configured to be translated to pivot the pivot arm. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110216926 | VIRTUAL SURROUND FOR LOUDSPEAKERS WITH INCREASED CONSTANT DIRECTIVITY - A speaker system includes a first array of transducers in a speaker enclosure and, and at least a second array of transducers in the speaker enclosure. The second array is a low-frequency array and the first array is a high-frequency array. The transducers in the first array are configured to have an operating frequency region covering at least the frequency ranges of the first array and the second array, and the transducers in the second are configured to have an operating frequency region covering at least the frequency ranges of the first array and the second array. The speaker system further includes an input port, and a controller operatively coupled with the input port. The controller is configured to provide an electronic-audio signal to the transducers such that the first array and the second array are tuned to different center frequencies and are a two stage dipole beamforming array. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216925 | VIRTUAL SURROUND FOR LOUDSPEAKERS WITH INCREASED CONSANT DIRECTIVITY - Various embodiments use combinations of different methods for creating virtual surround. Some of the methods used in various embodiments include: dipole beamforming, multi-stage arrays, transducer directionality, and enclosure shading. In general, each of these methods may operate over a specific frequency band in various embodiments. The use of multiple methods to create virtual sound can increase the virtual sound effect and better maintain sound quality compared to the use of a single method for creating virtual surround. Each method used to create virtual surround can be optimized for a specific system configuration based on factors such as the physical set-up of the transducers, the size and shape of the enclosure, and the input signal configuration. Various embodiments allow for an intensity difference to be created for a listener across a wide range of frequencies in order to produce constant directionality. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110181738 | MECHANICAL PAN, TILT AND ZOOM IN A WEBCAM - A system and method for mechanically panning, tilting, and/or zooming a webcam to track a user's face. In one embodiment, such movement is controlled by kernel software in a host to which the webcam sends video data. In this way, a driver in the host kernel handles the face tracking, transparent to the application programs that would access the video. In an alternate embodiment, such movement is controlled by firmware in the webcam itself The video and control signals are sent over the same standard cable, such as a USB bus. In one embodiment, the video is supplied to an instant messaging application. The use of a standard bus (e.g., USB) and the offloading of the face tracking to the webcam and driver allows easy use by the instant messaging application. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110169717 | MINI MONITOR ON SHARED PERIPHERAL BUS - A system with a main monitor for a host computer and a second, mini monitor for displaying a portion of the display normally intended for the main monitor. In one embodiment, the mini monitor is connected to the computer over a shared, peripheral bus, such as the universal serial bus (USB). The smaller size of the mini monitor and either compression or slower refresh rates allow it to be connected to the USB just like other peripheral devices. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110164376 | Lapdesk with Retractable Touchpad - A lapdesk for use with a laptop computer includes a housing having a top configured to support the laptop computer. The housing is configured to block heat emitted from the laptop computer from passing through the housing. The lapdesk further includes a tray having a touchpad disposed thereon. The tray is configured to slide into the housing and slide out from the housing. The lapdesk further includes a circuit coupled to the touchpad where the circuit is configured to transmit control signals from the touchpad to the laptop computer. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110163953 | Lapdesk with Retractable Touchpad - A lapdesk for use with a laptop computer includes a housing having a top configured to support the laptop computer. The housing is configured to block heat emitted from the laptop computer from passing through the housing. The lapdesk further includes a tray having a touchpad disposed thereon. The tray is configured to slide into the housing and slide out from the housing. The lapdesk further includes a circuit coupled to the touchpad where the circuit is configured to transmit control signals from the touchpad to the laptop computer. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110161501 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING DATA BETWEEN TWO HOSTS - A method for communicating video data between at least a first host and a second host comprises: identifying, at a server, an address of the first host, to which the second host may communicate video data, and a sequence number expected by a network security system coupled between the first host and the server; and communicating, from the second host to the first host, video data using the address of the first host and the sequence number expected. The method may further comprise: identifying, at the server, an address of the second host, to which the first host may communicate video data, and a second sequence number expected by a network security system coupled between the second host and the server; and communicating, from the first host to the second host, video data using the address of the second host and the second expected sequence number. The second host may be adapted to perform the act of communicating without use of an intermediate server. The method may also further comprise communicating periodically, from the first host to the server, through the network security system, so as to maintain an open communication channel through the network security system to the first host at the address of the first host. The address of the first host may include address information and port information. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110133976 | STATE-BASED REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM - A remote control system includes a remote control device configured to control a plurality of consumer electronic devices. The remote control system further includes a programming system configured to: i) receive identifying information, which identifies each of the consumer electronic devices, ii) generate at least one macro, which is configured for collectively controlling the consumer electronic devices to perform a media function; and iii) issue a query to a user to determine whether the macro is to be used by the remote control device. If a positive response is received by the programming system in response to the query, then configuring the remote control device for using the macro. If a negative response is received by the programming system in response to the query, then not configuring the remote control device for using the macro. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110058703 | In-Ear Monitor with Triple Sound Bore Configuration - A multi-driver, in-ear monitor is provided that is coupleable to an external audio source, for example via a source input cable or a wireless receiver. A circuit, for example comprising a passive or active crossover circuit, receives the electrical signal from the external audio source and provides separate input signals to the drivers contained within the in-ear monitor. A plurality of discrete sound delivery tubes acoustically couple the audio output from each of the drivers to the acoustic output surface of the in-ear monitor. The in-ear monitor may be configured as a custom fit IEM or configured to accept a removable eartip. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110058702 | In-Ear Monitor with Concentric Sound Bore Configuration - A multi-driver, in-ear monitor is provided that is coupleable to an external audio source, for example via a source input cable or a wireless receiver. A circuit, for example comprising a passive or active crossover circuit, receives the electrical signal from the external audio source and provides separate input signals to the drivers contained within the in-ear monitor. A plurality of sound delivery tubes acoustically couple the audio output from each of the drivers to the acoustic output surface of the in-ear monitor. The in-ear monitor may be configured as a custom fit IEM or configured to accept a removable eartip. The plurality of sound delivery tubes may be comprised of a pair of concentric tubes; a pair of concentric tubes and a discrete tube; or three concentric tubes. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110038121 | Comfortable Laptop Computer Stand - A laptop computer stand includes a case having a top, a bottom, right and left sides, a front, and a back. The stand further includes a plurality of speakers disposed at right and left sides of the top, and an audio hub coupled to the speakers. The audio hub is configured to receive audio signals from a laptop computer coupled to the audio hub, and control the speakers to output audio from the audio signal. The stand further includes a cooling fan disposed in the body below the top. The top includes a top grate formed therein configured to output air blown by the fan, and the back includes a back grate configured to intake air blown out the top grate. The air blown by the fan is configured to circulate between the top of the stand and the bottom of a laptop computer positioned on the top of the stand. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110037892 | WEBCAM WITH MOVEABLE ZOOM LENS - A webcam with an optical lens that can manually be moved into a position in front of the camera lens. The lens may slide or be rotated to a position in front of the camera lens. The optical lens may be a zoom lens, such that, in combination with the lens of the camera, a fixed zoom or magnification function is provided. Alternately, at least a second lens may also be provided, such as to provide two fixed zoom positions. The two lenses could be moved together with a single mechanical structure, or separately with two different manual controls. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110029692 | Receiver Configured to Pair to Multiple Wireless Devices - A computer system includes a receiver configured to pair with a set of peripheral devices and have active connections with a first subset of the peripheral devices and inactive connections with a second subset of the peripheral devices. The first and the second subsets of peripheral devices are subsets of the set of peripheral devices. If a select one of the peripheral devices in the inactive set of peripheral devices is operated, the receiver is configured to activate a connection with the select one of the peripheral devices in a latency period that is below human perception levels of the latency period. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110025311 | MAGNETIC ROTARY SYSTEM FOR INPUT DEVICES - Embodiments of the present invention include a roller for an input device, where the roller's absolute angular position is measured by a magnetic encoder. A magnet is attached to the roller, possibly inside the roller so as to make the embodiment more compact. In one embodiment, the magnetization is simple and low cost. Further, tight tolerances are not required, and such a system is easy to manufacture. In one embodiment, the sensor is covered by any non-ferromagnetic material, to protect it from foreign particles, and to reduce ESD. In one embodiment, the wheel consumes much less power than conventional wheels in input devices. In one embodiment, the tilting of the wheel is measured using the same sensor that is used for measuring the rotation of the wheel. In one embodiment, a ratcheting feel provided to the user when rotating the wheel is synchronized with the rotation signal. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110002724 | Pillow Keycap for a Keyboard - A keyboard includes a base having sets of mounts formed thereon. The keyboard also includes a set of keycaps. Each keycap includes a key top and a support mechanism, which is coupled to the key top and coupled to an associated one of the sets of mounts. The support is configured to lower and raise the key top. Each of the key tops includes a convex-rounded edge surrounding a concave-rounded base. A radius of curvature of the convex-rounded edge is approximately 1.0 to 3.0 millimeters, and a radius of curvature of the concave-rounded base is approximately 32 to 33 millimeters. The keyboard further includes a control circuit coupled to the base and configured to detect downward movement of the keycaps and send a transmission signal to a computer wherein the transmission signal includes information for one of the keycaps downward movement. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100323621 | COMMUNICATION OF AUDIO CONTROL SIGNALS FOR WIRELESS AUDIO OUTPUT DEVICES - A wireless audio headphone communication system has an audio input for receiving an audio signal from an audio source. A wireless transceiver receives and transmits radio frequency communications with a wireless audio headphone, the communications including an audio control signal that conforms to a wireless audio control protocol of a wireless communication protocol. A converter converts the audio control signal between the wireless audio control protocol transceived by the wireless transceiver and a local control protocol for controlling the audio source. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100307903 | Keyboard with an Octagonal Guide for a Key - A key module for a keyboard includes a key having a guiding plunger, and a key housing having a set of walls with an opening formed by the set of walls. The opening formed by the set of walls is configured to receive the guiding plunger. The set of walls includes at least eight guiding surfaces configured to contact the guiding plunger. The guiding plunger is configured to contact the eight guiding surfaces as the guiding plunger moves up and down in the opening. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100252407 | Keyboard with back-lighted ultra-durable keys - A key for a keyboard includes a keycap having a top surface configured to be contacted for pressing the key down, and having a bottom. The keycap is substantially transparent. An intermediate layer is coupled to the bottom of the keycap. The intermediate layer is translucent and includes a top and a bottom. The top of the intermediate layer faces the bottom of the keycap. A character layer is positioned between the bottom of the keycap and the top of the intermediate layer. A resilient member is coupled to the bottom of the intermediate layer. The resilient member is translucent and is configured to direct light through the intermediate layer, through the character layer, and out from the keycap. The character layer is configured to be lighted for viewing through the keycap. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100220721 | Method and Apparatus for Packet traversal of A Network Address Translation Device - A characterization method for a network address translation (NAT) device by an internal computer behind the NAT device includes creating a plurality of sockets; binding the plurality of sockets, respectively, to a plurality of ports; transmitting a plurality of STUN requests in user datagram protocol (UDP) packets to a plurality of STUN servers, wherein each STUN request is associated with one of the sockets; determining that the NAT device does support UDP packets if responses are not received from the STUN servers; and determining a set of NAT characteristics of the NAT device if a response is received from each of the STUN servers. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100189303 | Personal Audio Set With Adjustable Force Mechanisms - A personal audio device including a flexible headband is disclosed. The flexible headband includes a left and right headband portion. The headband has a longitudinal centerline which occupies a substantially single plane. The personal audio device also includes a left earphone, which is secured to a first end of the left headband portion, and a right earphone, which is secured to a first end of the right headband portion. A connector portion connects a second end of the left headband portion with a second end of the right headband portion. The connector portion is linearly adjustable, which enables a distance between the left headband portion and right headband portion to be variable. A change in the distance causes an inversely proportional change in bent compression force applied by a left earphone and applied by the right earphone. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100187079 | Keyboard with Ultra-Durable Keys - A keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a portion of a top of the plunger. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100158297 | Universal Auxiliary Component Connecting System for a Personal Audio-Set - A universal auxiliary component connection system that operably connects an auxiliary component to a variety of different personal audio-sets using the connection cables supplied with each personal audio-set. In one embodiment, a clip operably connects the personal audio-set engaging fitting of the connection cable, and the clip is detachably secured to the auxiliary component. Accordingly, this connection system allows a variety of different personal audio-sets to be operably connected to the same auxiliary component without requiring the auxiliary component to offer a variety of different fixed connectors. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100079500 | Mouse having Pan, Zoom, and Scroll Controls - A control device includes a processor and a control button. The control button includes a key and an analog sensor coupled to the processor. The key is configured to be moved in a first direction and a second direction, which is substantially opposite from the first direction. The analog sensor is configured to detect an amount of movement of the key in the first direction and the second direction and send a control signal to the processor to indicate the amount of movement. Based on the control signal, the processor is configured to control zoom of a graphical object displayed on a computer monitor at a rate that is based on the amount of movement. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100008530 | PERSONAL AUDIO-SET WITH ADJUSTABLE SLIDING EAR CLIP MOUNT - A personal audio set formed that includes an ear-clip mounting portion pivotally secured to a frame is disclosed. In one embodiment, the frame of the personal audio set includes a sliding portion to define a first axis of rotation, and the ear hook is pivotally secured to the sliding portion to define a second axis of rotation so that the headset may be properly worn on either the wearer's left or right ear by moving the sliding portion and ear hook about their respective axes. The ear hook is preferably substantially c-shaped and dual molded. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090251417 | Keyboard with Programmable Keys - Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, a keyboard for use with a computer comprises a plurality of keys which include a plurality of programmable function keys each being programmable to have multiple shift states to provide different macro functions among the multiple shift states to be inputted to the computer; a plurality of macro shift buttons which represent the multiple shift states and which are configured to be pressed to toggle among the multiple shift states for the plurality of programmable function keys; and a macro record button configured to start and stop macro recording of the macro functions of the programmable function keys. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090240821 | Multiplayer Peer-to-Peer Connection Across Firewalls and Network Address Translators Using a Single Local Port on the Local Host - A system for providing peer-to-peer connections includes a plurality of host devices behind corresponding NATs; and a plurality of STUN servers. Each host device includes first and second sockets respectively bound to first and second private ports. Each host device sends a first STUN packet through the first socket to a first STUN server and a second group of STUN packets through the second socket to the STUN servers via public ports of the corresponding NAT. The STUN servers identify the public port numbers of the public ports. Each host device calculates a predicted public port number of the corresponding NAT for the second socket, based on the public port numbers of the public ports for the first socket and the second socket, the predicted public port number to be used for peer-to-peer connection between the second socket of the host device and other host devices. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090231274 | Tilt Roller for Control Device - A control device includes a roller configured to rotate and tilt; a roller support coupled to the roller, wherein the roller is configured to rotate relative to the roller support; the first hinge disposed adjacent to a first end of the roller support; and a second hinge disposed adjacent to a second end of the roller support, wherein the first end and the second end are substantially opposite ends of the roller support, the second hinge is above the first hinge, and the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to provide tilting support for the roller and roller support. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090220118 | Behind-the-head mounted personal audio set with adjustable earphone position - A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that has a first earphone portion pivotally secured to a behind-the-head headband at a first pivot which is positioned below the longitudinal centerline of the headband. In disclosed embodiments the earphone is also slidably secured to the headband thereby allowing additional adjustment to optimize wearer comfort. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090213076 | COLLAPSIBLE WIRELESS INPUT DEVICE - An input device for inputting commands to a host computer includes a base. An upper housing defines a plurality of control buttons for inputting commands to the computer. The base and upper housing are movably coupled to each other to enable the mouse to be placed in a collapsed position and a raised position. A release button is configured to actuate and facilitate raising of the mouse from the collapsed position to the raised position, the raised position placing the mouse a suitable state for inputting commands to the computer using the control buttons. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090196453 | ERGONOMIC BEHIND-THE-HEAD PERSONAL AUDIO SET AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A behind-the-head personal audio set for a personal audio device is disclosed. The personal audio set has a headband portion sized to grasp the crown area of the wearer's head while aligning at least one ear cup adjacent to the wearer's ear. The headband portion defines a longitudinal, substantially horizontal, axis that substantially intersects the center of the ear cup. In disclosed preferred embodiments, the ear cup defines an ear engaging plane and the preferred geometry of this ear engaging plane with respect the headband portion's longitudinal axis and an axis of symmetry are also disclosed. Preferably, the headband portion and ear cup portion are integrally molded and ear loops are over-molded, or dual molded, thereto. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090175481 | REVERSIBLE BEHIND-THE-HEAD MOUNTED PERSONAL AUDIO SET WITH PIVOTING EARPHONE - A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090174760 | Integrated Camera Stand With Wireless Audio Conversion and Battery Charging - The present invention provides a combined camera, camera stand, audio hub, and audio headset charger. The audio headset is wireless, with a wireless connection to the stand/hub. The stand/hub then connects over a bus to a personal computer. The camera can be both tilted and adjusted in height on the stand. Seamless switching from one audio path (e.g., external speakers and microphone in webcam) to another (e.g., wireless headset) occurs, providing the user with a regular telephone like experience. In addition, it is easily possible to mute audio as well as video for the entire system. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090135140 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCURATE LIFT-DETECTION OF AN INPUT DEVICE - Various systems and methods are employed for lift-detection. Beam triangulation can be used, and in one embodiment, an optical lift detection module is separate from the optical tracking module. In one embodiment, a capacitive lift detection technique is used. A capacitor is built into the bottom case of the mouse. When the mouse is resting on a surface, the surface material serves as a dielectric for the capacitor, while air serves as the dielectric when the mouse is lifted. This dielectric change leads to a change in the capacitance value, leading to detection of lift. In one embodiment, a capacitor with an easily compressable material inserted between the two electrodes is used. In another embodiment, a mechanical plunger with an elastic membrane is used for lift detection. Lift detection can be tunable and/or customizable. The actual height of the life can be detected, rather than simple on-off notifications. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090086010 | WEB CAM WITH AN INTERLUDE SWITCH - A web cam with an interlude switch, wherein the interlude switch can be toggled between a view and an interlude mode. In its view mode, the web cam captures images of a scene for their transmittal to a web cam page hosted at a web site. With the switch in its interlude mode, the web cam system replaces the live images with interlude content which is prerecorded content which may include still and video images, slide shows, or advertisements. The prerecorded interlude content may be stored locally at the host computer, or it may be stored at and/or provided from a remote site. A user viewing a web cam page in its interlude mode, will see prerecorded interlude content as if it was provided by the digital camera. The interlude switch may be a manual or an automatic switch configured to switch between its view and interlude modes based on the occurrence of external events. The external events may include an outgoing or an incoming telephone call. Alternately, external events such as motion, light, sound levels, movement of doors and windows could be used to cause the interlude switch to toggle from the interlude to the view mode and vice versa. The interlude switch may be a tethered switch or one which is configured to wirelessly receive input and cause the web cam to switch between a view and an interlude mode. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090079711 | Scrolling Device - A control device includes a case having a bottom surface that has a front portion and a back portion; and a first friction pad and a second friction pad disposed on the front portion of the bottom surface. The first and second friction pads are configured to detect pressure from a user hand to power-up the control device. The first and second friction pads are also configured to detect the absence of the user hand and place the control device in a sleep mode based on the detection of the absence of the user hand. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090079693 | Scrolling Device - A control device is provided for controlling scrolling of a graphical object displayed on a computer monitor. The control device includes a housing; and a slider device disposed at a front portion of the housing configured to control scrolling of the graphical object on the monitor. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090047053 | Computer keyboard - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame. The keys protrude through openings of the opaque keyboard frame and the translucent top case. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20080302582 | Easy to Use and Intuitive User Interface for a Remote Control - The present invention is a system and method for an easy to use and intuitive user interface on a remote control. In one embodiment of the present invention, a touch sensitive area is extended beyond a screen. In one embodiment, soft buttons lie partially on the screen and partially off it (on the extended touch-sensitive area). This allows for an increased input area for the user, without the increase in cost associated with a larger screen. Moreover, this allows for a smooth, flat, and sleek upper surface of the remote control. In one embodiment of the present invention, a remote control provides different user experiences based upon the context of use of the remote control. For instance, the color of the screen as well as the color of backlighting for certain buttons is dependent upon what mode the remote control is in. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080288707 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE ACTIVE DATA INTERFACE WHEN MULTIPLE INTERFACES ARE AVAILABLE - Systems and methods are provided for controlling which of multiple data interfaces in an electronic device is used for communication with another electronic device so as to minimize disruption of the user experience. In one embodiment, a switch may be provided that is configured to maintain the data stream through a presently used data interface even when other data interfaces become physically connected or available for data transfer. Benefits of unused, but nevertheless connected data interfaces may be received by the electronic device without initiating a transfer of the communication duties between interfaces. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080239134 | WEBCAM WITH MOVEABLE ZOOM LENS - A webcam with an optical lens that can manually be moved into a position in front of the camera lens. The lens may slide or be rotated to a position in front of the camera lens. The optical lens may be a zoom lens, such that, in combination with the lens of the camera, a fixed zoom or magnification function is provided. Alternately, at least a second lens may also be provided, such as to provide two fixed zoom positions. The two lenses could be moved together with a single mechanical structure, or separately with two different manual controls. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080198059 | ONLINE REMOTE CONTROL CONFIGURATION SYSTEM - An online remote control configuration system for efficiently programming a remote control to recognize a plurality of external electronic devices. The online remote control configuration system includes a remote control having a housing, a keypad, and an electronic system for receiving configuration data from a control station via a global computer network (e.g. Internet). The user preferably “samples” one or more signals from a remote control into the electronic system and then uploads the samples to the control station. The control station analyzes the uploaded samples and transmits the appropriate configuration data to properly configure the electronic system. The user may also access a web site of the control station and manually select each of the external electronic devices that the remote control is to operate after which the control station sends the appropriate configuration data to the electronic system. | 08-21-2008 |
