- barrier;
- tank of foam that ruptures easily to block flame toward cab;
- suicide doors on the cab
- flame protective shield deployment;
  - shield can deploy to protect egress;
- Fire suppression (CO2, N2, foam, etc.) in cab to blow halon;
- means for releasing trailer in response to attack/explosion;
- means for pushing trailer away—if cab is stopped;
- lasers crossing at fixed rearward distance to mark safe following distance;
- ejection seat, or cab portion.

InFIG. 10 the rear of the trailer is preferably configured to warn approaching drivers to retain a sufficient following distance. Three optional alert systems are shown.

A first alert system utilizes an ultrasonicdistance sensing circuit82 generatingultrasonic sound patterns80 to detect the distance to the following vehicle. The alerts can be annunciated by flashing an alert sign. Preferably, the rear of the vehicle includes a simple display that lights up when the driver approaches too closely, and text and/or graphics indicating the driver is less than the recommended X feet from the rear of the trailer. Optionally, the distance can be read out on a display, and the desired following distance also indicated (i.e., such as in response to setting by the driver depending on the load and situation).

A second alert system can use similarultrasonic circuits82 above, however, the alert is provided with an audible indication to the following driver. It will be appreciated that ultrasonic signals are significantly directional in nature and that an audio message in the human hearing range can be communicated as a beat frequency between multiple ultrasonic audio signals which individually are not within the range of human hearing. The system need not detect the actual following distance but need only have the overlap of the ultrasonic output overlap at distances less than a desired following distance, wherein the driver will perceive upon coming too close that they are being issued a warning.

In a third alert system alaser detection circuit86 outputs beam(s)84 for detecting the distance of the follower. In addition the crossing pattern of the beams themselves can be used to signal the minimum distance that the next car is to follow.

It should be appreciated that the above may be utilized separately or in combinations without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

4 TRADEMARKED DATA COMMUNICATION

4.1 References.

Incorporates these related copending application(s) by reference:

Utility patent application within docket “RPA_RAST071403” Ser. No. 10/891,718 filed Jul. 14, 2004; associated Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/487,295 filed Jul. 14, 2003; and

Utility patent application within docket “RPA_RAST120103” Ser. No. 11/002,567 filed Dec. 1, 2004; associated Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/526,376 filed Dec. 1, 2003.

4.2 Background

Presently it is difficult to restrict companies from reverse engineering proprietary interfaces, protocols and the like to prevent companies from producing knock offs without the expenditures made by the originators during the design of the product. It seems that no matter how sophisticated the protocol scheme the copycats can create a device sufficiently compatible to be sold. The present invention overcomes that problem.

4.3 Summary.

An apparatus and method for providing communication between devices which is afforded legal protection. It has not been appreciated in the industry that protocols are generally up for grabs, wherein anyone can copycat the protocol with impunity. However, the present invention is directed at providing an interface in which one of the elements communicated is a Trademarked identification of the manufacturer, or a copyrighted work owned by the manufacturer.

4.4 Detailed Description.

The present invention describes apparatus and methods for providing communication qualifiers based on copyrighted material, trademarks, or the like.

4.4.1 Processor Controlled Embodiment.

Devices are often configured for establishing communication based on qualification data received. For example a peripheral may be coupled to a master device, wherein the master device can only utilize peripherals that respond according to standards set by that manufacturer. Often these communication standards are adopted by other parties, allowing them to make equipment compatible with that of another company. In the above example the peripheral is configured to send codes to the master which match that of another manufacturer.

In order to reduce the problems associated with unwarranted copying of the standard, such as to sell competing devices, the present invention adds another level of legal protection. The identifier being communicated in this case is configured as a registered trademark, or copyrighted work, wherein companies which are illicitly utilizing the identifier can be prosecuted under trademark standards as well as perhaps under any other applicable statutes.

Typically, conventional codes are cryptic with limited fixed content. Competition can typically copy the command structures with impunity to duplicate the design.

By way of example, a first device made by ACME Corporation is configured for only operating with peripherals made by either ACME Corporation or those of its licensed agent AJAX Company, or those of companies ABC Industries which have licensed the technology. In this case the peripherals communicate manufacture information in the form of a registered trademark, such as “ACME Corporation in Sawmill Oregon®”. The first device will not operate, or will have reduced functionality, when a peripheral device is coupled to it that does not generate a trademark registration which matches the list of those contained on the master device.

FIG. 12 illustrates by way of example acommunication link embodiment10 between two

electronic devices

12,14. By way of example amicroprocessor16 withmemory18 having trademark andcopyright strings20, communicates with asecond microprocessor22 withmemory24, having a set of ™ and copyright data to compare against the incoming strings. It should be appreciated that with the high data rates and the amount of inexpensive memory, it is not difficult to include the trademark and copyright strings within the communication interface. It is preferred that the data be sent periodically for validating the equipment at each end. Competitors are unable to legally include these trademarks or copyrighted miniature “poems”, even if copy the functionality of the device. In this way a competitor is unable to make a copy of

device

12 or14 and have it work properly with a

factory unit

12 or14.

FIG. 13 illustrates acommand string30 passing between devices which contains a trademark identifier for the ABC Company. Sufficient information is included in the string to allow it to be protected.

FIG. 14 illustrates a similar example34 in which a small poem, musical composition, or other copyrighted work is included in the communication as an identifier.

It should be appreciated that the ™ or copyrighted data may be retained within memory, logic circuits, gate arrays, programmable logic arrays, custom circuits, VLSI, analog circuits or the like. In addition the system preferably provides a mechanism for annunciating (e.g., displaying or playing) at least these portions of the string as a standard feature or an option of the device. These portions of the string can be converted into a musical scale of notes, audible rendering, textual display, binary output, and so forth. In this way the ™ and/or Copyrighted material is preferably also made directly available to humans, as well to the communicating devices, for verifying the validity of the devices prior to communication.

The present invention requires that a copy-cat firm mis-represent trademark (and/or copyright) information in order to achieve compatibility, incurring additional penalties and allowing the affected company to seek expeditious remedy.

5 TASK TRACKING UPDATE METHODS

5.1 Background

Presently many software applications exist for tracking ones tasks and associated work. The data can be shared and sent between groups and the like.

5.2 Summary.

A method of providing addition task details in response to how the user is updating their task related information. In the prior art task information is shared, such as state of task completion, yet it if often the case that the persons in charge of these tasks are not diligently maintaining proper information about the state of the task, what has transpired with the task and so forth. The present invention comprehends this problem and provides a method for maintaining information about the currency of task information and providing notification to the parties of the need to update the tasks. Action trees are adapted to determine how tasks are handled should the originally responsible party not properly perform the updates in response to a notification.

5.3 Detailed Description.

In a task tracking system, such as included in Microsoft Outlook. The software is modified for determining IF the user is keeping their task list updated, and generating notifications thereof.

(1) If no changes to slips in prior N hours (i.e., 24 hours), then generate an email message to user. Continue with escalated warnings to user. If no changes in a set period of time>N (i.e., 4 days) then generate a warning email to the supervisor of user to assure task list is being updated.

The changes may require that every task is updated. User in one mode is required to view the status, similar to the required viewing of a contract such as for a software package, and then the user must at least mark that the status is the same. This at least provides that the status is updated.

The above can be provided for all contact information as well. Whenever used, then the status date updated, wherein one can determine how recent the contact info is, or how recently the info was still valid.

Implementation may be performed as additional code instructions in any desired programming language (e.g., C++, Java, Assembly language, Visual C, Visual Basic, and so forth), preferably within existing task tracking applications.

6 PRINTED TAG SENSITIVE RFID TAG

6.1 References.

Incorporates these related copending application(s) by reference:

Utility patent application including a description of passive transponder enhancements that allow collection of sense data within docket “Steer_—02” Ser. No. 10/279,480 filed Oct. 23, 2002; and provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/346,753 filed Oct. 23, 2001.

6.2 Background

Presently RFID tags must be programmed prior to attachment to a device. This makes it almost necessary that the RFIDs be implemented by the manufacturer, as a retailer would have too many different RFIDs to program and place on the packages.

6.3 Summary.

The present invention provides a new form of RFID tag that can be directly applied over a portion of a universal product code number (UPC), or similar, such as provided in a bar code form, which determines the response generated by the RFID.

The RFID according to the invention is configured for generating its challenge response based on the content of the UPC code. In one embodiment the RFID tag is configured with a linear array of electrodes which are placed for sensing the UPC pattern of conductors or optical pattern.

6.4 Detailed Description.

6.4.1 Self-Programming Intelligent RFID Tag.

The present invention describes a type of RFID tag that does not need to be programmed for a specific product. This aspect of the invention provides an RFID tag which is sensitive to a printed tag coding proximal to it. For example, this new tag senses a printed tag beneath it and adapts its product identification in response thereto.

In one embodiment an RFID is placed over a printed container wherein the output of the RFID is altered in response to the underlying printing. By way of example a conductive pattern can be printed on the container, such as in a grid of blocks, wherein the RFID makes contact with the conductive patterns to establish the ID, product code, characteristic, or other aspect, of the communication. The area on the container is preferably marked for aligning of the RFID. Other forms of patterns may be detected, such as detecting optical characteristics of the printing (reflectivity, color, etc.) or other characteristics (i.e. magnetism, inductance, capacitance, resistivity, and so forth) In a preferred embodiment a plate within the RFID interacts capacitively with somewhat conductive (metallic) paints wherein the pattern beneath the RFID can be sensed through the adhesive without the need of establishing a conductive path.

FIG. 15 illustrates by way of example anembodiment10 of a self-programming RFID tag12 according to the invention.Tag12 is preferably configured with an adhesive backing, (or other means of attachment e.g., magnetic, electrostatic, and so forth) for attachment over a printedindicia14, with optional additional text andgraphics16. In this embodiment indicia14 is depicted as a bar code which simplifies the electronics within the RFID tag. In one mode of the invention the bar code (2D bar code, text, or other machine readable format) is printed with conducting, or semiconducting ink over anonconductive backing18. In addition it will be appreciated that the coding can be in response to any desired property of the underlying tags, such as optical, electrical conduction, magnetism, capacitance, inductance, and so forth.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic for self-programming RFID tag12 shown exemplified with acontrol circuit26 which responds to challenges received, such as throughantenna28 andinterface30. Power for the circuit is preferably stored from the challenge and regulated bypower circuit32, with optional storage capacitor. Amemory34 can be included for providing additional data, operating instructions if the controller is microprogrammed or similar. Inaddition memory34 preferably contains a random seed value (or other value(s) increasing the selectivity of response) that can be used for determining communication backoffs in certain reader configurations, wherein overlapping responses are prevented. The receipt and responding to challenges can be implemented by any convenient method, such as using generally conventional circuits.

Tag

12 is configured with printedtag sensing inputs22, depicted as leads coupled into a parallel-to-serial converter andsense circuit24. By way of example and notlimitation circuit24 could comprise a multiplexer wherein inputs are alternated with fixed voltage areas25 (i.e., ground), allowing the pattern of conductive and non-conductive regions to be readily sensed and preferably converted to a serial string for use bycontrol26 when generating a response.

In this way the present aspect of the invention provides an RFID tag, which need not be programmed for the given product, and can thus be attached over an existing UPC code for establishing the fixed product value to be generated by the RFID in response to a challenge. The tag can be reused as desired since it is not encoded with any given response code.

6.4.2 Tag Positioning Indication.

Tag

12 is shown optionally including positioning detection and communication means. In this embodiment a positioning sensor is incorporated such as in the form ofoptical sensor36,tilt sensor38,heat sensor40, and/orbuddy sensor42. These sensors provide additional data about how the RIFD tag is positioned on the tagged unit.

For example optical sensor36 (e.g., photoconductive printing (i.e. amorphous Si) provides a material whose conductance which changes in response to the ambient light, therein allowing the reader to determine that the tag is in a location that is not lit. Atilt sensor38 can be created using MEMs beam switches, polymeric circuit techniques, or the like for indicating in what orientation the device is directed, and/or any shocks applied to the device which can also be registered. These sensor implementations are preferably of a very inexpensive nature, on the order of or less than one cent, wherein their inclusion does not significantly impact application. In addition atemperature sensor40 can be included for registering problems with the stock temperature and so forth.

Abuddy sensor42 is depicted whose implementation and utility is not as readily discernable from the figure. The “buddy” sensor is configured with a means for detecting the proximity and preferably number of other RFID tags. According to one embodiment, analog sensing is used for detecting low level signal response patterns generated by nearby devices in responding to a challenge. The controller then collects this data and can relay it within its own response. In this way the reader can discern additional information about unit positioning.

In one optional mode the control circuit is configured for registering the output from other units, and optionally correlating it with the associated challenge, wherein the reader can collect from each device the specific units to which it is positioned adjacent. It will be recognized that signal strength drops with the square of distance wherein the unit is not swamped with registering too many responder signals. This mode of the invention provides a distributed sensing of positioning which can allow the reader to actually render the position of the units in a three dimensional space.

6.4.3 Tag Releasing Option.

Tag

12 is shown including an optional automated RFID releasing means46 which generates releasing signals44. In this mode of the invention the device is configured for releasing itself, tag12, or releasing some other desired adhered element, in response to receiving a proper challenge.

FIG. 17 illustrates a partial cross section of an automated tag releasingRFID tag70 configured for attachment to a surface72. In thisembodiment tag70 comprises anadhesive layer74 for attaching to a surface, such as conventional adhesives and so forth. A firstconductive layer76 overlies the adhesive and a secondconductive layer80 is over the first layer. Portions of the area between the first and second layer contains anelectroresponsive adhesive78, such as ElectRelease™. The remaining layers82 of the RFID tag including the electronics, such as shown inFIG. 2, are attached to the secondconductive layer80 and have outputs, such as44, coupled to the first and second

conductive layers

76,80. In response to a selected challenge, by itself or in combination with additional signals, conditions and the like, the circuit generates a sufficient signal power onoutputs44 to deactivate the bonding ofepoxy layer80, wherein the tag releases, or can be released from, the packaging. This provides an easily controlled means of allowing the consumer to remove tags from products without compromising the security of the tag before the item has been purchased. In this instance a challenge can be issued with special control signals, high signal power, or in combination with other signals, wherein the RFID detects that it should release and in addition has stored sufficient power to deactivate the electroresponsive adhesive layer in the tag.

As an alternative to the above, an embodiment can be fabricated in which the signal for releasing the tag is not processed bycontroller26, but is instead registered by a separate device which generates the release signal. In one embodiment of this an photocell is on the surface of the portion of the device generates power for releasing the tag in response to sufficient light intensity, which is preferably of a correct optical frequency (e.g., UV, IR and so forth) and which may be modulated according to a desired pattern, so that the tag can not be readily removed by patrons.

6.4.4 Tag Composition as Polymeric Circuits.

In one preferred embodiment of the RFID tags the circuits comprise polymeric material layers having embedded conductors and semiconductors for fabricating the internal electronics at a very low cost, such as by using inkjet printing technology. Circuits have thus been proposed using these materials, eliminating the need for lithographic steps, the use of single crystalline Si and other costly aspects of conventional integrated circuit fabrication.

6.4.5 Tag Programming Embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the invention of atag programmer90 is embodied having ahousing91 which incorporates a bar code, or textual, reader means92, such as a scanned laser and optical sensor, coupled to acontroller94 having outputs to a device being programmed96. The system allows a company employee to scan a bar code from the handle of the device and then press atrigger98 to program an RFID device and then to eject thatdevice100 for attachment to a unit (i.e. package). In this way unprogrammed RFIDs can be loaded into the device and attached to units based on their printed bar codes. The device can also be configured to collect additional information as desired, such as the quantity of devices per RFID tag, in certain applications, or other information which can be set by the user, or read from a bar code or textual input. It can be seen that a series of RFID tags are held in the device, preferably in areel configuration102, wherein these RFIDs are sequentially brought into electrical contact withprogramming connection96 prior to ejection. Acarrier strip104 is shown to which the RFID tags are temporarily adhered which is taken up on atakeup spool106 driven bymotor108 controlled byuC94.

It should be appreciated that although the above is described as per a retail trade application it may be utilized in a number of alternative ways without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

6.5 Abstract of Description

An RFID tag having extended capability to generate a response without being first programmed for a specific product, for providing additional information, for automatically releasing from a unit and so forth.

7 ENHANCED PIANO KEY SENSING

7.1 References.

Incorporates these related copending application(s) by reference:

Utility patent application entitled “USLED—Universal Sequential LED” within docket “DisplayRAST070103” Ser. No. 10/612,221 filed Jul. 1, 2003, and;

Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/394,160 filed Jul. 1, 2002.

7.2 Background

Presently a large number of sensor assemblies are required within an electronic recording player piano for registering user interaction. The present invention reduces the cost and simplifies this circuitry.

7.3 Summary.

A sequential sensor strip is described which collects data from the keys of the keyboard during user interaction. In contrast to traditional sensors which must be individually addressed, these sensors are configured to respond as a group thus simplifying addressing being more readily installed on player pianos.

7.4 Detailed Description.

FIG. 19 depicts asensor strip10 having a single set of power and signal connections11 (i.e., Pwr+, Pwr−, Data, Clock, and Reset) having a sequence ofinterconnected sensor elements12 each having a key velocity/force sensor14 and control circuits. In one implementation a series of88 such sensor elements are located on the strip, although it may be separated in strips of fewer sensors as desired.

The strip may be fabricated from flexible printed circuit materials upon which discrete devices are attached, or it may be more preferably fabricated from polymeric conductor, semiconductor, and insulator materials which are patterned to form the desired simple circuits of the inventions.

FIG. 20 depicts anelement12 of this key activity sensing strip having asensor14, such as a piezoelectric sensor which generates an output in response to key velocity, such as at impact or during travel. Apeak detector32 is shown for capturing the maximum sensor output voltage. Amonostable multivibrator34 is shown which is configured according to the invention with additional logic. Upon receiving a first clock after reset the monoshot generates a pulse whose duty cycle is determined by the voltage onpeak detector32. At the completion of the cycle the peak detector is reset with the capacitor voltage pulled to ground. The active portion of the monoshot cycle drives a data line during its portion of the sequence, such as by pulling aswitch40 coupled toline38 to ground, which is regularly pulled up. The monoshot thus forms an analog to pulse width converter. The processor receiving the stream can use a single digital input line for registering the timing and thus the key velocity/force at each sequential location.

One advantage of the pulse width output is that it can assume a range of values, without the quantization errors of traditional binary A/D converters, and is very easily implemented with few components. At the end of the monoshot interval an output clock is generated, such as through abuffer36 which is connected to the following stage. The monoshot then remains in an inactive state until a reset signal is received, whereafter it will respond to the first signal received.

In use the control processor coupled to the strip drops the reset line, generates a first clock edge to the strip. The first mono responds by generating a single pulse of a duty cycle determined by the voltage on the peak detector which has registered any hits within the preceding interval. The data line then changes from high to a low going pulse of a duration determined by the velocity of its associated key. The output from the end of the one shot interval is input to the next stage which similarly converts the peak voltage to a pulse. All the sequential units likewise modulate the data line providing data to the controller. When all data has been collected, such as from 88 keys, then the controller generates a reset and another clock pulse to read the next cycle of inputs.

It should be recognized that the controller preferably stores offset values for each of these sensor elements based on the pulse width received when the keys are not being struck.

It should be appreciated that the invention can be utilized in a number of applications wherein a force, velocity, acceleration is being sensed.

8 ZONED KEYS ON A PIANO KEYBOARD

8.1 Detailed Description.

The present invention describes instrument keyboard implementations which provide enhanced sound control to the musician by allowing the musician to control other aspect of keyboard operation based upon the portion of the key being struck.

This aspect of the invention can be implemented by modifying the circuit shown above to include registering a position, such as one of four portions of the key, and modulating the data line, or other data lines, when the monoshot is activated. For example a location can be readily encoded as two binary digits formed a fixed distance time spacing from the monoshot output. It will be appreciated that a number of implementations are possible as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Sensors on the top of the key allow registering the location at which the key is being played, for example in a first or second zone or within one of three zones. The use of the different zones allows the artist to control effects without the need of additional keyboards. For example, the musician can have a keyboard synthesizer in which finger contact with the distal end of the key results in playback according to a first synthesized instrument output, while contact with a proximal portion results in a second synthesized instrument output.

Additionally, another embodiment describes linear position sensing in which the contact position is registered according to one of many positions or a range of positions is detected. This can allow the user to establish multiple personalities for the instrument and further allow morphing between the multiple personalities.

In one embodiment the key sensor is configured to allow the musician to press the key to produce a first note and then to slide their finger on the key to warp the note or otherwise change its output characteristics in response to the finger position changes.

A sensitive material overlay, such as piezoelectric, or other alternative forms of contact pressure and/or position sensing can be utilized with the present invention to register where and how the key is being contacted. In a preferred embodiment the contact sensing on the surface of the key does not take the place of the key travel and key motion detection, which can be provided conventionally, or by any desired means.

In a keyboard synthesizer, the software is preferably configured to allow the user to select the voices for the keyboard, and preferably the sections of the keyboard as well as determining transitional modes of the keyboard which are controlled by finger motions on the key. These can be preferably selected to control trans-voice control (a movement between voices), extra-voice control (additional voice blending), and voice modulation effects (i.e. warbling, warping, reclocking statically, reclocking ramp-down, and other sound effects and combinations applied to the note).

9 AUDIO CONTENT SOURCE DYNAMIC RANGE SELECTION

9.1 Background

One of the difficulties with listening to any audio content source is that the wide range of audio volumes during the piece, show, program, or whatever, can require the user to be consistently fiddling with the source volume to maintain comfort. No suitable solutions to this dilemma have been found.

9.2 Summary.

An apparatus is described for controlling the audio output of sources to maintain a comfortable listening level despite the changes in audio drive outputs and the like.

9.3 Detailed Description.

The incorporation of a simple dynamic range control within an audio device still requires that the user modulate the dynamic range for a given volume setting, wherein they cannot just leave the settings and enjoy each piece without adjustment.

It has not been fully appreciated in the industry that many users want to minimize the need to fiddle with the adjustments while being provided a consistent output. The industry often seems to believe that every user has perfect hearing, in a perfect audio environment, with perfect equipment, and is not doing anything else but listening or watching and listening. In actual practice users listening environments are very fluid and dynamic and the audio source themselves can be very dynamic wherein it is difficult for users to establish a comfortable listening situation which allows them to still hear every portion, without being “blasted” by portions of the content, disturbing other individuals and so forth. Many persons, for example, have preferred listening to their old LP records instead of newer CDs, and some believe the primary reason for this is that the LPs were configured with a lower dynamic range, wherein the user was better able to hear both the low volume and high volume passages although the music is not reproduced as accurately.

FIG. 21 illustrates a simple compander for preventing the distortion from large inputs that would result in clipping of the amplifier.

The compander circuit consists of two amplifier stages. The gain of the first amp is variable and the gain of the second stage is fixed. Some part of the output is rectified by the two diodes and the DC voltage so developed is used to drive the 2N2222 transistor. This transistor will in turn vary the gain of the first stage. This trick is the basis of the compression and expansion process. Take a look at diode D1, the bias of this diode is controlled by the 2N2222. When the output of the second stage is low, the 2N2222 is not driven very hard and diode D1 becomes back-biased. Current flows through the resistor that goes into the non-inverting input of the first stage amplifier and its gain increases. As the output of the fixed gain amp increases, the 2N2222 is driven harder and D1 becomes more forward-biased. Current through the same resistor is diverted to ground instead of to the OP-amp input. Its gain is therefore reduced.

The first stage uses a Quad amp but only one was used. The rest of the remaining amp in the IC can be used according to user desires. The 74C04 is a hex inverter digital IC. Three of the inverting amps are wired in series and biased to work in their linear range. The other three are unused. The input can be fed with a medium to high impedance source, such as a microphones, although conditioning circuits can be included to allow receiving any source. This compander operates only when driven moderately hard, it will not take care of setting a minimum volume level.

FIG. 22 illustrates one simple embodiment of a dual compander-expander30 which a dynamic range control which directed to range between a maximum volume setting and a minimum volume setting. The system and method can be utilized upon a variety of audio systems. The method of companding the sound can be implemented in a number of different ways and controlled between the two settings (Min & Max) depending on the type of content, selections from the user, and so forth. For example, the maximum volume setting may operate as a threshold under which less than 5% of content exceeds. Other settings can be established so that the user gets a desired experience without the need to adjust each element.

Circuit

30 illustrates an analog example having stereo amplification fromamps3234. The minimum and maximum levels are set for both channels from a single channel. Anfirst integrator36 operates on a first channel for analyzing the sound determining how it relates to the minimum threshold level, as set by input control38 (or other means of selection). The output ofintegrator36 modulates the transfer function of again control block40, such as in the feedback path ofamplifier32, as well ascontrol block46, such as in the feedback path ofamplifier34. In this way gain is increased for both channels when the minimum input signals are below the threshold.

gain stage

40,46 is changed for

amplifier

32,34, wherein sound is contained in the desired range. Compansion of the sound is preferably performed as a smooth transition about the minimum or maximum threshold.

The preferred inclusion of an integrator means allows for short portions of the audio content to temporarily exceed the threshold, such as can arise with explosion sounds. Users are more annoyed with sound levels that are maintained at too high a level, or conversely maintained at too low of a level for their particular sound system and ability to hear.

In a preferred embodiment the maximum and minimum volumes levels control companding of the audio between the selected minimum and maximum setting selected by the user. It will be appreciated that users can opt to set the maximum or minimum to their full extent at which no companding is performed.

In preferred embodiments the integrators or gain control stages are further modulated in response to signals from a processor based on a listening profile and/or characteristics of the sound source which have been detected.

Modulation circuits

50,52 are shown coupled to the integrators. These are controlled by analog or digital signals. In the embodiment shown a number of bits (serially, or more preferably in parallel) are received by the modulators from a microcontroller, microprocessor, DSP, neural net chip, or other programmable element. Alternately, the entire companding function (or any portion thereof can be performed digitally.

By providing the additional companding control, the compansion can be performed both according to desired user profiles and in response to any characteristics detected in the audio signals, such as by a separate DSP, information from a program guide, longer term historical information, history of compansion setting over recent time periods and so forth. In any regard the compansion is modulated in response to the characteristics of the audio source. For example the audio listening aspects of an action-packed movie on a television set would generally be different than what that same individual would want when listening to an opera.

The use of DSP allows speech recognition algorithms to detect the presence of speech to assure that it is properly amplified so the user does not miss the audio track. The system can also recognize sounds such as explosions, commercials, and the like wherein the compansion is modulated in response. By adding a delay stage before the amplifier, but not the detector, the circuit can have additional time for determining the characteristics of the incoming audio source. For example, spoken words recognized by the system are subject to being amplified by the compander in a different manner than other sounds. For example establishing a higher threshold for dialogue than for noises and sounds. In this way the dialogue is amplified sufficiently to assure the user hears it, while noises and such having little actual content are amplified less, or not at all.

In a very beneficial aspect of the invention the beginning of the media is encoded with information about the volume of media being reproduced. By way of example, a information about the maximum, minimum, median, average volume, and so forth, can be encoded to aid systems in establishing playback levels suitable to the user. In another embodiment the media (DVD, CD, etc.) can be encoded with pointers to the selected loud and soft passages, wherein the user can manually adjust playback volume before starting, based on these sections, or more preferably rely on software in the player which adjusts the settings based on these sections of the media being played. This data can be used in conjunction with user settings to control companding of the audio being processed.

10 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING EQUIPMENT

10.1 Detailed Description.

(1) Fans whose speed and/or structure is modulated for the generation of desired sound effect, such as simulating natural conditions such as blowing breezes. Although the invention can be practiced in response to only changing fan speed, other changes can be utilized to provide additional distinctiveness.

FIG. 23 illustratesembodiment10 havingfan12 whose speed is controlled by switch14 (i.e., MOSFET, bipolar transistor, etc.) operating in a pulse-width modulated (PWM) mode, analog mode, or as a stepper motor, or an AC motor, or other selected speed control mechanism. Acontrol circuit16 is shown, exemplified as a microcontroller which modulates a signal to switch14 in response to an audio source, such as from amemory20, anoutside source22, or in response to ambient sounds, such as received frommicrophone24, either directly or mixed with the other sources, such as bymixer26. One ormore temp sensors28 can be utilized for determining the long term level of cooling that is necessary, wherein the average cooling power provided is set to be sufficient to prevent thermal overload, overheating, thermal runaway and so forth. It will be appreciated that a form of companding can be performed on the audio signal wherein the amplitude of the signal for driving fan intensity is always at a level beyond what is thermally needed to cool the device.

In another embodiment, the blade geometry can be changed, such as using piezo materials which are flexed in response to a voltage application. Furthermore the structure/geometry of the fan housing may be changed, such as actuating structures which are displaced in relation to the moving fan blade in order to modulate sound output from the fan. The same circuit as shown may be utilized however the actuators in the fan are controlled as an alternative, or in addition, to controlling the speed of the fan. In this way more variations in sound and characteristics can be produced, while maintaining proper cooling.

In another embodiment cooling fluid pumps are utilized whose speed is modulated to provide desired sound effects. In addition a heat exchanger (i.e., radiator) can be configured to allow further modulation of sound effects. In addition, fluid can be pumped through visible chambers as well to provide an aesthetic appeal, in particular if bubbles, or other elements are also generated or mixed with the moving fluid.

11 CONCLUSION—INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFICATION

The aspects, modes, embodiments, variations, and features described are considered beneficial to the embodiments described or select applications or uses; but are illustrative of the invention wherein they may be left off or substituted for without departing from the scope of the invention. Preferred elements of the invention may be referred to whose inclusion is generally optional, limited to specific applications or embodiment, or with respect to desired uses, results, cost factors and so forth which would be known to one practicing said invention or variations thereof.

It should be appreciated that each aspect of the invention may generally be practiced independently, or in combinations with elements described herein or elsewhere depending on the application and desired use. Modes may be utilized with the aspects described or similar aspects of this or other devices and/or methods. Embodiments exemplify the modes and aspects of the invention and may include any number of variations and features which may be practiced with the embodiment, separately or in various combinations with other embodiments.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”