Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130328857 | Streaming Hierarchy Traversal Renderer - A method is provided for a streaming hierarchy traversal renderer with particular application for feature films and other demanding content creation using scenes of high complexity that cannot fit in memory. The renderer organizes scene geometry into a spatial hierarchy, generates directional queries to be traced in the spatial hierarchy, performs a streaming hierarchy traversal over the directional queries, and uses the results of the directional queries to shade or render the scene. The traversal performs a single pass over the directional queries for splitting into one child stream of directional queries for each child node at each scene node in the hierarchy. A prioritized traversal of the hierarchy may also be carried out using various cost-metrics for optimized parallelism. The rendering may also bounce the directional queries to provide multi-pass global illumination. | 12-12-2013 |
20130328875 | Integration Cone Tracing - A method is provided for integration cone tracing with particular application for feature films and other demanding content creation using scenes of high complexity requiring global illumination. Instead of using a conventional noise prone ray tracer, cones are intersected with a scene bounding hierarchy to determine intersecting scene geometry, and integration results are computed by directional sampling within the cones. As a result, the working data set may be reduced as the rendering may begin with a smaller set of cones as compared to the large number of rays required for acceptable filtering in a conventional ray tracer. Furthermore, by refining the cones during the rendering only on an as-needed basis according to an acceptable noise threshold and by sharing secondary cone bounces among primary cones, the processing workload and data set requirements may be kept to a reasonable level even for multiple global illumination passes. | 12-12-2013 |
20130329107 | Streaming Light Propagation - A method is provided for streaming light propagation with particular application for feature films and other demanding content creation using scenes of high complexity requiring art directed global illumination. By attaching a data recording shader or equivalent functionality to any tracing based renderer that can provide multi-pass global illumination, the complete set of light bounce propagation records and the set of emissive samples for a particular rendering can be recorded to memory or disk. A user may edit the emissive samples to adjust the lighting environment, including modifying light source color and intensity and even moving and adding new emissive samples. To relight the scene, the edited emissive samples are processed through the propagation records using a streaming multiply-and-add operation amenable to high levels of parallelization, avoiding a costly re-rendering of the scene and providing a final quality result in interactive time. | 12-12-2013 |
20140098086 | RAY CONE HIERARCHY RENDERER - Some aspects of the disclosure include systems and methods for grouping rays into sets according to their directions. In some cases, the rays of the directional sets may then be organized into a hierarchy according to their origins and bounding cones are generated for the hierarchy nodes. The resulting bounding cone hierarchy may be intersected with a bounding volume hierarchy or other scene hierarchy. | 04-10-2014 |
20140253576 | Ordering Rays In Rendered Graphics For Coherent Shading - There is provided a system and a method for ordering rays in rendered graphics for coherent shading. The method comprises recording, using the processor, intersection points for each of a plurality of directional queries in the memory, wherein each of the plurality of directional queries has one intersection point, organizing, using the processor, the intersection points in the memory into a plurality of elements, and grouping, using the processor, the intersection points in the memory by shading context. The method may further comprise shading the intersection points, wherein the shading is performed on a plurality of elements substantially concurrently. The shading context may include a volume of intersection points. In another implementation, the shading context may be one of texture ID, material ID, and element ID. Additionally, the texture ID may correspond to a mesh face ID. | 09-11-2014 |
20140327675 | Ray-Mediated Illumination Control - There is provided a method for ray-mediated illumination control. The method includes identifying a first activation region corresponding to one of an origin and a destination of a ray, where the ray is described by a ray data associated with the ray. The method further includes identifying a second activation region corresponding to the other one of the origin and the destination of the ray, interpreting an illumination rule for the ray based on at least one of the first activation region and the second activation region, and modifying an illumination in one of the first activation region and the second activation region based on the illumination rule and the ray data. | 11-06-2014 |
20160071308 | Distribution Caching for Direct Lights - There is provided a system and method of distribution caching for direct lights in a scene. The system including a memory and a processor configured to execute a rendering software application to shoot a plurality of rays through a scene that includes a plurality of lights, generate a plurality of cache points at different locations throughout the scene based on the shooting of the plurality of rays, compute a list of lights for each cache point from the plurality of cache points, the list of lights including lights from the plurality of lights that provide illumination at a location of the cache point, and store the plurality of cache points in a memory. The processor may further be configured to execute the rendering software application to render the scene using the cache point database. | 03-10-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090193339 | SOCIALLY-AUTHORED CONTEXT-INITIATED PROCESSES - Embodiments herein provide a method that maintains computerized scripts. The scripts provide assistance to users with respect to using at least one computer software application that is operating on a computerized device. The method receives, from the user, at least one trigger. This process creates or “authors” the trigger. This “trigger” is an item that automatically initiates at least one of the scripts for the user. In addition, the method adds the trigger to the computer software application (not automatically, but instead based on user input). Thus, when initiated by the trigger, the script automatically outputs assistance (text, sounds, illustrations, educational videos, etc.) to the user through the computerized interface of the computerized device, so as to provide the needed assistance to the user. | 07-30-2009 |
20090285372 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AWARENESS OF AND CONTEXT FOR PHONE CONVERSATIONS ACROSS MULTIPLE PERSONAL DEVICES - Disclosed are embodiments of a system and method for automating the exchange of information between the multiple personal computerized devices of an entity so as to provide context for communications, such as incoming and/or outgoing telephone calls, with other entities. The system and method associate one entity with multiple devices. Communications over a device (e.g., one of the various types of telephones) are tracked. Then, for a given communication, an identifier (e.g., a caller ID from an incoming telephone call) is communicated to at least one other device. The other device performs a local and/or internet search for information associated with that particular identifier. The retrieved information is then displayed so as to provide the entity with essentially instantaneous context for the given communication. The system can be implemented using client-server network technology or, alternatively, using point-to-point communication technology. | 11-19-2009 |
20100153515 | System and Method for Authoring New Lightweight Web Applications Using Application Traces on Existing Websites - Disclosed are embodiments of an invention for assisting a user with creating a customized web application from an existing web application. The embodiments use a first computer system to access an existing website. As a user performs a task on the existing website, a software application for a new website is authored by processor(s) on the first computer system and/or a second computer system in communication with the first computer system based on traced interactions between the user and the existing website. Additionally, a storyboard for the new website is developed. The storyboard will contain screens with both automatically-clipped and user-clipped content from the existing website. Navigation details for the transitions between the storyboard screens are provided based on the recorded interaction events. Once developed, the software application for the new website can be uploaded to a proxy server through which it can be accessed by another computer system (e.g., a mobile device) and used to perform the same or similar tasks on the other device. | 06-17-2010 |
20110167362 | CUSTOMIZING AT LEAST ONE COMPUTER SOFTWARE APPLICATION FOR AT LEAST ONE USER BASED ON DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE USER - The present invention provides a processor-implemented method and system of customizing at least one computer software application for at least one user based on data associated with the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the method and system include, (1) allowing the user to specify the data, (2) permitting the user to associate the data with at least one field in the application, and (3) letting the user change the structure of the application based on at least one preference value stored in at least one preference database. In an exemplary embodiment, the method and system include (1) allowing the user to specify the data, (2) permitting the user to associate the data with at least one field in the application, and (3) letting the user change the content of the application based on at least one preference value stored in at least one preference database. | 07-07-2011 |
20110179087 | METHOD FOR COMBINING AND PROCESSING WEB DATA USING TABLES AND PROGRAMMING-BY-DEMONSTRATION - A method, system and program product for combining and processing web data using tables and programming-by-demonstration is disclosed. Direct manipulation and programming-by-demonstration techniques are used to automatically populate tables with information collected from various web sites. The invention augments a data set with new values computed by a web site. | 07-21-2011 |
20110196853 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A SCRIPT TO PERFORM A TASK AT A TARGET WEB INTERFACE INSTANCE - A computer-implemented method for automatically generating a script for a target web interface instance. Embodiments include receiving a task description of a task to be completed on a target web interface instance. The computer-implemented method also includes repeating steps until the task is completed. The repeating steps include determining from the target web interface instance a plurality of actions that may be performed on the target web interface instance and using the task description, predicting which action of the plurality of actions from the target web interface instance is an action most likely to be selected. The repeating steps also include performing the action most likely to be selected, thus proceeding to a first web interface instance and setting the first web interface instance as the target web interface instance. | 08-11-2011 |
20130055268 | AUTOMATED WEB TASK PROCEDURES BASED ON AN ANALYSIS OF ACTIONS IN WEB BROWSING HISTORY LOGS - Embodiments of the invention relate to generating automated web task procedures from an analysis of web history logs. One aspect of the invention concerns a method that comprises identifying sequences of related web actions from a web log, grouping each set of similar web actions into an action class, and mapping the sequences of related web actions into sequences of action classes. The method further clusters each group of similar sequences of action classes into a cluster, wherein relationships among the action classes in the cluster are represented by a state machine, and generates automated web task procedures from the state machine. | 02-28-2013 |
20130325975 | LOCATION ESTIMATION OF SOCIAL NETWORK USERS - Various embodiments of the invention relate to estimating the location of social network users. In one embodiment, a plurality of social media messages generated by a given user is received. A plurality of location features is extracted from the social media messages. Each of the location features is processed with at least one classifier from an ensemble of classifiers. A location classification is generated by each of the classifiers for each of the social media messages. Each classification comprises a location and a weight associated with that location. Once of the locations is selected from the location classifications as the location of the given user based on a combination of the weights of the location classifications. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325977 | LOCATION ESTIMATION OF SOCIAL NETWORK USERS - Various embodiments relate to estimating the location of social network users. In one embodiment, a plurality of social media messages generated by a given user is received. A plurality of location features is extracted from the social media messages. Each of the location features is processed with at least one classifier from an ensemble of classifiers. A location classification is generated by each of the classifiers for each of the social media messages. Each classification comprises a location and a weight associated with that location. Once of the locations is selected from the location classifications as the location of the given user based on a combination of the weights of the location classifications. | 12-05-2013 |
20140019979 | AUTOMATED WEB TASK PROCEDURES BASED ON AN ANALYSIS OF ACTIONS IN WEB BROWSING HISTORY LOGS - Embodiments of the invention relate to generating automated web task procedures from an analysis of web history logs. One aspect of the invention concerns a method that comprises identifying sequences of related web actions from a web log, grouping each set of similar web actions into an action class, and mapping the sequences of related web actions into sequences of action classes. The method further clusters each group of similar sequences of action classes into a cluster, wherein relationships among the action classes in the cluster are represented by a state machine, and generates automated web task procedures from the state machine. | 01-16-2014 |
20140120515 | IDENTIFICATION FOR PERFORMING TASKS IN OPEN SOCIAL MEDIA - Embodiments of the invention relate to user identification in social media for task performance based on past usage and traits. One embodiment includes identifying users of a social media platform for ability of performing a task. Readiness scores are predicted based on past usage of the social media platform. A predicted readiness score includes a value corresponding to whether a user is predicted to be ready for performing the task. Users that are ready to perform the task are determined based on comparing the readiness scores with a threshold. Willingness scores for performing the task by the users determined to be able and ready to perform the task are determined. A willingness score includes a value corresponding to whether a user is estimated to be willing for performing the task. Users that are willing to perform the task are determined based on comparing the willingness scores with a threshold. | 05-01-2014 |
20140214831 | INTEGRATING SMART SOCIAL QUESTION AND ANSWERS ENABLED FOR USE WITH SOCIAL NETWORKING TOOLS - Embodiments include a program product and a method for providing responses to questions provided on a social media site. The method includes receiving, via a processor, a user question from a social networking site and decomposing and filtering the user question so that it can be further analyzed. The method also includes generating a list of most closely matched potential responders based on analysis of the user question and sending the most closely matched potential responders the user question. Upon receiving responses back from the most closest matched potential responders, these responses are aggregated by the processor in a final response format. | 07-31-2014 |
20140280610 | IDENTIFICATION OF USERS FOR INITIATING INFORMATION SPREADING IN A SOCIAL NETWORK - Embodiments of the invention relate to identifying users for initiating information spreading in social network. In one embodiment, information for one or more users of a social network is collected and one or more features for each of the one or more users based on the collected information is computed. The one or more features are compared with a statistical model and calculating a probability that each of the one or more users will spread a message received from outside their social network based on the comparison. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120319825 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND MEANS FOR RESTRICTING CONTROL OF A HOME ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE BY A MOBILE DEVICE - Methods and systems for restricting control of a home entertainment device by a mobile device are provided. In particular, in some embodiments, these methods and systems define a region for the mobile device. Then the methods and systems determine whether the mobile device is within a predetermined range of the region. In response to determining that the mobile device is within the predetermined range of the region, the methods and systems enable the mobile device to control a first function of the home entertainment equipment. In response to determining that the mobile device is outside of the predetermined range of the region, the methods and systems prevent the mobile device from controlling the first function of the home entertainment device and enable the mobile device to control a second function of the home entertainment device that is different from the first function. | 12-20-2012 |
20130007661 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AND DISPLAYING USER PREFERENCE TAG CLOUDS - Systems and methods for generating and displaying user preferences in a tag cloud are provided in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. A user preference tag cloud may be of any shape and size and may be generated using a stencil selected by a user. A user preference tag cloud may thus present a user's media preferences in an attractive and compelling visual arrangement that, in some embodiments, also functions as an intuitive interface which allows users to indicate and/or modify their preferences. | 01-03-2013 |
20130165152 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING ACTIONS BASED ON LOCATION-BASED RULES - Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules are provided. In particular, these methods and systems may store an entertainment profile of a user, wherein the entertainment profile identifies entertainment media characteristics of the user. It may then be determined that the user entered a predetermined range of a location. In response to this, a location-based rule that corresponds to the location and that defines an action to be taken may be automatically identified. Based on the location-based rule, the location, and the entertainment profile of the user, the action may be performed. | 06-27-2013 |
20130167091 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NAVIGATING IN A HYPER-DIMENSIONAL MEDIA GUIDANCE APPLICATION - Systems and methods for navigating in a hyper-dimensional media guidance application are provided. A first group of content listings is displayed in a first grid corresponding to two grid dimensions (e.g., time versus content source). In response to a user selection of a navigational option, a second group of content listings is displayed in a second grid corresponding to a previous grid dimension and a different grid dimension (e.g., time versus parental rating or genre versus content source). Each grid of content listings may be displayed on a face of an illustrated three-dimensional object that may rotate from displaying one face to displaying another in response to a user navigational option selection. The number of grids displayable to a user is not limited by the physical number of faces on any actual three-dimensional object. | 06-27-2013 |
20130170818 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING PLAYBACK AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS - Embodiments provide methods and systems for synchronizing simultaneous media asset viewing for users at different geographical viewing locations. In some embodiments, a first user device receives a request to synchronize viewing of a media asset with a second user device. Control circuitry may automatically determine that the media asset is available to the second user device after becoming available so the first user device. Based on the determining, the control circuitry may automatically schedule the media asset for recording on the first user device. In some embodiments, control circuitry synchronizes viewing of the media asset when the media access becomes available to the second user device. The second user device may access a video feed transmitted by a media source, while the first user device accesses a video feed of a recorded media asset. | 07-04-2013 |
20130173533 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SHARING PROFILE INFORMATION USING USER PREFERENCE TAG CLOUDS - Systems and methods for sharing user profile information using tag clouds are provided in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. A first tag cloud may be generated from attributes stored in a first user profile and a second tag cloud may be generated from attributes stored in a second user profile. A user may drag-and-drop attributes between the two tag clouds and, in response, the underlying user profiles may be updated. Tag clouds may thus present a user's media preferences in an attractive and compelling visual arrangement that, in some embodiments, also functions as an intuitive interface for copying preferences between user profiles. | 07-04-2013 |
20130173742 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LATENCY-BASED SYNCHRONIZED PLAYBACK AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS - Embodiments provide methods and systems for synchronizing simultaneous media asset viewing for users at different geographical viewing locations. In some embodiments, a first user device receives a request to synchronize viewing of a media asset with a second user device. If the first user device accepts the request for synchronized viewing, the first and second user devices receive the media asset from a common source. Control circuitry at the common source may determine the latencies to the first and second user devices. The transmission of the media asset to the first and second user devices is adjusted according to the latencies. | 07-04-2013 |
20130179698 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIONS RELATING TO POWER-ON OF A USER EQUIPMENT DEVICE - Systems and methods for setting up a power-on state of a user equipment device using a media guidance application are provided. A power-on state may specify media content related actions to be performed by the user equipment device when the user equipment device next powers on. In particular, in response to a user request to power off the user equipment device, the user may be presented with multiple power-on state options on a power-off screen. A user selection of a power-on state option may be received and a start-up routine of the user equipment device may be configured such that the user equipment device performs the media content related actions specified by the selected power-on state when it powers on. | 07-11-2013 |
20130257749 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NAVIGATING CONTENT ON A USER EQUIPMENT HAVING A MULTI-REGION TOUCH SENSITIVE DISPLAY - Systems and methods are provided for navigating media content information using a media guidance application implemented on a portable device with a touch-sensitive display. A touch-sensitive display screen with at least two portions is displayed. The first portion is dedicated to receive handwritten input. The second portion is dedicated to display an interactive media guide and receive navigation direction input or selection input. Upon receiving handwritten input on the first portion of the touch-sensitive display, the device displays a media content corresponding to the received handwritten input in the media guide of the second portion of the touch-sensitive device. | 10-03-2013 |
20130275519 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY RESPONDING TO A MESSAGE ABOUT UNVIEWED CONTENT - Embodiments provide methods and systems for automatically generating a response to a message related to unviewed content. In some embodiments, a user sends a message that relates to a particular media asset to another user. A server that receives the message from the sender identifies the media asset to which the message relates. The server also maintains or accesses a viewing history that identifies media assets that the recipient has viewed. The server cross-references the identity of the media asset with the viewing history to determine whether the recipient has viewed the media asset. If the recipient has not viewed the media asset, the server refrains from transmitting the message to the recipient, and the server automatically generates a response to the sender of the message indicating that the recipient has not seen the media asset. | 10-17-2013 |
20130305287 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING A USER PROFILE BASED CUSTOMIZED MEDIA GUIDE THAT INCLUDES AN INTERNET SOURCE - Systems and methods for presenting user-generated content in an easily accessible manner using an interactive media guide are provided. In particular, a user may be able to peruse user-generated content through an interactive media guide which is also used to access non-user-generated media content such as linear programming (e.g., over-the-air broadcast, cable, and satellite scheduled programming) and on-demand media. The interactive media guide may include a provider of user-generated content populated with user-generated content according to the user's interests or most recently added to the provider. | 11-14-2013 |
20140007170 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING PLAYBACK AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS | 01-02-2014 |
20140089017 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING AN ENTERTAINMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - Methods and systems are described herein for allocating and assigning seats within a venue, based on user profile information. A cluster of user profiles is selected based on a correlation of values of a common attribute of the user profiles. Seats within the venue are allocated to a first zone based on the correlation, and are assigned to users associated with the user profiles. | 03-27-2014 |
20140094151 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AUDIO PLAYBACK ON PORTABLE DEVICES WITH VEHICLE EQUIPMENT - Systems and methods are provided for playing media assets in a vehicle. A signal indicating the existence of a voice call is detected in a vehicle. It is determined whether a portable device inside the vehicle is outputting audio to a first audio device. If a portable device is outputting audio to a first audio device, the audio level of the output audio component is compared with an audio level threshold to determine whether the output of the audio component to the first audio device interferes with audio output of the call. If the output audio component is determined to interfere with the audio output of the call, the audio component output through the first audio device is repressed. If the output audio component is determined to not interfere with the audio output of the call, the audio component is output through the first audio device without interruption. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096263 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENABLING AN AUTOMATIC LICENSE FOR MASHUPS - Systems and methods for managing digital rights settings are provided. In some aspects, the systems and methods described include receiving user input including an order for obtaining access rights to a media asset. Control circuitry determines whether the media asset is associated with a first package of media assets. The control circuitry cross-references a database of user order history to determine whether the user has obtained access rights for each media asset in the first package of media assets. If the user has obtained access rights for each media asset in the first package of media assets, the control circuitry generates digital rights settings for each media asset in the first package of media assets to enable the user to create a mashup. The mashup includes portions of at least one media asset in the first package. The control circuitry generates a display based on the digital rights settings. | 04-03-2014 |
20140201780 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING A USER PROFILE BASED CUSTOMIZED MEDIA GUIDE THAT INCLUDES AN INTERNET SOURCE - Systems and methods for presenting user-generated content in as easily accessible manner using an interactive media guide are provided. In particular, a user may be able to peruse user-generated content through an interactive media guide which is also used to access non-user-generated media content such as linear programming (e.g., over-the-air broadcast, cable, and satellite scheduled programming) and on-demand media. The interactive media guide may include a provider of user-generated content populated with user-generated content according to the user's interests or most recently added to the provider. | 07-17-2014 |
20140342759 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING ACTIONS BASED ON LOCATION-BASED RULES - Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules are provided. In particular, these methods and systems may store an entertainment profile of a user, wherein the entertainment profile identifies entertainment media characteristics of the user. It may then be determined that the user entered a predetermined range of a location. In response to this, a location-based rule that corresponds to the location and that defines an action to be taken may be automatically identified. Based on the location-based rule, the location, and the entertainment profile of the user, the action may be performed. | 11-20-2014 |
20140350798 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF A MEDIA ASSET IN A VEHICLE - Methods and systems are disclosed for a guidance application capable of coordinating the interior features of a vehicle (e.g., the heating/cooling system, automatic windows, automatic seats, automatic sunroof, seat heaters, etc.) to produce the current environmental conditions (e.g., sunshine, heat, wind, etc.) displayed in a media asset being accessed in the vehicle. | 11-27-2014 |
20150020216 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENABLING AN AUTOMATIC LICENSE FOR MASHUPS - Systems and methods for managing digital rights settings are provided. In some aspects, the systems and methods described include receiving user input including an order for obtaining access rights to a media asset. Control circuitry determines whether of media asset is associated with a first package of media assets. The control circuitry cross-references a database of user order history to determine whether the user has obtained access rights for each media asset in the first package of media assets. If the user has obtained access rights for each media asset in the first package of media assets, the control circuitry generates digital rights settings for each media asset in the first package of media assets to enable the user to create a mashup. The mashup includes portions of at least one media asset in the first package. The control circuitry generates a display based on the digital rights settings. | 01-15-2015 |
20150029087 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING POWER CONSUMPTION IN A USER DEVICE BASED ON BRAIN ACTIVITY - Methods and systems are disclosed herein for adjusting power consumption and/or sensitivity levels of a user device based on the current brain activity of a user. For example, a media guidance application implemented on a user device may monitor brain activity of a user. In response to determining particular brain activity (e.g., associated with the inactivity of the user), the media guidance application may initiate a stand-by mode in order to reduce power consumption. | 01-29-2015 |
20150033245 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING ATTENTIVENESS OF A USER BASED ON BRAIN ACTIVITY - Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application configured to monitor attentiveness of a user based on the brain activity of the user. For example, a media guidance application may monitor brain activity associated with an attentiveness level of the user and in response to determining the attentiveness level of the user does not correspond to the threshold attentiveness level, perform an operation associated with a low attentiveness level of the user (e.g., performing a scan operation through various content providers). | 01-29-2015 |
20150033258 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEDIA GUIDANCE APPLICATIONS CONFIGURED TO MONITOR BRAIN ACTIVITY - Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that may monitor the brain activity of a user and determine a first brain state of the user based on the brain activity, in which the first brain state corresponds to a first mood. The media guidance application may also select a second brain state that corresponds to a second mood of the user. In response to determining the first brain state does not correspond to the second brain state, the media guidance application may generate a display of a media asset to the user that is associated with inducing the second brain state. | 01-29-2015 |
20150033259 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING OPERATIONS IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN BRAIN ACTIVITY OF A USER - Methods and systems are disclosed herein for performing operations in response to changes in brain activity of a user. For example, a media guidance application implemented on a user device may monitor the brain activity of the user (e.g., in order to perform one of more operations based on the brain activity of the user). In response to detecting particular brain activity (e.g., indicating that a user has fallen asleep), the media guidance application may instruct the user device to cease monitoring the brain activity of the user. | 01-29-2015 |
20150033262 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING ICONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING BRAIN STATE FEEDBACK - Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application configured to generate for display an icon that provides feedback to a user related to the current brain activity of the user. For example, a media guidance application may monitor the brain activity of the user in order to determine whether or not to perform a particular operation. The media guidance application may further generate a display of icons that inform the user of the current brain activity of the user and/or the progress of the user towards achieving a particular operation. | 01-29-2015 |
20150033266 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEDIA GUIDANCE APPLICATIONS CONFIGURED TO MONITOR BRAIN ACTIVITY IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF A BRAIN - Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application configured to monitor brain activity in various regions of a brain of a user in order to navigate, recommend, provide access to, and perform operations related to media content. For example, in response to detecting that particular brain activity in a region of the brain does not correspond to a threshold range of brain activity for that region of the brain, a media guidance application may perform a media guidance operation related to that region of the brain. | 01-29-2015 |
20150039421 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECOMMENDING MEDIA ASSETS BASED ON SCENT - Methods and systems are disclosed for selecting media assets based on a scent detected at a location of a user device. For example, a media guidance application implemented on a user device may incorporate or have access to a scent detection component, which may determine one or more scents at the location of the user device. The media guidance application may then select a media asset that corresponds to the determined one or more scents. | 02-05-2015 |
20150189375 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING INFORMATION TO GROUPS OF USERS USING USER OPTICAL DEVICES - Methods and systems are disclosed herein for presenting information to groups of users using user optical devices that enable each user to view and share media content in a collaborative manner. For example, users using linked user optical devices may perceive a media playlist on a particular wall. The media playlist may then be modified (e.g., media assets may be added and/or removed) based on any of the users contacting the particular wall. | 07-02-2015 |
20150244972 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING LENGTHS OF TIME FOR RETAINING MEDIA ASSETS - Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that automatically manages the storage and deletion of media assets received by a user. For example, based on the source, content, context, file type, size, current storage capabilities, or another characteristic of the media asset, the media guidance application may determine a length of time to retain the media asset. | 08-27-2015 |
20150281635 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RE-RECORDING CONTENT ASSOCIATED WITH RE-EMERGED POPULARITY - Systems and methods for re-recording content associated with popularity that re-emerged are provided. A plurality of media assets is recorded. Responsive to determining that popularity of a given one of the plurality of media assets fell below a first threshold, the given media asset is selected for deletion and the given media asset is added to a list of a plurality of media assets that have been selected for deletion. Popularity for the given media asset in the list is retrieved after selecting the given media asset for deletion. The retrieved popularity of the given media asset, which previously fell below the first threshold, is compared to a second threshold. In response to determining that the retrieved popularity of the given media asset, which previously fell below the first threshold, is now above the second threshold, an action relating to re-recording the given media asset is performed. | 10-01-2015 |
20150281764 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A SEQUENCE OF VIDEO-CLIPS IN A PICTURE-IN-GUIDE - Systems and methods for providing a sequence of video clips are provided. A user input identifying a source of video is received. Responsive to the user input, a plurality of future videos provided by the source that is unavailable to the user at a time when the user input was received is identified. A sequence of video clips associated with the identified plurality of future videos is generated. | 10-01-2015 |
20160029169 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING ACTIONS BASED ON LOCATION-BASED RULES - Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules are provided. In particular, these methods and systems may store an entertainment profile of a user, wherein the entertainment profile identifies entertainment media characteristics of the user. It may then be determined that the user entered a predetermined range of a location. In response to this, a location-based rule that corresponds to the location and that defines an action to be taken may be automatically identified. Based on the location-based rule, the location, and the entertainment profile of the user, the action may be performed. | 01-28-2016 |
20160055879 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY PERFORMING MEDIA ACTIONS BASED ON STATUS OF EXTERNAL COMPONENTS - Systems and methods for automatically performing a media action based on the status of external components are provided. A media asset is determined to be presented on a user equipment device. Components external to the user equipment device are monitored to obtain status information pertaining to the components. A determination is made as to whether a media action is associated with the status information. The identified media action is performed for the media asset in response to determining that the media asset is associated with the status information. | 02-25-2016 |
20160117542 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INVOKING FUNCTIONS BASED ON WHETHER A PARTIAL PRINT OR AN ENTIRE PRINT IS DETECTED - Systems and methods are described herein for expanding the functionality of a print scanner. The scanner may be programmed to invoke a different function if only a portion of a print is detected rather than a full print. In this manner, it would be possible for a user to share a user equipment device such as a smartphone with a friend. The user may wish to share his or her smartphone, and may activate access to the browser that does not include any of the cookies, private passwords, or other login information during a session by using just the tip of the user's finger on a fingerprint scanner, as opposed to the user's full fingerprint. When the user wishes to again have his or her personal information accessible in the browser, the user may activate the browser using the user's full fingerprint. | 04-28-2016 |
20160127762 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING SHADOWS FOR A MEDIA GUIDANCE APPLICATION BASED ON CONTENT - Systems and methods for generating shadows for a media guidance application are provided. A display of a media asset is generated that includes a media object with a shadow at an object shadow position. Object shadow information is stored corresponding to the shadow of the object and the object shadow position. In response to receiving a user request to access a media guidance application, a media guidance application display corresponding to the user request is selected. A guide shadow is generated based on the stored object shadow information and the media guidance application display. The guide shadow is combined with the media guidance application display for display to the user. | 05-05-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130217260 | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY CONFIGURED TO ALIGN COMMUNICATION CONNECTORS DURING A MATING OPERATION - A connector assembly including an assembly housing having a leading end, a back end, and an interior cavity extending therebetween. The interior cavity opens to the leading end. The connector assembly also includes a communication connector that is disposed in the interior cavity proximate to the leading end and movably held therein. The connector assembly also includes a board connector located a distance away from the communication connector. The connector assembly also includes a flexible cable assembly that has communication cables extending between and communicatively coupling the board connector and the communication connector. The communication connector is configured to engage a mating connector when the communication connector and the mating connector are mated along a mating axis. The communication connector and the cables are permitted to float relative to the assembly housing when the communication connector mates with the mating connector. | 08-22-2013 |
20140151010 | HEAT SINK - A heat sink includes a base having a structure side and an opposite environmental side. The structure side of the base is configured to thermally communicate with a structure for absorbing heat from the structure. A cooling fin extends a height outwardly from the environmental side of the base. The cooling fin extends a cord length along the base from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the cooling fin. The cooling fin includes the cross-sectional shape of an airfoil along at least a portion of the height of the cooling fin to increase the velocity of a flow of air along the cord length of the cooling fin. | 06-05-2014 |
20140295680 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAVING AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT WITH A PLURALITY OF CONTACT BEAMS - Electrical connector including a connector housing having a mating side that faces in a mating direction. The mating side configured to engage a mating connector. The electrical connector also includes an electrical contact held by the connector housing. The electrical contact includes a common body section and first, second, and third contact beams that are arranged along the mating side and have respective contact bases coupled to the body section. Each of the first, second, and third contact beams extend in the mating direction from the respective contact base to a respective distal end. Each of the first, second, and third contact beams has a beam length that is measured from the respective contact base to the respective distal end. The beam lengths of the first, second, and third contact beams being different from one another. | 10-02-2014 |
20140302706 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAVING INTEGRATED GUIDE ELEMENT - Electrical connector including a connector housing having a mating side facing in a mating direction along an engagement axis. The mating side extends along a lateral axis and an orientation axis that are perpendicular to each other and the engagement axis. The connector housing also includes first and second end sides facing in opposite directions along the lateral axis and a top side facing in a direction along the orientation axis. The top side extends between the first and second end sides and is substantially planar from the first end side to the second end side. The electrical connector also includes first and second mating regions that are defined by the first and second end sides, respectively. Each of the first and second mating regions includes electrical contacts and a guide feature, wherein at least some of the electrical contacts and the guide feature are aligned with one another. | 10-09-2014 |
20140302723 | ELECTRICAL CONTACT AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE SAME - Electrical contact having a body portion and a compliant contact tail that is coupled to the body portion and configured to be inserted into a plated thru-hole (PTH). The contact tail extends from the body portion along a central axis to a leading end. The contact tail includes first and second compliant regions that are located between the leading end and the body portion. The contact tail has a joint region that joins the first and second compliant regions. Each of the first and second compliant regions is dimensioned to mechanically engage the PTH when inserted therein. The joint region is dimensioned smaller than the first and second compliant regions such that the joint region moves freely through the PTH. | 10-09-2014 |
20140334110 | ELECTRICAL BRIDGE - An electrical bridge is provided for electrically connecting first and second electronic modules that include first and second external chassis, respectively. The electrical bridge includes a rigid housing extending along a fixed path from a first end to a second end, and first and second electrical contacts held by the housing. The first and second electrical contacts are positioned at the first and second ends, respectively, of the housing. An electrical pathway is defined within the housing from the first electrical contact to the second electrical contact such that the first and second electrical contacts are electrically connected. The first and second ends of the housing are configured to be mounted to the first and second external chassis, respectively, such that the first and second electrical contacts are configured to mate with, and thereby electrically connect to, the first and second electronic modules, respectively. | 11-13-2014 |
20140360752 | CABLE BACKPLANE SYSTEM - A cable backplane system includes a backplane having a plurality of openings therethrough and a cable rack coupled to a rear of the backplane. The cable rack includes a tray having a frame surrounding a raceway and a brick held by the tray. The brick has side spacers at opposite sides of the brick and plates coupled to the side spacers that support a plurality of cable connector assemblies. Each cable connector assembly is positioned between and supported by corresponding plates on opposite sides of the cable connectors with the cable connectors positioned in corresponding openings in the backplane. The plates each include a hem folded over at a rear of the plate. The hem has an edge positioned rearward of the cable connectors and supporting the cable connectors from retreating from the openings in the backplane. | 12-11-2014 |
20140360753 | GUIDE FEATURES FOR A CABLE BACKPLANE SYSTEM - A cable backplane system includes a backplane having a plurality of openings therethrough. A cable rack is coupled to a rear of the backplane, which includes a tray and spacers coupled to the tray that have guide pins. Cable connector assemblies are held by the tray. Removable dust caps are coupled to corresponding cable connectors each having a distal end and guide walls extending therefrom that guide mating of the cable rack with the backplane. The distal end of each dust cap is received in a corresponding opening in the backplane. The guide walls guide the cable rack relative to the backplane such that the guide pins of the spacers are aligned with guide holes of the backplane and such that the cable connectors are aligned with the openings of the backplane. The removable dust caps are removed after the cable rack is coupled to the backplane. | 12-11-2014 |
20140362546 | CABLE BACKPLANE SYSTEM - A cable backplane system includes a backplane and a cable rack coupled to the backplane. The cable rack includes first and second trays having first and second frames. A plurality of cable connector assemblies are held by the cable rack each having a plurality of cables extending between a first cable connector and a second cable connector. The first cable connector is coupled to the first frame and the second cable connector is coupled to the second frame with the cables routed in first and second raceways of the first and second trays. Float mechanisms are connected between the first and second frames that allow limited movement between the first and second trays. The float mechanisms allow alignment of the cable connectors with corresponding openings in the backplane. | 12-11-2014 |
20140362549 | SPACERS FOR A CABLE BACKPLANE SYSTEM - A cable backplane system includes a backplane having a plurality of openings therethrough and a plurality of mounting blocks. A cable rack is coupled to a rear of the backplane and includes a tray having a frame surrounding a raceway. Spacers are coupled to the tray that are secured to corresponding mounting blocks to position the spacers relative to the backplane. Cable connector assemblies are held by the tray. Each cable connector assembly has a plurality of cables extending between at least two cable connectors. The cables are routed in the raceway. Each cable connector assembly is positioned between and supported by corresponding spacers on opposite sides of the cable connector assemblies. The spacers allow limited movement of the cable connectors in at least two directions to allow alignment of the cable connectors within corresponding openings in the backplane. | 12-11-2014 |
20150029676 | CABLE BACKPLANE SYSTEM HAVING A CABLE TRAY GUIDE AND SUPPORT SYSTEM - A cable backplane system includes a backplane and a chassis supporting the backplane. A cable rack is coupled to the chassis and backplane. The cable rack includes upper trays and lower trays each having a frame and cable connector assemblies held by the corresponding frame. The upper trays have upper tray guides configured to interact with corresponding upper chassis guides on the upper support for supporting the upper trays relative to the backplane. The lower trays have lower tray guides configured to interact with corresponding lower chassis guides on the lower support for aligning the lower trays to the backplane. The upper trays have upper hanging guides and the lower trays have lower hanging guides coupled to corresponding upper hanging guides to support the lower trays with the corresponding upper trays relative to the backplane. | 01-29-2015 |
20150075856 | CABLE BACKPLANE SYSTEM HAVING MOUNTING BLOCKS - A cable backplane system includes a backplane having a plurality of openings extending between a front and a rear of the backplane. The backplane has mounting locations proximate the openings. Mounting blocks are coupled to the front of the backplane at corresponding mounting locations. The mounting blocks are secured to the backplane by fasteners. A cable rack is coupled to the rear of the backplane and has a tray with a frame surrounding a raceway and spacers coupled to the tray. The spacers hold corresponding cable connectors and are secured to corresponding mounting blocks to position the spacers and cable connector assemblies relative to the backplane. The cable connectors are received in corresponding openings in the backplane and are held in position relative to the backplane by the spacers and mounting blocks. | 03-19-2015 |
20150129287 | CABLE BACKPLANE SYSTEM HAVING STIFFENERS - A cable backplane system includes a backplane having board areas surrounding a connector opening with holes in the board areas along the connector opening. Stiffeners are coupled to corresponding board areas along a front of the backplane. The stiffeners have bores aligned with corresponding holes in the backplane. A cable rack is coupled to the rear of the backplane. The cable rack has a tray with a frame surrounding a raceway and spacers coupled to the tray that hold corresponding cable connectors. The spacers have guide pins extending therefrom that pass through the holes in the backplane into corresponding bores in the stiffeners to position the spacers relative to the stiffeners and the backplane. The cable connectors are received in the connector opening in the backplane and held in position relative to the backplane by the spacers and stiffeners. | 05-14-2015 |
20150200474 | BACKPLANE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND RACK ASSEMBLY OF THE SAME - Backplane communication system including a backplane and a rack assembly having an array of electrical connectors with respective mating ends. The backplane communication system also includes a plurality of guide pins that each have a cross-sectional diameter taken transverse to an axis of the guide pin. The backplane interfaces with the rack assembly such that the guide pins extend through guide holes of the backplane and the electrical connectors are aligned with mating windows. Each of the guide pins has a leading segment that extends through the corresponding guide hole and a trailing segment that is disposed within the corresponding guide hole. The cross-sectional diameter along the trailing segment is greater than the cross-sectional diameter along the leading segment. | 07-16-2015 |
20150340779 | WIRE LUG CONNECTOR - A wire lug connector includes a lug having a termination end configured to be terminated to a conductor of a wire. The lug has a conductive base at a mounting end configured to be mounted to a substrate. The base has a plurality of compliant pins extending from a bottom of the base. The compliant pins are electrically connected to the conductor by the base. The compliant pins are configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate. The compliant pins may have double ended press-fit sections at opposite heads and tails of the compliant pins that are press-fit into corresponding openings in the base and vias in the substrate. | 11-26-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100068912 | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES HAVING GUIDE RAILS WITH LATCH ASSEMBLIES - A connector assembly for mating with a pluggable module includes a receptacle assembly for receiving the pluggable module and an interface electrical connector defining a back of the receptacle assembly. The interface electrical connector is configured to mate with the pluggable module. A guide rail defines a side of the receptacle assembly. The guide rail is configured to guide the pluggable module within the receptacle assembly. The guide rail has a rail body having a cavity and the rail body having a side wall opening open to the cavity. A latch assembly is received in the cavity. The latch assembly includes a latch movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch is configured to extend through the side wall opening to engage the pluggable module when the latch is in the latched position. The latch assembly further includes an actuator that forces the latch from the latched position to the unlatched position. | 03-18-2010 |
20100144204 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SYSTEM - An electrical connector system may include a plurality wafer assemblies that engage with a substrate. Each wafer assembly includes a housing that defines a plurality of projections extending from an edge of the housing at a mounting end of the wafer assembly. At least a portion of a projection of the plurality of projections of the housing is dimensioned to fit into a corresponding hole in a substrate when the housing is engaged with the substrate. In some implementations, the projection is positioned on the housing to block a line-of-sight between a first signal substrate engagement element of an array of electrical contacts associated with the housing and a second signal substrate engagement element of the array of electrical contacts. | 06-10-2010 |
20110275227 | MODULE TO CIRCUIT BOARD CONNECTOR - A connector is provided. The connector includes contact members having a main body with a top, a bottom, a front, and a rear. A base extends from the bottom of the main body. The base is configured to be surface mounted to a first circuit board. An electrical contact extends from the front of the main body. The electrical contact is configured to be through hole mounted to a second circuit board. The connector also includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a front, and a rear. The housing has slots formed therein. The contact members are secured in corresponding slots of the housing so that the bases of the contact members are held coplanar along the bottom of the housing for mounting to the first circuit board. The electrical contacts of the contact members extend from the front of the housing for mounting to the second circuit board. | 11-10-2011 |
20120008292 | CARD MODULE AND MODULE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - An electrical assembly includes a card module having a front end connector and an opposite back end connector. The card module is configured to be removably inserted into an opening formed in a front face of an electronic device. A header is mounted on a circuit board of the electronic device. The header has an electrical contact electrically coupled to the circuit board. The electrical contact is configured to engage the back end connector of the card module. A rail system extends between the header and the opening formed in the front face of the electronic device. The rail system is configured to receive the card module inserted into the opening and align the back end connector of the card module with the electrical contact of the header so that the back end connector engages the electrical contact The card module is removable from the rail system through the opening. | 01-12-2012 |
20120077381 | PRESS FIT CABLE CONNECTOR - A connector includes signal pins having a mating end and a wire end. The wire end is configured to be electrically coupled to a wire of a cable. The mating end is configured to be inserted into a via of a substrate. A pin retainer is provided having apertures emending therethrough. The signal pins are inserted through the apertures of the pin retainer such that the mating ends of the signal pins extend from the pin retainer. A ground frame is provided having a wire end and a mating end. An opening extends between the wire end and the mating end. The pin retainer is positioned within the opening of the ground frame such that the mating ends of the signal pins extend from the mating end of the ground frame. The wire end of the ground frame is configured to contact a shield of the cable. | 03-29-2012 |
20120196477 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY HAVING AIRFLOW CHANNELS - An electrical connector assembly includes a shielding cage member having a plurality of walls including a top wall, a lower wall, a rear wall and side walls. The walls define an upper port and a lower port configured to receive pluggable modules therein. The cage member has openings in a front thereof for receiving the pluggable modules. The side walls include airflow openings on opposite sides of the cage member. A receptacle connector is received in the cage member proximate to the rear and is accessible through the upper port and the lower port. A separator member extends between the upper and lower ports that have an upper plate and a lower plate with a channel therebetween. The airflow openings are aligned with the channel and provide airflow through the channel. EMI screens cover the airflow openings to limit EMI passage through the airflow openings. | 08-02-2012 |
20120237166 | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES HAVING ACTUATION MECHANISMS FOR SELECTIVELY MOVING MATING CONNECTORS - A connector assembly including an actuator body that extends along a central longitudinal axis between a pair of connector ends. The actuator body is movable along the longitudinal axis and has an actuator cam feature. The connector assembly also includes an assembly frame that is operatively coupled to the actuator body and is movable along a mating axis that is non-parallel relative to the longitudinal axis. The assembly frame defines a connector compartment and has a frame cam feature that is positioned to engage the actuator cam feature. The actuator and frame cam features slidably engage each other when the actuator body is moved along the longitudinal axis thereby moving the assembly frame along the mating axis. The connector assembly also includes a mating connector that is held by the assembly frame within the connector compartment. The assembly frame is configured to move the mating connector in a mating direction. | 09-20-2012 |
20120258612 | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY HAVING A CABLE - A connector assembly includes a connector housing configured to be coupled to a primary circuit board. A connector is held within the connector housing. The connector has a connector circuit board having a mating surface and a cable surface. The mating surface has mating contacts configured to be mated to corresponding mating contacts of a secondary circuit board. The cable surface has cable contacts. Cables extend between a first end and a second end. The first end of each cable is coupled to corresponding cable contacts of the connector circuit board. The second end of each cable is configured to be coupled to a cable contact on the primary circuit board or a second connector assembly on the primary circuit board. | 10-11-2012 |
20130344745 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY HAVING THERMAL VENTS - An electrical connector assembly includes a cage member with walls that define an upper port and a lower port. The cage member has openings in a front thereof for receiving pluggable modules. A receptacle connector is received in the cage member proximate to a rear thereof. The electrical connector assembly includes a printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface. The printed circuit board has at least one thermal vent that extends therethrough between the first and second surfaces. At least one thermal vent provides cooling for the lower port. | 12-26-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090247913 | Personal care vaporizing device - A Personal Care Vaporizing Device is disclosed. The device has a central base unit including a large removable liquid reservoir and a handheld skin massage/exfoliating device. The handheld assembly can selectively emit vapor directly to the skin surface. Unlike the prior devices in the field, the present invention allows the user to selectively dispense either cool or warm vapor. The liquid reservoir is designed to accept skin care additives in addition to simple water for generating the vapor. The device has at least three operational modes: vapor only, massage head brush oscillation/massage motion only, and both vapor and oscillation/massage. Power for the device is available from a variety of sources, including internal batteries and/or external power supply. | 10-01-2009 |
20120165710 | Handheld Facial Massage and Microcurrent Therapy Device - A Handheld Facial Massage and Microcurrent Therapy Device. The device includes a massage feature that enables the user to provide motorized agitation to a skin-contacting attachment selected from a group of detachable elements. The detachable skin-contacting element includes bristle brushes, massage sponges, smooth and rough applicators, among others. In addition to the motorized agitation from the attachment, the device also includes the ability to apply rejuvenating micro-current therapy to the skin. Both the motorized agitation and micro-current generation are independently user-adjustable in order to achieve the optimum treatment for each individual. Versions of the device that include galvanic current application as well as ultrasonic skin stimulation are available. The device is compact and easy to use so that the non-professional user can self-treat with professional results. | 06-28-2012 |
20120222696 | Personal Care Vaporizer Device for Hands - A Personal Care Vaporizer Device for Hands. The device has a main housing that is defined by a large aperture formed in its side. The side aperture provides access to an internal treatment chamber. The user can insert one or both hands into the chamber through the side aperture in order to provide therapeutic treatment for the skin of the hands. The device has a removable fluid reservoir that seats into the main housing. Fluid from the reservoir is ported to an internal cool mist vaporizor such as a transducer or other misting apparatus. Once vaporized, the mist is driven down a mist conduit by user-adjustable airflow. As the mist passes down the mist conduit, it passes a heating element that allows the user to selectively deliver heated or cool vapor into the treatment chamber. The user is able to utilize water and/or fluid having additives such as extracts, additives, therapeutic medications and essential oils as the raw material for formation of the mist. | 09-06-2012 |
20130046212 | HANDHELD FACIAL MASSAGE AND LIGHT THERAPY DEVICE - One form of the device is a standard handpiece having a series of interchangeable treatment heads. The handpiece can accept cooperating treatment heads for twist-locking therein or by other engagement arrangement. The treatment heads may or may not have an internal motor assembly within them to create vibratory motion in the assembled device. The groups of possible treatment heads include LED-light-emitting heads, microcurrent-emitting heads, a treatment head having an abrasive or pebbled surface, as well as a bristle brush head. In another version, the handpiece and treatment head are integrated and not exchangeable. In this second version, a combination LED-light-emitting outer ring surrounds a central dual-lobe massage surface. The dual-lobe massage surface may be made from an inert material such as silicone, or it may be metallic in order to provide emission of therapeutic microcurrents. | 02-21-2013 |
20130060176 | Handheld Motorized Facial Brush Having Pivoting, Floating Head - “A Handheld Motorized Facial Brush Having Pivoting, Floating Head. The heads interface with a conventional handpiece so that the facial brush or other facial treatment head can be removed and replaced with a subassembly that provides pivoting/floating support. The treatment head is then attachable to the pivoting/floating subassembly as if it were attaching to the handpiece; the result being a motorized skin treatment head that pivots and/or floats to follow the contour of the skin. The internal motor can either be housed within the handpiece, or pivoting/floating subassembly, and will either provide rotation/oscillation of the treatment head, or simple vibrations to the handpiece and/or treatment head. The floating mechanism may be available in a variety of forms to provide the widest variety of use scenarios. Each floating mechanisms and/or subassemblies are interchangeable with the others so as to be removably attachable to the handpieces described in the Parent applications.” | 03-07-2013 |
20140336565 | Personal Care Vaporizer Device for the Eye Area of the Face - A Personal Care Vaporizer Device for the Eye Area of the Face. A treatment chamber formed within the device will encircle the user's eyes and surrounding facial area when the device is positioned over the eye area of the face. A soft gel eyemask element provides maximum comfort for the wearer during treatment. The device introduces therapeutic mist or vapor into the treatment chamber. The mist/vapor is generated from an internal reservoir containing plain water or water mixed with other therapeutic additives. An onboard blower can control the flow rate of the mist/vapor into the treatment chamber. One or more onboard heating elements within the device provide direct heat to the treatment chamber wall(s), and/or to heat the mist/vapor prior to its being introduced into the treatment chamber. Onboard vibration generators apply soothing massaging motion to the user's face when activated. | 11-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100056042 | PROVIDING CONTENT TO A DEVICE - Providing content to a device. Content stored on a device can be examined or searched based on the programming of channels that are available to the device over various networks. The content can be searched using other rules related to user preferences or content characteristics. Based on the results of the examination of the content, playlists are generated. Each playlist includes content from the device that matches or partially matches the content associated with one of the channels. Using the playlists, a user can load content from their device that has a theme consistent with a particular channel. When signal loss is detected for a given channel, the playlist associated with that channel can be loaded and played by the device. The device can resume playing the channel when the signal is again adequately detected. | 03-04-2010 |
20120075664 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING MOBILE DEVICES FOR PRINTING TO WIRELESS PRINTERS - The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for configuring mobile communication devices to identify and communicate with wireless printing devices. These systems and methods may include determining available wireless printing devices, selecting a desired wireless printing device, attempting to establish communication between the mobile communication device and the wireless printing device using a first communication protocol, prompting a user to indicate the successfulness of the first communication protocol, and configuring the mobile communication device for printing to the wireless printing device using the first communication protocol if the first communication protocol successfully communicated with the wireless printing device. The systems and methods may further include prompting the user to indicate that the first communication protocol was not successful if the first communication protocol did not successfully communicate with the wireless printing device and repeating the method using another available communication protocol. | 03-29-2012 |
20140379759 | PROGRAMMING CONTENT ON A DEVICE - Discovering content on a device. Content stored on a device can be examined or searched based on the programming of channels that are available to the device. The content can be searched using other rules related to user preferences. Based on the results of the examination of the content, playlists are generated. Each playlist includes content from the device that matches or partially matches the content associated with one of the channels. Using the playlists, a user can load content from their device that has a theme consistent with a particular channel. The playlists can also be used to tune to the channels associated with the playlists and thereby discover the content on those channels. | 12-25-2014 |
20150058870 | FACILITATING PURCHASE FROM VIDEO ADVERTISEMENTS - A purchase code, such as a web address indicating a webpage of a product at a merchant's website, may be embedded into a video advertisement by steganography. The video advertisement embedding the purchase code may be displayed to consumers on televisions or on display kiosks installed at a merchant's storefront. A consumer, who is viewing the video advertisement and is interested in purchasing the product being advertised, may point a mobile device with a camera, e.g., a smart phone, to scan the video advertisement with the camera. The mobile device may decode the video advertisement to capture the purchase code embedded in the video advertisement. The purchase code may automatically direct the mobile device to visit the product web page at the merchant's web site. Thus, the consumer may purchase the product immediately at the merchant's web site. | 02-26-2015 |
20150066671 | MERCHANT POINT OF SALE SECURITY SYSTEM - A point of sale (POS) security system includes a POS device including a non-transitory memory, one or more hardware processors, and one or more environment sensors. A plurality of POS instructions are located on the non-transitory memory in the POS device and executable by the one or more hardware processors in the POS device to provide a POS engine that is configured to receive and transmit payment information for conducting a payment transaction associated with a purchase. A plurality of security instructions are located on the non-transitory memory in the POS device and are executable by the one or more hardware processors in the POS device to provide a security engine that is configured to receive environment signals from the one or more environment sensors in the POS device and analyze those environment signals to determine a security breach. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066762 | AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for providing authentication include receiving an authentication passcode input through an input device of a user device from a first user. The first user is authenticated in response to the authentication passcode input matching at least one user authentication passcode in a database, and an authentication time period is associated with the authentication of the first user and allows the first user access to at least one application on the user device. A plurality of authentication factors are then detected using the user device, and plurality of authentication factors are not an authentication passcode input received through the input device. The plurality of authentication factors are then determined to match the at least one authentication profile in the database and, in response, the authentication time period is extended such that the first user is allowed continued access to the at least one application on the user device. | 03-05-2015 |
20150067824 | WEARABLE USER DEVICE AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for authenticating a user include a wearable user device receiving a first request to access a secure system. A plurality of authentication elements are then displayed on a display device to a user eye in a first authentication orientation about a perimeter of an authentication element input area. A user hand located opposite the display device from the user eye is then detected selecting a sequence of the plurality of authentication elements. For each selected authentication element in the sequence, the wearable user device moves the selected authentication element based on a detected movement of the user hand and records the selected authentication element as a portion of an authentication input in response to the user hand moving the selected authentication element to the authentication element input area. The user is authenticated for the secure system if the authentication input matches stored user authentication information. | 03-05-2015 |
20160042339 | INTELLIGENT TIPPING - Methods and systems for providing a gratuity or tip to a merchant are described. A service provider provides suggested gratuity or tip amounts and/or incentives or motivations to a user to provide a gratuity. For example, the service provider can provide statistics regarding how much consumers usually tip (e.g., average tip, standard tip, etc.), how much a consumer like the user tips (e.g., similar demographics, similar spending patterns, similar number of visits to the merchant, etc.), and how much money has been collected so far to reach a goal. In addition, the service provider can indicate that the gratuity or portion of the gratuity will be donated to charity. | 02-11-2016 |
20160098552 | WEARABLE USER DEVICE AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for authenticating a user include a wearable user device receiving a first request to access a secure system. A plurality of authentication elements are then displayed on a display device to a user eye in a first authentication orientation about a perimeter of an authentication element input area. A user hand located opposite the display device from the user eye is then detected selecting a sequence of the plurality of authentication elements. For each selected authentication element in the sequence, the wearable user device moves the selected authentication element based on a detected movement of the user hand and records the selected authentication element as a portion of an authentication input in response to the user hand moving the selected authentication element to the authentication element input area. The user is authenticated for the secure system if the authentication input matches stored user authentication information. | 04-07-2016 |