Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080211697 | Handheld Electronic Device and Keypad Providing Enhanced Usability and Reduced Size, and Associated Method - An improved handheld electronic device, keypad, and method in accordance with the invention meet these and other needs. An improved handheld electronic device having an improved keypad provides enhanced usability and reduced size by organizing its keys in pairs, with a pair of keys being disposed on a support. Each key of a pair of keys is individually actuatable. An actuation of a key causes a primary conductor associated with the key set to electrically to connect a pair of contacts and to cause a secondary conductor associated with the key to electrically connect another pair of contacts. The primary conductor is a dome that is collapsible to electrically connect the pair of contacts and to provide a particular tactile feedback to the user. The secondary conductor is a conductor other than a collapsible dome. An actuation of any key or of any pair of keys thus provides to the user a consistent tactile feedback from a collapse of a single dome. An improved method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed. | 09-04-2008 |
20090179859 | Handheld Electronic Device Comprising A Keypad Having Multiple Character Sets Assigned Thereto, With The Character Sets Being Individually Illuminable - An improved handheld electronic device has a keypad that includes a plurality of different character sets selectively illuminable thereon. Different types of light and different mechanisms for delivering light provide the selective illumination of a particular character set. When a particular character set is illuminated, a corresponding character lookup table is active on the handheld electronic device whereby the processor determines the particular character or characters that were intended in an actuation of a key of the keypad. | 07-16-2009 |
20100110018 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING TOUCH-SENSITIVE INPUT DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - A touch-sensitive input unit includes a base, a touch-sensitive input surface for detecting a touch event thereon, the touch-sensitive input surface connected to and moveable relative to the base, and an actuating arrangement including an elastically deformable substrate between the touch-sensitive input surface and the base, and a piezoelectric patch transducer fixed to the substrate for controlling a bending force on the substrate to control a force on the touch-sensitive input surface by modulating a charge at the patch transducer. | 05-06-2010 |
20100134417 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A handheld electronic device includes an input apparatus, an output apparatus, and a processor apparatus. The input apparatus includes a reduced keyboard and roller ball input. The roller ball input includes a movable portion that is substantially continuously rotatable with respect to a housing of the device and is rotatable about more than one axis providing input. The processor apparatus includes a disambiguation routine that can output various proposed interpretations of inputs from the reduced keyboard. The roller ball input advantageously provides various inputs to the handheld electronic device without requiring significant user attention, which enables a user to direct greater amount of attention to the output from the disambiguation routine and other aspects of the device. The roller ball input can be configured to additionally be translatable to provide an input, and additionally and/or alternatively the roller ball input can provide a tactile or other feedback to a user. | 06-03-2010 |
20100271309 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND KEYBOARD HAVING MULTIPLE-FUNCTION KEYS - An improved handheld electronic device having an improved keyboard provides enhanced usability with fewer keys by enabling the keys to pivot slightly to provide multiple functions to the keys. The improved keyboard may, for example, include internal strips of conductive carbon that are disposed adjacent the keys and are electrically engageable with contacts on a printed circuit board. Specifically, when a key is pressed directly downward it collapses a single dome and connects together a set of primary contacts to provide a first function. When the key is pressed at the side thereof, the key pivots slightly, collapses the dome and connects together the primary contacts, and also engages a carbon strip with a pair of secondary contacts to connect together the secondary contacts, all of which provide a second function. The keyboard may be configured to be of a QWERTY configuration while using only a relatively small number of keys. | 10-28-2010 |
20100328052 | OVERLAY FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF IDENTIFYING SAME - An overlay includes a sheet corresponding to a plurality of keys that are associated with an application for a portable electronic device. An identifier is associated with the application. The identifier is identifiable by the portable electronic device, such that the application is opened upon identification of the identifier. | 12-30-2010 |
20100328231 | OVERLAY FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF IDENTIFYING SAME - An overlay includes a sheet corresponding to a plurality of keys that are associated with an application for a portable electronic device. A plurality of magnets has a set of orientations associated with the application. The set of orientations is identifiable by the portable electronic device, such that the application is opened upon identification of the application associated with the set of orientations. | 12-30-2010 |
20110024276 | KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY FOR A MOBILE DEVICE - A keyboard assembly for a mobile device having a housing, including a circuit board provided within the housing and having a plurality of contact assemblies thereon, a keyboard having a plurality of keys and being provided in a front face of the housing, a dome sheet assembly arranged between the keyboard and the circuit board, the dome sheet assembly including a dome carrier configured for carrying a plurality of domes, wherein a gap is defined between the circuit board and the dome sheet assembly. | 02-03-2011 |
20110083100 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INVOKING A FUNCTION BASED ON A GESTURE INPUT - An electronic apparatus is provided including an input assembly. The input assembly includes a graphic display layer, a masking layer, and an input device. The graphic display layer includes a plurality of function icons. The masking layer includes a plurality of function icon windows for displaying functions icons associated with a particular application. Each of the displayed function icons corresponds to a function of the particular application. The input device includes a plurality of input device sections for receiving a gesture input. The graphic display layer is moveable relative to the masking layer such that, based on the relative positioning between the graphic display layer and the masking layer, function icons associated with a particular application are displayed through the function icon windows and the other function icons are at least obscured by the masking layer. The receiving of the gesture input by a one of the plurality of input device sections corresponding to a one of the displayed function icons invokes the function corresponding to the one of the displayed function icons. | 04-07-2011 |
20110103631 | SHAPE-ADAPTABLE SURFACE FOR AN AUDIO PORT - A method and apparatus for providing a shape-adaptable surface for an audio port of a device includes an audio port, a shape-adaptable surface having a plurality of portions, a plurality of sensors coupled to the shape-adaptable surface, wherein the plurality of sensors are operative to sense a plurality of distances between the object and the shape-adaptable surface, and a processor operatively coupled to the shape-adaptable surface and the plurality of sensors, said processor configured to control some of the plurality of portions of the shape-adaptable surface to adjust the plurality of distances and to provide a channel between a sound receiver of the object and the audio port. An improved audio coupling is formed by adjusting the distances between the shape-adaptable surface and the object, thereby transmitting sounds directly from the audio port of the device to a sound receiver of the object. | 05-05-2011 |
20110115710 | ADAPTIVE KEYBOARD WITH PHYSICAL FEEDBACK - The disclosure is directed at an adaptive keyboard having at least two key layouts, the adaptive keyboard for use with at least two applications, the keyboard comprising a processor for determining which of said at least two key layouts to display; a display portion having defined therein a set of keys, said display portion including a set of incisions thereby defining the keys; a set of actuators corresponding to each of the set of keys of the determined key layout; and a set of switches, each of the set of switches associated with at least one of the set of actuators. | 05-19-2011 |
20110212688 | NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC) SYSTEM PROVIDING MOBILE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE OPERATIONS BASED UPON TIMING AND SEQUENCE OF NFC SENSOR COMMUNICATION AND RELATED METHODS - A near-field communication (NFC) system may include a plurality of spaced-apart NFC sensors and at least one mobile wireless communications device. The at least one mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, an NFC circuit carried by the portable housing and configured to establish NFC communications with the NFC sensors when moved in close proximity therewith, and a controller carried by the portable housing and coupled to the NFC circuit. The controller may be configured to perform different mobile device operations based upon a timing and sequence in which the NFC sensors are communicated with. | 09-01-2011 |
20110231216 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EVENT REMINDERS - A system and method are provided for obtaining data that could affect event details, such that this data can be used to generate alerts that are sent early enough to give the user time to reach the event, predict lateness, arrange replacements/delegates, reschedule, cancel meetings in advance, etc. By more intelligently providing reminders to the user, the above-described unforeseen circumstances can be dealt with. In some embodiments, an aggregation of various external data sources as well as internal data can be used to better predict when a user should be reminded of the time for their event, determine and advise whether they may be late regardless, and/or enable the user to arrange a delegate or replacement or to reschedule or cancel the event. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238671 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR EFFICIENTLY DETERMINING PRIORITY OF DATA IN A DATABASE - A method and apparatus for determining priority of data in a database managed by a computing device are provided. The data comprises a list of events, the computing device comprising a processing unit interconnected with a memory device and a display device. Context data is processing at the processing unit to determine a priority ranking for each of the items, wherein processing the context data to determine a priority ranking comprises at least one of processing attendance data, location, event data, and telephone record data. Respective areas of the display device are controlled to provide visual representations of each of the events, each respective area controlled according to the priority ranking. | 09-29-2011 |
20110248926 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND KEYBOARD HAVING MULTIPLE-FUNCTION KEYS - An improved handheld electronic device having an improved keyboard provides enhanced usability with fewer keys by enabling the keys to pivot slightly to provide multiple functions to the keys. The improved keyboard may, for example, include internal strips of conductive carbon that are disposed adjacent the keys and are electrically engageable with contacts on a printed circuit board. Specifically, when a key is pressed directly downward it collapses a single dome and connects together a set of primary contacts to provide a first function. When the key is pressed at the side thereof, the key pivots slightly, collapses the dome and connects together the primary contacts, and also engages a carbon strip with a pair of secondary contacts to connect together the secondary contacts, all of which provide a second function. The keyboard may be configured to be of a QWERTY configuration while using only a relatively small number of keys. | 10-13-2011 |
20110285554 | Gesture Based Smart Headphone - A gesture based headphone for controlling a media player device and method for using thereof. The headphone comprises a cord with a gesture sensitive region in the cord, and an interface for connecting to the media player device. A user gesture interacts with the gesture sensitive region and generates a control input for controlling the media player device, wherein the user gesture includes at least one gesture generating a control input. | 11-24-2011 |
20110302249 | METHOD FOR ASSISTED MESSAGE GENERATION - A method for assisted message generation on an electronic device is provided. The method comprises: receiving from an input device a request to compose an electronic message; identifying a message recipient associated with the electronic message; determining from a datastore a suggested message component for the electronic message in dependence on the identified message recipient; and displaying the suggested message components on a display screen of the electronic device. | 12-08-2011 |
20110307598 | AUTOMATED CALENDAR RECONCILIATION - There is provided a computer implemented method of providing data reconciliation on a first delegate device associated with an assigned task. The method comprises the steps of: determining a likelihood of failure of the first delegate device associated with the task defined in a first data entry thereon to complete the task, the first data entry associated with a start time and a task location; determining a replacement delegate device for completing the task in response to detecting task information for the replacement delegate device indicating suitability for the task; and updating respective data entries for the first delegate device and the replacement delegate device to associate the replacement delegate device for the task. | 12-15-2011 |
20110312392 | MOBILE COMMUNICATON DEVICE HAVING ROTATABLE MEMBER - A mobile communication device is provided which includes at least one hinge mechanism pivotably coupled to a top member and to a base member such that the top member can be moved between an opened and a closed position. In the closed position, display and/or interface elements may be inside the device and adjacent to the base member, thereby being inaccessible and protected. In the opened position, the display and/or interface elements may be accessible. A biasing mechanism may drive a portion of the movement between the opened and closed positions. The top member and the base member may be biased or restricted such that there is substantially no separation between the top member and the base member during movement between the opened and closed positions. | 12-22-2011 |
20120032892 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING ACTUATOR FOR PROVIDING TACTILE OUTPUT - An electronic device includes a base, a membrane coupled to and spaced from the base, an actuator disposed between the base and the membrane, and spaced from the membrane when the actuator is not actuated, and a controller configured to control actuation of the actuator to cause the actuator to contact the membrane. | 02-09-2012 |
20120040608 | NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC) SYSTEM PROVIDING LOW POWER PEER-TO-PEER RECOGNITION MODE AND RELATED METHODS - A near-field communication (NFC) system may include a plurality of NFC devices each including an NFC circuit configured to wirelessly communicate using an NFC communications protocol, and a processor coupled to the NFC circuit. The processor may be configured to synchronize an internal timing signal to an external timing signal, cycle power to the NFC circuit to periodically switch the NFC circuit between a peer-to-peer recognition state and a low power state based upon the synchronized internal timing signal, and initiate peer-to-peer NFC communications with another one of the plurality of NFC devices when in range thereof and upon being switched to the peer-to-peer recognition state therewith. | 02-16-2012 |
20120071092 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING ACTUATOR AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME FOR PROVIDING TACTILE OUTPUT - A method of controlling an electronic device includes detecting receipt of an input, determining a response number in response to receipt of the input, and actuating an actuator of the electronic device a discrete integer number of times based on the response number. | 03-22-2012 |
20120075057 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM PROVIDING PERSONNEL ACCESS BASED UPON NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION AND RELATED METHODS - A security system may include an access control device associated with a personnel access position. The access control device may include a first Near-Field Communication (NFC) sensor, and a first controller configured to selectively grant personnel access based upon receiving a valid security code from the first NFC sensor, and to deny personnel access and generate an access denial electronic message(s) based upon receiving an invalid security code from the first NFC sensor. The system may also include a mobile wireless communications device(s) including a second NFC sensor and a second controller, which may be configured to communicate a security code via the second NFC sensor to the first NFC sensor based upon proximity therewith, and to receive a corresponding access denial electronic message from the first controller based upon the security code being invalid. | 03-29-2012 |
20120077431 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM PROVIDING PERSONNEL ACCESS BASED UPON NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION AND RELATED METHODS - A security system may include an access control device associated with a personnel access position. The access control device may include a first Near-Field Communication (NFC) sensor, and a first controller configured to selectively grant personnel access based upon receiving a valid security code from the first NFC sensor, and to deny personnel access and generate an access denial electronic message(s) based upon receiving an invalid security code from the first NFC sensor. The system may also include a mobile wireless communications device(s) including a second NFC sensor and a second controller, which may be configured to communicate a security code via the second NFC sensor to the first NFC sensor based upon proximity therewith, and to receive a corresponding access denial electronic message from the first controller based upon the security code being invalid. | 03-29-2012 |
20120088446 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING DEVICE OPERATION WHEN DRIVING - A method and system are presented for restricting the use of a portable electronic device by a driver who is operating a vehicle. A body area network (BAN) signal is sent from a vehicle device in the vehicle in close proximity to the driver. The BAN signal is transmitted using the driver's biological body as a signal transmission path. The portable electronic device includes a receiver configured to detect the BAN signal when the device is in close proximity to the driver. The portable electronic device is further configured to disable or restrict at least one function in response to detection of the BAN signal, thereby preventing or restricting use of the portable electronic device when the driver is seated in and operating the vehicle. | 04-12-2012 |
20120103776 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A MULTI-MODE KEYBOARD - A multi-mode keyboard for a portable electronic device is provided. The keyboard comprising: a layer of flexible transparent touch sensors for receiving touch input; a layer of flexible output device; and a dome sheet for receiving key click input. | 05-03-2012 |
20120156992 | COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE INCLUDING RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) SIGNAL BLOCKING LAYER FOR NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC) DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - A communications device may include a near-field communication (NFC) circuit device, and a radio frequency (RF) signal blocking member adhesively coupled with the NFC device. The RF signal blocking member may be configured to block RF signal communication by the NFC device while coupled therewith. The RF signal blocking member may comprise an electrical conductor. In accordance with an example, the RF signal blocking member may comprise a frangible layer. In another example, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer may be included for adhesively securing the RF signal blocking member with the NFC device. | 06-21-2012 |
20120159582 | OBSCURING VISUAL LOGIN - A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display and either the modified base image or modified overlay image is moved by the user. A security level requirement is assigned and positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned with the overlay image reference point on the modified overlay image after the moving in a manner that meets the security level requirement. | 06-21-2012 |
20120159583 | VISUAL OR TOUCHSCREEN PASSWORD ENTRY - A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display and movement of either the modified base image or modified overlay image is permitted if a criterion for movement is met. Positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned with the overlay image reference point on the modified overlay image. | 06-21-2012 |
20120159592 | MULTI-LAYERED COLOR-SENSITIVE PASSWORDS - A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display and at least one of the modified base image and modified overlay image is moved by the user. Positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned with the overlay image reference point on the modified overlay image and selection of a color for a portion of the display that matches a pre-selected color. | 06-21-2012 |
20120159593 | MULTI-LAYER ORIENTATION-CHANGING PASSWORD - A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display and at least one of the modified base image and modified overlay image is moved by the user. In addition to the moving, a change in orientation of at least one of the modified base image and the modified overlay image is required. Positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned with the overlay image reference point on the modified overlay image and the change in orientation matching a pre-selected orientation criterion. | 06-21-2012 |
20120159608 | PASSWORD ENTRY USING 3D IMAGE WITH SPATIAL ALIGNMENT - A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display. At least one of the modified base image and modified overlay image is moved by the user. Positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned, at least one of the base image reference point and the overlay image reference point having coordinates in three dimensions. | 06-21-2012 |
20120159609 | PASSWORD ENTRY USING MOVING IMAGES - A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method, an authentication video is displayed on a display. In response to receiving an input at a point in time in the video that matches a pre-selected time reference point, positive authentication is indicated. | 06-21-2012 |
20120159614 | SIMPLE ALGEBRAIC AND MULTI-LAYER PASSWORDS - A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display. The modified overlay image comprises a plurality of numbers. At least one of the modified base image and modified overlay image is moved by the user. Positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned, in sequence, with two or more numbers from the overlay image that equal a pre-selected algebraic result when one or more algebraic operator is apply to the numbers. | 06-21-2012 |
20120159615 | MULTI-LAYER MULTI-POINT OR PATHWAY-BASED PASSWORDS - A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display and at least one of the modified base image and modified overlay image is moved by the user. In addition to the moving, a change in orientation of at least one of the modified base image and the modified overlay image is required. Positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned with the overlay image reference point on the modified overlay image after moving through at least one other pre-selected reference point. | 06-21-2012 |
20120159616 | PRESSURE SENSITIVE MULTI-LAYER PASSWORDS - A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with a computer readable medium and a computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display and either the modified base image or modified overlay image is moved by the user. Positive authentication is indicated in response to alignment of a base image reference point and an overlay image reference point and an indication of a correct level of pressure applied to a pressure sensitive input device. | 06-21-2012 |
20120173770 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING ACCIDENTAL PERIPHERAL DEVICE DISCONNECTION - A detection device for detecting the manner in which a peripheral device is removed from an electronic device is proposed. The detection device can be on the peripheral device or the electronic device and detects whether the peripheral device was removed in a manner that indicates the removal was intentional or unintentional. | 07-05-2012 |
20120182211 | DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONVEYING EMOTION IN A MESSAGING APPLICATION - The present disclosure provides a device and method to convey emotions in a messaging application of a mobile electronic device. An emotional context of text entered into the messaging application is determined and an implied emotional text is presented for at least a portion of the entered text in accordance with the determined emotional context. The emotional context may be determined from captured sensor data captured by one or more sensors. | 07-19-2012 |
20120182309 | DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONVEYING EMOTION IN A MESSAGING APPLICATION - The present disclosure provides a device and method to convey emotions in a messaging application of a mobile electronic device. An emotional context of text entered into the messaging application is determined and an implied emotional text is presented for at least a portion of the entered text in accordance with the determined emotional context. The emotional context may be determined from captured sensor data captured by one or more sensors. | 07-19-2012 |
20120190403 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING MEDIA CAPTURE IN A WIRELESS DEVICE - An apparatus and a method in a wireless device provide for coordinating data capture in two or more wireless devices. A control link is establishing a between the wireless device and a second wireless device. Thereafter, a media capture start command sent to the second wireless device. In response to sending the media capture start command media data is captured in the wireless device. Captured media data is received from the second wireless device. Finally, the media data and the captured media data from the second wireless device are combined. | 07-26-2012 |
20120200990 | Magnetic Slider Mechanism For Electronic Devices and Methods of Use - A portable processing device that includes a base portion and a main portion. The base portion includes a magnet and guides. The main portion includes a magnetic area. The base portion and the main portion are separable and configured to be held together by a magnetic force between the magnetic area and the magnet. The main portion is configured to be slideably movable with respect to the base portion in a sliding direction defined by the guides. The base portion may further include a cavity adjacent to the top end of the base portion, with a second magnet disposed proximate the cavity. At the end of a sliding motion, the bottom of the main portion is pulled into the cavity by magnetic attraction between the second magnet and the magnetic area. In some embodiments the main portion may be capable of a flip with respect to the base portion. | 08-09-2012 |
20120206367 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITH ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR TEXT INPUT - A handheld electronic device for generation of text in a language is provided. The handheld electronic device comprises a memory for storing a plurality of linguistic objects of the language, and a set of input members consisting of no more than two input members that, when actuated, initiate input of characters of the language. Every alphabet character in the language is assigned to one actuation of one of the input members. Further, the handheld electronic device includes a processor for detecting a set of actuations of at least one of the input members and for determining a set of linguistic objects that correspond to the actuations, wherein each determined linguistic object includes a set of alphabet characters assigned to the set of actuations. | 08-16-2012 |
20120206375 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - A method includes: detecting a first touch at a first location on a touch-sensitive display; detecting a second touch at a second location on the touch-sensitive display; and displaying a navigation indicator on the touch-sensitive display in response to detecting the second touch while first touch contact is maintained. | 08-16-2012 |
20120209513 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF RELATIVE LOCATION DETECTION USING IMAGE PERSPECTIVE ANALYSIS - A system and method of relative location detection on an electronic device using image perspective analysis. The electronic device will consist of a processor module coupled to a camera module. The camera module of an electronic device as well as a target device will be used to capture image(s) of the current surroundings, including common elements, which will then be used to obtain the relative location of the devices in reference to one another. | 08-16-2012 |
20120219172 | Shape-Adaptable Surface for an Audio Port - A method and apparatus for providing a shape-adaptable surface for an audio port of a device includes an audio port, a shape-adaptable surface having a plurality of portions, a plurality of sensors coupled to the shape-adaptable surface, wherein the plurality of sensors are operative to sense a plurality of distances between the object and the shape-adaptable surface, and a processor operatively coupled to the shape-adaptable surface and the plurality of sensors, said processor configured to control some of the plurality of portions of the shape-adaptable surface to adjust the plurality of distances and to provide a channel between a sound receiver of the object and the audio port. An improved audio coupling is formed by adjusting the distances between the shape-adaptable surface and the object, thereby transmitting sounds directly from the audio port of the device to a sound receiver of the object. | 08-30-2012 |
20120238209 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO OBTAIN TRANSACTION INFORMATION - Methods and apparatus to obtain transaction information are described. One example method includes conducting a transaction using a proximity-based communication link, storing information related to the transaction in a database of a mobile device, identifying a service based on the information, querying the service from the mobile device, wherein the query is based on the information, and obtaining detail of the transaction from the service based on the information. Other implementations are possible. | 09-20-2012 |
20120244837 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM INCLUDING PERSONAL INFORMATION TOKEN TO STORE A PERSONALIZED LIST AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A communications system includes an electronic device a first wireless personal area network (WPAN) device, and a first processor coupled to the first WPAN device. The communications system also includes a personal information token with a second processor and a second WPAN device coupled thereto. The second processor is configured to store at least one subscription key, and wirelessly transmit the at least one subscription key to the electronic device based upon proximity therewith, via the second WPAN device. The first processor, via the cellular device, then subscribes the electronic device to the cellular network based upon the subscription key. | 09-27-2012 |
20120326982 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICE WITH HAPTIC FEEDBACK - An optical joystick is connected to a vibratory transducer such as a piezoelectric transducer, where the vibratory transducer produces vibration which may be perceived upon a surface of the optical joystick. The vibration is perceived primarily at the surface of the optical joystick, and not upon a case of the computing device, and is distinguishable from other vibrations which may be induced in the computing device. Vibrations are created to indicate scrolled items in a list, selected items, or navigation within certain displayed zones. | 12-27-2012 |
20130027311 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A handheld electronic device includes an input apparatus, an output apparatus, and a processor apparatus. The input apparatus includes a reduced keyboard and roller ball input. The roller ball input includes a movable portion that is substantially continuously rotatable with respect to a housing of the device and is rotatable about more than one axis providing input. The processor apparatus includes a disambiguation routine that can output various proposed interpretations of inputs from the reduced keyboard. The roller ball input advantageously provides various inputs to the handheld electronic device without requiring significant user attention, which enables a user to direct greater amount of attention to the output from the disambiguation routine and other aspects of the device. The roller ball input can be configured to additionally be translatable to provide an input, and additionally and/or alternatively the roller ball input can provide a tactile or other feedback to a user. | 01-31-2013 |
20130078922 | COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE USING ELECTROMAGNET AND ACTIVATED COMMUNICATIONS CIRCUIT - A communications device includes a processor and Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry that includes a communications module. An electromagnet is connected to the communications module and the processor. The electromagnet is configured to couple magnetically to a second communications device having a magnetic sensor and to transmit from the electromagnet to the magnetic sensor electromagnet pulses containing data regarding a wireless communications protocol. The processor and communications module are configured to establish a wireless communications connection with the second communications device. | 03-28-2013 |
20130084846 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTE WIPE THROUGH VOICE MAIL - A method and system for remotely wiping a mobile device, the method receiving, at a telephonic server hosting a telephonic menu, a selection to wipe data and connections from the mobile device; and forwarding a wipe data request to a network server to send a wipe command. | 04-04-2013 |
20130093576 | TACTILE INDICATOR FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method includes determining a status associated with a function of a portable electronic device; and actuating a tactile status indicator to change a texture at a surface of the portable electronic device for a period of time to indicate the status. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094866 | Wearable accessory for monitoring whether user is looking at portable electronic device - An accessory that includes a light transmitter may be worn by a user of an electronic device that includes a light receiver and a display screen. When the accessory is paired to the electronic device, the device may be configured to perform one or more behaviors in response to a change intensity of light incident on the light receiver, the light having been transmitted from the accessory. Example behaviors include activating and deactivating the display screen, altering what is displayed on a display screen, and turning the electronic device on or off. The device may also be configured to determine one or more properties of the light incident on the light receiver and to perform the behaviors only if the one or more properties correspond to one or more prerequisite light properties stored in the device. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096919 | APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR MODIFYING MEDIA DATA ENTERED PURSUANT TO A MEDIA FUNCTION - A white board function, and an associated method, for a wireless, or other, device. Entry of graphical and audio media pursuant to the white board function is detected and correlated. A search is performed to locate substitute graphical media amenable for substitution for the entered graphical media. If located, the substitute graphical media is substituted for the entered graphical media. | 04-18-2013 |
20130099725 | CLIP-ON CHARGING SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE CHARGING RATES - A charger for charging a battery of an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has a charging clip that clips to a structure of the charger. The structure has a plurality of conductive strips disposed thereon. The number of conductive strips contacted by a charging contact on the charging clip determines the amount of current provided to the electronic device for charging. | 04-25-2013 |
20130100601 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOUSING INCLUDING HINGE - A portable electronic device includes a hinge assembly comprising an axle, the hinge assembly coupling a first mating end of a first housing to a second mating end of a second housing, the second housing being movable relative to the first housing from an open position in which the axle is in a first position near to the first mating end and the second mating end and a folded position in which the axle is in a second position spaced from the first mating end and the second mating end such that the first mating end and the second mating end are movable toward one another to move the portable electronic device to a partially open position for clipping to an object; and a processor in electrical communication with electrical components in one of the first housing and the second housing. | 04-25-2013 |
20130110940 | Setting Reminders From An Instant Messaging Application | 05-02-2013 |
20130127592 | COMBINING NAVIGATION AND FINGERPRINT SENSING - A method and system are disclosed whereby fingerprint data is attempted to be captured from a touch sensitive input device during normal operation of an electronic device. If fingerprint data matching a stored fingerprint data is not captured within a threshold time period, security action is taken. | 05-23-2013 |
20130187894 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF FACILITATING INPUT AT THE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device includes a first housing component coupled to a second housing component, a first touch-sensitive display mounted in the first housing component, the first touch-sensitive display in electrical communication with a processor, and a second touch-sensitive display mounted in the second housing component, the second touch-sensitive display in electrical communication with the processor, wherein the second housing component is movable to a second position in which the second housing component is stacked above the first housing component and a gap is provided between the first touch-sensitive display and the second touch-sensitive display. | 07-25-2013 |
20130196590 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT TO AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Methods and devices for distributing and receiving content are provided. In one example aspect, a method comprises: receiving a command on a first electronic device to output content at an output device associated with a second electronic device; and in response to receiving the command to output content at the output device associated with the second electronic device: providing content access information from the first electronic device to the second electronic device, and adjusting a security state on the second electronic device. | 08-01-2013 |
20130215250 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD - A portable electronic device and method for controlling a media device is provided. The portable electronic includes a camera, a processor in communication with the camera, and an input device in communication with the processor. The processor is for receiving data from the camera and for analyzing the data to detect a condition and the processor is configured to operate in a non-command state or in a command state. The method involves receiving data from a camera, analyzing the data from the camera to detect a condition, receiving input and transmitting a command to the media. | 08-22-2013 |
20130222255 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - A method includes displaying a first keyboard on a touch-sensitive display of an electronic device, detecting a touch on the first keyboard, and when the touch is associated with a keyboard transformation function, changing the first keyboard into a second keyboard by moving keys of the first keyboard relative to other keys of the first keyboard, from first locations, along respective key paths, to second locations on the touch-sensitive display. | 08-29-2013 |
20130222256 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - A method includes displaying a first keyboard on a touch-sensitive display of an electronic device, detecting a moving touch on the first keyboard, and, as the touch moves, changing the first keyboard into a second keyboard by moving keys of the first keyboard relative to other keys of the first keyboard, from first locations, along respective key paths, to second locations on the touch-sensitive display. | 08-29-2013 |
20130222394 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR SELECTING OBJECTS IN IMAGES - Methods and devices for selecting objects in images are described. In one example aspect, a method includes: receiving stereoscopic image data, the stereoscopic image data includes a first image obtained from a first camera and a second image obtained from a second camera; identifying an object in the first image by analyzing the first image and the second image; displaying the first image, the identified object in the first image being selectable. | 08-29-2013 |
20130227420 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR FACILITATING PRESENTATION FEEDBACK - Methods and devices for facilitating presentation feedback during a local presentation are provided. In example embodiments, the local presentation includes an electronic presentation displayed on a display associated with a presentation device. In one aspect, the method comprises: providing a feedback interface for the electronic presentation and allowing one or more mobile communication devices to access the feedback interface; receiving at the feedback interface, feedback information from one or more of the mobile communication devices; and updating the electronic presentation based on the received feedback information. | 08-29-2013 |
20130241839 | DEVICE COVER WITH DRAWING PAD INPUT DEVICE - A cover for an electronic device and associated method. A case body has an outer and an inner surface, the inner surface defines at least part of a case compartment that receives an electronic device. A drawing pad is attached to the case body and has a touch sensitive input region, which senses drawing gestures thereon, and a detachable data communications interface that detachably connects a communications link to the electronic device. The communications link conveys indication data corresponding to sensed drawing gestures to the electronic device. | 09-19-2013 |
20130298080 | MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR SELECTING ELEMENTS FROM A LIST - A mobile electronic device for selecting elements from a list is provided. The mobile electronic device comprises a communication interface enabled to communicate with an output device, the output device enabled to provide feedback for selecting elements from a list; a first input element which, when actuated, causes the communication interface to transmit a coarse selection of the elements of the list, the coarse selection provided at the output device; and a second input element which, when actuated, causes the communication interface to transmit a fine selection of the elements of the list, the fine selection provided at the output device. | 11-07-2013 |
20130300665 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - A method of character entry includes detecting a spacebar adjacent input from a keyboard, the spacebar adjacent input corresponding to a key adjacent to a spacebar; and determining whether to accept the spacebar adjacent input based on whether a preceding inputted string, the preceding inputted string comprising a string of inputted characters preceding the spacebar adjacent input, corresponds to a first stored object. | 11-14-2013 |
20130301205 | MAGNETIC SLIDER MECHANISM FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - A portable processing device that includes a base portion and a main portion. The base portion includes a magnet and guides. The main portion includes a magnetic area. The base portion and the main portion are separable and configured to be held together by a magnetic force between the magnetic area and the magnet. The main portion is configured to be slideably movable with respect to the base portion in a sliding direction defined by the guides. The base portion may further include a cavity adjacent to the top end of the base portion, with a second magnet disposed proximate the cavity. At the end of a sliding motion, the bottom of the main portion is pulled into the cavity by magnetic attraction between the second magnet and the magnetic area. In some embodiments the main portion may be capable of a flip with respect to the base portion. | 11-14-2013 |
20130303191 | NON-VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF A CURRENT GAUGE VALUE OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE ON A CONTINUUM - A quantity that falls within a defined continuum defined by first and second end points of a gauge is communicated. Non-visual notifications indicate where on the continuum a current gauge value associated with a function of an electronic device resides relative to at least one end point of the first and second end points of the continuum. The non-visual notifications include a non-visual notification of the at least one end point of the continuum and a non-visual notification of the current gauge value. | 11-14-2013 |
20130311540 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INITIATING A COMPLEMENTARY APPLICATION - Methods and electronic devices for initiating a complementary application are described. In one example embodiment, a method, implemented by a processor of a first electronic device is described. The method includes: establishing a connection between the first electronic device and a second electronic device; receiving a communication, wherein the communication includes textual information; determining if the textual information includes at least one key term; and if the textual information includes the at least one key term, initiating an application on the second electronic device based on the at least one key term. | 11-21-2013 |
20140001936 | Housings That Move Using a Link That Slidingly Engages Cams | 01-02-2014 |
20140003653 | System and Method for Detemining the Position of an Object Displaying Media Content | 01-02-2014 |
20140009393 | System and Method for Interfacing Between a Mobile Device and a Personal Computer - A system and method are provided for interfacing between a mobile device and a PC. The mobile device utilizes a connection with the PC for taking advantage of the larger display and input devices such as the keyboard on the PC to improve the user interface (UI). This also enables the user to take advantage of the mobile device's wireless connectivity at the same time, e.g. where the PC does not have the same connectivity. | 01-09-2014 |
20140043209 | STACKED DEVICE POSITION IDENTIFICATION - Methods and electronic devices for identifying a location of a top electronic device stacked on top of a bottom electronic device are described. In one example embodiment, the top electronic device and the bottom electronic device are configured to communicate. In one example embodiment, the method includes: receiving camera data associated with a camera of the top electronic device; obtaining display data identifying a pixel arrangement on at least a portion of a display of the bottom electronic device; and identifying the position of the top electronic device relative to the bottom electronic device based on the camera data and the display data. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046943 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR STORING CONTENT BASED ON CLASSIFICATION OPTIONS - Methods and devices for storing content are described. In one example embodiment, a method includes: displaying, on a display of an electronic device, a plurality of selectable content classification options for classifying a content item, the selectable content classification options including a selectable option to classify the content item as an action item and a selectable option to classify the content item as an archive; receiving, via an input interface associated with the electronic device, a selection of one of the content classification options; and storing the content item in accordance with the selected content classification option. | 02-13-2014 |
20140047345 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR TRACKING WORKSPACE ACTIVITY - A method, system and apparatus for tracking workspace activity are provided. At a device comprising a processor, a memory, a communication interface, and a display, it is determined when each of two different workspaces are active, the two different workspaces distinguished by one or more of stored data at the memory and applications being associated with one or another of the two different workspaces. Respective times that each of the two different workspaces are active are transmitted, via the communication interface, to a server. | 02-13-2014 |
20140065955 | WIRELESS DEVICE FOR PROVIDING NOTIFICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A wireless device for providing notifications associated with a mobile electronic device is provided. The device comprises: an indicator; a body enabled to mate with a mobile electronic device, the body comprising the indicator such that when the body is mated to the mobile electronic device, the indicator is not obscured by the body; an induction device for wirelessly receiving signals from the mobile electronic device to control the indicator; and, a circuit connecting the induction device to the indicator, the circuit enabled to receive the signals and control the indicator in response thereto. | 03-06-2014 |
20140078092 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - A method includes: detecting a first touch at a first location on a touch-sensitive display; detecting a second touch at a second location on the touch-sensitive display; and displaying a navigation indicator on the touch-sensitive display in response to detecting the second touch while first touch contact is maintained. | 03-20-2014 |
20140089547 | SMART PLUG OR CRADLE - There is provided a method and apparatus for allowing a user of a mobile device to securely access a storage device of a home network of the user. The method and apparatus advantageously allow for the user to share data stored on the home network with other users, or to give full or restricted access to other computing devices. The apparatus consists of a network element residing on the home network of the user, which enables communications between the network storage and the mobile device when the mobile device is in a remote location. | 03-27-2014 |
20140090034 | SMART PLUG OR CRADLE - There is provided a method and apparatus for allowing a user of a mobile device to securely access a storage device of a home network of the user. The method and apparatus advantageously allow for the user to share data stored on the home network with other users, or to give full or restricted access to other computing devices. The apparatus consists of a network element residing on the home network of the user, which enables communications between the network storage and the mobile device when the mobile device is in a remote location. | 03-27-2014 |
20140120831 | COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE INCLUDING RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) SIGNAL BLOCKING LAYER FOR NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC) DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - A communications device may include a near-field communication (NFC) circuit device, and a radio frequency (RF) signal blocking member adhesively coupled with the NFC device. The RF signal blocking member may be configured to block RF signal communication by the NFC device while coupled therewith. The RF signal blocking member may comprise an electrical conductor. In accordance with an example, the RF signal blocking member may comprise a frangible layer. In another example, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer may be included for adhesively securing the RF signal blocking member with the NFC device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122589 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRANSFERRING CONTROL OF MEDIA PLAYBACK BETWEEN ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A system and method for transferring control of media playback between electronic devices. Playback of media content is initiating at a source device and peer-to-peer device pairing is established with a destination device. Media content from the source device is streamed to the destination device and a determination of whether to transfer media playback control to the destination device is made based on characteristics of the media content. The control of media playback may be transferred to the destination device based on the destination device having a local copy of the streaming media content, a playlist with similar characteristics to the streaming media content, a local media content having similar characteristics to the streaming media content, or a local playlist similar to the playlist from the source device. The peer-to-peer device pairing is terminated when media playback control is transferred, thereby preserving battery and processing power to the source device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140203904 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM PROVIDING PERSONNEL ACCESS BASED UPON NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION AND RELATED METHODS - A security system may include an access control device associated with a personnel access position. The access control device may include a first Near-Field Communication (NFC) sensor, and a first controller configured to selectively grant personnel access based upon receiving a valid security code from the first NFC sensor, and to deny personnel access and generate an access denial electronic message(s) based upon receiving an invalid security code from the first NFC sensor. The system may also include a mobile wireless communications device(s) including a second NFC sensor and a second controller, which may be configured to communicate a security code via the second NFC sensor to the first NFC sensor based upon proximity therewith, and to receive a corresponding access denial electronic message from the first controller based upon the security code being invalid. | 07-24-2014 |
20140302818 | AUTHENTICATION USING FINGERPRINT SENSOR IN GESTURE PATH - Methods and devices for obtaining a fingerprint sample due to incidental contact with a fingerprint sensor when performing a gesture are described. In one aspect, an electronic device includes a touchscreen display and a fingerprint sensor adjacent the touchscreen display. One or more processors are associated with instructions that cause a fingerprint sample to be obtained and that cause a gesture to be detected. The gesture is characterized by input representing movement that is directed at or from the fingerprint sensor. The input is received, at least in part, at an end of the touchscreen display that is nearest the fingerprint sensor. | 10-09-2014 |
20140354406 | COMBINING NAVIGATION AND FINGERPRINT SENSING - A method, device and machine readable medium are provided. The method comprises: activating a fingerprint sensor while performing a function other than authentication; and performing a security action when fingerprint data matching stored fingerprint data is not captured by the fingerprint sensor after a threshold duration from activation. | 12-04-2014 |
20140372454 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR EFFICIENTLY DETERMINING PRIORITY OF DATA IN A DATABASE - A method and apparatus for determining priority of data in a database managed by a computing device are provided. The data comprises a list of events, the computing device comprising a processing unit interconnected with a memory device and a display device. Context data is processing at the processing unit to determine a priority ranking for each of the items, wherein processing the context data to determine a priority ranking comprises at least one of processing attendance data, location, event data, and telephone record data. Respective areas of the display device are controlled to provide visual representations of each of the events, each respective area controlled according to the priority ranking. | 12-18-2014 |
20150017971 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING ACTUATOR FOR PROVIDING TACTILE OUTPUT - An electronic device includes a base, a membrane coupled to and spaced from the base, an actuator disposed between the base and the membrane, and spaced from the membrane when the actuator is not actuated, and a controller configured to control actuation of the actuator to cause the actuator to contact the membrane. | 01-15-2015 |
20150033329 | PASSWORD ENTRY USING 3D IMAGE WITH SPATIAL ALIGNMENT - A method of controlling access to an electronic device is disclosed. The method comprises: generating a modified first image from a first image, wherein the first image and the modified first image include a first image reference point; generating a modified second image from a second image, wherein the second image and the modified second image include a second image reference point; displaying a three dimensional representation of the modified first image overlaid by the modified second image; authenticating access to the electronic device in response to substantial alignment of the first image reference point in the modified first image with the second image reference point in the modified second image. | 01-29-2015 |
20150051901 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING PREDICTED WORDS FOR TEXTUAL INPUT - A computer-implemented method for use in an electronic device includes obtaining a set of candidate words without character-based input. A display of the electronic device displays a first virtual keyboard that presents a first subset of the candidate words and information identifying a plurality of categories associated with the candidate words. The first subset of the candidate words is associated with a first one of the categories. A first input indicative of at least one of a selection of a second one of the categories is received, and a second subset of candidate words is identified based on the received input. The display of the electronic device displays a second virtual keyboard presenting the second subset of the candidate words. | 02-19-2015 |
20150061849 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING ACTUATOR AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME FOR PROVIDING TACTILE OUTPUT - A method of controlling an electronic device includes detecting receipt of an input, determining a response number in response to receipt of the input, and actuating an actuator of the electronic device a discrete integer number of times based on the response number. | 03-05-2015 |