| BBY SOLUTIONS, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20160116326 | INTERACTIVE BODY WEIGHT SCALE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for using an interactive body weight scale is presented. The body weight scale may have computing and data communication ability to track a user's weight by connecting to a number of different electronic devices. The body weight scale is capable of recording an audio message, converting the audio message to message text, and transmitting the message to a remote social network. The scale may also receive message responses from the remote network and play the messages back based on whether a particular message is a positive message. A scale use indicator provides a reminder for a user to use the body weight scale. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160109282 | INTERACTIVE BODY WEIGHT SCALE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of using an interactive body weight scale is presented. The body weight scale may have computing and data communication ability to track a user's weight by connecting to a number of different electronic devices. The body weight scale is capable of recording an audio message, converting the audio message to message text, and transmitting the message to a remote social network. The scale may also receive message responses from the remote network and play the messages back based on whether a particular message is a positive message. A scale use indicator provides a reminder for a user to use the body weight scale. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160025550 | BODY WEIGHT SCALE WITH VISUAL NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An interactive body weight scale is presented. The body weight scale may have computing and data communication ability to track a user's weight by connecting to a number of different electronic devices. The body weight scale is capable of recording an audio message, converting the audio message to message text, and transmitting the message to a remote social network. The scale may also receive message responses from the remote network and play the messages back based on whether a particular message is a positive message. A scale use indicator provides a reminder for a user to use the body weight scale. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20150305178 | TELEVISION MONITOR COMBINATION STAND AND WALL MOUNT - A combination television monitor stand and wall mount is presented. The combination stand and mount has an assembly of parts that can be assembled into two different configurations. The parts assembly includes a base plate, brackets, screws, and a stand cover. In a stand configuration, the described apparatus functions as a table stand for a television or computer monitor. In a wall mount configuration, the described apparatus allows a monitor to be mounted to a wall. A second embodiment provides a stand configuration having a neck pivotably attached to a base plate by a hinge, and a locking lever arm supporting the neck when the neck is in an upright position. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150287066 | AFFILIATE MARKETING SYSTEM: METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present invention is a method and system for marketing by an affiliate of a retailer using electronic coupons. Data in the electronic coupon may include an affiliate ID, a consumer ID, and an offer to discount one or more products from the retailer. The electronic coupon is accessed by the retailer, either through a point-of-sale system in a store, by accessing information on a mobile device of the consumer, or online. A commission is applied by a processing system to products purchased during the transaction, but the affiliate is responsible to reimburse the retailer for the amount of any discount attributable to the coupon that would otherwise financially impact the retailer. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150235270 | UPGRADE NOTIFICATIONS AND PROMOTIONS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Methods and implementations of providing device upgrade notifications and determining device upgrade eligibility and device trade-in values are described herein. These techniques include operations to determine and obtain an upgrade status of a device (and a device's contract status with a service provider), determine and obtain characteristics of the device, determine and obtain a promotional offer for an upgrade of the device, and generate and display a promotional offer that may be output on the device itself. The upgrade status may be displayed in connection with software app or widget that outputs a countdown timer for the device upgrade and value assessment for a trade-in of the user's existing device. Other techniques for providing customized and targeted advertising and promotions for device upgrade and purchases also may be provided through use of the software app or widget. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150206134 | ELECTRONIC GIFT CARD TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Techniques and system configurations for tracking of electronic gift card activation and issuance transactions are described herein. In some described examples, a customer identifier is utilized during the gift card activation process to identify a particular purchaser (a customer). This customer identifier is provided in transactions among a gift card activator, a gift card processor, and a retailer (or other gift card redeeming or management entity) to enable the retailer to identify the customer that is activating a particular set of gift cards. This customer identifier is further used by the retailer to perform reconciliation of payments for the gift cards, and to associate respective gift cards from batch purchases with respective activators and customers. | 07-23-2015 |
| 20150205578 | MOVIE MODE AND CONTENT AWARDINGI SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method is presented for awarding content to users of mobile devices for attending events, appearing at locations, or viewing audiovisual content. One embodiment also automatically alters the configuration of mobile devices, which is particularly useful in movie theaters. An application on the device recognizes an audible signal provided at the location or in the audiovisual content. The signal can also be used to unlock content. In this way, desired content is available only when the user has attended an event such as an event sponsored by the content creator. The content can relate to the event, and can be synchronized to the event. The signal can also trigger an application or unlock content at a store location. For example, a scavenger hunt can be guided by an application on the mobile device. | 07-23-2015 |
| 20150181282 | MULTIPLE LOCATION CHANNEL DATABASE FOR DIGITAL TELEVISION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A digital television is presented that stores multiple channel maps in its channel memory. Each map is associated with a particular geographic location. When the television moves to a new location, the location is identified and the television examines its memory for stored channel maps relevant to that location. If a relevant channel map is found, it is used without the television having to rescan the available television frequencies to create a new map for that location. When scans are required, they are expedited by examining a database of relevant frequencies for the television's location. The database identifies frequencies that are in use by television broadcasters near that location. The television then needs to scan only those frequencies identified in the received list, which reduces scan times. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150097102 | TELEVISION MONITOR COMBINATION STAND AND WALL MOUNT - A combination television monitor stand and wall mount is presented. The combination stand and mount has an assembly of parts that can be assembled into two different configurations. The parts assembly includes a base plate, brackets, screws, and a stand cover. In a stand configuration, the described apparatus functions as a table stand for a television or computer monitor. In a wall mount configuration, the described apparatus allows a monitor to be mounted to a wall. A second embodiment provides a stand configuration having a neck pivotably attached to a base plate by a hinge, and a locking lever arm supporting the neck when the neck is in an upright position. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150084848 | INTERACTION BETWEEN GENERIC INTERACTION DEVICES AND AN INTERACTIVE DISPLAY - Interaction techniques are described herein involving communications between an interactive display, an interactive system, and at least two generic interaction devices. The interactive system may process relative location information for the generic interaction devices, and the interactive system may cause the interactive display to depict interactions between generic, real-world interaction devices. This may allow for enhanced individual interaction between one or more physical generic interaction devices and a virtualized environment or a virtual world presented by the interactive display. This may also allow for other interactions between a set of generic interaction devices that can be interpreted and presented by the interactive display. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150077425 | STORED VALUE DIGITAL PICTURE FRAME - The present invention is a stored value digital picture (or digital image) frame, and a method for sensing a stored value digital picture frame. It integrates the functionality of a stored value card, or a gift card, into a digital picture frame. The stored value digital picture frame may include an attachment device for attaching the frame to a keychain or keyring. The method includes sensing an account identifier from an account identifying device included in the frame, associating the identifier with an account, and taking some action involving the account. The action might be reading the account balance, initializing the balance with an amount, increasing the balance, or decreasing the balance. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150077064 | MAGNETICALLY CONNECTED UNIVERSAL COMPUTER POWER ADAPTER - A magnetically connected universal computer power adapter is presented. The computer power adapter provides a power supply, a power cord, a cord connector, and a charging plug. The cord connector and charging plug each contain a magnet that magnetically couple the cord connector to the charging plug. The cord connector may couple with more than one type of charging plug, allowing the universal computer power adapter to be used with many different computer models. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20140365336 | VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE PRODUCT DISPLAY WITH MOBILE DEVICE INTERACTION - A virtual interactive product display is provided. The interactive display includes a display screen and a plurality of sensors, including video cameras or motion sensors. The sensors provide gesture recognition, face recognition, and other types of gesture analysis. Three-dimensional rendered images are generated for a plurality of retail products. A customer can view the 3D images on the interactive display, and manipulate the images using natural gestures. Image manipulation may include rotating the object, virtually operating the product, or manipulating two or more images at the same time. Multiple products may be displayed in a side-by-side product comparison. A mobile device is provided to facilitate using the interactive display. The device may be used to search for products. The customer can then select products on the device and send images of the products to the interactive display. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140365334 | RETAIL CUSTOMER SERVICE INTERACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system is provided that monitors a customer's movements, locations, product interactions, and purchase behavior within a physical retail store. Emotional reactions to physical items and the virtual display are also tracked. The customer can utilize a mobile device app to request assistance from a retail store clerk. The app determines the position of the customer's mobile device within the store, such as by using Bluetooth beacons, and then transmits this position and a request for assistance to a server computer. The server gathers information about the customer, and then transmits the information along with the request for assistance and the customer location to a sales clerk. A mobile device used by the clerk receives this information and displays the information and request to the sales clerk. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140365333 | RETAIL STORE CUSTOMER NATURAL-GESTURE INTERACTION WITH ANIMATED 3D IMAGES USING SENSOR ARRAY - A physical retail store is provided with both physical retail products and a virtual interactive product display. The interactive display includes a display screen and a plurality of sensors, including video cameras or motion sensors. The sensors provide gesture recognition, face recognition, and other types of gesture analysis. Retail store customers can view and interact with 3D images of products for sale. A customer can perform a search for a product. The search results indicate whether the product is available as a physical product or as a 3D image that can be viewed on the interactive display. The customer may have a unique customer identifier that the retailer can use to track customer shopping behavior over multiple retail platforms. The retailer can provide special offers and customized content to the customer based on the previous shopping behavior. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140365273 | Data analytics collection for customer interaction with products in a retail store - A system and method for data analytics includes a physical retail store having a plurality of sensors provided in various locations around the physical store. The sensors may include motion sensors, visual imaging cameras, heat sensors, or other kinds of sensors. Information about the customer's shopping behavior is collected by detecting the customer at a first sensor and monitoring the customer's motion as the customer moves out of the sensing range of the first sensor and into the sensing range of other sensors around the store. The system may track the customer anonymously. In one embodiment, the customer self-identifies in the store, for example when making a purchase. If the customer chooses to self-identify, the previously anonymous shopping behavior for that customer can be associated with the customer's unique ID. Based on the shopping behavior, the retailer can provide the customer with deals and customized content. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140365272 | PRODUCT DISPLAY WITH EMOTION PREDICTION ANALYTICS - A system and method for determining customer emotional reaction to products is provided. The system may include a physical retail store with both a plurality of physical products for sale, and a virtual interactive product display allowing customers to virtually interact with three-dimensional rendered images of products. Gesture sensors such as motion sensors and video cameras are provided at various locations near the physical products and the interactive display. Emotional reaction can be analyzed based on customer facial expression, skeletal joint movement, and other physical factors. Machine learning techniques can be employed to analyze the reactions. In the system the customer emotional reactions are associated with the particular product that the customer was interacting with when the customer expressed the emotion. The information relating the emotional reaction to a particular product may be provided to a product manufacturer to improve the design of future products. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140363059 | RETAIL CUSTOMER SERVICE INTERACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A retail store is provided with both physical retail products and a virtual interactive product display. A system is provided that monitors a customer's movements, product interactions, and purchase behavior while looking at both physical items and while using the virtual interactive product display. Emotional reactions to physical items and the virtual display are also tracked. User movement through the physical store is tracked using sensors placed throughout the store. Profiles of this movement are created anonymously, and then associated with known customer identities on the occurrence of an identification event. In-store, on-line, and virtual customer data are combined to create a comprehensive customer data store. A retail clerk uses smart eyewear to select a customer and request identification. Upon identification, a subset of the data store is downloaded for viewing through the smart eyewear to increase the effectiveness of the clerk when assisting the customer. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140362294 | ON-SCREEN DISPLAY OF INPUT SOURCES WITH POSITION-BASED ARRANGEMENT - On-screen display techniques and configurations for audiovisual content input selection and indications in a television, monitor, receiver, or other electronic display device are described herein. An on-screen user interface of a display device may be enhanced with on-screen indications that indicate the position of the respective audiovisual content. For example, a user interface may provide an arrow in the lower-left portion of the screen to correspond to audiovisual input obtained from a device connected to the lower-left portion of the display device housing. A listing of input sources arranged by position relative to the display device and appropriate previews of the audiovisual content from the sources may also be incorporated into the user interface. In further examples, determined labels and human-readable identifiers for the respective input sources may be coordinated with the listing of input sources arranged by position. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140347292 | TOUCHSCREEN WITH A LIGHT MODULATOR - A device with a touchscreen with a light modulator is disclosed herein. The device transitions from a netbook mode to a touchscreen mode. The device comprises a main unit and a touchscreen unit with a transparent display. The touchscreen unit is preferably separated from the main unit when in a netbook mode, and the touchscreen unit communicates wirelessly with the main unit. The touchscreen unit preferably has an outer screen display surface and an inner screen display surface on each side of a light modulating unit. The main unit preferably has a main unit display. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140310590 | PRESENTATION LAYER SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT FOR CREATION OF DYNAMIC WEBPAGES - Systems and methods for designing and implementing dynamic and template-based web page content are described herein. One example includes a presentation layer software development kit providing a full-featured graphical user interface for the design of web page components and structures. The presentation layer software development kit may integrate with various design, development, compilation, and testing tools to generate production-ready web page output in a scalable architecture. Using the presentation layer software development kit, modifications to the web page content may be generated, tested, and deployed in a real-time basis, reducing design and implementation times. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140306015 | HEADPHONES HOLDER WITH INDICIA OF STORED VALUE - The present invention is a headset holder coupled with indicia of stored value. The indicia of stored value may be printed or painted on, or otherwise permanently coupled to, the holder itself, or may be included in a stored value or gift card that is attached to the holder. The headset holder and the stored value card may be constructed from a single sheet of plastic; in such embodiments, separation of the stored value card from the headset holder may be supported by a scoreline in the plastic material. The headset holder may have a spool and two grips. One grip may be configured to secure earphones and the other grip may be configured to secure a jack of the headset. The spool may be configured for winding headset wire. The holder may be configured to hold primarily an earbud headset. The grips may extend or protrude from a central portion, or body of the holder. The spool may also extend from the body. The holder may display an image, such as the image of a creature or plant. The image may depict the grips as hands of a displayed creature. The image may depict the spool as the head of the creature. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140298438 | Automatic Reauthentication in a Media Device - A system and method is presented for verifying the ability to use stored authentication information when accessing a remote media service. A media device, such as a television, is described that stores authentication information for a remote media service. Such authentication information may include a user name and a password. Because media devices may be re-sold, returned for re-sale, or refurbished, it is necessary to automatically disable the authentication information to prevent a second owner from accessing the services and accounts belonging to a first owner. The ability to use authentication information is disabled upon a long delay in accessing the service, a complete power down cycle, a change in IP address, or a change in network interfaces used to access the network. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140274394 | GAMING CONTROLLER SYSTEM - A tablet computer interface with additional motion based sensors and tactile controls. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140273636 | ACTIVE HDMI CONNECTOR WITH INTEGRATED DESIGN - An integrated design for an active HDMI connector is presented. The active HDMI connector comprises an active module circuit board, a connector pin assembly, connector pins, an insulation housing, and a metal connector shell. The connector shell partially encloses and partially exposes the active module. The connector pins each have a bent segment embedded in a molding assembly to fixate the pins within the molding assembly. The molding assembly defines a recessed slot for the active module. The active module has a cutout on a side of the module that is aligned with a tab on the connector shell. The tab is bent toward the inside of the connector shell to secure the active module inside the shell. The insulation housing includes pin separators that do not fully surround the connector pins. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140268744 | LED BULB OPTICAL SYSTEM WITH UNIFORM LIGHT DISTRIBUTION - A pear-shaped light-emitting diode (LED) light bulb housing is provided with a plurality of light-dispersing thickness variations in the bulb envelope. Dimples, bumps, or v-shaped grooves are provided in a middle portion of the bulb envelope in order to uniformly disperse light from LEDs as the light passes through the bulb envelope. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267180 | GRIP-ENABLED TOUCHSCREEN STYLUS - A grip-enabled touchscreen stylus for teaching a proper writing grip comprises a stylus shaft and a stylus tip for writing on a capacitive touchscreen electronic device. Three buttons situated around the stylus shaft activate the stylus tip. The stylus has a normally-off state, in which the tip is disabled and cannot interact with a touchscreen. When a thumb, index, and middle finger of a hand correctly grip the stylus by pressing all three buttons simultaneously, an actuator within the stylus causes the tip to activate in order to interact with the touchscreen. The stylus actuator may be mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical. The stylus may be supplemented by software or logic on the touchscreen-enabled device enabling the desired user experience of requiring proper grip on the stylus for touchscreen input to be validated. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267147 | VALIDATED TOUCHSCREEN STYLUS INTERACTION METHOD - A system and method are provided for validating a signature on a touchscreen using a smart stylus. Software residing on a touchscreen device disables touch input from sources other than the stylus. In one embodiment, the stylus wirelessly transmits a stylus identifier to the touchscreen device to identify the stylus to the device. The stylus may also have a stylus tip that produces an encoded voltage pulse sequence that is used to identify the stylus to the device. A stylus ID is associated with an encoded voltage pulse. The touchscreen device can look up the stylus ID in a database, determine the encoded voltage pulse associated with the stylus ID, and determine that a voltage pulse transmitted by the stylus tip is the pulse associated with the stylus ID, thus validating the source of data input on the touchscreen. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140265836 | MODULAR LED BULB WITH USER REPLACEABLE COMPONENTS - A modular LED light bulb is presented. The bulb comprises a bulb envelope and a removable screw base. A power supply within the bulb envelope connects to an electrolytic capacitor within the screw base. When the electrolytic capacitor in the screw base requires replacement, the screw base is detached from the bulb envelope, the depleted electrolytic capacitor is discarded, and a new electrolytic capacitor is connected to the power supply. The various embodiments increase the useful life of the LED light bulb. In another aspect, the screw base may be adapted to accept swappable modules to provide the light bulb with additional functionality. The swappable modules may provide the light bulb with wireless control and motion sensing. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262713 | WALL SWITCH ASSEMBLY - A wall switch actuator for both remote and local actuation. Switch position is reported to network devices. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140258043 | COMPARABLE PRODUCT MATCHING: SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and system for matching a basis product with products in the inventory of a provider (e.g., a retailer) that have related functionality. Characteristics of the basis product may be known from its product identifier, or may be specified. Goodness scores for candidate products may be based on similarity of characteristics with those of the basis product. Availability and consumer preferences may be taken into account in assigning goodness scores. Candidates may be drawn from those in inventory having the same type as the basis product, or a type having one or more similar functional aspects. Values of characteristics may require reformatting and/or normalization to facilitate comparison. A list of candidates, ranked by goodness scores, may be prepared. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140146239 | AUTOMATIC ANTENNA REDIRECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A geolocation smart antenna system is presented. In the system a database of television station information is provided. The database may include information such as channel number, broadcast frequency, network affiliation, and locations of one or more terrestrial television broadcast towers. An optimal antenna direction is determined based on a determined geographic location of an antenna and a geographic location of a broadcast tower. A system user selects a television program or television network broadcasted by a television station. A selection signal is sent to an antenna controller, and in response a television antenna is automatically oriented in an optimal direction toward a broadcast tower for the selected station. The selection signal may also be sent to a television receiver, and in response a television tuner is tuned to the station's radio frequency channel. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140139750 | TWO-SIDED REMOTE CONTROL - A remote control is described that with at least two faces that have at least one touch-based input. The remote control also includes an orientation sensor that determines the orientation of the remote control. A processor on the remote ignores signals from inputs on certain faces of the remote based upon the orientation of the remote control. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140136847 | SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERSONALIZED PORTABLE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for client authentication and verification in a distributed client-server system are described. An authentication and verification system may include a plurality of client devices containing private keys, a first server configured to interface with the plurality of client devices, and a second, secure server configured to interface with the first server and store public keys associated with the private keys on the client devices. A method is further described for verifying client devices in conjunction with the first and second servers. The first server may contain secure tokens that can be decrypted in conjunction with the authentication and verification method. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140122688 | MOBILE DEVICE DIAGNOSIS: APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention relates to diagnosis of issues of individual mobile electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, portable media players, or tablet or other computers). The issues are addressed by logic and data on the device and/or in a mobile device diagnosis center, possibly in collaboration. The center may contain information relating to such devices generally, as well as particular information relating to a device being diagnosed. The general information might include information about product specifications; statistical information based on data gathered about actual usage of such devices; information about service providers and service plans; and information about possible solutions for various kinds of issues. The device-specific information might include a history of the usage, repairs, and other activities and issues pertaining to the particular device. Diagnosis by the center may result in a recommendation to the device, which may automatically take action, possibly after backing itself up to the center. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140112494 | WIRELESS SPEAKER WITH TABLET COMPUTER STAND - A wireless speaker stand for a tablet computer is presented. The speaker stand comprises a wireless audio speaker within a base. A channel within the base has a channel floor, a channel front wall, and a channel rear wall. One or more spring-mounted bumpers retractably protrude into the channel. A mobile electronic device may be inserted into the channel. The spring-mounted bumper exerts variable force upon the mobile device as it enters the channel, securing the mobile electronic device within in the channel. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140095340 | ONLINE OFFER SYSTEM - An online offer system is directed toward methods and devices that allow a seller to enter information about the attributes of a non-fungible good based on parameter values provided on a database. In response, an automated purchaser issues a firm offer to purchase the good at a set price. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140089310 | PRODUCT CLUSTER REPOSITORY AND INTERFACE: METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present invention is a method and apparatus for conducting transactions regarding similarity of products against a repository in which products are grouped in clusters according to their characteristics. A product suite repository interface facilitates such transactions. Such a repository is useful for consumers and participants in the supply chain. For example, a supplier could determine which products in its own offerings are related to those offered by a retailer. Partners in some effort might merge their offerings into a single catalog. A consumer might use the repository to find accessories that might enhance a purchased item. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140083779 | INTERACTIVE BODY WEIGHT SCALE SYSTEM AND METHOD - An interactive body weight scale is presented. The body weight scale may have computing and data communication ability to track a user's weight by connecting to a number of different electronic devices. The body weight scale is capable of recording an audio message, converting the audio message to message text, and transmitting the message to a remote social network. The scale may also receive message responses from the remote network and play the messages back based on whether a particular message is a positive message. A scale use indicator provides a reminder for a user to use the body weight scale. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140082506 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIDGET RENDERING AND SHARING ON A PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Systems and methods for providing, sharing, storing and playing widgets and associated media content on a personal audiovisual device, such as a digital photo frame, are described. In one implementation, widgets may be selected by a user for rendering based on capabilities of a user's device, with the widgets then provided to the device for playback. Digital content such as audio files, images, and/or video may be rendered in conjunction with playback of the widget. Widgets may be shared between users so as to facilitate sharing of media content. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140064485 | METHOD FOR REAL-TIME COMPOSITING OF ENCRYPTED VIDEO STREAMS WITHOUT DECRYPTION - A system, method and device for real-time compositing of encrypted video streams without having to decrypt each video stream is disclosed herein. A shared encryption key is derived to encrypt multiple incoming video streams to an encrypted master video stream, while retaining full interoperability with popular incumbent video encryption standards. Compositing video is then possible without having to decrypt the master video stream, thereby preserving the security of the copyrighted material. The invention preferably genlocks a digital video source to a master video stream. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063180 | CONNECTED FOOD SCALE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A food scale system and method are presented. The connected food scale system comprises a digital food scale and a plurality of mobile devices able to connect to the scale. A plurality of food logs within the scale are linked to a plurality of user identifiers. Each mobile device may contain one of the user identifiers to uniquely identify the mobile device to the scale. When a mobile device connects to the digital food scale, the scale receives the mobile device identifier and transfers food log data for the identified user to the mobile device. A physical dock for a mobile device is fixedly-attached to the food scale. A wide-angle lens is incorporated into the dock and allows a digital camera within the mobile device to capture an image of food on a weighing surface of the scale. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140028437 | AUTOMATICALLY APPLYING GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTRAINTS ON ELECTRONIC DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY: METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present invention is a system and process for adjusting the performance of an electronic device based upon geographical location. For example, government regulations, applicable to a specific state or country, might limit energy usage by some device. The process involves accessing the location, accessing relevant constraints for that location and device, and taking appropriate actions if necessary. If the device were a television or monitor, a postal code might be entered during set-up or other configuration, possibly by a remote control operated through a user interface. Conversion from location and device type to required actions might be executed by logic on the device itself, or a remote location. The device might keep current with changes to regulations by receiving updates across a communication system such as the Internet. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140006207 | Two-Dimensional Code Reader with Location Identifier | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002586 | GAZE DIRECTION ADJUSTMENT FOR VIDEO CALLS AND MEETINGS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20130339384 | AUDIO PLAYLIST SYSTEM AND METHOD - Information about desired songs is collected on a portable memory device in communication with a radio tuner. The radio tuner may receive signals from a terrestrial or satellite digital radio transmission, or from an analog radio transmission. These transmissions may include text data about the current song being played. Upon activation by a user, song data is stored on the memory device. The memory device is then connected to a computer system, which uses software to extract the song data and uniquely identify the song. The identified songs are stored on the computer system, and can be used to allow the user easy access to the identified song through prior art techniques. If no textual data is stored about a song, the song is identified by identifying the radio station that played the song and the time at which the user activated the mechanism. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130311354 | PRODUCT LEASING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computerized system and method for leasing products includes defining a lease of an item, for example, an electronics product. The system includes a computer database that tracks product and service items, the cost for leasing of the items, and the cost to provide updates for product items. The bundled products and services are leased at a predetermined rate calculated using the database of the computerized system. At the option of the lessee, each product may be upgraded to a newer version of the original product in the same product class. The rate does not change over the course of the lease term. In the disclosed embodiment, the upgrade product is not identified in the lease because it is not available for sale or lease at the start of the lease term. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130277253 | PROTECTIVE CONTAINER FOR A FLAT SCREEN MONITOR - The invention is a protective container for transporting an enclosed object such as a flat screen television or other flat screen monitor. The protective covering includes two flaps and a base having soft padding material on their inner surfaces. An open configuration is essentially flat, allowing a monitor to be easily positioned on the covering. The flaps fold up to transform the protective container into a closed configuration, with straps or other connectors holding the flaps in place. The protective container has various features making it convenient to move manually and to transport in a delivery truck. The protective container is more convenient to use than the prior art, and can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130230202 | TRIANGLE SPEAKER FOR TABLET COMPUTER - A speaker bar for a tablet computer is presented. The speaker bar is sized to fit inside a cover of the tablet computer by folding or rolling the speaker bar inside the cover. The speaker bar has retractable speaker members that extend outward beyond the edges of the speaker bar housing along a longitudinal axis of the speaker bar. Power is provided to the speaker bar when the retractable members are extended, and the power is turned off when the retractable members are retracted. The speaker bar connects to a tablet computer via Bluetooth wireless connection. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130181492 | HEADREST MOUNT FOR TABLET COMPUTER AND METHOD - A device and method is presented that attaches a tablet computer to a vehicle headrest. A two-piece mount has a headrest coupling and a tablet housing. The tablet housing has a rigid core attached to a flexible rim portion that secures the tablet computer within the tablet housing. The rigid core has a circular cavity in the rear. The headrest coupling mounts to headrest posts in a vehicle using hinged arms and locking clips. The headrest coupling further has a circular attachment disk that fits within the circular cavity of the tablet housing. Retractable tabs in the circumference of the attachment disk fit within tracks in the walls of the circular cavity. The tabs prevent accidental separation of the tablet housing from the headrest coupling, and allow rotation of the tablet housing when attached to the headrest coupling. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130063358 | TOUCHSCREEN WITH A LIGHT MODULATOR - A device with a touchscreen with a light modulator is disclosed herein. The device transitions from a netbook mode to a touchscreen mode. The device comprises a main unit and a touchscreen unit with a transparent display. The touchscreen unit is preferably separated from the main unit when in a netbook mode, and the touchscreen unit communicates wirelessly with the main unit. The touchscreen unit preferably has an outer screen display surface and an inner screen display surface on each side of a light modulating unit. The main unit preferably has a main unit display. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130061216 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY UPDATING THE SOFTWARE OF A NETWORKED PERSONAL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE - A method for automatically updating software executed by an electronic device is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving, at the electronic device, an update indication from a server that updated software is available for the electronic device. The method further includes modifying, in response to the update indication, a boot state of the electronic device and initiating operation of the electronic device in an update mode. The updated software is received, at the electronic device, during operation in the update mode. The method further includes initiating, upon determining the updated software has been correctly received, operation of the electronic device in a normal mode. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130039157 | MULTITRACK RECORDING USING MULTIPLE DIGITAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A method and apparatus for multitrack recording of audio information using handheld digital electronic devices are described. Recording of video tracks complementing the audio is also contemplated. One device serves as master; others, slaves. Transmission of start and stop recording signals by the master may facilitate synchronization of the tracks. Slaves may begin preliminary sampling of audio information prior to the start signal, preparing to promptly begin actual track recording. Upon receiving the command to start recording, each slave chooses as first frame that sample closest to the signal to record. The task of stopping recording is typically handled similarly. A recording device may store an indicator for determining the offset of its first frame, facilitating time interpolation of samples in its track. In this way, all audio tracks, for example, might be transformed to a common set of times. The master might also record a track. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20120331552 | MALWARE AUTOMATED REMOVAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention automates the operation of multiple malware removal software products using a computerized system that systematically operates the multiple selected software products. These products are operated them in a customized “Safe Mode” using a shell that is different than the computer's other shell environments. Unlike the ordinary Safe Modes shells, the Custom Safe Mode prevents malware from functioning that ties itself to the normal shell, such as the Windows Explorer shell. In addition, the Custom Safe Mode allows the automation of tasks beyond that which is available under the standard command line shell. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120320280 | TELEVISION WITH ENERGY SAVING AND QUICK START MODES - The present invention is a television that executes a process for transitioning between multiple power modes. Both the transition events and the power states may be factory-defined, or they may be user-configurable. The TV may have two sleep modes. In a quick-start mode, the screen is powered down but the operating system is spun-up, and possibly other major functional subsystems are user-enabled. In an energy-saving mode, fewer subsystems than quick-start mode, and possibly only components required to recognize a tactile control requesting a return to a power-on mode, may be enabled. Quick-start is less efficient than energy-saving mode, but results in much faster return to power-in mode. In some embodiments, power modes and transition events between them power modes may be automated, and either user defined or factory defined. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120318704 | Product Packaging with Slide Out Tray - A product package is presented that has a sliding tray disposed within a sleeve. Both the sleeve and the tray have a tab on their top portions through which is positioned a hang-hole. The hang-holes in these two tabs align when the tray is inserted into the sleeve, allowing a display hanger to pass through the hole in both tabs. The tray also has a structure with an overhang portion that extends beyond a side wall of the tray. The overhang portion is positioned to abut the edge of the sleeve when the tray is fully inserted into the sleeve to prevent the tray from passing too far into, or even through the sleeve. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120303154 | RETAIL LOCATION ROBOTIC WALL SYSTEM - A robotic retail wall is presented allowing for the dispensing of merchandise within a retail location. The robotic wall includes commodity products and robotics that pick and deliver products to consumers in response to input at a kiosk. The robotics and products are separated from a retail space by a transparent barrier, allowing consumers in the retail space to view the actions of the robotics in retrieving a product. Behind the robotic wall is a product stocking area, where commodity products can be added to the robotic wall with assistance from the robotics. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120298688 | RETAIL LOCATION ROBOTIC WALL SYSTEM AND MOBILE RETAIL SALES VEHICLE - A robotic retail wall is presented allowing for the dispensing of merchandise within a retail location. The robotic wall includes commodity products and robotics that pick and deliver products to consumers in response to input at a kiosk. The robotics and products are separated from a retail space by a transparent barrier, allowing consumers in the retail space to view the actions of the robotics in retrieving a product. Behind the robotic wall is a product stocking area, where commodity products can be added to the robotic wall with assistance from the robotics. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120262468 | Stored Value Digital Picture Frame - The present invention is a stored value digital picture (or digital image) frame, and a method for sensing a stored value digital picture frame. It integrates the functionality of a stored value card, or a gift card, into a digital picture frame. The stored value digital picture frame may include an attachment device for attaching the frame to a keychain or keyring. The method includes sensing an account identifier from an account identifying device included in the frame, associating the identifier with an account, and taking some action involving the account. The action might be reading the account balance, initializing the balance with an amount, increasing the balance, or decreasing the balance. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120204201 | PERSONALIZED BEST CHANNEL SELECTION DEVICE AND METHOD - A device and method is presented that analyzes a user's television viewing behavior and, in response to a single action by the user, immediately presents the next highest ranked video content for that user on the television display. One embodiment provides a single button on a remote control that initiates this method. The ranked video content is based upon user identification and monitoring past user interaction with the television. Programming viewed by a user is compared against currently available programming to create a ranked list of recommended programming for the user. The preferred embodiment monitors and suggests programming that is provided on multichannel video programming such as over-the-air, cable, and satellite television programming, as well as material that is available for streaming over the Internet. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120190439 | MULTIPLE SIMULTANEOUS PROGRAMS ON A DISPLAY - A system and method is presented for enabling the viewing of multiple, different programs simultaneously on a single television display. The system can use alternate frame sequencing to alternate the programs frame-by-frame. A first pair of shutter glasses received a synchronization signal from the television and controls both the left and right glass in tandem to view the first program, while a second pair operates similarly, but uses the same synchronization signal to view the second program. Alternatively, the system can use polarization, in which a first program is polarized in a first orientation while a second program is polarized in a second orientation. Polarized glasses with matching orientations allow the user to watch only a single program. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120176872 | Continuous Playback on an Optical Media Disc Player - An optical media player is described that submits identifying information from an optical disc to network media servers in order to stream related music through the media player upon completion of the music on the optical disc. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120144035 | Automatic Reauthentication in a Media Device - A system and method is presented for verifying the ability to use stored authentication information when accessing a remote media service. A media device, such as a television, is described that stores authentication information for a remote media service. Such authentication information may include a user name and a password. Because media devices may be re-sold, returned for re-sale, or refurbished, it is necessary to automatically disable the authentication information to prevent a second owner from accessing the services and accounts belonging to a first owner. The ability to use authentication information is disabled upon a long delay in accessing the service, a complete power down cycle, a change in IP address, or a change in network interfaces used to access the network. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140117 | Two-Sided Remote Control - A remote control is described that with at least two faces that have at least one touch-based input. The remote control also includes an orientation sensor that determines the orientation of the remote control. A processor on the remote ignores signals from inputs on certain faces of the remote based upon the orientation of the remote control. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140092 | VIDEO ROTATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A video recording device is described having an orientation sensor. The recording device rotates video data received from an image sensor according to signals received from the orientation sensor. The rotation occurs before the video data is compressed according to a video codec and stored on a tangible storage device. By rotating the video data before compression, the need for intensive, post-capture video rotation on the compressed video file is eliminated. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120064874 | MOVIE MODE AND CONTENT AWARDING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method is presented for awarding content to users of mobile devices for attending events, appearing at locations, or viewing audiovisual content. One embodiment also automatically alters the configuration of mobile devices, which is particularly useful in movie theaters. An application on the device recognizes an audible signal provided at the location or in the audiovisual content. The signal can also be used to unlock content. In this way, desired content is available only when the user has attended an event such as an event sponsored by the content creator. The content can relate to the event, and can be synchronized to the event. The signal can also trigger an application or unlock content at a store location. For example, a scavenger hunt can be guided by an application on the mobile device. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20110113055 | AUDIO PLAYLIST SYSTEM AND METHOD - Information about desired songs is collected on a portable memory device in communication with a radio tuner. The radio tuner may receive signals from a terrestrial or satellite digital radio transmission, or from an analog radio transmission. These transmissions may include text data about the current song being played. Upon activation by a user, song data is stored on the memory device. The memory device is then connected to a computer system, which uses software to extract the song data and uniquely identify the song. The identified songs are stored on the computer system, and can be used to allow the user easy access to the identified song through prior art techniques. If no textual data is stored about a song, the song is identified by identifying the radio station that played the song and the time at which the user activated the mechanism. | 05-12-2011 |
