PALM, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120169568 | MULTIBAND ANTENNA WITH GROUND RESONATOR AND TUNING ELEMENT - Various embodiments of an antenna structure for mobile devices are described. In one or more embodiments a multi-band antenna includes first, second and third resonating elements. The first and second resonating elements may each have an L-shape, and may be fed by a single feed leg. The third resonating element may be coupled to ground. In some embodiments, the first resonating element may be longer than the second resonating element, and the third resonating element may be positioned adjacent to the first resonating element. In other embodiments, a tuning element is coupled to the signal feed and is positioned adjacent to the second resonating element. The tuning element may have a geometry that is similar to a geometry of the second resonating element. The combination of these structures creates a plurality of distinct resonance modes which creases a wide effective bandwidth for the disclosed antenna. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 07-05-2012 |
20120169547 | MULTIBAND ANTENNA WITH SURROUNDING CONDUCTIVE COSMETIC FEATURE - Various embodiments of an antenna structure for mobile devices are described. In one or more embodiments a multi-band antenna includes a multi-band antenna with a conductive cosmetic feature operating as a resonating element. In some embodiments, an antenna includes a folded monopole element, a loop element formed between a portion of the conductive cosmetic feature and the printed circuit board and an L-shaped slot antenna element defined in part by a side surface of the conductive cosmetic feature. In some embodiments the folded monopole element, the loop element, and the slot antenna element are capable of resonating in response to a signal applied to the folded monopole element. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 07-05-2012 |
20120159034 | COMMUNICATION PORT AND CONNECTOR - A communication port and connector are described. A mobile computing device may include a hardware element, with the hardware element being communicatively coupled to a connection. The connection is communicatively coupled to a communication port, and the communication port includes a first pin and a second pin. Additionally, at least one of the first pin and the second pin is comprised of a ferromagnetic material. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-21-2012 |
20120154222 | MULTIBAND ANTENNA WITH GROUNDED ELEMENT - Various embodiments of an antenna structure for mobile devices are described. In one or more embodiments a multi-band antenna includes a grounded parasitic element. In some embodiments, a high band arm is provided, and is fed off-center, so that the resonating arms are not symmetrical in length. In some embodiments, a coupled ground resonator is included to add a differential resonating mode. A ground leg may be included to offer facilitate impedance and inductance matching. The combination of these structures creates four distinct resonance modes for the high band, which creases a wide effective bandwidth for the disclosed antenna. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-21-2012 |
20120122461 | TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGING COMMUNICATIONS RESOURCES FOR A MOBILE DEVICE - Techniques to manage communications resources for a mobile device are described. An apparatus may comprise a mobile computing device having a radio arranged to communicate information over a wireless link, a link classifier arranged to generate a class parameter for the wireless link based on signal quality measurements of the wireless link, and a data service manager arranged to receive a data service request from an application, determine whether the application may communicate information over the wireless link based on the class parameter for the wireless link, and generate a control directive for the application granting or denying the data service request. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 05-17-2012 |
20120108294 | TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE A SUSBCRIBER IDENTITY MODULE FOR A MOBILE WIRELESS DEVICE - Techniques to manage a subscriber identity module for a mobile wireless device are described. An apparatus may comprise a mobile computing device having a subscriber identity module (SIM) manager that when executed by a processor is operative to manage a physical SIM stored on a removable storage unit for the mobile computing device and a virtual SIM stored on a non-removable storage unit for the mobile computing device, the virtual SIM comprising contents copied from the physical SIM to allow the virtual SIM to perform operations on behalf of the physical SIM. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 05-03-2012 |
20120038652 | ACCEPTING MOTION-BASED CHARACTER INPUT ON MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICES - A mechanism for accepting motion-based character input on a mobile computing device. In order to input a character, a user uses the mobile computing device like a pen to write the character in the air. The mechanism detects the movement of the mobile computing device (e.g., through an on-board accelerometer), recognizes a sequence of strokes the user is making using the mobile computing device, recognizes the character based on the sequence, and inputs the character on the mobile computing device (e.g., renders on a display). | 02-16-2012 |
20120028637 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR NETWORK SCANNING FOR MANUAL PLMN SEARCH - Various embodiments for providing enhanced manual PLMN search in mobile devices are described. In one or more embodiments, a user may initiate a manual PLMN search while the mobile device has a data connection to a network. The mobile network carrier may receive a request from the mobile device to suspend the data connection between the device and the mobile network carrier while the device performs the manual public land mobile network (PLMN) search. The mobile network may suspend the data connection. The suspended data connection may be resumed, without being torn down and re-established, if the user re-selects the mobile network after the manual PLMN search. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 02-02-2012 |
20120005691 | Dual Operating System Operation and Configuration - A system and a method are disclosed for device having a first and a second operating system communicatively coupled with each other. The first operating system is configured to manage a state of the mobile computing device, resources operable with the mobile computing device, and data management for the mobile computing device. The second operating system is a desktop-type operating system. In one embodiment, in response to coupling a docking station, the mobile computing device is configured to provide the second operating system access to peripherals. In addition, another embodiment the first operating system is configured to include an interface to access and execute applications executable through the second operating system. | 01-05-2012 |
20120005382 | Register Access Protocol - A system and a method are disclosed for allowing a host device to communicate with an accessory device using a lightweight communications protocol. A communications link is first established between the connected accessory and host device. The host device sends a request for a register map file (RMF) to the accessory device. A RMF identifies registers for elements of the accessory device. The accessory device sends the RMF to host device, responsive to the request and the host device maps the RMF to interface with a higher level language such as C++ or JavaScript, allowing the host to act on the register mapping. Such interaction can be handled at the driver layer of an operating system, the application framework layer or the application layer. This permits both a layered service model and a fine-grant access at the application layer of the host device. | 01-05-2012 |
20110320982 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACTIVATING AN APPLICATION ON A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method and system for activating an application on a portable electronic device are disclosed. A method of activating an application on a portable electronic device includes displaying a plurality of elements on a display device of the portable electronic device, wherein each element of the plurality of elements is associated with a respective application of a plurality of applications. In response to a first user interaction with a user interface component of the portable electronic device, changing an appearance of a first element of the plurality of elements, wherein the first element is associated with a first application of the plurality of applications. In response to a second user interaction with the user interface component, activating the first application. The first user interaction includes a user interaction along a first axis, and wherein the second user interaction includes a user interaction along a second axis. | 12-29-2011 |
20110316867 | APPARATUS AND METHODS TO ACHIEVE A VARIABLE COLOR PIXEL BORDER ON A NEGATIVE MODE SCREEN WITH A PASSIVE MATRIX DRIVE - A display unit is constituted by a passive matrix of independently controllable pixels characterized by an active area of n rows and m columns of discrete pixels and a pixel border. The pixel border has a predetermined width, in one embodiment two pixels. The border pixel color state is controlled herein by the frame buffer memory. The pixel border color state is controlled to correspond to information contained in a frame buffer memory locus. This locus may be, in various embodiments herein, a single pixel, a row of pixels, or a number of rows of pixels of frame buffer memory. Each row of pixels may be equal to m and/or n. In one embodiment, the frame buffer controls the border pixels directly via a liquid crystal display controller and drivers, without a timing generation mechanism, such as a timing ASIC. | 12-29-2011 |
20110305266 | METHOD WHICH PERMITS A BLOCK-BASED FILE TO BE PLAYED OUT DURING TRANSMISSION - A file (FI) is transmitted via a first channel (CH | 12-15-2011 |
20110302182 | COLLECTING AND ANALYZING USER ACTIVITIES ON MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICES - A mechanism for collecting and analyzing user information available on a mobile computing device is described. Information is retrieved from different components of the mobile computing device and analyzed for relationships therein. Metrics and rules are applied to the information to generate results. The results are displayed or exported to one or more components of the mobile computing device or external devices. | 12-08-2011 |
20110300865 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY MANAGING CONNECTIONS USING FEATURE PRIORITIZATION - Techniques to dynamically manage wireless connections using feature prioritization are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise a connection management module operative to access a list of one or more wireless networks, compare feature set information for the one or more wireless networks, select a wireless network based on the comparison, and initiate a wireless connection using the selected wireless network, wherein the feature set information is contained in the list. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-08-2011 |
20110298830 | Single Point Input Variable Zoom - A method and computer readable medium are disclosed for re-sizing screen content of a user interface comprising an initial view displayed within a touch-sensitive screen. A double tap and hold interaction is detected on the screen at an initial location. A drag interaction is detected, where the drag interaction comprises maintaining contact across the screen in an initial direction. A release interaction is detected, where the release interaction comprises a final location where interaction on the screen is detected. A zoom factor is determined based upon the initial location, the final location, and the initial direction. A zoomed view is generated using the zoom factor, where the zoomed view changes a proportion of the screen filled by an area surrounding the initial location relative to the initial view. Finally, the zoomed view of the screen content is provided for display on the screen. | 12-08-2011 |
20110296304 | Adaptive Gesture Tutorial - A system and a method are disclosed for determining and presenting a gesture tutorial comprising audio and/or video presentation on a gesture that is not frequently used by the user. To determine a tutorial, the system determines the user's gesture repertoire comprising information about gestures already learned by the user, e.g., gestures detected a pre-determined number of times on the user's computing device or another computing device associated with the user. The system determines a gesture associated with the user's computing device that is not represented in the gesture repertoire. The system determines a tutorial for the determined gesture and transmits the determined tutorial for presentation to the user. | 12-01-2011 |
20110292084 | Text Box Resizing - A system, method, and computer readable medium are disclosed for re-sizing input fields and text of a user interface displayed within a touch-sensitive screen. The user interface comprises an initial view with at least one input field. The user interface is provided for display on the screen. A touch interaction is detected on the screen, and it is determined whether the interaction is within a predefined area of an input field. Responsive to determining that the interaction is within the predefined area, a magnified view of the input field is generated. The magnified view increases the proportion of the screen filled by the input field and text relative to the initial view. The magnified view is then presented for display on the screen. | 12-01-2011 |
20110269476 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY MANAGING CONNECTIONS USING A COVERAGE DATABASE - Techniques to dynamically manage wireless connections using a coverage database are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise a connection management module operative to dynamically select a wireless connection technology based on a location of the mobile computing device and information from a coverage database, and to initiate a wireless connection using the selected wireless connection technology. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 11-03-2011 |
20110268000 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR POWER MANAGEMENT ON MOBILE DEVICES - Various embodiments for providing enhanced power savings in mobile computing devices are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may monitor the battery power level remaining. The mobile computing device may select a wireless connection type for an application based on Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of the application and the amount of battery power remaining. The mobile computing device may switch the application from a higher QoS wireless connection type to a lower QoS wireless connection type when the battery power falls below a threshold. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 11-03-2011 |
20110267985 | TECHNIQUES TO PROVIDE INTEGRATED VOICE SERVICE MANAGEMENT - Techniques to provide integrated voice service management are described. An apparatus may comprise a mobile computing device having a voice service manager operative to receive control directives from one or more application programs, and manage one or more service features provided by multiple voice service platforms based on the received control directives, with at least one of the multiple voice service platforms comprising a voice over packet voice service platform. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 11-03-2011 |
20110267772 | INTEGRATED SIM HOLDER WITH BACKCASE AND ROTATING DOOR - An apparatus for holding a SIM (subscriber identification module) card for an electronic device. The electronic device is implemented using integrated circuits on a PCB (printed circuit board) contained within a device housing. A SIM connector mounted on the PCB may electrically connect a SIM card to the PCB. The SIM card is releasably held in position by a SIM card door. The SIM card door may engage the SIM card with the SIM connector when in a closed position. The SIM card door in open position may slidably accept the SIM card. The SIM card door is releasably engageable with the housing and is rotatably attached to the housing in order to swing to the closed position from the open position. Holding the SIM card with the SIM card door provides for a smaller SIM connector and thus a minimum amount of PCB area for mounting the SIM connector. | 11-03-2011 |
20110267324 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AMBIENT LIGHT DETECTION AND POWER CONTROL VIA PHOTOVOLTAICS - A method and apparatus for ambient light detection and power control using photovoltaics is disclosed. In an embodiment, a device includes a display and a photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell acts as both an ambient light sensor and a power source. Based on the detected ambient light level, the brightness of the display is increased or decreased to save power, and energy captured by the photovoltaic cell is converted into a useable power signal which is stored or used by device components. | 11-03-2011 |
20110265039 | CATEGORY-BASED LIST NAVIGATION ON TOUCH SENSITIVE SCREEN - A mechanism for a user to navigate a list on a touch sensitive screen by making on-screen gestures is described. Items in the list are sorted based on a common attribute, and grouped into different categories associated with the attribute. A portion of the items are displayed in the sorted sequence in a graphical user interface (UI) on a touch sensitive screen. When the user makes an on-screen gesture, one or more corresponding categories are identified and their indicators are dynamically and prominently displayed as feedback. Once the gesture is completed, the graphical UI scrolls to the portion of the list including items in the desired category. | 10-27-2011 |
20110263241 | USE OF MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE SENSORS TO INITIATE A TELEPHONE CALL OR MODIFY TELEPHONE OPERATION - A system and a method are disclosed for initiating a voice communication, such as a telephone call, or modifying an output device used to present audio data. After receiving a destination identifier, such as a telephone number, data from one or more sensors included in the mobile computing device is analyzed. Responsive to the sensor data describing movement in a first direction of a first axis, such as upward motion along a vertical axis, a voice communication is established using the destination identifier. While audio data from the voice communication, or from another source, is presented, data from the sensors is also analyzed. Responsive to the sensor data indicating one or more types of movement or interactions with a surrounding environment, the output device used to present the audio data is modified. | 10-27-2011 |
20110237237 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR NETWORK TIME AND DATE DETERMINATION - A method, system, and apparatus for time and date determination using a wireless network is disclosed. A wireless device searches for a network to establish a connection, and, when a network is found, the wireless device attempts to establish a connection. The wireless device receives a PLMN code from the network. The wireless device receives the current GMT time from a GPS satellite. The wireless device determines the time zone that the wireless device is located in using the PLMN code. The wireless device determines the daylight saving time settings using the PLMN code and/or the GMT time. The wireless device determines the current time and date for the present location of the wireless device using the received GMT time and the determined time zone and day light saving time settings. The wireless device is updated to reflect the current time, date, time zone, and daylight saving settings. | 09-29-2011 |
20110237220 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR UNLOCKING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for unlocking an electronic device. In an embodiment, a process causes a device such as a smartphone to receive a sound input from a fixed position microphone and determine if the device should be unlocked based on a comparison of the sound input with a previously defined sound input. | 09-29-2011 |
20110207509 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INTELLIGENT BATTERY MANAGEMENT - Various embodiments for providing enhanced battery conservation in mobile devices are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may include a processor and a battery to supply power to the processor. The device may store user pattern data and/or user preference data. The device may further include a power management module coupled to the processor. The power management module may monitor a location of the device, wireless signal strength, and date/time. The power management module may also monitor and analyze user operation of the device to identify scenarios in which wireless communications can be suspended. The power management module may suspend wireless communication according to these monitored conditions, and analyzed user operations, to reduce battery consumption. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 08-25-2011 |
20110203631 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING AND ENERGY CAPTURE IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE VIA A PHOTOVOLTAICS - A method and apparatus for cooling and capturing energy in an electronic device using photovoltaic cells is disclosed. A power supply powers electronic components inside the electronic device. The electronic components produce heat and infrared energy. The photovoltaic cells convert the infrared energy into an electric current to reduce the overall heat level of the electronic device. A power recovery circuit conditions the electric current into a conditioned power signal usable by a system power path manager of the electronic device. The system power path manager uses the converted infrared energy to power the electronic device and/or to charge an energy storage unit. | 08-25-2011 |
20110201327 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CRASH RECOVERY AND RESYNCHRONIZATION - Techniques to manage recovery and resynchronization of components or modules in a mobile computing device are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise a processor and a plurality of hierarchical or peer related modules. The plurality of modules may include resynchronization logic operative to resynchronize a module after a crash using a neighboring hierarchical or peer related module. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 08-18-2011 |
20110154491 | REMOVING AN ACTIVE APPLICATION FROM A REMOTE DEVICE - A system and a method are disclosed for managing applications on a mobile computing device. A command message is received at the mobile computing device specifying a command and a target application. The command message may have been sent by a application provider server. The command may be a removal command, an enable command, or a disable command. A removal or disable command may be used to remove or disable a problematic target application. The specified command is performed on the target application. | 06-23-2011 |
20110154434 | Utilizing Location Information to Minimize User Interaction Required for Authentication on a Device - A system and a method are disclosed for authenticating a user of a mobile computing device. Information is received describing the location of the mobile computing device. The information can include the current location of the device or a current type of user activity associated with a location. A current timeout length is determined based on this information. If the mobile computing device has remained idle for a time period equal to the current timeout length, the user of the mobile computing device is authenticated. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153805 | TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE A MOBILE DEVICE BASED ON NETWORK DENSITY - Techniques to manage a mobile device based on network density are described. An apparatus may comprise a mobile computing device having a radio module operative to receive radio signals, a resource detector operative to collect a sample for one or more wireless resources based on the received radio signals, a network density module operative to estimate a network density for an operating environment of the mobile computing device based on the sample and a probability density function, and a parameter management module operative to manage one or more operational parameters of the mobile computing device based on the estimated network density. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110151884 | TECHNIQUES TO PROVIDE ENHANCED MESSAGE MANAGEMENT SERVICES - Techniques to provide enhanced message management services are described. An apparatus may comprise a mobile computing device having a radio module operative to establish a wireless communication channel with a wireless resource, and a message manager communicatively coupled to the radio module. The message manager may be operative to receive a message size parameter for a message, determine a first time parameter representing a length of time needed to communicate the message based on an available bandwidth parameter, determine a second time parameter representing a length of time available to communicate the message based on an available power parameter, and send a transmit control directive to the radio module indicating whether to communicate the message over the wireless communication channel based on the first and second time parameters. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110151866 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING POWER SAVINGS ON MOBILE DEVICES - Various embodiments for providing enhanced power savings in mobile computing devices are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may include a motion sensor to detect when the device is in motion. The mobile computing device may include a radio processor that may select from among several signal search procedures based on whether the device is in motion, and whether a signal is detectable and adequate. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110117898 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SHARING CONTENT ON A MOBILE DEVICE - Various embodiments for providing enhanced content sharing on mobile computing devices are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may display content and send messages of different types. The mobile computing device may include a content sharing interface to prompt a selection of a recipient for content. The selected recipient may be associated with at least one transport mechanism. The mobile computing device may format the content according to a transport mechanism associated with the selected recipient, open the formatted content in a compose view for the transport mechanism, and to send the formatted content to the selected recipient. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 05-19-2011 |
20110117891 | CHARACTER ANALYSIS ENGINE IN MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE FOR FACILITATING INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE OPERATIONS - A system and a method are disclosed for facilitating sending of DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency) signals to a destination after connecting to a system by placing a phone call. An entry associated with an application running on a mobile computing device is automatically scanned to detect a telephone number and any string of characters associated with the telephone number. The mobile computing device presents one or more candidate strings of characters that are associated with the telephone number. A user may select the strings of characters to send the DTMF signals after connecting to a destination telephone system. By automatically extracting and displaying the string of characters associated with the telephone number, the user's manual operation associated with accomplishing a task on a remote telephone system is minimized. | 05-19-2011 |
20110116479 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ESTABLISHING AND MANAGING CONNECTIONS - Techniques to dynamically manage wireless connections are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise a connection management module to dynamically select one of a plurality of switching technologies to initiate a connection with one or more target devices and automatically initiate the connection with the one or more target devices using the dynamically selected switching technology. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 05-19-2011 |
20110111708 | TECHNIQUES TO CONTROL A SHARED ANTENNA ARCHITECTURE FOR MULTIPLE CO-LOCATED RADIO MODULES - Techniques to control a shared antenna architecture for multiple co-located radio modules is disclosed. For example, a method may comprise receiving power state information for a set of transceivers, receiving activity information for the set of transceivers, and generating control signals for simultaneous operations or mutually-exclusive operations for a shared antenna structure connecting the set of transceivers to an antenna based on the power state information and activity information. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. | 05-12-2011 |
20110080421 | TECHNIQUES FOR ADAPTIVE BRIGHTNESS CONTROL OF A DISPLAY - Techniques for adaptive brightness control of a display are described. A apparatus may comprise a display and a display control module communicatively coupled to the display. The display control module may be arranged to modify brightness levels for the display based on ambient light level measurements and changes in pupil size of a human eye. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 04-07-2011 |
20110075339 | KEYBOARD SLED WITH ROTATING SCREEN - A keyboard sled adapted to communicatively interact with a portable computer system. In one embodiment, the keyboard sled is comprised of an integral receiving portion adapted to mechanically and electronically receive a portable computer system. An interface connector is disposed within the receiving portion and adapted to provide a communicative link between the keyboard sled and a portable computer system, when a portable computer system has been inserted in the receiving portion. The keyboard sled further has at least one mounting hook disposed within the receiving portion for providing positive retention of a portable computer system when coupled with the keyboard sled. A keyboard portion also present on the keyboard sled and also coupled with the interface connector provides input keys. The keyboard sled is also comprised of an integral data storage access slot which is adapted to provide access to a data storage device receptacle of the portable computer system. The keyboard sled also adds input functionality to the portable computer system. | 03-31-2011 |
20110059778 | Touchscreen with Z-Velocity Enhancement - A system and a method are disclosed for detecting an interaction, such as physical contact, with a touch-sensitive screen. The screen comprises a plurality of cells each associated with a signal value, such as a capacitance, that is modified based on the proximity of an object to the screen. During a first time interval, a first signal value associated with a cell is captured and during a second time interval a second signal value associated with the cell is captured. A difference is computed by subtracting the second signal value from the first signal value. The difference is used to classify the proximity of the object to the screen. For example, the object is classified as approaching the screen if the difference is positive and non-zero or the object is classified as moving away from the screen if the difference is negative and non-zero. | 03-10-2011 |
20110045873 | TASK SWITCHING BETWEEN TWO COMPUTING DEVICES - A method is provided to enable the person to switch use of computing devices when working with records and/or documents. A method such as described may be implemented for an individual operating two (or more) computing devices that share and synchronize sets of records. One or more operations may be performed to update and maintain correspondence between the two sets of records. A switchover event may be detected, where the event corresponds to the individual using a second computing device while already using a first computing device. Once the switchover event is detected, state of use information may be received on the second computing device. This information indicates the state of use of one or more records on the first computing device. This information may be used to affect the state of use of corresponding records on the second computing device. In particular, the corresponding records on the second computing device may be placed in a state of use, or in a selected state for subsequent use. | 02-24-2011 |
20110035708 | MULTI-TOUCH WALLPAPER MANAGEMENT - A method and apparatus for multi-touch wallpaper management for a mobile computing device are described wherein a first wallpaper image is displayed on a multi-touch-sensitive display of the mobile computing device and a multi-touch gesture is received indicating a request to change the first wallpaper image. In response to the multi-touch gesture, at least a portion of a second wallpaper image is displayed. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 02-10-2011 |
20110028169 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A COMMUNICATION TERMINAL - The invention discloses a method for operating a communication terminal comprising a receiver chain (EK) with at least one receiver component (RXD) and with an amplifier device (LNA) connected upstream thereof for receiving broadcast radio signals transmitted in first time periods in a predetermined frequency band, and also a transmission device (SEM) for transmitting radio signals. The method has the following steps. First of all, the noise occurring upon transmission of the radio signals in the frequency band of the receiver chain is measured in the receiver chain and then the gain of the amplifier device is set on the basis of the measured noise such that a maximum signal level on the receiver component is not exceeded. Measurement of the noise occurring by the transmission device thus allows the receiver chain to be protected by setting the amplifier device such that the signal level caused by the noise, in particular, is not exceeded, but the maximum possible sensitivity of the receiver chain for receiving radio signals can be set. | 02-03-2011 |
20110028118 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CONTACTS IN EMERGENCY SITUATION - A system, a method, and a computer readable storage medium are disclosed for providing emergent contacts by a mobile computing device to a user when such contacts are likely to be desirable by the user. The emergent contacts are selected by the user and can be optionally assigned quick keys on a key pad of the mobile computing device. After an emergent phone call was made using the mobile computing device, the emergent contacts are retrieved and displayed for user selection. When an emergent contact is selected, a phone call to the selected contact is initiated by the mobile computing device. | 02-03-2011 |
20110022984 | Selective Plug-In Activation For Resource-Limited Platforms - Presentation of advanced content items is selectively suspended and/or activated so as to manage system resources. In some embodiments, plug-in code is selectively activated based on prioritization schemes and responsive to resource usage, user input, and/or other conditions. For example, plug-in code can be selectively suspended when the advanced content being presented by the plug-in code is not in view (for example, if it has been scrolled off the screen); when the advanced content is brought into view, for example as a result of scrolling, the plug-in code is reactivated as appropriate and the presentation of the advanced content resumes. State information for suspended plug-ins can be stored so that upon reactivation, plug-in code resumes operation substantially where it left off. | 01-27-2011 |
20110016417 | Selective Hibernation Of Activities In An Electronic Device - In an electronic device capable of running multiple software applications concurrently, applications, documents, cards, or other activities can be selected for hibernation so as to free up system resources for other activities that are in active use. A determination is made as to which activities should hibernate, for example based on a determination as to which activities have not been used recently or based on relative resource usage. When an activity is to hibernate, its state is preserved on a storage medium such as a disk, so that the activity can later be revived in the same state and the user can continue with the same task that was being performed before the activity entered hibernation. | 01-20-2011 |
20110012930 | DYNAMIC SIZING USER INTERFACE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DATA DISPLAY - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for displaying information in a handheld device, comprising displaying information in a dynamically sizable cell in the display of the handheld device, wherein the cell comprises a portion of the display and the size of the cell is adjusted in response to the amount of information it contains. Embodiments of the present invention are enabled to display the information in plurality of dynamically sizable cells which display different categories of information. Embodiments are also enabled to adjust cell size in response to the size of other cells in the display. | 01-20-2011 |
20110010668 | Automatic Enlargement of Viewing Area with Selectable Objects - A system (and method) are disclosed for enlarging a portion of a view of a user interface displayed within a touch-sensitive screen. The system is configured to determine a predetermined touch area corresponding to a touch applied on the screen. The system provides, for display on the screen, a user interface, the user interface including selectable objects and a scrim of the user interface in response to a plurality of selectable objects being within the predetermined touch area. The system generates a magnified view of the selectable objects within the touch area and provides, for display on the screen over the scrim of the user interface, the magnified view. The area of the magnified view is greater than the touch area. Once a selection is made within the magnified view, the magnified view and scrim view are removed and the normal view of the user interface is returned. | 01-13-2011 |
20110004584 | Multi-way, Peer-to-Peer Synchronization - A method of synchronizing data elements between devices can include receiving at a first device, from only one of multiple peer devices with which the first device is configured to synchronize, a request to synchronize data between the first device and the only one peer device; identifying data elements stored in the first device that have changed since a previous synchronization operation between the first device and the only one peer device; and transmitting, directly and solely to the only one peer device, for each of the identified data elements, a local data identifier and a corresponding change to be applied to a data element in the only one peer device that corresponds to the local data identifier. In some implementations, each local data identifier is transmitted in a format in which it is maintained in the first device. | 01-06-2011 |
20100322409 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING A CONTACTS DATABASE AND TELEPHONE SERVICES - Embodiments described herein provide a method and technique for operating a computing device. An interface is displayed for enabling the computing device to control a voicemail system. The interface includes one or more display objects, wherein each display object is selectable by a user to enter a command input assigned to that display object. A selection is detected of any one of the one or more display objects, and the command input assigned to the display object is identified. A signal tone is generated corresponding to the command input. The signal input may be transmitted across a network to the voicemail system to communicate a command to the voicemail system. | 12-23-2010 |
20100312838 | Dynamic Communication Integration With Calendar - A system and a method are disclosed for dynamically generating a contextually desirable message ready for a user to send out to other participants of a scheduled event. A user context is determined for a scheduled calendar event and then logic rules applicable to the user context are identified and used to identify contextually desirable messages. Options for dynamically generating the contextually desirable messages are provided to the user along with information about the scheduled event. Upon a user selection of one of the options, the corresponding contextually desirable message is generated and its content is pre-populated according to the applicable logic rule. | 12-09-2010 |
20100304801 | CONFIGURATION SENSING FOR A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - Techniques for configuration sensing for a mobile computing device are described. A mobile computing device may comprise a housing having a sliding structure arranged to allow a first housing portion and a second housing portion to move relative to each other to form a first configuration or a second configuration. The mobile computing device may include a magnetic sensor disposed in the first housing portion, the magnetic sensor operative to measure a magnetic field strength for a magnet, and output a position signal indicative of the first configuration or the second configuration based on the measured magnetic field strength. The mobile computing device may include a speaker with the magnet disposed in the second housing portion. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-02-2010 |
20100304800 | CONFIGURATION SENSING FOR A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - Techniques for configuration sensing for a mobile computing device are described. A mobile computing device may comprise a housing having a sliding structure arranged to allow a first housing portion and a second housing portion to move relative to each other to form a first configuration or a second configuration. The mobile computing device may include a magnetic sensor disposed in the first housing portion, the magnetic sensor operative to measure a magnetic field strength for a magnet, and output a position signal indicative of the first configuration or the second configuration based on the measured magnetic field strength. The mobile computing device may include a speaker with the magnet disposed in the second housing portion. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-02-2010 |
20100304794 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADAPTIVE POWER SAVING IN A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A mobile computing device is described that includes one or more wireless transceivers, a data traffic monitor module operative to monitor one or more wireless communications parameters, and a power management module operative to select a power mode for the mobile computing device based on the one or more wireless communications parameters. In various embodiments, the power mode comprises an extended power save mode wherein the one or more wireless transceivers are disabled during a plurality of consecutive wireless beacon events. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-02-2010 |
20100304785 | ENHANCED INTERNAL ANTENNA ARCHITECTURE FOR A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - Various embodiments of an internal multi-band antenna architecture for a mobile computing device are described. An internal antenna architecture for a mobile computing device may include multiple antenna elements, including a first internal antenna element configured to operate in a downlink frequency sub-band of at least one frequency band for communication in a first mode, and a second internal antenna element configured to operate in an uplink frequency sub-band of the at least one frequency band for communication in the first mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-02-2010 |
20100299636 | Multi-Context Iteractive Directory Filter - On a device having keys with multiple values, a user may perform either an iterative directory filtering operation or a direct-dial operation, without specifying which of the operations is intended. Hence, a user is allowed to perform any of a number of different operations to specify a number to be dialed or to identify a directory record, without requiring the user to specify a mode. A user's intended operation is determined by analyzing the entered keystrokes, and activates the appropriate feedback and functionality for the determined operation. In one embodiment iterative directory filtering is performed on multiple fields concurrently, including derived fields and combination fields. | 11-25-2010 |
20100299308 | PEER-TO-PEER DATA SYNCHRONIZATION ARCHITECTURE - To enable the peer-to-peer synchronization among multiple devices, each device in the peer network keeps track of the changes it makes to any shared data and also keeps track of its own knowledge of the changes made by other devices. When two or more peer devices communicate, they share with each other their information about any changes made to the shared data by them or by other devices. This allows the devices to synchronize with each other to the extent that each of the devices knows what changes have been made by it or by other devices in the peer network. | 11-25-2010 |
20100287261 | CONTENT-BASED NAVIGATION AND LAUNCHING ON MOBILE DEVICES - Techniques are disclosed for a content-based navigation and launching for portable computing devices such as PDAs and smart phones. A content navigator and launcher allows a user to personalize content groupings. The techniques can run on top of any OS file system that has a mechanism to associate files with their creating applications. Personalization of the content-based navigation and launching scheme can be set-up on the user's work station, and then transmitted and synchronized with a target mobile device. A central server can be used to carry out content harvesting and/or configuring the personalization scheme. The content and/or personalization scheme can then be pushed on to the mobile device (e.g., via a GSM network or other suitable communication link). APIs can be used by application vendors to register the content types of their own choice. A preferences utility allows users to manage the content types and associations. | 11-11-2010 |
20100277454 | Method and Apparatus for Selectable Display Mode for Intelligently Enhancing Battery Life - A method and system for enhancing the life of a battery within a portable or otherwise battery operated electronic device. The method and system provide selectable display modes, e.g., from color to monochrome, that can be changed in order to enhance the life of the device's battery. The monochrome display mode can be selected by the when the battery level is detected below a predefined threshold. In one embodiment, the electronic device is a hand held computer system with a display device. When the battery level is detected as below a preselected level, a message may be generated on the computer display screen. The display mode can change from color to monochrome thereby saving power because the monochrome display. In one embodiment, color sequential techniques are used to provide a flat panel color display. Within the display, a transreflective layer provides reflective light for monochrome applications. When the battery energy returns to normal levels, the color display mode can be re-entered automatically. It is appreciated that the display mode changes can also be performed automatically if the battery level falls below certain critical levels. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277275 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A RECOGNITION SYSTEM HAVING A VERIFICATION RECOGNITION SYSTEM - A method and system for performing computer implemented recognition is disclosed. In one method embodiment, the present invention first accesses user input stored in a memory of a mobile device. On the mobile device, the present invention performs a coarse recognition process on the user input to generate a coarse result. The coarse process may operate in real-time. The embodiment then displays a portion of the coarse result on a display screen of the mobile device. The embodiment further performs a detailed recognition process on the user input to generate a detailed result. The detailed process has more recognition patterns and computing resources available to it. The present embodiment performs a comparison of the detailed result and the coarse result. The present embodiment displays a portion of the comparison on the display screen. | 11-04-2010 |
20100268693 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE FILTERING - A filtering method and apparatus for an electronic device. The operating system's program registry is copied and then modified to direct all application data to a filter program such as a virus scanning filter program. If the filter program determines that the object is virus free, the copy of the program registry (filter registry) is queried by the filter program to determine the application program associated with the data object. The data object is then forwarded to the appropriate application program. | 10-21-2010 |
20100262854 | MANAGEMENT OF POWER STATES IN A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for managing power states in a personal computing device, while maintaining a perception by the user of “instant on” functionality. In various embodiments of the invention, the power states are presented to the user as a simple on/off option and the power management protocol is not visible within the user interface of the personal computing device thereby providing the user with the impression that the system is operating with a simple binary on/off protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the personal computing device is operable to transition between a set of power states that include: 1) an “on” power state wherein the display is on and the customer can use all input devices; 2) a “ready” state wherein the display is turned off, but some modules, such as a radio module, remain on; 3) an “off” state wherein the personal computing device turns off after a slight pause, but a “booted kernel” is held in SDRAM; and 4) a “dead” state wherein none of the modules of the personal computing device are powered and the device must be cold booted to restart. | 10-14-2010 |
20100246112 | COVER FOR DEVICE - A cover for a device is disclosed. The cover may include a first portion operable to protect a button of a device from inadvertent actuation, wherein the first portion enables viewing of the button while the cover overlaps the device. The cover may also include an opening operable to afford access to an interface component of the device, wherein the opening is operable to enable a user to reach through and physically interact with the interface component while the cover overlaps the device. The cover may further include a second portion enclosing the opening on all sides. | 09-30-2010 |
20100227570 | ISOLATION TECHNIQUES FOR MULTIPLE CO-LOCATED RADIO MODULES - Isolation techniques for multiple co-located radio modules are disclosed. For example, an apparatus may include an antenna, a first transceiver to communicate wirelessly across a first link, a second transceiver to communicate wirelessly across a second link, a shared antenna structure operative to allow the first transceiver and the second transceiver to share the antenna for simultaneous operations, and an active signal canceller operative to generate a cancellation signal to cancel an interference signal for a radio-frequency coupling channel between the first and second transceivers. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. | 09-09-2010 |
20100205324 | DATA SYNCHRONIZATION TRANSPARENT TO APPLICATION - Synchronization of data accessible by an application program is performed transparent to the application program. After a data item is instantiated by the application program, the synchronization engine performs data synchronization without or with minimal intervention of the application program. The synchronization engine may be part of an operating system. The synchronization engine is preinstalled on a computing device; therefore, application program developers can simply define whether the data items associated with the application programs should be syncable, and if so, to what extent the data items should be syncable. The application program developer is relieved of the task of developing the synchronization engine or other software components associated with data synchronization. | 08-12-2010 |
20100197346 | COMPACT REMOVABLE VOICE HANDSET FOR AN INTEGRATED PORTABLE COMPUTER SYSTEM/MOBILE PHONE - A compact removable voice handset for an integrated palmtop computer system/mobile phone is presented. The present invention is used in conjunction with a personal digital assistant (PDA). The PDA comprises electronics for wireless communications and a contact information database and a means for coupling the handset to the PDA. The present invention is compact such that when coupled to the PDA, there is minimal increase to the overall size and weight of the PDA. The present invention comprises a microphone and a speaker, and is communicatively coupled, via either a wireless connection or a wired connection, to the PDA. The handset comprises control elements such that the handset can be operated independent of the PDA. In one embodiment, the handset comprises a display and control elements configured for accessing the contact information database of the PDA, adjusting the volume of the handset, and for initiating or ending wireless communications. | 08-05-2010 |
20100190516 | Hand-Held Device - A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state. | 07-29-2010 |
20100185989 | User Interface For Initiating Activities In An Electronic Device - In one embodiment, a user interface is presented for initiating activities in an electronic device. The user interface includes an element referred to as a “launch wave”, which can be activated at substantially any time, even if the user is engaged with an activity, without requiring the user to first return to a home screen. In various embodiments, the user can activate the launch wave by performing a gesture, or by pressing a physical button, or by tapping at a particular location on a touchscreen, or by activating a keyboard command. In one embodiment, activation of the launch wave and selection of an item from the launch wave can be performed in one continuous operation on a touch-sensitive screen, so as to improve the expediency and convenience of launching applications and other items. | 07-22-2010 |
20100180017 | Method and Apparatus for Configuring Information for Multiple Network Access Providers - A computer program product that provides a graphical user interface for configuring communication information for multiple network service providers on a computer system. The program product is operable to display a network communication scene that includes edit windows and selectable options for a user to view, enter, remove, and modify configuration information for at least one network service provider, and allows the user to enter information for establishing communication with the same network service provider using at least two different communication mediums, and from several different geographical locations. | 07-15-2010 |
20100177812 | MANAGING AVAILABILITY STATUS IN A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - A system and a method are disclosed for a presence engine and a method of operating a presence engine for encoding or decoding availability status into a signal representative of an audio signal. The presence engine is configured to manage availability status of a user. The presence engine comprises an input configured to receive a signal representative of an audio signal and an output configured to send a signal representative of an audio signal. The presence engine also comprises a processor configured to encode availability status of a user into a signal representative of an audio signal and/or configured to decode availability status of a user from a signal representative of an audio signal. | 07-15-2010 |
20100172530 | SPEAKER COMPONENT FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A speaker component for a portable electronic device which accepts a receiver and redirects the sound emitted from the receiver toward the speaker hole in the device housing is disclosed. The receiver may be oriented such that sound is directed away from the speaker hole to reduce the footprint of the receiver within the device housing. A channel of the speaker component may redirect or port the sound to the speaker hole. Accordingly, embodiments provide more flexibility for positioning of the speaker hole and the receiver with respect to the device housing. The speaker component may also have a self-contained back volume chamber adjoining the receiver which does not include portions of the device housing or other components of the portable electronic device, thereby improving the sound quality of the sound emitted from the receiver and providing more flexibility as to the size and shape of the back volume chamber. | 07-08-2010 |
20100162229 | FRAMEWORK VERSIONING - Various embodiments are directed to framework versioning for a mobile computing device. The described embodiments may include a web browser, a plurality of application frameworks, one or more applications compatible with one or more of the plurality of application frameworks, and a loader module operative to select and load one of the plurality of application frameworks into the web browser for each of the one or more applications based on an identifier in each of the one or more applications. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162181 | Interpreting Gesture Input Including Introduction Or Removal Of A Point Of Contact While A Gesture Is In Progress - A touch-sensitive device accepts single-touch and multi-touch input representing gestures, and is able to changing a parameter of a gesture responsive to introduction or removal of a point of contact while the gesture is in progress. The operation associated with the gesture, such as a manipulation of an on-screen object, changes in a predictable manner if the user introduces or removes a contact point while the gesture is in progress. The overall nature of the operation being performed does not change, but a parameter of the operation can change. In various embodiments, each time a contact point is added or removed, the system and method of the present invention resets the relationship between the contact point locations and the operation being performed, in such a manner as to avoid or minimize discontinuities in the operation. In this manner, the invention avoids sudden or unpredictable changes to an object being manipulated. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162139 | MULTI-FUNCTION STATUS INDICATOR FOR CONTENT RECEIPT BY A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A system and a method are disclosed for regulating receipt of content by a mobile computing device. A status indicator is generated and used to describe whether content has been received or is currently being received. An interaction with the status indicator while content is being received causes stops receipt of content by the mobile computing device. After content has been received, an interaction with the status indicator transmits a request to a remote device, such a server, to update the content previously received by the mobile computing device. The visual appearance of the status indicator can also be modified to indicate whether data is currently being received or has been received. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162126 | PREDICTIVE CACHE TECHNIQUES - Predictive caching techniques are described. An apparatus may include a document manager component having a document rendering module and a list manager module. The document rendering module may present a document for the active web application within a display area of an electronic display, the document having a set of list items stored by a list data object. The list manager module may select a set of presentable list items from the list data object for current presentation within the display area for the electronic display, select a set of predictive list items from the list data object for future presentation within the display area for the electronic display, and send a control directive to load the set of predicted list items from the list data object to a predictive cache. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162105 | ACCESS AND MANAGEMENT OF CROSS-PLATFORM CALENDARS - A system is disclosed for users to manage calendars in mobile computing devices. The system retrieves calendar entries from multiple calendars of distinct calendar platforms, extracts event information from the retrieved calendar entries, and aggregates extracted event information. The system can simultaneously display calendar entries extracted from multiple calendars of distinct platforms. The system provides various features for users to operate the calendars, such as (1) hiding calendar entries from some calendars and visually distinguishing the time scheduled for the hidden entries from free time; (2) compressing the display of extended free time periods; and enabling users to (3) navigate time as a scrolling list not subject to the limitations of arbitrary calendar units (e.g., month, week). | 06-24-2010 |
20100161594 | HISTORY BASED SEARCH SERVICE OPERABLE WITH MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES - A method, a device and a computer readable storage medium for enhancing user experience associated with searching data associated with one or more applications/services accessible on a mobile computing device. The result of the search is selected organized based on previous history of user actions to present the most relevant data entries to the user. Options associated with the searched data entries are also selected and organized based on previous history of user actions to facilitate performing of the user's intended functions on the mobile computing device. Further, searched data entries may be presented to the user in an argument oriented presentation mode where the searched data entries represent arguments for functions or a function oriented presentation mode where the searched data entries represent functions to be performed on the mobile computing device. | 06-24-2010 |
20100159984 | HANDHELD COMPUTER HAVING MOVEABLE SEGMENTS THAT ARE INTERACTIVE WITH AN INTEGRATED DISPLAY - A handheld computer is provided that includes a first module and at least a second module. The first module includes a processor and a display. The second module is slideably coupled to the first module so that it functions as a sliding cover that may effectively change the visible area of the underlying display. The handheld computer includes a sensing device coupled to the processor. The sensing device provides information to the processor regarding the relative position of the first module with respect to the second module. The information provided may be used to reconfigure the visual output of the display or to select a macro command presented on the display. | 06-24-2010 |
20100156813 | Touch-Sensitive Display Screen With Absolute And Relative Input Modes - A touch-sensitive display screen has at least two input modes for touch input. In an absolute input mode, positional information is interpreted in an absolute sense: an on-screen object or cursor can be moved, selected or activated by tapping or touching the screen at the location of the object itself or at a desired location for the object. In a relative input mode, touch input provided on the display screen is interpreted in a manner similar to a virtual joystick or a virtual touchpad. In the virtual joystick relative mode, input is interpreted relative to a reference point on the screen. In the virtual touchpad relative mode, input is interpreted according to a direction of motion of a contact point. | 06-24-2010 |
20100156656 | Enhanced Visual Feedback For Touch-Sensitive Input Device - A touch-sensitive input device provides improved visual feedback at (or near) the point and time of contact. As the user touches a touch-sensitive screen or pad, a portion of the screen or pad changes in visual appearance to indicate that the input has been received. In one embodiment, the change in visual appearance is localized to an area proximate to the point of contact. In one embodiment, the change in visual appearance is accomplished by illuminating an area proximate to and centered around the point of contact. In another embodiment, the change in visual appearance is accomplished by illuminating one or more illuminable elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the touch-sensitive pad. | 06-24-2010 |
20100141683 | PANORAMIC DISPLAY FOR A WIRELESS DEVICE - Various embodiments of a panoramic display for a wireless device are described. In one embodiment, a wireless device may include a display comprising a plurality of display regions. The display regions may include a central display region and multiple lateral display regions arranged to provide a panoramic display. Image compression and/or scaling may be applied to media content that is to be displayed in one or more of the lateral display regions based on the proximity of the lateral display region to the edge of the display. | 06-10-2010 |
20100141440 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VISUAL SILENT ALARM INDICATOR - An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering. | 06-10-2010 |
20100121965 | Protocol for Program during Startup Sequence - A system and a method are disclosed to determine if a client (e.g., an accessory (or peripheral)) is appropriately licensed for interoperation with a host (e.g., host computer). The client communicatively couples the host and receives a contract from the host. The client computes a checksum of the contract and compares the checksum of the contract with a previously stored version of the contract or a checksum of the contract to determine a match. If there is no match, the host communicatively decouples the client in response to the determination being a no match. If there is a match, the client transmits a contract response to the host and awaits host authorization. Once authorized the client transmits enumeration data to the host. | 05-13-2010 |
20100115193 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING DATA INTEGRITY AND MEMORY PERFORMANCE USING NON-VOLATILE MEDIA - A system and computer system for improving data integrity and memory performance using non-volatile media. A system includes a non-volatile mass storage unit, e.g., a flash memory device and/or a hard drive unit for instance. A memory device is used as a high speed data buffer and/or cache for the non-volatile storage unit. The memory device may be non-volatile, e.g., magnetic random access memory (MRAM) or volatile memory, e.g., static dynamic random access memory (SDRAM). By buffering and/or caching the write data, fewer accesses are required to the mass storage device thereby increasing system performance. Additionally, mechanical and electrical degradation of the mass storage device is reduced. Certain trigger events can be programmed to cause data from the memory device to be written to the mass storage device. In one embodiment, the write buffer contents are preserved across reset or power loss events. In one embodiment, the mass storage unit may be a data transport layer, e.g., Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth, etc. | 05-06-2010 |
20100115035 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED MOBILE MESSAGING SERVICES - Various embodiments for providing enhanced mobile messaging services are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may send messages of different types. The mobile computing device may allow a sender to compose a message independently of message type. The mobile computing device may automatically determine both a message type for the message and the transfer medium by which to send the message. The mobile computing device may consider factors including message contents, network availability and reliability, historical data, cost, sender preferences, recipient preferences, etc. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114580 | Responding to a Call to Action Contained in an Audio Signal - An audio signal is monitored to detect the presence of a call to action contained therein. Addressing information is automatically extracted from the call to action and stored on a storage medium. An electronic message responding to the call to action may be automatically prepared, or a contact field may be automatically populated for inclusion in a contact list. The audio signal may be digitized or obtained from a broadcast transmission, and the process may be performed by a mobile communication device, a central system, or a combination thereof. | 05-06-2010 |
20100103054 | SLIDING ANTENNA APPARATUS - Various embodiments of a mobile computing device are described. In one embodiment, the mobile computing device comprises an internal antenna system and a first housing coupled to a second housing by one or more electrically conductive sliding portions, the one or more electrically conductive sliding portions to operate as radiating arms for the internal antenna system. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 04-29-2010 |
20100102688 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE ENCLOSURE - A mechanism for protecting a portable electronic device, e.g., a handheld computer system. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an encasing structure having an opening and configured to receive and have disposed therewithin the handheld computer system. The present invention is further comprised of a lifting device coupled to the encasing structure. The lifting device is adapted to raise the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure and further adapted to lower the handheld computer system to a disposition therewithin the encasing structure. The encasing structure can be used to protect input/output ports or slots, I/Os externally disposed on side surfaces of the handheld computer system when the handheld computer system is disposed within the encasing structure, and the lifting device enables raising the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure to provide access to the I/Os. In one embodiment, a push-push hinge can be utilized as the lifting device. | 04-29-2010 |
20100095240 | Card Metaphor For Activities In A Computing Device - In various embodiments, a card metaphor is established, in which each activity can be represented within an area of the screen referred to as a card. In various embodiments, any of several display modes are available for viewing, interacting with, manipulating, initiating, and dismissing cards. A persistent positional relationship can be established among cards, represented by a one-dimensional sequence. Newly opened cards are generally placed at the end of the sequence, although a new card that bears a relationship to an already open card may, in some embodiments, be placed adjacent to the already open card. In various embodiments, cards may be grouped, with such groups being represented as stacks of cards or by other visually distinctive means. | 04-15-2010 |
20100087185 | INTEGRATED PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT DEVICE - An integrated device provides functionality of both a PDA and cellular telephone. Features include a power button offering control of both the computing and telephony functions of the device; a lid that turns the device on and off and controls additional telephony functions; a jog rocker that activates the device and is used to select from a variety of menu options; application buttons that offer direct access to applications stored on the device, and which can be configured to operate in conjunction with secondary keys to offer added functionality; a keyboard that enables data input into the device; an automatic word completion function that verifies and corrects a user's typing in real time; and a simplified keyboard navigation system that allows the navigation of menus using keyboard shortcuts. | 04-08-2010 |
20100075648 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO LOCALIZE APPLICATIONS ON A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A method (and corresponding system and computer program product) for localizing applications on a computing device to the current device geographic location is described. In one embodiment, a method detects the location of the computing device, identifies an applicable location profile based on the device location, the applicable location profile containing a rule for localizing an application on the mobile computing device, and localizes the application based on the rule. In another embodiment, a method correlates multiple local times by determining a local time of the device location, adjusting an existing schedule based on the local time and user preference information, and generating a notification based on the adjusted schedule and the user preference information. | 03-25-2010 |
20100058231 | Notifying A User Of Events In A Computing Device - In a computing device, event notifications take the form of alerts that can be presented in different ways. The particular form of each event notification depends on the nature of the event, the user task being performed at the time the event occurs, the user's preferences, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, the present invention presents event notifications in the form of banner alerts. Obtrusiveness is minimized by presenting the notification at a location near the edge of the screen (such as a bottom edge), and slightly shrinking the active display area to make room for the event notification. In this manner, event notifications can be presented without obscuring any part of the active display area. In addition, the user can obtain more information about the event by activating the notification (for example by tapping on it). In another aspect, the present invention provides a summary of pending event notifications. Thus, if the user is unable to (or does not wish to) respond to or acknowledge a notification when it is presented, the user can later view the event notification summary at his or her convenience, and can act on the event notifications at that time. | 03-04-2010 |
20100058229 | Compositing Windowing System - A set of buffers is made available on a system-wide basis to provide capabilities for robust presentation of windows. The buffers can include a frame buffer, a system off-screen buffer and a compositing buffer. | 03-04-2010 |
20100050101 | Converting Information Objects - A system and method perform automated, intelligent conversion of an information object from one type to another. An original information object is parsed to ascertain the nature of individual data items within the object. Relevant data items are extracted and a new object is populated intelligently based on the extracted data. Pattern matching, user input, defined fields, or any combination thereof can be used to identify the data to be extracted from the original object. | 02-25-2010 |
20100050009 | BATTERY VOLTAGE SAF AVOIDANCE ALGORITHM FOR A WIRELESS HANDHELD DEVICE - A method and system for power source management of a portable device, A power source used to supply electrical energy for a portable device should ideally operate with a constant terminal voltage. However, the terminal voltage of a cell or group of cells used as a source of electrical energy can be expected to reduce in amplitude over its operational lifetime. Near the end of operational lifetime, the terminal voltage of such a source can be expected to decrease rapidly. Furthermore, the source terminal voltage will also exhibit significant variations in amplitude in response to changes in electric current demands on the source. Such source voltage variations can impair or even prevent proper operation of the electronic circuits within the portable device. Power management for proper operation of a portable device is necessary to ensure proper device operation and to prevent loss of data. The present method and system controls portable device operation by periodic determination of average source terminal voltage which is faster and simpler than continuous monitoring used with present systems. Comparison of the periodic average source terminal voltage with stored operational voltage limits allows either temporary or permanent curtailment of certain device operations. Such action can be used to prevent any loss of device data. Further, the present method offers the advantage of identifying momentary fluctuations in source terminal voltage caused by temporary demands in source current levels. Thus, continuous monitoring and prior knowledge of source load demands and equipment as required by present methods are eliminated. | 02-25-2010 |
20100048231 | Handheld Threading - The present invention determines which messages to display in message threads to a user. An electronic communication device receives and stores numerous SMS messages transported through an SMS network, but the SMS messages are sent without explicit linking information such as a previous message or subject line. A threading module applies threading rules to determine which messages to correlate into an SMS message thread through implicit link information. The threading rules thread outgoing messages sent in response to an incoming message from a user, or incoming messages where a previous outgoing message was sent to the user. An SMS application displays threads in a user interface and indicates messages threads with an icon in one view, and displays an expanded message thread in another view. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045706 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NAVIGATING WITHIN AN IMAGE - The present invention relates to at least one image section which is represented according to a zoom factor selected from a number of different zoom factors. Either the represented image section is changed when the zoom factor is lower than a zoom threshold value, or a marker representation superimposing the image section is displaced when the zoom factor is higher than a zoom threshold value, via input elements. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045633 | INPUT DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A proximity input detection system for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes an inductive field sensor to detect a change in a magnetic field when an input device with a coil is within a threshold distance. In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes a capacitive sensor which can locate the position of an electrically conductive object which is within a threshold distance. The capacitive sensor can also be used, for example, as a switch to activate the device if a user picks it up. The present invention allows user inputs to be detected without actually touching the electronic device. The present invention can also be used to detect inputs through intervening non-metallic layers such as a protective cover or another display of the device without using additional input sensors. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045628 | INPUT DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A proximity input detection system for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes an inductive field sensor to detect a change in a magnetic field when an input device with a coil is within a threshold distance. In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes a capacitive sensor which can locate the position of an electrically conductive object which is within a threshold distance. The capacitive sensor can also be used, for example, as a switch to activate the device if a user picks it up. The present invention allows user inputs to be detected without actually touching the electronic device. The present invention can also be used to detect inputs through intervening non-metallic layers such as a protective cover or another display of the device without using additional input sensors. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045626 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHANGING THE POWER STATE OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method and system for changing the power state of a portable electronic device is disclosed. A portable electronic device may be powered up or powered down responsive to a user interaction with the portable electronic device. The user interaction may be an insertion of a stylus or other user interface object into a housing of the portable electronic device. Alternatively, the user interaction may be a removal of a stylus or other user interface object from the housing of the portable electronic device. The user interaction may be a rotation of a cover of the portable electronic device. | 02-25-2010 |
20100042733 | TASK SWITCH BETWEEN TWO COMPUTING DEVICES - A method is provided to enable the person to switch use of computing devices when working with records and/or documents. A method such as described may be implemented for an individual operating two (or more) computing devices that share and synchronize sets of records. One or more operations may be performed to update and maintain correspondence between the two sets of records. A switchover event may be detected, where the event corresponds to the individual using a second computing device while already using a first computing device. Once the switchover event is detected, state of use information may be received on the second computing device. This information indicates the state of use of one or more records on the first computing device. This information may be used to affect the state of use of corresponding records on the second computing device. In particular, the corresponding records on the second computing device may be placed in a state of use, or in a selected state for subsequent use. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042628 | SHARING ACCESS TO CONTENT ITEMS USING GROUP INFORMATION AND ITEM INFORMATION - A user can share media content with others by defining one or more groups, where each group includes members who may access a set of user's content item on the online service or on user's local device. Item information is generated for content items to be shared and indicates where the content item can be accessed. The item information is provided to the members of the group that was selected to share the content item. The user can conveniently configure or update the group to share the user's content items. The content items to be shared can be located on an online service or on the user's local device. | 02-18-2010 |
20100027452 | DIRECT DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR CONTROL OF MULTI-CHANNEL SCAN FOR RE-ESTABLISHING CONNECTIONS IN A WIRELESSLY NETWORKED DEVICE - A method and system for establishing a wireless connection between a portable computer system and a wireless network, particularly when the portable computer system goes out of coverage and a wireless connection needs to be re-established. The portable computer system has a main processor and a digital signal processor (DSP). The main processor is placed in a low power mode, conserving battery power. When the portable computer system goes out of coverage, broadcast channels used by the wireless network are scanned by the DSP instead of the main processor to identify channels that have sufficient signal strength for the wireless connection. Thus, the main processor remains in the low power mode. When the DSP identifies acceptable channels, it wakes up the main processor and identifies the channels having sufficient signal strength. The main processor then establishes a wireless connection using one of the channels identified by the DSP. | 02-04-2010 |
20100026657 | DISPLAY WITH VISUALLY HOMOGENEOUS BORDER - A handheld device with a compact integrated touch panel is disclosed. A handheld device incorporating a touch panel display requiring electrical connections is reduced in size by incorporating electrical pathways within the support structure of the touch panel display, obviating the need for a flex circuit extension from the touch panel display for connection to the handheld device. A further reduction in size is obtained by providing an inherent visually homogeneous perimeter for the touch panel display by matching the colors of the conductive and dielectric materials, thereby eliminating the need for a bezel. | 02-04-2010 |
20100015965 | INTEGRATED HANDHELD COMPUTING AND TELEPHONY DEVICE - A method and apparatus for an organizer that may receive a cellular portion to form a cellular telephone is provided. An organizer comprises an organizer component, including a microphone. The organizer further includes an area for receiving an additional component. The area is designed to receive a cellular component, and a connection element is designed to mate the microphone in the organizer component with the cellular component, to use the organizer as a part of a cellular telephone. | 01-21-2010 |
20100013861 | Optimal Viewing of Digital Images and Voice Annotation Transitions in Slideshows - A system and a method are disclosed for optimally viewing a non-square aspect ratio photo or video within a non-square aspect ratio display area of a screen. In addition, a system and a method are disclosed for positioning and storing a reference point (e.g., a relative center point) of an image within a display area of a screen. Further, in a slideshow configuration, a system and a method allows for transition between images using sound annotations associates with a particular image. | 01-21-2010 |
20100011034 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COPYING A FILE - A method, system and computer-usable medium for copying a file are disclosed. | 01-14-2010 |
20090327365 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COPYING A FILE USING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method, system and computer-usable medium for copying a file are disclosed. | 12-31-2009 |
20090318163 | TECHNIQUES FOR TRACKING DESTINATIONS ON A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - Various embodiments of systems and techniques for tracking destinations on a mobile computing device are described. In one or more embodiments, the mobile computing device may comprise or implement hardware and/or software configured to determine arrival at a destination and what is situated at the destination. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-24-2009 |
20090315833 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING DIRECTIONAL COMMANDS FOR A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - Various embodiments for providing directional commands for a mobile computing device are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may comprise a keypad arranged to operate in multiple modes including a standard mode and a directional mode such as a gaming mode, for example. The standard mode may support all of the preset and programmable commands and functions typically provided for normal operation of the mobile computing device. The directional mode may associate certain directional commands with multiple keys and/or buttons of the keypad so that most keystrokes and keystroke combinations input by a user will be interpreted as a particular directional command. The directional mode may be used when running applications which respond primarily to directional commands such as gaming applications. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-24-2009 |
20090300542 | Structured Displaying of Visual Elements - Presentation descriptions are provided to an operating system of a computing device to present outputs associated with the applications in an organized and intuitive manner to the user. The presentation descriptions provide the operating system with information about the structure and meaning of the output element. The task of organizing at least part of the output elements associated with applications is delegated to the operating system. The operating system analyzes the presentation descriptions, and organizes the output elements associated with the applications at least partly based on the presentation descriptions. | 12-03-2009 |
20090300489 | SELECTIVE ACCESS TO A FRAME BUFFER - A method, system, and computer program display data by selectively providing access to a frame buffer. When a request for a destination location for display data is received, a determination is made as to whether the data will require further processing prior to display. If further processing is needed, a location of an external application buffer is provided. If no further processing is needed, a frame buffer is provided. Thus, improved efficiency is achieved, while still providing functionality for processing occlusions and/or composited sections of the display data. | 12-03-2009 |
20090298511 | Notification Adjustment for Computing Devices - A system and a method are disclosed for adjusting a notification mechanism within a computing device. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a global positioning system signal corresponding to latitude and longitude positional values, calculating a current location of the computing device in response to the received global positioning system signal, determining whether the calculated current location is associated with a configuration identifying adjustment, and adjusting a notification setting on the device accordingly. In another embodiment, the system includes identifying a particular time, determining whether a notification setting to the device is needed, and if so, adjusting the notification setting for the device accordingly. | 12-03-2009 |
20090298474 | TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS - Techniques to manage vehicle communications are described. A mobile computing device may include a communication module operative to establish a first communication channel with a message server, and a second communication channel with a vehicle system, a message application module communicatively coupled to the communication module, the message application module operative to receive a user message over the first communication channel, and send an event message over the second communication channel, and a vehicle message application module communicatively coupled to the message application module, the vehicle message application module operative to receive a read control directive over the second communication channel, convert text information from the user message to mail audio information, and send the mail audio information over the second communication channel. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295651 | INTERNAL DIVERSITY ANTENNA ARCHITECTURE - Various embodiments of an internal diversity antenna architecture are described. In one embodiment, a wireless device may include a housing enclosing a printed circuit board, a first diversity antenna, and a second diversity antenna internal to the housing. The second diversity antenna may be positioned substantially near the bottom of the housing or the bottom the printed circuit board. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-03-2009 |
20090293007 | NAVIGATING AMONG ACTIVITIES IN A COMPUTING DEVICE - A computing device runs multiple activities concurrently and provides at least two modes for interacting with the activities. The user may toggle between the modes as desired. In a full-screen mode, one activity occupies substantially an entire display screen. In a windowed mode, the activity is visible within a window, and a portion of at least one other window is also visible. In the windowed mode, the user can cause windows to move, thereby changing focus from one activity to another. For example, the window having focus can be moved off the screen, to be replaced by a new window that is then given focus. The windows are ordered in a sequence and move in concert with one another; pushing one window off one edge of the screen causes a new window to appear at the opposite edge. A persistent positional relationship can be established among windows. | 11-26-2009 |
20090286557 | LOCATION BASED REMINDERS - Location based reminders are described. A mobile computing device may comprise a location based reminder application to set a target location for a reminder item. The location based reminder application may provide a location based reminder for the reminder item when a current location matches the target location. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 11-19-2009 |
20090280868 | Navigating Through Menus of a Handheld Computer - A technique to navigate through one or more menus of a handheld computer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the technique uses a handheld device having a first button to cause a cursor to navigate through a plurality of menu items and to highlight a desired menu item. The device also has a second button to cause the cursor to navigate through a plurality of menus when the cursor is highlighting one of the menus or a first menu item, and to cause the cursor to highlight a previous menu item when the cursor is highlighting a menu item other than the first menu item. | 11-12-2009 |
20090279241 | COVER FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A cover for an electronic device for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The cover may comprise a thin, flexible transparent layer coupled with a supporting structure over a display screen and a digitizer mechanism. The digitizer mechanism may include a flexible conductive paste and a digitizing element. Users input data by applying mechanical pressure on the cover which deflects it and causes the conductive paste to contact and activate the digitizing element disposed beneath. A decorative border may be molded into the cover to conceal the electrical elements of the portable electronic device. The decorative border may be disposed directly beneath the flexible cover. The cover may be dust-free, waterproof, and have an outer surface that is free of any steps, openings, or indentations. Indentations may be molded into the cover to indicate button functions. | 11-12-2009 |
20090276710 | MASTER MULTIMEDIA SOFTWARE CONTROLS - A software control mechanism is disclosed for use with a plurality of media applications. The software control mechanism comprises a media control panel structured for use with a plurality of media applications. The media control panel is independent of each media application. Each media application is displayed within a computer screen. The software control mechanism is structured to control a function of a presently interfaced media application on the display screen. Further, as the presently interfaced media application changes on the display screen, the media control panel for that media application is displayed along a same boundary of the computer screen. | 11-05-2009 |
20090274315 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO REDUCE NON-LINEAR DISTORTION - Techniques to reduce distortion in acoustic signals in mobile computing devices are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise a speaker operative to receive a first signal and output a second signal. The mobile computing device may further comprise a first microphone operative to receive the second signal and a second microphone operative to receive a third signal. An echo canceller may be coupled to the first microphone and the second microphone and may be operative to compare the second signal and the third signal and reduce distortion in the third signal based on the comparison. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 11-05-2009 |
20090274286 | Selecting Communication Mode of Communications Apparatus - A communications device capable of communicating via any one of a number of communication modes comprises a mode comparator configured to determine which of the available modes is likely to be most appropriate for selection when initiating communication with a destination call party based at least in part on availability status data representative of a state of availability of the destination call party. The device displays the mode as a suggestion for selection by the user together with an ordered list of available communication modes for use in contacting a particular party, the list being ordered according to the likelihood of communication being successful. The call history for each mode in reaching the party is analyzed and a score calculated for each mode, the scores being relatively weighted according to a set of weighting factors arrived at from considering the current state of availability of the party, for example using presence information, and the inherent intrusiveness of each communication mode from the point of view of the called party. | 11-05-2009 |
20090271407 | INTEGRATED HANDHELD COMPUTING AND TELEPHONY SYSTEM AND SERVICES - Disclosed is an integrated handheld computer and telephony system. Integration of the handheld computer and telephony system is at the physical and operational level. For example, the integrated handheld computer and telephony system physically integrates a handheld computer with a mobile (e.g., cellular) telephone. In addition, the handheld computer is distinct from telephony system in that they are logically separable. However, they are also operationally integrated, for example, the telephony system executes a telephone application on the processor of the handheld computer. Likewise, the handheld computer can execute applications, for example, a phone book, that can be used to launch the telephony application. | 10-29-2009 |
20090262128 | DYNAMIC BRIGHTNESS RANGE FOR PORTABLE COMPUTER DISPLAYS BASED ON AMBIENT CONDITIONS - A portable computer system that comprises dynamically adjustable brightness range settings and brightness control for providing improved user readability and prolonged component lifetime of the display screen. The main processor can change the range settings based on ambient light conditions or the user can perform the changes. The brightness level of the display changes according to a user selected setting within the range selected. The time required to implement the brightness change can be set to a value which can be configured by the user. | 10-22-2009 |
20090262080 | INTERFACE FOR INTERACTION WITH DISPLAY VISIBLE FROM BOTH SIDES - A portable viewing and computing apparatus. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a bus, a memory unit coupled to the bus, and a processor coupled to the bus. The memory unit is for storing data and instructions. The processor is for processing data and instructions. The portable viewing and computing apparatus is further comprised of a display device coupled to the bus. The display device is comprised of a viewing panel viewable from a front side and a back side. The portable viewing and computing apparatus is further comprised of a display device controller coupled to the bus. The display device controller is for sensing the orientation and rotation of the display device, and in response thereto, for controlling and rendering data on the display device. | 10-22-2009 |
20090258607 | TECHNIQUES FOR ENHANCED CO-EXISTENCE OF CO-LOCATED RADIOS - Techniques for enhanced co-existence for co-located radios are described. A mobile computing device may comprise a first radio module operative to communicate wirelessly across a first link using a first set of communications channels, a second radio module operative to communicate wirelessly across a second link using a second set of communications channels, and a coordination module operative to receive information regarding operation of the first and second radio modules, and modify a communications parameter for the first or second radio module based on the received information. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. | 10-15-2009 |
20090254856 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROMPTING USERS TO SUBSCRIBE TO WEB FEEDS BASED ON WEB BROWSING ACTIVITY - A method (and corresponding system and computer program product) that prompts users for web feed subscription based on web browsing activities of the users is disclosed. The method monitors web browsing activities of a user related to a web page, and determines that the web page supports web feeds. Responsive to the user repeatedly visited the web page, the method determines whether the monitored web browsing activities related to the web page meets predetermined criteria. If so, the method prompts the user with options to subscribe to the web feed. If the user responds positively to the prompt, the method subscribes to the web feed. | 10-08-2009 |
20090249253 | DISPLAYING MNEMONIC ABBREVIATIONS FOR COMMANDS - Abbreviations are displayed for user-entered text commands, to facilitate discovery of keyboard shortcuts and to reinforce branding. Users enter commands by typing them into a text input field. Commands can be provided in a verb-noun structure, where the verb specifies what is to be done and the noun specifies the object or a parameter for the verb. Upon user entry of a command, or portion thereof, the entered portion is replaced by an abbreviation. The abbreviation can represent a single key, key combination, or multi-character string. The abbreviation can also include a logo or other graphic component, if desired. The abbreviation can replace the verb portion of the entered command, or it can be shown alongside or adjacent to the text input field, or it can be shown in an overlay or according to any other mechanism. A transition effect can be performed when introducing the abbreviation. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247239 | DETERMINISTIC CHARACTERIZATION AND REDUCTION OF ACOUSTIC ECHO - Techniques to characterize and reduce acoustic echo are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise an audio characterization module to send a first signal to a first component and receive a second signal from a second component. The first signal may be a deterministic audio training sequence and the second signal may be a recovered audio training sequence. The audio characterization module compares the first signal and the second signal to determine an audio echo path. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 10-01-2009 |
20090234953 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATION OF THIRD PARTY VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK SOLUTIONS - Various embodiments for integration of virtual private network solutions are described. In one embodiment, a mobile computing device may comprise a virtual private network client configured to establish a virtual private network connection over one or more transports and a connection manager. The connection manager may comprise a virtual private network plug-in module associated with the virtual private network client. The connection manager may load the virtual private network plug-in module in response to a request to establish a virtual private network connection using the virtual private network client over a selected transport. The connection manager may instruct the virtual private network plug-in module to send a setup command to the virtual private network client for establishing the virtual private network connection over the selected transport. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 09-17-2009 |
20090231248 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING THE COLOR OF A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE COVER - Various embodiments for configuring the color of a mobile computing device cover are described. In one embodiment, a mobile computing device may comprise a cover including a light-emitting diode (LED) array comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The mobile computing device may include a processor comprising an application for receiving preferences from a user for illuminating the cover and an LED array control module to generate color control signals based on the preferences. The color control signals may control the amount of current and voltage supplied to individual LEDs of the LED array for achieving certain and relative intensities of light emitted by the LED array corresponding to a color selected from a plurality of available colors. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 09-17-2009 |
20090222838 | TECHNIQUES FOR DYNAMIC CONTACT INFORMATION - Techniques involving contact information are disclosed. For example, an apparatus may include a contact entry generation module and an entry updating module. The contact entry generation module creates a contact entry having a location-specific information field. The entry updating module obtains an update for the location-specific information field from a remote device. This update corresponds to a current location. | 09-03-2009 |
20090221277 | DISCONNECTION TECHNIQUES IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS - An apparatus includes a host, and a communications control module. The communications control module exchanges information with a communications network, such as a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network. The host determines whether a termination condition exists. Based on this determination, the communications control module performs a signaling connection release indication procedure when a termination condition exists. | 09-03-2009 |
20090219205 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAINTAINING A RELIABLE TIME CLOCK ON A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE SUPPORTING SATELLITE BASED POSITION DETERMINATION CAPABILITY - Various embodiments for maintaining a reliable time clock on a mobile computing device are described. In one embodiment, a mobile computing device may optionally enable and disable acquisition of time data from multiple sources including a mobile network and a global positioning system (GPS) satellite. The mobile computing device may comprise a time clock to display local time information derived from stored time data and may prioritize the multiple sources for writing and overwriting the stored time data to converge to the most reliable time data available. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 09-03-2009 |
20090215439 | TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE AUDIO SETTINGS - Techniques to manage audio settings are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise an audio management module to receive information from a sensor and automatically adjust at least one audio setting based on the information. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 08-27-2009 |
20090215432 | VIBRATION TONE DIFFERENTIATION - A system, apparatus, method and article to perform vibration tone differentiation are described. The apparatus may include a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device may comprise a messaging client. The messaging client may receive an incoming message sent to the mobile computing device. The messaging client may parse communication information from the incoming message. The messaging client may determine a priority level of the incoming message from the communication information. The mobile computing device may also comprise a motor controller. The motor controller may retrieve a vibration sequence associated with the priority level and instruct a vibrate motor to vibrate according to the vibration sequence. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 08-27-2009 |
20090204641 | TECHNIQUES TO ASSOCIATE MEDIA INFORMATION WITH RELATED INFORMATION - System, apparatus, method, and article for techniques to associate media data with related information. A mobile computing device includes a media manager module. The media manager module processes a media file including metadata. The media manager module retrieves a first content from a metadata field in the metadata. The media manager module retrieves a second content from a field in an application file associated with an application client. The media manager module compares the first and second contents and determines whether the first and second contents are associated. If the first and second contents are associated, the media manager module retrieves the second content and inserts the second content in a second metadata field of the media file. | 08-13-2009 |
20090189915 | Structured Display System with System Defined Transitions - A disclosed system (and method) is configured to receive an instruction to transition from a first view to a second view. The first view and the second view include two or more visual elements. The system receives data corresponding to visual elements in the first view and visual elements in the second view. The system groups the visual elements to include visual elements moved out between the first view and the second view, visual elements retained from the first view in the second view, and visual elements moved into the second view. The system retrieves a system defined transition style for rendering the visual elements between the first view and the second view. Using the groupings the system transitions the first view to render the second view through application of the transition style on the groups of visual elements. | 07-30-2009 |
20090187847 | Operating System Providing Consistent Operations Across Multiple Input Devices - An operating system of a mobile computing device translates primitive input signal from an input device to a navigation message invoking a navigation operation at application programs. The navigation operation represents a unit of action (e.g., ‘select’ an item) intended by a user on an application program. Different input signals from different input devices are mapped to navigation messages at the operating system. The application program receives and processes the navigation message; and thus, the application program is relieved of tasks associated with processing primitive input signals. By providing the navigation messages from the operating system, consistent navigation operations can be achieved at different application programs, and application programmers can conveniently program application programs for computing devices with different hardware configurations. | 07-23-2009 |
20090184942 | OPTICAL SENSOR BASED USER INTERFACE FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An apparatus and method are described herein, which simultaneously promotes a positive computing experience for users of portable computer systems and increases overall durability and longevity thereof. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus enhances the user computing experience, in one embodiment by simplifying operation, and is much more durable and long-lasting than mechanical switch and dial type devices it may replace. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatus, which enables efficient portable computer device function, field, and data selection, gaming, input, interconnection, and other switching-related functions, simplifying operation and enhancing versatility thereof, yet without exposing the portable computer interior to any degree to incursion of environmental contamination. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus obviates openings in a portable computer package which would otherwise be required. In one embodiment, the apparatus, capable of sensing manipulation and directed by software, has a light source and corresponding light sensor. | 07-23-2009 |
20090176481 | Providing Location-Based Services (LBS) Through Remote Display - Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method (and corresponding system and computer program product) for a mobile computing device to provide location-based services through a peripheral display device. The method includes receiving location-related data at the mobile computing device, establishing a communication connection between the mobile computing device and the peripheral display device. The mobile computing device generates visual data for a location-based service and transmits the visual data to the peripheral display device. The peripheral display device displays the received visual data. The peripheral display device may optionally receive user input and transmit the input to the mobile computing device for process. | 07-09-2009 |
20090172597 | ON-SCREEN MENU BUTTONS INCLUDING MULTIPLE MODES - Menu items are displayed on a screen, for example in the form of user-activatable on-screen buttons. A root menu is displayed, including a “more” button that allows the user to navigate to one or more sub-menus. Each menu can contain function buttons, menu buttons, or any combination thereof. Function buttons provide direct access to functions. Menu buttons provide access to sub-menus, which may be provided in a hierarchical arrangement. In some sub-menus, a menu title button replaces the “more” button and provides access to a previously displayed menu. The user can activate a displayed function button in any menu or sub-menu to perform an action associated with the function button. | 07-02-2009 |
20090170447 | SHARED ANTENNA ARCHITECTURE FOR MULTIPLE CO-LOCATED RADIO MODULES - A shared antenna architecture for multiple co-located radio modules is disclosed. For example, an apparatus may include an antenna, a first transceiver to communicate wirelessly across a first link, a second transceiver to communicate wirelessly across a second link, and a shared antenna structure communicatively coupled to the first transceiver, the second transceiver and the antenna. The shared antenna structure may comprise a combiner and at least one switch arranged to allow the first transceiver and the second transceiver to share the antenna for simultaneous operations or mutually-exclusive operations. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. | 07-02-2009 |
20090164813 | TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE POWER BASED ON MOTION DETECTION - Techniques to manage power based on motion detection are described. For example, a mobile computing device may include a radio module having a communications failure event detector operative to detect a communications failure event, a motion detector operative to detect motion, and a processor coupled to the radio module and the motion detector. The processor operative to execute a scan control module to determine the mobile computing device is moving or stationary, and control scanning operations by the radio module in accordance with the determination. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-25-2009 |
20090164605 | DYNAMIC CONTENT MANAGEMENT FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS - A method and system for dynamically managing content provided to a mobile device. In one embodiment, the present invention begins by retrieving information from a network. In one embodiment the information is web-based content, and the network is the Internet. The present method and system then dynamically assesses the information which was retrieved from the network. In particular, in one embodiment, the present invention assesses the information by determining the application to which the information corresponds. Next, the present embodiment selectively filters the information such that desired information is compiled. After the selective filtering process, the present embodiment forwards the desired information to the mobile device. In so doing, the present embodiment provides an approach which dynamically manages the content of information so as to efficiently, responsively, and inexpensively provide a mobile device user with desired information. | 06-25-2009 |
20090164534 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DERIVE HIGH LEVEL FILE SYSTEM INFORMATION BY PASSIVELY MONITORING LOW LEVEL OPERATIONS ON A FAT FILE SYSTEM - A method (and corresponding system and computer program product) detects modified files and/or directories in a storage device. The method builds a file-sector coordination table for files in the storage device before relinquishing access control of the storage device to a host computer. The method passively monitors write transactions in the storage device from the host computer. The method identifies sectors affected by the monitored write transactions and stores in a sector list. The method regains access control of the storage device from the host computer and builds a list of modified files by intersecting the sector list with the file-sector coordination table. The method may optionally share the list of modified files with related applications. | 06-25-2009 |
20090161633 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNICATION CONNECTION - Various embodiments are directed to a mobile computing device having a communication management module. The communication management module receives connection information from a destination device, the connection information representing at least one communication mode accepted by the destination device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-25-2009 |
20090161582 | METHOD FOR INTELLIGENTLY SELECTING WIRELESS ACCESS POINT - A method and system for selecting and connecting to an access point in a wireless network of devices, such as a Bluetooth network. Initially, an initiator device is preconfigured with a list of available access point addresses. The initiator device broadcasts an inquiry message that is received by available wireless devices which, in turn, respond with their respective addresses, occupancy level and device classification. The initiator device compares the respondent addresses with the preconfigured access point addresses and connects to a match, thus terminating the inquiry, provided certain fitness functions are satisfied. The fitness functions might include such considerations as occupancy rate, device classification, signal strength, or physical distance of separation. The list of addresses on the initiator device is updated automatically upon connecting with a network server whenever a new device is added or an old one removed from the network server's access point address list. | 06-25-2009 |
20090156253 | Apparatus and Methods for Providing Fully Qualified Domain Name Resolution for Home Network Realm Based on International Mobile Subscriber Identity - Various embodiments for providing fully qualified domain name (FDQN) resolution for a home network realm based on an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) are described. In one embodiment, a mobile computing device may be arranged to retrieve an IMSI including a Mobile Country Code (MCC) and a Mobile Network Code (MNC) and to derive an initial FQDN from the IMSI using an initial MNC rule. The mobile computing device may transmit an initial domain name system (DNS) request comprising the initial FQDN. The mobile computing device may be arranged to derive an alternate FQDN from the IMSI using an alternate MNC rule and to transmit a subsequent DNS request comprising the alternate FQDN when a DNS error message is received in response to the initial DNS request. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-18-2009 |
20090150687 | POWER SHARING BETWEEN PORTABLE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES - A method and apparatus that allows for controlling operating time of a portable computer system and a peripheral device. A portable computing system that includes a rechargeable power supply and that includes a connection mechanism for coupling to a peripheral device is used to control operating time of the portable computer system and the peripheral device. In one embodiment, a user can choose between maximizing the operating time of the portable computer, maximizing the operating time of the peripheral device, or maximizing the life of the entire system (maximizing the operating time of the portable computer system and the peripheral device). When operating time of the portable computer system is to be maximized, power is sent from the peripheral device to the portable computer system to extend the operating time of the portable computer system. Similarly, when operating time of the peripheral device is to be maximized, power is sent from the rechargeable power supply of the portable computer system to the peripheral device to extend the operating time of the peripheral device. When operating time of the entire system is to be maximized, power is moved such that the operating time for the portable computer system is equal to the operating time of the peripheral device. | 06-11-2009 |
20090143078 | TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE A RADIO BASED ON LOCATION INFORMATION - Techniques to manage a radio based on location information are described. A mobile computing device may include a radio module, a location detector operative to determine a location for the mobile computing device, and a processor to couple to the radio module and the resource database. The processor may be operative to execute a resource management module to access a resource profile having resource information for one or more cellular radiotelephone network resources accessible from the location, and control operations for a radio module based on the resource profile. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-04-2009 |
20090143062 | EVENTS NOTIFICATION AND FUNCTIONS SELECTION MECHANISMS IN A WIRELESS DEVICE - A panel has been provided to a wireless device that turns off all RF capability of the wireless device (including, but not limited to notifications, wireless web clipping, instant messaging, email sending/receiving, phone calls, etc.). The panel is brought up on a screen of the wireless device by pressing a programmed hard button for more than 1 second. Once the RF capability has been turned off, if the user attempts to access a program or other device that requires the RF capabilities, a notification is displayed that identifies the RF capabilities as being disabled and prompts the user whether to continue. If the user continues, the RF device is automatically enabled, otherwise the RF device remains disabled. | 06-04-2009 |
20090138815 | ENHANCING VISUAL CONTINUITY IN SCROLLING OPERATIONS - A visual indicator distinguishes between newly displayed content and previously displayed content during and/or after a scrolling operation. The newly displayed content is displayed in a different format, or with a different background, or with some other visual indication, as compared with content that was previously displayed and is still displayed after the scrolling operation. In this manner, the user is given a visual context for scrolling operations that provides an intuitive reference point when scrolling through a document. A user can easily determine where the newly displayed content picks up from where the previously displayed content left off. The visual indicator can be transitory if desired, so that it gradually fades after some period of time. | 05-28-2009 |
20090132241 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING A VOICE SIGNAL NOISE - A method is provided whereby, before being subjected to a low rate voice coding, an incoming digital voice signal is chronologically segmented into blocks, the blocks are broken down respectively, in chronological order, into frequency components by a transformation in the frequency range and the frequency components are multiplied by weight factors depending on the frequency and modifiable in time, a frequency component being multiplied by the last weight factor calculated for the frequency component if the factor is less than the current weight factor. | 05-21-2009 |
20090125476 | Interface for Selection of Items - An apparatus (and method) is configured to perform an operation on a plurality of items of data. A memory stores data identifying said items. The apparatus generates a list of selected items identifying an item in response to a first selection signal; performs a selection operation to add an item to said list of selected items by: responsive to (a) a first move cursor signal: identifying a first item of said plurality of items stored in said memory; and adding said first identified item to said list of selected items if said item is not already on said list and (b) a second move cursor signal: identifying a second item of said plurality of items stored in said memory; removing said first identified item from said list of selected items. The apparatus adds said second identified item to said list of selected items if said second item is not on said list. | 05-14-2009 |
20090117942 | MESSAGE ADDRESSING TECHNIQUES FOR A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - Various embodiments are directed to improved message addressing techniques. In one embodiment, a computing device may comprise a messaging client arranged to receive an input sequence of alphabetic or alphanumeric characters as a destination of an outbound message. The messaging client may recognize that the input sequence represents a mnemonic short code and may automatically generate a common short code comprising a sequence of numeric digits associated with the mnemonic short code. The messaging client may display both the input sequence comprising the mnemonic short code and the common short code and enable the outbound message to be sent using the common short code as the destination. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 05-07-2009 |
20090113333 | Extendable Toolbar for Navigation and Execution of Operational Functions - A navigation and execution mechanism for a computing device includes a navigation interface and a toolbar. The navigation mechanism includes a center selectable switch bounded by first and second selectable switches opposite each other and third and fourth selectable switches opposite each other and adjacent to the first and the second selectable switches. The toolbar is displayed on a screen of the computing device in response to execution of an application within the computing device. The toolbar is configured to display a set of operations corresponding to the application, the toolbar further configured to execute a first operation in response to triggering the center selectable switch, a second operation in response to triggering the first selectable switch, a third operation in response to triggering the second selectable switch. Further, the toolbar is extendable to include two additional toolbars accessible directly through the a single action of the navigation mechanism. | 04-30-2009 |
20090111526 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DISPLAY SIGNAL STRENGTH - Various embodiments are directed to a status indicator module to display a first signal strength and a second signal strength for different radio transmission signals using a single status indicator. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 04-30-2009 |
20090111524 | POWER MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR A UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS - Power management techniques for a universal serial bus are described. For example, a mobile computing device may include an interface having a universal serial bus, a host processor to couple to the interface, and a radio module to couple to the interface. The radio module may have a radio processor and a detector, the detector operative to detect temporary block flow from radio signals communicated over wireless shared media, the radio processor to enable the universal serial bus when the detector detects the temporary block flow and disable the universal serial bus when the detector does not detect the temporary block flow for a guard interval. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 04-30-2009 |
20090094686 | METHOD FOR BYPASSING PASSKEY EXCHANGE AND AUTHENTICATION PROCEDURES - A method and system thereof for establishing a wireless connection to a device while bypassing passkey exchange and authentication procedures. Passkeys are authenticated and exchanged with another device. At the user's discretion, the passkey for the other device can be stored in memory. In the case in which the passkey is stored, the other device is considered a “trusted device.” Subsequently, when a trusted device is discovered and selected, and a wireless connection to the trusted device is made, the passkey for the trusted device is automatically retrieved from memory. As such, it is not necessary for the user to manually input a passkey or for the devices to perform a passkey exchange and authentication procedure. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094179 | Classifying Environment of a Data Processing Apparatus - Data processing apparatus is disclosed comprising: a sensor module configured to sense a first profile comprised of one or more attributes of an environment of said data processing apparatus; and a classification module configured to assign a prediction factor to each of said one or more attributes of said first profile and to store each said attribute and assigned prediction factor as a stored profile. | 04-09-2009 |
20090089676 | Tabbed Multimedia Navigation - Various embodiments are directed to improved systems and techniques for allowing a user to navigate to media content on a mobile computing device and/or perform available operations associated with the media content. In one embodiment, for example, a mobile computing device may comprise a display to present a tabbed multimedia graphical user interface comprising a navigation bar including a plurality of navigation tabs for navigating to media content and performing available operations associated with the media content. The plurality of navigation tabs may comprise an audio navigation tab associated with audio content, a pictures and videos navigation tab associated with image and video content, a still camera navigation tab for taking digital photographs, a video camera navigation tab for taking video movies, and an online and bookmarks navigation tab associated with online media content. The tabbed multimedia graphical user interface may present a corresponding view associated with an active navigation tab. Tapping a different navigation tab on the display or inputting a directional command to the mobile computing device may immediately navigate to the different navigation tab and display the corresponding view for enabling a user to navigate to media content and perform available operations associated with the different navigation tab. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088197 | Synchronized Helper System Using Paired Computing Device - A helper system uses a computing device paired with a mobile computing device to provide help information associated with operation of the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device and the paired computing devices are synchronized so that the help information relevant to the current status of the mobile computing device is provided by the paired computing device. By providing the help information on the paired computing device, the user may conveniently access the user information without interrupting the use of application program running on the mobile computing device. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088168 | PRIORITY-BASED PHONE CALL FILTERING - A mobile phone filters phone calls based on priority. The mobile phone determines a call priority of an incoming phone call based on the caller's telephone number. The mobile phone also determines a threshold priority for the current time period based on a priority schedule. The mobile phone compares the call priority with the threshold priority to determine whether to block the incoming call. If the mobile phone blocks the incoming phone call, it may transmit a message to the caller suggesting a time for the caller to make the phone call again. | 04-02-2009 |
20090077408 | INFORMATION PRESERVATION ON A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A system and method for information preservation on a portable electronic device is disclosed. A signal indicating an energy capacity threshold remaining in the battery of a hand held device may be generated. Then, responsive to such a signal, information may be copied from a volatile memory into a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may be configured to provide instructions for direct execution by a processor, or the non-volatile storage may be attached via an expansion interface. The non-volatile memory may be a removable card. The copy function is typically done in low power modes. Alternatively, the information is only copied provided sufficient battery capacity remains to perform the copy function. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076723 | Targeting Location Through Haptic Feedback Signals - A data processing apparatus and a method of operating a data processing apparatus are disclosed. The data processing apparatus comprises a memory for storing target location data representative of the location of a target, a position determining component configured to generate a position signal representative of a position of the data processing apparatus, and an orientation determining component configured to generate an orientation signal representative of an orientation of the data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus also comprises a haptic transducer configured to provide haptic feedback to a user of the data processing apparatus and a processor configured to process the target location data, position signal and orientation signal in order to generate a transducer control signal that is configured to actuate the haptic transducer to provide directional haptic feedback to a user relative to the target location. | 03-19-2009 |
20090075681 | Short Message Service Message Compactor and Uncompactor - A method of operating a data processing apparatus and a data processing apparatus are disclosed. A method of operating data processing apparatus comprises receiving a text file comprising a plurality of original text characters and replacing the original text characters with replacement text characters in accordance with a first rule. The replacement text characters comprise fewer text characters than the original text characters. The method further comprises determining whether or not the number of replacement text characters is less than a threshold value, and further replacing the text characters in accordance with a subsequent rule if it is determined that the umber of replacement text characters is not less than the threshold value. | 03-19-2009 |
20090070708 | Display of Information of Interest - A system (and a method) is disclosed to render information of interest on a computing device. The system is configured to identify a plurality of time periods within in a database and to access a user profile. The user profile includes data on information of interest for a user. The system compares, for each time period, the user profile with that specific time period to determine the information of interest for the user within the specific time period. The system retrieves, in response to the comparison, information from at least one data source corresponding to the determined information of interest for the user within the specific time period. The system renders at a time relative to each time period a home screen on a display of the computing device, the home screen including the determined information of interest for the user within the specific time period. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066716 | Video Blending Using Time-Averaged Color Keys - A display system combines a graphic plane and a video overlay plane using color keys in the graphics plane. By time-averaging patterns of color keys in successive frames of the graphics plane, individual pixels of the graphics plane can be made to appear partially transparent. Using this technique, regions in the graphics plane (e.g., a menu) can be partially transparent with respect to the video overlay, and aliasing can be reduced by making selected pixels in the graphics plane partially transparent. | 03-12-2009 |
20090063711 | PREVENTION OF INADVERTENT DATA SYNCHRONIZATION TO AND FROM REMOVABLE MEMORY SOURCES ON A HANDHELD CONNECTED DEVICE - A method is disclosed for continuously synchronizing data to and from a removable memory source connected to a user's handheld device. When the memory source is inserted into the handheld device, the device queries the memory source to determine whether the memory source is associated with the device or with an online service associated with the device. Upon determining that the memory source is associated with the device, the device exposes the memory source to the online service and allows read and write access to the online service. Upon determining that the memory source is not associated with the device, the device further checks to determine whether the user seeks to associate the memory source with the device. If the user chooses not to do so, the user is allowed to view and modify the contents of the memory source without synchronizing data to and from the online service. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061930 | COMPACT PALMTOP COMPUTER SYSTEM AND WIRELESS TELEPHONE WITH FOLDABLE DUAL-SIDED DISPLAY - The present invention is a compact personal digital assistant (PDA) and cellular telephone with foldable dual-sided display. By utilizing flexible display technology, both a PDA and a cellular telephone are incorporated into one device. In a closed state, in one embodiment, the present invention corresponds to the form used for typical cellular telephone use (e.g., candy bar size). In an open state, in one embodiment, the present invention corresponds to the form used for typical PDA use by providing an enlarged viewing area. The present invention provides the benefit of two distinct devices in one device by allowing for common operations and functionality without compromising the respective form factor of either device. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061825 | TECHNIQUES FOR GROUP MESSAGING ON A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - Techniques for group messaging on a mobile computing device are described. An apparatus may comprise a message server to communicate messages between multiple mobile computing devices. The message server may have a group message management module to establish a group messaging session between the multiple mobile computing devices. The group message management module may have a group generating module to receive a message with a group message indicator and identifying information for multiple mobile computing devices within the message. The group generating module may form a message group to communicate messages from any one of the mobile computing devices to all of the mobile computing devices for the group messaging session. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061781 | TECHNIQUES FOR CONTROLLING A RADIO PROCESSOR IN A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - Techniques for controlling a radio processor for a mobile computing device are described. An apparatus may comprise a mobile computing device to support cellular voice communication, wireless data communication and computing capabilities, the mobile computing device including an applications processor coupled to a radio processor. The applications processor may include a radio management module to manage operations for the radio processor, the radio management module having a radio control module arranged to enable and disable the radio processor in accordance with a radio control schedule. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 03-05-2009 |
20090055749 | APPLICATION MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR WEB APPLICATIONS - Various embodiments are directed to an application management framework for web applications that may provide speed improvements, capability improvements, user experience improvements, increased advertising profit opportunities, and simplified application development to wide range of network devices. The described embodiments may employ techniques for containing, controlling, and presenting multiple web-based applications in a shared web browser application management framework. Sharing a web browser application management framework provides the capability for rapidly switching between applications, allows for multitasking, facilitates using a common set of input controls for applications, and makes it possible for applications to be available with little perceived startup (“boot”) time. The described embodiments also provide incentives for web application users, web application developers, web application portal providers, and web advertising providers to share in transactions between one another. | 02-26-2009 |
20090043657 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR SELECTING ADVERTISEMENTS BASED ON CALLER IDENTIFIER INFORMATION - Various embodiments are directed to selecting a web advertisement based on caller identifier information. The caller identifier information may be obtained from an incoming call to the mobile device or from an outgoing call from the mobile device. An ad request may be generated based on the caller identifier information by the mobile device and sent to a web advertising server. In response to the ad request, the web advertising server may select a relevant web advertisement based on the caller identifier information and may send the relevant web advertisement to the mobile device. On the mobile device, the web advertisement may be inserted into a web application for display in a user interface. | 02-12-2009 |
20090041230 | Mobile Client Device Driven Data Backup - Tasks associated with backing up the data of a mobile client device are performed predominantly by the mobile client device. A backup server functions as a server with limited functionality that merely stores backup data received from the mobile client device and retrieves the backup data under the request of the mobile client device. The mobile client device functions as a master device, and the backup server functions as a slave device. A backup program for performing tasks associated with the backup operation on the mobile client device may itself be stored as part of the backup data. | 02-12-2009 |
20090037509 | WIDGET DISCOVERY IN COMPUTING DEVICES - A system and a method are disclosed for discovering widgets for computing devices. A computing device parses data to identify rich content. The computing device searches for widgets supporting the identified rich content in a remote server and retrieves a widget supporting the identified rich content. The computing device executes the widget to process the rich content. | 02-05-2009 |
20090036149 | SINGLE BUTTON CONTACT REQUEST AND RESPONSE - A system and a method are disclosed for sharing contact information between two mobile phones. A user of a first mobile phone can select contact information stored in the mobile phone to be shared with a second mobile phone while having live phone call with a caller of the second mobile phone. The first mobile phone transmits the contact information to the second mobile phone using a voice channel of the phone call while the phone call is established. For example, the first mobile phone may convert the contact information into an audio signal and send the audio signal to the second mobile phone while the phone call is established. The second mobile phone receives the contact information and provides a user interface such that a caller can call a phone number in the contact information with a single button press. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034514 | Integrated Mobile Computing and Telephony Device and Services - Disclosed is an integrated handheld computer and telephony system. Integration of the handheld computer and telephony system is at the physical and operational level. For example, the integrated handheld computer and telephony system physically integrates a handheld computer with a mobile (e.g., cellular) telephone. In addition, the handheld computer is distinct from telephony system in that they are logically separable. However, they are also operationally integrated, for example, the telephony system executes a telephone application on the processor of the handheld computer. Likewise, the handheld computer can execute applications, for example, a phone book, that can be used to launch the telephony application. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033786 | TECHNIQUES TO AUTOMATICALLY FOCUS A DIGITAL CAMERA - Various embodiments are directed to techniques to automatically focus a digital camera. In one or more embodiments, a mobile electronics device may comprise a digital camera having a lens component and lens position component. A display may be coupled to the digital camera to reproduce an image with a first focal point. The digital camera may also include a focal point selection module coupled to the display to select a second focal point for the image and a focus control module coupled to the focal point selection module and the lens position component to provide focus control signals to the lens position component to focus the lens component on the second focal point. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033522 | Electronic Device with Reconfigurable Keypad - A reconfigurable keypad for enhancing user experience of an electronic device. The keypad includes a keypad display implemented as any type of display devices that can display different configurations of characters, symbols or images. The keypad display is placed adjacent an application display module. Both the keypad display and the application display module are covered with a common protective film, giving an appearance of a continuous top surface. The keypad also has a mechanism for providing tactile feedback to the user indicating whether the keypad was properly pressed. | 02-05-2009 |
20090009666 | TERMINAL WITH PROJECTED DISPLAY - A mobile data and/or communication terminal is provided which includes an optical system for the generation of a projected display as well as parts for stabilizing the display when the terminal is moved. | 01-08-2009 |
20090007006 | AUTOMATIC SCROLLING - Techniques for scrolling through displayed information are disclosed. For instance, an apparatus includes a scrolling management module to set one or more automatic scrolling preferences, and an application to output a content item in accordance with the one or more automatic scrolling preferences. Examples of such scrolling preferences include scrolling speeds, designated input mechanism(s) to adjust scrolling, and the activation/deactivation of orientation-based scrolling. | 01-01-2009 |
20080313355 | Data Synchronization Transparent to Application - Synchronization of data accessible by an application program is performed transparent to the application program. After a data item is instantiated by the application program, the synchronization engine performs data synchronization without or with minimal intervention of the application program. The synchronization engine may be part of an operating system. The synchronization engine is preinstalled on a computing device; therefore, application program developers can simply define whether the data items associated with the application programs should be syncable, and if so, to what extent the data items should be syncable. The application program developer is relieved of the task of developing the synchronization engine or other software components associated with data synchronization. | 12-18-2008 |
20080298697 | User Interface for Presenting a List of Thumbnail Items Associated With Media Items - A user interface allows a user to access media items by selecting from a list of thumbnail items associated with the media items. Various techniques are used to reduce the latency times when displaying the list of thumbnail items in the user interface. When the list is initially displayed, for example, the thumbnail items may be loaded into memory according to how far they are from a currently displayed portion of the list, rather than always starting from the top of the list. In addition, if not all of the thumbnail items can be loaded at one time, when the list window is scrolled, the thumbnail items relatively far from a current scroll position of the list are purged so that the items closer to the current scroll position may be loaded. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297117 | MODULATION CHARGING CIRCUITRY FOR BATTERY CHARGING - Circuitry for charging a battery includes a switch for coupling the power source to the battery. The switch is turned on and off in accordance with a periodic control signal including a plurality of periods. Each period includes a first duration during which the control signal is in a first state and a second duration during which the control signal is in a second state. The switch is turned on when the control signal is in the first state to couple the power source to the battery, and turned off when the control signal is in the second state to decouple the power source from the battery. Since the switch is periodically turned off while the battery is being charged, the average amount of heat generated by the switch is reduced, thereby preventing excessive thermal emission from the battery charging circuitry. | 12-04-2008 |
20080282162 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS USING A SENSORY CUE TO INDICATE SUBSEQUENT ACTION CHARACTERISTICS FOR DATA COMMUNICATIONS - A communications device provides a user with a sensory cue that informs the user of certain characteristics of a subsequent action that includes data communications. By informing the user of the data communication characteristics before the user initiates the data communication action, the invention appropriately sets user expectations regarding the data communication characteristics. For example, one embodiment of the invention is implemented in a portable communications device with a screen. For subsequent actions that include wireless communications, the portable communications device simultaneously displays a wireless link icon sensory cue next to a user interface graphic element. The user interface element is used to initiate the subsequent action. The user interface element can be an operating system object having an embedded link type icon. The wireless link icon informs the user that the subsequent action corresponding to the user interface element requires wireless communication and the expense and time associated therewith. A method, a system and an apparatus for indicating characteristics of a subsequent action to a user before the user begins the subsequent action are provided. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281798 | AUTOMATIC CONVERSION SCHEMA FOR CACHED WEB REQUESTS - Various embodiments are directed to a proxy system for implementing an automatic conversion schema which allows data results from a publishing application to be extracted and displayed by a display application other than the publishing application. In one embodiment, a proxy publisher may receive a request from a publishing application to retrieve a data result from a data server. The request may include a path to the data server and appended publishing parameters. In accordance with the automatic conversion schema, the publishing parameters may comprise decode parameters associated with the publishing application for allowing a display application other than the publishing application to decode variables of the data result and to transform the decoded variables for display. The proxy publisher may cache the request including the appended publishing parameters and retrieve the data result from the data server. The proxy publisher may locally store the data result along with the cached publishing parameters and may respond to a query from a display application for data associated with the publishing application by providing the cached data result and the publishing parameters to the display application. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 11-13-2008 |
20080280645 | Integrated personal digital assistant device - An integrated device provides functionality of both a PDA and cellular telephone. Features include a power button offering control of both the computing and telephony functions of the device; a lid that turns the device on and off and controls additional telephony functions; a jog rocker that activates the device and is used to select from a variety of menu options; application buttons that offer direct access to applications stored on the device, and which can be configured to operate in conjunction with secondary keys to offer added functionality; a keyboard that enables data input into the device; an automatic word completion function that verifies and corrects a user's typing in real time; and a simplified keyboard navigation system that allows the navigation of menus using keyboard shortcuts. | 11-13-2008 |
20080268882 | SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR ADDED COMMUNICATION OPTIONS - Various embodiments for short message service (SMS) enhancement techniques for added communication options are described. In one or more embodiments, a computing device may comprise an enhanced SMS client arranged to send and receive enhanced messages comprising embedded meta-language. The embedded meta-language may be interpreted and/or executed as programming instructions to provide added communication options for message composition and device interaction. The exchange of enhanced messages may convey richer information and/or provide additional functionality beyond the capabilities available using standard SMS messaging. | 10-30-2008 |
20080268815 | Authentication Process for Access to Secure Networks or Services - A system (and a method) are disclosed to access to secured services that are located behind a firewall. In one embodiment, the system receives at an authentication server a request to access the secured services. The request includes an identification of a mobile telephony device. The system transmits the identification of a mobile telephony device to a mobile telephone network server. The mobile telephone network server generates and transmits at least one security challenge that is forwarded to the mobile telephony device. In response, the mobile telephony device generates at least one response to the at least one security challenge, which gets forwarded to the mobile telephone network server. The mobile telephone network server notifies the authentication server if the response has been appropriately verified, and if so, the system allows the authentication server to allow access to the secured services, e.g., through an authenticated session. | 10-30-2008 |
20080261652 | INTEGRATED PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT DEVICE - An integrated device provides functionality of both a PDA and cellular telephone. Features include a power button offering control of both the computing and telephony functions of the device; a lid that turns the device on and off and controls additional telephony functions; a jog rocker that activates the device and is used to select from a variety of menu options; application buttons that offer direct access to applications stored on the device, and which can be configured to operate in conjunction with secondary keys to offer added functionality; a keyboard that enables data input into the device; an automatic word completion function that verifies and corrects a user's typing in real time; and a simplified keyboard navigation system that allows the navigation of menus using keyboard shortcuts. | 10-23-2008 |
20080255836 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A RECOGNITION SYSTEM HAVING A VERIFICATION RECOGNITION SYSTEM - A method and system for performing computer implemented recognition is disclosed. In one method embodiment, the present invention first accesses user input stored in a memory of a mobile device. On the mobile device, the present invention performs a coarse recognition process on the user input to generate a coarse result. The coarse process may operate in real-time. The embodiment then displays a portion of the coarse result on a display screen of the mobile device. The embodiment further performs a detailed recognition process on the user input to generate a detailed result. The detailed process has more recognition patterns and computing resources available to it. The present embodiment performs a comparison of the detailed result and the coarse result. The present embodiment displays a portion of the comparison on the display screen. | 10-16-2008 |
20080248834 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO A DESKTOP AND APPLICATIONS OF A MOBILE DEVICE - Various embodiments are described for providing a terminal with access to a desktop and applications of a mobile device. In one embodiment, a mobile device may comprise an interface to establish a connection to a terminal and one or more browser based applications to be run locally on the mobile device. The mobile device may serve a browser based user interface to a browser of the terminal via the connection for interacting with the applications on the mobile device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 10-09-2008 |
20080248813 | System and Methods for Obtaining Coarse Location for a Mobile Device - Various embodiments are described for obtaining coarse location for a mobile device. In one embodiment, a mobile device may comprise one or more interfaces for detecting location reference nodes in view of the mobile device and a client module to send a location query to a location database. The location query may comprise node data identifying the reference nodes in view of the mobile device. The location database may be configured to respond to the location query with positioning information for providing an estimated position of the mobile device. The positioning information may be based on correlated position data and node data received from one or more client devices having Global Positioning System (GPS) position determination capability and configured to report position data and node data for location reference nodes in view. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 10-09-2008 |
20080244447 | Application Quick Launch Extension - A system (and/or a method) are disclosed to launch an application directly from a menu on a screen of a handheld computing device. In one embodiment, the handheld computing device is configured to receive an event signal corresponding to executing an application assigned to the switch when actuated for a first time period. When the switch is maintained actuated for a second predetermined period of time, the system is configured to transmit an identifier corresponding to the switch to a preferences manager. The system retrieves a plurality of application identifiers from a database of the preferences manager, where each application identifier linking an executable for a corresponding application. The system displays the menu on the screen of the mobile computing device. The menu includes a plurality of application identifiers that are being selectable for execution of a different application. | 10-02-2008 |
20080211772 | SUCCESSIVELY LAYERED MODULAR CONSTRUCTION FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTER SYSTEM - A modular portable computer system is described. A top modular layer with a coupled display interface and adapted to be interconnected with other modular layers. A second modular layer is interconnected with the top modular layer and other modular layers, for providing a power source to supply operating power to said top modular layer and to those other modular layers present and is disposed beneath the top modular layer. A third modular layer is interconnected with the top modular layer and the second modular layer for providing baseline logic electronics and communication components to the modular portable computer system and is disposed beneath the top modular layer. A universal interconnect for providing electronic and communicative interconnection of each modular layer is disposed at least once on each modular layer. | 09-04-2008 |