Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080296394 | TRAVEL KIOSK - A travel kiosk which focuses operator attention to a work area. The travel kiosk includes a first portion containing a touch screen, and a second portion adjacent the first portion including a printer, a barcode reader, a passport imager, and a radio frequency reader. The second portion contains a work area for obtaining first information from an operator provided passport, for obtaining second information from an operator provided travel document, and for delivering a printed travel document to the customer. The work area includes a shelf for aligning the passport, a passport tunnel at an end of the shelf for guiding the passport into a position in the second portion for reading by the passport imager and the radio frequency reader, a printer exit shoot above the passport tunnel for delivering a printed travel document from the printer, and an overhang above the printer exit shoot containing the barcode reader, wherein the barcode reader scans the operator provided travel document following placement under the overhang. | 12-04-2008 |
20100051695 | MULTIPLE APERTURE IMAGING BARCODE READER - A multiple aperture imaging barcode reader which positions a movable mirror to image items at different focal lengths and fields of view. The barcode reader includes a housing with a first aperture and a second aperture, a mirror assembly moveable to first and second positions, a camera for capturing a first image of a first item when the mirror assembly is in the first position and the first item is optically aligned with the first aperture, and for capturing a second image of a second item when the mirror assembly is in the second position and the second item is optically aligned with the second aperture, and a processor for identifying and decoding a first barcode label on the first item, and for identifying and decoding a second barcode label on the second item. | 03-04-2010 |
20100078473 | PERIPHERAL INCLUDING BIOMETRIC READER AND CARD READER - A peripheral including a biometric reader and a card reader which require less mounting space than separate devices. An example peripheral includes a magnetic stripe reader including a housing, and a fingerprint reader in the housing. | 04-01-2010 |
20100155462 | TRAVEL KIOSK - A travel kiosk with improved document delivery. The travel kiosk includes a first section containing a touch screen, and a second section adjacent the first section including an aperture and a document delivery tray within the aperture. The document delivery tray includes a first portion including a document slope for receiving a document at an upper end from a printer, the document falling to a lower end of the document slope, the document slope including ribs oriented generally downwardly to minimize friction between the document and the document slope. A second portion coupled to the first portion at the lower end includes first and second tabs which form a landing zone for the document after it has fallen from the document slope. | 06-24-2010 |
20100155483 | BARCODE READING STATION - A barcode reading station which mounts a barcode reader for reading a barcode on a barcode carrier, such as a document or electronic device which displays the barcode. The barcode reading station includes a holster for a barcode reader, the barcode reader producing a scan volume, a barcode reading table for identifying a target location for barcode reading, and a mirror for deflecting the scan volume of the barcode reader towards the barcode reading table. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162091 | Methods and Apparatus for Internet Browsing and Searching Employing Geographic Location Information - Systems and techniques for managing Internet navigation and browsing results and other information using a visual geographic interface. A user interface including a map display is presented, along with interface elements for searching, browsing, and otherwise retrieving information. Results lists are compiled based on user inputs and geographic information is associated with each item in the results list. The items in the results list are presented to the user in a map display, with facilities for changing the organization and presentation of results according to user inputs including graphical inputs defining geographic areas of interest. | 06-24-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110130873 | SELF-SERVICE KIOSK WITH MULTIPLE SECURE SERVICE AREAS - A self-service kiosk apparatus is presented that has a plurality of secure service areas. Access to the plurality of secure service areas and the components of the kiosk system contained within each area is controlled. Authorization to access each secure service area is based on a person's level of training and security level. | 06-02-2011 |
20110147400 | ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA RENTAL AND RETURN SYSTEM AND A REMOVABLE STORAGE BIN THEREFOR - An entertainment media rental and return system comprises a rental terminal at which a customer can either rent entertainment media or return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, a return terminal at which a customer can only return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, and a removable storage bin interchangeable between the terminals and arranged to (i) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the return terminal when the bin is installed in the return terminal, (ii) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal, and (iii) provide entertainment media which is available to be rented to a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal. | 06-23-2011 |
20110147446 | DEDICATED SELF-SERVICE RETURN TERMINAL AND METHOD OF OPERATING A DEDICATED SELF-SERVICE RETURN TERMINAL FOR RECEIVING RETURNED MEDIA ON WHICH ENTERTAINMENT DATA IS STORED - A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored. The dedicated self-service return terminal comprises a reader arranged to read data associated with returned media on which entertainment data is stored, a media transporter mechanism having a media return slot for receiving returned media, a shutter mechanism having a shutter door movable between an open position which allows returned media to be inserted through the media return slot and a closed position which blocks the media return slot and prevents returned media from being inserted through the media return slot, and a controller arranged to (i) move the shutter door to the open position to allow returned media to be inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media, and (ii) maintain the shutter door in the closed position to prevent returned media from being inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is not being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153060 | DEDICATED SELF-SERVICE RETURN TERMINAL AND METHOD OF OPERATING A DEDICATED SELF-SERVICE RETURN TERMINAL FOR RECEIVING RETURNED MEDIA ON WHICH ENTERTAINMENT DATA IS STORED - A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored. The dedicated self-service return terminal comprises a media transporter having a media return slot through which returned media can be received from a customer returning the media, a removable media storage bin for storing returned media which has been received through the slot, a container having a chamber in which the media storage bin is installed when the media storage bin is in use, a sliding mechanism arranged to support the container for vertical sliding movement between a top position in which the media storage bin can receive returned media received through the slot and a bottom position in which the media storage bin can be removed from the container, and a controller arranged to control the sliding mechanism to effect movement of the container between the top and bottom positions during operation of the dedicated self-service return terminal. | 06-23-2011 |
20120101631 | Compact Media Disc Vending or Rental Kiosk - A low cost compact kiosk for media disc vending or rental is described. Reduced height and an effective disc drop arrangement allow gravity fed dispensing of media discs simplifying design by eliminating complex robotics requiring trained personnel for maintenance. One such kiosk is approximately 76 cm (30 inches)×58 cm (23 inches)×15 cm (6 inches) and can hold at least 375 standard 1.2 mm thick by 12 cm diameter DVDs. | 04-26-2012 |
20130027187 | SECURITY KIOSK - A security kiosk which allows travelers to process themselves through a security checkpoint. An example security kiosk includes an identification device, communications circuitry, a security scanner for examining a traveler and items accompanying the traveler, and a processor for obtaining identification information from the traveler using the identification device, for connecting to a host computer system using the communications circuitry, for determining whether the traveler has previously checked in from the host computer system, for checking in the traveler when the traveler has not previously checked in, for reading a check-in document when the traveler has previously checked in, and for operating the security scanner. | 01-31-2013 |
20130096962 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING PROMOTIONS OF DIFFERENT GOODS OR SERVICES AT LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS - A system and method of managing promotions of different goods or services at lodging establishments which is directed to reducing distressed inventories of a variety of different goods or services offered at the lodging establishments. An example method includes connecting to different property systems which manage sales of goods or services, obtaining reservation data and guest data from the different property systems, comparing the reservation data to predetermined thresholds to determine distressed inventories of the goods or services of the property systems, obtaining promotions directed to the distressed inventories, determining customers to receive the promotions of the distressed inventories, and sending the promotions to the customers. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096963 | CHECK-IN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS - A check-in system and method for lodging establishments which facilitates faster check-in. An example method includes creating a record of a reservation for a prospective guest including contact information associated with a mobile communication device of the prospective guest, determining from the record that the first night of the reservation is within a predetermined number of days, sending a message to the mobile communication device of the prospective guest using the contact information, the message including a check-in reminder and a hyperlink to a check-in web page, providing the check-in web page to the mobile communication device in response to selection of the hyperlink by the prospective guest, receiving check-in information entered into the check-in web page by the guest from the mobile communication device, and providing a confirmation web page including confirmation details of the reservation and a confirmation code containing reservation information. | 04-18-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110002487 | Audio Channel Assignment for Audio Output in a Movable Device - A device that provides an audio output includes a speaker array mechanically fixed to the device. The speaker array includes at least three speakers. An orientation sensor detects an orientation of the speaker array and provides an orientation signal. An audio receiver receives a number of audio signals that include spatial position information. An audio processor is coupled to the speakers, the orientation sensor, and the audio receiver. The audio processor receives the audio signals and the orientation signal, and selectively routes the audio signals to the speakers according to the spatial position information and the orientation signal such that the spatial position information is perceptible to a listener. The orientation signal may be provided by a compass, an accelerometer, an inertial sensor, or other device. The orientation signal may be provided according to selection of display orientation, shape of touch input, image recognition of the listener, or the like. | 01-06-2011 |
20110164184 | DISPLAY DRIVING ARCHITECTURES - A display driving architecture that can include two graphics pipelines with an optional connection between them to provide a mirrored mode. In one embodiment, one of the two pipelines can be automatically configured (e.g. routed in one of a plurality of ways, such as routing to do color conversion) based upon the type of cable that is coupled to a connector of the one pipeline. In another embodiment, a connection of a cable can cause display information (e.g. resolutions of an external display) to be provided to an application which can select a display mode while one of the graphics pipelines is kept in a low power state. | 07-07-2011 |
20110167181 | ACCESSORY FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE - An accessory for use with a portable computing device is provided. The accessory includes a keypad and a pedestal to house the control circuitry and provide mechanical stability for the accessory. The accessory includes a metal mass that performs dual functions of providing the mass for stability as well as acting as a ground connection for the keypad and other control circuitry. The accessory includes a connector for interfacing with a portable computing device and an additional connector for interfacing with an additional accessory. | 07-07-2011 |
20110201381 | USING AMBIENT LIGHT SENSOR TO AUGMENT PROXIMITY SENSOR OUTPUT - Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity of an object and operate a proximity sensor of a portable device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an ambient light sensor (ALS) output, and altering, based on the ALS output, an effect of a proximity sensor output on control of a proximity determination. The ALS sensor and the proximity sensor may be located adjacent to an earpiece of a portable device. In some cases, the proximity determination may be a proximity of an object to the proximity sensor, and altering the effect may include changing the proximity of the object from a proximity greater than a first threshold to a proximity less than the first threshold. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described. | 08-18-2011 |
20120001960 | BACKLIGHT AND AMBIENT LIGHT SENSOR SYSTEM - Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting of a display control parameter, and altering, based on the user setting, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display contrast output level. In some embodiments, a method of operating a proximity sensor of an electronic device includes receiving a light sensor output, and altering, according to the output, an on/off setting of a proximity sensor. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described. | 01-05-2012 |
20120047368 | AUTHENTICATING A MULTIPLE INTERFACE DEVICE ON AN ENUMERATED BUS - A method for authenticating a multiple interface accessory device is provided. The method includes receiving enumeration information identifying the multiple interfaces supported by the accessory. The enumeration information includes information about a master interface supported by the accessory. A host device obtains authentication information from the accessory in accordance with a protocol associated with the master interface. Based on the authentication information, the host device determines whether the accessory is authorized to communicate with the host device. In the event that the accessory is authorized, the host device permits communication with the accessory using one or more of the multiple interfaces supported by the accessory. | 02-23-2012 |
20130035065 | SECURE DEVICE CONFIGURATION PROFILES - A method for configuring a device includes receiving a first configuration profile comprising a first configuration and a first certificate and a second certificate, verifying the first configuration profile with the first certificate, receiving a user input indicating to accept the first configuration profile, configuring the device according to the first configuration, receiving a second configuration profile comprising a second configuration, verifying the second configuration profile with the second certificate and updating the device according to the second configuration, wherein the user is unaware of the updating. | 02-07-2013 |
20130207979 | METHODS FOR EXTERNAL DISPLAY RESOLUTION SELECTION - A user may couple an external display to an electronic device using a communications path. Extended display identification data or other information on the capabilities of the external display may be provided to the electronic device over the communications path. The extended display identification data may include a list of timing elements including display parameters such as a horizontal active pixel count, a vertical active pixel count, and a pixel clock. The electronic device may tag the timing elements with their type and may flag certain timing elements as being native to the display. A scoring function may then be used to rate each timing element. A scored list of timing elements may be sorted by score. The sorted scored list may be filtered to remove inappropriate timing elements. The electronic device may automatically use a selected one of the filtered timing elements in displaying information on the external display. | 08-15-2013 |
20130222698 | Cable with Video Processing Capability - In an embodiment, a host computing device includes an internal display and also includes a connector to connect to an external display. A cable is provided to connect to the connector and to connect to the external display. The cable includes video processing capabilities. For example, the cable may include a memory configured to store a frame buffer. The frame buffer may store a frame of video data for further processing by the video processing device in the cable. The video processing device may manipulate the frame in a variety of ways, e.g. scaling, rotating, gamma correction, dither correction, etc. | 08-29-2013 |
20130227631 | Cable with Fade and Hot Plug Features - In an embodiment, a host computing device includes an internal display and also includes a connector to connect to an external display. A cable is provided to connect to the connector and to connect to the external display. The cable includes video processing capabilities. For example, the cable may include a memory configured to store a frame buffer. The frame buffer may store a frame of video data for further processing by the video processing device in the cable. The video processing device may manipulate the frame in a variety of ways, e.g. scaling, rotating, gamma correction, dither correction, etc. | 08-29-2013 |
20140192002 | BACKLIGHT AND AMBIENT LIGHT SENSOR SYSTEM - Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting or input of a display control parameter, and causing or altering, based on the user setting or input, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. The user input may be an unlock of a touch screen input capability of the display device, and a wake of the display device from inactivity dim. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display brightness or contrast output level. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described. | 07-10-2014 |
20140198117 | Cable with Fade and Hot Plug Features - In an embodiment, a host computing device includes an internal display and also includes a connector to connect to an external display. A cable is provided to connect to the connector and to connect to the external display. The cable includes video processing capabilities. For example, the cable may include a memory configured to store a frame buffer. The frame buffer may store a frame of video data for further processing by the video processing device in the cable. The video processing device may manipulate the frame in a variety of ways, e.g. scaling, rotating, gamma correction, dither correction, etc. | 07-17-2014 |