Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080234928 | Location based services using altitude - A mobile computing device comprises a housing configured to be carried by a user, a position determination circuit configured to generate device position data comprising device altitude data, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive destination position data for a destination. The destination position data comprises destination altitude data. The processing circuit is configured to provide an indication to a user based on the device altitude data and destination altitude data | 09-25-2008 |
20080295032 | BUTTON PANEL CONFIGURATION AND DESIGN FOR A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A mobile computing device that includes an input area where mechanical interface features are provided in a layout that associates a specific kind of functionality with regions of the input area. | 11-27-2008 |
20090058812 | MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE CONSTRUCTION USING FRONT PANELED ASSEMBLY AND COMPONENTS THEREOF - A computing device includes a processor, a display component, a keypad assembly and a panel. The display component includes a display area that is pressure-sensitive to detect user-contact with the device over the display area. The display component is coupled to signal the processor when contact is detected. The keypad assembly includes a plurality of key structures. Each of the key structures is aligned over a corresponding contact element provided on an electrical contact layer. Each key structure is pressable, and the corresponding contact element of each key structure is triggerable with contact to signal the processor. The panel is provided over the display area to extend between the key structures and the electrical contact layer. The panel is structured so that, when the computing device is operational, (i) a user contact with a region of the panel that overlies the display area is detectable by the display component to signal the processor, and (ii) pressure on any key structure is sufficient to move at least a portion of the panel inward into the corresponding contact element in order to trigger the contact element into signaling the processor. | 03-05-2009 |
20090059495 | HOUSING CONSTRUCTION FOR MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A primary housing segment is provided for a computing device. The primary housing segment may be unitarily formed and shaped to provide (i) at least a majority of a plurality of perimeter surfaces, the perimeter surfaces including a pair of opposing lateral surfaces, a bottom surface, and a top surface; (ii) one or more frontal surface regions; and (iii) a rear surface to retain an integrated substrate module. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061956 | HOUSING FOR MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE HAVING CONSTRUCTION TO SLIDE AND PIVOT INTO MULTIPLE POSITIONS - A housing for a computing device is provided that includes a base segment and a frontal segment. The base segment and the frontal segment may be coupled to enable the frontal segment to slide between an extended and contracted position. Additionally, the base segment and the frontal segment may be pivotally engaged to enable the frontal segment to pivot 180 degrees (or thereabouts) when in the extended position, and then to slide from the pivoted position into the contracted position. | 03-05-2009 |
20090141436 | TRIM ELEMENT FOR HOUSING OF COMPUTING DEVICE - A trim element is provided for a housing assembly of a computing device. The trim element may be molded and shaped to circumvent a front facade of the housing assembly to form a perimeter trim | 06-04-2009 |
20090147471 | SLIDER ASSEMBLY FOR A HOUSING OF A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A mobile computing device is provided that includes a front housing segment and a back housing segment. The front housing segment includes a first front slot and a first front securement feature or cleat. The back housing segment includes a first back slot and a first securement feature or cleat. The front housing segment and the back housing segment are positioned so that the first back securement feature is received and slideably engaged with the first front slot, and the first front securement feature is received and slideably engaged with the first back cleat. A combination of (i) the first back securement feature being received and slideably engaged with the first front slot, and (ii)the first front securement feature being received and slideably engaged with the first back securement feature, enable the front housing segment and the back housing segment to slide along a path that includes an extended position and a contracted position. As described with one or more embodiments, the path may be arced or otherwise include a radius of curvature. | 06-11-2009 |
20090174666 | KEYPAD HOUSING CONFIGURATION FOR A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A mobile computing device includes a housing, a keypad assembly, and a housing lip. The keypad assembly provides a plurality of keys on a façade of the housing. The keypad and the plurality of keys are dimensioned to be operable with one or both of a user's thumbs. A housing lip that protrudes from the façade of the housing so as to at least partially circumvent the plurality of keys. | 07-09-2009 |
20090176542 | MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE WITH MOVEABLE HOUSING SEGMENTS - A mobile computing device includes a first housing segment and a second housing segment. The first housing segment includes a display surface on a front exterior face. The second housing segment that is slideably coupled to the first housing segment to move between an extended position and a contracted position. The second housing segment includes a keypad provided on a surface that is exposed for use when the device is in the extended position. The first housing segment and the second housing segment are coupled so that a path of motion followed by one of the first housing segment or second housing segment when moving between the extended position and the contracted position is continuously arced. | 07-09-2009 |
20100029294 | DIARY SYNCHRONIZATION FOR SMART PHONE APPLICATIONS (5470.PALM.US) - A mobile communication device configured to communicate over a wireless network is further configured to generate detectable events in response to activities of a user of the mobile communications device. Underlying user activities are identified from the detected events. Personalized electronic diary entries are generated from the identified activities as indications of a user activity related to the detected event. The personalized electronic diary entries can be stored in a user retrievable collection. | 02-04-2010 |
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 |
20100081473 | ORIENTATION AND PRESENCE DETECTION FOR USE IN CONFIGURING OPERATIONS OF COMPUTING DEVICES IN DOCKED ENVIRONMENTS - A mobile computing device (‘MCD’) and docking station (‘dock’) are individually equipped with features and components that enable charging/power signals to be communicated from the dock to the MCD without use of connectors. Other embodiments provide for the MCD or the dock to identify an orientation of the MCD as retained on the docking station. As an addition or alternative, magnetic coupling may be used to maintain and/or orient the two devices in a mated position. | 04-01-2010 |
20100131691 | EXTENDING DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY AMONGST INDUCTIVELY LINKED DEVICES - A docking station is provided for a computing device. The docking station may be used by, for example, a mobile computing device, such as a cellular or wireless telephony/messaging device. The docking station includes a housing comprising a receiving surface top receive and retain the mobile computing device. An inductive signal transfer interface is included with the housing to inductively signal at least one of power or data to the mobile computing device. The docking station further provides an output component and processing resources. The processing resources are configured to detect placement of the mobile computing device on the receiving surface. The data is received from the mobile computing device, and an output is signaled to the output component based on the received data. | 05-27-2010 |
20100165561 | DISPLAY ASSEMBLY FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE - A display assembly is provided for a computing device. The display assembly includes an exterior shell that (i) is translucent or clear, (ii) has at least a rounded exterior surface, and (iii) a substantially flat underside along at least a mid-section of the exterior shell. | 07-01-2010 |
20100190381 | COMPACT POWER ADAPTER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE HEADS - A power adapter for extending power from an electrical power source to a electrical device. The power adapter includes an adapter body, including an exchange surface, having one or more sets of interior electrical contacts. The power adapter further includes an end section that is attachable and detachable from the body. The end section includes (i) a set of end section interior electrical contact elements that make contact with the at least one set of interior electrical contacts, and (ii) a plug connector, electrically connected to the set of end section interior electrical contacts, and adapted to mate with a corresponding electrical receptacle. | 07-29-2010 |
20120005495 | PORTABLE POWER SUPPLY DEVICE WITH OUTLET CONNECTOR - One or more embodiments include an outlet interface that is configured to mate with an electrical outlet. The outlet interface is provided as an integral structure of the housing. | 01-05-2012 |
20120026666 | DISPLAY ASSEMBLY FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE - A display assembly is provided for a computing device. The display assembly includes an exterior shell that includes an outward radius of curvature about two axes (X and Y axis), and is formed from hardened material such as glass. | 02-02-2012 |
20120176249 | PROXIMITY DETECTION ALARM FOR AN INDUCTIVELY CHARGED MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - Illustrated is a system and method to activate an alarm where a mobile computing device is no longer proximate to a docking station that provides inductive charging and data transfer capabilities for the mobile computing device. The computer system includes at least one coil to provide inductive charging for a mobile computing device. Further, the computer system includes a processor to control the inductive charging of the mobile computing device. Additionally, the computer system includes a proximity sensor operatively connected to the processor, the proximity sensor to determine that the mobile computing device is proximate to the computer system. Moreover, the computer system includes an alarm logic module to activate an alarm when the mobile computing device is no longer proximate to the computer system. | 07-12-2012 |
20120200994 | KEYPAD ASSEMBLY WITH A CONTOURED KEYPAD FACADE FOR A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a housing that includes a section to retain a keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes at least a keypad façade that carries a plurality of keys. The keypad façade of the keypad assembly is contoured to adjoin and be substantially flush with the section of the housing. | 08-09-2012 |
20120254479 | System and Method for Supplementing and/or Modifying Operations of a Mobile Computing Device Using a Cover - A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a housing, an internal communication port and one or more processors. A user may attach various covers to the housing of the mobile computing device interchangeably. The one or more processors are configured to detect whether the attached cover is a power accessory and/or a data accessory via the internal communication port. The attached cover includes a communication port that mates with the internal communication port of the mobile computing device when properly engaged with the housing. Based on the detection, if the cover is a power accessory, the one or more processors are configured to modify power operations of the mobile computing device, and if the cover is a data accessory, the one or more processors are configured to modify a functionality of the mobile computing device. | 10-04-2012 |
20130291093 | AUTOMATIC USER SWAP - A computer-implemented method for providing secure access to a computer is disclosed according to one aspect of the subject technology. The method comprises capturing an image with a camera at the computer, extracting facial features from the image, and comparing the extracted facial features with facial features of a user stored on the computer, wherein the computer is currently logged into a user account belonging to the user. The method also comprises, if the extracted facial features match the stored facial features of the user, then staying logged into the user account, and, if the extracted facial features do not match the stored facial features of the user, then automatically logging out of the user account. | 10-31-2013 |
20140016257 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOUSING AND ASSEMBLY METHOD - An electronic device includes at least one electronic component. The electronic device also includes a first housing of a single piece of metal. The first housing defines a length, a width, and a height that is less than both the length and the width. The housing has at least five side walls defining an internal cavity and an open end to the cavity that spans the width and height of the first housing. The electronic component is contained within the cavity. A cover is removably affixed over the open end of the housing so as to contribute to a retaining force applied on the electronic component therein. The first housing can be a base housing for a portable computer, and the cover can be a first portion of a hinge assembly. The electronic device can further include a display assembly operatively connected to the base housing by the hinge assembly. | 01-16-2014 |
20140035818 | ADAPTIVE KEYBOARD LIGHTING - A method for managing backlight illumination of a keyboard that is coupled to an electronic device or computer system includes placing backlights illuminating the keyboard in an on-state or an off-state according to a direction of the user's eyesight relative to the keyboard, a use state of the keyboard, and a state of a display presented to the user by the electronic device or computer system to receive input via keyboard entry. The method includes turning off at least one backlight if the user's eyesight is directed away the keyboard, if the keyboard is not in use, or if the display does not include an input element for receiving input via keyboard entry. | 02-06-2014 |
20140043744 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOUSING AND ASSEMBLY METHOD - An electronic device includes a first housing of a single piece of material that has first and second spaced apart major walls that extend in lateral directions and at least three side walls extending perpendicular to the lateral directions between the major walls. The major walls and the side walls define an internal cavity, and the first housing defines an opening to the internal cavity opposite one of the side walls. At least one support member is within the internal cavity of the first housing adjacent a major walls a side wall thereof. At least one electronic component is contained within the internal cavity, and a first cover is removably affixed over the opening. At least one of the support member and the first cover contributes to a retention force applied on the at least one electronic component within the internal cavity of the first housing. | 02-13-2014 |
20140071603 | MOVEABLE DISPLAY PORTION OF A COMPUTING DEVICE INCLUDING A CLUTCH MECHANISM - A computing device can include a base portion including a keyboard and a base coupling mechanism fixedly coupled to the base portion where the base coupling mechanism includes a rotating receiver. The computing device can include a display portion having a display coupling mechanism configured to be removably coupled to the rotating receiver of the base coupling mechanism. The display coupling mechanism of the display portion can be configured to be coupled to the rotating receiver of the base coupling mechanism in response to the display portion being slidably moved with respect to the base portion when a viewable surface of the display portion is aligned along a plane substantially parallel to a plane along which the keyboard of the base portion is aligned. | 03-13-2014 |
20140075528 | LOGIN TO A COMPUTING DEVICE BASED ON FACIAL RECOGNITION - A method of logging a first user in to an computing device includes receiving a an image of the first user via a camera operably coupled with the computing device and determining an identity of the first user based on the received image. If the determined identity matches a predetermined identity, then, based at least on the identity of the first user matching the predetermined identity, the first user is logged in to the computing device. | 03-13-2014 |
20140254078 | PORTABLE COMPUTER HOUSING AND ASSEMBLY METHODS - A portable computer includes a first housing having a first wall defining a first opening and a surface surrounding the opening and having an inside periphery. A first component is removably received within the opening and defines a body with an outer periphery that is inset with respect to the inner periphery of the opening. A first locking member is removably attached within the opening. The first locking member defines an outer periphery extending along the inner periphery of the first opening of the housing. The first locking member also defines a second opening having an inner periphery that is inset with respect to the outer periphery of the first component body such that a portion of the first locking member overlies a first portion of the first component body. A second portion of the first component is exposed within the opening of the first locking member. | 09-11-2014 |