| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20110058516 | Accessory Based Data Distribution - In some aspects, a telecommunications device obtains an identifier from an accessory token. The telecommunications device may transmit the identifier to a server to request content associated with the identifier. The telecommunications device may receive the content from the server when the identifier is valid and/or the content is available. In various aspects, the accessory token is communicatively coupled to the telecommunications device, which enables the telecommunications device to obtain the identifier. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110175747 | Interactive Electronic Device Shell - An interactive electronic device shell and light source may enable personalization and increased functionality of an electronic device. The shell may at least partially cover a light source and attach to an electronic device. The shell includes at least some transparent or translucent portions (e.g., light stencils) that enable light from a matrix of the light source to emit through the shell, thus causing a display of light from the shell. In some aspects, the electronic device may be linked with the shell and/or the light source to control light emission through the shell. In various aspects, an illumined portion of the shell may have significance, such as revealing an artistic design or indicating a message based on activity of the electronic device. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110175748 | Element Mapping to Control Illumination of a Device Shell - An interactive electronic device shell and light source may enable personalization and increased functionality of an electronic device. The shell may at least partially cover a light source and attach to an electronic device. The shell includes at least some transparent or translucent portions (e.g., light stencils) that enable light from a matrix of the light source to emit through the shell, thus causing a display of light from the shell. In some aspects, the electronic device may be linked with the shell and/or the light source to control light emission through the shell. In various aspects, an illumined portion of the shell may have significance, such as revealing an artistic design or indicating a message based on activity of the electronic device. | 07-21-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090271486 | MESSAGING DEVICE FOR DELIVERING MESSAGES TO RECIPIENTS BASED ON AVAILABILITY AND PREFERENCES OF RECIPIENTS - A messaging device facilitates delivery of messages to recipients based on availability and preferences associated with recipients. In some embodiments, messages are composed by a user via a touchscreen display. Icons representing potential message recipients are displayed, and the user may deliver a message to a recipient by associating the message with the icon that represents the desired recipient. The facility uses availability information—which reflects recipients' availability and willingness to communicate—and system- and recipient-defined preferences to determine the best method(s) of delivery for a message and other features of message delivery. Recipients' availability and preferences may be displayed to users on an interface. Users may make decisions regarding delivery method, timing, and other details of message delivery based on the displayed availability and preference information. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090271712 | MESSAGING DEVICE HAVING A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR INITIATING COMMUNICATION TO RECIPIENTS - A messaging device allows a user to initiate communication to recipients via a graphical user interface. In some embodiments, messages are composed by a user via a touchscreen display. Pre-existing messages may also be retrieved by the user via the display. Icons representing potential message recipients are displayed, and the user may deliver a message to a recipient by associating the message with the icon that represents the desired recipient, such as by a drag-and-drop or pop-and-hop motion. In addition, the user may indicate to which of the recipient's various electronic devices or services the message is to be delivered. In some embodiments, the user may deliver the message to a group of recipients. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20100041333 | CHARGING STATION THAT OPERATES AS AN INTERMEDIARY DEVICE BETWEEN MOBILE DEVICES AND OTHER DEVICES - A charging station for mobile devices that acts as an intermediary device to facilitate communication between mobile devices and other proximate devices. The charging station may receive data with a mobile device via a first communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) or in a first data format and may transmit the received data to a proximate device via a second communication protocol (e.g., WiFi) or in a second data format. The charging station may then receive responsive data from the proximate device via the second communication protocol (e.g., WiFi) or second data format and transmit the responsive data the mobile device via the first communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) or first data format. In some embodiments, the charging station may communicate status data about a mobile device to other proximate devices. | 02-18-2010 |