Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing a virtual keyboard cursor swipe gesture mode in touch sensitive computing devices. The keyboard cursor swipe mode is configured to translate a swipe gesture (initiated on or over a virtual keyboard of the device) into cursor movement in the direction of the swipe gesture. In some instances, characteristics such as the swipe length, swipe speed, and/or number of contact points used when swiping may affect when the mode is invoked and/or the distance and/or speed of the cursor movement. The keyboard cursor swipe mode may also be configured with a highlighting feature that highlights text while the cursor is moved in combination with a highlight activation action, such as holding the shift key. In some cases, the keyboard cursor swipe mode may allow for continual cursor movement as long as the swipe gesture is held.

Abstract: A platform agnostic digital publication format that supports rendered and resizable text, illustrations and graphics, “read to me” features and interactive functionality. The format takes advantage of the alternate renditions feature of the OCF of the EPUB® specification and includes both a ShockWave Flash (SWF) based rendition and a HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Java Script (JS), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) based implementation. In order to avoid duplicating large components (graphics, audio, etc.), files containing those components are not embedded in the SWF files, but are rather externally referenced by both the SWF and the HTML files. A strict and consistent folder structure and file-naming convention improves efficiency and reduces the potential for error.

Abstract: An electronic device for detecting reason for connection attempt failure with an Open Key authentication (WEP) protocol is discussed.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting reason for connection attempt failure for DHCP with an Open Key authentication (WEP) protocol are discussed.

Abstract: A stylus-based notification system is disclosed. In some embodiments, a stylus configured as described herein is capable of one-way or two-way wireless communication with an electronic device that is paired with the stylus and includes one or more visual features for providing a user with visual notifications and/or feedback. In some cases, for example, a given visual indicator such as an LED ring or other indicator on the stylus that emits light that is visible at any stylus orientation may alert a user that data has been received by the stylus from an associated device and/or sent from the stylus to such device.

Abstract: Techniques for remotely wiping data from a computing device are provided. Instructions for wiping data from the computing device can be sent via an input device such as a stylus associated with the computing device, or a dedicated module. In cases where the computing device is lost or stolen, the user, via the stylus, may remotely activate a data wipe function so as to remove selected or all information from the computing device, ensuring that sensitive information is not extracted from the device. In some cases, a back-up application configured to remotely back-up data of the target computing device is launched before that data is wiped from the device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for performing functions in electronic devices by placing a device stylus in an idle position. The function may be, for example, activating a device idle mode, activating power saver or power-down mode, activating sleep mode, activating a screensaver, and/or locking the device. In some embodiments, an idle position may include setting the stylus in a horizontal position next to but not touching the device, setting the stylus in a stationary position relative to the computing device, or latching the stylus to the device or to a protective device case. In some embodiments, the stylus and/or device can detect the stylus' angle of inclination with respect to the device, thus detecting the nature of the stylus' resting. In other embodiments, when a magnetic stylus is latched to the device or device case, a magnetic sensor within the device may detect the stylus, thus activating a stylus idle mode.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for performing stylus-based actions in electronic devices without the stylus having to touch the stylus detection surface. A stylus action may include manipulating one or more control features of the stylus, and each control feature action or combination of actions may be associated with distinct functions. The device may detect, for example, whether the stylus is pointing to specific content or one or more UI control features or icons on the device, for which a corresponding function can be performed. In other cases, functions can be performed without reference to specific content. The device may track stylus location over the detection surface and the non-touch stylus action may be location sensitive. The various functions assigned to non-touch stylus actions may be performed on an application specific level, or a global device level. An animation can be displayed as non-touch stylus actions are executed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for interacting with a computing device using a stylus. The stylus is configured with a slider control feature that can be activated to perform various actions while the stylus is touching or is otherwise sufficiently proximate to a stylus detection surface of the device. The slider function can be associated with a variety of tasks on the computing device such as: adjusting variables, executing a particular command, switching between tools, modifying a particular tool's settings, and launching an application. In some embodiments, the stylus-based slider is biased to return to a middle, or home, position thereby allowing for both forward and backward sliding actions. An appropriate animation or sound or haptic response can also be provided that may be indicative of or otherwise related to the action being taken.

Abstract: Peer-to-peer data transfer techniques using near field communication (NFC)-enabled styluses are disclosed. The styluses are intended for use with an electronic touch sensitive device. A first data transfer technique is through stylus NFC sharing, where the NFC wireless connection is used to allow peer-to-peer data transfer between the NFC-enabled stylus and another NFC-enabled device. A second data transfer technique is through stylus NFC pairing, where the NFC-enabled stylus is used to establish a more capable wireless connection Bluetooth-based or Wi-Fi-based), which can then be used to allow peer-to-peer data transfer with another NFC-enabled device. The stylus NFC pairing may pair the other NFC-enabled device to either the stylus or a related touch sensitive device. These techniques allow for peer-to-peer transfer of data such as documents, presentations, lectures, notes, or photos, for example.

Abstract: A stylus-based data storage and access system is disclosed. In some example embodiments, a stylus configured as described herein includes storage for storing a user's access data, profile (e.g., device settings and preferences), and/or content and can wirelessly communicate with an electronic device that is paired therewith. Upon pairing, the user of the stylus can access his or her user data (stored locally on the stylus) and/or other data on the paired device or in the cloud. If desired, additional users having styluses of their own can use the same device in like fashion. Once a new user is logged into the device, any previous user can be logged out. A given user can utilize the user interface provided by the device to setup stylus-based access to the device by providing access information, which can be saved to the stylus. Subsequently, the user may review/alter that stylus-based information, as desired.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for grabbing and pasting content using a stylus in communication with an electronic device. The grab function can be used to copy/cut content from the device to stylus memory. The paste function can be used to delete content from the stylus memory, or paste that content to the same or different device. The user can grab content to the stylus with a stylus action, which may include manipulating a stylus control feature or performing a particular stylus gesture. The content may then be deleted from the stylus memory or pasted to a device by performing another stylus action, which may be the same or distinct from the grab stylus action. Pasting the content from the stylus memory to an electronic device may also include removing the content from the stylus memory. An animation can be displayed as content is sucked into stylus, or pasted to new locations.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for interacting with a computing device using a stylus. The stylus is configured with a pressure-sensitive control feature that can be activated to perform various actions while the stylus is touching or otherwise sufficiently proximate to a stylus detection surface of the device. The pressure control feature function can be associated with a variety of tasks on the computing device such as: adjusting variables, executing a particular command, switching between tools, modifying a particular tool's settings, and launching an application. In some embodiments, the stylus-based pressure-sensitive control feature is configured to allow for squeeze actions, tapping actions, and various combinations of such pressure-types on the pressure-sensitive control feature to uniquely identify a corresponding function to be carried out on the computing device.

Abstract: Styluses with active color indicator functionality are disclosed. The styluses are intended for use with a touch sensitive device. The active color generally refers to the color currently in use by the touch sensitive device, such as in a virtual drawing or note taking application. Active colors can be selected using the touch sensitive device and/or the stylus itself. When the active color is selected using the touch sensitive device, the stylus receives the active color information and indicates the color on the stylus (e.g., via a correspondingly colored LED or LCD or a color rotation mechanism). When the active color is selected from the stylus itself, that color is indicated on the stylus and active color information is transmitted to the touch sensitive device. The active color can be displayed such that it is detectable regardless of stylus position (e.g., no blind spots).

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for interacting with a computing device using a stylus. The stylus is configured with a touch-sensitive control feature that can be activated to perform various actions while the stylus is touching or otherwise sufficiently proximate to a stylus detection surface of the device. The swipe function can be associated with a variety of tasks on the computing device such as: adjusting variables, executing a particular command, switching between tools, modifying a particular tool's settings, and launching an application. In some embodiments, the stylus-based touch-sensitive control feature is configured to allow for both forward and backward swiping actions, tapping actions, and various combinations of such touch-types on the touch-sensitive control feature to uniquely identify a corresponding function to be carried out on the computing device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for restoring stylus customizations using a stylus sync system on a touch sensitive device. The stylus customizations may relate to the stylus functionality and/or control features, for example. The sync system stores the customizations from a first stylus such that those customizations can be later restored to a second stylus. For example, the sync system may allow a user to restore stylus customizations to a replacement stylus, a borrowed stylus, or an upgraded or otherwise new stylus. This allows the user to maintain previously selected customizations without having to manually re-program each one individually. Once the stylus customizations are restored to the second stylus, the sync system can store any additional customizations made to this second stylus such that those customizations can be later restored to a third stylus, and so forth.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing electronic comic book reading by dynamically expanding text bubbles (“bubbles”) to make them easier to read, especially on a small mobile device. The method s include skimming a sequence of expanded bubbles, flinging through a sequence of expanded bubbles and positioning expanded bubbles so as not to hide the comic character(s) uttering the phrase. The methods are performed with irregular bubble outlines (like curly, bumpy, or jagged text bubbles commonly found in comics). Further the method includes pre-processing the content in an automated fashion to enable skimming and flinging through the sequences of expanded bubbles.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for locking and/or unlocking a touch sensitive device using one or more stylus control features. For example, the stylus control feature may be a twistable top button knob. In some instances, the twistable top button knob may be rotated and/or depressed to lock a related device. In some other instances, the twistable top button knob may be used to unlock a related device using a unique rotation sequence, thereby providing a security mechanism. For example, the unlocking sequence may require a user to rotate the twistable top button knob in a first direction to a first reference point, in a second direction to a second reference point, and back in the first direction to a third reference point. The stylus may also include a feedback indicator, such as a multi-colored light-emitting diode (LED), that indicates the lock status of a related device, for example.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for performing functions in electronic devices by changing the angle between a stylus and a stylus detection surface of an electronic device. The stylus and/or device can detect the stylus angle of inclination and any changes in stylus angle. Each uniquely identifiable angle change or combination of angle changes may be associated with a distinct device or stylus function. A greater angle change may result in an accelerated function or a different function entirely. The stylus angle gesture may perform functions on selected content or on one or more UI control features or icons on the device. In other cases, functions can be performed without reference to specific content or control features. The various functions assigned to stylus angle gestures may be performed on an application-specific level or a global device level. An animation can be displayed as the stylus gestures are executed.

Abstract: A system and method for improved accuracy in the detection of a stylus on a touch sensitive surface of an electronic device, such as a tablet. A dual method of detection is employed including electromagnetic induction detection of the stylus as it is in the vicinity of the screen of the electronic device, as well as capacitive detection of the stylus tip as it contacts the touch screen. The electronic device detects the presence of the top of the stylus and provides the general coordinates of its position. Then, as touches occur on the surface of the device, e.g., the stylus tip as well as the various parts of the user's hand, the system uses the coordinates supplied from the electromagnetic induction detection to very quickly and accurately pinpoint the actual location of the stylus input on the surface of the device.