Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a user activity include or define a plurality of baseline signatures, each baseline signature corresponding to a type of user activity and having data formed from a first data representing a varying static electric field and a second data representing motion. Data responsive to a varying static electric field is obtained from a first sensor, and data responsive to motion is obtained from a second sensor. The first data is combined with the second data, and the user activity is identified based on a comparison of the combined first and second data with the plurality of baseline signatures.

Abstract: An electronic device is operated based on whether it detects vibration indicative of natural human tremors while the device is not enclosed in a small space. Human tremors are detected by sampling a motion signal and performing a discrete Fourier transformation on a plurality of sets of samples. For each sample, a mean magnitude is calculated for a first range of frequencies indicative of human tremors. A mean magnitude is also calculated for a second range of frequencies greater than the first range. If the difference between the mean magnitude of the first range and the mean magnitude of the second range, then human tremors are detected for the set of samples. Human tremors are detected for the device if a threshold number of sets of samples within a predetermined time period produce an output indicating detection.

Abstract: Methods of providing communications between a wearable first wireless electronic device and a second wireless electronic device are provided. The methods include establishing a Body Area Network (BAN) link, through a human body of a user that is wearing the wearable first wireless electronic device, between the wearable first wireless electronic device and the second wireless electronic device, when the user touches a conductive button on the second wireless electronic device. Related wireless electronic devices and wearable wireless electronic devices are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic device is operated based on whether it detects vibration indicative of natural human tremors while the device is not enclosed in a small space. Human tremors are detected by sampling a motion signal and performing a discrete Fourier transformation on a plurality of sets of samples. For each sample, a mean magnitude is calculated for a first range of frequencies indicative of human tremors. A mean magnitude is also calculated for a second range of frequencies greater than the first range. If the difference between the mean magnitude of the first range and the mean magnitude of the second range, then human tremors are detected for the set of samples. Human tremors are detected for the device if a threshold number of sets of samples within a predetermined time period produce an output indicating detection.

Abstract: A system and method of preparing images captured by a lifelog camera for efficient transfer from the camera to another device. The lifelog camera generates a corresponding thumbnail for each image that it captures, and an automated analysis engine analyzes the thumbnails for interestingness and, in some cases, for similarity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a user activity include or define a plurality of baseline signatures, each baseline signature corresponding to a type of user activity and having data formed from a first data representing a varying static electric field and a second data representing motion. Data responsive to a varying static electric field is obtained from a first sensor, and data responsive to motion is obtained from a second sensor. The first data is combined with the second data, and the user activity is identified based on a comparison of the combined first and second data with the plurality of baseline signatures.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for controlling a electronic device that includes a display device arranged on a first side of the electronic device, and a first optical device configured to capture optical data. An object is placed over the first optical device so as to at least partially block ambient light from the first optical device, and based on data captured by the first optical device, an input to the electronic device is assigned to the detected object. The assigned input is equated to a predetermined function of the electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method of preparing images captured by a lifelog camera for efficient transfer from the camera to another device. The lifelog camera generates a corresponding thumbnail for each image that it captures, and an automated analysis engine analyzes the thumbnails for interestingness and, in some cases, for similarity.

Abstract: Methods of providing communications between a wearable first wireless electronic device and a second wireless electronic device are provided. The methods include establishing a Body Area Network (BAN) link, through a human body of a user that is wearing the wearable first wireless electronic device, between the wearable first wireless electronic device and the second wireless electronic device, when the user touches a conductive button on the second wireless electronic device. Related wireless electronic devices and wearable wireless electronic devices are also provided.

Abstract: A device may include a memory configured to store a first number of applications, and a sensor configured to detect information associated with an activity being performed by a user of the device. The device may also include processing logic configured to receive the information from the at least one sensor and identify the activity being performed by the user based on the received information. The processing logic may also identify an application based on the activity, and output a message to the user identifying the application.

Abstract: A device and method in accordance with the present disclosure provide alternate inputs to an electronic device having at least one of an optical sensor or a proximity sensor. An object is placed relative to at least one of the at least one proximity sensor or optical sensor, and the object is detected as an input to the electronic device based on an amount of light detected by the optical sensor or a proximity of the object relative to the electronic device as determined by the proximity sensor. The detected input is equated to a predetermined function of the electronic device.

Abstract: A headset device includes a component to monitor a predetermined proximity of the headset device. The predetermined proximity includes an area where a user of the headset is positioned during operation of the headset. The headset device includes a processor to execute instructions to monitor the predetermined proximity of the headset. The processor is also to determine whether a detectable object is within the predetermined proximity of the headset based on a characteristic property of the detectable object. The characteristic property of the detectable object is one of a black body emitting property or a conducting property. Additionally, the processor is to place the headset into an active state when it is determined that the detectable object is within the predetermined proximity, and place the headset into a standby state when it is determined that the detectable object is not within the predetermined proximity.