Abstract: The present invention is a cable, which carries signal, having an integrated coiling and reinforcing wrapper. The cable has a segment near an end that is stiffer than the cable generally. This segment can be bent by hand, and once bent, will retain its bent shape. If the flexible part of the cable is wrapped into a coil, or otherwise gathered together, then the stiffer portion can be bent around the gathered portion to secure it in its gathered form.

Abstract: A container for providing a waterproof interior includes a container body and a lid. The container body has an interior, an interior perimeter that defines an opening, and a top exterior surface. The lid is made up of an interior plate and an overmold of material that surrounds the interior plate. The overmold has a seal ring and an overhang for engaging the container body and forming a water tight seal therewith. The lid is removeably from the container body, but when the lid is engaged to the container body, the lid covers the opening such that the overhang is engaged to the top exterior surface and the seal ring is engaged to the interior perimeter.

Abstract: A video recording device is described having an orientation sensor. The recording device rotates video data received from an image sensor according to signals received from the orientation sensor. The rotation occurs before the video data is compressed according to a video codec and stored on a tangible storage device. By rotating the video data before compression, the need for intensive, post-capture video rotation on the compressed video file is eliminated.

Abstract: Techniques and system configurations for generating rankings and ranking models for information based on streaming event data are disclosed herein. In an example, electronic operations used for ranking and ordering information provided in commerce user interface based on streaming events include: processing streaming events representing user interaction in a commerce user interface; producing a ranking model from the events for a subsequent output within the commerce user interface; and generating the subsequent output of the information set via the commerce user interface, using the ranking model, where respective items of information are ordered among each other based on an engagement score, an exposure score, or a relevancy score. In a further example, the exposure score is used as a weight to the engagement score, relative to the relevancy score. With this technique, a balanced approach for presenting and organizing data relevancy may be offered in user interfaces.

Abstract: An antenna array assembly is described herein. The assembly includes a housing, a plurality of antennas arranged in an array, an antenna switcher in communication with the array and a tuner. The tuner is in communication with the antenna switcher. The tuner has a memory and a channel look-up table contained therein. The look-up table has a remembered association between an optimal signal associated with each channel of the tuner and one of the plurality of antennas. The tuner is configured to automatically select from the look-up table only one of the plurality of antennas that has detected the optimal signal associated with the channel. When that channel is selected by a user the tuner instructs the antenna switcher to switch to the single antenna that is detecting the optimal signal in accordance with the look-up table.

Abstract: A device configuration for determining whether to send an activation notification based on whether a signal can be decoded by a tuner or codec are described herein. For example, a device may include a tuner, activated in response to receiving the user indication, to attempt to decode a signal corresponding to a channel, and a processor to execute instructions that: detect, prior to a start of a delay period, that the tuner is required to decode the signal, determine, during the delay period, whether the signal can be decoded by the tuner, deactivate the tuner after the delay period without sending a tuner activation notification, in response to a determination that the signal cannot be decoded by the tuner, and send the tuner activation notification to a remote server after the delay period, in response to a determination that the signal can be decoded by the tuner.

Abstract: Devices and methods disclosed herein can include an accessory mount having a first clamp and a second clamp each configured to grip an elongate member. The first clamp and the second clamp can include an open configuration and a clamped configuration. In the open configuration, a respective first end is disengaged from a respective second end for receiving the elongate member. In the clamped configuration, the first end and the second end are moved to grip the elongate member. A first portion of the elongate bridge can be coupled to the first clamp and a second portion of the elongate bridge can be coupled to the second clamp. An accessory interface can be coupled to the elongate bridge. The accessory can be positionable along the elongate bridge for alignment along the longitudinal direction of the elongate member.

Abstract: Techniques and system configurations for tracking customers and employees in a commercial environment such as a retail store are described herein. Customer devices that are operated by an associated customer may be tracked to determine customer shopping activities in a retail store, and to obtain promotions or affect targeted results based on the customer's activity and a profile associated with the customer. Employee devices that are operated by an associated employee also may be tracked to identify employee activities and manage the interactions that occur with customers in the retail environment. In-store activities and interactions accordingly may be enhanced as a result of advertising, marketing, and analytics derived from the tracked activities.

Abstract: The present invention is a pad for connecting a host device to a slave device through a slave adapter. The host may provide services to the slave, including power and data connections. Pins in the pad magnetically align the slave adapter. The host and slave may collaborate on which pins are assigned to connections. The system handles various usage modifications including, for example, dislocation of the slave adapter, and changes in pin assignments.

Abstract: A mount for joining a base object to an ancillary object is provided. The mount includes a top layer, a bottom layer, a key, a lock and a collar. The top layer is engaged to the ancillary object and the key extends therefrom. The bottom layer is engaged to the base object. The lock is a recess defined by the bottom layer and has a shape complimentary to that of the key such that the lock and key are mechanically and removeably engaged to one another. The collar extends from a top end to a bottom end. The top end is fixedly engaged to the top layer and the bottom end is fixedly engaged to the bottom layer. The collar is disposed about the lock and the key. The mount may be configured for electrical and mechanical communication and may include an interface for communication with a camera hot shoe.

Abstract: A robotic retail wall is presented allowing for the dispensing of merchandise within a retail location. The robotic wall includes commodity products and robotics that pick and deliver products to consumers in response to input at a kiosk. The robotics and products are separated from a retail space by a transparent barrier, allowing consumers in the retail space to view the actions of the robotics in retrieving a product. Behind the robotic wall is a product stocking area, where commodity products can be added to the robotic wall with assistance from the robotics.

Abstract: A mount for joining a base object to an ancillary object is provided. The mount includes a top layer, a bottom layer, a key, a lock and a collar. The top layer is engaged to the ancillary object and the key extends therefrom. The bottom layer is engaged to the base object. The lock is a recess defined by the bottom layer and has a shape complimentary to that of the key such that the lock and key are mechanically and removeably engaged to one another. The collar extends from a top end to a bottom end. The top end is fixedly engaged to the top layer and the bottom end is fixedly engaged to the bottom layer. The collar is disposed about the lock and the key. The mount may be configured for electrical and mechanical communication and may include an interface for communication with a camera hot shoe.

Abstract: A flash mechanism and photography illumination system includes a housing, having a user interface and containing a light assembly, a power source, and a control module. The mechanism includes a manual zoom mechanism engaged to the housing and which is in communication with the light assembly. The mechanism has at least two illumination modes. A first mode wherein a light source provides a beam of illumination at a first illumination level to find and properly light a subject; and a second mode wherein a light source provides a momentary flash of high intensity illumination at a second illumination level greater than the first illumination level.

Abstract: A light bulb or other lamp device incorporating improved antenna configurations and integrated networking equipment is described herein. In one example, a LED light bulb is arranged to include a wireless transceiver and related wireless network processing circuitry, and is coupled to multiple antennas configured to receive and transmit signals using spatial diversity, beamforming, multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), or other multi-antenna techniques. The heat sink in the light bulb may be purposed to provide one or more of the multiple antennas, such as use of respective heat sink structures to serve as a diversity antenna. The wireless network processing circuitry may be used for control of the light bulb or for operability with wireless and non-wireless networks. For example, the network processing circuitry may operate as a wireless network access point, repeater, relay, bridge, or like function.

Abstract: A user interface verification device and a method of use is presented for recognizing a three-hand gesture on a touchscreen of the device. The gesture is recognized by detecting a plurality of contact points in at least two, disparate touching zones, and simultaneously detecting additional contact points in a third, disparate touching zone. In one embodiment, the device displays content in a review mode that can be reviewed in a normal manner. In the execution mode, the device requires a signature, a touch, or another sign of acceptance involving a touch within the third touching zone. The device can ensure that a customer directly provides consent by requiring that the two, multi-point touching zones are tactilely engaged by both hands of a presenter while in the execution mode.

Abstract: A robotic retail wall is presented allowing for the dispensing of merchandise within a retail location. The robotic wall includes commodity products and robotics that pick and deliver products to consumers in response to input at a kiosk. The robotics and products are separated from a retail space by a transparent barrier, allowing consumers in the retail space to view the actions of the robotics in retrieving a product. Behind the robotic wall is a product stocking area, where commodity products can be added to the robotic wall with assistance from the robotics.

Abstract: A video recording device is described having an orientation sensor. The recording device rotates video data received from an image sensor according to signals received from the orientation sensor. The rotation occurs before the video data is compressed according to a video codec and stored on a tangible storage device. By rotating the video data before compression, the need for intensive, post-capture video rotation on the compressed video file is eliminated.

Abstract: A device configuration for determining whether to send an activation notification based on whether a signal can be decoded by a tuner or codec are described herein. For example, a device may include a tuner, activated in response to receiving the user indication, to attempt to decode a signal corresponding to a channel, and a processor to execute instructions that: detect, prior to a start of a delay period, that the tuner is required to decode the signal, determine, during the delay period, whether the signal can be decoded by the tuner, deactivate the tuner after the delay period without sending a tuner activation notification, in response to a determination that the signal cannot be decoded by the tuner, and send the tuner activation notification to a remote server after the delay period, in response to a determination that the signal can be decoded by the tuner.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for awarding content to users of mobile devices for attending events, appearing at locations, or viewing audiovisual content. One embodiment also automatically alters the configuration of mobile devices, which is particularly useful in movie theaters. An application on the device recognizes an audible signal provided at the location or in the audiovisual content. The signal can also be used to unlock content. In this way, desired content is available only when the user has attended an event such as an event sponsored by the content creator. The content can relate to the event, and can be synchronized to the event. The signal can also trigger an application or unlock content at a store location. For example, a scavenger hunt can be guided by an application on the mobile device.

Abstract: The invention is a protective container for transporting an enclosed object such as a flat screen television or other flat screen monitor. The protective covering includes two flaps and a base having soft padding material on their inner surfaces. An open configuration is essentially flat, allowing a monitor to be easily positioned on the covering. The flaps fold up to transform the protective container into a closed configuration, with straps or other connectors holding the flaps in place. The protective container has various features making it convenient to move manually and to transport in a delivery truck. The protective container is more convenient to use than the prior art, and can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials.