Abstract: A method and system for matching a basis product with products in the inventory of a provider (e.g., a retailer) that have related functionality. Characteristics of the basis product may be known from its product identifier, or may be specified. Goodness scores for candidate products may be based on similarity of characteristics with those of the basis product. Availability and consumer preferences may be taken into account in assigning goodness scores. Candidates may be drawn from those in inventory having the same type as the basis product, or a type having one or more similar functional aspects. Values of characteristics may require reformatting and/or normalization to facilitate comparison. A list of candidates, ranked by goodness scores, may be prepared.

Abstract: A dedicated ratings input is presented for a portable media player. The input may take the form of a physical switch or pre-identified movements recorded by an accelerometer. Movement of the switch into one of the two positions sets a rating for the currently playing media file. The physical ratings switch is not used during the playing of media files for any purpose other than the rating of media files. This allows the user to alter the rating by moving the switch without requiring any visual interaction with the portable media player. Audio feedback is provided when the switch is used to change the ratings of the media files.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gesture recognition for input device applications are described. In one embodiment, a system for gesture recognition includes a pair of IR LED emitters, an imaging module such as a camera or other imaging device, an LED emitter control module and a processing module. The IR LEDs generate IR light to highlight a target from one or more angles, and the received images are processed to identify target position and/or motion to provide output data based on the determined target position and/or motion.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for verifying the ability to use stored authentication information when accessing a remote media service. A media device, such as a television, is described that stores authentication information for a remote media service. Such authentication information may include a user name and a password. Because media devices may be re-sold, returned for re-sale, or refurbished, it is necessary to automatically disable the authentication information to prevent a second owner from accessing the services and accounts belonging to a first owner. The ability to use authentication information is disabled upon a long delay in accessing the service, a complete power down cycle, a change in IP address, or a change in network interfaces used to access the network.

Abstract: A geolocation smart antenna system is presented. In the system a database of television station information is provided. The database may include information such as channel number, broadcast frequency, network affiliation, and locations of one or more terrestrial television broadcast towers. An optimal antenna direction is determined based on a determined geographic location of an antenna and a geographic location of a broadcast tower. A system user selects a television program or television network broadcasted by a television station. A selection signal is sent to an antenna controller, and in response a television antenna is automatically oriented in an optimal direction toward a broadcast tower for the selected station. The selection signal may also be sent to a television receiver, and in response a television tuner is tuned to the station's radio frequency channel.

Abstract: A geolocation smart antenna system is presented. In the system a database of television station information is provided. The database may include information such as channel number, broadcast frequency, network affiliation, and locations of one or more terrestrial television broadcast towers. An optimal antenna direction is determined based on a determined geographic location of an antenna and a geographic location of a broadcast tower. A system user selects a television program or television network broadcasted by a television station. A selection signal is sent to an antenna controller, and in response a television antenna is automatically oriented in an optimal direction toward a broadcast tower for the selected station. The selection signal may also be sent to a television receiver, and in response a television tuner is tuned to the station's radio frequency channel.

Abstract: A device with a touchscreen with a light modulator is disclosed herein. The device transitions from a netbook mode to a touchscreen mode. The device comprises a main unit and a touchscreen unit with a transparent display. The touchscreen unit is preferably separated from the main unit when in a netbook mode, and the touchscreen unit communicates wirelessly with the main unit. The touchscreen unit preferably has an outer screen display surface and an inner screen display surface on each side of a light modulating unit. The main unit preferably has a main unit display.

Abstract: A remote control is described that with at least two faces that have at least one touch-based input. The remote control also includes an orientation sensor that determines the orientation of the remote control. A processor on the remote ignores signals from inputs on certain faces of the remote based upon the orientation of the remote control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for client authentication and verification in a distributed client-server system are described. An authentication and verification system may include a plurality of client devices containing private keys, a first server configured to interface with the plurality of client devices, and a second, secure server configured to interface with the first server and store public keys associated with the private keys on the client devices. A method is further described for verifying client devices in conjunction with the first and second servers. The first server may contain secure tokens that can be decrypted in conjunction with the authentication and verification method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnosis of issues of individual mobile electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, portable media players, or tablet or other computers). The issues are addressed by logic and data on the device and/or in a mobile device diagnosis center, possibly in collaboration. The center may contain information relating to such devices generally, as well as particular information relating to a device being diagnosed. The general information might include information about product specifications; statistical information based on data gathered about actual usage of such devices; information about service providers and service plans; and information about possible solutions for various kinds of issues. The device-specific information might include a history of the usage, repairs, and other activities and issues pertaining to the particular device.

Abstract: A wireless speaker stand for a tablet computer is presented. The speaker stand comprises a wireless audio speaker within a base. A channel within the base has a channel floor, a channel front wall, and a channel rear wall. One or more spring-mounted bumpers retractably protrude into the channel. A mobile electronic device may be inserted into the channel. The spring-mounted bumper exerts variable force upon the mobile device as it enters the channel, securing the mobile electronic device within in the channel.

Abstract: An online offer system is directed toward methods and devices that allow a seller to enter information about the attributes of a non-fungible good based on parameter values provided on a database. In response, an automated purchaser issues a firm offer to purchase the good at a set price.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conducting transactions regarding similarity of products against a repository in which products are grouped in clusters according to their characteristics. A product suite repository interface facilitates such transactions. Such a repository is useful for consumers and participants in the supply chain. For example, a supplier could determine which products in its own offerings are related to those offered by a retailer. Partners in some effort might merge their offerings into a single catalog. A consumer might use the repository to find accessories that might enhance a purchased item.

Abstract: An interactive body weight scale is presented. The body weight scale may have computing and data communication ability to track a user's weight by connecting to a number of different electronic devices. The body weight scale is capable of recording an audio message, converting the audio message to message text, and transmitting the message to a remote social network. The scale may also receive message responses from the remote network and play the messages back based on whether a particular message is a positive message. A scale use indicator provides a reminder for a user to use the body weight scale.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing, sharing, storing and playing widgets and associated media content on a personal audiovisual device, such as a digital photo frame, are described. In one implementation, widgets may be selected by a user for rendering based on capabilities of a user's device, with the widgets then provided to the device for playback. Digital content such as audio files, images, and/or video may be rendered in conjunction with playback of the widget. Widgets may be shared between users so as to facilitate sharing of media content.

Abstract: A remote control is described that with at least two faces that have at least one touch-based input. The remote control also includes an orientation sensor that determines the orientation of the remote control. A processor on the remote ignores signals from inputs on certain faces of the remote based upon the orientation of the remote control.

Abstract: The present invention is a headset holder coupled with indicia of stored value. The indicia of stored value may be printed or painted on, or otherwise permanently coupled to, the holder itself, or may be included in a stored value or gift card that is attached to the holder. The headset holder and the stored value card may be constructed from a single sheet of plastic; in such embodiments, separation of the stored value card from the headset holder may be supported by a scoreline in the plastic material. The headset holder may have a spool and two grips. One grip may be configured to secure earphones and the other grip may be configured to secure a jack of the headset. The spool may be configured for winding headset wire. The holder may be configured to hold primarily an earbud headset. The grips may extend or protrude from a central portion, or body of the holder. The spool may also extend from the body. The holder may display an image, such as the image of a creature or plant.

Abstract: A system, method and device for real-time compositing of encrypted video streams without having to decrypt each video stream is disclosed herein. A shared encryption key is derived to encrypt multiple incoming video streams to an encrypted master video stream, while retaining full interoperability with popular incumbent video encryption standards. Compositing video is then possible without having to decrypt the master video stream, thereby preserving the security of the copyrighted material. The invention preferably genlocks a digital video source to a master video stream.