Abstract: Information about desired songs is collected on a portable memory device in communication with a radio tuner. The radio tuner may receive signals from a terrestrial or satellite digital radio transmission, or from an analog radio transmission. These transmissions may include text data about the current song being played. Upon activation by a user, song data is stored on the memory device. The memory device is then connected to a computer system, which uses software to extract the song data and uniquely identify the song. The identified songs are stored on the computer system, and can be used to allow the user easy access to the identified song through prior art techniques. If no textual data is stored about a song, the song is identified by identifying the radio station that played the song and the time at which the user activated the mechanism.

Abstract: A speaker bar for a tablet computer is presented. The speaker bar is sized to fit inside a cover of the tablet computer by folding or rolling the speaker bar inside the cover. The speaker bar has retractable speaker members that extend outward beyond the edges of the speaker bar housing along a longitudinal axis of the speaker bar. Power is provided to the speaker bar when the retractable members are extended, and the power is turned off when the retractable members are retracted. The speaker bar connects to a tablet computer via Bluetooth wireless connection.

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.

Abstract: A pressure-activated dome switch is provided for a disc battery. The dome switch is electrically insulated from the positive and negative battery terminals. The dome switch can be combined with an insulator to completely isolate one of the battery terminals, thereby preventing creation of an electrical current while the switch is in its normally-off state. The dome switch may be attached to the disc battery with an electrically-insulating adhesive material. The dome switch may be attached to the disc battery by an insulating cap and insulated from the positive or negative battery terminals by an insulating washer. A method for manufacturing a disc battery with a dome switch is also provided.

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 device and method is presented that attaches a tablet computer to a vehicle headrest. A two-piece mount has a headrest coupling and a tablet housing. The tablet housing has a rigid core attached to a flexible rim portion that secures the tablet computer within the tablet housing. The rigid core has a circular cavity in the rear. The headrest coupling mounts to headrest posts in a vehicle using hinged arms and locking clips. The headrest coupling further has a circular attachment disk that fits within the circular cavity of the tablet housing. Retractable tabs in the circumference of the attachment disk fit within tracks in the walls of the circular cavity. The tabs prevent accidental separation of the tablet housing from the headrest coupling, and allow rotation of the tablet housing when attached to the headrest coupling.

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.

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 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 method for automatically updating software executed by an electronic device is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving, at the electronic device, an update indication from a server that updated software is available for the electronic device. The method further includes modifying, in response to the update indication, a boot state of the electronic device and initiating operation of the electronic device in an update mode. The updated software is received, at the electronic device, during operation in the update mode. The method further includes initiating, upon determining the updated software has been correctly received, operation of the electronic device in a normal mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multitrack recording of audio information using handheld digital electronic devices are described. Recording of video tracks complementing the audio is also contemplated. One device serves as master; others, slaves. Transmission of start and stop recording signals by the master may facilitate synchronization of the tracks. Slaves may begin preliminary sampling of audio information prior to the start signal, preparing to promptly begin actual track recording. Upon receiving the command to start recording, each slave chooses as first frame that sample closest to the signal to record. The task of stopping recording is typically handled similarly. A recording device may store an indicator for determining the offset of its first frame, facilitating time interpolation of samples in its track. In this way, all audio tracks, for example, might be transformed to a common set of times. The master might also record a track.

Abstract: The present invention automates the operation of multiple malware removal software products using a computerized system that systematically operates the multiple selected software products. These products are operated them in a customized “Safe Mode” using a shell that is different than the computer's other shell environments. Unlike the ordinary Safe Modes shells, the Custom Safe Mode prevents malware from functioning that ties itself to the normal shell, such as the Windows Explorer shell. In addition, the Custom Safe Mode allows the automation of tasks beyond that which is available under the standard command line shell.

Abstract: A product package is presented that has a sliding tray disposed within a sleeve. Both the sleeve and the tray have a tab on their top portions through which is positioned a hang-hole. The hang-holes in these two tabs align when the tray is inserted into the sleeve, allowing a display hanger to pass through the hole in both tabs. The tray also has a structure with an overhang portion that extends beyond a side wall of the tray. The overhang portion is positioned to abut the edge of the sleeve when the tray is fully inserted into the sleeve to prevent the tray from passing too far into, or even through the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is a television that executes a process for transitioning between multiple power modes. Both the transition events and the power states may be factory-defined, or they may be user-configurable. The TV may have two sleep modes. In a quick-start mode, the screen is powered down but the operating system is spun-up, and possibly other major functional subsystems are user-enabled. In an energy-saving mode, fewer subsystems than quick-start mode, and possibly only components required to recognize a tactile control requesting a return to a power-on mode, may be enabled. Quick-start is less efficient than energy-saving mode, but results in much faster return to power-in mode. In some embodiments, power modes and transition events between them power modes may be automated, and either user defined or factory defined.

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 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.