Patents Assigned to BBY Solutions
  • CABLE WITH AN INTEGRATED COILING AND REINFORCING WRAPPER
    Publication number: 20160172076
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Hess, Joseph Tseng, Kris Verstockt, Hui-Hsiu Hsu, Daowu Ye
  • Boot in a media player with external memory
    Patent number: 9355101
    Abstract: A media player is presented that scans the media files stored on an external memory card in order to update the internal database of the player. Media manager software on a personal computer sets a dirty bit in the internal memory of the media player whenever the media files on the external memory card are altered. The media player checks the dirty bit on start up or when the memory card is inserted. If the dirty bit is set, the media player scans the media files on the memory card, updates its database, then clears the dirty bit. If the dirty bit is not set, the media player does not scan the memory card. The dirty bit is associated in the internal memory with an identifier for the memory card, allowing the use of multiple memory cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Nigel Waites
  • Systems and methods for widget rendering and sharing on a personal electronic device
    Patent number: 9344522
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Duane Stewart Maxwell, Andrew Shane Huang, Kenneth Earl Steele, Stephen L. Tomlin, Steven Michael Adler
  • Validated touchscreen stylus interaction method
    Patent number: 9335874
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for validating a signature on a touchscreen using a smart stylus. Software residing on a touchscreen device disables touch input from sources other than the stylus. In one embodiment, the stylus wirelessly transmits a stylus identifier to the touchscreen device to identify the stylus to the device. The stylus may also have a stylus tip that produces an encoded voltage pulse sequence that is used to identify the stylus to the device. A stylus ID is associated with an encoded voltage pulse. The touchscreen device can look up the stylus ID in a database, determine the encoded voltage pulse associated with the stylus ID, and determine that a voltage pulse transmitted by the stylus tip is the pulse associated with the stylus ID, thus validating the source of data input on the touchscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Todd M. Buelow, Farhad Nourbakhsh
  • INTERACTIVE BODY WEIGHT SCALE SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20160116326
    Abstract: A method for using 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Anshuman Sharma
  • INTERACTIVE BODY WEIGHT SCALE SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20160109282
    Abstract: A method of using 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Anshuman Sharma
  • System and method for automatically updating the software of a networked personal audiovisual device
    Patent number: 9256420
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Adler, Joseph B. Grand, Andrew Shane Huang, Duane Stewart Maxwell, Kenneth Earl Steele, Stephen L. Tomlin
  • Online technical support management
    Patent number: 9253325
    Abstract: Methods and implementations of online technical support management are described herein. In some examples, techniques are described to estimate an allocation of resources (e.g., technical support agents) to consumers (e.g., technical support users), through the definition of desired scenario data inputs, the definition of resource scenario changes, and the generation of a projected scenario to model resource demand and projected queues. A regression analysis may be performed on the projected scenario to determine relationships among variables in the projected scenario. Based on the results of the regression analysis, metrics such as waiting times in the queue (including an average time to answer) may be calculated, and appropriate human and technical resources may be scheduled, re-allocated, or otherwise controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Adam Smith
  • BODY WEIGHT SCALE WITH VISUAL NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20160025550
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Anshuman Sharma
  • Touchscreen with a light modulator
    Patent number: 9244555
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Shane Huang
  • LED bulb optical system with uniform light distribution
    Patent number: 9239138
    Abstract: A pear-shaped light-emitting diode (LED) light bulb housing is provided with a plurality of light-dispersing thickness variations in the bulb envelope. Dimples, bumps, or v-shaped grooves are provided in a middle portion of the bulb envelope in order to uniformly disperse light from LEDs as the light passes through the bulb envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Farhad Nourbakhsh, Xiyuan He, Dave Carroll, Wendell Carroll
  • Retail location robotic wall system
    Patent number: 9230387
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Chad Stiernagle
  • Systems and methods for gesture recognition for input device applications
    Patent number: 9229536
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Shane Huang
  • Wireless device pairing
    Patent number: 9210727
    Abstract: Generally discussed herein are wireless systems, apparatuses, and methods for pairing a device and a base station. For example, the disclosed techniques may enable communication between a headphone base station (broadcasting an audio signal over a wireless channel) and a headphone set device (receiving an audio signal over a wireless channel) that establish communications using one or more identifiers. In some examples, a device or base station identifier maintained at the base station or device, respectfully, is validated and reprogrammed when it does not match a corresponding provided from the device or base station. In further examples, the validation and reprogramming may occur in response to a condition such as a charging event (such as the placement of the headphone set device onto a charging station provided by the headphone base station).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Steven W. Widner
  • Automatic reauthentication in a media device
    Patent number: 9178863
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: BBY Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Nigel Waites
  • TELEVISION MONITOR COMBINATION STAND AND WALL MOUNT
    Publication number: 20150305178
    Abstract: A combination television monitor stand and wall mount is presented. The combination stand and mount has an assembly of parts that can be assembled into two different configurations. The parts assembly includes a base plate, brackets, screws, and a stand cover. In a stand configuration, the described apparatus functions as a table stand for a television or computer monitor. In a wall mount configuration, the described apparatus allows a monitor to be mounted to a wall. A second embodiment provides a stand configuration having a neck pivotably attached to a base plate by a hinge, and a locking lever arm supporting the neck when the neck is in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Cassidy, Yang DU, He Kaizuan
  • Body weight scale with visual notification system and method
    Patent number: 9157787
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: BBY Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Anshuman Sharma
  • Modular LED bulb with user replaceable components
    Patent number: 9157624
    Abstract: A modular LED light bulb is presented. The bulb comprises a bulb envelope and a removable screw base. A power supply within the bulb envelope connects to an electrolytic capacitor within the screw base. When the electrolytic capacitor in the screw base requires replacement, the screw base is detached from the bulb envelope, the depleted electrolytic capacitor is discarded, and a new electrolytic capacitor is connected to the power supply. The various embodiments increase the useful life of the LED light bulb. In another aspect, the screw base may be adapted to accept swappable modules to provide the light bulb with additional functionality. The swappable modules may provide the light bulb with wireless control and motion sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: BBY Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Farhad Nourbakhsh, Newton Guillen
  • Method for real-time compositing of encrypted video streams without decryption
    Patent number: 9160889
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Shane Huang
  • AFFILIATE MARKETING SYSTEM: METHOD AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20150287066
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for marketing by an affiliate of a retailer using electronic coupons. Data in the electronic coupon may include an affiliate ID, a consumer ID, and an offer to discount one or more products from the retailer. The electronic coupon is accessed by the retailer, either through a point-of-sale system in a store, by accessing information on a mobile device of the consumer, or online. A commission is applied by a processing system to products purchased during the transaction, but the affiliate is responsible to reimburse the retailer for the amount of any discount attributable to the coupon that would otherwise financially impact the retailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William Don Wortley, Ryan Diehl, Alan Heuring, Matthew Johnson