Abstract: A magnetically connected universal computer power adapter is presented. The computer power adapter provides a power supply, a power cord, a cord connector, and a charging plug. The cord connector and charging plug each contain a magnet that magnetically couple the cord connector to the charging plug. The cord connector may couple with more than one type of charging plug, allowing the universal computer power adapter to be used with many different computer models.

Abstract: The present invention is a router with extended capabilities allowing it to make digital media content on a home local area network accessible over a wide area network such as the Internet, and a method for using such a media content router. The router can provide automated services for the local files such as photolab processing of digital images, or file backups. A pair of the routers can collaborate to play home media content at an away location when feasible, or transfer such files for away storage.

Abstract: Methods and implementations of providing device upgrade notifications and determining device upgrade eligibility and device trade-in values are described herein. These techniques include operations to determine and obtain an upgrade status of a device (and a device's contract status with a service provider), determine and obtain characteristics of the device, determine and obtain a promotional offer for an upgrade of the device, and generate and display a promotional offer that may be output on the device itself. The upgrade status may be displayed in connection with software app or widget that outputs a countdown timer for the device upgrade and value assessment for a trade-in of the user's existing device. Other techniques for providing customized and targeted advertising and promotions for device upgrade and purchases also may be provided through use of the software app or widget.

Abstract: Described herein are various configurations and designs for an external flash device. The external flash device can attach to a camera device, such as a mobile phone or smartphone, to provide enhanced flash performance to an internal flash of the camera device. An adjustable arm of the external flash device can include a sensor positionable to receive an optical transmission, such as a flash from the camera device. The adjustable arm can allow the external flash to function with various camera devices. In response to receiving and detecting the optical transmission, the external flash can activate one or more light emitting units to generate a flash that is synchronized with the capture of an image by the camera. One or more light emitting arrays can be included in the external flash to provide greater flash brightness or more than one color temperature of light emitting units.

Abstract: A method for computing includes running a desktop sharing program on a local computer so as to permit a remote user to view, on a remote computer, which is connected to communicate with the local computer via a network, an image of an entire area of a display screen of the local computer and to operate the local computer by remote input via the remote computer. A local window is defined within the display screen of the local computer for running an application under control of a local user. Local inputs made via a local input device of the local computer by the local user are intercepted so that the local inputs do not interfere with operation of the local computer by the remote user. The intercepted inputs are directed to the local window so as to permit the local user to interact with the application independently of the operation of the local computer by the remote user.

Abstract: On-screen display techniques and configurations for audiovisual content input selection and indications in a television, monitor, receiver, or other electronic display device are described herein. An on-screen user interface of a display device may be enhanced with on-screen indications that indicate the position of the respective audiovisual content. For example, a user interface may provide an arrow in the lower-left portion of the screen to correspond to audiovisual input obtained from a device connected to the lower-left portion of the display device housing. A listing of input sources arranged by position relative to the display device and appropriate previews of the audiovisual content from the sources may also be incorporated into the user interface. In further examples, determined labels and human-readable identifiers for the respective input sources may be coordinated with the listing of input sources arranged by position.

Abstract: Techniques and system configurations for tracking of electronic gift card activation and issuance transactions are described herein. In some described examples, a customer identifier is utilized during the gift card activation process to identify a particular purchaser (a customer). This customer identifier is provided in transactions among a gift card activator, a gift card processor, and a retailer (or other gift card redeeming or management entity) to enable the retailer to identify the customer that is activating a particular set of gift cards. This customer identifier is further used by the retailer to perform reconciliation of payments for the gift cards, and to associate respective gift cards from batch purchases with respective activators and customers.

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: 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.

Abstract: A digital television is presented that stores multiple channel maps in its channel memory. Each map is associated with a particular geographic location. When the television moves to a new location, the location is identified and the television examines its memory for stored channel maps relevant to that location. If a relevant channel map is found, it is used without the television having to rescan the available television frequencies to create a new map for that location. When scans are required, they are expedited by examining a database of relevant frequencies for the television's location. The database identifies frequencies that are in use by television broadcasters near that location. The television then needs to scan only those frequencies identified in the received list, which reduces scan times.

Abstract: A grip-enabled touchscreen stylus for teaching a proper writing grip comprises a stylus shaft and a stylus tip for writing on a capacitive touchscreen electronic device. Three buttons situated around the stylus shaft activate the stylus tip. The stylus has a normally-off state, in which the tip is disabled and cannot interact with a touchscreen. When a thumb, index, and middle finger of a hand correctly grip the stylus by pressing all three buttons simultaneously, an actuator within the stylus causes the tip to activate in order to interact with the touchscreen. The stylus actuator may be mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical. The stylus may be supplemented by software or logic on the touchscreen-enabled device enabling the desired user experience of requiring proper grip on the stylus for touchscreen input to be validated.

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 system and method for a universal battery charger is presented. An RFID tag on a battery-powered device communicates battery information to the charger to allow the charger to optimally charge the battery. The battery charger has a charging cord with a charge plug at an end of the cord to connect the charging cord to a port on a device. The charging cord contains an RFID antenna near the end of the cord. The RFID antenna has a limited reading range. When the charge plug is inserted into a charging port on a battery-powered device, an RFID reader uses the RFID antenna to read the information stored on the RFID tag. Based on the RFID tag information, a charging selector selects a current and voltage to be output to charge the device through the device port.

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: 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 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 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.

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: Interaction techniques are described herein involving communications between an interactive display, an interactive system, and at least two generic interaction devices. The interactive system may process relative location information for the generic interaction devices, and the interactive system may cause the interactive display to depict interactions between generic, real-world interaction devices. This may allow for enhanced individual interaction between one or more physical generic interaction devices and a virtualized environment or a virtual world presented by the interactive display. This may also allow for other interactions between a set of generic interaction devices that can be interpreted and presented by the interactive display.

Abstract: A magnetically connected universal computer power adapter is presented. The computer power adapter provides a power supply, a power cord, a cord connector, and a charging plug. The cord connector and charging plug each contain a magnet that magnetically couple the cord connector to the charging plug. The cord connector may couple with more than one type of charging plug, allowing the universal computer power adapter to be used with many different computer models.