Patents Assigned to Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10346114
    Abstract: Digital content services provided over the Internet for transmitting or streaming protected digital content to client or output devices are herein disclosed and enabled. The protected digital content is encrypted and device dependent or specific for rendering or playing at a limited number of devices, including smart phones, information pads, audio players, wireless controllers, televisions, printers, etc. To illustrate, a client may include an application for accessing digital content from a subscribed content service or store over the Internet. To access the digital content, a client application may send, to the content service or store, authentication information, subscription information, and/or a reference to selected digital content. The service then generates encrypted device dependent output data, related to the selected digital content and associated with a device previously registered with the service, for transmitting or streaming to the client or output devices (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20190121585
    Abstract: An information apparatus (e.g., Internet appliance, information pad) and software applications of the information apparatus that includes digital camera or video camera and supporting voice commands for receiving and playing digital content from a service provided over a network (e.g., Internet) are herein disclosed and enabled. The mobile information apparatus may establish a wireless local area network connection to access a service over the Internet. The service may be a subscribed service. While connected to the service, the mobile information apparatus may capture, using the digital camera or video camera, digital content that includes the image or the video; send the captured the digital content to the service; and, thereafter receives, from the service, output data related to the digital content for outputting or playing at display device associated with the information apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20190121613
    Abstract: Information apparatus (e.g., a smart phone) for outputting digital content, stored in the information apparatus, at an output device is herein disclosed and enabled. The information apparatus includes wireless communication circuitry for discovering one or more output devices based, at least in part, on physical proximity and short range wireless communication. Subsequent to wirelessly discovering the output devices, the information apparatus receives device dependent attributes from the discovered output devices and provides, on a touch sensitive screen interface, at least an item related to the discovered output device for selection. The device dependent attributes include information related to the output devices. After the output device is selected, the information apparatus generates output data from the digital content that is acceptable for rendering at the output device; and wirelessly transmits the generated output data to the selected output device for rendering at least part of the digital content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20190107980
    Abstract: An information apparatus that wirelessly discovers an available output device, within a physical vicinity, for outputting content is herein disclosed and enabled. The information apparatus includes a wireless communication unit for establishing short range wireless communication directly between the information apparatus and one or more available output devices; wirelessly receiving information from an available output device; determining, from the information received from the available output device, whether the available output device matches a requirement for outputting the content; and, when the requirement is matched, selecting the available output device, conforming at least part of the content into output data, and transmitting at least part of the output data over the short range wireless communication directly from the information apparatus to the selected output device. The information apparatus may include one or more of a smart phone, information pad, a digital camera, or an Internet appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 10162596
    Abstract: A portable electronic device configured for receiving voice activated commands for wirelessly managing or driving an output device. The output device may include, for example, a television, a controller connectable to a television, a printer, an audio output device, or a projector. The portable electronic device includes an interface that includes at least one button or other controls, a microphone, and wireless communication circuitry. Subsequent to establishing, within a physical proximity, a wireless connection to the output device using the wireless communication circuitry, the portable electronic device is operable for receiving an indication from a user via the interface, for wirelessly sending information to the output device related to the indication, and for wirelessly receiving data or component from the output device in response to having sent the information. Additionally, the portable electronic device is configured to receive voice activated commands from the user via the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20180364929
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device that includes a wireless component and a secure element is herein disclosed and enabled. The integrated circuit device includes a protected memory area for storing protected data that is implemented to be not accessible by a user, but is accessible by a memory controller included in the integrated circuit device. The memory controller accesses the protected data with a combination of security operations that may include authentication, cryptography, decryption, and encryption. The integrated circuit device further includes a wireless interface for establishing a local point-to-point radio connection with wireless computing devices or readers for transmitting the protected data that is encrypted. The integrated circuit device functions as a security key by requiring the presence of the integrated circuit device when using the protected data. The wireless integrated circuit device can be included in, or embodied, as any wireless communication device, such as a smart card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Vinaynathan Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 10152285
    Abstract: Mobile information apparatus (e.g., smart phone, Internet appliance, information pad) and software applications of the mobile information apparatus supporting voice commands for receiving and playing digital content from a service provided over a network (e.g., Internet) are herein disclosed and enabled. The mobile information apparatus may establish a wireless local area network connection, and receive, via a touch sensitive screen interface, authentication information to access a service over the Internet. The service may be a subscribed service. While connected to the service, the mobile information apparatus may receive voice commands from a user for outputting or playing digital content that is available at the service, and, in response to the voice commands, the mobile information apparatus receives, from the service, output data related to the digital content for outputting or playing at an output device associated with the mobile information apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 10140071
    Abstract: Printers or printer controllers supporting wireless printing, or printing over air, are herein disclosed and enabled. The printer or printer controller may include wireless communication circuitry to facilitate a client to discover the printer. Subsequent to being discovered by the client, the printer may wirelessly transmit at least part of an output device profile to the client that has discovered the printer or the printer controller, the output device profile includes information related to the printer. After the printer is selected or identified for service, the printer may receive, from the client, print data that is based, at least partly, on the output device profile. A device specific driver may or may not be necessary for printing. The device discovery may be a short range wireless communication or local area network communication. The wireless communication circuitry may support at least part of IEEE 802.11 standards or Bluetooth specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 10140072
    Abstract: An output system, such as a wireless speaker or an Internet appliance, that supports voice activated commands is herein disclosed and enabled. The output system is wirelessly connectable to a service operated over a network (e.g., Internet) for receiving output data (e.g., music) from the service for outputting at the output system. The setup of the output system includes: (1) wirelessly discovering the output system using a smart phone, (2) establishing a wireless communication link between the smart phone and the output system (e.g., via Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11), and (3) providing information, such as security and/or authentication information, from the smart phone to the output system over the wireless communication link. Thereafter, the output system accesses the service operated over the network, and the outpt system is operabke to receive voice activated commands from a user while the output system is connected to the service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 10140073
    Abstract: Wireless devices that establish a wireless connection with a mobile device (e.g., smart phone) by wirelessly detecting the mobile device within a physical proximity, are herein disclosed and enabled. To set up a wireless device (e.g., Bluetooth devices, audio output devices, television controllers, Internet appliances, digital cameras, etc.) for connecting with a smart phone, the wireless device and the smart phone are simply placed within physical proximity of each other for short range wireless detection. During the wireless detection, the smart phone and the wireless device may exchange, transmit, or receive device or security information to facilitate future wireless connections. Subsequent to the short range wireless detection, the wireless device and the smart phone are connected or locked for future wireless communications (e.g., Bluetooth or IEEE802.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20180335989
    Abstract: Output devices supporting wireless device discovery are herein disclosed and enabled. To setup an output device for wireless connection, wireless device discovery is performed by a client of the output device to discover the output device. Upon being discovered, the output device may provide identification or information related to the output device to the client for establishing a wireless connection. Subsequently, the output device may receive, via the established wireless connection, digital content from the client for output. Wireless device discovery operations may be based on one or more of a close proximity wireless communication, a Bluetooth wireless communication, or a wireless communication compatible with a protocol within IEEE 802.11 standards. Security information or authentication may be required for establishing the wireless connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho CHANG, Christina Y. LIU
  • Patent number: 10133527
    Abstract: A wireless device that includes at least a wireless communication unit, which is compatible with at least a protocol within IEEE 802.11 standards, for establishing a wireless connection with a server over a network is herein disclosed and enabled. To connect the wireless device with the server, the wireless device may first establish short range wireless communication with a client device, such as a smart phone. The wireless device may exchange data or information with the client device via the short range wireless communication; and the wireless device may implement an authentication procedure for detecting authentication information. Thereafter, the wireless device connects to the server over the Internet for accessing a service provided by the server. The accessing of the service may require authentication information on the wireless device, and the accessing of the service is subsequent to the wireless device having implemented the authentication procedure at the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 10126991
    Abstract: Output systems (e.g., information apparatus, Internet appliances, information pads, smart phones, audio output devices) supporting voice commands for playing digital content received from a service provided over a network (e.g., Internet) are herein disclosed and enabled. The output system may include an interface (e.g., touch sensitive screen interface, wireless interface) for receiving authentication information to access the service over the network. The service may be a subscribed service. While connected to the service, the output system receives voice commands from a user for outputting or playing digital content, and, in response to the voice commands, the output system receives, from the service, output data related to the digital content for outputting or playing at the output system. The output system may include a digital camera for image acquisition and may further be Bluetooth enabled for wirelessly receiving audio data (e.g., music) from a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20180260169
    Abstract: Internet based digital content services as well as mobile client devices for accessing the Internet are herein disclosed and enabled. In one example, user digital content, such as documents, audio, or video content, may be uploaded to a content server for storing. The user may share the user digital content with other client devices or users having appropriate authentication or security procedures. A user play list or rendering list may include a list of pointers or references to digital content. The stored user play list or the stored user digital content may be further edited, stored, or shared subsequently for access and rendering. The Internet services are accessible by smart devices, such as smart phones, information pads, TVs, audio output devices, and printers. The smart devices that access the Internet services may require client software for accessing the Internet service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20180253264
    Abstract: Digital content services provided over the Internet for transmitting or streaming protected digital content to client or output devices are herein disclosed and enabled. The protected digital content is encrypted and device dependent or specific for rendering or playing at a limited number of devices including smart phones, information pads, audio players, media controllers, televisions, printers, etc. To illustrate, a client may include an application for accessing selected digital content from a subscribed content service or store over the Internet. To access digital content, a client application may send, to the content service or store, authentication information, subscription information, and/or a reference to selected digital content. The service then generates encrypted device dependent output data associated with a device or identification previously registered with the service for transmitting or streaming, to the client or output devices (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Applicant: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 10037178
    Abstract: Output devices supporting wireless device discovery are herein disclosed and enabled. To setup an output device for wireless connection, wireless device discovery is performed by a client of the output device to discover the output device. Upon being discovered, the output device may provide identification or information related to the output device to the client for establishing a wireless connection. Subsequently, the output device may receive, via the established wireless connection, digital content from the client for output. Wireless device discovery operations may be based on one or more of a close proximity wireless communication, a Bluetooth wireless communication, or a wireless communication compatible with a protocol within IEEE 802.11 standards. Security information, such as a password, biometrics, or a PIN, may be required for establishing the wireless connection. The output device may automatically obtain the security information from the client or may be based, in part, on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20180203648
    Abstract: A method for capturing and outputting digital content is herein disclosed and enabled, the output system includes an information apparatus, a server, and a client device. The information apparatus includes at least a digital camera and a wireless communication module (e.g., IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth). The server is accessible by the client device over a network. The information apparatus, using the digital camera, captures digital content and transmits, over the Internet and using the wireless communication module, the digital content to the server for storage. The server generates output data from at least part of the digital content stored at the server, and provides the generated output data from the server to the client device that has security or authentication information for accessing the server. The client device outputs or plays at least part of the digital content at an output device associated with the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20180203647
    Abstract: An output system for capturing and outputting digital content is herein disclosed and enabled. The output system includes an information apparatus (e.g., a digital capturing device or an internet appliance) for capturing digital content, a server application at a server over the Internet, and a client application at a client device for accessing the captured digital content. The information apparatus includes a wireless communication module (e.g., IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth) for transmitting the captured digital content to the server. The server application generates output data from the captured digital content for sending to the client device for outputting or playing at least part of the output data at an output device associated with the client device. Receipt of the output data is dependent on the client application having provided security or authentication information and payment or subscription information to the server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 9971555
    Abstract: Internet based digital content services and their business models as well as mobile information apparatus for accessing the Internet are herein disclosed and enabled. In one application, user digital content such as documents, audio, or video content may be uploaded to a content server for storing. The user may share the user digital content with other client devices or users with appropriate security procedures. A user play list or rendering list may include a list of pointers or references to digital content. The stored user play list or the stored user digital content may be further edited, stored, or shared subsequently for access and rendering. The Internet services provide core functionalities to information apparatus such as smart phones, information pads, smart TVs, and printers. The Internet services and the information apparatus that include software or functions for accessing the Internet service are applicable to both consumer and enterprise businesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 9965233
    Abstract: Digital content services provided over the Internet for transmitting or streaming protected digital content to information apparatus or output devices are herein disclosed and enabled. The protected digital content is encrypted and device dependent or specific for rendering at a limited number of devices including smart phones, information pads, audio players, media controllers, televisions, printers etc. To illustrate, an information apparatus may include an application for accessing selected digital content from a subscribed content service or store over the Internet. To access digital content, a client application may send, to the content service or store, authentication information, payment or subscription information, and/or a reference to selected digital content. The service then generates encrypted device dependent output data associated with a device or identification previously registered with the service for transmitting or streaming, to the information apparatus or output devices (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ho Chang, Christina Ying Liu