Abstract: In some implementations, a method includes compensating for timing misalignment of subframes associated with at least one of first user equipment (UE) or a second UE. The first UE and the second UE are in an inter-device session (IDS) for direct UE-to-UE communication, and timing for the first UE and a timing for the second UE is derived from an eNode B (eNB).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for relaying short range communication data between electronic devices. In one example, a first and second short range wireless communication link is established with a first and second wireless communication device, respectively. The first wireless communication device maintains a wireless connection to a wireless telecommunications network. A first and second set of data is received from the first and second wireless communication devices over the first and second links, respectively. At least one of the first set of data and the second set of data is relayed to at least one of the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device, respectively, over the second and first links, respectively. The relaying forms a multi-party connection with the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to the wireless telecommunications network.

Abstract: NFC-capable systems and devices, and related methods, for controlling operation of an NFC-capable mobile device are disclosed. Through NFC communication, the NFC-capable mobile device detects a load associated with a surface proximate the NFC-capable mobile device. Based at least partly on a determined sustained intensity of the load, the NFC-capable mobile device triggers operation of a camera of the NFC-capable mobile device to capture an image of the surface proximate the NFC-capable mobile device. Based at least partly on a determined correspondence of the captured image with stored image data, the NFC-capable mobile device executes a device control command, such as to control some aspect of the NFC-capable mobile device based on the detected surface, which may be part of a holster for holstering the NFC-capable mobile device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining an image at a mobile communication device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover for the mobile communication device. The cover includes an imaging device and a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate content from the imaging device to the mobile communication device. The cover includes a solid member and a flexible member configured to bend relative to the solid member to support the cover at a support structure. The cover may be placed at a location remote from the mobile communication device, obtain the image at the remote location and communicate the image to the mobile communication device using a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device may include a near field communication (NFC) transceiver and a controller coupled with the NFC transceiver. The controller may be configured to receive tag data from at least one NFC tag when in close proximity thereto via the NFC transceiver, verify the tag data, and when the tag data is successfully verified, perform at least one device unlock operation. The controller may be further configured to determine whether the tag data should be changed based on a predetermined schedule, and if it is determined that the tag data should be changed, communicate with the at least one NFC tag to change the tag data.

Abstract: Methods of encoding and decoding media, for example video, using conditional reconstruction refinement are described. The encoding and decoding relies upon predictions that are based on previously encoded and decoded samples. Prediction information identifies the previously reconstructed samples upon which a prediction is to be based and is available to both the encoder and decoder. On the basis that a previously-reconstructed sample is going to be used as source data for a prediction, the encoder refines that reconstructed sample, uses the refined reconstructed sample for the prediction, and encodes refinement data to enable the decoder to also refine the previously-reconstructed sample during decoding. In some cases, a reconstructed sample may be refined more than once. Various flags or bits may be used to signal when refinement is enabled or disabled and may be signaled at various hierarchical points in the coding structure.

Abstract: A method, system and device are provided for using an indexed list of linearly independent, predetermined vectors Vref={vref1, . . . , vrefM} and channel knowledge H, G from each transmitter to compute and feedback equivalent channel matrix information Hi,jeq to its affiliated transmitter based on the assigned/determined rank of the receiver. With this information, each transmitter selects Li receivers and constructs a transmitted signal by applying a selected precoding matrix to the mixed rank data, thereby eliminating interference to the rest of the receivers in the network.

Abstract: A plurality of keyboard keys are grouped into at least a first group of keyboard keys and a second group of keyboard keys. Webbing serves to physically couple together the keyboard keys of the first group of keyboard keys. Similarly, but discretely, webbing also serves to physically couple together the keyboard keys of the second group of keyboard keys. So configured, the keyboard keys of the first group are not physically coupled via such webbing to any keyboard keys of the second group. By one approach the aforementioned webbing comprises an integral part of the keyboard keys and comprises, for example, a part of a film that conformally overlies adjacent ones of the keyboard keys. These teachings will accommodate forming such a film and the main body of the keyboard keys using thermoforming and injection molding processes to form-in-place such keys.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as one or more keyboard keys, comprises at least one form-in-place component that comprises an injection-molded core and a thermoformed film conformally co-molded over at least a portion of the core, wherein the thermoformed film has its smoother side facing outwardly and away from the injection-molded core. Reversing of the film provides a suitable surface for high-resolution character artwork and appearance finish. The smoother surface also allows for top clear coating having a matte, satin or high-gloss finish as desired.

Abstract: A method includes displaying information on a touch-sensitive display and displaying an indicator at a first location in the information, detecting, on the touch-sensitive display, a first touch input associated with the indicator, in response to detecting the first touch input, moving the indicator from the first location to a second location in the information, wherein the second location is based on an increment level of the indicator, detecting, on the touch-sensitive display, a second touch input associated with the indicator, increasing the increment level of the indicator, and moving the indicator from the second location to a third location, wherein the third location is based on the increased increment level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus at a small cell access point for offloading a wireless device in a macro cell, the method establishing a radio link signaling connection between a base station of the macro cell and the access point; and offloading the wireless device using control signaling over the signaling connection. Further, a method at the wireless device, the method receiving a message identifying a set of candidate small cell access points; selecting at least one access point from amongst the set of candidate small cell access points; reporting the selected at least one access point; receiving a preparatory message preparing the wireless device for a target small cell access point, wherein the target small cell access point is included in the selected at least one access point; and associating the wireless device with the target small cell access point.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to receiving, by a microphone configured for audio use, an ultrasonic signal, applying an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter to the signal to generate a digital version of the signal, obtaining phase information from the digital version of the signal, and determining a position of an emitter of the ultrasonic signal based on the phase information.

Abstract: A keyboard cover comprises non-opaque material and has a periphery and a plurality of key-cap receiving apertures formed therethrough to receive the various keycaps of a corresponding keyboard. By one approach the keyboard cover includes side walls disposed along the aforementioned periphery thereof, which side walls extend outwardly from the inner surface of the keyboard cover. The keyboard cover has light-masking paint disposed on only an inner surface thereof and only towards the periphery thereof By one approach the light-masking paint comprises black-colored paint. This light-masking paint can extend inwardly of the keyboard cover from the periphery thereof no further than, for example, twenty percent of the available distance. When the keyboard cover includes the aforementioned side walls, the light-masking paint can also be disposed on the inner surfaces of those side walls.

Abstract: NFC-enabled systems and devices 110, 120, 950, and related methods 1400, for determining the orientation of an NFC-enabled mobile device within a covering 10. The orientation determination may include determining which way each face of an NFC-enabled mobile device 110, 120 is facing in the covering 10, and which end of the NFC-enable device is oriented in which way in the covering, through the use of particular arrangements of at least one NFC device attached to the covering and at least one NFC antenna of the NFC-enabled mobile device. By determining the orientation of the NFC-enabled device within the covering, the NFC-enabled device may then be configured for executing a particular command, such as to optimize some aspect of the NFC-enabled device based on the device orientation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a carrying case device or apparatus and methods by which a user of a portable electronic device—such as tablet computer, smart phone, game display or navigation device—can use the portable electronic device with the carrying case. The carrying case includes a holder that is configured to receive the portable electronic device, a keyboard section that includes a physical keyboard, and a cover section. The carrying case may be arranged in different configurations. The portable electronic device may automatically detect the configuration of the carrying case and can set or adjust its own functionality accordingly.

Abstract: A method and user equipment operating in or near a network without a central controller, the method receiving a device signal from a second user equipment, the second user equipment being within a contention region of the first user equipment; and utilizing the device signal to determine a transmission opportunity at the first user equipment. Further, disambiguation processes include removing network, new device and bootstrapping ambiguity.

Abstract: A system for relaying data based on a modified reliable transport protocol is provided. According to an aspect, a relay can receive a data packet sent in accordance with a reliable transport protocol. The relay processes the received packet in accordance with modified reliable protocol and relays the received packet. The modifications can be based on alterations to reliability mechanisms which improve communication characteristics of the protocol for real time communications and other time sensitive communications. The modified protocol is nevertheless compatible with the original reliable protocol so that relay can communicate, using the modified protocol with any network component using the unmodified protocol.

Abstract: A method for providing location information such as a map in an underground or shielded environment entails storing first near-field communication (NFC) data obtained by reading a first NFC tag at a first location, reading a second NFC tag at a second location, obtaining map data for an area encompassing the first and second locations, and displaying a map showing the first location and the second location.

Abstract: A telephonic device having a speakerphone function has a loudspeaker and a plurality of microphones. The plurality of microphones are coupled to a plurality of beamformers which produce a first beamform having a spatial null in the direction of the loudspeaker and a second beamform having a spatial null in the direction of near-end signals. The two beamforms are then processed to facilitate echo reduction. By comparing the beamform powers, a state of double-talk can be determined and the determination can be used to enhance echo reduction associated with speakerphone functionality.

Abstract: A carrying case with peek functionality is provided. The carrying case comprises: a device holding portion configured to receive a mobile device, the device holding portion comprising a gap for exposing an indicator of the mobile device; and a sliding portion configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the sliding portion obscuring the gap in the closed position and exposing at least a portion of the gap in the open position, the sliding portion being about planar.