Abstract: An application manager of a mobile device can provide a user with the ability to control whether an application can use location information provided by a location subsystem of the mobile device. The application can request to be notified by the location subsystem when the mobile device crosses a geofence. When the mobile device crosses the geofence, the location subsystem provides a notice to the application. The application manager can intercept the notice to the application, and present an alert on a user interface. The application manager can then provide the notice to the application only upon receiving an input through the user interface confirming that the application still has permission to use location information.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an inductor coupled to a load circuit, a control circuit, and a driver circuit. The control circuit may be configured to select a first operating mode in response to a determination that a value of current flowing through the inductor is greater than a threshold, and to otherwise select a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the driver circuit may be configured to source current to the load circuit through the inductor for a first duration, based on a comparison of a supply voltage level to a voltage level across the load circuit. In the second operating mode, the driver circuit may be configured to source current to the load circuit through the inductor at a number of time points. At each time point the current may be sourced for a second duration that is based on an allowable peak current flowing through the inductor.

Abstract: A cantilevered push button adapted for accepting an input on an electrical or electronic device is disclosed. The button can include an elongated button top component disposed about an exterior surface of an electrical or electronic device such that it is accessible to a user, and having two opposing distal ends associated with separate user inputs. A first fulcrum is located between the first distal end and the midpoint of the elongated button top component, while a second fulcrum is located between the second distal end and the midpoint. A first electrical contact is associated with the first distal end, such that when a user presses on the first distal end, the elongated button top component pivots about the second fulcrum and the first electrical contact is actuated. A second electrical contact is similarly associated with the second distal end and first fulcrum.

Abstract: A touch screen is disclosed. The touch screen can comprise a substrate having a first surface upon which a touch or proximity event is to be detected, and a second surface that opposes the first surface, and a touch sensor electrode and a first display pixel including a first display pixel TFT formed on the second surface of the substrate. The first touch sensor electrode can be disposed between the second surface of the substrate and the first display pixel TFT, and the first touch sensor electrode can be configured to detect the touch or proximity event. In some examples, the substrate can comprise a TFT glass substrate. In some examples, the touch screen can comprise a first touch sensor routing electrically coupled to the first touch sensor electrode, wherein the first touch sensor routing is disposed between the second surface of the substrate and the first display pixel TFT.

Abstract: RAW camera images may be processed by a computer system using either a particular application or a system level service. In either case, at least some parameters needed for the processing are preferably separated from the executable binary of the application or service, and are provided in separate, non-executable, data-only files. Each of these files can correspond to a particular camera or other imaging device. When a user of the system attempts to open a RAW image file from an unsupported device, the local system may contact a server for on-demand download and on-the-fly installation of the required support resource.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enabling a wireless network to optimize paging channel operation, based on mobile device context information. In one embodiment, the wireless network is a cellular network (e.g., LTE-Advanced), and both base stations and cellular user devices dynamically exchange and maintain a paging agreement. The paging agreement limits the paging channel operation, thereby minimizing unnecessary scanning and usage of irrelevant radio resources. Such paging mechanisms are limited to the air interface between the base station and the mobile device, and are compatible with existing legacy devices and network entities. Networks with appropriately enabled user devices may improve their resource utilization. Base stations may advantageously reclaim freed-up cellular resources to support other services.

Abstract: A method is performed at an electronic device. While media is playing, the device detects a contact at a touch-sensitive surface location associated with a first media playback control. If the device is operating in a first media playback mode, the device performs a media playback operation associated with the first media playback control when a characteristic intensity of the contact remains below a first intensity threshold. If the device is operating in a second media playback mode, and a characteristic intensity of the contact exceeds the first intensity threshold, the device performs the media playback operation associated with the first media playback control. If the device is operating in the second media playback mode and the characteristic intensity of the contact remains below the first intensity threshold, the device continues playing the media on the device without performing the media playback operation associated with the first media playback control.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to adjustable fixtures. A number of adjustable length cylindrical pins can be utilized to form a conformal support structure in accordance with a workpiece having any number of variations. At least three fixed length pins having heights lower than the adjustable length pins, can be interspersed with the adjustable length cylindrical pins to define an orientation at which the workpiece is held. Because the adjustable length pins have an uncompressed height greater than the fixed length pins, each of the adjustable length pins can be compressed in accordance with a bottom surface of the workpiece when the workpiece is pressed against the fixed length pin. In this way a conformal support structure can be formed that supports the workpiece during a machining operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for providing haptic output for an electronic device. In certain embodiments, a type of haptic output is provided based on a determined orientation, position, and/or operating environment of the electronic device. Specifically, the electronic device may receive input from one or more sensors associated with electronic device. Once the input from the one or more sensors is received, an orientation, position and/or operating environment of the electronic device is determined. Based on the determined orientation of the electronic device, a type of haptic output is selected and provided.

Abstract: An electronic device having a pressure detection system is disclosed. The electronic device may include one or more elements designed to detect pressure exerted on the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a membrane and a detection mechanism, both of which bend in response to a pressure change at the membrane. The membrane may be electrically coupled with a circuit that detects the bending of the membrane and correlates the bending with a pressure change at the membrane. A can may be hermetically sealed with the membrane and surround the circuit to shield the circuit from liquid ingress. In some embodiments, a light transmitter and light receiver are used to detect the bending of the membrane. The light may reflect from the membrane at different angles, based upon a shape of the membrane, and contact the receiving element at different locations, corresponding to pressure change.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a device that transmits/receives encrypted communications with another device. A first device, such as a smart phone or smart watch, may generate a message associated with a certain data class, which may determine the security procedure used in the communication of the message. The first device may establish an encryption session for the purpose of communicating the message to a second device. Prior to sending the message, the first device may wait until encryption credentials are accessible according to certain conditions, which may be determined at least in part by the data class of the message. Similarly, after receiving the message, the second device may not be able to decrypt the message until encryption credentials are accessible according to certain conditions, which may be determined at least in part by the message data class.

Abstract: Adaptive security profiles are supported on an electronic device. One or more security profiles may be automatically or selectively applied to the device based on the device's location and one or more geographic zone definitions. The security profiles may be used to determine the level of authentication or number of invalid authentication attempts for a particular feature or application or set of features or applications.

Abstract: In order to reduce non-uniform luminance and/or chrominance, a display panel can determine, on a pixel-by-pixel basis in at least a row of pixels, a correction for voltage drops in the display panel. The voltage drop can be estimated based on a state of pixels in the display panel corresponding to at least a portion of a current frame of image data and at least a portion of a previous frame of image data. Moreover, based on the correction, the display plane can modify on the pixel-by-pixel basis in at least the row: a supply voltage applied to the display panel; a digital representation of the image data in the current frame that correspond to the pixels; and pixel drive signals corresponding to the image data in the current frame. Furthermore, the correction may be based on a predefined calibration constant and/or may be dynamically calculated.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the gain of a plurality of pixels across a display includes determining grid point gain adjustments for a plurality of grid points corresponding to coordinates across the display. The corresponding coordinates have a non-uniform spacing across the display. The method also includes determining uniformity gain adjustments for the plurality of pixels via interpolation with the grid point gain adjustments. The method also includes multiplying the uniformity gain adjustment for each pixel of the plurality of pixels by an input signal to the respective pixel. The drive strength supplied to the respective pixel is based at least in part on the input signal, and the drive strength supplied to each pixel is configured to control the light emitted from the respective pixel.

Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The portable computing device can include a case snap system configured to movably attach two portions of a base of the computing device together. The portable computing device can include a lid portion with a support structure having a shaped profile configured to support a display. The portable computing device can include locating features disposed within the base portion configured to locate internal components.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a server learning new words generated by user client devices in a crowdsourced manner while maintaining local differential privacy of client devices. A client device can determine that a word typed on the client device is a new word that is not contained in a dictionary or asset catalog on the client device. New words can be grouped in classifications such as entertainment, health, finance, etc. A differential privacy system on the client device can comprise a privacy budget for each classification of new words. If there is privacy budget available for the classification, then one or more new terms in a classification can be sent to new term learning server, and the privacy budget for the classification reduced. The privacy budget can be periodically replenished.

Abstract: Generating and using a device-type specific preferred public land mobile network (PLMN) list for roaming PLMN selection. Wireless devices sharing one or more common characteristics may be tasked with collecting roaming PLMN selection data. That data may be collected and used to generate a preferred PLMN list specific to wireless devices sharing those common characteristics. The preferred PLMN list may be distributed to wireless devices sharing those common characteristics, which may then use it in conjunction with roaming PLMN selection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving image quality and decreasing power consumption of an electronic display are provided. The electronic device includes a display panel including a plurality of pixels configured to display an image, and to operate at multiple refresh rates. The electronic device also includes a processor configured to instruct the display panel to transition between the multiple refresh rates based at least in part on a blur effective width of the image.

Abstract: Grooves are formed on an exterior surface of a component. The grooves are formed proximate to one another such that the grooves diffract light. The exterior surface is processed to reduce the sharpness of peaks between the grooves, reduce differences between the peaks and valleys of the grooves, and/or roughen the grooves. The processing reduces diffraction caused by the grooves such that light reflected from the grooves is not substantially color-shifted (e.g., is or is near the color of the reflecting surface). In various implementations, the processing may include dry blasting, etching, abrasive blasting, burnishing, grinding, ablation, an/or any other process capable of reducing the sharpness, reducing the differences, and/or roughening the surface. In implementations where dry blasting is used, the dry blasting may use ceramic beads as a blast material.

Abstract: An acoustic imaging system can contain a plurality of individual acoustic elements that each contain an acoustic transducer, drive circuitry, and low voltage sense and/or read circuitry. In many embodiments both the drive circuitry and the read circuitry can be independently addressable. For example, if the individual acoustic elements are arranged into rows and columns, each acoustic element can include row/column drive circuit enable switches and row/column read circuit enable switches.

Abstract: A transmitter device in an inductive energy transfer system includes a first transmitter coil operatively connected to a first resonant circuitry. A receiver device includes a first receiver coil operatively connected to a first resonant circuitry. The first transmitter coil and the first receiver coil form a first transformer. The transmitter device, the receiver device, or both the transmitter and receiver devices can also include an auxiliary coil or inductor, which may form an auxiliary transformer. Energy can be transferred from the transmitter device to the receiver device using the first transformer or the auxiliary transformer. The transfer of energy may be adaptively adjusted based on the efficiency of the energy transfer. For example, the transfer of energy can be adjusted based on the operating conditions of the load.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating an integral assembly formed from a transparent member and a housing formed at least in part of a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. The methods and systems create integral transparent member and amorphous metal alloy-containing parts using thermoplastic molding techniques in which the amorphous metal is molded to the transparent member in a thermoplastic, not liquid, state.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for navigating or browsing through images, such as contact images, on electronic devices, such as portable electronic device having a touch screen display. In one embodiment, users of electronic devices are able to browse through contact images to locate a particular contact within a plurality of contacts available (e.g., stored) on the electronic devices.

Abstract: A load-store unit having one or more banked queues is disclosed. In one embodiment, a load-store unit includes at least one queue that is subdivided into multiple banks. Although divided into multiple banks, the queue logically appears to software as a single queue. A first bank of the queue includes a first plurality of entries, with the second bank of the queue having a second plurality of entries, wherein each of the entries is arranged to store memory instructions. Each of the banks is associated with corresponding logic circuitry that controls one or more pointers for that bank. The pointer information may be exchanged between the logic circuits associated with the banks. Based on the pointer information that is exchanged, each bank may output (e.g., for retirement) one entry per cycle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating a phonetic pronunciation with a name by receiving the name, mapping the name to a plurality of monosyllabic components that are combinable to construct the phonetic pronunciation of the name, receiving a user input to select one or more of the plurality, and combining the selected one or more of the plurality of monosyllabic components to construct the phonetic pronunciation of the name.

Abstract: Display panel configurations are described in which a pixel-level integrated black matrix layer is combined with an elliptical polarizer. The elliptical polarizer may allow for increased transmission of emissive LEDs in the display panel, while the black matrix layer may mitigate internal reflection of ambient light.

Abstract: A UV dosimeter function is provided in a portable multifunction device. The device utilizes a UV light sensor to detect the user's presence while outdoors and measure the cumulative outdoor exposure time. The cumulative UV exposure is optionally provided via a messaging service or alert, and a UV index value is optionally utilized with the cumulative outdoor exposure to determine the risk of skin damage and to provide user guidance relating to recommended protective measures. An ambient light sensor is optionally provided and is used to augment the UV light thresholds used to determine the light exposure state.

Abstract: Target electronic devices can be remotely controlled using a personal electronic device are disclosed. The personal electronic device can identify target devices that are responsive to remote control. The personal electronic device displays graphical user interface objects that, when selected, cause the personal electronic device to instruct the target electronic device to perform an operation.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a battery cell which includes a set of electrode sheets of different dimensions arranged in a stacked configuration to facilitate efficient use of space inside a portable electronic device. For example, the electrode sheets may be arranged in the stacked configuration to accommodate a shape of the portable electronic device. The stacked configuration may be based on a non-rectangular battery design such as a toroidal design, an L-shaped design, a triangular design, a pie-shaped design, a cone-shaped design, and/or a pyramidal design.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for post-processing time-lapse videos are described. The techniques include obtaining an input time-lapse sequence of frames and determining a visual metric value, e.g., average luminance, for each frame. A curve of best fit may then be determined for the visual metric values of the frames. The visual metric values, e.g., the average luminance values, of the plurality of frames may then be adjusted, e.g., by adjusting the visual metric values of each frame to be equal to the corresponding value determined by the curve of best fit. Some embodiments include further adjusting the visual metric values to be equal to a weighted average of the adjusted visual metric values for adjacent frames in the time-lapse sequence. Finally, a visual characteristic of the frames, e.g., an image histogram, may be adjusted based on the frame's determined adjusted visual metric value, and an output time-lapse sequence may be generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for implementing an educational mode on a portable computing device, such as a tablet computer, that is a single-user system, used serially by multiple users. Each user can have a separate user storage that may be encrypted. The computing device boots as a system user to a login screen. A first student user enters user credentials into the login screen. The computing device can reboot the user-space processes, while leaving the kernel running, rebooting the computing device as the first student user. When the first student user logs out, data to be synchronized to, e.g., the cloud, can be synchronized for the first student user while a second student user is logged into the device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for smart automation of robotic surface finishing of a three-dimensional surface of a work piece is described. A three-dimensional motion path is created along the surface of the work piece. A variable contact force profile is specified along the three-dimensional motion path. The three-dimensional motion path is modified based on the specified variable contact force profile. The surface of the work piece is finished using one or more surface finishing tools along the modified three-dimensional motion path. The surface of the work piece includes at least a flat region and a curved region.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices with displays. A display may include an array of display pixels and control circuitry for operating the display. In some scenarios, interference signals from other components of the electronic device or additional external devices can couple to the control circuitry for the display and cause distortions in displayed data. Display frames may be displayed by an electronic device display with a varying phase. The varying phase display frames may each include a distortion pattern that also varies from frame to frame due to the varying phase. The varying distortion patterns may average out or visibly cancel when viewed by a user such that no visible artifact of the interference signal is seen by the user. The varying phase can be actively tuned to the interference signal if desired.

Abstract: Image and video processing techniques are disclosed for processing components of a color space individually by determining limits for each component based on the relationship between each component in a color space. These limits may then be used to clip each component such that the component values are within the determined range for that component. In this manner, more efficient processing of images and/or video may be achieved.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to performing antenna selection to reduce interference in a wireless device. According to some embodiments, it may be determined whether simultaneous communication according to first and second wireless communication technologies causes performance degradation to a third wireless communication technology. If the simultaneous communication according to first and second wireless communication technologies does cause performance degradation to the third wireless communication technology, selection of antenna(s) used for the communications may be based at least in part on the determination that the simultaneous communication according to the first and second wireless communication technologies causes performance degradation to the third wireless communication technology.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved packet data flow mobility and packet data distribution and collection across heterogeneous networks. In one embodiment, a source device with one or more wireless interfaces receives data to be transmitted to a target device. The device sequences the received data with corresponding packet sequence numbers according to characteristics of the service providing the data. The sequenced data is classified according to application/service requirements (e.g., minimum Quality of Service requirements, service type, etc.). The classified data is assigned to available network interfaces, which can support the classifications of the data. The data is transmitted over the assigned network interfaces to the corresponding receiving interface. The data is collected and reassembled according to the packet sequence number at the target destination.

Abstract: An interface circuit in an electronic device may receive samples of wireless signals in a time interval, where the wireless signals are associated with the second electronic device. Then, the interface circuit may generate, based at least in part on the samples and a number of paths in a channel in a wireless environment of the electronic device, a signal spectrum corresponding to a set of estimated wireless-communication parameters. Moreover, the interface circuit may select a lower wireless-communication parameter in the set of wireless-communication parameters having an associated regression model with a fit to the signal spectrum that exceeds a statistical confidence threshold. Next, the interface circuit may identify, based at least in part on the selected lower wireless-communication parameter, samples of the wireless signal in the wireless signals associated with the line of sight between the electronic device and the second electronic device.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for windows integration with cover glass and for processing cover glass to provide windows for electronic devices are disclosed. Transparent windows such as a transparent camera window, a transparent illuminator window and/or a transparent display window can be integrated into the cover glass. The apparatus, systems and methods are especially suitable for cover glasses, or displays (e.g., LCD displays), assembled in small form factor electronic devices such as handheld electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, media players, personal digital assistants, remote controls, etc.). The apparatus, systems and methods can also be used for cover glasses or displays for other relatively larger form factor electronic devices (e.g., portable computers, tablet computers, displays, monitors, televisions, etc.).

Abstract: Instead of displaying interface elements such as pagination indicators side-by-side on a display, a device can present such interface elements in other visible configurations relative to each other. For example, the device can display pagination indicators of different sizes stacked on top of each other. When such stacked pagination indicators are presented as viewed from directly overhead, the pagination indicators can be appear as concentric rings. Alternatively, the device can display such stacked pagination indicators from various different non-overhead angle perspectives. When shown at some of these angles, the stacked pagination indicators can appear as a three-dimensional stack of discs. The device can highlight a particular pagination indicator to distinguish that particular pagination indicator visibly from the other pagination indicators. The highlighted pagination indicator can serve to indicate which of several interface segments, such as pages, is currently being shown on the display.

Abstract: A venting system for a keyboard assembly is disclosed. A keyboard assembly including a printed circuit board defining a set of apertures, and a group of switch housings coupled to the printed circuit board. Each switch housing of the group of switch housings may define a switch opening positioned above one of the set of apertures of the printed circuit board. The keyboard assembly may also include a shield defining at least one channel of a venting system formed below the printed circuit board. The at least one channel may be in fluid communication with at least one aperture, and at least one of the switch openings positioned above the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A strain-sensitive structure includes two resistive structures connected in series and formed on one surface of a substrate. One resistive structure is formed with a first trace arranged in first trace pattern. The other resistive structure is formed with a second trace arranged in a second trace pattern. The first resistive structure is configured to experience strain in response to an applied stress on the substrate. The second resistive structure is configured to experience less strain in response to the applied stress on the substrate compared to the first resistive structure. Together the strain-sensitive structure and the substrate form a force sensing layer that can be included in an electronic device.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of forming a connection mechanism in or on a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy by casting in or on, or forming with the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy, a machinable metal. The connection mechanism can be formed by machining the machinable metal.

Abstract: A central wireless communication device communicates with a peripheral wireless communication device to provide an interactive alert notification service. The central wireless communication device obtains alert notification settings for application categories for the peripheral wireless communication device. In response to receiving an alert notification belonging to an application category enabled for the peripheral wireless communication device, the central wireless communication device sends an alert notification message that includes a unique identifier associated with the alert notification to the peripheral wireless communication device. In response to receiving an information request message that includes the unique identifier and one or more parameters, the central wireless communication device sends one or more information response messages that include the unique identifier and values for at least one of the one or more parameters to the peripheral wireless communication device.

Abstract: Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging.

Abstract: Methods and systems for switching between media streams can use a comparison of an average bandwidth for a new stream to an observed bit rate for an existing stream in order to determine whether to switch to the new stream. A check on the amount of data buffered for the existing stream can also be performed in order to determine whether a system should switch to the new stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that reduce network management overhead required for the operation of wireless femtocells. In one aspect of the invention, a central network entity governs the simultaneous operation of several femtocells by specifying modes of operation, and operational parameters for one or more of the femtocells. In one embodiment, at least one of the specified modes of operation directs a femtocell to operate in a substantially autonomous manner within the network-defined operational parameters. The network-defined constraints are provided to the femtocell for example, responsive to a successful registration attempt.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data in non-volatile memory devices across a large range of operating temperatures are provided. Embodiments discussed herein selectively reprogram previously programmed data at a temperature that better enables the data to be read regardless of where within the range of operating temperatures the data is being read. Circuitry and methods discussed herein can keep track of a program temperature associated with each portion of non-volatile memory and use this information along with other criteria to selectively perform temperature based moves of data. This enables a mechanism for data to programmed in out-of-bounds temperature ranges to be reprogrammed within an in-bounds temperatures range so that a temperature delta between the reprogrammed temperature and the read operation temperature is below a threshold that ensure efficient and error free read operations to be performed.