Abstract: A method of signal processing includes calculating a range based on information from a reflected ultrasonic signal. Based on the calculated range, one among a plurality of direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation operations is selected. The method also includes performing the selected operation to calculate an estimated direction of arrival (DOA) of an audio-frequency component of a multichannel signal. Examples of DOA estimation operations include operations based on phase differences between channels of the multichannel signal and operations based on a difference in gain between signals that are based on channels of the multichannel signal.

Abstract: A mobile platform includes a microphone array and is capable of implementing beamforming to amplify or suppress audio information from a sound source. The sound source is indicated through a user input, such as pointing the mobile platform in the direction of the sound source or through a touch screen display interface. The mobile platform further includes orientation sensors capable of detecting movement of the mobile platform. When the mobile platform moves with respect to the sound source, the beamforming is adjusted based on the data from the orientation sensors so that beamforming is continuously implemented in the direction of the sound source. The audio information from the sound source may be included or suppressed from a telephone or video-telephony conversation. Images or video from a camera may be likewise controlled based on the data from the orientation sensors.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for allowing a user to indicate the significance of portions of a video during video capturing by applying pressure to a surface of a video capture device. The user may indicate different levels of significance of different portions of the video by applying different amounts of pressure. The captured video may be encoded with the amount of applied pressure. During encoding, portions with applied pressure may be encoded using a different coding quality than portions with no applied pressure. Additionally, during editing and/or playback of the captured video, portions with applied pressure may be displayed and/or played back differently from portions with no applied pressure.

Abstract: Sensor data indicating the motion level of a mobile platform is used to determine a rate, or cost-per-impression (CPM), to be charged for an advertisement displayed on the mobile platform. Additional data may be used to determine an attention level of a user of the mobile platform, which is used to determine the rate of the advertisement. The determination of the rate for the advertisement maybe determined by the mobile platform and transmitted to a server. Alternatively, a server may determine the rate for the advertisement based on sensor data received from the mobile platform. Additionally, the amount of information or text in an advertisement may be adjusted based on the motion level or attention level of the mobile platform.

Abstract: A computing device includes a touch screen display with a plurality of force sensors, each of which provides a signal in response to contact with the touch screen display. Using force signals from the plurality of force sensors, a characteristic of the contact is determined, such as the magnitude of the force, the centroid of force and the shear force. The characteristic of the contact is used to select a command which is processed to control the computing device. For example, the command may be related to manipulating data displayed on the touch screen display, e.g., by adjusting the scroll speed or the quantity of data selected in response to the magnitude of force, or related to an operation of an application on the computing device, such as selecting different focal ranges, producing an alarm, or adjusting the volume of a speaker in response to the magnitude of force.

Abstract: A method for adjusting volume in a headset based on accumulated acoustic energy density exposure is disclosed. A sound pressure value of a microphone positioned in a user's ear canal is measured. A current accumulated acoustic energy density exposure is determined based on sound pressure values measured during the rolling window. The maximum volume in the headset is adjusted based on a comparison of the current accumulated energy density exposure to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method is provided of interacting with an electronic device. The first method includes the steps of (1) tracking the x, y and z coordinates of an object moving above a display of the electronic device, wherein a top surface of the display is substantially aligned with an xy-plane; (2) generating an interrupt including the x, y and z coordinates; and (3) employing the tracked z coordinates of the moving object by an application of the electronic device. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for a mobile device to provide increased security that is less obtrusive. A mobile device includes a display device, a user interface, and a processor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to: implement a monitoring function to monitor the operation of the mobile device and to implement a plurality of monitor functions; and implement an authentication process to compare the plurality of monitor functions to a time period to determine an authentication value, wherein if the authentication value exceeds a threshold, a lock screen is implemented on the display device, and a user is required to enter a valid passcode through the user interface for authentication. Each monitor function may be associated with a pre-determined weight such that different monitor functions are given different priorities.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to setting photographic parameters based, at least in part, on signal measurements, such as, for example, without limitation, position of the Sun. Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise the following: a wireless communication capable device (E.G., 400, 1100) including an integrated digital camera (E.G., 1180, 402); the device capable of estimating position of the Sun relative to the position of the device based at least in part on signal information received via wireless communication; and the device being further capable of using the estimated position of the Sun so as to affect one or more photographic parameters. Briefly, in accordance with another embodiment, a method may comprise the following: acquiring information via wireless communication (E.G.

Abstract: Automatic identification of media content is at least partially based upon visually capturing a still or video image of media content being presented to a user via another device. The media content can be further refined by determining location of the user, capturing an audio portion of the media content, date and time of the capture, or profile/behavioral characteristics of the user. Identifying the media content can require (1) distinguishing a rectangular illumination the corresponds to a video display; (2) decoding a watermark presented within the displayed image/video; (3) characterizing the presentation sufficiently for determining a particular time stamp or portion of a program; and (4) determining user setting preferences for viewing the program (e.g., close captioning, aspect ratio, language). Thus identified, the media content appropriately formatted can be received for continued presentation on a user interface of the mobile device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for forwarding a communication from a communication receiving device to a destination device based upon the identity of the user of the destination device.

Abstract: A mobile platform includes a plurality of proximity sensors coupled to a housing including on the sides, front and back of the housing. Signals from the proximity sensors are analyzed to determine configuration of the proximity sensors that are activated. The configuration may be a sequence of proximity sensors that are activated, e.g., when a gesture is detected, or the locations of the proximity sensors that are activated when the mobile platform is held in different manners. Mobile platform applications associated with the configuration are determined and automatically launched. For example, the applications may include a camera application or short message service (SMS) application, as well as controlling telephony operations, controlling a music player, and providing status information. Information from an orientation sensor and/or ambient light detector may also be used to assist in determining the applications to be launched.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are disclosed that may be utilized to pre-fetch and/or obtain information for use with mobile devices based, at least in part, on a gesture of a user and/or location of a mobile device. By way of example, a method may include detecting an arrival of a mobile device at a location; and pre-fetching, in response to the detection of the arrival, information in connection with executing one or more applications and/or functions on the mobile device. In certain implementations, a method may include processing signals received from at least one sensor at a mobile device; inferring, in response to the processing the signals, a likelihood of a user executing one or more applications and/or functions on the mobile device; and pre-fetching information in connection with the executing applications and/or functions on the mobile device based, at least in part, on the likelihood.

Abstract: An adaptive user interface device capable of implementing multiple modes of input and configuration may adapt to current user inputs, and may include configuration changes. In an aspect, an adaptive user interface device may be configured for a finger sensing in a touchpad mode, and configured for stylus sensing in a digital tablet mode. In another aspect, surface features of the adaptive user interface device may change shape, such as by raising buttons in response to entering a keyboard or keypad mode. Various mechanisms may be used for raising buttons, and may enable presenting buttons in a variety of shapes and locations on the interface. The configuration of the adaptive user interface device may depend upon the user actions and user identity. Configuration modes may be organized according to many levels enabling a single user interface to support a large number of input options functionality within a limited surface area.

Abstract: A noise cancelling headset for voice communications contains a microphone at each of the user's ears and a voice microphone. The headset shares the use of the ear microphones for improving signal-to-noise ratio on both the transmit path and the receive path.

Abstract: A headset is constructed to generate an acoustically distinct speech signal in a noisy acoustic environment. The headset positions a pair of spaced-apart microphones near a user's mouth. The microphones each receive the user's speech, and also receive acoustic environmental noise. The microphone signals, which have both a noise and information component, are received into a separation process. The separation process generates a speech signal that has a substantial reduced noise component. The speech signal is then processed for transmission. In one example, the transmission process includes sending the speech signal to a local control module using a Bluetooth radio.

Abstract: Methods and systems implement touch sensors or force sensitive materials disposed on the case of a computing device in order to enable user input gestures to be performed on portions of the device case. The force sensitive elements may generate an electrical signal in response to a gesture, such as a tap, squeeze, swipe or twist. The properties of the generated electrical signal may be compared to various reference templates to recognize particular input gestures. The force sensitive elements may operate in conjunction with more traditional input methods, such as touch-screen display and electromechanical buttons. By enabling user input gestures on the case of computing devices, the various aspects permit one hand operation of the devices including intuitive gestures that do not require the users focused attention to accomplish. Thus the various aspects may enable users to utilize their computing devices in situations not suitable to conventional user input technologies.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to setting photographic parameters based, at least in part, on signal measurements, such as, for example, without limitation, position of the Sun. Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise the following: a wireless communication capable device (E.G., 400, 1100) including an integrated digital camera (E.G., 1180, 402); the device capable of estimating position of the Sun relative to the position of the device based at least in part on signal information received via wireless communication; and the device being further capable of using the estimated position of the Sun so as to affect one or more photographic parameters. Briefly, in accordance with another embodiment, a method may comprise the following: acquiring information via wireless communication (E.G.

Abstract: Exemplary charging device includes a processor and charging current for coupling to a battery. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor defines charging profiles for charging the battery at different charge rates. A profile can be selected based on a determinable time event and may be modified based on a charging history. Adjustable charging power is supplied to the battery at a power level, a charging duration, or a combination thereof based on the selected profile. A wireless power transmitter can also define charging profiles and charging histories for receivers that receive power from the transmitter based on an identifier from the receiver. The transmitter can select the charging profile based on a determinable time event and may be modified based on a charging history. The transmitter supplies power through the wireless power link at a power level, a charging duration, or a combination thereof based on the selected profile.

Abstract: A headset is constructed to generate an acoustically distinct speech signal in a noisy acoustic environment. The headset positions a pair of spaced-apart microphones near a user's mouth. The microphones each receive the user s speech, and also receive acoustic environmental noise. The microphone signals, which have both a noise and information component, are received into a separation process. The separation process generates a speech signal that has a substantial reduced noise component. The speech signal is then processed for transmission. In one example, the transmission process includes sending the speech signal to a local control module using a Bluetooth radio.