Abstract: A wireless communications system mitigates the threat of a man-in-the-middle attack when sharing network credentials with a new device. A new wireless device signals that it needs credentials if no other devices are signaling that they need credentials. The new device provides a visible or audible indicator when requested to do so by a device with credentials. Either in response to approval by a user or automatically in response to the indicator, the device with credentials shares credentials with the new device, which can then establish a connection to the network.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling access to digital content based on proximity and location of a user device. A user device connects to a local network and an audio transmission including a perpetually rolling key is transmitted within a geo-fence in the local area. The user device hears the audio transmission and uses the key to authenticate to a content server over the network. Once authenticated, the user device may then stream content from the content server. In order to terminate access to the content when the user device leaves the geo-fence, the content server may require the key to be retransmitted from the user device at regular intervals to re-authenticate the user device. Other factors such as radio fingerprints from the user device may also be used instead of or in addition to the audio to verify the user device's presence within the geo-fence.

Abstract: A rule-based machine learning system monitors frequency bands to detect transmissions from nearby active transmitters, such as those associated with wireless mobile devices. The system logs unique identifiers (UID) embedded in detected transmissions, recognizes patterns of UID detection over time, and selectively takes action when UIDs are detected and when they are expected but absent.

Abstract: In some cases, a delivery service system may include a handheld electronic device for use with a delivery service (e.g., a grocery delivery service). When operating in a voice input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store audio data in memory. The stored audio data may be communicated from the handheld electronic device (e.g., via a Wi-Fi connection) to the delivery service for speech processing. When operating in a scanner input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store item identifier information (e.g., barcode data) in memory. The stored data may be communicated to the delivery service for item identification processing. In some cases, a user interface associated with the delivery service may allow the user to review and confirm an order prior to submission of the order for delivery.

Abstract: In some cases, a handheld electronic device may operate in a voice input mode or a scanner input mode. When operating in the voice input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store audio data in memory. In some cases, the stored audio data may be communicated from the handheld electronic device (e.g., via a Wi-Fi connection) to one or more remote computing devices (e.g., for speech processing). When operating in the scanner input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store item identifier information (e.g., as barcode data) in the memory. In some cases, the stored item identifier data may be communicated to the one or more remote computing devices (e.g., for item identification processing).

Abstract: Systems and methods for broadcasting messages carried on one or more beacon signals are disclosed. A message sharing device may identify a message to be broadcast and may transmit the message to a base station to generate a beacon signal or generate the beacon signal itself based at least in part on the message. The beacon signal may include an indication that the beacon signal carries a message. The beacon signal may be broadcast and may be received by one or more message receiving devices. In some cases, the message may include a link to content accessible via one or more networks, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method for confirming a delivery location. A delivery agent equipped with a device, for example, a mobile device, delivers a package to a location. When the package is delivered, the delivery agent triggers a delivery-event on the device, and in response to the delivery-event the device determines an RF fingerprint at the location. The RF fingerprint is stored, and a comparison of the RF fingerprint to previously stored RF fingerprints correlated to particular locations is performed. If the RF fingerprint determined by the first device corresponds to a previously stored RF fingerprint at the correct delivery location, the current delivery location is confirmed as correct.

Abstract: A signal is provided in response to moving contact of a device with an object. Electronic circuitry transitions from an inactive state to an active state in response to the signal and scans a machine-readable code borne by the object. A data signal including or encoding the machine-readable code is provided. The electronic circuitry may transition from the active state back to the inactive state after the data signal has been provided and the present code scanning operation is complete. Power consumption by code scanner devices, user input stylus, or other apparatus is reduced accordingly.

Abstract: A dispensing container (1) for a liquid comprises: (i) a bottle (2) having a main chamber (5) for holding a first liquid (21) to be dispensed from the container and a secondary chamber (8) for holding a concentrate (22) of the first liquid, and (ii) a closure element (3) removably located on the mouth of the bottle. The secondary chamber (8) is associated with an outlet aperture through which the concentrate (22) may be transferred from the secondary chamber (8) into the main chamber (5). The container (1) is further provided with a plugging assembly (16) which plugs the outlet aperture when the closure element (3) is located on the mouth of the bottle and allows liquid (22) to be transferred from the secondary chamber (8) into the main chamber (5) when the closure element (3) is removed.

Abstract: A dispensing container (1) for a liquid comprises: (i) a bottle (2) having a main chamber (5) for holding a first liquid (21) to be dispensed from the container and a secondary chamber (8) for holding a concentrate (22) of the first liquid, and (ii) a closure element (3) removably located on the mouth of the bottle. The secondary chamber (8) is associated with an outlet aperture through which the concentrate (22) may be transferred from the secondary chamber (8) into the main chamber (5). The container (1) is further provided with a plugging assembly (16) which plugs the outlet aperture when the closure element (3) is located on the mouth of the bottle and allows liquid (22) to be transferred from the secondary chamber (8) into the main chamber (5) when the closure element (3) is removed.

Abstract: A dispensing container, e.g. a trigger-spray bottle, for a liquid, e.g. a cleaning liquid which is an aqueous solution of a concentrate. The container comprises a bottle having a main chamber for holding the liquid to be dispensed and a secondary chamber of lesser volume than the main chamber for containing the concentrate. Liquid is dispensed from the main chamber by, for example, a trigger-spray unit. When the liquid in the main chamber is depleted, concentrate may be expressed from the secondary via a ducting arrangement into the main chamber of dilution and subsequent dispense.