Abstract: If information in a display window is scrollable by a user-controllable element, a notification is generated to the device user. The scrollability notification function can be implemented in many different ways and in a variety of equipment, including an Internet appliance or a personal computer. In one embodiment, when a scrollable object is detected in a window on which the device user is focusing, a vertical and/or horizontal scroll wheel is illuminated to indicate that the window is scrollable in the corresponding direction(s). The scrollability notification function can be implemented in different ways, such as through the particular software application, through the operating system, or through a custom software module. A computer, a computer network, and methods for providing a scrollability notification to a computer user are also described.

Abstract: Use of a delta in cellular device occupancy in cells of a cellular communication system to estimate vehicular traffic flow on roadways connecting the cells.

Abstract: A sequenced audio help label having a plurality of recorded audio messages that are played back in a predetermined sequence, one at a time, in response to a user activating a button or trigger to signal play of the next message. The label may be affixed to e.g. consumer electronic devices as a quick-start help reference system for users. In some embodiments, the messages are pre-recorded, but, in others, the user may record the messages.

Abstract: A communication such as a telephone call is received, bearing identification information such as caller ID. The received audio signal, if any, is encoded and stored. The identification information is used to look up additional information about the sender of the communication, such as by using the caller ID information to search the internet, for example by doing a reverse telephone number lookup. The user is presented with a graphical representation of this, and prior, communications, such as via an html page, and can select individual communications for playback, deletion, and the like. If the user is at a remote location, the encoded communications may be forwarded to that location, such as in the form of email attachments.

Abstract: A communication such as a telephone call is received, bearing identification information such as caller ID. The received audio signals if any, is encoded and stored. The identification information is used to look up additional information about the sender of the communication, such as by using the caller ID information to search the internet, for example by doing a reverse telephone number lookup. The user is presented with a graphical representation of this, and prior, communications, such as via an html page, and can select individual communications for playback, deletion, and the like. If the user is at a remote location, the encoded communications may be forwarded to that location, such as in the form of email attachments.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing an original block of data, such as a recording of a song, from two or more clips or instances of the song, by locating and identifying overlapping sub-clips in respective clips and merging them to create a new version of the original block. The new version can be superior to any of the clips, by culling the best pieces from each. Partial clips can be used, as can damaged or defective clips.

Abstract: A facility such as a retail facility may include a plurality of wireless identifier tags distributed about the facility. An article associated with a user such as a retail customer may include a detector that detects one or more of those tags when the user is proximate to a tag. For example, a plurality of detectors may be placed on a shopping cart in a retail application. Based on the detection of information associated with each tag, the real time position of the user may be determined in the facility.

Abstract: A keyboard number lock may be automatically transitioned in response to the detection of the selection of a text entry box. In particular, when a text entry box is selected, the keyboard may automatically be transitioned to the number lock state to provide numerical entries when particular keys are operated.

Abstract: A processor-based system may be controlled by a remote control unit. An image of the remote control unit may be displayed on a display associated with the processor-based system. When a particular button on the remote control unit is depressed, a corresponding indication may be provided on the image of the remote control unit.

Abstract: A processor-based system may be controlled by a remote control unit. An image of the remote control unit may be displayed on a display associated with the processor-based system. When a particular button on the remote control unit is depressed, a corresponding indication may be provided on the image of the remote control unit.

Abstract: An improved method and user-input device are provided. The user-input device comprises a housing having a first end and an opposite end. The user-input device further comprises a controller to indicate a position of the first end and the opposite end and to cause one or more pixels of a display device to activate based on the indicated position of at least the first end of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a device to boot as though it were another device. The various devices have published personas describing their operation. A persona selection interface enables a user to select a remote device as which the local device should reboot. Updated personas can be retrieved from the remote devices themselves, or from a persona server. If the emulated operation requires a resource not locally available, the local device negotiates with the remote device to share the remote resource, and failing that, the local device emulates the resource.

Abstract: A wireless retail customer intranet may be established within a retail facility. Customers may use personal digital assistants with wireless transceivers to communicate with a server operated by the retail facility visited by the customers. The server may provide communications to the customers based on the customer's current location or otherwise. In addition, the customers may use the store-based intranet to communicate with other customers. Those communications may be in the form of text or audio messages in some cases. Through the use of the wireless digital device, greater interactivity between store operators and retail customers may be achieved.

Abstract: A wireless retail customer intranet may be established within a retail facility using shopping carts. Customers may use personal digital assistants mounted on the shopping carts with wireless transceivers to communicate with a server operated by the retail facility visited by the customers. The server may provide communications to the customers based on the customer's current location or otherwise. In addition, the customers may use the store-based intranet to communicate with other customers. Those communications may be in the form of text or audio messages in some cases. Through the use of the wireless digital shopping cart, greater interactivity between store operators and retail customers may be achieved.

Abstract: A way of controlling a cursor of a pointing device is provided. A method comprises detecting a selection of at least one key of a keyboard. The method further includes adjusting the cursor of the pointing device in response to detecting the selection of the at least one key of the keyboard.

Abstract: Graphical user interfaces may be utilized to enable mouse selection of message segments to assemble an overall message with a limited keyboard. In one embodiment, the user may select from among a plurality of user specified options for each of a plurality of message segments corresponding to message subjects, objects and verbs. The actual assembly of the message from the user's selections may be done locally or remotely.

Abstract: A residential phone system allows for local control of call features from any phone extension. The phone system may include a microcontroller that communicates along the phone lines at a non-utilized frequency to several extension phones in a residence. The microcontroller permits each phone to control call features such as call waiting, conference calling, paging, or other features. A control box may be included at any or all of the extension phones to provide a convenient user interface to access the call features.

Abstract: A characteristic of one or more human resonating cavities may be utilized to provide information for speech recognition, independent from the actual sounds produced. In one embodiment, information about the changing shape of the human oral cavity may provide information useful in determining the nature of a person's vocalizations for speech recognition purposes.

Abstract: A way of providing information using an Internet appliance is disclosed. An apparatus comprises a storage unit to store an input time value and a controller to provide information received from a network in an audio format based on the input time value. A method comprises configuring an apparatus to provide information at a user input time value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing future instances of a song or a television show or the like. Responsive to a user activating a trigger, typically during the middle of the song or show, the system stores a clip and thereafter begins to monitor one or more channels or stations, attempting to locate that clip, such as by using DSP techniques. Upon finding the clip, the beginning and ending points of the song or show are identified, and the song or show is saved. Hunting may continue, to find a best available version of the song or show, such as one having the best noise characteristics.