Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for computing various determinations at one or more mobile devices and/or central machines. In part, such determinations are computed based on analysis of one or more inputs originating at one or more sensors of one or more devices. The referenced methods can include operations such as: receiving one or more inputs, processing the one or more inputs to determine a quantity of occupants within a vehicle, and transforming a first operation state of a device present within the vehicle based on a determination that the quantity of occupants within the vehicle is not greater than one.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively restricting a mobile device. In one implementation, a visual capture can be to identify one or more indicators within the visual capture. Based on the indicators, an implementation of a restriction at the mobile device can be adjusted. In another implementation inputs can be processed to compute a determination, determination reflecting at least one of the in-vehicle role of the user as a driver and the in-vehicle role of the user as a passenger; and, an operation state of the mobile device can be modified based on such a determination. According to another implementation, one or more outputs can be projected from a mobile device, inputs can be received, and such inputs and outputs can be processed to determine a correlation between them. A restriction can then be modified based on the correlation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively restricting a mobile device. In one implementation, a visual capture can be to identify one or more indicators within the visual capture. Based on the indicators, an implementation of a restriction at the mobile device can be adjusted. In another implementation inputs can be processed to compute a determination, determination reflecting at least one of the in-vehicle role of the user as a driver and the in-vehicle role of the user as a passenger; and, an operation state of the mobile device can be modified based on such a determination. According to another implementation, one or more outputs can be projected from a mobile device, inputs can be received, and such inputs and outputs can be processed to determine a correlation between them. A restriction can then be modified based on the correlation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and materials for high resolution three dimensional printing of metals using low cost raw material. The method employs masked brazing foils having structural layers, melting layers, and in some embodiments masking layers. The foils are selectively joined by brazing to form three dimensional metal objects. Some of the embodiments differ in the number of structural and/or melting layers in the foils, how masks are formed, and how many brazing steps are employed. Etching removes foil material that is not to remain as part of the final three dimensional object, and various embodiments are disclosed for applying the etchant.

Abstract: A securing apparatus includes a security adapter configured to be engaged with an electronic device. The security adapter includes an interface to couple to a host device. The securing apparatus further includes a securing structure that is lockable. When the security adapter is engaged with the electronic device, the securing structure is configurable to transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to constrain communication of one or more requests from the host device for read access or write access to the electronic device, such that the communication between the host device and the electronic device occurs via the security adapter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing a joint slide show by a source user terminal in communication with one or more remote user terminal(s) are disclosed herein. During the slide show, a plurality of picture files are shown on the source user terminal. One or more slide-show display-transitions are performed at the source user terminal by replacing, at a slide-show display-location of the source user terminal, a pre-transition picture file with a post-transition picture file. In some embodiments, (i) for each slide-show display-transition, a respective post-transition picture file is sent from the source terminal to each remote user terminal in advance of the slide-show display-transition and/or (ii) each of the slide-show display-transitions is contingent upon, and performed only after meeting a condition related to a number of remote user-terminals from which the source terminal has received a confirmation message confirming receipt of the respective post-transition picture file.

Abstract: A cellular telecommunication device without a keypad, operative to receiving incoming calls, including a cellular radio for receiving incoming voice calls, a speaker for outputting voice from the cellular radio, a microphone for inputting voice to the cellular radio, a digital tape recorder, an incoming call filter, control keys A and B, and circuitry for the control keys, operative to: in response to key A being pressed, re-dial the number of a last incoming call, and in response to key B being double-clicked, set the device in a special operational mode whereby: in response to key B being pressed, start or stop said digital tape recorder, and in response to key B being subsequently pressed, activate or de-activate the incoming call filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively restricting a mobile device. In one implementation, a visual capture can be to identify one or more indicators within the visual capture. Based on the indicators, an implementation of a restriction at the mobile device can be adjusted. In another implementation inputs can be processed to compute a determination, determination reflecting at least one of the in-vehicle role of the user as a driver and the in-vehicle role of the user as a passenger; and, an operation state of the mobile device can be modified based on such a determination. According to another implementation, one or more outputs can be projected from a mobile device, inputs can be received, and such inputs and outputs can be processed to determine a correlation between them. A restriction can then be modified based on the correlation.

Abstract: A memory card includes a non-volatile memory, a connector configured to enable the memory card to be operatively coupled to a host computer, and a housing enclosing the non-volatile memory. The housing has a customized physical contour that is determined according to a user-selected value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and methods for a connectivity hub, for connecting a plurality of storage devices to a host system, including: a plurality of ports, each port operative to electrically engage with a storage device; electrical paths joining the plurality of ports to a common point operationally connected to the host system; and a controller operative to associate a relative physical location with a logical identity for each port. Preferably, the controller is configured to perform the association by correlating an insertion time of the storage device in a respective port with a detection time of the logical identity. A connectivity hub, for connecting a plurality of storage devices to a host system, including: at least 23 ports, each port operative to electrically engage with a corresponding storage device; and electrical paths joining at least 23 ports to a common point operationally connected to the host system.

Abstract: Using a suitably constructed fiber optic cable and interrogation circuitry, the fiber optic cable can be positioned along an object to monitor its shape and the position of various points along the object thereon. Embodiments disclosed herein apply fiber optic position and shape sensing in various ways. In one embodiment, as subject's gait is monitored for analysis. In another embodiment, a tool is displayed moving within a patient's body. In an additional embodiment, the movement of a subject's head is tracked.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an object that has two threads of different pitches. The two threads overlap and may have a common starting point. The object may be any type of threaded insert, including those commonly referred to as a type of nut or rivet such as a clinch-nut, a weld-nut and a rivet-nut. Also disclosed is a system having a part and the disclosed insert installed onto it. Embodiments of the invention reduce the likelihood of damage when a screw is miss-matched with a similarly sized but different threaded hole.

Abstract: A portable storage device includes a mechanism for receiving a value of an identification parameter from a receiving device, a non-volatile memory for storing digital content, a licensing policy, and a license for viewing the digital content on the receiving device as identified by the identification parameter, and a controller that is operative, in response to the identification parameter and the license, to provide a controlled feeding of at least a portion of the digital content to the receiving device, in accordance with the licensing policy.

Abstract: A vehicle operator may activate turn signals without interfering with his/her enjoyment of ambient music. A turn signal system has a tempo extractor to determine the tempo of the ambient music and a trigger generator to transmit to a turn signal controller a trigger that causes the system's turn signaling mechanism to produce a repetitive sound that coincides with the ambient music. As the repetitive sound does not interfere with the vehicle operator's music enjoyment, the system increases diligence in the use of turn signals and thus increases safety of the vehicle operator and the safety of those proximate the vehicle operator who would be affected by a vehicle turn or lane change.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for computing various determinations at one or more mobile devices and/or central machines. In part, such determinations are computed based on analysis of one or more inputs originating at one or more sensors of one or more devices. The referenced methods can include operations such as: receiving one or more inputs, processing the one or more inputs to determine a quantity of occupants within a vehicle, and transforming a first operation state of a device present within the vehicle based on a determination that the quantity of occupants within the vehicle is not greater than one.

Abstract: A memory card is provided comprising a plurality of electrical contacts, a controller, and a memory, where a housing encloses the controller and the memory and exposes the plurality of electrical contacts. In one embodiment, the memory card further comprises an extendible gripping portion movable between first and second positions, wherein the extendible gripping portion is more exposed from the housing in the second position than in the first position. In another embodiment, the end of the housing forms a notch shaped to mate with a mating removal tool. In yet another embodiment, the length of the memory card is less than about 32 mm and the width of the memory card is about 24 mm, and the memory card has a fingernail grip on the housing. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A device includes a first leg including a first connector. The first connector includes multiple electrical contacts. The device includes a second leg substantially parallel to the first leg and configured with a connector, a set of conductors, or both. The device includes a transverse portion connected to the first leg and to the second leg. Together, the transverse portion and the first and second legs form a substantially rigid or semi-rigid body. The transverse portion includes multiple conductors electrically coupling respective connectors on the first and second legs.

Abstract: A memory card is provided comprising a plurality of electrical contacts, a controller, and a memory, where a housing encloses the controller and the memory and exposes the plurality of electrical contacts. In one embodiment, the memory card further comprises an extendible gripping portion movable between first and second positions, wherein the extendible gripping portion is more exposed from the housing in the second position than in the first position. In another embodiment, the end of the housing forms a notch shaped to mate with a mating removal tool. In yet another embodiment, the length of the memory card is less than about 32 mm and the width of the memory card is about 24 mm, and the memory card has a fingernail grip on the housing. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A vehicle operator may activate turn signals without interfering with his/her enjoyment of ambient music. A turn signal system has a tempo extractor to determine the tempo of the ambient music and a trigger generator to transmit to a turn signal controller a trigger that causes the system's turn signaling mechanism to produce a repetitive sound that coincides with the ambient music. As the repetitive sound does not interfere with the vehicle operator's music enjoyment, the system increases diligence in the use of turn signals and thus increases safety of the vehicle operator and the safety of those proximate the vehicle operator who would be affected by a vehicle turn or lane change.

Abstract: A method of using a device, including monitoring host activity in an autonomous manner, without the host reporting to the device about its activity. The method also including initiating communications from the device and using resources of the host for such communications, thereby enabling the device to function as a proactive device.