Abstract: Implementations relate to systems and methods for real-time image recognition and mobile visual searching. A mobile device, such as a cellular phone, acquires an image and pre-processes the acquired image to generate a visual search query based on objects detected in the acquired image. The visual search query includes the acquired image or a query image extracted therefrom and metadata associated with the detected objects. The mobile device wirelessly communicates the visual search query to a remote server, and in response to the visual search query, the remote server recognizes an object in the query image based on the associated metadata. The remote server then generates information content based on the recognized object and communicates the information content to the mobile device to be presented via the mobile device.

Abstract: An electronic device for generating a masking signal is described. The electronic device includes a plurality of microphones and a speaker. The electronic device also includes a processor and executable instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The electronic device obtains a plurality of audio signals from the plurality of microphones. The electronic device also obtains an ambience signal based on the plurality of audio signals. The electronic device further determines an ambience feature based on the ambience signal. Additionally, the electronic device obtains a voice signal based on the plurality of audio signals. The electronic device also determines a voice feature based on the voice signal. The electronic device additionally generates a masking signal based on the voice feature and the ambience feature. The electronic device further outputs the masking signal using the speaker.

Abstract: Method and systems to display posting volumes. An activity package data item containing data items for each of at least one data feed source is received on a device. The device has a user interface that is changeably configurable between one of a locked mode and an unlocked mode, where the locked mode has reduced user input capability. A representation of the posting characterizations is displayed in response to receiving the activity package data item when the user interface is configured into the locked mode.

Abstract: A method includes, on a display of an electronic device, displaying a first virtual keyboard of a set of available virtual keyboards, detecting a touch, when the touch is associated with a keyboard changing function, displaying previews of virtual keyboards of the set of available virtual keyboards, detecting selection of a second virtual keyboard of the set of available virtual keyboards, and displaying the second virtual keyboard in response to detecting the selection.

Abstract: Method and systems to display posting volumes. An activity package data item containing data items for each of at least one data feed source is received on a device. The device has a user interface that is changeably configurable between one of a locked mode and an unlocked mode, where the locked mode has reduced user input capability. A representation of the posting characterizations is displayed in response to receiving the activity package data item when the user interface is configured into the locked mode.

Abstract: An electronic device for generating a masking signal is described. The electronic device includes a plurality of microphones and a speaker. The electronic device also includes a processor and executable instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The electronic device obtains a plurality of audio signals from the plurality of microphones. The electronic device also obtains an ambience signal based on the plurality of audio signals. The electronic device further determines an ambience feature based on the ambience signal. Additionally, the electronic device obtains a voice signal based on the plurality of audio signals. The electronic device also determines a voice feature based on the voice signal. The electronic device additionally generates a masking signal based on the voice feature and the ambience feature. The electronic device further outputs the masking signal using the speaker.

Abstract: Information can be communicated by a temperature change of a communication device equipped with one or more temperature modifying elements. A processor configured by software determines when a temperature change should be generated and accomplishes such a change by controlling the application of power to the temperature modifying element(s). The temperature modifying elements may be electric resistance heating elements, thermoelectric elements, or other elements. Users perceive the temperature change produced by the temperature modifying element(s) when they touch the device. Depending on user settings, the temperature change may communicate specific information to the user. For example, a temperature change may convey information regarding the importance of an incoming telephone call, e-mail message or SMS message, or the importance of an impending calendar event. Using temperature as a communication medium allows the communication device to convey information to a user being notice by others.

Abstract: Implementations relate to systems and methods for real-time image recognition and mobile visual searching. A mobile device, such as a cellular phone, acquires an image and pre-processes the acquired image to generate a visual search query based on objects detected in the acquired image. The visual search query includes the acquired image or a query image extracted therefrom and metadata associated with the detected objects. The mobile device wirelessly communicates the visual search query to a remote server, and in response to the visual search query, the remote server recognizes an object in the query image based on the associated metadata. The remote server then generates information content based on the recognized object and communicates the information content to the mobile device to be presented via the mobile device.

Abstract: Information can be communicated by a temperature change of a communication device equipped with one or more temperature modifying elements. A processor configured by software determines when a temperature change should be generated and accomplishes such a change by controlling the application of power to the temperature modifying element(s). The temperature modifying elements may be electric resistance heating elements, thermoelectric elements, or other elements. Users perceive the temperature change produced by the temperature modifying element(s) when they touch the device. Depending on user settings, the temperature change may communicate specific information to the user. For example, a temperature change may convey information regarding the importance of an incoming telephone call, e-mail message or SMS message, or the importance of an impending calendar event. Using temperature as a communication medium allows the communication device to convey information to a user being notice by others.

Abstract: A cellular or wireless mobile device includes a one or more sensors and a processor configured with software to receive data from the one or more sensors, calendar data and device settings, compare sensor, calendar, device settings data, and an authorization level of a requesting user to avatar selection criteria, and select an avatar based upon the comparison. By correlating sensor data, calendar data and device settings to a user's current status, the avatar selection criteria enables a processor to automatically select an avatar that reflects the user's current status. Others then can be informed of the user's current status by accessing the user's avatar.