Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for pairing computing devices using an authentication protocol that allows an initiating computing device to gain access to a secure, encrypted network of a target computing device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for pairing computing devices using an authentication protocol that allows an initiating computing device to gain access to a secure, encrypted network of a target computing device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for pairing computing devices using an authentication protocol that allows an initiating computing device to gain access to a secure, encrypted network of a target computing device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for setting interactions between paired computing devices. Paired devices may interact in a master-slave relationship, where the slave device is an intelligent computing device capable of performing a wide variety of functions for the master computing device. When initiating a paired relationship, various characteristics relating to the initiating device are recorded, and the used in defining the relationship between the initiating device and the target device with which the initiating device paired. In a further example of interactions between paired computing devices, user-defined policies may be recorded, stored and implemented which affect the behavior of one or both computing devices when the two devices are paired.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for setting interactions between paired computing devices. Paired devices may interact in a master-slave relationship, where the slave device is an intelligent computing device capable of performing a wide variety of functions for the master computing device. When initiating a paired relationship, various characteristics relating to the initiating device are recorded, and the used in defining the relationship between the initiating device and the target device with which the initiating device paired. In a further example of interactions between paired computing devices, user-defined policies may be recorded, stored and implemented which affect the behavior of one or both computing devices when the two devices are paired.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for pairing computing devices using an authentication protocol that allows an initiating computing device to gain access to a secure, encrypted network of a target computing device.

Abstract: A proximity network architecture is proposed that enables a device to detect other devices in its proximity and automatically interact with the other devices to share in a user experience. In one example implementation, data and code for the experience is stored in the cloud so that users can participate in the experience from multiple and different types of devices.

Abstract: Motion detection notification is described. In an embodiment, a motion detector in a portable device detects a motion of the device and issues an activation signal when the detected motion has a magnitude greater than a preset threshold. A detection notification component in the portable device then receives the activation signal and initiates communication with an additional device that detects a corresponding motion to the motion of the portable device and is configured for communication with the portable device.

Abstract: Motion detection notification is described. In an embodiment, a motion detector in a portable device detects a motion of the device and issues an activation signal when the detected motion has a magnitude greater than a preset threshold. A detection notification component in the portable device then receives the activation signal and initiates communication with an additional device that detects a corresponding motion to the motion of the portable device and is configured for communication with the portable device.

Abstract: Provided is multi-stroke marking menu techniques that increase menu breath over an eight-item limit of some orientation-based marking menus. Zone and polygon menus can be provided wherein the breadth can be increased by a factor of about two or more while providing quick selection and maintaining selection accuracy. Various geometric attributes can be analyzed to determine a selection stroke. These attributes can include orientation, position, and/or length of each stroke. Hybrid techniques are also disclosed that further increase menu breadth and performance.

Abstract: A computer system and for displaying a static animation image in response to an action related to a displayed object that occurs on the computer system is presented. An initial state of the displayed object is determined with regard to the action. A final state of the displayed object with regard to the action is also determined. Transition aspects between the initial state and the final state are then determined. A static animation image is generated according to the initial state, the transition aspects, and the final state. The static animation image represents, in static form, an animation indicative of the action from the initial state to the final state of the displayed object. The static animation image is displayed on the graphical user interface in lieu of animation.

Abstract: Providing axonometric views of layers containing objects while preserving the visual attributes of the objects is disclosed. A group of objects, e.g., overlapping objects, is determined. Layer dimensions are calculated such that each object in the group is encompassed by a layer. Objects are placed in the layers and the layers are displayed in axonometric views. Visual cues to indicate selected layers are provided. Controls to adjust the depth of the layers and to enable moving objects in the selected layer are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the various embodiments allow the coordination of resources of devices to jointly execute tasks or perform actions on one of the devices. In the method, a first gesture input is received at a first mobile computing device. A second gesture input is received at a second mobile computing device. In response, a determination is made as to whether the second gesture is accepted at the initiating device. If it is determined that the second gesture inputs is accepted, then resources of the devices are combined to jointly execute a particular task associated with the shared resources.

Abstract: Displaying the relative depth of 2D image objects while preserving the visual attributes of the objects is disclosed. After an object group is determined, the members of the object group are temporarily moved away from a center location while preserving the object group members' positions relative to each other in the X-Y plane. A depth well is displayed at the center location and each object group member is connected to a ring-beam in the depth well. In response to a control action indicating a relative depth adjustment of an object group member relative to the remaining object group members, the depth of the object relative to the remaining object group members is changed. In response to a control action indicating the depth adjustment is complete, object group members are returned to their original positions in the X-Y plane with the adjusted object displayed at the object's new relative depth.

Abstract: A device for detecting the position of a human finger or other object on a touch-sensitive scrolling pad. Dual independent oscillators may be used to generate two pulse trains at frequencies dependent upon the capacitance of two conductors resulting from the position of the finger on the conductors. The pulses from each oscillator may be counted over a time interval. A ratio-metric measurement may be taken by calculating the ratio of the two counts, and a sum may also be calculated. The ratio of the two counts relates to finger position on the device, and their sum relates to finger pressure upon the device.

Abstract: A unique system and method that facilitates extending input/output capabilities for resource deficient mobile devices and interactions between multiple heterogeneous devices is provided. The system and method involve an interactive surface to which the desired mobile devices can be connected. The interactive surface can provide an enhanced display space and customization controls for mobile devices that lack adequate displays and input capabilities. In addition, the interactive surface can be employed to permit communication and interaction between multiple mobile devices that otherwise are unable to interact with each other. When connected to the interactive surface, the mobile devices can share information, view information from their respective devices, and store information to the interactive surface. Furthermore, the interactive surface can resume activity states of mobile devices that were previously communicating upon re-connection to the surface.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for extending the capabilities of pen-based interfaces. Embodiments are provided that receive an input that can include a selection, a confirmation, and/or a completion or cancellation. According to some embodiments tension-based techniques (hardwired or software) provide an interface whereby a user can confirm, cancel, or terminate a selected command gesture. The various embodiments employ techniques that include muscular tension and/or pen contact with a screen. Also provided are spring-once techniques that keeps the tool active for one use after a button has been deactivated.

Abstract: A technique for increasing the capabilities of pen-based or touch-screen interfaces. The capabilities are implemented by using movements at a position above or in a parallel proximity to the display surface, referred to as a tracking or hover state. A gesture or series of gestures in the hover or tracking state can be utilized to activate localized interface widgets, such as marking menus, virtual scroll rings, etc. The gesture(s) can be preceded or followed by an optional authorization that confirms a command, action, or state. Utilization of a tracking state allows the disclosed systems, methodologies and/or devices to create a new command layer distinct from the input layer of a pen or touch display interface. Thus, user commands can be localized around a mouser or pointer maintaining user concentration while eliminating the occurrence of undesired or unintended inking on the display surface.

Abstract: A pen-based user interface (PBUI) that facilitates input of a delimiter to a scope in a substantially uninterrupted stroke for generating a selection-action gesture phrase. Four delimiter techniques are provided, which include a Multi-stroke delimiter, a button delimiter, timeout delimiter and pigtail delimiter. The Pigtail delimiter uses a small loop to delimit the gesture. The delimiter techniques support integrated scope selection, command activation, and direct manipulation all in a single fluid pen gesture. The delimiter techniques can also be employed to terminate a complex scope consisting of a sequence of multiple pen strokes.

Abstract: Described is a system and method in a wireless (Wi-Fi) network comprising a server, clients and various mechanisms that compute lists of other clients and resources that are physically nearby. Clients report Wi-Fi access points' signal strengths to a server, which uses that data to compute the proximity of resources to one another, including an estimate the distance between resources. The data may be returned to the client as a list of resources within short range proximity, or resources within long-range proximity, with an approximate time to that resource based on previous clients' reporting. Because proximity is used rather than absolute location, only minimal setup is needed. As the number of clients and resources that use the system increases, the server knowledge also increases with respect to the number of resources that can be found and in the physical range over which other people and places can be found.