Abstract: A spring-loaded, unfolding-display mobile electronic device enables a display size to be multiplied, for example three-fold. The expanded display is well-suited for viewing of video content, access to which will become more ubiquitous with the adoption of 5G cellular service. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device is self-unfolding. Gas springs (101A, 101B) may be used that provide desirable damping and locking features. The mobile electronic device may be held face-down and the sides double-pushed together (603). Springs unlock and the folding display self-unfolds (605). In another embodiment, the device senses when it is held face-down (703) and electronically unlocks the springs for self-unfolding.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device includes a flexible display having a front display surface and a back non-display surface; and a folding mechanism configured such that the display is folded with back non-display surfaces facing each other. The folding mechanism may include at least one rounded radius about which the display is folded, and may be configured such that the display is folded a plurality of times. The mobile electronic device may take the form of a display accessory including a docking mechanism for receiving a primary mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device includes a flexible display having a front display surface and a back non-display surface; and a folding mechanism configured such that the display is folded with back non-display surfaces facing each other. The folding mechanism may include at least one rounded radius about which the display is folded, and may be configured such that the display is folded a plurality of times. The mobile electronic device may take the form of a display accessory including a docking mechanism for receiving a primary mobile electronic device.

Abstract: An input device and mobile electronic devices having improved user interface capabilities are described. In one embodiment, an input device includes a display device, a capacitive touch sensor overlying the display device, and a pressure-sensing layer underlying the display device. The display device may be, for example, a cholesteric liquid crystal display that directly captures and displays writing in response to applied pressure. Such an input device may be used to greatly facilitate input of text and graphical information to mobile electronic devices. In another embodiment, a mobile electronic device includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion connected together in a hinged manner, a display housed by the first housing portion, and a pressure-sensing layer housed by the second housing portion for performing writing capture in response to a stylus.

Abstract: Document capture and tracking is simplified using coded information that may be printed on the document. In one embodiment, the coded information is scanned. As a result, the information of the document or a pointer thereto is retrieved or stored from a server (i.e., from the cloud). Preferably, the information of the document is in XML format such that one or more interested programs may process the information intelligently.

Abstract: Indoor navigation may be performed by storing information sufficient to describe a graph in which destinations are ordered along edges each having a geographic bearing associated therewith. A selection is received from a user of a desired destination, and transmissions are received from a plurality of storefront transmitters. The stored information is used to determine a geographic bearing for the user to follow to reach the desired destination, and the geographic bearing is displayed to the user.

Abstract: Methods are described of ascertaining public opinion using character-limited messages. In one method, a character-limited message is sent from a sender account to each of a plurality of follower accounts seeking a response chosen from among possible responses including multiple predetermined responses. Responses are received including a response from each of multiple follower accounts. The received responses are electronically tabulated to obtain tabulated results. An identical character-limited message may be sent to each of the multiple follower accounts. Alternatively, different character-limited messages may be sent to different ones of the multiple follower accounts. Follow-on character-limited message may also be sent and responses received and tabulated. In effect, choices are “percolated up” to arrive at a collective judgment or opinion.

Abstract: A stick-on condiment container may have a form similar to existing condiment containers commonly used in the fast-food industry (for example by McDonalds Corporation for its dipping sauces) with certain modifications. One modification is the addition of an adhesive layer applied on top of the sealing layer of the condiment container. Such an adhesive layer may be added at minimal cost. The adhesive layer enables the condiment container to be adhered to a fry carton, for example, in an orientation such that the greatest dimension is the depth dimension. The sealing layer, which is adhered to the fry carton, remains sealed; that is, the condiment container remains unopened. Another modification, therefore, is to define in the condiment container an alternative opening, for example by laser scoring.

Abstract: A personalized television or internet video viewing environment, where the user can respond to messages. Messages are received over the internet and overlaid onto the video program. A light and vibrator on the remote control alert the viewer to respond by speaking into a microphone in the remote control unit. Voice recognition techniques are used to interpret the user's response, and biometric voice analysis can be used to identify the user. Successive interactions can be related and tailored to the particular user.

Abstract: Spices are packaged in a card format. In one embodiment, multiple pods of a single spice are adhered to a card. The spices are used in a “peel off, peel open” manner. That is, a pod is peeled off the card; then a seal of the pod is peeled open to allow the spice to be poured out. Remaining pods continue to be adhered to the card and stored for later use. Cards for different spices are readily grouped together, such as in a box or tin. If the cards are made relatively thin, dozens of different spices can be conveniently stored in a compact box or the like. Preferably, card backs are printed with the name of the spice and possibly other information about the spice. If the spices cards are arranged together alphabetically, in a “spice index” arrangement, a desired spice may be found very readily.

Abstract: Extensions are provided for mobile electronic devices including cellphones, wherein different extensions may correspond to different communication contexts. In an exemplary embodiment, a call is answered using an automated answering system. The caller is requested to enter an extension number. In response to the extension number, a call alert (such as a ring tone) unique to that extension is activated.

Abstract: Described herein is a video display arrangement in which a video signal from a video source is intercepted and, in response to a command from a user, a desired video signal is obtained by at least one of substituting a different video signal for the video signal from the video source and augmenting the video signal from the video source to add interactivity information for display to the user. The desired video signal is applied to a display device and displayed to the user. The arrangement may use a smart cable or a small accessory.

Abstract: A method of entering text into a mobile electronic device, comprising: sensing stylus input that is input on a surface through which information displayed on an electronic display is viewed; and displaying on the electronic display an image of the stylus input as it is being input, the image of the stylus input being displayed in a translucent manner so as to less obscure underlying display information. A corresponding mobile electronic device is also described.

Abstract: A personalized television or internet video viewing environment, where the user can respond to messages. Messages are received over the internet and overlaid onto the video program. A light and vibrator on the remote control alert the viewer to respond by speaking into a microphone in the remote control unit. Voice recognition techniques are used to interpret the user's response, and biometric voice analysis can be used to identify the user. Successive interactions can be related and tailored to the particular user.

Abstract: A personalized television or internet video viewing environment, where the user can respond to messages. Messages are received over the internet and overlaid onto the video program. A light and vibrator on the remote control alert the viewer to respond by speaking into a microphone in the remote control unit. Voice recognition techniques are used to interpret the user's response, and biometric voice analysis can be used to identify the user. Successive interactions can be related and tailored to the particular user.

Abstract: Telephone numbers are displayed within a browser window as active links that can be clicked on or otherwise activated. Telephone capabilities of the device being used are then activated to automatically dial the selected telephone number. The device may be a smartphone, a personal computer, etc.

Abstract: A chocolate bar or the like is configured to allow squares to be broken off. On the rear side of each of the squares, a centered indentation is provided. This allows a square to be skewered without breaking. Two or more squares are skewered between two marshmallows, and the assembly is roasted. In the course of roasting, the chocolate is heated but retains its form. The roasted combination is placed between two full graham crackers. The skewer may be worked back and forth a bit to distribute the melted chocolate. The result is an incomparably delicious and kid-friendly campfire smore.

Abstract: A “talk-to-talk” (as compared to “push-to-talk,” for example) interface technique is used to establish voice communications. In accordance with one method, a user speaks the name of a desired party. Machine recognition of the name is performed, and a determination is made whether the desired party is unreachable. Unless the desired party is unreachable, packet-based voice communications with are commenced with the desired party. Packet-based voice communications may include sending the name of the desired party as previously spoken, possibly in combination with other words, either spoken or previously recorded. Instant-messaging type presence services may be used to determine whether or not the desired party is unreachable. Typically, the desired party is unreachable when the desired party is not within range of or is not connected to a wireless network such as a WLAN network, a WiMax network, or other IP network or “always on” network.

Abstract: Integrated circuits are made by bonding to a substrate one or more slices of material, and forming circuits using the slices of material.

Abstract: An input device and mobile electronic devices having improved user interface capabilities are described. In one embodiment, a “triple-threat” device is provided in the form of a mobile electronic device of a slider construction. A two-way slider mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, a screen of the mobile electronic device is touch-sensitive (touch input); in a first slider position, tactile-response keys are exposed (key input); in another slider position, a writing pad is exposed (stylus input).