Abstract: The present invention includes methods and technologies for defining and administering device manners policy (“DMP”), propagating DMP, reception and recognition of, and compliance with DMP. Such policy may be used to communicate to various mobile and other devices the “manners” with which compliance is expected or required. Similar to some of the social manners honored among people, such as with “no smoking” or “employees only” zones, “no swimming” or “no flash photography” areas, and scenarios for “please wash your hands” or “no talking out loud”, devices may recognize and comply with analogous “device manners” policy.

Abstract: The disclosure describes input devices for processor-based systems, including computing systems, to provide enhanced user experience. The described systems provide tactile sensations providing feedback to a user. In some systems, feedback is provided before actual contact with the key expelling air from the input device proximate the key when user selection is imminent. In other examples, the tactile sensation results from automatic movement of the key in response to detected user selection of the key. Additional examples and variations are described herein.

Abstract: An uplock assembly for retaining and releasing landing gear systems, said uplock assembly comprising: a thermal actuator comprising: a chamber configured to contain expansible material therein; a heating mechanism coupled to said chamber for heating said expansible material and causing volumetric expansion thereof; a piston slidably coupled to said chamber and adapted to extend in response to said volumetric expansion; and an uplock release mechanism releasably engaged by said piston when extended such that said engaged uplock release mechanism causes the release of said landing gear.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes a plurality of ports and a proximity detection circuit to detect the presence of a connector relative to at least one port of the plurality of ports, prior to engagement of the connector with the port. Alternatives include a position sensor to determine the general distance of the connector from the port, and an orientation sensor to determine the orientation of the connector relative to the port. The system further includes a signal generator to provide at least one user-detectable signal representative of one or more of the proximity, position and orientation of the connector relative to the port to assist a user in engaging the connector with the port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for managing a plurality of devices in a federated network and a sub-network within the federated network. The devices in the sub-network may have a functional capability of performing a function associated with the federated network. For example, the federated network may include devices for providing data content such as media content and the sub-network may include devices for controlling the presentation of the data content. In addition, a constellation of devices is provided that may share data content such as media data. At least some of the devices in the constellation may form a sub-network.

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: The present invention includes methods and technologies for defining and administering device manners policy (“DMP”), propagating DMP, reception and recognition of, and compliance with DMP. Such policy may be used to communicate to various mobile and other devices the “manners” with which compliance is expected or required. Similar to some of the social manners honored among people, such as with “no smoking” or “employees only” zones, “no swimming” or “no flash photography” areas, and scenarios for “please wash your hands” or “no talking out loud”, devices may recognize and comply with analogous “device manners” policy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for managing a plurality of devices in a federated network and a sub-network within the federated network. The devices in the sub-network may have a functional capability of performing a function associated with the federated network. For example, the federated network may include devices for providing data content such as media content and the sub-network may include devices for controlling the presentation of the data content. In addition, a constellation of devices is provided that may share data content such as media data. At least some of the devices in the constellation may form a sub-network.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for management of medical data from a network of devices. The network of devices may include federated sensors that collect and forward medical data pertaining to an individual or biological specimen. The federated sensors or a central or remote device may further process the medical data and assign a priority value to the medical data. Processing can also include the analysis of the data for sensor error, local fusion of multiple sensors into higher-level interpretations, and the summarization or abstraction of the data into information that people are more comfortable with sharing than they might be with transmittal of the base data. The medical data may be transported to a healthcare provider or other endpoints based on the priority value and the authorization of recipient.

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: A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) actuator having electrically conductive coils that create first magnetic fields that are opposed by a second magnetic field is disclosed. The actuator includes two coils having dual, interspersed Archimedean spirals. Within an actuator, one coil is arranged with spirals that proceed clockwise, while the other coil is provided with spirals that proceed counterclockwise. An electrically conductive bridge mechanically couples the two coils of each actuator to a mirror. Opposing magnetic fields are created to provide a force that urges the coils to expand so that the outermost portions of the coil extend upward, away from the substrate, and lift the bridge and mirror. Control current may then be modulated to increase and decrease the coil's magnetic field strength thereby increasing and decreasing the coil's extension to raise and lower relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A mobile server is wirelessly communicable with at least one remote input/output (I/O) device to form a wireless personal-area network (PAN). The mobile server has at least one application program interface (API) allowing an application of arbitrary implementation on the mobile server to recognize and control at least one service implemented by the remote I/O device.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical device includes a semiconductor substrate and an arm coupled to the substrate. The arm is pivotable out-of-plane relative to the substrate and at least a portion of the arm is deformable. The deformable portion of the arm deforms as the arm pivots relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A mobile server is wirelessly communicable with at least one remote input/output (I/O) device to form a wireless personal-area network (PAN). The mobile server has at least one application program interface (API) allowing an application of arbitrary implementation on the mobile server to recognize and control at least one service implemented by the remote I/O device.

Abstract: Infrastructure for a multi-modal multilingual communications device (MMCD) is presented. A communications component is provided that includes wireless and wired IP networks (e.g, LANs, MANs, and WANs, . . . ), as well as cellular and/or wired telecommunications networks for cellular communications. A management component can include software and hardware entities that facilitate the activation, authentication, accounting, updating of the MMCD systems, and synchronization to other entities. Additionally, the management component can facilitate the dissemination of applications, third-party services, and subscription information. An access component (e.g., a web server and interface) facilitates access to one or more of these entities such that administrators and/or users can access aspects of setup, configuration, subscriptions, updates, etc.

Abstract: A system that facilitates managing resources (e.g., functionality, services) based at least in part upon an established context. More particularly, a context determination component can be employed to establish a context by processing sensor inputs or learning/inferring a user action/preference. Once the context is established via context determination component, a power/mode management component can be employed to activate and/or mask resources in accordance with the established context. The power and mode management of the device can extend life of a power source (e.g., battery) and mask functionality in accordance with a user and/or device state.

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 mobile device includes an air conduction microphone and an alternative sensor that provides an alternative sensor signal indicative of speech. A communication interface permits the mobile device to communicate directly with other mobile devices.

Abstract: An open architecture, wireless personal area network for receiving, storing, processing, displaying and communicating physiological data. The wireless personal area network may include a personal server, such as a cellular phone, and a plurality of sensors to monitor physiological signs, the user's motion, the user's orientation, and environmental factors. The sensors wirelessly provide data to the personal server, which may store, process, display, and communicate the data. An open architecture allows additional sensors to join the network without rendering the personal server irrelevant.

Abstract: Multi-modal, multi-lingual devices can be employed to consolidate numerous items including, but not limited to, keys, remote controls, image capture devices, audio recorders, cellular telephone functionalities, location/direction detectors, health monitors, calendars, gaming devices, smart home inputs, pens, optical pointing devices or the like. For example, a corner of a cellular telephone can be used as an electronic pen. Moreover, the device can be used to snap multiple pictures stitching them together to create a panoramic image. A device can automate ignition of an automobile, initiate appliances, etc. based upon relative distance. The device can provide for near to eye capabilities for enhanced image viewing. Multiple cameras/sensors can be provided on a single device to provide for stereoscopic capabilities. The device can also provide assistance to blind, privacy, etc. by consolidating services.