Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., a first device) for secure execution of software is provided. The apparatus includes a housing arranged to hold a second device. The apparatus includes a memory configured to store a set of instructions of an application, a local communications device, and a processor. The apparatus is configured to execute the application and transmit a first set of data via the local communication device to be processed by the second device. The apparatus may receive, input data from the second device, interpret the input data using the set of instructions of the application, and transmit a second set of data via the local communication device to be processed by the second device, the second set of data may reflect an updated active state of the application.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus performing a method including: receiving, by a decision unit coupled to a plurality of sensors at least partially supported by a housing which holds a personal communication device, trait data of a user of the personal communication device and determining whether or not a first authentication score generated based on a first set of trait data and a first set of weights assigned to the first set of trait data is above a pre-determined threshold. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a challenge to the user based on a determination that the first authentication score is below the pre-determined threshold, and gating electronic access to the personal communication device based on whether or not a second authentication score generated based on a second set of trait data and the first set of weights is above the pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A method includes generating, by a noise generator of an apparatus, a noise signal stream. The method includes outputting, via an audio output device of the apparatus, the noise signal stream towards an audio input device of a personal communication device. The noise signal stream travels from the audio output device towards the audio input device via an audio-sealing pathway. The method includes receiving a recorded representation of the noise signal stream from the personal communication device. The recorded representation of the noise signal stream is a function of a transformation of the noise signal stream, by the audio-sealing pathway, and characterizes an audio transfer function of the audio-sealing pathway. The method includes determining, by the controller of the apparatus, whether or not the audio-sealing pathway satisfies an operational criterion based on the recorded representation of the noise signal stream and a reference transfer function associated with the audio-sealing pathway.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection includes a housing arranged to hold a second device, a local communication device at least partially supported by the housing, and a controller, where the apparatus is associated with a radio frequency (RF) power detector. The RF power detector monitors energy emitted from one or more antennas of the second device in response to determining that the second device indicates that the second device has transitioned from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation. The apparatus further establishes a communication channel between the apparatus and the second device, and obtains, through the communication channel, a communication status of the second device. The apparatus can then report compromise of the second device upon determining that a discrepancy between the communication status and the energy emission.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method including, receiving, from one or more of a plurality of devices, one or more notifications indicating that one or more audio sound patterns have been detected. The method includes determining whether a same audio sound pattern is detected by two or more of the devices. The method further includes transmitting a notification to each device associated with the same audio sound pattern. The method further includes determining a location of the same audio sound pattern based on one or more criteria and transmitting a notification to each device associated with each of the same audio sound patterns. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria is a time, a duration, a frequency, an amplitude, a speed, or a direction of the audio sound pattern, and an aggregation of information from two or more of the devices.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection is provided. The apparatus includes a housing arranged to hold a personal communication device and a peripheral interface supported by the housing, where the peripheral interface is connectable to a supplemental functional device. The apparatus further includes a local communication device coupled to the peripheral interface and supported by the housing, where the local communication device includes a personal communication device interface modem operable to provide a communication channel between the peripheral interface and the personal communication device. The apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the peripheral interface and the local communication device, where the controller is operable to manage the communication channel between the supplemental functional device and the personal communication device.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection is provided. The apparatus includes an audio output device arranged to output sound directed to an audio input device of a second device. The apparatus further includes an audio coupling interface arranged to provide a cavity for the audio output device and the audio input device of the second device. The apparatus also includes a spectral shaper, coupled to the audio output device, operable to apply a spectral envelope to an audio signal in order to produce a shaped audio signal, wherein the shaped audio signal is selectively coupled to the audio output device.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection includes a housing arranged to hold a second device, a local communication device at least partially supported by the housing, and a controller, where the apparatus is associated with a radio frequency (RF) power detector. The RF power detector monitors energy emitted from one or more antennas of the second device in response to determining that the second device indicates that the second device has transitioned from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation. The apparatus further establishes a communication channel between the apparatus and the second device, and obtains, through the communication channel, a communication status of the second device. The apparatus can then report compromise of the second device upon determining that a discrepancy between the communication status and the energy emission.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus that controls sensor paths for privacy protection is provided. The apparatus includes a housing arranged to hold a second device. The apparatus obtains first sensor data that includes a biometric marker associated with a user. The apparatus controls sensor paths by obtaining the first sensor data using sensors on the second device, on the apparatus, and/or on a supplemental functional device. The apparatus further generates second sensor data by masking the biometric marker associated with the user in the first sensor data. The apparatus additionally controls the sensor paths by providing the second sensor data from the first apparatus to the second device.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first device including a receiver configured to receive audio signals, a memory configured to store one or more criteria, and a processor configured to process the received audio signals based on the stored criteria in the memory. The apparatus further includes a second device in communication with the first device, wherein the first device, upon detecting one or more audio sound patterns, is configured to send a notification to the second device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method including, receiving, from one or more of a plurality of devices, one or more notifications indicating that one or more audio sound patterns have been detected. The method includes determining whether a same audio sound pattern is detected by two or more of the devices. The method further includes transmitting a notification to each device associated with the same audio sound pattern. The method further includes determining a location of the same audio sound pattern based on one or more criteria and transmitting a notification to each device associated with each of the same audio sound patterns. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria is a time, a duration, a frequency, an amplitude, a speed, or a direction of the audio sound pattern, and an aggregation of information from two or more of the devices.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a first apparatus that provides protocol isolation includes a controller, one or more re-configurable data communication devices operable to provide alternative transport of data for a native data communication device on a second apparatus to an external device, and one or more data converters coupled to the one or more re-configurable data communication devices. The protocol isolation method performed by the first apparatus includes establishing a local communication channel with the second apparatus. The method further includes exchanging the data via the local communication channel with the second apparatus according to a first protocol. The method also includes converting the data to a second protocol different from the first protocol.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus that controls device re-configuration for security is provided. The apparatus includes a storage storing a first firmware image for a re-configurable data communication device. In some embodiments, the first firmware image provides one or more operating parameter configurations for the re-configurable data communication device. The apparatus also includes a controller, which is coupled to the storage and the re-configurable data communication device and operable to manage transport of data by the re-configurable data communication device, including obtaining the first firmware image from the storage and loading the first firmware image to the re-configurable data communication device. The apparatus additionally includes a housing at least partially supporting the storage and the controller.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a training method for biometric identity and authentication is provided. The method includes obtaining biometric data from a plurality of sources. The method further includes extracting a plurality of feature vectors from the biometric data. The method also includes determining a plurality of identifiability scores correspondingly associated with the plurality of feature vectors, where each of the plurality of identifiability scores provides a quantitative characterization of a relative uniqueness of a corresponding one of the plurality of feature vectors.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection is provided. The apparatus includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion arranged to receive and enclose one or more personal communication devices. The apparatus further includes at least one sound attenuation layer disposed in the second housing portion, the at least one sound attenuation layer absorbs sound. The apparatus also includes a noise generator to provide one or more noise signal streams and audio output device(s), which are at least partially supported by the first housing portion and coupled to the noise generator to receive the one or more noise signal streams. The audio output device(s) are operable to output noise signal based on the one or more noise signal streams and direct the noise signal at the one or more personal communication devices placed adjacent the at least one sound attenuation layer.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection is provided. The apparatus includes a housing arranged to hold a second device and sensor(s), where the sensor(s) are operable to obtain a tactile input. The apparatus also includes a communication interface operable to communicate with the second device. Additionally, the apparatus includes a controller operable to direct the second device, through the communication interface, to generate a distress response in response to receiving the tactile input. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes remote communication device(s) to communicate with a remote source. In such embodiments, the controller is coupled to the remote communication device(s), where the controller receives the geo-fencing information through the one or more communication devices, compares the information with movement and location information of the apparatus, and determines whether to direct the second device to enter a distress mode based on the comparison.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection is provided. The apparatus includes an audio output device arranged to output sound directed to an audio input device of a second device. The apparatus further includes an audio coupling interface arranged to provide a cavity for the audio output device and the audio input device of the second device. The apparatus also includes a spectral shaper, coupled to the audio output device, operable to apply a spectral envelope to an audio signal in order to produce a shaped audio signal, wherein the shaped audio signal is selectively coupled to the audio output device.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection is provided. The apparatus includes an audio output device arranged to output sound directed to an audio input device of a second device. The apparatus further includes an audio coupling interface arranged to provide a cavity for the audio output device and the audio input device of the second device. The apparatus also includes a spectral shaper, coupled to the audio output device, operable to apply a spectral envelope to an audio signal in order to produce a shaped audio signal, wherein the shaped audio signal is selectively coupled to the audio output device.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus that seals the audio path of an enclosed device is provided. The apparatus includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, when mated, are arranged to enclose a device, where a surface of the second housing portion is arranged to impart pressure on the device toward the first housing portion. The apparatus further includes a first supporting portion disposed along one side of the first housing portion and arranged to support the device. The apparatus also includes a first liner disposed in the first housing portion and arranged to form a first cavity, where the first cavity is adjacent to the first supporting portion. The apparatus further includes a noise generator operable to provide noise signal stream and a first audio output device coupled to the noise generator operable to output first masking signals to the first cavity.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus for privacy protection is provided. The apparatus includes a housing arranged to hold a second device and sensor(s), where the sensor(s) are operable to obtain a tactile input. The apparatus also includes a communication interface operable to communicate with the second device. Additionally, the apparatus includes a controller operable to direct the second device, through the communication interface, to generate a distress response in response to receiving the tactile input. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes remote communication device(s) to communicate with a remote source. In such embodiments, the controller is coupled to the remote communication device(s), where the controller receives the geo-fencing information through the one or more communication devices, compares the information with movement and location information of the apparatus, and determines whether to direct the second device to enter a distress mode based on the comparison.