Abstract: A method includes accessing a total data allocation and data allocation information associated with each of a plurality of members of a shared data plan and rendering a shared data splitting interface. The shared data splitting interface includes a radial distribution component and differentiated visual segments of the radial distribution component. The method includes receiving a change in the data allocation information for a particular one of the plurality of members of the shared data plan, and adjusting a size of a particular differentiated visual segment for the particular one of the plurality of members of the shared data plan based on the change. The method also includes adjusting the relative sizes of others of differentiated visual segments based on the change in the data allocation information for the particular one of the plurality of members of the shared data plan.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for directional messaging among mobile devices. An input is received from a first mobile device, identifying a directional range for sending a message to a second mobile device within the directional range. The second mobile device located in the directional range identified in the input is identified. A location indicator showing the location of the second mobile device within the identified directional range is sent to the first mobile device. A message to be sent to the second mobile device is received from the first mobile device. In response to receiving the message, the message is sent to the second mobile device.

Abstract: A battery-powered device may receive document data that includes information associated with a document. The device may determine a battery level and may determine whether the battery level satisfies a threshold value. If the battery level satisfies the threshold value, the device may present the document for display. If the battery level does not satisfy the threshold value, the device may present a battery-saving version of the document for display. The battery-saving version may omit and/or modify one or more elements included in the document.

Abstract: A method includes accessing a total data allocation and data allocation information associated with each of a plurality of members of a shared data plan and rendering a shared data splitting interface. The shared data splitting interface includes a radial distribution component and differentiated visual segments of the radial distribution component. The method includes receiving a change in the data allocation information for a particular one of the plurality of members of the shared data plan, and adjusting a size of a particular differentiated visual segment for the particular one of the plurality of members of the shared data plan based on the change. The method also includes adjusting the relative sizes of others of differentiated visual segments based on the change in the data allocation information for the particular one of the plurality of members of the shared data plan.

Abstract: A battery-powered device may receive document data that includes information associated with a document. The device may determine a battery level and may determine whether the battery level satisfies a threshold value. If the battery level satisfies the threshold value, the device may present the document for display. If the battery level does not satisfy the threshold value, the device may present a battery-saving version of the document for display. The battery-saving version may omit and/or modify one or more elements included in the document.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for directional messaging among mobile devices. An input is received from a first mobile device, identifying a directional range for sending a message to a second mobile device within the directional range. The second mobile device located in the directional range identified in the input is identified. A location indicator showing the location of the second mobile device within the identified directional range is sent to the first mobile device. A message to be sent to the second mobile device is received from the first mobile device. In response to receiving the message, the message is sent to the second mobile device.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for managing an e-reader interface are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes an e-reader interface management system directing an e-reader device to display a plurality of graphical objects representative of a plurality of segments of an e-publication, detecting a user interaction with a graphical object within the plurality of graphical objects and representative of a segment within the plurality of segments, and directing the e-reader device to remove at least one other graphical object within the graphical objects from the display of the graphical objects, wherein the at least one other graphical object is representative of at least one other segment within the plurality of segments that is unrelated to the segment. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for managing an e-reader interface are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes an e-reader interface management system directing an e-reader device to display a plurality of graphical objects representative of a plurality of segments of an e-publication and arranged in a plurality of overlapping rows, detecting that a user has accessed a particular segment within the plurality of segments and represented by a particular graphical object within the plurality of graphical objects, and dynamically altering at least one display attribute associated with the particular graphical object to indicate that the particular segment has been accessed by the user. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes establishing, by a mobile phone device, a wireless local area network communication channel between the mobile phone device and a set-top box device, providing, by the mobile phone device, a graphical user interface for display on a display screen of the mobile phone device, the graphical user interface configured to facilitate inputting of one or more control commands by a user of the mobile phone device, and controlling, by the mobile phone device, at least one operation of the set-top box device via the wireless local area network communication channel in accordance with the one or more control commands. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling a set-top box based on a device event. A set-top box detects a wireless device. A communication channel is established with the wireless device configured to initiate a voice call. A command message is received, by the set-top box, over the communication channel. The command corresponds to a device event experienced by the wireless device.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for managing an e-reader interface are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes an e-reader interface management system directing an e-reader device to display a plurality of graphical objects representative of a plurality of segments of an e-publication and arranged in a plurality of overlapping rows, detecting that a user has accessed a particular segment within the plurality of segments and represented by a particular graphical object within the plurality of graphical objects, and dynamically altering at least one display attribute associated with the particular graphical object to indicate that the particular segment has been accessed by the user. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for managing an e-reader interface are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes an e-reader interface management system directing an e-reader device to display a plurality of graphical objects representative of a plurality of segments of an e-publication, detecting a user interaction with a graphical object within the plurality of graphical objects and representative of a segment within the plurality of segments, and directing the e-reader device to remove at least one other graphical object within the graphical objects from the display of the graphical objects, wherein the at least one other graphical object is representative of at least one other segment within the plurality of segments that is unrelated to the segment. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling a set-top box based on a device event. A set-top box detects a wireless device. A communication channel is established with the wireless device configured to initiate a voice call. A command message is received, by the set-top box, over the communication channel. The command corresponds to a device event experienced by the wireless device.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes establishing, by a mobile phone device, a wireless local area network communication channel between the mobile phone device and a set-top box device, providing, by the mobile phone device, a graphical user interface for display on a display screen of the mobile phone device, the graphical user interface configured to facilitate inputting of one or more control commands by a user of the mobile phone device, and controlling, by the mobile phone device, at least one operation of the set-top box device via the wireless local area network communication channel in accordance with the one or more control commands. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: A two-part cleanable keyboard includes an upper keyboard portion with a plurality of keys. A lower support portion includes an impermeable moisture barrier. The two portions easily snap-fit together to make a quick assembly for computer use. The portions also detach easily so the upper portion may be cleaned or sterilized after a first user, while a spare or additional upper portion is snap-fit onto the lower portion for use by a second user. The keyboard provides tactile feedback to the user in the form of a full-travel feel when each key is pressed and released. The lower portion may be cleaned or disinfected when the upper portion is changed. By restricting use of the keyboard itself to a single user or to a minimal number of users, the risks of passing on organisms that cause infections in a hospital or other care institution is kept to a minimum.

Abstract: A current collector comprises one or more Fibre Bragg Grating sensors mounted on or in the current collector. Such collector can be used in a system in which:—i) detector means in the collector indicates a current collector condition and/or damage signal at a predetermined level likely to cause damage to the overhead conductor; ii) locating means operatively connected to said detector means generate a signal indicating the location of the pantograph on the overhead conductor at which the current collector damage signal was generated. Such a system can monitor not only impact forces on the collector, but also contact force and collector temperature.

Abstract: An angular position sensor employs a pair of magnets that are disposed on a rotating cylinder at opposite ends of a diameter of the cylinder. A hall-effect flux sensor is fixed within the cylinder and offset from a line of geometric symmetry between the magnets. The offset sensor detects a linear change in flux of the magnets as the magnets rotate with the cylinder over a predetermined angular distance and thereby determines the angular position of the cylinder. The offset of the sensor is adjusted to reduce the sensing error.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor pad includes a foam plastic pad and heavy aluminum foil plates located to the opposite side thereof. The plates are adhesively bonded to the inner surfaces of an outer cover. The capacitor of the pad is connected in circuit with an oscillator and produces a frequency-related output. A ripple counter establishes a frequency-related output proportional to the capacitance. A microprocessor reads the counter output and a plurality of samples are averaged to establish a reference base and the true weight affect of the patient on the sensing pad. Other factors which might effect the signal are readily attended to by programmed compensation. Each subsequent sample is averaged and compared with the reference base. If within a permitted range, the latest and current signal is averaged with the reference base and establishes a new base, and continuously tracks changes in the sensing system.