Abstract: One embodiment includes a network apparatus at a store for allowing digital amenities to be accessed at the store by a mobile device of a user. The network apparatus includes a network interface, a storage module to keep digital amenities and a computing module. The network interface can be designed to couple to the mobile device at the store, and to a computing device outside the store. The network interface can be designed to recognize the mobile device at the store based on a piece of software related to the store in the mobile device. The computing module can be designed to help the mobile device to access a first digital amenity from the storage module in view of the piece of software. Based on the access, a second digital amenity from the computing device can be pre-stored at the storage module.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a portable e-book reading device for reading a paginated e-book, with at least a page including a section including text linked to an illustration. The device can layout the section by keeping the text with the illustration to be displayed in one screen, and maintaining the pagination of the e-book if the page is displayed in more than one screen. Another embodiment includes a paginated e-book with a text sub file with texts, an illustration sub file with illustrations, and a logic sub file with rules on displaying the e-book. Either the text or the illustration sub file includes position information linking at least an illustration to a corresponding piece of text. Yet another embodiment includes an e-book with a logic sub file that can analyze an attribute of, and provide a response to, a reader.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for lossless compression of color data. Color data for a packet including multiple sub-pixel samples is compressed using a predictor map that is selected based on the sampling format specified for the graphics surface storing the color data. The predictor map defines one of the samples as an anchor that is represented exactly and a transform indicating which neighboring samples are used to compute difference samples for the other samples in the packet. The difference samples are truncated and tested to determine if the difference samples can fit into one or more compressed data formats, i.e., if the color data can be compressed without loss. When compression can be performed without loss, the transformed packet is output. Otherwise, the original packet is output.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a computer-implemented method using a window environment of a display, with a detached sensor, to teach a user. Another embodiment includes a computer system helping teach a user using a detached imaging sensor. In yet another embodiment, a computer-aided-educational system considers a user's concentration level when teaching the user. The system monitors automatically more than once a user's concentration-sensitive behavior while the user is working on study materials. Through monitoring the user's volitional or involuntary behavior, the system provides an indication on the user's concentration level. Based on the indication, the system could react such as by providing rewards, punishments, and stimulation; or changing the study materials. The system can also react by asking the user a question to stimulate the user or to assess the user's understanding. Based on the user's response, the system may change to more appropriate study materials, or different presentation styles.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a computer-implemented method using a window environment of a display, with a detached sensor, to teach a user. Another embodiment includes a computer system helping teach a user using a detached imaging sensor. In yet another embodiment, a computer-aided-educational system considers a user's concentration level when teaching the user. The system monitors automatically more than once a user's concentration-sensitive behavior while the user is working on study materials. Through monitoring the user's volitional or involuntary behavior, the system provides an indication on the user's concentration level. Based on the indication, the system could react such as by providing rewards, punishments, and stimulation; or changing the study materials. The system can also react by asking the user a question to stimulate the user or to assess the user's understanding. Based on the user's response, the system may change to more appropriate study materials, or different presentation styles.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide data from multiple storage locations to a processor. A data block containing data required by a processor is stored in two or more locations, e.g., in a local memory and a system memory, both of which are accessible to the processor's memory interface. The memory interface directs each read request for mirrored data to one or another of the mirror locations. Selection of a mirror location to be read is based on substantially real-time information about which mirror location is best able to handle the request. For instance, the selection of a mirror location to access can be based at least in part on information about the level of activity on various buses that connect the processor to the mirror locations.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for lossless compression of color data. Color data for a packet including multiple sub-pixel samples is compressed using a predictor map that is selected based on the sampling format specified for the graphics surface storing the color data. The predictor map defines one of the samples as an anchor that is represented exactly and a transform indicating which neighboring samples are used to compute difference samples for the other samples in the packet. The difference samples are truncated and tested to determine if the difference samples can fit into one or more compressed data formats, i.e., if the color data can be compressed without loss. When compression can be performed without loss, the transformed packet is output. Otherwise, the original packet is output.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to analyze and present location information in an easy-to-digest manner are disclosed. In one embodiment, each piece of location information can include a piece of location-designating information and a piece of location-related information. Location-designating information is primarily for identifying location. Location-related information is information related to location-designating information. The location-designating information and the location-related information can be supplied by a mobile device. With the help of location-related information, each piece of location-designating information can be more accurately transformed into a label to help identify a location. The amount of location information can be reduced. All of the location-designating information pertaining to a given area can be consolidated into one piece of location-designating information related to the label.

Abstract: A wireless communication system based on a directional speaker is disclosed. The system can include an interface unit and a base unit. The audio signals from the speaker can be generated by transforming ultrasonic signals in air. This allows the production of directional audio signals even when the aperture of the speaker has dimensions in the order of a few centimeters. The audio signals from the speaker can be heard hands-free. Further, privacy protection is enhanced. In one embodiment, the interface unit can be attached or integrated to a piece of clothing at the shoulder of the user, with the audio signals from the speaker directed towards one of the user's ears. The wireless communication system can be applied to a number of different areas, including a communication device, such as a cell phone; a hearing aid; an entertainment system; and a computation system, such as a personal digital assistant or a computer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, eyewear having an activity monitoring capability is disclosed. Activity, such as motion, steps or distance, can be measured by an activity detector. The measured activity can then be used in providing activity-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their degree of activity.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a hat that has an electronic module with a radiation sensor. The module is at the brim of the hat. The module further includes a display. When the hat is normally worn, the sensor faces towards the sky to measure radiation, and the display faces towards the wearer. Also, when the wearer looks up at the brim, the wearer can see the output from the display. In another embodiment the module includes a speaker instead of or in addition to a display as the output device. Yet another embodiment includes a hat that has a crown, and an electronic module with a radiation sensor at the crown.

Abstract: A pair of glasses with a heart-rate monitor according to one embodiment. The heart-rate monitor is configured to measure the heart rate of the user of the glasses. The heart-rate monitor can include a sensor with a radiation transmitter and a radiation receiver. The radiation could be infrared radiation. In one approach, the receiver measures signals transmitted by the transmitter through a body part of the user to measure the user's heart rate. The sensor could be incorporated in a clip to clip onto the body part of the user, such as the ear lobe of the user. In another approach, the receiver measures signals transmitted by the transmitter and reflected by a body part of the user to measure the user's heart rate.

Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere.

Abstract: A hydration sensor or sensing element configured to measure the hydration level of a user is disclosed. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.

Abstract: A computer-aided learning method and apparatus for a learning user to learn materials inexpensively. Not only does the apparatus provide the user the freedom as to where and when to learn, and the guidance as to what to learn, the apparatus also reduces a significant hurdle to learning—Tuition. The apparatus retrieves a user identifier entered by the user, and determines whether the user is a learning user or an institute user. If the user is a learning user, the apparatus allows the user to access information regarding learning materials. If the user is an institute user, the apparatus permits the user to access information regarding at least one learning user. The institute user might be interested to use the apparatus to recruit employees to fill job openings. A learning user pays significantly less than an institute user to access information, so as to encourage the learning user to work on learning materials. The apparatus can also track and update information regarding the users.

Abstract: One embodiment pertains to a pair of glasses with a camera. For example, the camera can be partially or fully embedded in the glasses. In another embodiment, the camera can be removably attached to the glasses, such as removably attached to a temple of the glasses. The glasses can also include one or more various other electrical components. These other electrical components can work separately or in conjunction with the camera.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable container for a user including a container housing and a speaker attached to a portion of the housing. The area in the interior of the container at least adjacent to the speaker includes a compressible material. The housing is configured to carry a consumable substance. In one embodiment, the container further includes a memory device that is configured to store information that is related to the substance, and/or that is specific to the user. The speaker can output a message based on the information under a predetermined condition. Further, the speaker has a first surface and a second surface, with one of the surfaces directing at the interior of the container housing. Then as the speaker vibrates to generate sound waves, at least a portion of the sound waves from that surface of the speaker are directed towards the interior of the container housing, which improves the quality of the sound waves generated by the speaker and received by the user.

Abstract: Improved approaches for users of electronic devices to communicate with one another are disclosed. The electronic devices have audio and/or textual output capabilities. The improved approaches can enable users to communicate in different ways depending on device configuration, user preferences, prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is achieved by short audio or textual messages.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to manage the communication of a user are disclosed. In one embodiment, when a person tries to electronically convey a message to the user, the status of the user, the identity of the person, and the urgency of the message can be identified. The access priority of the person can be determined based on the person's identity. Then, the message can be managed using one or more rules and in view of the status of the user, the access priority of the person and the urgency of the message.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for skin is disclosed. With the moisture sensor, a user can determine that her skin is too dry, and can conveniently apply a skin-care product. In addition, in one embodiment, the sensor can assist in identifying different types of skin-care products to apply. As one example, a skin-care product is a type of lotion. As another example, a skin-care product is a type of shampoo.