Abstract: A videophone apparatus and a method for automatically adjusting a videophone visual indicator are provided. The videophone includes a camera unit with an imager. Data from the imager and imager data processed by an image signal processor may be converted into a value that can be compared to a scale correlating to a brightness condition of an area in which the imager is located, allowing the brightness condition to be determined. The visual indicators of the videophone can be set to illuminate based upon the determined brightness condition. Thus, the brightness condition of a room can be determined using components already found on the videophone, without the need for additional sensors, hardware or software that increase the cost and complexity of the videophone.

Abstract: A videophone apparatus and a method for automatically adjusting a videophone visual indicator are provided. The videophone includes a camera unit with an imager. Data from the imager and imager data processed by an image signal processor may be converted into a value that can be compared to a scale correlating to a brightness condition of an area in which the imager is located, allowing the brightness condition to be determined. The visual indicators of the videophone can be set to illuminate based upon the determined brightness condition. Thus, the brightness condition of a room can be determined using components already found on the videophone, without the need for additional sensors, hardware or software that increase the cost and complexity of the videophone.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a protective cover configured to attach to a wireless device having an exterior surface. The surface includes a first portion and a second portion mutually exclusive from the first portion. The second portion of the surface is associated with at least a portion of an antenna of the wireless device that performs proximity sensing for the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to cover the first portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to not cover the second portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. As a result, the proximity sensing and/or the power transmitted by the antenna are not affected by the protective cover when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device and when the wireless device is operational.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a protective cover configured to attach to a wireless device having an exterior surface. The surface includes a first portion and a second portion mutually exclusive from the first portion. The second portion of the surface is associated with at least a portion of an antenna of the wireless device that performs proximity sensing for the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to cover the first portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to not cover the second portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. As a result, the proximity sensing and/or the power transmitted by the antenna are not affected by the protective cover when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device and when the wireless device is operational.

Abstract: Visual assistance systems and related methods are disclosed. A visual assistance system includes a visual assistance service configured to receive and display images from a user device on an electronic display for a live assistant. The visual assistance service is also configured to transmit assistant audio from the live assistant conveying information derived by the live assistant's review of the images. A visual assistance system comprises a user device configured to capture and transmit the images to the visual assistance service. The user device is also configured to receive the assistant audio from the visual assistance service, and reproduce the assistant audio to a user of the user device. The user is registered with the visual assistance service as having at least a minimum level of visual disability. A method of operating the visual assistance system includes receiving the images from, and transmitting the assistant audio to the user device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a protective cover configured to attach to a wireless device having an exterior surface. The surface includes a first portion and a second portion mutually exclusive from the first portion. The second portion of the surface is associated with at least a portion of an antenna of the wireless device that performs proximity sensing for the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to cover the first portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to not cover the second portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. As a result, the proximity sensing and/or the power transmitted by the antenna are not affected by the protective cover when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device and when the wireless device is operational.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for notifying a group of communication devices about a missed call are disclosed. Each communication device is associated with a group identifier that is shared with all the communication devices in a group. Each communication device is also associated with an individual identifier that is unique to that communication device. An unanswered communication to the group identifier is received on all the communication devices in the group. A first communication device transmits to a remote server an acknowledgement notification that the unanswered communication related to the group identifier has been acknowledged by the user. A clear indicator indicating that the unanswered communication has been acknowledged is transmitted from the remote server to all the devices in the group except the first communication device. Each of the communication devices receiving the clear indicator can then clear its indicator that notifies the user of a missed call.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for operating a plurality of communication devices configured to be associated with a user group. Each communication device of the plurality of communication devices may be configured to communicate with one or more servers both as an individual communication device with an individual unique identifier assigned thereto and as the user group with a group unique identifier assigned thereto.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for using actuated surface-attached posts for assessing biofluid rheology are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for testing properties of a biofluid specimen includes placing the specimen onto a micropost array having a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array to actuate the microposts, thereby compelling at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes measuring the motion of at least one of the microposts in response to the actuation force and determining a property of the specimen based on the measured motion of the at least one micropost.

Abstract: A case for a wireless device includes a number of RF coupling elements mounted in the case and configured such that RF radiation is coupled from an internal antenna of the wireless device out of the device to a first RF coupling element, and from the first RF coupling element to a RF redirector coupling element that redirects the RF radiation in a direction outward from said wireless device that is opposite to a user side of the wireless device. A corrugated metallic shield is optionally provided on an opposite side of the case, facing a user of the device.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a server configured to associate a plurality of communication devices with each other in a user group. Each communication device of the plurality of communication devices is associated with a group-wide individual unique identifier that is unique as to other members of the same group; a network-wide individual unique identifier that is unique as to other communication devices of the network; and a group unique identifier that is shared with the plurality of communication devices of the user group. A method comprises receiving a call request including a group-wide individual unique identifier, and sending an outgoing call to the individual communication device. The group-wide individual unique identifier is unique to an individual communication device within a user group of communication devices that is smaller than a number of communication devices configured for communication on a network.

Abstract: A case for a wireless device includes a number of RF coupling elements mounted in the case and configured such that RF radiation is coupled from an internal antenna of the wireless device out of the device to a first RF coupling element, and from the first RF coupling element to a RF redirector coupling element that redirects the RF radiation in a direction outward from said wireless device that is opposite to a user side of the wireless device. A corrugated metallic shield is optionally provided on an opposite side of the case, facing a user of the device.

Abstract: Visual assistance systems and related methods are disclosed. A visual assistance system includes a visual assistance service configured to receive and display images from a user device on an electronic display for a live assistant. The visual assistance service is also configured to transmit assistant audio from the live assistant conveying information derived by the live assistant's review of the images. A visual assistance system comprises a user device configured to capture and transmit the images to the visual assistance service. The user device is also configured to receive the assistant audio from the visual assistance service, and reproduce the assistant audio to a user of the user device. The user is registered with the visual assistance service as having at least a minimum level of visual disability. A method of operating the visual assistance system includes receiving the images from, and transmitting the assistant audio to the user device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for using actuated surface-attached posts for assessing biofluid rheology are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for testing properties of a biofluid specimen includes placing the specimen onto a micropost array having a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array to actuate the microposts, thereby compelling at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes measuring the motion of at least one of the microposts in response to the actuation force and determining a property of the specimen based on the measured motion of the at least one micropost.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a protective cover configured to attach to a wireless device having a surface including a first portion and a second portion mutually exclusive from the first portion. The second portion of the surface is associated with a proximity sensor of the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to cover the first portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to not cover the second portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device such that the proximity sensor is not triggered by the protective cover when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device and when the wireless device is operational.

Abstract: Visual assistance systems and related methods are disclosed. A visual assistance system includes a visual assistance service configured to receive and display images from a user device on an electronic display for a live assistant. The visual assistance service is also configured to transmit assistant audio from the live assistant conveying information derived by the live assistant's review of the images. A visual assistance system comprises a user device configured to capture and transmit the images to the visual assistance service. The user device is also configured to receive the assistant audio from the visual assistance service, and reproduce the assistant audio to a user of the user device. The user is registered with the visual assistance service as having at least a minimum level of visual disability. A method of operating the visual assistance system includes receiving the images from, and transmitting the assistant audio to the user device.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for operating a plurality of communication devices configured to be associated with a user group. Each communication device of the plurality of communication devices may be configured to communicate with one or more servers both as an individual communication device with an individual unique identifier assigned thereto and as the user group with a group unique identifier assigned thereto.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for notifying a group of communication devices about a missed call are disclosed. Each communication device is associated with a group identifier that is shared with all the communication devices in a group. Each communication device is also associated with an individual identifier that is unique to that communication device. An unanswered communication to the group identifier is received on all the communication devices in the group. A first communication device transmits to a remote server an acknowledgement notification that the unanswered communication related to the group identifier has been acknowledged by the user. A clear indicator indicating that the unanswered communication has been acknowledged is transmitted from the remote server to all the devices in the group except the first communication device. Each of the communication devices receiving the clear indicator can then clear its indicator that notifies the user of a missed call.

Abstract: An antenna or set of antennae for a wireless device is provided by embedding the antennae into the battery case or generally the surface area of a wireless phone. The antenna connections are through the battery's connections to the wireless device. The antenna can be located at the back surface of the battery or the rear surface of a wireless phone, facing away from the user. An RF shielding device can be embedded into the battery and configured in relation to the antenna such that the RF field intensity and the consequent specific absorption rate for the user is lowered while the outgoing signals of the wireless device remain fully adequate for the function of the wireless device. This feature is preserved for a multi-band operation because a digital phase shifter is used between two radiating antennae. An external case is used as a complement to the wireless phone.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a protective cover configured to attach to a wireless device having a surface including a first portion and a second portion mutually exclusive from the first portion. The second portion of the surface is associated with a proximity sensor of the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to cover the first portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to not cover the second portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device such that the proximity sensor is not triggered by the protective cover when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device and when the wireless device is operational.