Abstract: Implementations generally relate to tracking of user behavioral data in various environments where a user performs various activities. In some implementations, a method includes tracking, using capture devices, user behavior of a user, wherein the capture devices capture the user behavior performed by the user in environments associated with the user. The method further includes identifying target behaviors from the user behavior. The method further includes computing behavior scores for each target behavior of the target behaviors based on predetermined scoring criteria. The method further includes converting the behavior scores into behavior credits based on predetermined credit criteria. The method further includes displaying a summary of the user behavior to the user, wherein the summary comprises information associated with the target behaviors, the behavior scores, and the behavior credits enabling the user to redeem the behavior credits.

Abstract: A method of preventing loss of headphones configured to communicate with a cell phone enables an alarm setting using an app on the cell phone; the app responding by continuously measuring a received magnitude of a wireless signal transmitted between the cell phone and the headphones. If the measured received magnitude is lower than a predetermined threshold value for a first predetermined time, an audible alarm is activated at the headphones. The continuous measurement and the activation of the alarm dependent on the measured received magnitude occur automatically, independent of any user interaction with the app after the alarm setting enablement. Another method addresses a corresponding issue in a similar way to prevent loss of one earbud of a pair.

Abstract: Implementations generally relate to providing a hyper realistic simulated driving experience. In some implementations, a method includes monitoring, at a media unit, user interaction with vehicle controls of a vehicle, wherein the media unit is configured to provide visual feedback to a user. The method further includes generating a simulated driving experience based on the user interaction with the vehicle controls and based on simulated road conditions. The method further includes displaying the visual feedback on the display, wherein the display is configured to be stored in a frunk of the vehicle when the display is in a retracted position, and wherein the display is configured to be positioned in front of a user when the display is in a protracted position. The method further includes controlling motion of the vehicle based on the vehicle control input and the simulated road conditions.

Abstract: Implementations generally relate to providing a hyper realistic simulated driving experience. In some implementations, a method includes receiving vehicle control input from a user of a vehicle, where the vehicle control input is based on user interaction with vehicle controls of the vehicle. The method further includes generating a simulated driving experience based on the vehicle control input and based on simulated road conditions, where the simulated driving experience includes visual feedback and motion feedback. The method further includes displaying the visual feedback on a display associated with a frunk of the vehicle. The method further includes controlling the motion of the vehicle based on the vehicle control input and the simulated road conditions.

Abstract: A method of preventing loss of headphones configured to communicate with a cell phone enables an alarm setting using an app on the cell phone; the app responding by continuously measuring a received magnitude of a wireless signal transmitted between the cell phone and the headphones. If the measured received magnitude is lower than a predetermined threshold value for a first predetermined time, an audible alarm is activated at the headphones. The continuous measurement and the activation of the alarm dependent on the measured received magnitude occur automatically, independent of any user interaction with the app after the alarm setting enablement. Another method addresses a corresponding issue in a similar way to prevent loss of one earbud of a pair.

Abstract: A method of discouraging theft of a set of headphones from a rightful user includes, when first connecting the headphones to a first cell phone, requesting transmission of an ID number for the first cell phone from the first cell phone to the headphones, requesting the rightful user to provide a personal identification number (PIN) for the headphones; and storing the ID number and PIN in the headphones. At any subsequent attempt by a user to connect the headphones to a second cell phone, the second cell phone's ID number is requested and compared with the stored ID number for the first cell phone. If the ID numbers match, full functional connection between the headphones and the second cell phone is allowed, but if they do not, full functional connection is blocked until the user provides the PIN for the set of headphones.

Abstract: A head related transfer function (HRTF), which can be considered as biometric data is used to authenticate a user from whom the HRTF is derived. The HRTF may be used for authentication in combination with other biometric data such as retina scan or fingerprint to render two-factor biometric authentication. The HRTF used for authentication is encrypted for security.

Abstract: An audio network box is provided as a master for a networked speaker system. The audio box can be configured with different combinations of modules to provide functionality as may be desired by an end user. The modules may include a power over Ethernet module, a wireless communication module/access point (AP) module, and an analog speaker module.

Abstract: A personalized HRTF is generated from a generic HRTF by having a person don headphones, then select a generic HRTF model from a list. Test signals emulating sounds from a source at a specific virtual speaker location are played on the headphones, and the person indicates where he thinks the emulated sounds are coming from. Any difference between the virtual speaker location and the “heard” location is used to adjust the parameters (amplitude, phase, and frequency response) of the generic HRTF to render a HRTF personalized to the listening person.

Abstract: A cloud-based HRTF repository system that can be accessed via a public application program interface (API) on the remote repository server to permit individual users of audio-capable client devices to upload and store personalized HRTFs and basic device data in an open format. The cloud server repository includes a computer readable non-volatile memory which further includes a program memory portion comprising an application program interface (API) module configured for receiving HRTF data from a client device, or from a brand manufacturer, and for sending HRTF data to a client device. A brand manufacturer can upload HRTF data to the cloud-based HRTF repository system either directly from their branded companion app in a client device, or optionally via their own cloud server.

Abstract: A personalized room related transfer function (RRTF) for sound bars and speakers within a specific room is generated without the need for photographs of the listener's head or microphones in a headphone apparatus. A smart device aids the listener in creating his own RRTF by enabling the listener to select a general RRTF model based on the specific sound bar setup (e.g., sound bar; sound bar+subwoofer; sound bar+rear speakers+height; etc.) from a set of general RRTFs downloaded locally or from the cloud. A test signal is played from a specific driver of the sound bar, and the listener identifies a location at which he would like the perceived sound to originate. If the driver location signal and desired location are not the same, the app adjusts parameters and replays the test signal until the driver signal and the desired location are the same.

Abstract: A personalized room related transfer function (RRTF) for sound bars and speakers within a specific room is generated without the need for photographs of the listener's head or microphones in a headphone apparatus. A smart device aids the listener in creating his own RRTF by enabling the listener to select a general RRTF model based on the specific sound bar setup (e.g., sound bar; sound bar+subwoofer; sound bar+rear speakers+height; etc.) from a set of general RRTFs downloaded locally or from the cloud. A test signal is played from a specific driver of the sound bar, and the listener identifies a location at which he would like the perceived sound to originate. If the driver location signal and desired location are not the same, the app adjusts parameters and replays the test signal until the driver signal and the desired location are the same.

Abstract: A personalized HRTF is generated from a generic HRTF by having a person don headphones, then select a generic HRTF model from a list. Test signals emulating sounds from a source at a specific virtual speaker location are played on the headphones, and the person indicates where he thinks the emulated sounds are coming from. Any difference between the virtual speaker location and the “heard” location is used to adjust the parameters (amplitude, phase, and frequency response) of the generic HRTF to render a HRTF personalized to the listening person.

Abstract: A head related transfer function (HRTF), which can be considered as biometric data is used to authenticate a user from whom the HRTF is derived. The HRTF may be used for authentication in combination with other biometric data such as retina scan or fingerprint to render two-factor biometric authentication. The HRTF used for authentication is encrypted for security.

Abstract: A cloud-based HRTF repository system that can be accessed via a public application program interface (API) on the remote repository server to permit individual users of audio-capable client devices to upload and store personalized HRTFs and basic device data in an open format. The cloud server repository includes a computer readable non-volatile memory which further includes a program memory portion comprising an application program interface (API) module configured for receiving HRTF data from a client device, or from a brand manufacturer, and for sending HRTF data to a client device. A brand manufacturer can upload HRTF data to the cloud-based HRTF repository system either directly from their branded companion app in a client device, or optionally via their own cloud server.

Abstract: An audio network box is provided as a master for a networked speaker system. The audio box can be configured with different combinations of modules to provide functionality as may be desired by an end user. The modules may include a power over Ethernet module, a wireless communication module/access point (AP) module, and an analog speaker module.

Abstract: Thus, in one embodiment an apparatus includes at least one processor, at least one display controlled by the processor, and at least one wireless transceiver communicating with the processor. The processor is configured to transmit a message accessible to at least one recipient that includes data representing at least one non-alphanumeric who icon representing a person, at least one non-alphanumeric what icon representing an event and/or activity, and at least one non-alphanumeric when icon representing a time associated with the event and/or activity. Furthermore, at least one of the following represented by data included in the message is modifiable based on input from at least one recipient: the at least one who icon, the at least one what icon, and the at least one when icon.

Abstract: A method of scanning television channels at initial setup. The method includes at a first power mode, automatically scanning for channels using a first scanning setup procedure during which the television is unusable by a user. The first power mode is when the television is at a full power mode. The detected channels are automatically provided for use by the television upon completion of the first scanning setup procedure. The method further includes automatically scanning for channels using a second scanning setup procedure at a second power mode following the first power mode. The second power mode is at a lower power mode than the first power mode, and the second scanning setup procedure is more time consuming in comparison to the first scanning setup procedure. Additional channels not detected during the initial setup by the first scanning setup procedure are automatically detected at the second power mode.

Abstract: Thus, in one embodiment an apparatus includes at least one processor, at least one display controlled by the processor, and at least one wireless transceiver communicating with the processor. The processor is configured to transmit a message accessible to at least one recipient that includes data representing at least one non-alphanumeric who icon representing a person, at least one non-alphanumeric what icon representing an event and/or activity, and at least one non-alphanumeric when icon representing a time associated with the event and/or activity. Furthermore, at least one of the following represented by data included in the message is modifiable based on input from at least one recipient: the at least one who icon, the at least one what icon, and the at least one when icon.

Abstract: A method of scanning television channels at initial setup. The method includes at a first power mode, automatically scanning for channels using a first scanning setup procedure during which the television is unusable by a user. The first power mode is when the television is at a full power mode. The detected channels are automatically provided for use by the television upon completion of the first scanning setup procedure. The method further includes automatically scanning for channels using a second scanning setup procedure at a second power mode following the first power mode. The second power mode is at a lower power mode than the first power mode, and the second scanning setup procedure is more time consuming in comparison to the first scanning setup procedure. Additional channels not detected during the initial setup by the first scanning setup procedure are automatically detected at the second power mode.