Abstract: A device to measure the material level inside the container includes a housing unit removably attachable to a cap of a container for holding a beverage, wherein the housing unit is configured to remain attached to the cap when the cap is at least partially removed from the container. The device further includes, a signal producing unit located in the housing unit, a first sensor located in the housing unit to sense a beverage level in the container and a controller located in the housing unit. The controller is configured to receive from the first sensor an indication of a beverage level in the container and activate the signal producing unit based at least on the indication of the beverage level in the container.

Abstract: A method at a module within a sensor system for updating a timing profile, the method including: turning on a radio of the sensor module for a first time duration; detecting signals from other modules within the sensor system; for each signal, storing data comprising a time such signal is received and an identifier for a module sending such signal; sending the data to a server; and receiving the timing profile from the server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method, system, and article of manufacture of a native notification center app that receive all types of push notifications. The push notification payload contains the URL to be launched when touched on the display of a mobile device and the custom data to be passed to the web application on launch. The push message sent to the notification center app and when the app is opened, which lists all the push notifications. When the user touches a notification, the URL in that notification can be launched in the browser and the custom data can be made available to the web application as parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a notification method of a mobile terminal using a plurality of notification modes. A mobile terminal according to one aspect of the present invention determines a first configuration type relating to the notification mode of the mobile terminal in response to the receipt of a new push message. The mobile terminal determines a second configuration type relating to the notification mode of a push message application based on the first configuration type. The mobile terminal notifies the arrival of a new push message according to the second configuration type. That is, embodiments may provide a technology that uses at least two configurations relating to the notification mode of the mobile terminal so as to notify the user about receipt of a new message.

Abstract: A method for retrieving an object which becomes lost receives an image of an object from a camera device and analyzes the image to obtain features of the object. The features information comprises category of the object and other details such as serial number. Supplementary information of the object is input on a displayer, the supplemental information comprises time and location of a lost property office or other responsible authority in receiving an object apparently lost. Information according to the features of the object and the supplementary information is broadcast. A device facilitating the retrieval of such object is also disclosed.

Abstract: The application describes customized notifications based at least in part on device characteristics. For example, a client device may identify information for populating an audio tone list associated with an electronic device, wherein the information includes a type of electronic device, a name of the electronic device; and/or a setting of the electronic device. The client device may then display audio tones that are based at least in part on the information. While displaying the audio tones, the client device may receive input selecting at least one of the audio tones to be associated with the electronic device. The client device may then receive a message indicating that the electronic device detected an object. Based at least in part on the message, the client device may output sound represented by an audio tone of the at least one audio tone.

Abstract: A haptically enabled system receives information and determines that a user of the system should be notified of the information. The system further receives and analyzes inputs to determine a context of the user. The system then generates an instinctive alert based on the context, where the instinctive alert is configured to impart a desired emotion on the user. The system then displays the instinctive alert based on the context.

Abstract: The application describes customized notifications based at least in part on device characteristics. For example, a client device may identify information for populating an audio tone list associated with an electronic device, wherein the information includes a type of electronic device, a name of the electronic device; and/or a setting of the electronic device. The client device may then display audio tones that are based at least in part on the information. While displaying the audio tones, the client device may receive input selecting at least one of the audio tones to be associated with the electronic device. The client device may then receive a message indicating that the electronic device detected an object. Based at least in part on the message, the client device may output sound represented by an audio tone of the at least one audio tone.

Abstract: An apparatus for notification of a circuit switched event in a mobile station. The apparatus comprising a circuit switched modem, a packetized data modem and a radio. The circuit switched modem, configured to communicate circuit switched data over a circuit switched network. The packetized data modem, configured to communicate packetized data over a packetized data network. The radio, configured to couple the packetized data modem to the packetized data network via a packetized data radio link, and configured to couple the circuit switched modem to the circuit switched network via a circuit switched radio link, wherein said radio comprise one transmitter and two receivers.

Abstract: The state of an object such as a presence or absence of the object in a sensor visual field is detected with accuracy. For this end, a DC output Sdc that is a direct current component of a temperature sensor output value S is operated. Based on this, a fluctuation level representing whether a fluctuation is caused by a user or someone else who passes by is acquired. When the DC output Sdc is lower than a DC output threshold THdc, an absence determination counter is incremented when the fluctuation is not caused by either the user or the someone else who passes by, and the state of absence is determined when the absence determination counter reaches the upper limit. When the fluctuation is caused by either the user or someone else who passes by, the absence determination counter is reset.

Abstract: A monitoring unit system is provided having a parent unit whose speaker is muted when a wrist unit is activated, where the wrist unit vibrates, the parent unit or wrist unit lights up, the wrist unit continues to alert until a mute button is pressed, or if a predetermined time elapses, alerts the parent unit, and having a low battery trigger, a fail-safe wrist unit and parent unit out of range trigger, a page button for the wrist unit and parent unit, a mute feature on the baby unit, and a cry duration or volume threshold trigger.

Abstract: A wearable computing device is described that predicts, based on movement detected, over time, by the wearable computing device, one or more future periods of time during which the wearable computing device will not be used. Responsive to determining that the wearable computing device is not being used at a current time, the wearable computing device determines whether the current time coincides with at least one period of time from the one or more future periods of time. Responsive to determining that the current time coincides with the at least one period of time, the wearable computing device performs an operation.

Abstract: A transducer comprising: a flat strip of metal formed into a closed metal loop with two substantially parallel sides and rounded corners, a solenoid fixed to a surface on a first parallel side, and fixed magnets attached to an opposite parallel side of the trapezoidal shape to bring the fixed magnets into proximity with the solenoid, wherein at least one lateral side of the trapezoidal shape coupling said parallel sides has a continuously varying width, resulting in the transducer being able to resonate with high fidelity over a range of frequencies in response to reception of a signal comprising varying frequencies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a bypass switch (124, 202) for bypassing a PTT switch (120) when a two-way radio device system (100) is to be operated in a hands-free mode responsive to a voltage applied to a microphone input line (114) in a pre-selected range.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may allow applications and information to be clustered together in ways that simplify and automate various tasks. Other embodiments may present a graphical user interface to the user that allows the user to choose from a matrix of information categories and applications that can help provide that information. Still other embodiments may provide different user interface methods based on status awareness.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically changing the operation of signaling features in a telephone are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed to provide automatic reduction in the sound volume associated with the signaling features of a telephone system, during a selected portion of a day. A user is provided with a programmable menu in communication with one or more devices associated with a telephone system. From the menu provided, the user may enter a the beginning and ending time for the “quiet mode” operation of the telephone system. In addition, the user may select the signaling features to be quieted, as well as the sound volume associated with quiet mode operation for a given signaling feature.

Abstract: A wireless system for a person includes a wearable appliance with an accelerometer; a wireless device in communication with the wearable appliance; and a remote computer coupled to the wireless device to provide information to an authorized remote user.

Abstract: A mobile communication device includes at least one processor to display a user interface on a touch screen, the user interface comprising a button to receive a touch event, determine that the touch event is currently being received by the button and enter an alarm armed state, determine that the touch event ends and enter an alarm active state, and after a particular period of time in the alarm active state, trigger a communication to an emergency responder.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and device for sending an alert to at least one customer through a communication network. This technique involves uploading the alert content in different formats into an operator's system to send the same to customers. Then, the spare capacity of delivery channels is identified which are available to send the alert to the customer. Thereafter, the at least one delivery channel among the all identified channels and best suitable alert format for that delivery channel is selected based on the spare capacity of the channel and predefined profile of the customer. Finally, the alert is sent to the customer in the selected format through the selected delivery channel.

Abstract: Provided is a system, having: a lost-and-found system, implemented with one or more processors, the lost-and-found system having a server and a data repository, the data repository storing venue records; and a plurality of mobile devices each having a lost-and-found mobile application, the lost-and-found mobile application being operative to report a found or a lost item and associate the found item or the lost item with one of the venue records.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes notifying a first person that a significant event is going to occur with respect to a second person; receiving from the first person, the second person, or another person a communication that relates to the significant event and to the first person and that has been curated at least in part from information that has been accumulated automatically from online resources; and sending the curated communication to the communication target.

Abstract: An instant alert network system may transform a mobile communication device, such as a smart phone, into a “panic button” whereby a user may instantly broadcast an alert or alarm to users forming a defined group to a threat or emergency situation as opposed to relying on a single person or entity to initiate the alert. An instant alert network system may permit users to become the perimeter defense through activation and distribution of alerts via various forms of electronic communication. This will dramatically reduce the amount of time that may be needed to inform users of an impending threat, and it may allow defensive countermeasures to be deployed in virtually real-time in order to reduce the threat and possibly save lives.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving an alert initiated by an operator through a detector associated with a station in a production workflow; presenting, responsive to the alert, a user interface to the operator; receiving from the operator, via the user interface, information related to an issue; and identifying a production workflow factor based at least in part on the information related to the issue received from the operator.

Abstract: A life saving apparatus is presented. The apparatus activates an alarm and/or a notification when a person is in distress such as when a swimmer is drowning. In one embodiment, the alarm or notification may include an audio, a visual and/or combination thereof signal or indication that the person is in distress. The alarm or notification may be provided on a device held or attached to the person, at a base station in proximity to the person, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a locator provides an ability to identify the person in distress when that person is located in proximity to other persons so that aid can be given as quickly as possible.

Abstract: Approaches in accordance with various embodiments attempt to provide a user with less disruptive event notifications by being aware of a user's context. Before a notification is sent to multiple computing devices associated with the notifying account, contextual information for each device is determined. The contextual information can be determined by querying each device for information. The information can include how close each device is relative to other devices associated with the same user, if at least one of the devices is moving, whether the user's attention is focused on a particular device, whether the user is engaging multiple devices simultaneously, and the like. Once contextual information associated with each device is determined, an appropriate type of alert associated with the notification is determined for each device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining whether and/or when a patient is taking his or her medication and, when appropriate, providing reminders and/or alerts to the patient to improve adherence to a medication regimen. In some embodiments, a medication container is provided that includes a capacitance sensor for sensing the contents of the medication container (e.g., pill count or quantity of liquid medication). The capacitance sensor may include interleaved or interdigitated electrodes oriented vertically, horizontally, or angularly (e.g., diagonally) relative to an axis of the medication container. Reminders and/or alerts to the patient may be triggered based at least in part on the contents of the medication container, when a cap of the container was last opened and/or closed, the location of the medication container, and/or the container's surroundings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus and computer program configured to perform the method, the method comprising: enabling an apparatus to provide an alert in response to the occurrence of an event wherein; when the apparatus is determined to be in a particular context a first alert is provided and when the apparatus is determined not to be in the particular context a second, user defined, alert is provided.

Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.

Abstract: A system for inserting alert based information into broadcast programming over a program distribution network. A program distributor transmits broadcast programming over program distribution network via a network fabric. When program distributor receives alert based information, the program distributor converts the alert information from a first format to a second format compatible with the broadcast programming and the program distributor inserts the converted alert into a signal carrying the broadcast programming via the network fabric. A method is also disclosed for inserting alert based information into a broadcast programming transmitted over a program distribution network.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a method and apparatus for managing message notifications in a portable electronic device including a thermal notifier output device. The method comprises receiving a message at the portable electronic device; determining a notification setting responsive to receiving the message; and generating a thermal notification signal at the thermal notifier output device according to the determined notification setting. The thermal notification signal provides non-visual identification of an originator of the received message.

Abstract: An alert device for a vehicle including a communications receiver for receiving file fragments for the device, a positioning data receiver for providing vehicle location data, a microcontroller system including a microcontroller and a programmable non-volatile memory system, for building and storing application and data files from the fragments, and executing an alert application of the device by processing at least one application file and associated data identified by configuration instructions included in at least one of the fragments to provide alert data for the vehicle corresponding to the location of the vehicle determined by the application on the basis of the vehicle location data.

Abstract: The invention includes systems, methods, and software applications for centrally maintaining information and automatically distributing relevant portions of the information to remote users. In one embodiment, a central server stores the information, which is maintained on the central server. Periodically, or each time the server information is updated, the server identifies the portion of the information that is relevant to each user and downloads the relevant portion of information to each user, for example to a mobile device such as a Blackberry™. The invention may be used to maintain and timely distribute information related to emergency response procedures, sales or servicing schedules, and delivery schedules, among other things.

Abstract: Various aspects of this disclosure are directed to receiving, with a first computing device, an incoming communication. The first computing device may determine that a user has not an taken action with the first computing device with respect to the incoming communication. The first computing device may further identify a second device determined to be physically proximate to the first computing device, and may send an outgoing communication, based at least on the received incoming communication, to the identified second device.

Abstract: An electronic alert apparatus comprises a radio frequency receiver configured to receive and identify an emergency message preamble that indicates an impending transmission of an emergency message sent at a first data rate and an emergency message addressed to a shared device address sent at a second data rate. The electronic alert apparatus also includes a processor operatively connected to the radio frequency receiver and configured to decode the encoded emergency message. A memory is operatively connected to the processor and configured to store the decoded emergency message. A display is operatively connected to the controller and configured to present the decoded emergency message. A power source is configured to supply electrical power to the processor, and a housing is configured to at least partially enclose the processor, the memory, and the power source.

Abstract: A visual display system for a set-top box is includes a source of event data, a light emitting diode display adapted to display event data to a user in a standby mode of operation ,and a main processor configured to receive event data and control the light emitting diode display in response to the received event data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for alerting persons of obstacles and/or approaching hazards are provided. Embodiments may include a warning system that includes a radio source configured to transmit a radio signal and a warning device. The warning device may include at least one vibration device, at least two receiver devices configured to receive the radio signal, and a processing device operably coupled to at least two receiver devices and at least one vibration device, wherein the processing device is configured to determine at least a direction and a distance to the radio source from the warning device and configured to transmit a vibration signal to at least one vibration device based upon the determined direction and distance to the radio source from the warning device.

Abstract: An electronic assistance call device, system and method provide a transmitter portion and a receiver portion. The transmitter portion is wearable and activated by a first person. The receiver is wearable by a second person. Upon activation of the transmitter, a signal is sent from the transmitter directly to the receiver portion. The receiver portion, in turn, provides the second person with an alert via the receiver, which can be by a tactile vibration, a sound and a light, or any combination of such modalities. Each portion is self-contained and carries an electrical energy source, such as a battery, and electrical circuitry that extends the useful life of the energy source. The device portions can be used in a “sleep” mode and activated to a “use” mode. At all other times, the device portions would remain in the sleep mode, thereby preserving the electrical energy of the self-contained supply source.

Abstract: A CE device for, e.g., displaying the time can incorporate an accelerometer to provide various features and enhancements. For example, using position derived from the accelerometer, the signal strength of a wireless access point (AP) can be mapped in a house.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for providing ambient noise sensitive alerting. The methods comprise receiving ambient noise, converting the ambient noise to an electrical signal, detecting a parameter of the electrical signal which is indicative of ambient noise, sensing an incoming call or message, and controlling the volume of an audible alert in response to the detected parameter of the electrical signal.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for providing ambient noise sensitive alerting. The methods comprise receiving ambient noise, converting the ambient noise to an electrical signal, detecting a parameter of the electrical signal which is indicative of ambient noise, sensing an incoming call or message, and controlling the volume of an audible alert in response to the detected parameter of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A method for locating a wireless communications device WCD (102). The method includes the step of receiving at the WCD (102) a wireless transmission comprising a first auto-location trigger signal. The WCD (102), responsive to the first auto-location trigger signal, operates in an auto-location mode. The auto-location mode includes the automatic collection and communication of predetermined first data, such as audio, video, and GPS location data. After the automatic collection and communication step of the first data is complete, the WCD (102) enters into a standby mode. The standby mode continues until a state detection device (206) of the WCD (102) detects a change in the state of the WCD (102). These changes in state are exclusive of the wireless transmission comprising the first auto-location trigger signal. The change(s) in state produce a second auto-location trigger signal, which causes the automatic collection and communication of a second data that is the same or similar to the first data.

Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a data capture device such as a camera. In one aspect, the data capture device may integrated with the housing of the computing device and further detachable therefrom. In another aspect, the data capture device may swivel and/or translate relative to the housing of the computing device. In another aspect, the computing device may include a positioning device for controlling the movement of the data capture device relative to the housing. In yet another aspect, the computing device may include a latch that is automatically positioned in a home position when a housing component of the computing device is positioned in first position, and is automatically positioned in a lock position when the housing component of the computing device is positioned in a closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for alerting persons of obstacles and/or approaching hazards are provided. Embodiments may include a warning system that includes a radio source configured to transmit a radio signal and a warning device. The warning device may include at least one vibration device, at least two receiver devices configured to receive the radio signal, and a processing device operably coupled to at least two receiver devices and at least one vibration device, wherein the processing device is configured to determine at least a direction and a distance to the radio source from the warning device and configured to transmit a vibration signal to at least one vibration device based upon the determined direction and distance to the radio source from the warning device.

Abstract: A body-mounted electronic audio device playing prerecorded audio statements automatically issued as directed by wirelessly connected stationary computer decision-making using input from wearers and devices within the workplace environment to support to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness especially those in fast food stores.

Abstract: A method comprises submitting a content message to an alerting engine from a health monitor, said content message being configured to cause said alerting engine to send an alert message to a communications device. The method may further comprise determining, using said health monitor, an expected alert message according to said submitted content; receiving, at said health monitor, an alert message forwarded from said communications device; comparing said received alert message with said expected alert message; and selectively sending an alarm message based on said determination.

Abstract: A motion driven event alert system and method synchronize output of follow-up event alerts on a mobile electronic device to changes in the state of motion of the device. Generally, the device outputs an initial alert in response to receipt of a new event from a wireless network. If a user fails to take action on the device after the device outputs the initial alert, the device determines a state of motion of the device and monitors for a change in the state of motion. When a change is detected, the device outputs a follow-up alert. If the user fails to take action on the device after the device outputs the follow-up alert, the device repeats the steps of motion state determination, motion state change monitoring, motion state change detection and output of another follow-up alert.

Abstract: Mobile devices use a PBX and application servers associated with the PBX to access voice services. Some mobile devices can support simultaneous data and voice channels, with the PBX and application server respectively. Where a data channel is unavailable, a control and status updating mechanism is needed. One approach is to signal over the voice channel with DTMF tones. DTMF tones should be timed to cause the tones to arrive at the mobile device during a pause period of a ring cycle. However, it also is desirable to avoid unnaturally long silence periods or other pauses during system usage. Aspects relate to enhancing a user experience in these situations and successful transmission/reception of control and status information over a voice channel using DTMF tones.

Abstract: A personal alarm system includes a monitoring base station and one or more remote sensing units in two-way radio communication. An electronic handshake between the base station and each remote unit is used to assure system reliability. The remote units transmit at selectable power levels. In the absence of an emergency, a remote unit transmits at a power-conserving low power level. Received field strength is measured to determine whether a remote unit has moved beyond a predetermined distance from the base station. If the distance is exceeded, the remote unit transmits at a higher power level. The remote unit includes sensors for common hazards including water emersion, smoke, excessive heat, excessive carbon monoxide concentration, and electrical shock. The base station periodically polls the remote units and displays the status of the environmental sensors. The system is useful in child monitoring, for use with invalids, and with employees involved in activities which expose them to environmental risk.

Abstract: In a meeting or group event, people having a portable device, such as a cell phone or pager, may wish to be discretely notified when an important message is received, an urgent call comes in from a selected person or a selected group of people, or to be alerted to an upcoming important event without any audible alert to disturb the meeting or group event. To convey such a notification, a tactile alert is provided by vibrating the portable device according to a unique vibration pattern associated with the received communication. When a communication is received, a group identification (ID) is assigned based on the communication being a member of a classified group of source addresses. The portable device associates the group ID with a unique vibration pattern. To provide the alert, the portable device is vibrated according to the unique vibration pattern.

Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a data capture device such as a camera. In one aspect, the data capture device may integrated with the housing of the computing device and further detachable therefrom. In another aspect, the data capture device may swivel and/or translate relative to the housing of the computing device. In another aspect, the computing device may include a positioning device for controlling the movement of the data capture device relative to the housing. In yet another aspect, the computing device may include a latch that is automatically positioned in a home position when a housing component of the computing device is positioned in first position, and is automatically positioned in a lock position when the housing component of the computing device is positioned in a closed position.