Navigational Instrument Patents (Class 368/14)
  • Patent number: 11599068
    Abstract: Provided is a radio-controlled timepiece that can reduce overall power consumption. The radio-controlled timepiece 1 has a receiver circuit 12 that executes during a specific time limit a reception process to acquire multiple time data from the standard time signals at different times; storage 22 that stores multiple time data; a timekeeper 23 that keeps an internal time; a time setting adjuster 24 that corrects the internal time based on coherent time data when the number of coherent time data, which is time data that is mutually coherent, in the multiple time data reaches a threshold; and a reception controller 21 that extends the time limit when the number of coherent time data is less than the threshold when a specific time that is shorter than the time limit has past since the reception process started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Takuya Tanabe
  • Patent number: 11520295
    Abstract: A watch includes a case, and a solar cell disposed inside the case and including a substrate made of resin and having a surface, a power generating unit having, at the surface, a first electrode, a first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode that are stacked in order, a first antenna including a third electrode that is provided at the surface and that is disposed at a position not to overlap the power generating unit in a plan view viewed in a direction orthogonal to the surface, and a protective layer disposed covering the power generating unit and the first antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Norimitsu Baba
  • Patent number: 11008080
    Abstract: A control method of an electronic device system for diving is provided. The control method includes steps of sending a positioning request signal to the slave device; receiving a feedback signal sent by the slave device, the feedback signal is generated by the slave device responding to the positioning request signal, the feedback signal includes water pressure data; according to the time difference between the sending time of the positioning request signal and the receiving time of the feedback signal, and the signal transmission speed, the relative distance with the slave device is calculated; obtaining the relative direction between the slave device and the master device according to the incoming direction of the feedback signal received by the ultrasonic receiver; calculating the relative depth with the slave device according to the water pressure data in the feedback signal. Furthermore, an electronic device and system for diving are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SHENZHEN ZHILAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kui Ma
  • Patent number: 10970025
    Abstract: A system, comprising two display screens, each having a reflective surface that can act as a mirror when the display screen is turned off, a camera attached to each display screen, cables connecting each camera to the display screen to which it is not attached, and a switch for each display screen, that can turn the display screen on or off. Alternatively, there may be two-sided mirrors that can be flipped down to cover the display screens, and flipped up to uncover them. The images on the display screens may be split between two or more cameras. Alternatively, there may be three or more display screens, and a switch for each display screen, that can turn the display screen on or off, and if on, select which camera's input will be displayed on the display screen, or else a switch for each connection between a camera and a display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: William Brian Richardson
  • Patent number: 10852701
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece, including: a receiver which receives broadcast radio waves including time information; a communicator which carries out wireless communication by establishing communication connection with an external device which is set; a processor; and an operation receiving unit which receives an input operation via an operating member, wherein in a case where a predetermined input operation corresponding to a command for obtaining information regarding a present time is received via a predetermined operating member, the processor selects a first information obtaining operation by which the information is obtained from the external device which is set via the communicator or a second information obtaining operation by which the information is obtained based on the broadcast radio waves received by the receiver according to whether a setting regarding the external device exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kosuke Hasegawa, Yuki Oshita, Mitsuaki Matsuo, Akihiro Kuroha, Shimpei Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10821809
    Abstract: An information display device comprising a processor, the processor executing: time information acquiring processing of acquiring time information; azimuth information acquiring processing of acquiring azimuth information; coordinate setting processing of setting a time coordinate system for display of the time information on a display image and setting an azimuth coordinate system for display of the azimuth information on the display image; and display control processing of displaying particular time information acquired by the time information acquiring processing, in the time coordinate system set on the display image and particular azimuth information acquired by the azimuth information acquiring processing, in the azimuth coordinate system set on the display image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiichi Imamura, Norihito Hanafusa, Taichiro Tsujimura, Shinichi Moritani, Tomokazu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10424833
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a display; and an antenna including a first element without power feeding that is a structural component made of metal and is disposed on the display or above a display surface of the display in a display direction, a second element which is disposed below the first element and is connected to a power supply, and a GND plate that is disposed below the second element, wherein the first element and the second element are electromagnetically coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Aizawa, Masayuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10383078
    Abstract: A timing signal output device includes a timing signal generation circuit which generates a timing signal synchronized with a reference signal based on a satellite signal received from at least one positioning satellite, the timing signal being synchronized with the reference signal at a timing based on an elevation angle of a positioning satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Shiina
  • Patent number: 10203672
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes: a sensor unit configured to measure a condition of a user and/or an environment where the user is located; an action pattern storage unit configured to store therein an action pattern; and a control unit configured to control the sensor unit, wherein the control unit controls, with reference to the action pattern storage unit, an operation state of the sensor unit such that the operation state is adapted to an action state of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kayo Okada
  • Patent number: 10132706
    Abstract: An electronic device having a pressure detection system is disclosed. The electronic device may include one or more elements designed to detect pressure exerted on the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a membrane and a detection mechanism, both of which bend in response to a pressure change at the membrane. The membrane may be electrically coupled with a circuit that detects the bending of the membrane and correlates the bending with a pressure change at the membrane. A can may be hermetically sealed with the membrane and surround the circuit to shield the circuit from liquid ingress. In some embodiments, a light transmitter and light receiver are used to detect the bending of the membrane. The light may reflect from the membrane at different angles, based upon a shape of the membrane, and contact the receiving element at different locations, corresponding to pressure change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Tyler S. Bushnell, David M. Pelletier, William C. Lukens, Steven P. Cardinali, Rex T. Ehman
  • Patent number: 10082770
    Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises a communicator that receives a standard time from an external apparatus, a manipulation receiver that receives a time correction action from a user, and a controller that performs a timing processing for clocking time and a time correction processing for correcting the time clocked by the timing processing, on the basis of the standard time received by the communicator, or on the basis of the time correction action received by the manipulation receiver. The controller changes processing contents of the time correction processing until a prescribed time interval has elapsed, when the time clocked by the timing processing is corrected on the basis of the time correction action received by the manipulation receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morohoshi, Hirohisa Maruyama
  • Patent number: 10066938
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a display unit, an altitude measurement unit that measures an altitude, a RAM that stores an ascent integrated altitude plan value which is a plan value of an ascent integrated altitude value, and a CPU that calculates the ascent integrated altitude value obtained by integrating an altitude variation amount during an ascent, based on an altitude measured by the altitude measurement unit, that calculates an ascent achievement ratio which is an achievement ratio of the ascent integrated altitude value with respect to the ascent integrated altitude plan value, and that causes the display unit to display the ascent achievement ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Takayuki Nomura, Kazuhiro Koyama, Hiroshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10007236
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes indicators, an operation receiving unit, a timing unit and a processor. The operation receiving unit receives an operation performed by a user. The timing unit counts a date and time at present. The processor carries out operation control of the indicators and obtains a local time setting based on a time difference between a predetermined standard time and a local time at a target position. The processor makes at least a part of the indicators display the local time in accordance with the operation received by the operation receiving unit and obtains the local time setting based on a difference between the displayed local time and the date and time counted by the timing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaomi Yonekura, Tadashi Kojima, Takayasu Akagi, Shinji Saito, Hirofumi Nagareda, Hirohisa Maruyama, Junichi Izumi
  • Patent number: 9635513
    Abstract: A radio wave receiver includes a radio wave reception processor and a processor. The radio wave reception processor receives radio waves and obtains signals transmitted from positioning satellites. The processor sets reception start timing of the radio wave and controls the radio wave reception processor to start reception. The radio wave reception processor performs acquiring operation to acquire transmission signals from a number of positioning satellites necessary for computing a present position. After the acquiring operation, the radio wave reception processor obtains signals necessary for computing the present position from the acquired transmission signals in an obtaining time from an obtaining start timing to an obtaining end timing determined depending on a format according to the positioning satellite. The processor sets the reception start timing so that certain reception conditions are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki Oshita
  • Patent number: 9185672
    Abstract: Power consumption when reception is carried out in response to a reception instruction by a user is reduced in a satellite radio-controlled wristwatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignees: CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD., CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 9069334
    Abstract: A radio clock including: an antenna configured to receive a satellite signal transmitted from GPS satellite; a receiving unit configured to perform a receiving process to acquire information contained in the satellite signal received by the antenna within a predetermine upper limit period; and a control unit configured to change the number of receiving processes to be performed in a predetermined period and change the upper limit period in accordance with a total sum of durations of the receiving processes performed in the predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: SEIKO CLOCK INC.
    Inventors: Miyuki Imamura, Motohiro Tako, Takayuki Kanaizumi
  • Patent number: 8879364
    Abstract: An electronic device that can display the current time reduces the number of times that the time must be manually set. The electronic device 100 has a CPU 20 that keeps time internally, a display unit 50 that displays the time based on the internal time, a GPS device 10 that receives satellite signals and outputs satellite time information according to the positioning information and UTC, and EEPROM 32 that stores time zone information denoting the time difference to UTC for individual regions. The CPU 20 adjusts the displayed time based on the satellite time information and correction information. The CPU 20 also adjusts the displayed time based on an operation signal, and stores time difference information denoting the time difference between the displayed time after being adjusted and UTC linked to the region associated with the positioning information in flash ROM 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Honda
  • Patent number: 8868104
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for multi-tier geofence detection are disclosed. In general, in one aspect, a mobile device can be configured to perform a task when the mobile device enters a geographic region. The mobile device can monitor a current location using a multi-tier approach. A baseband subsystem can monitor a coarse location of the mobile device using various course location parameters, such as a mobile country code (MCC), a location area code (LAC), or a cell identifier (cell ID), as the mobile device moves closer to the geographic region. Upon determining that the mobile device is in a cell that intersects the geographic region, the baseband subsystem can transfer the monitoring to the application subsystem. The task can be performed when the application subsystem determines that the mobile device is currently located in the geographic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan Grainger, Ronald K. Huang, Robert Mayor
  • Patent number: 8848487
    Abstract: A Nonlinear Timer apparatus characterized by having a display indicator (e.g. hands) with a large plurality of respectively contiguous perceived velocities, said indicator being configured to include predetermined non-zero acceleration for substantially any contiguous intermediate plurality of said respective indicator velocities. The apparatus is for portraying substantially nonlinear temporal frames of reference that are more honestly scaled to the individuals' respective circumstance than to the metronome mechanical tempos of industrial world time-clocks. However, the Nonlinear Timer apparatus is preferably represented according to classical concentrically rotating clock hands; digital or analog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Tidhar Eylon-Azoulay
  • Publication number: 20140226445
    Abstract: A device which is suitable for integration into a timepiece, in particular in the form of a timepiece module, another type of watch module or a basic watch movement. The device includes at least one opening, in each of which an associated image guide is mounted, and for each of these image guides the device including means for fastening the image guide in the associated opening, such that the image guide allows display information displayed on a representation plane to be reproduced on a display plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Sébastien Dordor, Schelling Debora
  • Patent number: 8804465
    Abstract: A small electronic timepiece with an internal antenna can maintain high GPS reception performance and affords greater freedom developing different models. The timepiece has a cylindrical outside case 80 of which at least part is made from a non-conductive material, a dial 11 that displays the time inside the case 80, a drive mechanism 30 that drives displaying the time on the dial 11 inside the case 80, and a C-shaped antenna 40 disposed around the drive mechanism 30 inside the case 80. A crystal 84 covers one of the two openings to the case 80, and a circuit board 25 with a GPS reception unit 26 for radio communication is disposed inside the case 80. The antenna 40 is disposed closer to the crystal 84 than the circuit board 25, and the GPS reception unit 26 is disposed on the back cover 85 side of the circuit board 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Teruhiko Fujisawa
  • Publication number: 20140064039
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for presenting date and time information are described. In some embodiments, a date and/or a time value is presented as a base-36 number. In some embodiments, an integral portion of the base-36 number represents a date value, and a fractional portion of the base-36 number represents a time value. Each base-36 digit may be represented by one of the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-Z. Both digital and analog clocks and a clock application displaying date and/or time information in which a day is broken into thirty-six increments are disclosed. A clock application displaying coordinates of a location based on a base-36 geo-positioning system is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: DS ZODIAC, INC.
    Inventor: John David Jones
  • Patent number: 8665085
    Abstract: A tracking device is incorporated into a band, such as a watch band or bracelet. The tracking device appears as an ordinary band, but cannot be removed by the individual wearing it. If necessary, the location of the tracking device can be determined by a central server and reported to the authorities or to the individual's family.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Dequincy A. Hyatt
  • Patent number: 8620344
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for location-based application program management are described. A mobile device can receive a first application program to be executed in an application subsystem. The first application program can be configured to be invoked or notified when the mobile device is located at a defined location. The mobile device can register the first application program to a second application program that executes in a baseband subsystem. The mobile device can set the application subsystem to a power-saving operating mode. The second application program can monitor a current location of the mobile device. When the mobile device is currently located at the defined location, the second application program can set the application subsystem to an active operating mode, and invoke the first application program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Huang, Morgan Grainger
  • Patent number: 8620345
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems of determining a time zone based on location is disclosed. In general, in one aspect, a mobile device can store one or more geometric shapes using latitude and longitude coordinates. The geometric shapes can be associated with time zones. The mobile device can determine a current location. The mobile device can identify a geometric shape in which the mobile device is currently is located. The mobile device can determine the time zone associated with the identified geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Huang, Morgan Grainger
  • Publication number: 20130322217
    Abstract: A small electronic device enables improving transmission and reception performance with stable operation. An example of the electronic device is an electronic wristwatch having a display; a circuit board disposed on one side of the display; an antenna is disposed on the opposite side of the circuit board as the display, and includes a dielectric layer, a ground conductor disposed on one side of the dielectric layer, and a radiating conductor disposed on the other side of the dielectric layer. The ground conductor is disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer on the side near the circuit board, and is connected to the ground potential of the circuit board. The radiating conductor is disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer on the side far from the circuit board, and is connected to the signal potential of the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Aizawa, Masayuki Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20130308429
    Abstract: An electronic device has a reception unit that captures positioning information satellite(s) and receives satellite signal(s) transmitted from the captured positioning information satellite(s), a solar panel, and a reception control unit that controls the reception unit. The reception control unit operates the reception unit and starts the reception operation when power generation by the solar panel that is greater than or equal to a preset power generation threshold value has continued for at least a specified outdoor determination time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Honda
  • Patent number: 8576670
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a function for receiving satellite signals transmitted from positioning information satellites for capturable positioning information based on the received satellite signal and a positioning calculation unit that generates positioning information. A time information adjustment unit corrects the internal time information based on the time difference in the assumed positioning region when the time difference evaluation unit determines that the assumed positioning does not contain a time difference boundary. The positioning calculation unit reselects the specific number of positioning information satellites and continues the positioning calculation when the time difference evaluation unit determines that the assumed positioning region contains a time difference boundary. The reception unit terminates satellite signal reception when the time difference evaluation unit determines that the assumed positioning region does not contain a time difference boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshikazu Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8531920
    Abstract: An improved electronic device and method provide an improved clock feature that includes a time zone management function which enables multiple times from multiple time zones to be managed by the user. Responsive to a detection that the electronic device has been moved from one time zone to another, a dialog is initiated wherein the user is queried whether a current time on the electronic device should be changed and whether multiple times should be output on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Black Berry Limited
    Inventors: Sherryl Lee Lorraine Scott, David Yach
  • Patent number: 8520473
    Abstract: An electronic device has a reception unit that captures positioning information satellites and receives satellite signals transmitted from the captured positioning information satellites, a solar panel, and a reception control unit that controls the reception unit. The reception control unit includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the reception environment based on power generation by the solar panel, and a mode selection unit that, based on the result from the evaluation unit, selects a time information reception mode for receiving the satellite signals and acquiring time information, or a position and time information reception mode for receiving the satellite signals and acquiring positioning information and time information, and controls operation of the reception unit in the reception mode selected by the mode selection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Honda
  • Patent number: 8504061
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for multi-tier geofence detection are disclosed. In general, in one aspect, a mobile device can be configured to perform a task when the mobile device enters a geographic region. The mobile device can monitor a current location using a multi-tier approach. A baseband subsystem can monitor a coarse location of the mobile device using various course location parameters, such as a mobile country code (MCC), a location area code (LAC), or a cell identifier (cell ID), as the mobile device moves closer to the geographic region. Upon determining that the mobile device is in a cell that intersects the geographic region, the baseband subsystem can transfer the monitoring to the application subsystem. The task can be performed when the application subsystem determines that the mobile device is currently located in the geographic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan Grainger, Ronald K. Huang, Robert Mayor
  • Publication number: 20130163389
    Abstract: A system and method is proposed that provides a scheduling device and system for notifying a user of Islamic prayer times, aiding the user in preparing to pray, and presents the user with data related to fitness. The system and method may comprise a portable electronic device and a notification system. The system may include a database storing information comprising a list of prayer times and Rakha numbers, the prayer times and the Rakha numbers being associated with a location and date. The portable electronic device may include a display, an electronic compass, a memory, an alarm, a pedometer, a location module, and a processor. The processor may be programmed to execute a program comprising the notification system, wherein the notification system comprises a scheduling function and an exercise function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Sanaa Marhaben
  • Publication number: 20130163390
    Abstract: A smart-watch can include a wristband, a base, and a flip up portion. The base can be coupled to the wristband and include a housing, a processor, a wireless transceiver, and a tactile user interface. The wireless transceiver can be configured to connect to a wireless network. The tactile user interface can be configured to provide interaction between a user and the smart-watch. The flip up portion can be displaceable between an open position exposing the base and a closed position concealing the base. Further, the flip up portion can include: a top display exposed when the flip up portion is in the closed position, and an inside display opposite the top display. The inside display can be concealed when the flip up portion is in the closed position and be exposed when the flip up portion is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Carl Gossweiler, III, James Brooks Miller
  • Patent number: 8423000
    Abstract: A guardian system for cognitively-impaired individuals. The system includes a wrist phone system that has a display, a global positioning system, and a SIM card. The wrist phone system is tethered to a PDA phone so that the PDA phone is able to input information into the wrist phone system. In addition, the PDA phone and wrist phone system can communicate with one another and with monitoring devices such that if a warning or emergency condition is provided by the individual or by a monitor a warning message can be sent to a caregiver to address the emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Anil Dhuna
  • Publication number: 20130051181
    Abstract: A small electronic timepiece with an internal antenna can maintain high GPS reception performance and affords greater freedom developing different models. The timepiece has a cylindrical outside case 80 of which at least part is made from a non-conductive material, a dial 11 that displays the time inside the case 80, a drive mechanism 30 that drives displaying the time on the dial 11 inside the case 80, and a C-shaped antenna 40 disposed around the drive mechanism 30 inside the case 80. A crystal 84 covers one of the two openings to the case 80, and a circuit board 25 with a GPS reception unit 26 for radio communication is disposed inside the case 80. The antenna 40 is disposed closer to the crystal 84 than the circuit board 25, and the GPS reception unit 26 is disposed on the back cover 85 side of the circuit board 25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Teruhiko FUJISAWA
  • Patent number: 8369837
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for task management based on travel distance are disclosed. In general, in one aspect, a method executed on a mobile device can include receiving a request to perform a task in a first subsystem (e.g., an application subsystem) of the mobile device. The request can indicate that the task is to be performed when the mobile device travels at least a threshold distance. The mobile device can determine a duration of silence. The mobile device can configure a second subsystem (e.g., a baseband operating system) of the mobile device to send a notification to the first subsystem notifying that the mobile device has traveled after at least the duration of silence. The first subsystem can receive the notification and determine that the threshold distance has been satisfied based on the received notification. The first subsystem can perform the task upon the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Huang, Morgan Grainger
  • Patent number: 8194505
    Abstract: A self-position detecting unit detects a self-position. A time calculating unit calculates a time of a time zone where the self-position detected using the self-position detection unit exists. A time display unit displays the time calculated using the time calculating unit. A display control unit causes the time display unit to display time of the first time zone where the self-position exists continually in an area in a second time zone, which is adjacent to the first time zone, when determining that the self-position moves into the second time zone. The area has a predetermined width from a boundary between the first time zone and the second time zone. The display control unit further causes the time display unit to display time of the second time zone when determining that the self-position moves beyond the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hirano
  • Publication number: 20120127834
    Abstract: A portable electronic device capable of adjusting prompting time includes a processing unit including a time unit and a time setting unit, a positioning unit, an input unit, and a network unit. The positioning unit is provided for positioning position of the portable electronic device. The input unit is provided for inputting a schedule information including a predetermined prompting time and a position of destination. The network unit is connected with a network server through Internet for downloading transportation and/or weather information and transmitting the same to the processing unit so as to adjust, in response thereto, the predetermined prompting time. A method for operating the portable electronic device capable of adjusting prompting time is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventor: Mei-Ching Tsai
  • Publication number: 20110286310
    Abstract: A position information acquisition section acquires position information about a mobile terminal, and a storage section stores hour information and position condition information inputted to an interface section in association with each other. When the hour shown by a clock becomes the hour indicated by the hour information stored in the storage section, a comparison section compares the position condition information stored in association with the hour information, with the position information acquired by the position information acquisition section. If the position information corresponds to the position condition information as a result of the comparison, a notification section gives a notification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: NEC BIGLOBE, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Onda
  • Patent number: 8059491
    Abstract: A rescue-facilitating, preferably water resistant communicating wrist watch. A housing is attachable to a user's wrist by a wristband with a microprocessor is disposed therein. A display is provided in communication with the microprocessor and has at least one visible data field. A communication module for transmitting at least one message is provided and connected to the microprocessor and has at least one antenna and a transceiver. A user-activated interface allows the user to select at least one message for transmission, preferably an emergency call for help on at least one preselected frequency. The interface preferably allows the user to control the display and the data displayed thereon. The watch may include a memory module in communication with the microprocessor, adapted to store a plurality of pre-recorded messages for selection of one or more and transmission by the communication module upon selection via the user-activated interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Laura Hennings-Kampa
  • Publication number: 20110205851
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a smart watch device. The smart watch device comprises a fastening band for securing the smart watch to a user, a display face for displaying time, day, and date information, and a plurality of watch control means by which the user can adjust the time, day and date information. Further, the smart watch device comprises control circuitry; an electronic memory component; microphone and speaker units for audio input and output, including a coder/decoder for conversions between analog and digital data forms; and a user input interface including a keypad for dialing and function selection, that allow a user to send and receive messages, such as email messages, text messages, audio messages and/or digital images and/or perform other functions. Additionally, various icons are located on the display face to enable users to send and receive messages and/or perform other functions with ease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Jared Harris
  • Publication number: 20110205850
    Abstract: To enhance calendar functionality, location tracking may be used to draw an inference that a calendar event has been satisfied. Upon the inferred satisfaction of the calendar event, a status of the calendar event may be updated from “outstanding” to “completed.” If the calendar event is shared with another person, a message may be transmitted to an electronic device of the other individual to alert that person to the completion of the calendar event. Location tracking may include identifying that an electronic device moves toward a location associated with the calendar event, identifying that the electronic device comes to a relative stop within a predetermined distance of the location associated with the calendar event, and departs the location associated with the calendar event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Srinivas Annambhotla, Muralimohan Gopalakrishna
  • Publication number: 20110128824
    Abstract: A watch device for use by a swimmer while swimming in a body of water. The watch device may generally comprise a housing, a location determining component disposed within the housing and operable to receive one or more satellite signals to determine a current geographic location of the housing, and a processing system. The processing system may synchronize the location determining component with the swimmer's arm movement so that the location determining component can determine the current geographic location of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: GARMIN SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: David J. Downey, Kristin M. Massoth
  • Patent number: 7949488
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that monitor movement of a person, or of a vehicle ridden by the person, to determine speed, distance traveled and/or airtime of the person or vehicle. Accelerometer-based sensors, pressure sensors or Doppler sensors may be employed in these systems and methods. A liquid crystal display may attach to the person to display speed, distance traveled and/or airtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Flentov, Dennis M. Darcy, Curtis A. Vock
  • Patent number: 7920441
    Abstract: A GPS enabled timepiece. A Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled timepiece in accordance with the present invention comprises a timepiece, the timepiece comprising a local oscillator, and a GPS receiver, coupled to the timepiece, the GPS receiver using the local oscillator to predict a time arrival of a GPS message from a GPS satellite, wherein the GPS receiver is powered on based on the predicted time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Atheros Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Juha Tapani Rostrom
  • Publication number: 20110044137
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a reception unit that executes a search process to search for satellite signals that can be captured from among satellite signals transmitted from a plurality of positioning information satellites, and from among the satellite signals captured by the search process receives a satellite signal with signal strength greater than or equal to a specific signal reception threshold value; an information acquisition unit that acquires specific information including at least time information based on a satellite signal received by the reception unit; and a display that displays acquired information. A threshold value changing unit lowers the signal reception threshold value according to a search count, which is the number of times the search process has been applied to the satellite signals of all positioning information satellites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jun Matsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20110038231
    Abstract: A timepiece, including a compass for indicating north, a directional display, and a controller, where the controller allows a user to select a bearing direction relative to north, and where the directional display provides a first visual indication to the user when the timepiece is aligned with the bearing direction, and a second visual indication when the timepiece deviates from the bearing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY, INC
    Inventor: JEAN-BERNARD MAEDER
  • Publication number: 20100226213
    Abstract: A timepiece or wristwatch displays celestial “complications” and meteorological events based upon calculations and conditions relevant to the geographic location of the timepiece. A memory storage device, microprocessor, mechanical and software controlled graphical display systems and network connectivity facilitate the input of user selected complications, display options, geographic arguments and other variables. The timepiece is not limited to a preprogramed geographic area or to predefined complications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Robert Drugge
  • Publication number: 20100228948
    Abstract: An electronic device has a reception unit that can receive satellite signals transmitted from positioning information satellites and acquire positioning information and time information, a time difference data storage means in which a data table and a memory address table are stored, and a time difference data acquisition means that acquires time difference data corresponding to positioning information acquired by the reception unit from the time difference data storage means. The data table is compiled by dividing geographical information to which time difference data is assigned into segments of a constant size, setting only one time difference in each segment, grouping the segments into blocks each containing a specific number of segments, and storing the time difference data of each segment as block data by block unit while storing the block data only once for blocks containing the same time difference data array and storing the block data for mutually different time difference data arrays once each.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Oh Jaekwan
  • Publication number: 20100220555
    Abstract: An electronic device has a reception unit that captures positioning information satellites and receives satellite signals transmitted from the captured positioning information satellites, a solar panel, and a reception control unit that controls the reception unit. The reception control unit includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the reception environment based on power generation by the solar panel, and a mode selection unit that, based on the result from the evaluation unit, selects a time information reception mode for receiving the satellite signals and acquiring time information, or a position and time information reception mode for receiving the satellite signals and acquiring positioning information and time information, and controls operation of the reception unit in the reception mode selected by the mode selection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuyuki HONDA