Abstract: A portable handheld electronic device contains a camera lens and accelerometer to allow a user to control voicemail and call features by swiping his finger across the camera lens and/or tapping the device. Therefore, the user can comfortably input commands into the device with a single hand and without needing to move the phone away from his ear to apply these inputs. In another embodiment, the camera lens can also be used to control navigation of the display screen or a displayed document of the device. For example, if a user wishes to shift a scrollbar for a page displayed on the screen downwards to view the bottom of the page, the user should move his finger over the camera lens in an analogous downward direction.

Abstract: A device-vehicle interoperability verification method is disclosed herein. Vehicle information is obtained by a mobile communications device, and this vehicle information pertains to a vehicle within which the device is being used or is going to be used. The vehicle information and device identification information is transmitted from the device to a server. The transmission occurs in response to a command generated by an application resident on the device, which includes computer readable code, embedded on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium, for performing the transmission. A data aggregator at the server queries a database to obtain data pertaining to an interoperability between the device and the vehicle, and a communications module at the server sends a message to the device that includes at least the data pertaining to the interoperability between the device and the vehicle.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a method and apparatus for managing multimedia communication recordings in a mobile electronic device are provided. The method comprises recording a multimedia communication and storing the recording in a memory of the mobile electronic device; detecting at least one event indicating an interruption in the communication; detecting at least one further event indicating that the communication has resumed; responsive to detecting at least one further event, inserting an audible tag in the recording, the audible tag including at least one descriptor for the at least one event.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus which is carriable by a user includes a force-sense generating mechanism which imparts, to the user, a force-sense in a predetermined direction to induce an input operation to the user; a motion sensor which detects a motion imparted by the user while the force-sense generating mechanism imparts the force-sense to the user or after the force-sense generating mechanism has imparted the force-sense to the user; and a controller which controls the force-sense generating mechanism, and which recognizes the input operation by the user, based on the motion detected by the motion sensor.

Abstract: PDAs can be used to provide their users with various functions. One such function is the ability to contact other users who are stored in the PDA as contacts, for example by telephone of text message. The decision as to whether or not a particular user should be contacted may be influenced by the location of that user. For example, if a contact is nearby, then it may be more likely that the user of the PDA would want to contact them. The present invention provides a PDA on which the location of one or more contacts can be displayed. Furthermore, the location of a particular contact can be shown on a map on the screen of the PDA simply by tilting the PDA through a predetermined angle about a horizontal axis. Thus, the map can be displayed in an intuitive and straightforward manner.

Abstract: A keypad assembly for a portable radiotelephone and a method for controlling the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes: a printed circuit board having a plurality of metal domes; a keypad rubber disposed on the printed circuit board and having bosses formed integratedly on the positions corresponding to the respective metal domes; a sensing means disposed on the keypad rubber; and a key button part disposed on the sensing means, such that a touch screen function using the sensing means or a key button function electrically contacting the metal domes is selectively used according to the mode of the radiotelephone.

Abstract: A passthrough case for a smart phone which provides a supplemental screen and controls for operating a camera of the smart phone. The passthrough case for a smart phone generally includes a cover for retaining a smart phone. The cover includes a phone receiving portion in which the smart phone is frictionally retained and which allows the display and controls of the smart phone to be fully accessible. A male connector extending from the cover interfaces with the data port of the smart phone to passthrough camera functionality to the cover. The user of the present invention may utilize a screen and controls on the cover to control camera functionality of the smart phone, thus significantly easing the process of taking self-portraits.

Abstract: A technique for implementing an untethered access point (UAP) mesh involves enabling AP-local switching at one or more UAPs of the mesh. A system constructed according to the technique may include a wireless switch; an access point (AP) wire-coupled to the wireless switch; and a UAP mesh, wirelessly coupled to the AP, including a UAP with an AP-local switching engine embodied in a computer-readable medium. Another system constructed according to the technique may include an untethered access point (UAP), including: a radio; a backhaul service set identifier (SSID) stored in a computer-readable medium; an anchor access point (AAP) selection engine embodied in a computer-readable medium. In operation, the AAP selection engine may use the radio to attempt to associate with the AAP if a beaconed backhaul SSID matches the stored backhaul SSID.

Abstract: In this content data delivery method, content data is transmitted from a content server to a first semiconductor device through a network. Then, the content data, content ID identifying the content data, and route data showing a route through which the content data is transmitted are transmitted from the first semiconductor device to a second semiconductor device using close-proximity wireless communication. Thereafter, the content ID and the route data are transmitted from the second semiconductor device to the content server. In addition, based on the route data, a reward corresponding to the content ID is calculated for the first semiconductor device, and the reward is provided to the first semiconductor device.

Abstract: The present invention envisages a GSM mobile telephone in which a line of icons is displayed on a display. As a user navigates through the displayed line of icons, the positions of the icons alter so that the selectable icon moves to the head of the line. This approach makes it very clear (i) which icon is selectable at any time and (ii) where that icon sits in relation to other icons at the same functional level (e.g. only first level icons will be present in one line). First level icons typically relate to the following functions: phonebook; messages; call register; counters; call diversion; telephone settings; network details; voice mail and IrDA activation.

Abstract: A mobile terminal having a touch function is provided. The mobile terminal includes a display module and a controller. The display module displays content lists in a content list screen. The controller is configured to divide a predetermined region of the content list screen into a first region and a second region and to execute different functions according to whether a content list in the content list screen is dragged to the first region or to the second region.

Abstract: A method performed by a mobile terminal includes receiving a device identifier from a short-distance-communication (SDC) device located outside of the mobile terminal by using the internal SDC device disposed in the mobile terminal and determining whether the received device identifier corresponds to or includes one of one or more identifiers stored in the mobile terminal. Upon determining that the received device identifier corresponds to one of the one or more stored identifiers, the mobile terminal performs a predetermined control function corresponding to the identifiers, without further receiving any instruction signal to control the phone function or the data communication function from the external SDC device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for processing queries initiated by users of mobile devices includes receiving an incoming message containing a query initiated by a user of a mobile device, and extracting the query from the received message. The message further includes obtaining a result of the query and creating an outgoing message with the result of the query for delivery to the mobile device.

Abstract: There is provided a schedule briefing method of a mobile communication terminal having a user schedule management function. The steps of this method include a step for initiating a schedule briefing, a step for determining whether a schedule exists for a predetermined period of time, a step for audibly outputting content of the schedule, and a step for terminating the briefing. The schedule is outputted in a vocal format to allow a hands-free review of a user's schedule.

Abstract: A device which has both educational and entertainment purposes. The device has a housing which allows multiple instances of the device to be stacked together. The device has a CPU, memory, storage, and a wireless module which allows communications with a base computer. The device also has a flat touch screen which serves as the user interface. The touch screen also serves as the video display for the device. Each device is approximately the size of a conventional building block. Variants include having some sides equipped with protuberance and some sides are equipped with voids. The protuberances of one device is constructed and arranged to interlockingly mate with the voids of another device. The device may be used in conjunction with multiple types of applications which have both educational and entertainment uses. The device may be used to receive images, data, commands, etc. from the base computer and the device may be used in conjunction with other similar devices.

Abstract: The subject innovation relates to an add-on device for modifying a message which is to be transmitted from a mobile communication device to a recipient via a mobile communication network. The add-on device intercepts the message sent from a smart card of the mobile communication device to a radio module of the mobile communication device. Additionally, the add-on device modifies a visible content of the message and forwards the message with the modified visible content to the radio module for transmitting the message to the mobile communication network.

Abstract: Methods and devices detect a near field communication (NFC) from a near field wireless communication device of an external computerized device, using an apparatus near field wireless communication device. Based on detecting the NFC, the methods/devices generate random identification and security codes, transmit the identification code and the security code from the apparatus near field wireless communication device to the device near field wireless communication device, and place the previously inactive apparatus wide-range wireless communication device in an active state. In response, the method receives the security code from a wide-range wireless communication device of the external computerized device using the apparatus wide-range wireless communication device. Then the method establishes a network communication session only between the external computerized device and the apparatus based on receiving the security code.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus obtains identification information from a transmitting apparatus via a cable communication when the transmitting apparatus is connected with the receiving apparatus via the cable communication while the receiving apparatus is being connected with the transmitting apparatus via a radio communication. The receiving apparatus judges whether obtained identification information is the same as identification information of the transmitting apparatus which is connected with the receiving apparatus via the radio communication. When they are same, the receiving apparatus transmits an instruction to the transmitting apparatus to switch an output of contents data from the radio communication to the cable communication. When the transmitting apparatus receives the instruction, it switches the output of the contents data from the radio communication to the cable communication.

Abstract: A mobile communication device capable of providing a candidate phone number list and a method of controlling an operation of the mobile communication device is provided. The method includes displaying a phone number input window and a display window on the touch screen, displaying a string of numbers input to the phone number input window in the display window and displaying a candidate phone number list on the touch screen if a touch input to the display window is detected when the input number string is displayed in the display window, the candidate phone number list including a plurality of phone numbers that contain the input number string.

Abstract: Some embodiments enable a first electronic device (e.g., a notebook computer) to obtain state information directly from another electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) so that the first electronic device may replicate a state of content of the other computing device. This is useful when a user of an electronic device desires to switch between one device and another device such that the user may continue an activity (e.g., playing a video game) on another device without having to restart the activity. This is also useful when a user of a first electronic device attempts to replicate the state of the activity on a second device from another user such that both users may participate in the same activity. In some embodiments, a user of a device may obtain content from a server and state information from another device to replicate the state of content on the other device.

Abstract: An operator is prevented from accidentally operating a communication apparatus during short range communication, even if there is an incoming call/mail. A communication apparatus has at least a first communication unit that performs wireless communication for a call or a mail, and a second communication unit that is different from the first communication unit. The communication apparatus changes a notification function that notifies a user of an incoming call/mail received by the first communication unit to a prohibited status in accordance with a start of communication by the second communication unit, and cancels the prohibited status of the notification function in accordance with an end of communication by the second communication unit.

Abstract: Methods and mobile devices for performing operations responsive to user actions are disclosed. The method includes prompting a user of a mobile device to make a particular action that is detectable by the mobile device, and prompting the user to select a particular operation that the user desires to have effectuated when the particular action is subsequently carried out. In addition, an indicator of the particular action is stored on the mobile device in connection with an indicator of the particular operation to associate the particular action with the particular operation. And after registration, when the particular action is sensed with the mobile device, the particular operation is effectuated.

Abstract: A proximity sensor that includes a light emitting section that emits light; a light receiving section that detects the light emitted from the light emitting section reflected from an object; a window member that covers the light emitting section and the light receiving section; a first columnar portion disposed to extend between the light emitting section and the window member; and a second columnar portion disposed to extend between the light receiving section and the window member.

Abstract: Cell phones and other portable devices are equipped with a variety of technologies by which existing functionality can be improved, and new functionality can be provided. Some aspects relate to data driven imaging architectures, in which a cell phone's image sensor is one in a chain of stages that successively act on packetized instructions/data, to capture and later process imagery. Other aspects relate to distribution of processing tasks between the device and remote resources (“the cloud”). Elemental image processing, such as filtering and edge detection—and even some simpler template matching operations—may be performed on the cell phone. Other operations are referred out to remote service providers. The remote service providers can be identified using techniques such as a reverse auction, though which they compete for processing tasks. Other aspects of the disclosed technologies relate to visual search capabilities, and determining appropriate actions responsive to different image inputs.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the operation of the mobile terminal are provided. The method includes executing an application, determining whether a level of a brain wave of a user classified into a particular frequency band falls within a reference range, and storing at least image data or audio data relevant to the executed application if the level of the brain wave classified into the particular frequency band falls within the reference range.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter is directed to providing feedback in a touch screen device in response to an actuation of a virtual unit in a virtual input device. Specifically, the claimed subject matter provides a method and system for providing visual feedback in response to an actuation of a virtual key in a virtual keyboard. One embodiment of the claimed subject matter is implemented as a method for providing luminescent feedback in response to an actuation of a virtual key in a virtual keyboard. User input in a virtual keyboard corresponding to a virtual key is received. The corresponding virtual key is actuated and registered in response to the user input, and a luminescent feedback is displayed to the user as confirmation of the actuation of the virtual key.

Abstract: In an image/audio playback technology in a mobile communication terminal, a single image is divided into two halves, i.e., left-half and right-half images, which are displayed on two mobile communication terminals, respectively. In addition, two mobile communication terminals can play left-side and right-side audio data, respectively, which compose stereo audio data, according to the relative locations of the two mobile communication terminals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic equipment for a wireless communication system comprising a near field interface (4) for exchanging contact information with at least one further electronic equipment via near field communication, said contact information serving for communicating within the wireless communication system, a group editing means (3) for creating a group of contact information comprising at least the received contact information, whereby each contact information of the group relates to an electronic equipment, and a communication means (8) for setting up a communication within the wireless communication system to the group of electronic equipments in accordance with the group of contact information. The present invention further relates to a method for operating such an electronic equipment.

Abstract: There is provided a device for alerting a user of an occurrence of an event. The device comprises a memory configured to store alert data and a media stream having a beginning and an end, the alert data designating a plurality of points for the media stream, the plurality of points including a start point and an end point after the start point, wherein at least one of the start point and the end point is different from the beginning and the end of the media stream. The device further comprises a processor configured to detect the occurrence of the event; retrieve the alert data from the memory in response to the occurrence of the event; begin playback of the media stream from the start point; and stop playback of the media stream at the end point.

Abstract: A mobile device and a method support a touch semi-lock state. When entering into the touch semi-lock state, a predefined hot menu including items and a touch-lock icon are provided on a touch screen. An output area of the touch-lock icon on the touch screen is defined as a touch event allowable region. A specific item of the hot menu is selected in response to a user input that moves the touch-lock icon onto the specific item. A particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item is activated.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a smart phone casing and information exchange system which enables a user to carry a single system that merges the digital and telecommunications necessities of the individual with the personalized cards, membership accounts, consumer credit and/or medical insurance or health information in a single source protected both physically with a hardened case, and digitally with appropriate safeguards for electronic protection.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, systems, and/or devices to identify and/or determine a closest base station to a multi-mode mobile device among the multiple wireless communications technologies, such as different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). Having identified a closest base station to the multi-mode mobile device among the multiple wireless communications technologies, the mobile device's location may be estimated using location information regarding the closest identified base station. In some cases, a handover or other procedure may be performed with respect to the mobile device and the closest identified base station. The multiple wireless communications technologies may include, but are not limited to, WiMAX, CDMA 1x, LTE, and/or EVDO.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for a smartphone docking station in digital camera and camcorder form factors. The docking station provides an attached smartphone a better lens, image sensor, and image stabilization system for capturing pictures and videos, as well as a more familiar and steady user gripping and aiming platform for such photography. Imagery and audio from the smartphone and docking station may be combined into three-dimensional stereo media. The docking station also provides additional battery, data processing, and buffer capacities for the smartphone, as well as an external connector for accessories such as lights and microphones. The smartphone may provide GPS and other data, and network connectivity that allows data that it and/or the docking station captures to be easily transferred to/from to the internet. The smartphone may be used as a display, and may be based on the Android™ operating system or other operating systems.

Abstract: When processing repeated operations on the keyboard of a mobile communication device, mainly at direct debits, used is a separate data carrier with a memory in which is stored at least one file with a sequence of keyboard orders of a macro type. Data carrier is energetically supplied contact-free by electromagnetic field of the mobile communication device while receiving the requiring order and, according to this order, chooses from the memory and encodes appropriate file with a sequence of keyboard orders. Data carrier sends the encoded file into the mobile communication device which decodes the received file and performs processes representing the keystrokes according to the sequence of keyboard orders. The invention also describes connection and data carrier to perform above described method where the data carrier consists of a processor, transmitting and receiving unit, block for transforming electromagnetic field and a memory to store a file of orders.

Abstract: A system for effecting context-cognizant medical reminders for a patient; the system including: (a) at least one sensor unit situated proximately with the patient; the at least one sensor unit sensing and indicating at least one aspect of a personal context of the patient; (b) at least one long-range communication unit configured for wireless communication with a remote patient care monitoring facility via a wireless communication network; and (c) at least one short-range communication unit communicatingly coupled with the at least one sensor unit and with the at least one long-range communication unit; the at least one short-range communication unit and the at least one long-range communication unit cooperating to convey information from the at least one sensor unit to the remote patient care monitoring facility regarding the personal context of the patient.

Abstract: This mobile phone includes a control portion controlling an imaging portion to execute an imaging operation when detecting that a communication state established by taking a telephone call has been disconnected after a ringtone in taking the telephone call is repeated the first number of times in a case where a first communication portion capable of telephone communication takes the telephone call from an operating-side mobile phone.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body, a base, a connecting member, a securing pole, a locking member, a sliding block. The main body includes a securing groove having a securing region, and a securing hole is defined on the bottom of the securing region. The connecting member is mounted between the main body and the base, and the connecting member comprising a channel. The securing pole is slidably received in the channel of the connecting member. The locking member is slidably received between the connecting member and the base, and forces the securing pole to disengage from the securing hole when the locking member is pushed. The locking member includes a second bevel abutting to a first bevel of the sliding block. When the locking member is pushed, the sliding block is actuated to pull the securing pole away from the main body.

Abstract: A computing device comprises a plurality of user interface elements, a first communications link software module, and a removable processing unit comprising at least a processor module, a data storage module, and a second communications link software module. According to the embodiment, the first communications link software module and the second communications link software module are adapted to exchange digital information between the user interface elements and the removable processing unit, and when the first and second communications link software modules are exchanging digital information, user actions taken via the plurality of user interface elements are carried out by software operating on the removable processing unit.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a display, a user input unit configured to receive a user command, and a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with a first entity over a first communication path and to wirelessly communicate with any of a plurality of external devices, each comprising a display, over a second communication path. The first communication path typically utilizes a different communication protocol than the second communication path. The mobile terminal also includes a controller configured to execute a first application, detect an event relating to a second application, and responsive to the detecting of the event, automatically search for external devices, which are among the plurality of external devices, that are available for communication with the mobile terminal over the second communication path.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for transmitting data are disclosed. A network interface receives identification information to identify a communicating end from a mobile communication terminal. A controller acquires communicating end information based on the received identification information. A display displays the acquired communicating end information and at least one service area.

Abstract: A system and method for seamlessly increasing download throughput in a wireless wide area network (WWAN) device is herein disclosed. Remote file servers frequently impose per connection transfer limits upon host devices that are requesting files for download. In order to bypass these limitations, a WWAN device acting as a proxy server can replace a single file request with a series of independent requests over multiple connections, each requesting a separate portion of the original file. The blocks of requested data can then be reassembled at the WWAN device before being transferred to the device requesting the file. A user of the requesting device can therefore benefit from increased download rates, yet without having to download or install any additional software within the requesting device.

Abstract: An information input apparatus including a user interface that detects a first input operation and a processor that assigns information to each of a plurality of directions from a position centered at the first input operation detected by the user interface. The user interface detects a second input operation corresponding to one of the plurality of directions, and the processor selects information assigned to the one of the plurality of directions as an input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disabling the communication functionality (i.e., disabling the transmission and/or reception of RF signals) of an integrated device, while still providing access to the local functionality of such device. A control and select function, such as a switch that is implemented by hardware or software or a combination thereof, is provided in an integrated device to allow the end user of the device to access the local data processing functionality of the device, even while the wireless communication functionality of such device is disabled.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a method and apparatus for managing frequencies used by devices. In one embodiment, the process detects a set of frequencies from a set of devices to form a set of assigned frequencies. The process may also detect a first frequency used by a first device. The process may determine whether the first frequency interferes with the set of assigned frequencies. The process may also identify an unassigned frequency for use by the first device in response to determining whether the first frequency interferes with the set of assigned frequencies.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for managing sensitive data are provided. The management tool may be provided on a user input device, as opposed to being provided in memory or in a peripheral that can be read from a program running on a computing platform. The management tool may be maintained in a read/write isolation mode where no data is transmitted outside of the management tool unless the user input device is disengaged from the computing platform, at which point data may be transmitted from the management tool for ultimate delivery to the computing platform.

Abstract: The subject innovation relates to a chip card to be inserted in terminals. An exemplary embodiment of the chip card includes a clock unit to provide a time reference and an internal power source to at least run the clock unit in case of absence of an external power source. The exemplary chip card also includes a signal receiver to receive a satellite navigation signal comprising a satellite time signal, the signal receiver being connected to the clock unit in order to synchronize the clock unit with the satellite time signal to enable the clock unit to provide the time reference as a trusted absolute time reference independently from a position of the chip card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a user interface overlay. In one embodiment, a toolbar remains visible and can be selected at any time to activate the interface overlay. The interface overlay provides an easily visible list computing options, such as contacts, that overlays the entire display area. The background of the overlay may be semi-transparent so that underlying windows are still visible, but the list is highlighted. The list includes selectable display elements with display characteristics, such as size or color, that indicate one or more attributes associated with the corresponding computing options, such as a frequency of interaction with certain contacts. In one embodiment, groups of contacts can be sorted or filtered by the attributes before display. Each selectable display element identifies a contact and may indicate a current availability. A user selects a display element to initiate communication, such as an instant messaging chat session.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting or input of a display control parameter, and causing or altering, based on the user setting or input, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. The user input may be an unlock of a touch screen input capability of the display device, and a wake of the display device from an inactivity dim. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display brightness or contrast output level. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.

Abstract: A method of storage of an e-mail includes either receiving the e-mail at a portable electronic device or sending the e-mail from the portable electronic device. The e-mail is marked for saving at the portable electronic device and transmitted by radio communication for receipt by a server and for storage of the e-mail in a backup database.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that can adapt off-the shelf PDA devices (90) to user input/output applications such as data entry applications and cellular phone applications. The resulting apparatus (10) may be sized and shaped to be durable and facilitate handheld operation when the user is mobile during use. The apparatus provides features required for portable data entry such as key entry, barcode scanning, radio frequency identification, and wireless local area network (LAN) as well as wide area network (WAN) communications. The apparatus may be operated (a) in a slave mode with inclusion of a PDA device (90) for use in certain input/output operations that are processor intensive as well as (b) in a stand-alone mode without inclusion of a PDA device (90) for use in certain other input/output operations that are not processor intensive.