Call Alerting Patents (Class 455/567)
  • Patent number: 10915174
    Abstract: A system may have one or more electronic devices that include user input sensors such as force sensors, touch sensors, motion sensors, and other input devices. To provide a user with output, devices may have visual output components such as displays, audio output components, and haptic output components. Haptic output components may be used to apply an apparent force in a given direction relative to a device housing surface such as a sidewall surface or other device surface. Control circuitry in a device may direct a haptic output component to produce the apparent force in a direction perpendicular to the housing surface or tangential to the housing surface. The apparent applied force may be provided as feedback while the control circuitry is directing a display in the device or in an external device to provide a user with visual content based on the user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Michael Y. Cheung
  • Patent number: 10904612
    Abstract: A method for communicating data by an electronic device is provided. The method includes transmitting a signal including audio/video (A/V) data to a first external electronic device through a first communication module, while connected with the first external electronic device, generating data or a signal unrelated to the A/V data or receiving the data or signal unrelated to the A/V data from an external electronic device other than the first external electronic device, and providing an audio or a video through a display or an embedded sound device based on at least a portion of the data or the signal unrelated to the A/V data or transmitting the at least a portion of the data or the signal unrelated to the A/V data to a second external electronic device through a second communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-Man Lee, Mi-Sun Kim, Sang-Hun Kim, Hyun-Joong Kim, Mi-Ra Seo, Woo-Cheol Jung, Yong-Gu Lee
  • Patent number: 10887693
    Abstract: A method for switching modes of an electronic device is presented. The method can collect sound of the predetermined scenario by a collector of the electronic device, and confirm prominent sound from the collected sound. When the duration of the prominent sound is greater than or equal to a first period of time, the method can confirm that the prominent sound is a sample sound, and switch the silent mode to ringing mode of the electronic device when the collector has not collected the prominent sound during a second period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignees: HONGFUJIN PRECISION ELECTRONICS (ZHENGZHOU) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sen Fan, Jun-Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 10862891
    Abstract: The present disclosure is for a system and a method for tracking physical and digital communication that is sent to an inmate who is incarcerated in a correction facility. The present invention enables a significant reduction in contraband and/or prohibited communication that is sent to inmates, and, at the same time, provides transparency in the communication delivery process such that a sender is appraised as to the status of the communication as it is processed by various systems and sub-systems within a correctional facility. Moreover, the present invention enables the identification and detection of criminal or prohibited communication that would otherwise have been undetected using prior art systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: HLFIP HOLDING, INC.
    Inventor: Jonathan D Logan
  • Patent number: 10863074
    Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an electronic apparatus present within a predetermined range, a detection unit that detects a wireless signal transmitted from the electronic apparatus at a predetermined frequency, and a control unit that performs a function to control the electronic apparatus via the communication unit. The control unit changes the predetermined frequency according to the state of the function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 10834543
    Abstract: Initiating a communication group of devices using device vibration includes encoding a message into a vibration signal using an encoder in a master device, the message including a connection request. A vibration pattern is emitted using a vibration motor by controlling the vibration motor to vibrate with a pattern corresponding to modulations of the vibration signal to send the message through a medium in contact with the master device. A response vibration pattern is received from responding devices using a sensor, the response vibration pattern carrying a response message. The response vibration pattern is decoded with a decoder of the master device to extract the response message from the response vibration pattern. A communication group is established at a host according to the response message for communication between the master device and the responding devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yin Xia, Lu Fu, Zhang Yu Lin, Lei Pan, Jie Hu, Bin Xu, Xiao Lin Sun
  • Patent number: 10832653
    Abstract: Techniques for receiving a voice command from a user and, in response, providing audible content to the user via a first device and providing visual content for the user via a second device. In some instances, the first device includes a microphone for generating audio signals that include user speech, as well as a speaker for outputting audible content in response to identified voice commands from the speech. However, the first device might not include a display for displaying graphical content. As such, the first device may be configured to identify devices that include displays and that are proximate to the first device. The first device may then instruct one or more of these other devices to output visual content associated with a user's voice command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Hart, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 10827280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing sound and vibration (10) for a user to hear and feel via surface contact, which comprises a damper mass plate (15) and an inertial actuator (16) attached thereto, which inertial actuator (16) comprises a damper mass (14), which is via a primary suspension (11) supported in a springing manner on the inertial actuator (16) to be moving substantially in one linear direction, which inertial actuator comprises a power source for the damper mass (14). The device (10) comprises a secondary suspension (12) and a mechanical limiter (13) for improving the performance of the inertial actuator and/or protecting it from external disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Flexound Systems Oy
    Inventors: Jukka Linjama, Tommi Immonen
  • Patent number: 10809748
    Abstract: A cloud server (104) receives environmental information of respective installation sites of a plurality of appliances (101a, 101b, 101c, 102a, 102b) via a network (1000), and determines one or more appliances that are installed in a same room among the plurality of appliances (101a, 101b, 101c, 102a, 102b), based on the received environmental information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Koichi Kusukame, Kazuki Funase, Tetsuji Fuchikami
  • Patent number: 10805440
    Abstract: A cover system for covering a portable electronic device may include: a protective cover that covers the portable electronic device, the protective cover having: an assembly energized by an electrical signal, the assembly being removably coupled with the protective cover; and an electronic panel fixedly coupled with the assembly and the protective cover, the electronic panel having: a microphone that detects a sound and/or a vibration emitted by the portable electronic device to generate a communication signal indicative thereof; a plurality of light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) embedded in the electronic panel; a plug powering the plurality of LEDs; and an integrated circuit that generates the electrical signal to activate the plurality of LEDs in response to receipt of the communication signal from the microphone to cause the LEDs to produce a luminescence proportionate to and commensurate with an intensity and/or a rhythm of the sound and/or the vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Long Ngoc Pham
  • Patent number: 10798501
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an augmented hearing device comprising a receiver of a first type being adapted to generate sound signals in a first and in a second frequency range, a receiver of a second type being adapted to generate sound signals in a third frequency range, said third frequency range being between the first and second frequency ranges, and an input port for receiving signals to be reproduced as sound signals via at least one of the receivers. The input port may be arranged to receive wireless input signal, such as Bluetooth input signals. The present invention further relates to a method for operating a hearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Sonion Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Morten Kjeldsen Andersen, Hamidreza Taghavi
  • Patent number: 10784916
    Abstract: A mobile device cover for use with a host mobile device includes a front frame, a middle frame, and a back frame. The back frame includes a plate or portion that can be removed and interchanged with a second plate or portion. The second plate or portion can be designed to look different and to provide different functionality. For example, the plate or portion of the back frame can be replaced with the second interchangeable plate or portion to provide a screen that can be used by one or both of the mobile device cover and the host mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: STAR CO SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES ADVANCED RESEARCH CO, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Coverstone
  • Patent number: 10771606
    Abstract: An electronic device having a user interface for accessing phone features. The user interface accounts for whether the electronic device is connected to a companion cellular phone. The user interface accounts for a headset is available for use to carry on a call. The user interface permits transition between using one or more of cellular phone, headset, and/or the electronic device to be used for carrying on incoming or outgoing calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Y. Yang, Imran Chaudhri, Anton M. Davydov, Alan C. Dye, Dylan Ross Edwards, Christopher Patrick Foss, Jonathan P. Ive, Zachery Kennedy, Stephen O. Lemay
  • Patent number: 10764090
    Abstract: A Morse code input method and a portable electronic device for performing the method are provided. The portable electronic device includes a processing circuit and a touchscreen. The method includes: sensing touch events by the touchscreen, recording and comparing time periods of the touch events by the processing circuit; identifying, by the processing circuit, inputs in the ith touch event through (k?1)th touch event as short signals when the time period of the kth touch event is greater than or equal to N times the time period of (k?1)th touch event and the kth touch event is not the last touch event, wherein N is a positive number, k and i are positive integers, with k being greater than or equal to i, and the ith touch event is the earliest one of the touch events in which inputs have not yet been identified as long or short signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: GETAC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kuo-Yang Tseng
  • Patent number: 10743095
    Abstract: A contextual audio system configured to adjust audio playback in response to positional data. The contextual audio system may include a wearable audio device and, optionally, a sensing device. In some embodiments, the sensing device and the wearable audio device are the same. Generally, the contextual audio system employs different types of data to determine a user's location and/or activity (both of which are examples of “context”) and adjust audio output of the wearable audio device portion of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Jay K. Blahnik
  • Patent number: 10728655
    Abstract: An audio system for customizing sound fields for increased user privacy. A microphone array of a headset detects sounds from one or more sound sources in a local area of the headset. The audio system estimates array transfer functions (ATFs) associated with the sounds, and determines determining sound field reproduction filters for a loudspeaker array of the headset using the ATFs. The audio system presents audio content, via the loudspeaker array, based in part on the sound field reproduction filters. The presented audio content has a sound field that has a reduced amplitude in a first damped region of the local area that includes a first sound source of the one or more sound sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Antonio John Miller, Jacob Ryan Donley, Scott Porter
  • Patent number: 10715645
    Abstract: A mobile application communicates with an accelerometer in a mobile device to detects when a mobile device has been dropped. When the application detects that the device is dropped, it activates one or more protective features in the device. The protective features may result in physical changes in the device itself. For example, the protective feature may include activating the vibration feature of the device and increasing the voltage supplied to the vibration feature so that the device is vibrating at an increased vibration intensity when it contacts the ground. The vibrations can help to deflect, absorb, or otherwise mitigate the impact force imparted on the device from the contact surface or ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Racing Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart E. Wilson, Gage S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10627789
    Abstract: A user device, a method of driving the user device, an apparatus for providing a service, and a method of driving the apparatus for providing the service are provided. The user device includes a storage configured to receive a rule related to performing an operation of the device and to store the rule, and a controller configured to control to perform a former priority operation based on a determination result of the former priority operation included in the stored rule, and to transmit the rule to a periphery device for performing a latter priority operation included in the rule in response to the former priority operation being completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-seop Oh, Young-jin Kim, Hyun-jae Shin, Young-min Won, Sang-ung Yi
  • Patent number: 10623536
    Abstract: Controlling a direction in which a housing is to be vibrated causes a user to easily recognize that the housing is vibrating. An information processing apparatus includes a housing, a sensor, a vibration unit, and a control unit. The housing has a first direction, and a second direction different from the first direction. The sensor is provided in the housing. The vibration unit is capable of vibrating the housing in the first direction and the second direction. The control unit determines a current situation of the housing on a basis of output from the sensor, and controls, on a basis of the current situation of the housing, the vibration unit to vibrate the housing in one of the first direction and the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Nakagawa, Ikuo Yamano, Ayumi Kato
  • Patent number: 10623059
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a file transmission/reception device includes a communication direction managing unit and an application unit. The communication direction managing unit, in near field communication, cuts off a connection with an opposing device in a case where a conflict occurs with the opposing device, and, after being reconnected to the opposing device, switches the file transmission/reception device to any one mode of a master mode and a slave mode. The application unit performs transmission, reception, or transmission/reception of a file between the opposing device and the file transmission/reception device in the master mode or the slave mode in accordance with a mode specified by the communication direction managing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Toshiba Memory Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinari Kumaki, Hidetomo Matsuo, Kazuya Nara
  • Patent number: 10616860
    Abstract: A system for wireless control of stored media presentations is provided. In some examples, a media player is operative to wirelessly communicate with an associated portable electronic device and control presentation of a stored media content file according to a control signal converted from an audio signal received by the associated portable electronic device. In another example, a portable electronic device is operative to generate and wirelessly transmit a signal to control presentation of a stored media content file by an associated media player according to audio data received via a microphone. In yet another example, a system for using a portable electronic device to control a media presentation device includes the portable electronic device that generates and wirelessly transmits a signal according to audio data received via a microphone and a media player that receives the signal and controls presentation of a stored media content file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Apple, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Fadell, Andrew Bart Hodge, Stephen P. Zadesky, Aram Lindahl, Anthony Guetta
  • Patent number: 10609677
    Abstract: An electronic device that provides situationally-aware alerts determines to provide an alert output (such as haptic, audio, visual, and so on) via an output device, determines a movement pattern based on one or more signals from one or more sensors indicating information relating at least to movement of the electronic device, and adjusts the alert output to account for the movement pattern. In some implementations, the electronic device may adjust the alert output by delaying the alert output. In other implementations, the electronic device may adjust the alert output by altering the alert output to be discernible despite the movement pattern based on a cadence of the movement pattern. In still other implementations, the electronic device may determine to provide the alert output in response to receiving an incoming communication and may adjust the alert output differently based on a priority associated with the incoming communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thayne M. Miller, Hung A. Pham, John B. Morrell, Brian T. Gleeson
  • Patent number: 10582035
    Abstract: Techniques for automatically initiating the transmission of a silent emergency message via a mobile computing device are provided. A mobile device may receive a plurality of indications of a plurality of external buttons of the mobile computing device being pressed over a time interval. Based on the plurality of indications, the mobile computing device may determine that two or more external buttons have been pressed in a fixed sequence over the time interval. In response to determining that the two or more external buttons of the mobile computing device have been pressed in the fixed sequence, the mobile computing device may silently transmit a message to a computing device associated with an emergency contact, without activating a display screen of the device or making sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: T-MOBILE USA, INC.
    Inventor: Hsin-Fu Henry Chiang
  • Patent number: 10560564
    Abstract: A method can be used for managing a real-time detection related to a scene. A succession of steps of scene detection is spaced apart by time intervals. A time interval separating a current step of scene detection from a previous step of scene detection is adjusted according to an adjustment criterion linked to a previous scene actually detected. The succession of steps and the adjustment are performed by a wireless communication apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
    Inventors: Pierre Demaj, Laurent Folliot
  • Patent number: 10554697
    Abstract: Sharing data with various user devices may be performed by receiving a request from a first user device to connect to a live web page collaboration application managed by a proxy server, identifying a first user profile associated with the first user device and a list of corresponding functions assigned to the first user device via the first user profile, creating a session for the first user device to access the live web page on a master page hosted by the proxy server, and storing browser status commands received from the first user device in the first user profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC
    Inventor: David Gerard Ledet
  • Patent number: 10510352
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for detecting replay attacks in voice-based authentication systems. In one embodiment, audio is captured via an audio input device. It is then verified that the audio includes a voice authentication factor spoken by a user. The audio is then compared with stored audio spoken by the user. If it is determined that an exact copy of the voice authentication factor is in the stored audio, one or more actions may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bharath Kumar Bhimanaik, Daniel Wade Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 10489046
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a watch-type mobile terminal and a method for controlling the watch-type mobile terminal. In case a call is received, the present invention can respond to an incoming call in an automatic answering mode due to an agent through a watch-type mobile terminal worn by the user on his/her wrist. In case the user searches for a paired external electronic device and attempts call conversation, the automatic answering mode due to an agent can be terminated. Accordingly, in case the user is unable to promptly respond to a received call through the paired external electronic device, the received call can be efficiently controlled through the watch-type mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yoonseok Yang, Kyunghye Seo, Juha Hyun, Shinnyue Kang
  • Patent number: 10479555
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the capacity of a beverage cup is provided. The device includes an insertion unit having at least a volume smaller than an interior volume of a cup and a shape in which a lower end portion of the insertion unit comes in contact with a bottom portion of the cup when inserted into the cup. The insertion unit includes a first magnet sealed in a bottom portion of the insertion unit. The device also includes an outer fixed unit to be placed under the cup. The outer fixed unit includes a second magnet sealed in the upper portion of the outer fixed unit for interacting with the first magnet of the insertion unit and securing the insertion unit to the cup by a magnetic force between the magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Jae-su Lee
  • Patent number: 10477003
    Abstract: An in-vehicle navigation apparatus with a handsfree function establishes a Bluetooth communication link with a cellular phone. When receiving from the cellular phone outgoing call history data and incoming call history data, which were stored in the cellular phone before establishing the Bluetooth communication link, the in-vehicle navigation apparatus stores, in a work memory, the received outgoing call history data and the received incoming call history data, equally to, of the navigation apparatus itself, outgoing call history data and incoming call history data. An outgoing call operation then becomes possible using outgoing call history data and incoming call history data, which are stored in the work memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahisa Ozaki
  • Patent number: 10455545
    Abstract: An information communication terminal includes; a reception unit configured to receive setting values of notification setting for plural connected peripheral devices; a peripheral device setting storage unit configured to store the received setting values of notification setting for the plural peripheral devices; a service application setting storage unit configured to store setting values of notification setting from a service application to the plural connected peripheral devices by using the setting values stored in the peripheral device setting storage unit as initial values; a control unit configured to assign a setting value of notification setting to transmission data on the basis of a setting value stored in the service application setting storage unit when the transmission data are received from the service application; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the transmission data to which the setting value of notification setting is assigned to at least one peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: NTT DOCOMO, INC.
    Inventors: Ryuji Nishi, Sadaatsu Kato, Yoshinori Matsushima, Koichi Asano, Hironori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 10454531
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a file transmission/reception device includes a communication direction managing unit and an application unit. The communication direction managing unit, in near field communication, cuts off a connection with an opposing device in a case where a conflict occurs with the opposing device, and, after being reconnected to the opposing device, switches the file transmission/reception device to any one mode of a master mode and a slave mode. The application unit performs transmission, reception, or transmission/reception of a file between the opposing device and the file transmission/reception device in the master mode or the slave mode in accordance with a mode specified by the communication direction managing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinari Kumaki, Hidetomo Matsuo, Kazuya Nara
  • Patent number: 10424300
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating a name to a device/virtual partner is provided herein. During operation, virtual-partner “names” will be determined for each co-located virtual partner. When a task is conveyed to a virtual partner, the virtual partner will perform the task only if its “name” has been called. The “name” of each virtual partner will be associated with a color shown on a device screen (i.e., the device associated with the virtual partner), object shown on a device screen, and/or color of another indicator that is displayed on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Choon Cheng Tan, Mohamad Adib Osman, Carmen Jia Yi Siau, Woei Chyuan Tan
  • Patent number: 10412208
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to mobile devices and more particular to notification accessories capable of displaying alerts generated by mobile devices. In one embodiment, a notification accessory in the form of a wristband is disclosed. The notification accessory can receive notifications wirelessly from a mobile device and display the notifications to a user. Icons illuminating in different colors and haptics can be used to alert the user to the presence of the notification. In other embodiments, the notification accessory can also be used to send commands back to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jahan Christian Minoo, Scott Krueger
  • Patent number: 10397743
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for using contextual information to determine an appropriate response in a system that includes a device paired with an accessory device. The contextual information can be sourced from local sensors, received communications, and information stored on a device within the system. Stored parameters in the system allow flexibility and configurability in evaluating the contextual information. Using feedback obtained after actions taken based on the contextual information allows the system to adapt to better meet the needs of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: FITBIT, INC.
    Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, Andrew James Witte, Matthew David Hornyak, Eric Bernard Migicovsky, Mark Solomon
  • Patent number: 10389871
    Abstract: A device including a processor and a memory that includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include receiving a call request from a calling device. The call request includes an identifier of a call alert option. The call alert option is a particular option selected by a user of the calling device from a list of called party approved call alert options. The operations include retrieving a content item based on the identifier. The operations also include, in response to the call request, generating a call alert based on the content item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Zampiello, Steven Charles Salimando
  • Patent number: 10387109
    Abstract: This is directed to controlling the output of audio based on the mode of an electronic device. In particular, this is directed to an electronic device having a sound mode, silent mode, and mute mode controlling the output of audio along different audio output routes. In the sound mode, all audio can be output, while only registered or authorized audio can be output in the silent mode. In the mute mode, no audio can be output. The sound and silent modes can be enabled using an interface of the device (e.g., a switch having two possible states), while the mute mode can be enabled using an accessory coupled to the device. To disengage the mute mode, a user can provide a corresponding instruction using the accessory, or providing an instruction on the device related to volume control. For example, a user can change the device volume using an on-device interface, or toggle a sound/silent switch to a sound mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Coffman, Meriko Borogove, Jonathan Bennett, Gregory Chapman, Anthony Guetta, Deepak Iyer, Eric Johnson
  • Patent number: 10380208
    Abstract: Described herein are online services provided to users based on the current context information of the users. In particular, a user may interact with an interactive device to stream media content from a remote service provider. The user may provide commands to the interactive device using a voice command. The interactive device may transmit requests based on such user command. In order for the service providers to provide customized services, the interactive device can be configured to capture additional contextual data indicative of an environment of the user such as ambient sound and provide such contextual data to the service provider. The service provider can utilize such contextual data to generate content recommendations suitable to the current context of the request or command or user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kintan Dilipkumar Brahmbhatt, Brandon Scott Durham, Kristine Anne Hanson, Charles Frederick Lee Thorp, Rickesh Pal, Ted William Thetford
  • Patent number: 10354518
    Abstract: According to certain aspects, the invention allows a person to manage some of the functions of a cell phone without having to actually have the phone in her hands. For example, the invention allows the user to know of the incoming call and further allows the user to send a user-specified message to the caller and/or otherwise manage how the call should be handled through a remote device. In certain embodiments, the invention is comprised of: a decorative watch-like or bracelet-like case; a decorative wrist band; a vibrating incoming call indicator; a partial or full face display; touch screen input capability, accelerometer for wrist flick input capability, and/or side buttons for user inputs; a Bluetooth antenna; a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver; a rechargeable battery; a connector or wireless charging element; a display/general purpose control unit with firmware; and standard Bluetooth link and application software on an associated cellular phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: PRUNOLO, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Brunolli
  • Patent number: 10324939
    Abstract: In an approach for managing computing interruptions, a processor receives a computing interruption on a computing device. A processor monitors computing activity of a user on the computing device. A processor accesses user preferences, wherein the user preferences are based on an analysis of previous responses by the user to previous computing interruptions. A processor determines a minimum threshold, based on the computing activity of the user and the user preferences, wherein the minimum threshold identifies when a computing interruption is allowed to be presented to the user. A processor determines from the computing interruption, a sender and a context of the computing interruption. A processor assigns a ranking to the computing interruption based on the sender and the context of the computing interruption. A processor compares the ranking to the minimum threshold. A processor determines whether to present the computing interruption, based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10305438
    Abstract: A method for generating adaptive notifications include analyzing, at a user device, a spectrum of environmental noise. A portion of the spectrum for adaptive notification enhancement is selected based on the analyzing the spectrum of environmental noise. An adapted notification is generated at the user device by enhancing the selected portion of the spectrum. The adapted notification is transmitted at the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: John Patrick Grenn, Nazih Almalki, Bradley Ferringo
  • Patent number: 10291768
    Abstract: An information processing method and a user equipment, wherein the method includes receiving an information processing request message, when the information processing request message is not processed within a predetermined time, collecting at least two types of environment state information, generating prompt information according to the at least two types of the collected environment state information. Therefore, a user can perceive in time the information processing request message that has been received but not processed by the user equipment in time, and thus effectively increasing the usability of the user equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: HUAWEI DEVICE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junjie Deng
  • Patent number: 10292134
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a transceiver configured to receive, from at least one wearable device, information indicating whether the at least one wearable device is being worn; and a processor configured to determine whether the at least one wearable device that is being worn, based on the received information indicating whether the at least one wearable device is being worn, and to provide a notification to the at least one wearable device in response to determining that the at least one wearable device is being worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-hyun Ryu, Han-joo Chae
  • Patent number: 10269227
    Abstract: According to another example, a wearable medical device controller is provided. The device controller includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to determine a correlation between a phenomenon identifiable by the wearable medical device controller and at least one response pattern associated with a patient and store, responsive to detecting the correlation, an adaptation path to address the at least one response pattern, the adaptation path specifying an adaptation of at least one characteristic of an alarm. The at least one response pattern may include a plurality of response patterns and the adaptation path may reflect adaptations made to address at least some of the plurality of response patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kaib, Shane S. Volpe, John G. Clark
  • Patent number: 10268235
    Abstract: A device (100) for handheld operation, such as a mobile phone, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a User Equipment (UE), a tablet, a phablet, a media player, a remote control, or a gaming console, is provided. The device is operative to detect an imminent or prevailing indication of an unstable operation of the device when being held by a hand (110) of a user of the device, and, in response thereto, to increase a grip between an outer surface (101, 103) of the device and one or more fingers (111-114) of the hand. The grip may, e.g., be increased by generating an adhesive force, or by increasing a friction, between the outer surface and the one or more fingers. Thereby, the risk for the user dropping the device is reduced, and a more convenient operation of the device is achieved, in particularly if operated single-handedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Matthew John Lawrenson, Lars Andersson, Till Burkert, Julian Charles Nolan, Jacob Ström
  • Patent number: 10237214
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for sharing media data between terminals. The method includes: a first terminal receives a media data sharing parameter through a NFC link, the media data sharing parameter including: a sharing link connection parameter, and/or, location information of media data to be shared. When the media data sharing parameter includes the sharing link connection parameter, the first terminal establishes a sharing link between the first terminal and the second terminal according to the sharing link connection parameter, and acquires the media data to be shared through the sharing link. When the media data sharing parameter includes the location information of the media data to be shared, the first terminal acquires the media data to be shared according to the location information of the media data to be shared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dongdong Yang, Linghua Gu, Guosheng Li
  • Patent number: 10223055
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a communication section, a communication control section, a display section, a display control section, an operation acceptance section, and a location detecting section. The location detecting section determines whether a location of the mobile terminal is approaching or leaving an electronic apparatus. If the location detecting section determines that the location of the mobile terminal is approaching the electronic apparatus, the display control section increases a first threshold value and uses the increased first threshold value to execute processing for changing contents of a plurality of operating buttons provided on an operation screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kanamaru
  • Patent number: 10219077
    Abstract: A display device includes a foldable display panel module to fold in a folding region, a folding sensor to sense a folding state of the foldable display panel module, a support on the foldable display panel module in the rigid region, a vibrator on the foldable display panel module in the folding region, and a vibration controller to control a vibration operation of the vibrator based on the folding state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byeong-Hwa Choi, Seung-Bae Lee
  • Patent number: 10206021
    Abstract: A gas detection device includes an enclosure having an interior chamber, an audio loudspeaker in acoustic communication with the interior chamber of the enclosure, and a gas sensor configured to detect a gas within the interior chamber of the enclosure. The device may include a ventilation port configured to permit two-way gaseous communication between the interior chamber and an atmosphere external to the enclosure, where the atmosphere comprises the gas. The audio loudspeaker is configured to generate a pressure within the interior chamber. The pressure causes a portion of the external atmosphere to be drawn into the interior chamber via the ventilation port. The gas sensor may include an emitter and a receiver. The gas detection device can be integrated into a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Saku Lahti, Mikko S. Komulainen, Tapio Liusvaara
  • Patent number: 10187118
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a file transmission/reception device includes a communication direction managing unit and an application unit. The communication direction managing unit, in near field communication, cuts off a connection with an opposing device in a case where a conflict occurs with the opposing device, and, after being reconnected to the opposing device, switches the file transmission/reception device to any one mode of a master mode and a slave mode. The application unit performs transmission, reception, or transmission/reception of a file between the opposing device and the file transmission/reception device in the master mode or the slave mode in accordance with a mode specified by the communication direction managing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinari Kumaki, Hidetomo Matsuo, Kazuya Nara
  • Patent number: 10165032
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to support multiple audio tracks in an adaptive media stream. Segments of the adaptive stream are encoded so that the player is able to locate and request a specific one of the available audio tracks using byte range requests or the like. Audio content can be removed from video segments, or at least moved to the end of the segments so that a byte range request obtains just the video content when the default audio is not desired. The audio content can be obtained from a separate audio segment. Indeed, multiple audio tracks can be packaged into a common audio segment so that byte range requests can obtain just the particular audio track desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Mark B. Hurst