Smartphone-Based Methods and Systems

Abstract

Arrangements involving portable devices (e.g., smartphones and tablet computers) are disclosed. One arrangement enables a content creator to select software with which that creator's content should be rendered—assuring continuity between artistic intention and delivery. Another utilizes a device camera to identify nearby subjects, and take actions based thereon. Others rely on near field chip (RFID) identification of objects, or on identification of audio streams (e.g., music, voice). Some technologies concern improvements to the user interfaces associated with such devices. Others involve use of these devices in connection with shopping, text entry, sign language interpretation, and vision-based discovery. Still other improvements are architectural in nature, e.g., relating to evidence-based state machines, and blackboard systems. Yet other technologies concern use of linked data in portable devices—some of which exploit GPU capabilities. Still other technologies concern computational photography. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This application is a division of application Ser. No. 13 / 299,140, filed Nov. 17, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of international application PCT / US11 / 59412, filed Nov. 4, 2011 (published as WO2012061760), which claims priority to the following provisional applications:[0002]61 / 410,217, filed Nov. 4, 2010;[0003]61 / 449,529, filed Mar. 4, 2011;[0004]61 / 467,862, filed Mar. 25, 2011;[0005]61 / 471,651, filed Apr. 4, 2011;[0006]61 / 479,323, filed Apr. 26, 2011;[0007]61 / 483,555, filed May 6, 2011;[0008]61 / 485,888, filed May 13, 2011;[0009]61 / 501,602, filed Jun. 27, 2011;and which also is a continuation-in-part of each of the following applications:[0010]Ser. No. 13 / 174,258, filed Jun. 30, 2011;[0011]Ser. No. 13 / 207,841, filed Aug. 11, 2011 (published as 20120116559); and[0012]Ser. No. 13 / 278,949, filed Oct. 21, 2011 (published as 20120134548).[0013]The disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties.TECHNICAL FI...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a technology that allows users to sample ambient content and create content-identifying data from the captured audio. This data is then used to create an app that is synchronized with the content. This approach helps to make apps more easily discoverable and popular with users. The technology also includes various methods for reaching out to users and enticing them to use the app. Overall, the technology aims to improve the user experience and make apps more accessible to users."

Problems solved by technology

This varied, interrelated subject matter does not lend itself to a straightforward presentation.

It is difficult for apps to gain traction in this crowded marketplace.

Both approaches, however, were established when the app market was much smaller, and have not scaled well.

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