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]13 / 174,258, filed Jun. 30, 2011;[0011]13 / 207,841, filed Aug. 11, 2011 (published as 20120116559); and[0012]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 FIELD[0014]The present techno...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a technology that allows users to sample ambient content and receive recommendations for relevant apps without needing to type in the app title or run it when the content is playing. This is done through a microphone-equipped user device that captures audio and produces content-identifying data, which is then used to look-up an app recommended by the content provider and install it on the user's device. This technology aims to make it easier for users to discover and install new apps without having to actively search for them."

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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