2503 results about "Tablet pc" patented technology

A technique is disclosed for disambiguating speech input for multimodal systems by using a combination of speech and visual I / O interfaces. When the user's speech input is not recognized with sufficiently high confidence, a the user is presented with a set of possible matches using a visual display and / or speech output. The user then selects the intended input from the list of matches via one or more available input mechanisms (e.g., stylus, buttons, keyboard, mouse, or speech input). These techniques involve the combined use of speech and visual interfaces to correctly identify user's speech input. The techniques disclosed herein may be utilized in computer devices such as PDAs, cellphones, desktop and laptop computers, tablet PCs, etc.

The present invention provides a coupling mechanism between a primary computing device and a secondary computing device, wherein each computing device may be physically separated from each other while continuing to communicate with each other. The primary computing device has the minimum functionality of a complete computing system such as a Tablet PC™, for example, and the secondary computing device has the minimum functionality of a hand-held computer monitor. The secondary computing device may also however, have the functionality of a complete computing system, or other level of functionality therebetween. The primary computing device may act as a master and control the functionality of the secondary computing device via a network or data bus connection, for example. The secondary computing device may be toggled between computer monitor functionality and secondary computer functionality regardless of whether or not the two computers are physically connected.

A cover for a tablet PC with an integral keyboard provides two outer covering faces and a resilient mounting frame fixing a tablet PC therein, hinged on a keyboard component. By hinging partway along one outer covering face, the mounting frame can assume a wide variety of angles. The keyboard component has embedded within its underside a ferromagnetic member attracted by an embedded metal strip in the other covering face, fixing the keyboard and mounting frame at any desired angle. The resilient mounting frame has an ejection assembly opposite the hinging of the resilient mounting frame and keyboard component, allowing one-handed release of the tablet PC, and an embedded implant corresponding to and detectable by a configurable circuit board encased in the keyboard component.

A mobile communication system based on digital content including images and video that may be acquired, processed, and displayed using a plurality of mobile device, smartphones, tablet computers, stationary computers, intelligent electronic glasses, smart glasses, headsets, watches, smart devices, vehicles, and servers. Content may be acquired continuously by input and output devices and displayed in a social network. Images may have associated additional properties including nature of voice, audio, data and other information. This content may be displayed and acted upon in an augmented reality or virtual reality system. The imaged base network system may have the ability to learn and form intelligent association between aspects, people and other entities; between images and the associated data relating to both animate and inanimate entities for intelligent image based communication in a network. Acquired content may be processed for predictive analytics. Individuals may be imaged for targeted and personalized advertising.

A novel method for using product identifiers includes capturing a product identifier identifying a product, selecting one of a plurality of queries, transmitting the product identifier and the selected query to a data provider, and receiving a response to the selected query from the data provider. The method is performed on a personal data device (e.g., a camera phone, PDA, tablet PC et.), which includes a network interface, a scanner operative to capture the product identifier, a user interface operative to receive the query selection, and an application program interface operative to associate the product identifier and the selected query, transmit the product identifier and the selected query to the data provider via the network interface, and to receive the response to the identifier and query from the data provider via the network interface. A method for the data providers to use the product identifiers is also disclosed, and includes receiving a request from a consumer including a unique product identifier and data indicative of the type of information requested, retrieving the type of requested information associated with the particular product from a database, and transmitting the retrieved information to the consumer. The data provider includes a database associating the product identifiers with information corresponding thereto, and means for the providing the associated information to the requesting consumer.

Technologies involving portable devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, are disclosed. One arrangement enables a creator of content to select software with which that creator's content should be rendered—assuring continuity between artistic intention and delivery. Another uses the camera of a smartphone 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 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.

Systems and methods are described for interactively and graphically interfacing with a user on an HVAC system controlled by a thermostat. The user interface is implemented on a touch screen display on a remote wirelessly connected device such as smartphone or a tablet PC. The interface displays a screen that mimics the display on the thermostat including allowing one or more input methods that are analogous to input methods used on the thermostat. Touch screen gestures such as touch and drag, touch and hold and tapping are used in an intuitive way. The user experience is enhanced by allowing large-scale changes while reducing the risk of sudden unintended changes. The control signals are judiciously tailored to protect the HVAC equipment from unwarranted over-controlling, reduce unnecessary network traffic, and prevent the waste of energy.

A reversible connection device to attach a cover to a tablet computer in two opposite configurations has a channel pivotally coupled to the cover to receive an edge of the tablet computer. The channel has a first magnet array to magnetically attach to a magnet array of the edge of the tablet computer in a first orientation of the tablet computer with respect to the cover and the channel. A tab is movably coupled in and carried by the channel and movable into the channel. The tab has a second reversed magnet array to magnetically attach to the magnet array of the edge of the tablet computer in a second reversed orientation of the tablet computer with respect to the cover and the channel. The second reversed magnet array has a reversed orientation with respect to the first magnet array of the channel.

A case incorporates a built-in stand for an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet computer, which the case houses. The case protects the electronic device and allows a user to view and access the device without removing it from the case. The built-in stand is adjustable and allows for multiple viewing angles.

A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.

A portable computer and portable docking station arrangement includes a portable docking station equipped with a keyboard, a swinging bracket pivoted to the portable docking station, and a portable computer insertable into the swinging bracket in one of two reversed directions for enabling the arrangement to be used as a notebook computer or a tablet PC. A spare battery pack is provided at the portable docking station, and chargeable by external power supply upon insertion of the portable computer into the swinging bracket. Data transmission between the portable docking station and the portable computer may be achieved by a wired transmission method or wireless transmission method.

This invention features a solution to use a pocket size pc, smartphone, or tablet or any other type of mobile personal computer as the main computer of a vehicle, in the highly computerized future vehicles. By connecting the smartphone / tablet / etc to the car interface, the phone / tablet / etc will become the brain of the machine, and acts as a vehicle computer system. By the use of the car manufacturer application software, or use of 3rd party application software, It can be programmed for controlling / replacing many of the vehicle subsystems and accessories.

The present invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate annotating digital documents (e.g., digital inking) with devices such as Tablet PCs, PDAs, cell phones, and the like. The systems and methods provide for multi-scale navigation during document annotating via a space-scale framework that fluidly generates and moves a zoom region relative to a document and writing utensil. A user can employ this zoom region to annotate various portions of the document at a size comfortable to the user and suitably scaled to the device display. The space-scale framework enables dynamic navigation, wherein the zoom region location, size, and shape, for example, can automatically adjust as the user annotates. When the user finishes annotating the document, the annotations scale back with the zoom region to original page size. These novel features provide advantages over conventional techniques that do not contemplate multi-scale navigation during document annotating.

A portable computer and portable docking station arrangement includes a portable docking station equipped with a keyboard, a swinging bracket pivoted to the portable docking station, and a portable computer insertable into the swinging bracket in one of two reversed directions for enabling the arrangement to be used as a notebook computer or a tablet PC. A spare battery pack is provided at the portable docking station, and chargeable by external power supply upon insertion of the portable computer into the swinging bracket. Data transmission between the portable docking station and the portable computer may be achieved by a wired transmission method or wireless transmission method.

A portable telematics device can be a tablet or a mobile device. The tablet and mobile device can combine to run applications via a communication link and form a link with a vehicle and / or another mobile device. The tablet can also have a telematics component which has a display component displaying a selected program icon from the mobile station on the tablet and a control component. The control component can be configured to prevent a use of all program icons on the mobile station. Further, it can allow a use of the selected program icon on the tablet, which can activate a related program on the mobile station. The display component can display at least an output of the related program on the tablet.

A system and a method for transferring content between devices are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, users lay their electronic devices (such as content reading devices, mobile tablets or smart phones) side by side and use a touch screen to “slide” or “swipe” digital content (e.g., via finger swiping of a book cover) from one device to the other. The devices automatically pair with one another based on certain pairing criteria detected contemporaneously with slide or swipe of digital content. If the pairing criteria are satisfied, the digital content is transferred.

A flexible, scalable hardware input device for interacting with a variety of devices ranging from a phone, to a media playback device to a steering wheel or a tablet PC is provided. The input device includes a set of mechanical input controls, each mapping to one or more independent functions and a set of touch sensitive input control areas (e.g., capacitive), where each touch sensitive input control area receives touch input independently. In addition, one or more of the touch sensitive input control areas interchangeably overlay one or more of the mechanical input controls, whereby interaction with the touch sensitive input control areas is processed together to determine a corresponding function for controlling the application, service or computing device.

The purpose of the present invention is to offer distance-learning courses to students around the world by using the Internet. The courses offered will contain audio and / or video feeds showing the teachers teaching in a classroom setting, transmit the notes being made by teachers on a regular computer using a pen mouse or a tablet PC or on an electronic whiteboard as they teach, and also conduct quizzes for students. The students will be able to use the system interactively, including submitting responses to the quizzes and assignments, as well as accessing previously “broadcast” lectures of the courses.

Apps are secured or security-wrapped either before they are downloaded onto a device, such as a smartphone or tablet device, or after they are downloaded but before they are allowed to access the device operating system and cause any potential damage to the device. An app provider, such as an employer or a cellphone provider, can secure its apps before consumers download an app from their app store or marketplace. The app is secured before it is allowed to access the operating system of the device, thereby preventing the app from malicious behavior. Core object code of the app is obtained and the digital signature is removed. App object code is substituted with security program object code, thereby creating a security-wrapped app. The security-wrapped app is prepared for execution on the device and is re-signed with a new key.

A foldable cover has panels or sections and hinges that allow the cover to be folded into a stand for an electronic tablet or other electronic device. The front cover protects the front screen of the electronic tablet. The front cover can be folded into a stand to provide multiple viewing angles for the tablet, without needing to carry a separate standalone stand device. The foldable cover can be part of case that houses and protects the electronic tablet. Due to the foldable cover, this case has additional functionality and usability. Since the stand can be formed from the front cover, the stand will be available wherever the case is and is harder to lose than having a separate standalone stand.

A separable and foldable Tablet PC assembly has a data-inputting device, a combining seat which is pivotally connecting on the data-inputting device, and a slate-like Tablet PC which is received in the combining seat. The combining seat has a base portion, two guiding arms extending upwardly from two sides of the base portion, and a pair of connectors mounted opposite one another on the base portion. The slate-like Tablet PC has a receiving cavity in a bottom thereof and a mating connector on a bottom thereof and corresponding to one of the connectors of the combining seat.

The invention provides a carrier for hands-free support of tablet and notebook computers to allow use of the device while standing upright. The carriers are convertible between an in-use configuration and a carrying case configuration. The carrier features include a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion and sidewalls extending away from the outer portion such that the platform and the sidewalls together define an open-top receptacle adapted to receive a portable computer or other display device. The receptacle has at least two opposing portions for attaching or otherwise securing strap fixtures for connecting opposing ends of a user strap.

A dual screen presentation notebook having components that are integrally connected together to allow easy viewing of presentation materials without the users having to sit side by side craning their necks close together facing the same direction but instead can face opposite one another. When the dual screen presentation notebook is switched on, users can either (i) view identical or mirror images of the presentation materials or (ii) different images on the two monitor screens. The dual screen presentation notebook can be easily converted into a tablet computer and can also be used for other applications such as viewing electronic book, electronic photograph and images, videos, movies, etc.

A wearable mobile scanner system processes a retail store purchase in a convenient, time efficient and reliable manner. The wearable mobile scanner system includes a forearm portion and a hand portion. The forearm portion comprises a main body member and at least one strap member and is adapted to secure the forearm portion upon a user's forearm. The hand portion comprises a central forehand member, a palm member, and a forefinger aperture, wherein the hand portion is aligned with the forearm portion and wherein the hand portion is adapted to receive a hand of the user. A trigger member is located on the forefinger aperture in communication with a USB scanner input device mounted on the central forehand member of the hand portion. A system integrated therein enables store level real-time inventory management and a fully functioning mobile POS for selling merchandise throughout the store and beyond its walls.

An electronic viewing tablet is provided with a uni-body display and touch screen system. The device includes a large display, connectors for USB, flash ROM ports (such as Smart Media, Compact Flash and Secure Digital / Multi-Media Flash) protected behind a waterproof access door, a wireless network interface, a momentary contact switch and a waterproof access panel for servicing the internal battery. An inductive charging system may be provided to recharge an internal battery. A microprocessor based electronic communication and control system controls the electronic components of the device. The electronic tablet allows a user to acquire content and applications on a personal computer or network or purchase data and images on removable flash media. Applications, data and images (electronic books, magazines, newspapers, text files, sheet music and “printed” files) may be downloaded to the tablet through a USB connector, a wireless connection, or through a ROM port. Once loaded onto the tablet, written material may be read wherever the user chooses, independent of the computer or network. A user interface presents simple commands to the user, presented in a graphical fashion on a display, allowing the user to navigate the information stored in the device and execute the applications that are present. Soft buttons on the touch screen allow the user to interact with the tablet.

In a GPS-equipped device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer with a compatible operating system, a useful dynamic display of directional and timing information is provided based on GPS data obtained through conventional means processed according to computational modules or applications stored on the device. These displays include a solar timer, a compass dial and other date, time and location-based information. Underlying the displayable information is a database of information that is processed with input from an accurate compass employing a calculated reference line based on two time-separated GPS readings and a direction parameter.

A support for a pad computer and the like includes a body support strap which may be placed around the neck or shoulders of a user, and a body propping unit that positions a computer outwardly from the torso of the user. The body support strap connects to the body propping member preferably at a location proximately aligned with the center of gravity of the combined mass of the computer and computer support when the body popping member is deployed in its stand-off position. In a preferred variant the body propping member is a U-shaped strut assembly with two arms joined by a bridge. The body support strap connects to the arms. The arms are hinged at the sides of the computer. The bridge may be swung from an in-use orientation spacing the computer outwardly from a user, to a parked position wherein the bridge lies adjacent to an opposite transverse edge of the computer in the plane of the computer.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device, such as a tablet PC for example, is designed with a housing and a cover configured for attachment to the housing. The housing includes a front panel and a back panel having a base unit with a recess to receive a stylus pen to operate as a leg to maintain the housing in an upright position. Alternatively, the housing may include a control button to receive a stylus pen so that the combination operates as an input device similar to a joystick.