ITRI prevails in patent dispute with Samsung Tweet

The Taiwan government-sponsored Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has reportedly prevailed over Samsung Electronics in a patent infringement lawsuit involving 19 patents, according to market sources.

Samsung could still appeal, the sources noted.

ITRI noted that the lawsuit is still in process and declined to comment.

ITRI last year sued Samsung in the US, accusing the Korean vendor of infringing its patents of from semiconductor, display and handset technologies. ITRI claimed that Samsung's i607, D520, SPH-A940, SPH-M220, SPH-M320 and SGH-D307 handset models violated its patents of US 6,459,413 and US 5,208,472.

Labels:

Google, Sony, and Intel’s Smart TV, Patent Application Images Tweet

There have not been much talk about the new Sony Smart TV, but here is something NewTeevee found while searching the Google Patent data base. The new Television that is said to be Android powered, and come with a special Android app store with its own TV application might have talked to the FCC over a year ago. This patent application was filled by Sony for a “network media player with user-generated playback control.” That name sounds a little similar to their latest Android powered TV that should be announced soon. The information provided in the patent is plentiful, and I got a lot out of it.

From what I read, the Android powered TV is planned to be able to bring all your media players into one and allow you to play your movies from cable, satellite, online, and more all in one place.

“(A) user may create a Cliff note version of the recent Super Bowl game footage to tailor such footage… For example, one user may tailor the footage so that only the “snaps” for the entire game are included within the Cliff note version. In this way, the user can view the entire series of plays within the game without all the extraneous material unrelated to such plays. Thereafter, other users can access this version or Cliff note of the media and amend it to their needs or desires.”

They even talk of a way users could add their own graphics on top of a recorded videos.

“User-generated overlays can be used to create custom playback of content. For example, a user could overlay a frame image, add a ticket bar, place a logo in the corner of the screen, add a sound track, or perform any other overlay function.”

This information is great, but still leaves us wondering what Google and their friends have in under Eric’s sleeves.


source

Labels:

HTC Sues Apple: The Complaint and Patents [DOC] Tweet

Earlier this morning, HTC said it has filed suit against Apple (AAPL), accusing the company of infringing on five HTC patents. Below, a copy of the suit and a list of the intellectual property at issue in it, which, frankly, pales a bit in compared with the patents in Apple’s complaint against HTC.

U.S. PATENT NO. 6,999,800 Method for power management of a smart phone
A method for power management of a smart phone having a power system, a mobile phone system operated in a standby, sleep, connection or off mode, and a PDA system operated in a normal, sleep or off mode

U.S. PATENT NO. 7,716,505 (granted yesterday!)
Power control methods for a portable electronic device
A power control method for a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device comprises a power supply unit and a volatile memory for storing data when the power supply unit supplies power thereto. First, the portable electronic device is set to enter a deep sleep mode. Then, data accessed from the volatile memory is transferred to a non-volatile memory. Finally, except for maintaining sufficient power to restore the device, the power supply unit is turned off.

U.S. PATENT NO. 5,541,988
Telephone dialler with a personalized page organization of telephone directory memory
An advanced telephone dialler has been described, incorporating a fast retrieval and dial telephone directory. The system simplifies the use of the telephone directory by using a single sliding or rotary key for scanning and selection of the name and number to be dialled and one button for speed dialling of the selected number.

U.S. PATENT NO. 6,058,183
Telephone dialler with a personalized page organization of telephone
An advanced telephone dialler has been described, incorporating a fast retrieval and dial telephone directory. The system simplifies the use of the telephone directory by using a single sliding or rotary key for scanning and selection of the name and number to be dialled and one button for speed.

U.S. PATENT NO. 6,320,957
Telephone dialler with easy access memory
An advanced telephone dialler has been described, incorporating a fast retrieval and dial telephone directory. The system simplifies the use of the telephone directory by using a single sliding or rotary key for scanning and selection of the name and number to be dialled and one button for speed dialling of the selected number.

source

Labels:

Microsoft Announces Patent Agreement With HTC Tweet

REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft Corp. and HTC Corp. have signed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for HTC’s mobile phones running the Android mobile platform. Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will receive royalties from HTC.

The agreement expands HTC’s long-standing business relationship with Microsoft.

“HTC and Microsoft have a long history of technical and commercial collaboration, and today’s agreement is an example of how industry leaders can reach commercial arrangements that address intellectual property,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft. “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with HTC.”

Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property

The licensing agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 600 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant research and development investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio. More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

Labels:

Motorola Patents PORTABLE DEVICE DISPLAY PRESENTING TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONAL IMAGES Tweet

Abstract:

An electronic device (100, 400, 500) includes a display (116, 516) positioned within a housing (104, 504) for presenting two dimensional images. A cover (102, 502) is moveably mounted to the housing (104, 504) and capable of assuming an open position and a closed position. An optical element (120, 420, 520) is disposed within the cover (102, 502), wherein the display (116, 516) may be viewed directly when the cover (102, 502) is in the open position and wherein the display may be viewed through the optical element (120, 420, 520) when the cover (102, 502) is in the closed position, the optical element (120, 420, 520) giving the two dimensional images on the display (116, 516) a three dimensional appearance.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising:a housing;a display positioned within the housing, the display capable of presenting images;a cover moveably mounted to the housing and capable of assuming an open position and a closed position; anda optical element disposed within the cover, wherein the display may be viewed directly when the cover is in the open position and wherein at least a portion of the display may be viewed through the optical element when the cover is in the closed position, the optical element converting the images presented on the display into three dimensional images.

2. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the optical element comprises a lenticular material.

3. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the optical element comprises a polarized thin film.

4. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the optical element comprises a parallax barrier grid.

5. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the cover is mounted to the housing by a hinge.

6. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the display includes a touch screen and is capable of presenting images and video.

7. The electronic device of claim 1 further comprising a sensor that detects when the cover is in the closed position and that causes a predetermined image to appear on the display.

8. The electronic device of claim 2 wherein the lenticular material comprises a plurality of lenticular elements and the display comprises a plurality of pixels.

9. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a first plurality of registration features and the cover comprises a second plurality of registration features, wherein the first and second registration features align upon the cover assuming the closed position.

10. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the electronic device further comprises sensors, and the cover comprises registration features detected by the sensors for aligning the images with the optical element.

11. An electronic device comprising:a housing;a display positioned within the housing for presenting images;a cover moveably mounted to the housing; andan optical element disposed within the cover, wherein the cover is capable of assuming a first position wherein the display may be viewed directly and assuming a second position wherein the display is viewed through the optical element, thereby giving the images presented on the display a three dimensional appearance.

12. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein the optical element comprises a lenticular material.

13. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein the optical element comprises a polarized thin film.

14. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein the optical element comprises a parallax barrier grid.

15. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein the display includes a touch screen and is capable of presenting images and video.

16. The electronic device of claim 11 further comprising a sensor that detects when the cover is in the closed position and that causes a predetermined image to appear on the display.

17. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein the housing comprises a first plurality of registration features and the cover comprises a second plurality of registration features, wherein the first and second registration features align upon the cover assuming the closed position.

18. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein the electronic device further comprises sensors, and the cover comprises registration features detected by the sensors for aligning the images with the optical element.

19. The electronic device of claim 11 further comprising a transparent portion disposed in the cover wherein a first portion of the display is viewed through the optical element and a second portion of the display is viewed through the transparent portion.

20. A method of displaying images on an electronic device including a display disposed within a housing, and an optical element disposed within a cover, the cover being moveably mounted to the housing, comprising:moving the cover to a first position wherein a operator may view an image presented by the display; andmoving the cover to a second position wherein the operator may view the image presented on the display through the optical element which converts the image to a three dimensional image.
Description


FIELD

[0001]The present invention generally relates to portable electronic devices and more particularly to a method and apparatus for displaying images in a clamshell device such as a flip phone.

BACKGROUND

[0002]The market for personal portable electronic devices, for example, cell phones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, and music playback devices (MP3), is very competitive. Manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and third party providers have all attempted to find features that appeal to the consumer. Manufacturers are constantly improving their product with each model in the hopes it will appeal to the consumer more than a competitor's product. Many times these manufacturer's improvements do not relate directly to the functionality of the product.

[0003]The look and feel of personal portable electronics devices is now a key product differentiator and one of the most significant reasons that consumers choose specific models. From a business standpoint, outstanding designs (form and appearance) may increase market share and margin.

[0004]Larger and more colorful displays with higher resolution have become a large factor driving consumer's choice of product. Any improvement in the display may have a large affect on consumer demand. Presentation of a three dimensional image from a display has previously been disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,650; however, in order to transition from a two dimensional image to a three dimensional image, an electronic circuit including additional layers embedded within the optical element are required. This additional circuitry and layers increases cost and complexity.

[0005]Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a simple, low cost apparatus and method for providing perceived three dimensional images on an electronic device. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

[0007]FIG. 1 is a top view of a first exemplary embodiment of a mobile communication device in an open position;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a top view of the first exemplary embodiment in a closed position;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first exemplary embodiment;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a top view of a second exemplary embodiment of a mobile communication device in a closed position;

[0011]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a mobile communication device in an open position; and

[0012]FIG. 6 is a top view of the third exemplary embodiment in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013]The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0014]Although the apparatus and method described herein may be used with any type of electronic device, the exemplary embodiments are shown herein comprise mobile communication devices. While the mobile communication device is illustrated as a flip-style and a sliding cover cellular telephone, the embodiments can also be implemented in cellular telephones with other housing styles, personal digital assistants, television remote controls, video cassette players, landline telephones, and other electronic devices.

[0015]An electronic device is described herein having a display within a housing that allows an operator to provide input to the electronic device by selecting symbols, numbers, and the like on the display for performing one or more tasks. A cover is mechanically coupled to the housing and may be moved to overlie the display. The cover includes an optical element, such as a transparent lenticular material, through which the display may be viewed. The display presents images in two dimensions, and when the cover is "open", the operator sees the displayed images, for example, diagrams and text, in two dimensions. However, when the cover is "closed", the operator perceives the images presented through the optical element as three dimensional. This presentation in three dimensions is accomplished with a low cost mechanical structure without electro-optical switching circuitry. The closing of the cover over the display may cause the display to present a predetermined image, for example, a picture, artistic design, or company logo. Although a lenticular material is described in the illustrated exemplary embodiments, other material systems such as a barrier array and a micro-polarized thin film may also be used to provide a three dimensional image.

[0016]Referring to FIG. 1, the mobile communication device 100 has a first housing 102, or cover, and a second housing 104 movably connected by a hinge 106. The first housing 102 and the second housing 104 pivot between an open position (FIG. 1) and a closed position (FIG. 2). An antenna (not shown) transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals for communicating with a complementary communication device such as a cellular base station. Optional function buttons 108 represent, for example, an on/off button, a function button, a handwriting recognition mode button, and a telephone mode button. A microphone 112 receives sound for transmission, and an audio speaker 114, positioned to be accessed on a first side 110 of the housing 102, transmits audio signals to a user.

[0017]A display 116 is included in the second housing 104. The display 116 is implemented in this exemplary embodiment as an LCD touchscreen and may display names, telephone numbers, transmitted and received information, user interface commands, scrolled menus, pictures, video, and other information. One image presented on the display 116 includes a standard, twelve-key telephone keypad. Other images may include, for example, a "clear" button, a phonebook mode button, and an "OK" button. Additional or different images, buttons or icons representing modes, and command buttons, pictures, or video can be implemented using the display 116. Each image is a direct driven pixel, and this keyless input device uses a display with aligned optical shutter and backlight cells to selectively reveal one or more images and provide contrast for the revealed images in both low-light and bright-light conditions.

[0018]In accordance with the first exemplary embodiment, an optical element 120 is disposed, for example, molded or laminated, within the first housing 102. The optical element 120 allows light to pass therethrough, from the display 116 to a side 122 of the housing 102 (FIG. 2) for viewing. While the display 116 present images in two dimensions, the optical element 120 changes the image viewed therethrough to appear as three dimensional. The optical element 120 is a plurality of lens, preferably made of polymer lenticule, but may also be other types of optical structures, for example, electro-wetting lenses or parallax barriers.

[0019]When the mobile communication device 100 is "open" (FIG. 1), the images on the display 116 are viewed as two-dimensional objects. These images may contain three dimensional cues such as shadowing, perspective, occlusion, and size differences. However, they do not contain stereoscopic cues such as different information presented to each eye or motion parallax. These cues, important characteristics of 3-D objects, cannot be presented using standard display technology. When the mobile communication device 100 is "closed" (FIG. 2), the images on the display 116 are viewed through the optical element 120 as three-dimensional objects. This means that the viewer receives stereoscopic cues and/or motion parallax information. An optional sensor 124, for example a push button switch as shown, is activated when the first housing 102 is closed over the second housing 104, causing a predetermined image to be presented on the display 116. Other types of sensors are envisioned in lieu of the switch 124, and may be incorporated into the hinge 124.

[0020]An optional sensor 132 may be provided in the second housing and coupled to circuitry that determines when the first housing 102 is in the closed position. This fact may be used to determine an image presented on the display 116. Alternatively, the sensor 132 may be disposed in the first housing 102.

[0021]Furthermore, a plurality of registration devices 134 may be disposed on the first and second housings for ensuring alignment of pixels (not shown) within the display 116 with the optical device 120. This alignment in one exemplary embodiment may take the form of merely a mechanical alignment. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the alignment devices 134 may be a sensor that detects the precise position of an alignment device on the other of the first or second housing. Input from that sensor is then used to reposition an image on the display 116 to align with the optical device 120.

[0022]A simple schematic diagram of the optical element 120 is shown in FIG. 3 as overlying the display 116 in the closed position. The display 116 includes a plurality of LCD pixels 330 arranged in an array of columns and rows (only one column is shown) having a pitch 332 that is determined by the LCD display resolution. The optical element 120, in this exemplary embodiment a lenticular material, includes a transparent polymer material 334 having a thickness equal to a minimum focal length 336, and a plurality of elongate, parallel, lenticular elements 338 having a pitch 340. The lenticular elements 338 are cylindrically converging lenticules (lenses) providing separate images in a known fashion to the eyes 344 of the viewer looking down upon the lenticular elements 338 at a distance 346. "Multiview 3D--LCD", C. van Berkel, SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2653, pg. 32 and Great Britain patent GB-A-2196166 provide a detailed description of the operation of lenticular devices. In other embodiments, the lenticular lenses have a spherical shape or other geometries.

[0023]The pitch 340 is determined so the center of each pixel 330 is projected to the center of the viewing plane 344. The pitch 340 is determined by the equation

l=2i(z-f)/z

where l=pitch 340,

[0024]i=pixel 330 pitch,

[0025]f=focal length 336, and

[0026]z=distance between pixels 330 and viewing plane 342.

[0027]Each lenticular element 338 overlies two or more columns of pixels 330 to provide a corresponding number of views. Each lenticular element 338 provides a discrete beam of light from the pixels 330 at an angular direction, which is perceived as a three dimensional image by the viewer.

[0028]In another exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, an optical element 420 occupies only a first portion of the housing 102 while a transparent material 421 occupies a second portion. This embodiment allows for the presentation by the display 116 of a three dimensional image viewed through the optical element 420 and a two dimensional image viewed through the transparent material 421. The transparent material 421 preferably is a rigid material such as a polymer or glass.

[0029]In order for the lenticular element to provide a three dimensional view, the optical information displayed on the underlying display 116 must be in the correct form for the lens element. Typically, views for the right eye and for the left eye are spatially interlaced in the display 116 pixels. The matching optical element 120 then parses this information appropriately to each eye. In one embodiment, the entire display 116 produces typical 2-D images over the entire display in the "open" flip position. When the flip is "closed" the change in position is detected by a sensor 124, which then changes the information content on at least part of the screen to the spatially interlaced format needed for the three dimensional images.

[0030]In order for the spatially-interlaced three dimensional data to display properly through the optical element 120, the optical element must be well-aligned to the display 116 pixels. This can be accomplished by using large lenticular elements that encompass multiple pixels of the display 116, thereby eliminated the sensitivity to alignment. In another embodiment, the flip can be mechanically designed so that the fit is extremely accurate. For example, the flip may align to multiple registration features in the closed state. In still another embodiment, registration features on the flip or optical element may be detected by sensors within the electronic device. These sensors feed data into a processor that shifts the data on the underlying display 116 into proper registration. In another embodiment, data from the sensors could trigger actuators which mechanically tune the position of the flip.

[0031]Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a third exemplary embodiment illustrates an electronic device 500 having a first housing 502 and a second housing 504. The first housing 502 is moveably mounted to the second housing 504 and may be moved in a direction 505 to an open position as shown by the perspective view in FIG. 5 and a closed position as shown by the top view in FIG. 6. A display 516 is included in the second housing 504. The display 516 is implemented in this exemplary embodiment as a touchscreen. One exemplary image presented on the display 516 includes a standard QWERTY keyboard. Other images may include, for example, a menu and pictures of musicians for which music is being played. Additional or different images, buttons or icons representing modes, and command buttons, or video can be implemented using the display 516. Each image is a direct driven pixel, and this keyless input device uses a display with aligned optical shutter and backlight cells to selectively reveal one or more images and provide contrast for the revealed images in both low-light and bright-light conditions.

[0032]In accordance with the third exemplary embodiment, an optical element 520 is positioned in the first housing 502. The optical element 520 allows light to pass therethrough, from the display 516 to a side 522 of the housing 502 (FIG. 6). While the display 516 present images in two dimensions, the optical element 520 changes the image viewed therethrough to appear as three dimensional. The optical element 520 is a plurality of lens, preferably made of polymer lenticule, but may also be other types of optical structures, for example, electro-wetting lenses or parallax barriers.

[0033]When the electronic device 500 is "open" (FIG. 5), the images on the display 516 are viewed as two-dimensional objects. When the mobile communication device 500 is "closed" (FIG. 6), the images on the display 516 are viewed through the optical element 520 as three-dimensional objects. An optional switch (not shown) causes a predetermined image to be presented on the display 516 when the electronic device is in the closed position.

[0034]Although a lenticular material is described for the optical element 120, 420, 520 in the illustrated exemplary embodiments, other material systems such as a parallax barrier grid or a micro-polarized thin film may also be used to provide a three dimensional image. A parallax barrier grid having transparent and opaque regions can be placed in front of a liquid crystal panel in order for the left eye of an observer can view only the left half of a stereo pair and the right eye of the observer can view only the right half of the stereo pair, resulting in a viewer sensing a three dimensional image. As rays of light pass through several adjacent slits in the parallax barrier grid, a number of additional viewing windows are produced for the left and right views (stereo pair). This technical solution may comprise a number of viewing slits, ranging from a dense grid to a single vertical slit.

[0035]The micro-polarized thin film relies on a patterned polarizer and retarder arrays. A different polarization direction is associated with alternating pixels. The stereo data displayed by the LCD module is encoded in the polarization. The micro-polarizer design using polarization is configured to have an auto-stereoscopic mode by using a series of stacked micro-polarizer elements to create a switchable parallax barrier. The design exploits the polarized light output from the LCD module over which is created a patterned retarder film array. A final polarizing layer is placed over the retarder array effectively creating a front parallax barrier and hence a 3D micro-optical element. Linear polarization filters polarize the light horizontally or vertically, wherein light passing through one filter at the display may only pass through the corresponding filter in the closed cover.

[0036]While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Labels:

HTC new design in the end is a laptop or tablet PC Tweet

With the continuous development of the times, more and more new and useful technology in our side. Not long ago, just fire up a Tablet PC, and recently, a computer can be folded flat products will appear.

This is from HTC of an internal data. Information, HTC is developing a new touch screen technology, the product looks more like a large clamshell. But he has two touch screen, link by a hinge.

HTC new design in the end is a laptop or tablet PC

According to reports, when the two screens open into a 180 ° angle, the two monitors will display the contents of merged into one screen. When the user uses only one screen, the other screen will show a virtual QWERTY keyboard.

From the perspective of the development notebook, tablet PC and notebook combination would be a good idea. Foldable portable design not only meet the need, but also meets the needs of the people on the big screen.

Labels:

Patent nonsense Tweet

An end to frivolous patents may finally be in sight.

DO PATENTS help or hinder innovation? Instinctively, they would seem a blessing, especially for backroom tinkerers. Patenting an idea gives its inventor a 20-year monopoly to exploit the fruit of his labour in the marketplace, in exchange for publishing a full account of how the new product, process or material works for all and sundry to see. For the inventor, that may be a reasonable trade-off. For society, however, the loss of competition through the granting sole rights to an individual or organisation is justified only if it stimulates the economy and delivers goods that change people’s lives for the better.

Invention, though, is not innovation. It may take a couple of enthusiasts working evenings and weekends for a year or two—not to mention tens of thousands of dollars of their savings—to get a pet idea to the patenting stage. But that is just the beginning. Innovations based on patented inventions or discoveries can take teams of researchers, engineers and marketing experts a decade or more, and tens of millions of dollars, to transfer to the marketplace. And for every bright idea that goes on to become a commercial winner, literally thousands fall by the wayside.
Getty Images

Most economists would argue that, without a patent system, even fewer inventions would lead to successful innovations, and those that did would be kept secret for far longer in order to maximise returns. But what if patents actually discourage the combining and recombining of inventions to yield new products and processes—as has happened in biotechnology, genetics and other disciplines?

Or what about those ludicrous business-process patents, like Amazon.com’s “one-click” patent or the “name-your-price” auction patent assigned to Priceline.com? Instead of stimulating innovation, such patents seem more about extracting “rents” from innocent bystanders going about their business. One thing has become clear since business-process patents took off in America during the 1990s: the quality of patents has deteriorated markedly. And with sloppier patenting standards, litigation has increased. The result is higher transaction costs all round.

It is not simply a failure of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to scrutinise applications more rigorously. The Federal Circuit (America’s centralised court of appeal, established in 1982 to hear, among numerous other things, patent disputes) has been responsible for a number of bizarre rulings. Because of its diverse responsibilities, the Federal Circuit—unlike its counterparts in Europe and Japan—has never really acquired adequate expertise in patent jurisprudence.

To be eligible for a patent, an invention must not just be novel, but also useful and non-obvious. Anything that relies on natural phenomena, abstract ideas or the laws of nature does not qualify. The USPTO has taken to requiring a working prototype of anything that purportedly breaches the laws of physics. So, no more perpetual-motion machines, please.

If truth be told, few inventions are really worth patenting. Time and again, surveys show that in both America and Europe companies rate superior sales and service, lead time and secrecy as far more important than patents when it comes to profiting from innovation. And, although applying for patents is relatively cheap, the cost of maintaining them can be horrendous. If the idea behind a patent has any commercial merit, it will attract imitators—and the inventor must be prepared to defend it in the courts. In a majority of cases, the cost of litigation will far exceed any revenue the inventor may subsequently earn from royalties or licensing.

By and large, the inventions and discoveries worth patenting are those in the pharmaceutical and biotech fields, where the pay-off for blockbuster drugs can amount to billions of dollars a year. Also, because the vast majority of inventions in such areas depend on unique molecular architectures, patents for new products are easier to defend in the courts. A me-too drug that is believed to violate a firm’s patent is either based on the same molecule or not.

Another field where patenting is pursued aggressively is semiconductors. But it is done there not so much to make money, nor even to bar others from using the acquired know-how. Its main purpose is for negotiating cross-licensing deals with competitors. Of necessity, inventions in chipmaking rely on lots of existing technology, which is itself covered by hundreds of patents held by numerous other firms. Without a large portfolio of patents to trade beforehand, semiconductor firms developing incrementally improved products (next-generation microprocessors and memory chips, for instance) would run into litigation and injunctions at every turn.

Pursuing patents aggressively for cross-licensing agreements has little to do with encouraging innovation, though. Indeed, by increasing transaction costs, such deals are in effect a tax on innovation. By the same token, how much of a contribution have the 12,000 or so business processes patented annually in America (but few places elsewhere) made to innovation? Precious little, by all accounts. It is hard enough to find evidence (outside the pharmaceutical and biotech industries) showing that the patent system generally spurs innovation. It is harder still to find justification for business-process patents.

What is clear is that the “non-obviousness” part of the test for patentability has not been applied anywhere near rigorously enough to internet and business-process patents. Because they lack a history of “prior art” to refer to, examiners and judges have granted a lot of shoddy patents for software and business processes.

Mercifully, that is beginning to change. America’s Supreme Court is about to issue a ruling which, by all accounts, will make it difficult, if not impossible, to get a patent for a business process. And because most business processes are, at bottom, computer algorithms, the Supreme Court’s judgment could also bar all sorts of software patents in the process. As a result, a lot of patents for online shopping, medical-diagnostic tests and procedures for executing trades on Wall Street could be invalidated.

The roots of the dispute go back more than a decade to two inventors, Bernard Bilski and Rand Warsaw, who sought to patent a method of hedging weather-related risks in energy prices. The USPTO concluded that the process was too abstract and denied the application. On appeal, the Federal Circuit actually upheld the patent office’s decision—and said, crucially, that the process would be eligible for a patent only if it was “tied to a particular machine or apparatus” or if it “transformed a particular article into a different state or thing”. Failing on both counts, the inventors took their case to the Supreme Court, which has been pondering for the past few months whether the “machine-or-transformation” test is an appropriate standard. It is hard to conclude it is not.

An end to frivolous patents for business processes will be a blessing to online commerce. Meanwhile, the loss of patent protection for software could make programmers realise at last that they have more in common with authors, artists, publishers and musicians than they ever had with molecular architects and chip designers. In short, they produce expressions of ideas that are eminently copyrightable.

That could be good news for innovation. After all, who in his right mind would seek a lousy old patent offering a mere 20 years of protection when copyright can provide monopoly rights for up to 70 years after the author’s death? That one fact alone could spur more innovation than all the tinkering attempted so far.

source

Labels:

Microsoft patents ADVANCED INDUCTIVE CHARGING PAD FOR PORTABLE DEVICES Tweet

Abstract:

Systems and methodologies for efficient inductive charging of electronic devices are provided herein. A charging device as described herein can utilize a sensor-integrated resonating circuit with automatic frequency control to provide low-cost inductive charging functionality for electronic devices. As further described herein, a device to be charged can be equipped with a power receiver operable to receive power from the charging device via electromagnetic induction. The power receiver can additionally be utilized for initiation of charging such that charging for a device commences upon its associated power receiver being brought within range of an inductive charging surface at the charging device. Further, a charging device as described herein can have an inductive charging surface as well as a non-charging surface for providing other services such as information display. A charging device can integrate with an external information source to obtain items to be displayed at a non-charging surface thereon.

Claims


1. A system for charging an electronic device, comprising:a charging device having at least one charging surface located thereon;an initialization component that enables charging at the charging device upon detecting that a charging surface located thereon is engageable by an electronic device;a load detection component that detects device engagement at the charging surface; anda charging component that wirelessly provides power to an engaged device at the charging surface via electromagnetic induction.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the initialization component further comprises a timer module that disables charging at the charging device upon determining that no device engagement has occurred at the charging device within a predetermined time period following enablement of charging.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the load detection component detects device engagement at least in part by determining whether a power receiver associated with an electronic device has been brought within inductive range of the charging surface.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a resonating state monitor that determines a resonating frequency of the power receiver, wherein the charging component provides power to the associated electronic device via electromagnetic induction using the resonating frequency determined by the resonating state monitor.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the charging component comprises a switching circuit that facilitates periodic variance in an inductive current utilized for providing power to the associated electronic device via electromagnetic induction at the resonating frequency determined by the resonating state monitor.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the charging surface at the charging device facilitates simultaneous charging of a plurality of disparate electronic devices.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the charging surface comprises a visible indicator that charging is occurring for one or more electronic devices.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the initialization component comprises an orientation tracking component that determines whether the charging device is oriented such that a charging surface thereon is engageable.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the orientation tracking component comprises at least one accelerometer.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the charging device further comprises a display surface that displays graphical information upon a determination by the orientation tracking component that the charging device is oriented to allow viewing of the display surface.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the charging device obtains information to display at the display surface from a disparate information source.

12. A method of controlling an electronic charging pad to facilitate charging of an electronic device, comprising:initializing a charging mode upon detecting that a charging area at the charging pad is oriented to allow engagement therewith;detecting engagement between the charging area and at least one power receiver associated with at least one electronic device to be charged; andproviding power to at least one engaged power receiver via electromagnetic induction.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the detecting further comprises:determining whether a power receiver is detected within a predetermined time following initialization of the charging mode; anddisabling the charging mode pending detection of a power receiver upon determining that a power receiver has not been detected within the predetermined time.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the providing comprises:determining a resonating frequency of an engaged power receiver; andinductively providing power to the engaged power receiver at the determined resonating frequency.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising disabling the charging mode upon detecting removal of an engaged power receiver from the charging area.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing at least one visual or auditory indication that power is being provided to the at least one engaged power receiver.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein:the detecting comprises detecting engagement between a plurality of power receivers associated with respective electronic devices and the charging area; andthe providing comprises providing power to the engaged power receivers simultaneously.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising:identifying a display surface associated with the charging pad; anddisplaying information at the display surface upon determining that the display surface is visibly oriented.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the displaying comprises:obtaining display information from an external information store; anddisplaying the obtained display information at the display surface.

20. A system for controlling an inductive charging surface to inductively provide power to a portable electronic device, comprising:means for initializing charging upon determining that the inductive charging surface is oriented to enable coupling thereto;means for detecting coupling of an inductive power receiver associated with a portable electronic device to the charging surface upon initialization of charging;means for determining a resonant frequency associated with the inductive power receiver; andmeans for providing power to the portable electronic device at least in part by passing a periodic inductive current through the inductive charging surface at the resonant frequency associated with the inductive power receiver, thereby creating a magnetic field between the charging surface and the power receiver and inducing a current at the power receiver.
Description


BACKGROUND

[0001]Due to high customer demand for portable devices and other similar electronic devices and continuous innovation in the field of mobile technology, the marketplace for portable devices is rapidly enlarging. However, techniques for charging portable devices have seen little innovation. While techniques for wirelessly charging an electronic device through electromagnetic induction and/or other means have been proposed, these previous techniques have encountered a number of shortcomings, and as a result wired charging remains the dominant charging technique for portable devices. For example, wireless charging techniques typically provide low efficiency and slow charging speeds as compared to comparable wired charging solutions. Further, wireless charging systems are often prohibitively costly to manufacture and require a form factor that is too large to fit inside a portable device. In addition, consumer concern with respect to electromagnetic radiation emitted by existing wireless charging devices has chilled the rate of adoption of such devices as a primary charging solution.

[0002]Accordingly, there is a need for wireless charging systems and/or techniques for portable devices that mitigate at least the above shortcomings.

SUMMARY

[0003]The following presents a simplified summary of the claimed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter nor delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0004]Systems and methodologies are provided herein that facilitate improved inductive charging for portable devices. In accordance with one aspect, a charging device is described herein that utilizes a sensor-integrated resonating circuit with automatic frequency control to provide low-cost inductive charging functionality for electronic devices. By employing various techniques described herein, charging speed and efficiency of the inductive charging device is comparable to that of conventional wired charging. Additionally, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the charging device can be restricted to a substantially small area without affecting charging performance.

[0005]In accordance with one aspect, a charging device as described herein can have at least one inductive charging surface and at least one non-charging surface. Orientation of the charging device can detected, and charging can be initialized at the charging device if the device is oriented to allow engagement between a portable device and a charging surface. In one example, a portable device to be charged can be equipped with a power receiver such that a charging device can detect the presence of a device to be charged in order to provide power thereto. Upon a power receiver being placed in range of the inductive charging surface, a switching mechanism at the charging device can be driven to provide a varying current across the charging surface, thereby creating a magnetic field between the charging surface and the power receiver. From the created magnetic field, a circuit associated with the power receiver at the electronic device can receive power from the charging device.

[0006]In accordance with another aspect, a charging device as described herein can generally be constructed in the form of a charging pad having an inductive charging surface and a non-inductive display surface. The charging surface can be configured to enable charging of one or more similar or disparate electronic devices engaged therewith. Further, when visible, the display surface can provide a display for text, graphics, and/or other suitable items. In one example, the display surface can integrate with a computer or other device to display information provided by the integrated device.

[0007]The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and distinguishing features of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description of the claimed subject matter when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

Labels:

Apple filing for improved handset lenses shows forward facing camera Tweet

A newly revealed Apple patent application shows plans for superior picture and video recording performance on portable devices, and also depicts a handheld device with a forward facing camera.

The application revealed this week, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Compensating for Variations in Digital Cameras," notes that the current manufacturing process for digital video cameras is inconsistent and often results in flaws. Camera modules are manufactured separately as independent units before they are incorporated into a larger device, such as an iPhone or iPod.

The process creates cameras that may have minor differences in their physical or operational attributes. Variations can occur in lens thickness, color response, wavelength cutoff and more.

"Similar cameras manufactured on similar product lines may operate non-uniformly. For example manufacturing variations may result in variations in response to external stimuli, such as ambient light," The application reads. "Such variations in camera responses may produce a non-uniformity in images rendered by digital cameras of the same type, consequently, leading to an inconsistent product performance and to variations in product lines(s)."

Apple's proposed fix would use acquired "video images of colored light" and would measure a light intensity of response of the camera to that colored light. Using this method of measurement, the specific camera's "bias" could be determined and compensated for, allowing a more uniform level of quality.

Another method could employ a "signal processor" that would adjust the calibrated color intensities of images and videos captured by the camera, and compensate for them based on a preconfigured calibration.

Images accompanying the patent application show a mobile device with a forward facing camera.

Some users had hoped for Apple to reveal a forward facing camera on its iPad, and alleged parts for the device show a potential spot to place such a camera. However the device, revealed by Apple in late January, does not include a built-in camera of any type.

Much like the iSight camera included Apple's line of portable MacBooks, a forward facing camera on an iPad or iPhone could allow for video conferencing, self-portraits or self-recording with the portable hardware.

source

Labels:

Apple Patent Applications: Input Device Gestures, Solar-Powered iPods and iPhones Tweet

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published several new patent applications from Apple, revealing research into several areas, including the use of gesture-based input devices and solar panel technology in the casings of iPods.

Detection of "contact" and "lift" mouse gestures

In the first application, entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Processing Combinations of Kinematical Inputs", Apple describes the use of force and velocity sensors included in an input device such as a mouse to record gestures, which can then be interpreted as input by a computer.

Some embodiments of the present invention therefore enable a user to provide a series of gestures as input to the receiving device. Such gestures may include, for example, brushing motions, scooping motions, nudges, tilt and slides, and tilt and taps. The application can then respond to each gesture (or gesture combination) in any number of ways.

Embodiments of the present invention may therefore have applicability to any electronic system or application capable of receiving input. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be useful with video games, file browsing, interactive navigation, communication systems, control systems, military systems, medical devices, and industrial applications.

Detection of "tilt" and "tap" mouse gestures

The patent application, which was filed on July 18, 2008, is credited solely to Apple engineer Omar Leung.

The second application, entitled "Power Management Circuitry and Solar Cells", describes a power management system that would allow portable media devices such as the iPod and iPhone to operate primarily on solar power. The details of the application describe methods for integrating both solar and battery power sources, using switches to reconfigure sections of solar cells on the exterior of the device such that a constant voltage is generated even if certain solar cells are obstructed by a user's hand or device orientation.

Solar cell coverage demonstrated on iPod casing

The patent application, which was filed on August 5, 2008, is credited to prominent Apple iPod engineer Michael Rosenblatt and iPod systems engineer Daniel Warren.

Apple has revealed an interest in solar technology for its portable devices in the past, previously filing a patent application describing the addition of solar cells behind the glass of an LCD screen. It is unknown, however, whether such technology will ever be included in shipping devices, as Apple has a history of applying for patents on technologies that never end up seeing the light of day.

source

Labels:

U.S. International Trade Commission Enters Final Decision in Favor of LG Electronics in Whirlpool Refrigerator Patent Case Tweet

WASHINGTON -- Ruling in favor of LG Electronics, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued its final decision in a long-running refrigerator patent infringement case brought by Whirlpool Corporation. In its decision, the ITC denied the final remaining patent infringement claim by Whirlpool, denying all of Whirlpool's claims for relief and resulting in a total victory for LG Electronics over all of Whirlpool's patent infringement claims.

The ITC ruled that all but one of the asserted claims of Whirlpool's U.S. Patent No. 6,082,130 for ice storage bins located in refrigerator doors are invalid. The ITC further found that the one remaining claim of the '130 patent does not cover LG's refrigerators and thus is not infringed. As a result, the Commission found no violation and terminated the investigation.

This final decision issued late Friday is the culmination of a trial before ITC Judge Theodore R. Essex, who ruled in favor of LG under his interpretation of the '130 patent and again ruled in favor of LG under the ITC's interpretation of that patent. Unless Whirlpool appeals this decision and eventually persuades the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to reverse these rulings, the ITC's final decision will remain controlling.

Whirlpool originally claimed that five of its patents covered LG refrigerators. During the course of the case, Whirlpool withdrew four of those patents prior to the trial. On Feb. 26, 2009, Judge Essex ruled that that Whirlpool's U.S. Patent No. 6,082,130 does not cover any LG refrigerators; however, the ITC later revised the interpretation of the '130 patent and asked the judge to reconsider the remaining disputed issues based on its new interpretation.

On Oct. 9, 2009, Judge Essex applied the ITC's interpretation and again found that the '130 patent does not cover LG refrigerators and also concluded that all but one of the asserted claims is invalid. The Judge ruled that the ITC should not grant any relief to Whirlpool. That ruling led to the final ITC determination rejecting all of Whirlpool's claims for relief.

LG is one of the fastest growing home appliance brands in the United States. "The final ITC decision reaffirms our leadership in refrigerator technology," said Y.H. Lee, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance Company. James Shad, president of LG Electronics USA, Inc., said, "The ITC's final determination, which eliminates a threat by a competitor to block imports of LG refrigerators, is welcome news for LG customers."

After Whirlpool filed the ITC case, LG filed its own patent infringement cases against Whirlpool, now pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. In that consolidated case, LG seeks monetary damages and an injunction against Whirlpool products that it believes are covered by LG's patents. Whirlpool, in response, has asserted patent infringement claims against LG's refrigerators, including the '130 patent that was at issue in the ITC case. In the Delaware case, LG seeks a judgment that the '130 patent is both invalid and not infringed. That case is scheduled for trial in March 2010.

On Oct. 7, 2009, LG Electronics filed another lawsuit against Whirlpool's French door refrigerators in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. "LG not only respects other companies' intellectual property (IP) but also seeks to protect its own IP. LG has a superior technology in French door refrigerators protected by its patents. LG will aggressively enforce its rights against any infringing products," said D.H. Song, executive vice president in charge of LG's refrigerator division.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances and business solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.LGusa.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2009 global sales of 55.5 trillion Korean Won (US$43.4 billion), LG comprises five business units– Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines.

Labels:

HTC patents ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME Tweet

Abstract:
An electronic device and a method for using the same are provided. The electronic device includes a first body, a torsion hinge, and a second body. The first body has a first magnetic component. The torsion hinge is slidably disposed on the first body. The second body is connected to the torsion hinge and has a second magnetic component. The second magnetic component magnetically attracts the first magnetic component when the torsion hinge is located at a first position, and enables the first body and the second body to be in a folded state. The second magnetic component separates from the first magnetic component, and the torsion hinge drives the second body to rotate relative to the first body when the torsion hinge leaves the first position, so as to enable the first body and the second body to be in an unfolded state.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising:a first body, comprising a first magnetic component;a torsion hinge, slidably disposed on the first body; anda second body, connected to the torsion hinge and comprising a second magnetic component, wherein the second magnetic component magnetically attracts the first magnetic component when the torsion hinge is located at a first position, and enables the second body to be stacked on the first body, so as to make the first body and the second body in a folded state; and the second magnetic component separates from the first magnetic component, and the torsion hinge drives the second body to rotate relative to the first body when the torsion hinge leaves the first position, so as to enable the first body and the second body to be in an unfolded state.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member, disposed between the torsion hinge and the first body, for maintaining the torsion hinge at the first position.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first body further comprises an accommodating groove, and the torsion hinge is slidably disposed in the accommodating groove.

5. A method for using the electronic device according to claim 1, comprising:forcing the torsion hinge to leave the first position and drive the second body to rotate relative to the first body, when the electronic device is to be unfolded; andapplying a force on the second body to enable the second body to rotate and attach to the first body, and enable the second magnetic component to magnetically attract the first magnetic component, when the electronic device is to be folded.
Description


CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan application serial No. 97128866, filed on Jul. 30, 2008. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present application generally relates to an electronic device and a method for using the same, in particular, to an electronic device that is convenient for users to operate and a method for using the same.

[0004]2. Description of Related Art

[0005]With the development of the technology, people are becoming more and more dependent on electronic devices. In order to meet current requirements on the electronic devices in terms of high computing performance and light, thin, short, and small designs, various portable electronic devices, such as ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC), tablet PC, pocket PC, personal digital assistant (PDA), cell phone, and notebook PC, are developed.

[0006]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional cell phone. The cell phone is a clam shell type cell phone, so as to achieve easy operation and a light, thin, short, and small design. The cell phone 100 includes a first body 110, a second body 120, and a hinge 130. The first body 110 is rotatably connected to the second body 120 through the hinge 130, such that the cell phone 100 can be unfolded and folded. In order to maintain the cell phone 100 in an unfolded (or folded) state, the hinge 130 has a crown design (not shown) to fix the first body 110 and the second body 120 at positions corresponding to the unfolded (or folded) state.

[0007]However, when operating the cell phone, a user has to apply an additional force in order to unfold or fold the cell phone 100 due to the hinge design, which is a burden to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008]Accordingly, the present application is directed to an electronic device, which is easy to unfold and fold.

[0009]The present application is also directed to a method for using an electronic device, which is quite convenient.

[0010]An electronic device including a first body, a torsion hinge, and a second body is provided. The first body has a first magnetic component. The torsion hinge is slidably disposed on the first body. The second body is connected to the torsion hinge and has a second magnetic component. The second magnetic component magnetically attracts the first magnetic component when the torsion hinge is located at a first position, and enables the second body to be stacked on the first body, so as to make the first body and the second body in a folded state. The second magnetic component separates from the first magnetic component, and the torsion hinge drives the second body to rotate relative to the first body when the torsion hinge leaves the first position, so as to enable the first body and the second body to be in an unfolded state.

[0011]A method for using the electronic device as described above is provided. The method includes: forcing the torsion hinge to leave the first position and drive the second body to rotate relative to the first body, when the electronic device is to be unfolded; and applying a force on the second body to enable the second body to rotate and attach to the first body, and enable the second magnetic component to magnetically attract the first magnetic component, when the electronic device is to be folded.

[0012]The present application provides an electronic device which is convenient for users to unfold and fold and a method for using the same. When the electronic device is to be unfolded, a force is applied to make the torsion hinge move so as to separate the magnetic components of the upper and lower bodies from each other, the bodies are enabled to rotate and thus unfolded by a torque of the torsion hinge. When the electronic device is to be folded, a force is applied to make the upper body rotate and attach to the lower body, and the electronic device is then folded by the magnetic attraction between the magnetic components of the upper and lower bodies. In other words, such an electronic device enables users to conveniently unfold and fold the upper and lower bodies.

[0013]In order to the make the aforementioned and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention comprehensible, embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below.

Labels:

VoiceAge Announces the Launch of the AMR-WB/G.722.2 Speech Compression Standards Patent Pool Tweet

MONTREAL -- VoiceAge Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of a joint licensing program for the AMR-WB/G.722.2 Speech Compression Standard. The group of telecom leaders composed of Ericsson, France Telecom/Orange, Nokia and VoiceAge have joined their efforts to provide users with simplified access to the technology through the newly formed patent pool.

The patent pool will provide end product developers with convenient, fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory access to a portfolio of essential worldwide patents under a single license agreement. Other patent owners wishing to join the pool are invited to submit their patents to the same essentiality evaluation process that the founding members were submitted to.

Through this patent pool, license agreements can be obtained for the following: VoIP infrastructure and devices, wireless and non-wireless telecommunications and multimedia infrastructure products (such as base stations, base station controllers, radio network controllers, switching centers, gateways and servers), professional content applications (off-line content transcoders and professional content creation tools) and downloaded content applications (such as consumer content creation tools and media players) .

AMR-WB is the mandatory codec in GSM and WCDMA networks for conversational and multimedia services when these services evolve to wideband speech (7 kHz audio bandwidth). In addition, the deployment of G722.2 in the wire line network will result in better quality services by removing the need for transcoding between the two networks. In 2009, mobile phone carrier Orange introduced High Definition (HD) Voice, which makes use of the AMR-WB speech codec, in its mobile network in Moldova and is planning to rollout the service in Belgium and the UK in 2010 and the rest of the network shortly after.

"The time has come for both wireless and wire line networks to evolve to better quality voice applications and services. There is an increasing demand for deployment of the AMR-WB/G.722.2 standard in these networks. Therefore, it became imperative to establish a licensing program to simplify access to the technology. Another key objective was to provide a market enabling royalty structure to allow penetration of the technology in all markets," says VoiceAge President Laurent Amar.

For more information on licensing terms and conditions, please contact VoiceAge at licensing_VA@voiceage.com.

About AMR-WB/G722.2

The Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband (AMR-WB) is the first wideband codec (~50 to 7000 Hz) to be standardized for both wireless (3GPP) and wireline (ITU-T Recommendation G.722.2) applications. It is the ideal codec for wideband speech applications across converging wireline/wireless networks as is reflected by the status of AMR-WB as the mandatory wideband codec in 3GPP wireless and TISPAN NGN system specifications. It utilizes the ACELP® (Algebraic Code Excited Linear Prediction) technology and this codec consists of nine bit rates from 6.6 to 23.85 kbps and includes VAD/DTX/CNG features for increased efficiency.

About VoiceAge

VoiceAge Corporation is a forerunner in the development and dissemination of speech and audio compression technologies and solutions for the Internet (VoIP), wireless (cellular 2G, 2.5G, 3G and Wi-Fi and WiMAX), fixed/mobile converged networks and consumer electronic devices. Our active participation in numerous international telecommunication standards organizations (3GPP, 3GPP2, ITU-T and MPEG) and our extensive ongoing experience as developers of codec implementations for diverse platforms and environments have nurtured world-class expertise that we bring to each new project. Today VoiceAge® speech and audio codec solutions, using designs based on our flagship ACELP® technology platform, deliver unsurpassed quality experienced daily by hundreds of millions of users worldwide. VoiceAge is the licensing administrator for the AMR, AMR-WB and AMR-WB+ patent pools.

Labels: