Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)

Methods and devices for locating accessories of an electronic device are offered. In one example, the method could include the detection of parameters that are associated with disconnecting an accessory from the electronic device. An electronic or other device that is connected to the device can keep the parameters in order to ensure they’re accessible in the event that the accessory is lost. A user of the accessory may seek help from the electronic device for finding it. The electronic device might respond to the request to locate the device by providing stored parameters to the user in order to assist to locate the missing item.

The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and specifically, to devices and methods of locating the electronic device’s accessories.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that might be connected to the various aspects of the disclosed disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion will provide background information that could be used to help the reader better comprehend the different aspects of the disclosure. These remarks are not intended to be taken as prior art admissions.

Many accessories are currently available to the use of electronic devices. These accessories may include headphones (e.g. wired, wired or wireless) or adaptor cables (e.g. to connect the device to computers), power cables(e.g., for powering the electronic device or for charging a battery in the device) docking stations, keyboards and speakers. Certain accessories may interchangeably be connected to multiple electronic devices and people frequently move accessories between devices. One unfortunate consequence of this interconnectivity is that the accessories could be linked to multiple electronic devices, and users could accidentally lose their devices.

The devices can comprise electronics which send signals to another device in order to aid in the search for accessories. The nature of the sent signals can enable the receiver device to decide if the device falls within a particular area. Certain accessories might not be able transmit signals to other devices. Certain accessories, like adaptor cables and power cables, wireless headsets, speakers docking stations, and keyboards might not be equipped to transmit signals. Wireless headphones may not be equipped to send signals. They may only transmit signals when the range of another device is restricted.

Below is a summary of the various embodiments described in this disclosure. These features are designed to give the reader a quick overview of certain examples. They are not intended to limit the disclosure’s scope. Indeed, this disclosure may contain a wide range of features which are not described below.

The embodiments described in the present disclosure are related to devices and methods to locate the components of electronic devices. As an example the method of locating devices’ accessories could include detecting parameters that are associated disconnecting an accessory from the electronic device. The device itself, or an accompanying device, may keep the parameters that were detected so that the detected parameters can be accessed in the event that the accessory disappears. The electronic device might receive arequest from a user of the device to provide assistance in finding the item. The device could respond to a request for assistance in locating the accessory.

Certain refinements can be added to the elements that were mentioned earlier in relation to the various aspects of the disclosure. These features could include additional features. These features and improvements can be used individually or as a group. For instance, the characteristics described below in relation to one of the embodiments illustrated can be incorporated in any combination of any of these features. The short summary provided above is intended only to provide the reader with specific aspects and contexts of embodiments of the present disclosure without restriction to the subject matter claimed.

Click here to view the patent on USPTO website.

 

Get Patents with PatentPC

What is a patent?

Patents are issued by the government in order to protect the invention. It grants the inventor the rights to create, use and market the idea. Society gains when new technology is introduced to the market. These benefits may be directly realized as people are able to accomplish feats previously unattainable, or indirectly through the economic opportunities that innovation offers (business expansion, job creation).

Patent protection is sought by a variety of universities and pharmaceutical companies to protect their research and development. Patents can be granted to the creation of a product, process or method of making new materials. Patent protection is granted to an invention that is useful, novel, and not already known by others in the same field.

Patents honor inventors who have commercially successful inventions. They provide a reason for inventors to create. Patents permit inventors and small businesses to know that there is an excellent chance that they will be paid back for their time, effort and investment in technology development. They can earn money from their work.

Patents are a crucial part of businesses with the ability to:

Protect new products and services that are innovative;

Increase the value, popularity, and appeal of your product on the market;

Stand out and differentiate yourself and your product from others.

Find out about business and technical information.

Avoid accidentally using third-party content or loosing valuable information, original outputs or any other outputs that are creative.

Patents transform inventors’ knowledge into a commercially tradeable asset which opens new opportunities to create jobs and boost expansion of business through joint ventures or licensing.

Small-scale businesses with patent protection are more attractive to investors involved in the development and commercialization of technology.

Patenting may lead to fresh ideas and innovative inventions. The information you create may be eligible for patent protection.

Patents can be used to serve as an effective deterrent for untrustworthy third parties profiting from the efforts of an invention.

Revenues from patent-protected technology that are commercially successful can be used to fund technological research and development (R&D) that will increase the chance of better technology in the near future.

Intellectual property ownership can be used to convince investors and lenders that there are genuine chances to commercialize your product. A powerful patent can open the door for many financing options. Patents as well as other IP assets can be utilized as collateral or security to finance debt. Investors can also see your patent assets to increase the value of your company. Forbes and others have stated that every patent could boost company valuation by anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million.

Startups require a carefully-crafted business plan that is built on the IP to show that your product/service is unique and innovative, superior, or superior. Investors are also impressed if you have IP rights are secure or are in the process of becoming secure and if they are supportive of your business strategy.

It is important to keep an invention secret until you file for patent protection. Making an invention public before it is filed is often detrimental to its novelty and render it unpatentable. Therefore, prior filing disclosures (e.g. for testing-marketing investors, test-marketing, or any other business partners) should only be made following the signing of a confidentiality agreement.

There are many kinds of patents. Knowing them is essential for protecting your invention. Utility patents are for new processes and machine creations. Design patents cover ornamental designs. Utility patents are the best as they protect the owner from copycats and competition. Patents for utility are usually granted to improve or alter existing inventions. Utility patents also cover enhancements and modifications in existing inventions. A process patent will cover the acts or methods to perform a specific action. But, a chemical composition could be a combination of ingredients.

How long does a patent last? Utility patents last 20 years after the earliest filing dates, but their expirations can be extended because of delays at the patent office, for example.

Are you thinking of the patent application process for your idea? As patents are only granted for first-to-file applicants and you must make your application quickly. Contact a patent attorney at PatentPC to protect your idea today!

When you are writing your patent application it is recommended to conduct a patent search, as the search can provide an insight into the other applicants’ concepts. This allows you to restrict the potential of your invention. Furthermore, you’ll learn about state of the technology in your field of invention. You’ll be able to get a better idea of what your invention ought to be, and you’ll be better prepared to write your patent application.

How to Search for Patents

Patent searches are the first step in obtaining your patent. You can do a google patent search or do a USPTO search. After the patent application has been submitted, the product that is covered by the application can be called patent-pending, and you can locate the patent application online on the public pair. When the patent office has endorsed the patent application, you can do a patent number search to locate the patent that was issued, and your product is now patented. It is also possible to use the USPTO search engine. Check out the following article for more information. You can get help from an attorney who specializes in patents. In the US, patents are granted through the US patent and trademark office, or the United States patent and trademark office, which also examines trademark applications.

Are you interested in similar patents? These are the steps you should follow:

1. Create a list of terms that describe your invention based on the purpose, composition and use.

Start by writing down a succinct detailed description of your idea. Do not use generic terms such as “device,” “process,” and “system.” Instead, look for synonyms for the terms you initially chose. Also, make note of key technical terms and key words.

Use the questions below to help you determine keywords or concepts.

  • What’s the purpose of the invention? Is it a utilitarian device or an ornamental design?
  • Is the invention a method of creating something or a function? Or is it a thing or procedure?
  • What is the purpose and composition of the invention? What is the physical composition of the invention?
  • What is the purpose of this invention?
  • What are the technical terms and keywords that describe the nature of an invention? A technical dictionary can assist you to identify the correct words.

2. Utilize these terms to locate pertinent Cooperative Patent Classifications for your invention at the Classification Text Search Tool. If you’re not able to find the correct classification for your invention, scan through the class Schemas (class schedules) and then try again. If you don’t see any results from the Classification Text Search, you might want to think about substituting the words that describe your invention using synonyms.

3. Examine 3. Check the CPC Classification Definition for confirmation of the CPC classification you’ve found. If the classification you have selected has a blue box with the letter “D” at its left, the hyperlink will direct you to the CPC classification’s description. CPC classification definitions will help you determine the applicable classification’s scope so that you can choose the most relevant. Additionally the definitions may include some tips for searching and other information which could be helpful to further study.

4. The Patents Full-Text Database and the Image Database allow you to search for patent documents that have the CPC classification. You can search and find the relevant patent publications by initially focusing on abstract and representative drawings.

5. This selection of patent publications is the most appropriate to examine for connections with your invention. Pay close attention to the specifications and claims. Refer to the applicant and patent examiner for any additional patents.

6. It is possible to find published patent applications that meet the CPC classification you selected in Step 3. You can use the same method of search as Step 4, narrowing your search results to the most pertinent patent application by examining the abstract and representative illustrations on every page. Next, carefully examine the patent applications that have been published, paying particular attention to the claims and additional drawings.

7. You can find other US patent publications using keywords searching in AppFT or PatFT databases, and also the classification search of patents that are that are not issued by the United States according to below. Also, you can use web search engines to find non-patent-related patent disclosures in literature about inventions. For instance:

  • Add keywords to your search. Keyword searches may turn up documents that are not well-categorized or have missed classifications during Step 2. For example, US patent examiners often supplement their classification searches with keyword searches. Think about the use of technical engineering terminology rather than everyday words.
  • Search for foreign patents using the CPC classification. Then, re-run the search using international patent office search engines such as Espacenet, the European Patent Office’s worldwide patent publication database of over 130 million patent publications. Other national databases include:
  • Search non-patent literature. Inventions can be made public in many non-patent publications. It is recommended that you search journals, books, websites, technical catalogs, conference proceedings, and other print and electronic publications.

To review your search, you can hire a registered patent attorney to assist. A preliminary search will help one better prepare to talk about their invention and other related inventions with a professional patent attorney. In addition, the attorney will not spend too much time or money on patenting basics.