APPLE INC. (Cupertino, CA)

A device that is electronic and has an LCD and radio frequency (RF) circuitry, as well as one or more input devices displays the first user interface on the display. The device recognizes the first user interface and then sends it a pairing request. After receiving the pairing request, an electronic device pairs the second device with the other. The electronic device simultaneously displays status information about the first and second peripherals. In either case both peripherals are connected to one another.

In recent times wireless peripheral devices which communicate with an electronic device (e.g. tablets, smartphone, or another computer) have experienced a significant increase in popularity. Bluetooth.RTM. is an wireless pairing technology that connects (“pair”) peripherals to these devices.

But conventional methods for performing pairing are cumbersome and inefficient particularly when multiple peripheral devices are used. For instance, a user may require pairing every peripheral separately with a given electronic device, beforeusing the peripherals with the device.

In this regard, there is a demand for electronic devices that use quicker, more efficient methods and interfaces for pairing peripheral devices, and for displaying information on the status of peripheral devices. The interfaces are able to complement or replace the traditional method of pairing peripherals. The methods and interfaces they use can decrease the number, extent or nature of inputs from a user and produce an improved human-machine interface. For battery-operateddevices, such methods and interfaces conserve power and increase the time between battery charges.

The above deficiencies and other issues related to user interfaces on electronic devices are eliminated or eliminated by disclosed devices. In certain embodiments, the device functions as an office computer. In some instances, the device can be portable (e.g. it is a tablet computer, notebook computer, or handheld device). In certain embodiments, the device functions as an electronic personal device (e.g. or a wearable electronic device like a watch). In some embodiments, the device is equipped with the capability of a touchpad. In someembodiments devices, there is a touch-sensitive display (also known as”a “touch screen” or “touch-screen display”). In some embodiments, the device comprises an graphic user interface (GUI) with at least one processor, memory, and several modules, which are programs or sets of instructions that are stored in the memory for performing multiple tasks. Certain embodiments permit users to interact with the GUI with a stylus gestures or finger contact on the touchscreen that are touch-sensitive. The functions could include drawing, image editing or word processing. These instructions may be executed by executable instructions stored on a non-transitory storage device that is computer-readable or in any other item designed for execution by one or more processors.

According to some methods, a method may be implemented using an electronic device that has a display and radio frequency circuitry. This allows wireless communication between any or all peripheral devices as well as an input device or two. The device shows the first user interface that is displayed on the screen. While displaying the initial user interface and detecting a pairing request to pair one of the peripherals with the electronic device. The device detects the request for pairing and determines whether the first peripheral meets the coupling criteria. This means that the first peripheral must be connected with the second peripheral. If the device determines that the first peripheral is in compliance with the coupling criteria, it shows a pairing option which when activated by the user, starts the pairing process between the electronic device and first peripheral. If the device detects that the first peripheral does not meet the coupling criteria, it displays information about the connection between the second and first peripherals.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device includes displays with radio frequency (RF) circuitry that wirelessly communicates with one or more peripheral devices and one or more input devices to receive inputs from a user and a processing unit that is connected to the display unit, the radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and the one or more input devices. The processing unit permits display of a first user interface in the display unit. The unit analyzes the pairing request, and pair the first interface with the device. The processing unit analyzes the request for pairing and determines if the initial peripheral meets the coupling criteria. The criteria for coupling need that the first peripheral is connected with the second peripheral. If the unit decides that the first peripheral is in compliance with the criteria for coupling, it will display a pairing option. This permits the user to begin pairing of the electronic device and the primary peripheral by activating an auser input. If it is determined that the first peripheral fails to satisfy the criteria for coupling, the processing unit permits display of information concerning pairing of the first and second.

Thus, electronic devices with displays, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and one or more input devices are provided with faster, more efficient methods and interfaces for pairing with peripheral devices and displaying status informationconcerning the peripheral devices, thereby increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction with such devices. Such methods and interfaces may complement or replace conventional methods for pairing peripheral devices.

Click here to view the patent on USPTO website.

 

Get Patents with PatentPC

What is a patent?

A patent is granted by the government to protect an invention, patents give the inventor with exclusive rights to use, create, sell and promote the invention? Society benefits when a innovative technology is introduced to the market. Benefits can be realized in the direct sense, since it can allow people to accomplish previously unattainable things. Or indirectly by the economic benefits (business growth and employment) that innovation provides.

Patent protection is demanded out by many universities and pharmaceutical companies for their research and development. Patents can be granted for products, processes, or method of creating new materials. Patent protection has to be granted to an invention that is beneficial unique, innovative, and not already known by others in the same area.

Patents give inventors a chance to be recognized for commercially viable inventions. They provide a reason for inventors to create. Small businesses and inventors can rest assured that they will get an income from the investment they make in technology development through patents. This means they will be able to earn money from their work.

Businesses with the ability to:

Protect your innovative products and services

Your products will be more prominent, valuable, and attractive to the market.

Differentiate yourself and your products from others.

Get technical and business information.

Be aware of the dangers of using proprietary content from third parties, or losing your valuable information, innovative outputs, or any other output of your imagination.

Patents transform inventors’ knowledge into a marketable asset which opens new opportunities for job creation and expansion of business through joint ventures or licensing.

Small businesses that have patent protection are more appealing to investors who are involved in the development and commercialization of technology.

Patenting could lead to the development of new ideas and inventions. This information could be protected by patents.

Patents can be used as an effective deterrent for untrustworthy third parties who profit from an invention’s efforts.

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

Intellectual property ownership can be used to convince lenders and investors that there are real opportunities to commercialize your product. Sometimes, one powerful patent could open the door to numerous financing possibilities. Patents as well as other IP assets are able to be used as collateral or as security to finance debt. You may also present investors with your patent assets to increase the value of your business. Forbes and others have pointed out that each patent can increase anywhere from $500,000 to one million dollars to company valuation.

A well-written business plan is vital for start-ups. It must be founded on IP and show the way your product or service is distinctive. Additionally, investors will be impressed when you show that your IP rights are secured or are in the process of becoming secure, and that they are in line with your business plan.

It is crucial to keep an invention secret prior to filing a patent application. The public publication of an invention before it is filed, can often ruin its novelty and render it invalid. Thus, disclosures that are filed prior to filing (e.g. for testing-marketing investors, investors, or for other business partners) should only be filed following the signing of a confidentiality agreement.

There are several types of patents, and understanding the different types is crucial to protect your invention. Patents for utility cover processes and machine creations. Design patents cover ornamental designs. Utility patents are the most effective and protect the owner against copycats and other competitors. In most cases, utility patents are issued to improve or modify existing inventions. They can also be used to enhance or alter existing inventions. A process patent could cover the acts or methods of performing a specific act. A chemical composition will include an amalgamation of ingredients.

What is the typical length of a patent? While utility patents last up to 20 years from their earliest filing, they can be extended through delay in the Patent Office.

Do you wish to patent your ideas? Patents are granted only to applicants who are the first to file, therefore you need to file your patent application quickly. Call PatentPC today to file your patent application approved!

Patent searches are essential when you’re drafting a patent application. This allows you to see other ideas and give you an understanding of them. This allows you to restrict the potential of your idea. Furthermore, you’ll discover the latest art in your field of innovation. This will allow you to comprehend the scope of your invention as well as prepare you for the filing of the patent application.

How to Search for Patents

The first step to get your patent is to conduct the patent search. You can do a google patent search or do a USPTO search. Patent-pending is the term for the product that has been covered by the patent application. You can use the public pair to find the patent application. After the patent office approves your application, you’ll be able do an examination of the patent number to locate the patent issued. Your product is now patentable. In addition to the USPTO search engine, you can also utilize other search engines such as espacenet as described below. A patent lawyer or patent attorney can advise you on the procedure. In the US, patents are issued by the US patent and trademark office, or the United States patent and trademark office, which is also responsible for examining trademark applications.

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

1. Brainstorm terms to describe your invention in relation to its intended or composition.

Write down a brief detailed description of the invention. Don’t use generic terms like “device”, “process,” or “system”. Look for synonyms to the terms you chose initially. Next, note important technical terms as well as keywords.

Utilize the following questions to help you find key words or concepts.

  • What is the goal of the invention? Is it a utilitarian device or an ornamental design?
  • Invention is a method to come up with something or to perform some function? Or is it a thing or procedure?
  • What is the basis of the invention? What is the physical makeup of the invention?
  • What’s the objective of this invention?
  • What are the technical terms and keywords used to define the nature of an invention? To assist you in finding the right terms, refer to an online dictionary of technical terms.

2. Utilize these terms to locate relevant Cooperative Patent Classifications on the Classification Text Search Tool. If you’re unable to find the right classification for your invention through the classification’s Schemas of classes (class schedules) and then try again. Consider substituting the words that you’ve used to describe your invention if you don’t receive any results from your Classification Text Search with synonyms similar to the words you used in step 1.

3. Examine 3. Go over the CPC Classification Definition for the CPC Classification Definition to verify the relevancy of the CPC classification that you have discovered. The hyperlink to the CPC classification definition is provided if the chosen classification title contains a blue box with “D” to its left. CPC classification definitions can be used to identify the specific classification’s scope and therefore you’re sure to select the most pertinent. Furthermore the definitions may include some tips for searching and other information that may be useful to further study.

4. Retrieve patent documents with the CPC classification from the Patents Full-Text and Image Database. You can search and narrow down the most relevant patent documents by looking first at abstract and representative drawings.

5. Use this selection of the most pertinent patent documents to study each one thoroughly for the similarities to your invention. Be sure to read the specifications and claims. Contact the applicant as well as the patent examiner for any additional patents.

6. Find patent applications published in the public domain using the CPC classification you selected in Step 3 of the Applications Full-Text and Image Database. You can also use the same method of search that you used in step 4 to limit your results to the most relevant patent applications by looking over the abstracts and representative drawings on each page. After that, you must review all published patent applications carefully and pay particular attention to the claims as well as other drawings.

7. You can look up other US patent publications using keywords search in the AppFT or PatFT databases, and classification searches to find non-U.S. Patents per below. You can also make use of search engines on the internet to find non-patent patent disclosures in literature about inventions. Here are a few examples:

  • 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.