RE39,692 Socket connector having a flexible internal barrier to prevent incorrect insertion of smaller sized plugs 
(6 pages)
7,231,632 System for reducing the number of programs necessary to render an image (120 pages)
7,230,633 Method and apparatus for image blending (143 pages)
7,230,563 Apparatus and method to facilitate universal remote control (8 pages)
Universal remote control with a touch screen, capable of displaying XML or HTTP information.
20070129828 Portable audio device providing automated control of audio volume parameters for hearing protection (9 pages)
Automatically setting a maximum playback volume level in an iPod.
20070130541 Synchronization of widgets and dashboards (34 pages)
This title is self-explanatory.
7,227,551 Manipulating text and graphic appearance (11 pages)
20070124680 Graphical user interface and methods of use thereof in a multimedia player (15 pages)
About the iPod user interface.
20070123207 Accessory detection to minimize interference with wireless communication (11 pages)
Checking whether an accessory connected to a mobile device will interfere with the wireless communication capabilities of the mobile device. If interference will occur, the user is alerted or the mobile device adjusts its communication settings to counter any interference created by the connected accessory.
20070121102 Positioning a first surface in a pre-determined position relative to a second surface (12 pages)
A method for testing LCD displays during production by accounting for possible differences in the viewing angle of the display being tested relative to the testing equipment.
20070118813 Management of user interface elements in a display environment (45 pages)
Relates to widget management.
20070118651 Trusted index structure in a network environment (81 pages)
20070116437 Region-based processing of predicted pixels (12 pages)
20070116126 Multipass video encoding and rate control using subsampling of frames (10 pages)
20070116124 Regulation of decode-side processing based on perceptual masking (14 pages)
20070116117 Controlling buffer states in video compression coding to enable editing and distributed encoding (18 pages)
20070115293 Method and apparatus for transforming display data using multiple frame buffers in a display device (7 pages)
20070114968 Power source switchover apparatus and method (12 pages)
Battery switching where a device has, for example, two batteries. This prevents the user from having to change batteries as often.
We (Karen, Victoria, and I) went to Disney World last week. It was my first trip in over 11 years, so I expected that much had changed. And I was right – except for the crowds, which are as huge as I had expected. We did just about everything we wanted to do. There were a few shows, etc. at MGM Studios that we didn’t do, but other than that, we hit just about everything. With the big exception of The Haunted Mansion (Karen’s favorite ride) which was closed for renovations. We got to see the “opening ceremonies” at both MGM and the Magic Kingdom; mildly entertaining, but not crucial viewing.
Of course, that perspective changes if you’re a child. I doubt that Karen and I would have gone if Victoria wasn’t with us. It was neat to see some of the stuff from her point of view. She liked the rides, with the exception of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which she thought was rather lame. I have to agree with her on that point. I think that several attractions could use upgrades to appear to the older kids and adults. Overall, our favorite ride was Expedition Everest, the roller coaster at Animal Kingdom. You get to go backwards and forwards in this one. It was fun!
We also got to experience something I don’t think many people do. We got stuck in Pirates of the Caribbean. The ride first stopped in the scene where the skeleton is piloting the ship – in the blasting air conditioning. Karen had a light jacket with her, so she was OK, but Victoria was freezing (it was cold and breezy in that scene, on purpose) so we huddled together like we were trapped in the Andes. Thankfully, that stop only last about five minutes. The second time we got stuck was right near the second appearance of Jack Sparrow. The boat in front of us looked like it had come off the track or something and they could get it reset. Even after trying for about 10 minutes, including having the people in the boat try to rock it side to side to get it back on track. So they told us that they were going to have to close the ride and turned on the lights. Two cast members put on hip waders and dragged the boats forward to a point where we could get out. They strategically unloaded us so the boat wouldn’t tip over. We were escorted backstage at the ride (it looks like the backstage of any other theatrical production – plain plywood on the back side) and were told to follow a series of yellow arrows to get back into the park. We must have gotten stuck at the farthest rear point of the ride. It was a few minute walk to get out. Before we reentered the park through a cast member entrance, we were each given a “super FastPass” which was good for any Magic Kingdom attraction at any time. Plus, it was valid for a month (not that we’d be staying that long, but interesting just the same).
I think we’re good for another four years or so (Victoria and Karen were there four years ago) before we will even think about going back. Too many other places to see!
I’ve fallen embarrassingly far behind in trying to review all the issued patents and publications. Currently, over one month behind. That’s not what I had intended. I haven’t had the time to even look at some of the litigation-related matters that have popped up over the last few months. Between working and having some semblance of a home life, the time has been non-existent.
So, I’m going to try something different. I will list all of the issued patents and publications, but will only go into detail on the ones that interest me or have been discussed in detail elsewhere.
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