Patent Description:
Batteries are used with many electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), computers, and the like. In order for these batteries to be charged more quickly, the device may shed load so as to maximize current to the battery. However, current shed may lead to deactivation of a display. Recently, there have been numerous developments in the field of imaging technology which have rendered the imaging modules to be small, reliable, easy to use, and robust. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, the problems identified herein have been solved by developing solutions that are included in embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein.

<CIT> discloses a selector to which a selection signal may be provided to select a first synchronization signal as a control signal when the first synchronization signal is available, otherwise a second synchronization signal as the control signal. The first or the second synchronization signal may synchronize a first or second display content received by a first or second display device with a first or a second display refresh rate, respectively. The control signal may be provided to a controller to control the second display content received by the second display device. <CIT> discloses a system for the programmed flashing of a plurality of highway warning lights which includes a plurality of slave receivers each associated with a warning light to be mounted on respective barricades, along with one or more master transmitters associated with certain receivers and warning lights. The master transmitter provides a coded signal which causes the warning lights to flash either in synchronization or in a predetermined sequence. Fail safe operation is provided by the use of a substitute master if the original master is disabled. <CIT> discloses a participant response system comprising a plurality of handsets for allowing a participant of an event to input a response. The handsets are configurable either as a participant response handset to allow a participant to enter a response, or as a base station.

The present invention is defined in the independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Optional features are defined in the dependent claims. The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed method and related devices for synchronizing liquid crystal display (LCD) screens and the like. This summary is not an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the described features in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Various example embodiments described herein relate to a method for synchronizing LCD screens. In some examples, the method includes establishing, by a first device comprising a processor, a master/slave relationship with one or more other devices; determining, by the first device, a frequency associated with turning on a first LCD screen on the first device; and sending, by the first device, a signal to each of the one or more other devices, wherein the signal comprises an instruction to turn on an LCD screen on each receiving device at a same time as the first LCD screen.

Various example embodiments described herein relate to an electronic device that includes a processor and a non-transitory memory including computer program instructions configured to, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to at least determine that there is not a current master device of a set of devices and transmit a synchronization signal to each device of the set of devices, wherein the synchronization signal comprises an instruction about when to activate respective LCD screens on each device of the set of devices.

Various example embodiments described herein relate to an electronic device that includes a processor and a non-transitory memory including computer program instructions configured to, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to at least receive a synchronization signal comprising an instruction about when to activate an LCD screen on the electronic device and activate said LCD screen based on the synchronization signal.

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details.

In some examples, devices are configured to shed load so as to maximize current to the battery and to limit any heating of the battery due to power loss to other circuits. In some examples, a major contributor to a load on a device is a display, such as an LCD display. However, and in some examples, a user may require a display to remain active for multiple reasons to indicate the charging status.

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for synchronizing the blinking or duty cycle of liquid crystal display (LCD) screens across a plurality of devices so as to provide an active display while reducing overall load. In order to synchronize, a device of the plurality of devices sends a synchronization signal to the other devices in the plurality of devices, where the synchronization signal comprises an instruction and/or information to facilitate synchronized activation and deactivation of the LCD screens of the plurality of devices.

In some embodiments, light-emitting diode (LED) indicators on a device can be used as a mechanism to signal a status, such as charging, charging complete, error or the like. While such LEDs may be beneficial to a user, LEDs also can be a drain on batteries and/or delay the time to a full charge. As such, instead of a constant LED signal, the devices may be configured to blink or otherwise intermittently activate the LED. In this way and similar to the disclosure with respect to LCD screens herein, LEDs on a plurality of devices are synchronized by a first device sending a synchronization signal to one or more other devices also having an LED indicator, the synchronization signal comprising instructions to facilitate synchronized activation and deactivation of the LED indicators.

Advantageously and in some examples, synchronizing the duty cycle controls blinking that occurs when a display, such as an LCD, is driven at a lower duty cycle. Moreover, synchronizing blinking improves the readability when a user is looking at a large number of devices at the same time or substantially the same time. As is described herein, synchronization can occur by having the devices communicate with each other over a link.

In order to synchronize multiple devices, a master device is established. Establishment of a synchronization master is performed automatically upon a device being plugged in for charging. For example, the first device that was plugged in for charging or the most recent device that was plugged in for charging could be set as the master. In addition, if a master is removed, a second master can automatically take the place of the former master device. Alternatively, or additionally, there can be designated or otherwise selected semi-permanent master devices that provide synchronization signals to the other devices.

As used in this disclosure, the terms "component," "system" and the like are intended to refer to, or comprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration and not limitation, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component.

One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to execute software or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality of the electronic components. While various components have been illustrated as separate components, multiple components can be implemented as a single component, or a single component can be implemented as multiple components, without departing from example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable (or machine-readable) device or computer-readable (or machine-readable) storage/communications media. For example, computer readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the various embodiments.

Turning now to <FIG>, illustrated is an exemplary group of devices that can synchronize the blinking of their LCD screens in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.

In an embodiment, device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be devices that are charging on a charging dock or charging within a predetermined distance from each other. To reduce the load on the batteries of the devices while they are charging, the devices can be configured to turn the LCD screens off and on intermittently during the charging process. This intermittent disabling of the LCD can reduce the time required for charging.

Moreover, and so that the user is not confronted with a large number of devices with LCDs that turn on intermittently in a haphazard manner, the devices can self-synchronize the activation of their LCD screens so that the user can easily identify which devices have completed charging. The LCD can display a color indicating charging progress - e.g., the LCD can display a red color when the battery is highly discharged, orange color when the battery has been partially recharged, and green when the battery has been charged past a predetermined level. In other embodiments, other colors or notification schemes are possible.

In an embodiment, the devices can be any of wearable devices, pager devices, mobile phones, or other devices that are charged nearby each other. Furthermore, while <FIG> depicts a charging dock with <NUM> devices, the solution disclosed herein is applicable whenever there is a plurality of devices present and can apply when there are any number of devices.

In embodiments, a device, such as device <NUM>, sends a synchronization signal to each of the other devices <NUM>-<NUM>. The synchronization signal being received by the devices <NUM>-<NUM> can establish a master/slave relationship where devices <NUM>-<NUM> will activate their LCDs based on the synchronization signal received from device <NUM>. The synchronization signal comprises information about when to activate their LCDs (e.g. at a specified time) or the devices <NUM>-<NUM> can activate their LCDs upon receipt of the synchronization signal.

In some embodiments, the time at which the first LCD screen and the second LCD screen are activated is based upon network time protocol (NTP) wherein the master device is the time source. In other embodiments, the first LCD screen and the second LCD screen may be activated at a preset time.

In some embodiments, the synchronization signal can comprise information about a duration for which the LCDs will be activated. In other embodiments, the duration is a predefined duration. In an embodiment, the device <NUM> can repeatedly send a synchronization signal every cycle, and in other embodiments, the device <NUM> can send an initial synchronization signal and devices <NUM>-<NUM> activate their LCDs on a recurring basis based on information within the synchronization signal or at predefined intervals for predefined durations.

In some related examples, the master device can be the device that has been in the charging dock/station for the longest time. In other embodiments, the device that is the master device is the first device to send a synchronization signal that is received by the other devices. When the master device is removed, the next master device can be the first subsequent device to send a synchronization signal. In other related examples, when a master device is removed, the device that has been charging the next longest period of time can become the master device.

In yet other embodiments, when a device is added, or when a device initiates charging, the device can be configured to listen for synchronization signals from existing master devices. In other embodiments, when a device initiates charging, the device transmits a synchronization signal and becomes the master device - thus the master device is whichever device was most recently plugged in and/or starts charging.

In an embodiment, the synchronization signal can be sent via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), RFID, Wi-Fi, or via a wired communication (e.g., Ethernet, USB, etc.). In accordance with the description of <FIG>, the device <NUM> can transmit the synchronization signal <NUM> to another device <NUM>. Based on the synchronization signal <NUM>, the devices <NUM> and <NUM> can activate their LCDs <NUM> and <NUM> at the same time for the same duration.

In an embodiment, the devices <NUM> and <NUM> can be connected via Wi-Fi to a network, and the synchronization signal can be sent to all devices on a given subnet.

Referring now to <FIG>, illustrated is a schematic block diagram of an example end-user device (e.g., devices <NUM>-<NUM>) that can take the form a mobile device <NUM> capable of connecting to a network in accordance with some embodiments described herein. Although a mobile handset <NUM> is illustrated herein, it will be understood that other devices can be a mobile device, and that the mobile handset <NUM> is merely illustrated to provide context for the various embodiments described herein. The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of an example of an end-user device. While the description includes a general context of computer-executable instructions embodied on a machine-readable storage medium, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments also can be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) can include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods described herein can be practiced with other system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

A computing device can typically include a variety of machine-readable media. Machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media can include volatile and/or non-volatile media, removable and/or non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM, digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

The handset <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> for controlling and processing all onboard operations and functions. A memory <NUM> interfaces to the processor <NUM> for storage of data and one or more applications <NUM> (e.g., a video player software, user feedback component software, etc.). Other applications can include voice recognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitate initiation of the user feedback signals. The applications <NUM> can be stored in the memory <NUM> and/or in a firmware <NUM> and executed by the processor <NUM> from either or both the memory <NUM> and/or the firmware <NUM>. The firmware <NUM> can also store startup code for execution in initializing the handset <NUM>. A communications component <NUM> interfaces to the processor <NUM> to facilitate wired/wireless communication with external systems, e.g., cellular networks, VoIP networks, and so on. Here, the communications component <NUM> can also include a suitable cellular transceiver <NUM> (e.g., a GSM transceiver) and/or an unlicensed transceiver <NUM> (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax) for corresponding signal communications. The handset <NUM> can be a device such as a cellular telephone, a PDA with mobile communications capabilities, and messaging-centric devices. The communications component <NUM> also facilitates communications reception from terrestrial radio networks (e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, and Internet-based radio services networks.

The handset <NUM> includes a display <NUM> for displaying text, images, video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setup functions, and for user input. For example, the display <NUM> can also be referred to as a "screen" that can accommodate the presentation of multimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics, etc.). The display <NUM> can also display videos and can facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video quotes. A serial I/O interface <NUM> is provided in communication with the processor <NUM> to facilitate wired and/or wireless serial communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE <NUM>) through a hardwire connection, and other serial input devices (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). This supports updating and troubleshooting the handset <NUM>, for example. Audio capabilities are provided with an audio I/O component <NUM>, which can include a speaker for the output of audio signals related to, for example, indication that the user pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the user feedback signal. The audio I/O component <NUM> also facilitates the input of audio signals through a microphone to record data and/or telephony voice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone conversations.

The handset <NUM> can include a slot interface <NUM> for accommodating a SIC (Subscriber Identity Component) in the form factor of a card Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or universal SIM <NUM> and interfacing the SIM card <NUM> with the processor <NUM>. However, it is to be appreciated that the SIM card <NUM> can be manufactured into the handset <NUM> and updated by downloading data and software.

The handset <NUM> can process IP data traffic through the communication component <NUM> to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, for example, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home network, a person area network, etc., through an ISP or broadband cable provider. Thus, VoIP traffic can be utilized by the handset <NUM> and IP-based multimedia content can be received in either an encoded or decoded format.

A video processing component <NUM> (e.g., a camera) can be provided for decoding encoded multimedia content. The video processing component <NUM> can facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video quotes. The handset <NUM> also includes a power source <NUM> in the form of batteries and/or an AC power subsystem, which power source <NUM> can interface to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown) by a power I/O component <NUM>.

The handset <NUM> can also include a video component <NUM> for processing video content received and for recording and transmitting video content. For example, the video component <NUM> can facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video quotes. A location tracking component <NUM> facilitates geographically locating the handset <NUM>. As described hereinabove, this can occur when the user initiates the feedback signal automatically or manually. A user input component <NUM> facilitates the user initiating the quality feedback signal. The user input component <NUM> can also facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video quotes. The user input component <NUM> can include such conventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, and/or touch screen, for example.

Referring again to the applications <NUM>, a hysteresis component <NUM> facilitates the analysis and processing of hysteresis data, which is utilized to determine when to associate with the access point. A software trigger component <NUM> can be provided that facilitates triggering of the hysteresis component <NUM> when the Wi-Fi transceiver <NUM> detects the beacon of the access point. A SIP client <NUM> enables the handset <NUM> to support SIP protocols and register the subscriber with the SIP registrar server. The applications <NUM> can also include a client <NUM> that provides at least the capability of discovery, play and store of multimedia content, for example, music.

The handset <NUM>, as indicated above related to the communications component <NUM>, includes an indoor network radio transceiver <NUM> (e.g., Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports the indoor radio link, such as IEEE <NUM>, for the dual-mode GSM handset <NUM>. The handset <NUM> can accommodate at least satellite radio services through a handset that can combine wireless voice and digital radio chipsets into a single handheld device.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated a block diagram of a computer <NUM> operable to execute the functions and operations performed in the described example embodiments. For example, a computing device (e.g., controller or processor associated with devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may contain components as described in <FIG>. The computer <NUM> can provide networking and communication capabilities between a wired or wireless communication network and a server and/or communication device. In order to provide additional context for various aspects thereof, <FIG> and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the various aspects of the embodiments can be implemented to facilitate the transmission of a synchronization signal and synchronization of blinking on a display. While the description above is in the general context of computer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments also can be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the various embodiments can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which can include computer-readable storage media or communications media, which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.

Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection with any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the information stored by the medium.

Communications media can embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery or transport media. The term "modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference to <FIG>, implementing various aspects described herein with regards to the end-user device can include a computer <NUM>, the computer <NUM> including a processing unit <NUM>, a system memory <NUM> and a system bus <NUM>. The system bus <NUM> couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory <NUM> to the processing unit <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also be employed as the processing unit <NUM>.

The system bus <NUM> can be any of several types of bus structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. The system memory <NUM> includes read-only memory (ROM) <NUM> and random-access memory (RAM) <NUM>. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatile memory <NUM> such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer <NUM>, such as during start-up. The RAM <NUM> can also include a high-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer <NUM> further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) <NUM> (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive <NUM> can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) <NUM>, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette <NUM>) and an optical disk drive <NUM>, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk <NUM> or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive <NUM>, magnetic disk drive <NUM> and optical disk drive <NUM> can be connected to the system bus <NUM> by a hard disk drive interface <NUM>, a magnetic disk drive interface <NUM> and an optical drive interface <NUM>, respectively. The interface <NUM> for external drive implementations includes at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE <NUM> interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies are within contemplation of the subject embodiments.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and so forth. The drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format for the computer <NUM>. Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of media which are readable by a computer <NUM>, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the example operating environment, and further, that any such media can contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods of the disclosed embodiments.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM <NUM>, including an operating system <NUM>, one or more application programs <NUM>, other program modules <NUM> and program data <NUM>. All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM <NUM>. It is to be appreciated that the various embodiments can be implemented with various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer <NUM> through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard <NUM> and a pointing device, such as a mouse <NUM>. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit <NUM> through an input device interface <NUM> that is coupled to the system bus <NUM>, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE <NUM> serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc..

A monitor <NUM> or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus <NUM> through an interface, such as a video adapter <NUM>. In addition to the monitor <NUM>, a computer <NUM> typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc..

The computer <NUM> can operate in a networked environment using logical connections by wired and/or wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) <NUM>. The remote computer(s) <NUM> can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment device, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device <NUM> is illustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) <NUM> and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) <NUM>. Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which may connect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer <NUM> is connected to the local network <NUM> through a wired and/or wireless communication network interface or adapter <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> may facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN <NUM>, which may also include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicating with the wireless adapter <NUM>.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer <NUM> can include a modem <NUM>, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN <NUM>, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN <NUM>, such as by way of the Internet. The modem <NUM>, which can be internal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to the system bus <NUM> through the input device interface <NUM>. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer, or portions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers can be used.

The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™ wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE802. <NUM> (a, b, g, n, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE802. <NUM> or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed <NUM> and <NUM> radio bands, at an <NUM> Mbps (<NUM>. 11b) or <NUM> Mbps (<NUM>. 11a) data rate, for example, or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-world performance similar to the basic "10BaseT" wired Ethernet networks used in many offices.

As it is employed in the specification contained herein, the term "processor" can refer to substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors; single-processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor also can be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as "store," "data store," "data storage," "database," "repository," "queue", and substantially any other information storage component relevant to operation and functionality of a component, refer to "memory components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or can comprise both volatile and nonvolatile memory. In addition, memory components or memory elements can be removable or stationary. Moreover, memory can be internal or external to a device or component, or removable or stationary. Memory can comprise various types of media that are readable by a computer, such as hard-disc drives, zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards or other types of memory cards, cartridges, or the like.

By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can comprise read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising, these and any other suitable types of memory.

In particular, and in regard to the various functions performed by the above described components, devices, circuits, systems and the like, the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the herein illustrated example aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, it will also be recognized that the embodiments comprise a system as well as a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the acts and/or events of the various methods.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which can comprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media, which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection with any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, solid state drive (SSD) or other solid-state storage technology, compact disk read only memory (CD ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to store desired information.

In this regard, the terms "tangible" or "non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory or computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory signals per se. Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the information stored by the medium.

On the other hand, communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any information delivery or transport media. The term "modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communications media comprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating example operations in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The operations of <FIG> may be performed by devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In some examples, one or more of the procedures described in <FIG> may be embodied by computer program instructions, which may be stored by a memory (such as a non-transitory memory) of a system employing an embodiment of the present disclosure and executed by a processing circuitry (such as a processor) of the system. These computer program instructions may direct the system to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the memory circuitry produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the function specified in the flow diagram step/operation(s). Further, the system may comprise one or more other circuitries. Various circuitries of the system may be electronically coupled between and/or among each other to transmit and/or receive energy, data and/or information.

In some examples, embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable program instruction (e.g., computer software). Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including non-transitory hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

At operation <NUM>, a processor on devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, such as processor <NUM> and/or <NUM> may establish a master/slave relationship with one or more other devices. As is described herein, the relationship may be established based on a first device being connected to a power source (e.g., a charger); a most recent device being connected to a power source, an internal setting, or the like.

At operation <NUM>, a processor on devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, such as processor <NUM> and/or <NUM> may determine a frequency associated with turning on a first LCD screen on the first device. As described herein the frequency may be related to a duty cycle that, in some examples, is a duty cycle that reduces current draw by the display.

At operation <NUM>, a processor on devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, such as processor <NUM> and/or <NUM> may send a signal to each of the one or more devices. In some examples, the one or more devices may be other devices that are connected to a power source. In other examples, the signal may be sent to allow devices within range where only devices that are connected to a power source are configured to act on the signal. In some examples, the signal may include the frequency, a reference time (e.g., a network time, clock time, or other reference time), a master ID, and/or the like.

Furthermore, the terms "user," "subscriber," "customer," "consumer," and the like are employed interchangeably throughout the subject specification, unless context warrants particular distinction(s) among the terms. It should be appreciated that such terms can refer to human entities, associated devices, or automated components supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference based on complex mathematical formalisms) which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth. In addition, the terms "wireless network" and "network" are used interchangeable in the subject application, when context wherein the term is utilized warrants distinction for clarity purposes such distinction is made explicit.

Moreover, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes" and "including" and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising.

Claim 1:
A method for synchronizing liquid crystal display, LCD, screens, in a system comprising a first mobile device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), comprising a processor (<NUM>) and a first LCD screen (<NUM>; <NUM>), and one or more other mobile devices (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>), each of the one or more other devices (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising an LCD screen (<NUM>), the method comprising:
establishing, by the first mobile device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), a master/slave relationship with the one or more other mobile devices (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>);
determining, by the first mobile device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), a frequency associated with turning on the first LCD screen (<NUM>; <NUM>) on the first mobile device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>); and
sending, by the first mobile device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), a synchronization signal (<NUM>) to each of the one or more other mobile devices (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the synchronization signal (<NUM>) comprises an instruction to turn on an LCD screen (<NUM>) on the one or more other mobile devices (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>) at a same time as the first LCD screen (<NUM>; <NUM>), according to the frequency;
the method being characterized in that:
each of the first mobile device and the one or more other mobile devices (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>) comprises a battery, and
the master/slave relationship is established in response to a determination that the first mobile device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is charging such that if the first mobile device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is plugged in for charging or is the most recent device that is plugged in for charging, then the first mobile device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is set as the synchronization master.