Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090319690 | System, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names on a wide area network - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer. | 12-24-2009 |
20110252159 | Systems, Apparatus and Method For Hosting and Assigning Domain Names On A Wide Network - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer. | 10-13-2011 |
20120259999 | Systems, Apparatus and Method for Hosting and Assigning Domain Names on a Wide Area Network - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system for the domain to the user computer. | 10-11-2012 |
20120271918 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HOSTING AND ASSIGNING DOMAIN NAMES ON A WIDE AREA NETWORK - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271919 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HOSTING AND ASSIGNING DOMAIN NAMES ON A WIDE NETWORK - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer. | 10-25-2012 |
20130006799 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HOSTING AND ASSIGNING DOMAIN NAMES ON A WIDE AREA NETWORK - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer. | 01-03-2013 |
20130036163 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CONTENT TO USERS - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method and apparatus for presenting unsolicited data to users without interrupting the user's activities, wherein the presentation of the unsolicited data is monitored and is available for review by the user at the user's convenience. Embodiments of the invention comprise a content and display manager, wherein the content and display manager include a display monitor, a content delivery system and a content controller. The display monitor selects the display of content to the users, in part, by reviewing a marker which defines the last time that content was displayed to the user and the type of content displayed. The content delivery system transmits a content window to a user computer via the controller. | 02-07-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110307786 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BOOKMARKING AND RETRIEVAL OF VIDEO CONTENT - A method providing for bookmarking a point within a video stream is disclosed. The method involves sampling via a microphone an audio segment from a broadcasted audio/video content received on an audio/video device, converting the sampled audio segment to digital data, receiving a signal to set a bookmark, and transmitting the digital data to a storage device with identifying information for the video stream. The method also provides for retrieving a stored video stream by receiving a request to retrieve a stored video content, the request including an audio fingerprint, searching a database including the previously stored video streams to locate an audio fingerprint within the video stream which matches the audio fingerprint of the request, determining a location within the stored video stream corresponding to the matched audio fingerprint, and streaming the video stream from the determined location. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307917 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTIVE MOBILE COUPON/OFFER DELIVERY, STORAGE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - A method for providing an interactive coupon/offer delivery via a mobile device is disclosed. The method involves receiving a request from a mobile device to establish a location of the mobile device, determining the location of the mobile device, sending an offer to the mobile device based on the determined location, receiving confirmation from the mobile device that the offer has been received, and processing the offer based on a request received from the mobile device, wherein the processing is at least one of redeeming and sharing the offer in an alternate embodiment, instead of location being used, the relative time within a broadcasted audio/video content can be used for redeeming and sharing offers. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307918 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTIVE MOBILE COUPON/OFFER DELIVERY STORAGE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM USING A RECEIVING DEVICE AND A SECOND INTERACTIVE DEVICE - A method for providing real-time interaction with broadcasted audio/video content is disclosed. The method involves sampling an audio segment from a broadcasted audio/video content, converting the sampled audio segment to a digital signal, comparing the digital signal with a digital snapshot of an audio pattern that corresponds to the audio portion of the broadcasted audio/video content, determining a current position relative to a beginning of the broadcasted audio/video content based on the comparing, displaying on a second audio/video device an interactive display based on the determined current position. In alternate embodiments, the method provides an interactive coupon/offer delivery via a mobile device, a method for bookmarking a point within a video stream, and a method for retrieving a stored video stream. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307931 | PARTICIPATORY TELEVISION INTEGRATION SYSTEM - A method for providing real-time interaction with broadcasted audio/video content is disclosed. The method involves sampling via a microphone an audio segment from a broadcasted audio/video content received on an audio/video device, converting the sampled audio segment to a digital signal, comparing the digital signal with a digital snapshot of an audio pattern that corresponds to the audio portion of the broadcasted audio/video content, determining a current position relative to a beginning of the broadcasted audio/video content based on the comparing, and displaying on a second audio/video device an interactive display based on the determined current position. | 12-15-2011 |
20140047072 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTIVE MOBILE OFFER SYSTEM USING TIME AND LOCATION FOR OUT-OF-HOME DISPLAY SCREENS - Content which is related to content being displayed on an out-of-home display screen is synchronized with being shown on an out-of-home display screen. A mobile device operates to receive content which is related to the content being displayed on the out-of-home display screen. The system operates based on mobile device location, out-of-home display screen location and the time of day. Based on the time and locations, a server can determine what content is on the display screen and can therefore serve related content based on that to the mobile device. It works passively with periodic regular updates of the mobile device location or actively through the use of a button (touch screen, keyboard, etc.) on the mobile device to signal the server to check its location and therefore identifying which display screen the mobile device is near. | 02-13-2014 |
20150039496 | DIGITAL CURRENCY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH ACOUSTIC TRIGGERS - A system and method are disclosed to determine an action to be taken for currency delivery to a client. The method provides for the triggering and delivery of digital currency from television sets and audio devices to mobile devices by way of acoustic triggers, which are inaudible and/or indiscernible to the human ear. The acoustic triggers use a method of encoding an identifying data sequence into digital information, convert the digital information into analog audio pattern, transmit the pattern with loud speakers, receive the audio pattern with a microphone, convert the analog audio pattern into digital information, decode the digital information back to an identifying data sequence. The identifying sequence is then authenticate and validated with a server which associates the sequence with currency that can be redeemed at retail point-of-sale terminals or online and used to purchase goods and services. The different frequency sets that are present in these inaudible tones can be assigned monetary values that can be transferred between any two devices so long as the emitting device has a speaker and the receiving device has a microphone. | 02-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100318603 | MONITORING APPLICATION FOR AUTOMATICALLY REQUESTING CONTENT - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a system, apparatus and method for monitoring a user's activities and displaying and presenting unsolicited content to users over a wide area network. Embodiments of the instant invention include a monitoring system comprising an activity monitor and a content transfer and display means, wherein the activity monitor comprises an event identifier and a timer. The monitoring system monitors user activities, identifies trigger events, measures the elapsed time of inactivity of the user and initiates the presentation of unsolicited data, or content, to the user computer. In general, the monitoring system identifies trigger events and measures the elapsed time between trigger events. If the elapsed time between the trigger events exceeds a predefined time period the monitoring system causes unsolicited data to be presented on the user computer. | 12-16-2010 |
20120042276 | MONITORING APPLICATION FOR AUTOMATICALLY REQUESTING CONTENT - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a system, apparatus and method for monitoring a user's activities and displaying and presenting unsolicited content to users over a wide area network. Embodiments of the instant invention include a monitoring system comprising an activity monitor and a content transfer and display means, wherein the activity monitor comprises an event identifier and a timer. The monitoring system monitors user activities, identifies trigger events, measures the elapsed time of inactivity of the user and initiates the presentation of unsolicited data, or content, to the user computer. In general, the monitoring system identifies trigger events and measures the elapsed time between trigger events. If the elapsed time between the trigger events exceeds a predefined time period the monitoring system causes unsolicited data to be presented on the user computer. | 02-16-2012 |
20130044106 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OBJECT PROCESSING IN VIRTUAL WORLDS - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046853 | MULTIDIMENSIONAL GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATIONS - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046854 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF VIRTUAL WORLDS ACCESS - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 02-21-2013 |
20130047098 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF VIRTUAL WORLD INTERACTION - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 02-21-2013 |
20130047217 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANAGING VIRTUAL WORLD AVATARS - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 02-21-2013 |
20130176442 | DIGITAL MEDIA ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS - Aspects are disclosed for enhancing digital media. In an aspect, a target object in a primary image is identified, and reference images that include the target object are located. The target object is then modified within the primary image according to data derived from analyzing the reference image. In another aspect, a primary file is received, and at least one reference file is referenced to generate enhancement data that facilitates enhancing the primary file from an extrapolation of the reference file. In yet another aspect, media files corresponding to a common event are aggregated, and a desired enhancement of a primary file is identified. Here, the desired enhancement corresponds to a modification of an obstruction included in the primary file. A reference file which includes data associated with the desired enhancement is then referenced, and the obstructed data is modified based on replacement data extrapolated from the reference file. | 07-11-2013 |
20130177216 | CLOTHING AND BODY COVERING PATTERN CREATION MACHINE AND METHOD - Body art, such as tattoos, are integrated or extended onto clothing. Clothing patterns may be integrated or extended onto body art, such as temporary tattoos. In one embodiment, a computer analyzes an image of a body with a tattoo and generates an image suitable for application to clothing. When applied to clothing, the image displays the portion of the tattoo that is covered by the clothing, or may extend the appearance of the tattoo from the skin to the adjacent clothing. | 07-11-2013 |
20130346883 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANAGING VIRTUAL WORLD AVATARS - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 12-26-2013 |
20140007201 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ASSESSING PERMISSIONS IN VIRTUAL WORLDS | 01-02-2014 |
20140189542 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF VIRTUAL WORLD INTERACTION - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189543 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF VIRTUAL WORLDS ACCESS - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 07-03-2014 |
20140282212 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS THAT FACILITATES MODIFYING A TEXTUAL INPUT - Aspects are disclosed for editing a textual input. In an aspect, a series of strings and an edit command are received such that the strings are parsed based on the edit command. A candidate modification of the strings is inferred from a correlation between the edit command and a parsing of the strings, and the candidate modification is then implemented. In another aspect, a textual input comprising a series of strings is displayed and an edit command is received. The edit command is associated with a portion of the strings, and the portion is then edited based on the edit command. In yet another aspect, a series of strings and an edit command are received, and a candidate modification of the series of strings is inferred based on a combination of a trigger portion and an edit portion of the edit command. The candidate modification is then disseminated. | 09-18-2014 |
20150138196 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OBJECT PROCESSING IN VIRTUAL WORLDS - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 05-21-2015 |
20150173969 | EXTRA-PROTECTION PADS AND RELATED METHODS - Extra-protection fins and pads, and methods of making and using extra-protection fins and pads are disclosed. The extra-protection fins and pads of the present invention comprise a first triangular face, a second triangular face attached and/or connected to the first triangular face at an angle thereby forming a front apex and a top apex, wherein the fins are configured such that the front apex catches and/or absorbs the menstrual and/or other vaginal fluids first, and the extra-protection fin fills backwards toward the top apex, thus preventing unwanted, embarrassing and annoying leakage onto clothing or bedding during periods of heavy flow and/or when lying down. The extra-protection fin may also comprise a third triangular face attached and/or connected to the first and second triangular faces, wherein a vertex of the third triangular face contacts and/or is connected to the first and second triangular faces at the top apex. | 06-25-2015 |
20150228101 | DIGITAL MEDIA ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS - Aspects are disclosed for enhancing digital media. In an aspect, a target object in a primary image is identified, and reference images that include the target object are located. The target object is then modified within the primary image according to data derived from analyzing the reference image. In another aspect, a primary file is received, and at least one reference file is referenced to generate enhancement data that facilitates enhancing the primary file from an extrapolation of the reference file. In yet another aspect, media files corresponding to a common event are aggregated, and a desired enhancement of a primary file is identified. Here, the desired enhancement corresponds to a modification of an obstruction included in the primary file. A reference file which includes data associated with the desired enhancement is then referenced, and the obstructed data is modified based on replacement data extrapolated from the reference file. | 08-13-2015 |
20150264053 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ASSESSING PERMISSIONS IN VIRTUAL WORLDS - Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. | 09-17-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080272928 | SIGNALING LIGHT WITH MOTION-SENSING LIGHT CONTROL CIRCUIT - A signaling light, such as a wand light or flashlight, includes a motion sensor coupled to a controller for lamp intensity. When the light is moved in a first direction, the lamp is powered at a baseline intensity. When the light is moved in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, the lamp is switched off or dimmed. When swung in a back-and-forth motion, the light as controlled by the controller thereby appears to move in only one direction, thereby providing a signal indicating a direction of motion. | 11-06-2008 |
20120106805 | ONLINE IDENTITY VERIFICATION - A method for verifying an identity attribute of a remote user includes providing pose instructions to a remote client from a host during an authentication session. The pose instructions may reference a specific physical token associated with the user, for example a government ID card, credit card, household object or printed or displayed image provided from an authentication host. The host receives an image from the client and may analyze the image to determine if the pose instructions were followed and if the physical token appears in the image. Based on this determination, and optionally using other factors, the host verifies an identity attribute of the user. | 05-03-2012 |
20120115603 | SINGLE USER MULTIPLE PRESENCE IN MULTI-USER GAME - A method for providing a single user multiple presence implementation may include providing access for a user identified by a user account to a virtual environment hosted by a computer. The method may further include generating multiple avatars for the user account to concurrently coexist and be operative within the virtual environment. The method may further include controlling the multiple avatars at least partly in response to input from the user. The method may further include communicating virtual environment data regarding more than one of the multiple avatars to at least one client operated by the user. An apparatus for performing the method may include a processor coupled to a memory holding encoded instructions for performing operations of the method on a computer configured as a network entity. | 05-10-2012 |
20120163269 | MOBILE STATUS UPDATE DISPLAY - A method for using a wireless receiver may include receiving subscribed messages for a user identified with a user account of a hub, being messages posted by other users of the hub to which the user has subscribed. The method may include automatically processing the messages to determine content for display on a display device, and displaying the content on the display device. The display device may be configured as two separate screens mounted at separate locations on the user's body. The messages may include user status messages, which are messages posted to the hub by the user, and the user status messages and subscription messages may be displayed on separate ones of the two screens. An apparatus for performing the method may include a processor coupled to a memory holding encoded instructions for performing operations of the method. | 06-28-2012 |
20120170922 | AUTOFOCUS CALIBRATION FOR LONG LENSES - A method for calibrating a focus point for a camera lens may include capturing a reflection of a focus point measuring device that is affixed to the camera. The method may include evaluating a captured image of the reflection to measure a calibration amount for a focus point, and adjusting a focus point of a lens of the camera by the calibration amount. The focus point measuring device may include a substantially planar target surface defining a plane, and a ruled target surface inclined at substantially 45° to the substantially planar target and extending through the plane thereof, marked to indicate respective distances in front of and behind the plane. The device may further include a fixture for holding the substantially planar target surface and the ruled target surface in a defined orientation to the camera, enabling performance of the method. | 07-05-2012 |
20120177248 | GRAPHIC DATA ALTERATION TO ENHANCE ONLINE PRIVACY - A computer alters at least one recognizable metric or text in a digitally-encoded photographic image by operating an alteration algorithm in response to user input data while preserving an overall aesthetic quality of the image and obscuring an identity of at least one individual or geographic location appearing in the image. An altered digitally-encoded photographic image prepared by the altering of the at least one recognizable metric or text in the image is stored in a computer memory. User feedback and/or automatic analysis may be performed to define parameter values of the alteration algorithm such that the alteration process achieves preservation of aesthetic qualities while obscuring an identity of interest. | 07-12-2012 |
20120188233 | ADAPTABLE GENERATION OF VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT FRAMES - A virtual environment in generated in a server where at least one object representative of an entity interacts with other objects or attributes of the environment. A desired frame rate for rendering the virtual environment is identified, and compared to a maximum achievable frame rate at a client device. If the maximum achievable frame rate is slower than the desired frame rate, the number of objects displayed within the virtual environment is modified, in accordance with one or more rule sets, until the maximum achievable frame rate is at or near the desired frame rate. In addition, a server may provide and synchronize output for clients participating in the virtual environment using different target frame rates. | 07-26-2012 |
20120242867 | Simulated Large Aperture Lens - A camera apparatus includes a photogrammetric range sensor, small aperture lens and a processor configured to carry out a method for simulating a large aperture lens. The method includes capturing a photographic image data of a scene using the camera with the lens set to a small aperture size. Simultaneously or near-simultaneously with capturing the image, the camera captures photogrammetric range data pertaining to depth of objects in a field of view of the camera, using the range sensor. The processor then processes the photographic image data using the photogrammetric range data to obtain second photographic data simulating an image captured using a lens set to an aperture size larger than the small aperture size. | 09-27-2012 |
20130073453 | CONDITIONAL BALANCE MANAGEMENT FOR NON-ISSUER DEBIT INSTRUMENTS - A computer receives information about a debit account controlled by a third-party issuer, a user owing the account and instructions for managing the account after a specified trigger date. Operating according the instructions, an unknown remaining balance in the account may be exhausted after the trigger date has passed, using a sequence of charges responsive to the initial balance, to the last charge amount completed or attempted, and to whether or not the last charge amount is accepted. In the alternative, or in addition, the account may be managed to convert the remaining balance to a non-monetary coupon (e.g., “virtual currency”) for use in an online computer game or the like, after the trigger date. | 03-21-2013 |
20130260827 | GYROSCOPIC ALERTING MECHANISM FOR PORTABLE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A portable communications device, such as a mobile phone, includes a novel tactile alerting mechanism capable of alerting the user of an incoming communication or other event. A gyroscopic mechanism is coupled to a housing of the portable communications device and controlled by a processor. The processor is configured to control a spin velocity of the gyroscopic mechanism based on receiving an alert of an incoming call or message, or detecting a fall. The gyroscopic mechanism may spin up or change a spin state to provide a tactile signal via the housing of the communications device, by imparting stabilizing force to the housing that can be felt by a person wearing the communications device, or to change an orientation of the device while falling. | 10-03-2013 |
20140064573 | ONLINE IDENTITY VERIFICATION - A method for verifying an identity attribute of a remote user includes providing pose instructions to a remote client from a host during an authentication session. The pose instructions may reference a specific physical token associated with the user, for example a government ID card, credit card, household object or printed or displayed image provided from an authentication host. The host receives an image from the client and may analyze the image to determine if the pose instructions were followed and if the physical token appears in the image. Based on this determination, and optionally using other factors, the host verifies an identity attribute of the user. | 03-06-2014 |
20160004903 | GRAPHIC DATA ALTERATION TO ENHANCE ONLINE PRIVACY - A computer alters at least one recognizable metric or text in a digitally encoded photographic image by operating an alteration algorithm in response to user input data while preserving an overall aesthetic quality of the image and obscuring an identity of at least one individual or geographic location appearing in the image. An altered digitally-encoded photographic image prepared by the altering of the at least one recognizable metric or text in the image is stored in a computer memory. User feedback and/or automatic analysis may be performed to define parameter values of the alteration algorithm such that the alteration process achieves preservation of aesthetic qualities while obscuring an identity of interest. | 01-07-2016 |
20160044149 | GYROSCOPIC ALERTING MECHANISM FOR PORTABLE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A portable communications device, such as a mobile phone, includes a novel tactile alerting mechanism capable of alerting the user of an incoming communication or other event. A gyroscopic mechanism is coupled to a housing of the portable communications device and controlled by a processor. The processor is configured to control a spin velocity of the gyroscopic mechanism based on receiving an alert of an incoming call or message, or detecting a fall. The gyroscopic mechanism may spin up or change a spin state to provide a tactile signal via the housing of the communications device, by imparting stabilizing force to the housing that can be felt by a person wearing the communications device, or to change an orientation of the device while falling. | 02-11-2016 |
20160074757 | SINGLE USER MULTIPLE PRESENCE IN MULTI-USER GAME - A method for providing a single user multiple presence implementation may include providing access for a user identified by a user account to a virtual environment hosted by a computer. The method may further include generating multiple avatars for the user account to concurrently coexist and be operative within the virtual environment. The method may further include controlling the multiple avatars at least partly in response to input from the user. The method may further include communicating virtual environment data regarding more than one of the multiple avatars to at least one client operated by the user. An apparatus for performing the method may include a processor coupled to a memory holding encoded instructions for performing operations of the method on a computer configured as a network entity. | 03-17-2016 |