Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible virtual reality viewer. Aspects of the viewer include a body portion and a viewing portion, each having a plurality of panels abutting fold lines. The viewer may be folded along the fold lines to move from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration when it is not being used. In one aspect, the viewer includes a detachable panel that is removeably coupled to the viewer along a plurality of perforations. Promotional material may be printed on or attached to the detachable panel. In another embodiment, the body portion and the viewing portion are each formed of a unitary construction in which the panels of each portion are die cut from a single piece of material and folded along fold lines to form the body and viewing portions, which are then secured together at one or more locations.

Abstract: A greeting card having an audio message recording and playback device permits recording of personalized audio messages to be played upon opening of the greeting card. The recording device is operable in either a trial mode or a use mode. In the trial mode, which would be applicable when the card is displayed in a store, a potential purchaser may experience the functionality of the card by recording their own test message. The test message is played back initially for the potential purchaser but is not subsequently played back to be later heard by other potential purchasers. In the use mode, which the card may be switched to after purchase by the giver of the greeting card, a user recorded message may be played back repeatedly upon subsequent openings of the card. The user recorded message may be followed by a prerecorded recording, such as a song. Additional prerecorded messages, such as voice prompts with instructions for recording a message, may also be included for activation in the trial mode.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for altering an appearance of acquaintances when viewed through smart glasses, which may be altered using augmented reality technology. In particular, an embodiment of the invention is directed to allowing users to specify their appearances to others when viewed by others wearing smart glasses. The others viewing the user through smart glasses include friends, family, contacts, or other acquaintances, which may be specified in one or more social networks or contacts databases. The altered appearance that is displayed may be based on the particular relationship between the user and the viewer. For example, a user may appear as a particular superhero to his friends on a social network website, as having a cartoon feature (such as an enormous head) to his children, as normal to his mother and business contacts, and as wearing a Hawaiian shirt to his closest buddies.

Abstract: A foldable article having a sliceform removably secured to one or more panels of the foldable article. A tab having a retaining portion may extend from at least one of the one or more panels of the foldable article. The tab may pass through an opening in the sliceform and the retaining portion may be wider than the width of the opening. The retaining member may be manipulated to pass through the opening to removably secure the sliceform to, and/or detach the sliceform from, the foldable article.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a greeting card with a self-retracting, pullout banner and an activation feature tied a movement of the self-retracting banner. The activation feature may include a visual or audio output and can be provided by an electronic component. The self-retracting banner may be affixed to an edge of the greeting card. A user may extend the banner by pulling the handle away from the greeting card. As such, the self-retracting banner is movable to and between a fully retracted and closed first position and a fully extended and open second position. The activation feature may be a sound activation feature that generates an audio output through a speaker when the self-retracting banner is moved out of the closed first position. Both the activation feature and the self-retracting banner can include content that may supplement a message or artwork included on panels of the greeting card.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an Audio-Story Engine that includes a repository of prerecorded audio files that, when played in a certain sequence, with user provided recordings placed throughout, tell a story. To obtain the user provided recordings, the Audio-Story Engine asks the user to make audio recordings of various words or phrases. For example, the Audio-Story Engine may ask the user a series of questions in order to record and store the user's audible responses. Upon completion, the Audio-Story Engine plays back a completed story that incorporates the user's audio recordings by playing an appropriate user recording after playing a prerecorded audio file. This is repeated several times in sequence to form a seamless, customized, audio story. In addition, the Audio-Story Engine may alter the pitch or sound of the user's recorded words to match the pitch of the prerecorded story.

Abstract: A capacitive gesture recognition book includes a plurality of capacitive sensors concealed in a base cover of the book. The capacitive sensors detect changes in capacitance brought on by a finger of a user coming in proximity with the capacitive sensor. A processor located in the base cover includes a plurality of capacitive activation sequences and a plurality of corresponding responses stored therein. Upon detection of a stored capacitive activation sequence, the processor initiates activation of the corresponding response which may be playback of an audio file. The book includes a plurality of pages that contain graphics and/or words for a storyline. The graphics can include images intended to direct a user of a desired motion to be made that corresponds with activation of sensors in a manner stored as a capacitive activation sequence.

Abstract: A greeting card having a transparent and flexible pouch enclosing a deformable object is disclosed. The transparent and flexible pouch is vacuum sealed with the deformable object inside, such that the deformable object compresses. A transparent insert may be placed inside of the transparent and flexible pouch, in order to minimize disfiguration of the deformable object during the compression process.

Abstract: A gift card presenter for holding a gift card within a greeting card is provided. The presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, and a coupling element for coupling the body to the greeting card. In one embodiment, the presenter may comprise a paper mechanic coupled to first and second interior faces of the greeting card, the paper mechanic configured to hold the greeting card and display it when the greeting card is opened. In another embodiment, the presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, the body having a first half and a second half that each include interior and exterior faces. The presenter may be opened to display or partially display the greeting card. The presenter may be coupled to the inside and/or the outside of the greeting card, to provide a pleasing presentation of the gift card given with the greeting card.

Abstract: A greeting card generally comprising panels and a biasing member which stores a compressive force or a tensional force. The biasing member is coupled to the greeting card, such that the greeting card moves to an open configuration or a closed configuration, depending on the type of force held by the biasing member.

Abstract: A greeting card having mechanically actuated moving portions is provided. The greeting card may include a panel having one or more folds, one or more flexible drive shafts coupled to the panel and having a flipping or moving portion, and a decorative portion coupled to at least one of the panel and the flipping or moving portion. Each flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel such that a portion is positioned on a first side of the fold and a portion is positioned on a second side of the fold. When the greeting card is opened, a moment arm is created in the flexible drive shaft which causes the flipping or moving portion to move from a first position to a second position. The decorative portion may move in response to the flipping or moving portion moving from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A greeting card having an audio message recording and playback device permits recording of personalized audio messages to be played upon opening of the greeting card. The recording device is operable in either a trial mode or a use mode. In the trial mode, which would be applicable when the card is displayed in a store, a potential purchaser may experience the functionality of the card by recording their own test message. The test message is played back initially for the potential purchaser but is not subsequently played back to be later heard by other potential purchasers. In the use mode, which the card may be switched to after purchase by removal of a trial mode panel from the greeting card, a user recorded message is played repeatedly upon subsequent openings of the card. The user recorded message may be followed by a prerecorded recording, such as a song. Additional prerecorded messages, such as voice prompts with instructions for recording a message, may also be included.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a greeting card with a self-retracting, pullout banner comprising banner content that may supplement a message or artwork included on panels of the greeting card. The self-retracting banner can be attached to different portion of the greeting card. The self-retracting banner may be affixed to an edge of the greeting card. A user may extend the banner by pulling the handle away from the greeting card. As such, the self-retracting banner is movable to and between a fully retracted and closed first position and a fully extended and open second position. The self-retracting banner can be concealed within a compartment attached to a portion of the greeting card, for example, the front panel.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable media are provided for capturing audio that is memorable. Buffered audio is stored in a first device over a recent interval such as 5 minutes. In the absence of an indication a circular buffer is used that continually replaces old audio. When a user hears something that he wants to capture, he manipulates a control on the first device that results in buffered audio being transferred to another storage area. An audio file is automatically created. A second device can receive the created audio file, and it is capable of annotating the audio with a more descriptive title, an appropriate photo, etc. The second device is also able to provide a control interface for the capture application in the first device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for a near-field communication (NFC) system for use with mobile computing device. In an embodiment, an RFID reader device is configured for operation with a smart phone using the audio (headphone) port, and which is entirely powered and controlled by the mobile computing device through the audio port. A specially tuned charge pump ladder is used for powering the RFID reader device over a TRRS connection with the mobile computing device, without requiring an internal power source, such as a battery, in the RFID reader device. In an embodiment, an app running on the mobile computing device includes functionality for providing power and data channels over the TRRS port to the RFID reader device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus that combines a light source, a speaker, and other electrical components in a single unit to produce lighting and sound effects. The apparatus may be sized and configured for use in a number of applications. Further, the apparatus may have a number of operating states that may include light and sound effects that correspond with one another.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for processing multiple items for retail sale via a single retailer action. Upon scanning a machine-readable marking that is associated with multiple items provided by various vendors, a marking identifier associated with the machine-readable marking is recognized. The marking identifier corresponds with each price of the multiple items. Each price of the multiple items is presented to a consumer for payment that can be disbursed to the appropriate vendors.

Abstract: A greeting card having a transparent and flexible pouch enclosing a deformable object is disclosed. The transparent and flexible pouch is vacuum sealed with the deformable object inside, such that the deformable object compresses. A transparent insert may be placed inside of the transparent and flexible pouch, in order to minimize disfiguration of the deformable object during the compression process.

Abstract: A gift card presenter for holding a gift card within a greeting card is provided. The presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, and a coupling element for coupling the body to the greeting card. In one embodiment, the presenter may comprise a paper mechanic coupled to first and second interior faces of the greeting card, the paper mechanic configured to hold the greeting card and display it when the greeting card is opened. In another embodiment, the presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, the body having a first half and a second half that each include interior and exterior faces. The presenter may be opened to display or partially display the greeting card. The presenter may be coupled to the inside and/or the outside of the greeting card, to provide a pleasing presentation of the gift card given with the greeting card.

Abstract: A greeting card having mechanically actuated moving portions is provided. The greeting card may include a panel having one or more folds, one or more flexible drive shafts coupled to the panel and having a flipping or moving portion, and a decorative portion coupled to at least one of the panel and the flipping or moving portion. Each flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel such that a portion is positioned on a first side of the fold and a portion is positioned on a second side of the fold. When the greeting card is opened, a moment arm is created in the flexible drive shaft which causes the flipping or moving portion to move from a first position to a second position. The decorative portion may move in response to the flipping or moving portion moving from the first position to the second position.