Abstract: A system for displaying and re-ordering web page search results. Results obtained from a search engine site are displayed with same-type fields in same columns. A button at the top of each column allows result entries to be organized alphanumerically depending upon values for the fields in the column. A subsearch feature allows additional searching of a base search. The subsearch can be performed on any one or more of the fields.

Abstract: A system for local allocation or provisioning of resources in a network. Allocation rules are defined based on one or more factors of user identity, device identity and device location. A communication is given a priority level based on the rules. A device in the network performs local provisioning according to the rule definitions. Rule definitions can be set or changed via a user interface. Automated ways to obtain factor values can be used such as automatic identification of users, devices, and location. Other possible factors to use to determine resource allocation can be time of day, date, identity of an originating or target device, identity of a caller or callee, etc. Resources that can be allocated include bandwidth, processing cycles, network storage and power.

Abstract: A panic mode in a device such as a mobile phone having a camera. When the panic mode is triggered an image is captured and immediately transmitted to an external site, such as to a server at a law enforcement authority, a parent's household, etc. Ideally the device does not give an indication as to whether or not the panic mode shot was successful, thereby causing doubt in a wrongdoer who could be the subject of the transferred image. Upon triggering the panic shot the device goes into a lockdown mode whereby interruption of capture and transfer of a record (e.g., image, audio recording, etc.) is not possible or is made very difficult. In one embodiment a back-up permanent power supply is included in the form of a capacitor or small battery so that even if the device's main battery is removed the panic shot can still be transferred. Other features are described.

Abstract: A handheld device includes a position sensor for sensing movement of the device's display screen relative to another object. A user of the device is able to vertically or horizontally move an image within the display screen by moving or positioning the device in space. An image can also be zoomed in or out by bringing the device and display screen closer to or farther from the user. The user can switch between a motion mode of panning and zooming or a non-motion mode where moving the device does not cause the image on the display screen to move. This allows the motion mode to be used with traditional forms of image manipulation and item selection using a pointer and “click” button. Function, sensitivity, calibration and other options for configuring controls and motion sensing are provided so that the translation of a motion of the device to a manipulation of the image on the screen can be modified to suit different user desires, or different applications or functions.

Abstract: A system for controlling a rendering engine by using specialized commands. The commands are used to generate a production, such as a television show, at an end-user's computer that executes the rendering engine. In one embodiment, the commands are sent over a network, such as the Internet, to achieve broadcasts of video programs at very high compression and efficiency. Commands for setting and moving camera viewpoints, animating characters, and defining or controlling scenes and sounds are described. At a fine level of control math models and coordinate systems can be used make specifications. At a coarse level of control the command language approaches the text format traditionally used in television or movie scripts. Simple names for objects within a scene are used to identify items, directions and paths. Commands are further simplified by having the rendering engine use defaults when specifications are left out.

Abstract: An earpiece unit is held adjacent to or within a cell phone. The earpiece includes a microphone and speaker and is wearable in a user's ear. The earpiece is docked within the housing of a cell phone and can be used in the docked position to operate the phone. A user can push on the back of the earpiece to eject the earpiece from the phone housing so that the earpiece can be easily inserted into the user's ear. The user can be provided with a “pause” control on the cell phone that indicates to the cell phone system that a call is going to be answered. Upon activation of the “pause” control, the cell phone system can pause its efforts to establish communications and/or temporarily reduce the intensity of transmissions. A message is sent to the caller notifying that the call is about to be answered.