Abstract: A technique is described for assigning a location-finder role to a mobile computing device (a “location-finder device”) within a spatially-clustered group of mobile computing devices. The location-finder device determines its location based on signals received from one or more external sources (such as a GPS system), to provide location data. The location-finder device then transmits a signal to other members of the group of mobile computing devices using a local communication channel (such as a BLUETOOTH communication channel). That signal conveys the location data. Each of the other members of the group uses the location data to define its position, in lieu of independently determining its own location from the external source(s). By virtue of this behavior, the other members can reduce their consumption of power.

Abstract: A technique is described for assigning a location-finder role to a mobile computing device (a “location-finder device”) within a spatially-clustered group of mobile computing devices. The location-finder device determines its location based on signals received from one or more external sources (such as a GPS system), to provide location data. The location-finder device then transmits a signal to other members of the group of mobile computing devices using a local communication channel (such as a BLUETOOTH communication channel). That signal conveys the location data. Each of the other members of the group uses the location data to define its position, in lieu of independently determining its own location from the external source(s). By virtue of this behavior, the other members can reduce their consumption of power.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an electronic file creates a key file for each electronic file stored on a file system. The key file is created when the electronic file is loaded or first created on the system. As a user requests to edit the electronic file, the file system is requested to rename the key file with a lock. If the file system returns an error in response to the request to rename, the user is informed that the electronic file is locked or inaccessible. If the system successfully renames the key file, the user is allowed access to the electronic file.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses directed toward an authoring tool that gives users the ability to make high-quality, speech-driven animation in which the animated character speaks in the user's voice. Embodiments of the present invention allow the animation to be sent as a message over the Internet or used as a set of instructions for various applications including Internet chat rooms. According to one embodiment, the user chooses a character and a scene from a menu, then speaks into the computer's microphone to generate a personalized message. Embodiments of the present invention use voice-recognition technology to match the audio input to the appropriate animated mouth shapes creating a professional looking 2D or 3D animated scene with lip-synced audio characteristics.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses directed toward an authoring tool that gives users the ability to make high-quality, speech-driven animation in which the animated character speaks in the user's voice. Embodiments of the present invention allow the animation to be sent as a message over the Internet or used as a set of instructions for various applications including Internet chat rooms. According to one embodiment, the user chooses a character and a scene from a menu, then speaks into the computer's microphone to generate a personalized message. Embodiments of the present invention use speech-recognition technology to match the audio input to the appropriate animated mouth shapes creating a professional looking 2D or 3D animated scene with lip-synced audio characteristics.