Abstract: A system for identifying multiple electronic tags that include a plurality of electronic tags attachable to a single object, each electronic tag having a unique identifier. One or more electronic tag readers are configured to read the unique identifier of each electronic tag within the non-overlapping readable region, and a computing system is connected to the electronic tag reader to provide digital services in response to reading the unique identifier of each electronic tag.

Abstract: A device supporting a manipulatable user interface includes a feedback module for presenting information related to a data structure, along with a processor for controlling the feedback module and the data structure. The feedback module can include non-visual tactile displays, auditory displays, or visual displays. A wide range of manipulatory actions, including morphemes such as folds, tears, twists, bends and various spatial or environmental transformations can be applied to a connected deformable piece. Since the deformable piece contacts at least one sensor that monitors positional changes within multiple subregions of the deformable piece, various commands can be given to the device through manipulation of the deformable piece.

Abstract: A device supporting a user interface includes a feedback module for presenting information related to a data structure and a processor for controlling the feedback module and the data structure. The device also has a detector for determining handedness of a user, allowing modification of the displayed data structure based on handedness of a user.

Abstract: An infrared beacon assembly includes a light source removeably attachable to lighting fixtures that supply electrical power. A voltage converter is connected to the light source to provide a reduced supplied voltage. The infrared beacon broadcasts a data signal.

Abstract: A physical positioning system for a portable computing device equipped with an infrared receiver includes a light source removably attachable to a lighting fixture that supplies electrical power at a determined voltage. The light source has an attached voltage converter to provide a reduced supplied voltage. An infrared beacon is powered at the reduced supplied voltage through an electrical connection to the voltage converter. The infrared beacon broadcasts a data signal representative of a physical location.

Abstract: A system for identifying multiple electronic tags, the system including a plurality of electronic tags attachable to a single object, each electronic tag having a non-overlapping readable region, and each electronic tag having a unique identifier, an electronic tag reader configured to read the unique identifier of each electronic tag within the non-overlapping readable region, selective shielding of each electronic tag, and a computing system connected to the electronic tag reader to provide digital services in response to reading the unique identifier of each electronic tag.

Abstract: A zoomorphic computer for controlling a computer system includes an animal or humanoid shaped shell having an attached transceiver for two way communication with a computer system. A position detecting unit determines position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system, with change of position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system changing state the zoomorphic shell or the computer system. The zoomorphic shell can have movable elements such as arms or tails, attached to the zoomorphic shell, and support a feedback unit that communicates with the computer system, modifying position of a movable element in response to computer system output.

Abstract: A location information system uses a positioning system, such as the civilian Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS), in combination with a distributed network. The location information system includes a radio transceiver for communicating to the distributed network and a GPS receiving system. The GPS receiving system receives a signal from the GPS and converts it into a coordinate entry. The coordinate entry is transmitted to the distributed network for retrieval of corresponding location specific information. The location specific information may reside on a web page. The coordinate entry may be incorporated into the web page address that supports the coordinate entry or linked to an existing web page associated with the coordinate entry. The web page and associated information is displayed. Bar code labels, infrared beacons and other labeling systems may also be used in the location information system in place of or in addition to the GPS receiving system to supply location identification information.

Abstract: A method of verifying electronic payments generated using a key unknown to the verifier. In anticipation of accepting electronic payments, a seller requests and receives from a bank a conversation key and a first set of electronic verifiers for a first set of electronic payments from a customer. Each verifier allows authentication of an associated electronic payment without revealing the private key used by the customer to generate the electronic payments. Prior to initiating a transaction or series of transactions, the customer requests payment information from the seller for use, along with the master key, in generating electronic payments Afterward, when the customer pays with an electronic payment, the seller authenticates the electronic payment using one of the verifiers. The seller responds to the buyer's request if the electronic payment is authenticated.

Abstract: An electronic tag has a processor, a readable memory for holding an identification number connected to the processor, and an antenna connected to the processor for radiofrequency broadcasting of the identification number. A power supply powers the antenna to broadcast the identification number.A user selectively controls operation or non-operation of the electronic tag by switching an interconnect switch on or off. The interconnect switch permits interconnects the processor, readable memory, antenna, and power supply to selectively allow radiofrequency broadcasting of the identification number. Bitwise communication to a tag reader using only a passive electronic tag is possible.

Abstract: An enhanced information collage having a surface for detachable support of a plurality of collage components. The enhanced information collage comprises an identification unit, a location unit, and an information processing system. The identification unit is for determining informational content of at least some of the plurality of collage components. The location unit is for tracking position of at least some of the plurality of collage components. The information processing system is connected to the identification unit and the location unit for storing sate records of position and informational content of at least some of the plurality of collage components, with the information processing being updatable to reflect changes in position and information content of the at least some of the plurality of collage components.

Abstract: A personal storage device for receipt, storage, and transfer of digital information to other electronic devices has a pocket sized crush resistant casing with a volume of less than about ten cubic centimeters. A processor is positioned within the casing cavity and attached to the crush resistant casing, while a memory module also positioned within the casing cavity is configured to store received executable applications and data. An infrared transceiver is mounted on the crush resistant casing and in electronic communication with the processor and memory module to provide for receipt and storage of executable applications, and receipt, storage, and transfer of digital information to other electronic devices. The digital information stored by the personal storage device can be intermittently synchronized with other electronic devices.

Abstract: A method of space efficient electronic payments. A customer initiates an electronic transaction by transmitting a request for payment information to a seller. In response, the customer receives from the seller the payment information needed to generate an electronic payment. The customer determines the reliability of the payment information by authenticating it. If the payment information is authenticated, then the customer generates an electronic payment using the payment information and a master key unknown to the seller. Finally, the customer transmits the electronic payment to the seller along with a request for desired goods and/or services.

Abstract: A method of redeeming for a seller electronic payments generated by and received from a customer using a master key unknown to the seller. In anticipation of making electronic payments, a customer sends a bank the master key that he will use to generate electronic payments. The bank stores the master key. Later, the bank receives from the seller a redemption request including a seller identifier, a first value of a payment index, and an electronic payment associated with the first value of the payment index. The bank authenticates the electronic payment by comparing the electronic payment to a hash of a string including the master key, the seller identifier, and the first value of the payment index. If the electronic payment is authenticated, the bank determines an amount due to the seller and credits that amount to the seller.

Abstract: A hand-held computer having symmetrically placed buttons on one side so that left or right handed operation by the grasping hand is easily achieved. The hand-held computer includes a configuration method so that the functions of buttons and the orientation of images on the display screen can be adjusted for left or right handed use of the computer. Stylus input is modified by button presses thereby allowing more flexibility in inputing information to the computer. The computer includes rounded buttons as an aid to holding and operating the computer so as to improve operator comfort.

Abstract: A user interface system for providing pen based input to large display screens includes a portable computer supporting both a wireless transmitter and a small pen input screen. A computer is connected to a large display screen having an area substantially larger than an area of the small pen input screen of the portable computer. A wireless receiver is connected to the computer and configured to receive wireless communications from the portable computer. An input mapping module is used for controlling user defined output on the large display screen in response to user defined input from the small pen input screen of the portable computer. The input mapping module has a selectable first mode for positioning graphical output to fall within a bounding box movable about the large display screen in response to pen movement on the small pen input screen.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system of multiple devices and multiple users, wherein the identity and location of each device and user may be known to the system. A method is described for establishing media connections between at least a first user and a second user based on the context of the system and the environment of the particular device, computing devices, or users. The system receives a media connection request from the first user, including information indicating the first user preferences for media, and identifies the intended recipient user or users. The location and media devices in proximity to each of the users is determined, and the preset profiles and policies of the users involved are determined. Each user may specify acceptable media connections and contextual attributes. When the contextual attributes and acceptable media connections for each user are consistent, media device communications paths are established.

Abstract: A system for transferring digital information to spatially localizable portable electronic devices has a plurality of portable electronic devices, with each portable electronic device supporting wireless communication. A spatial localizing module determines spatial location with submeter precision for each of the plurality of electronic devices, and a communication module is connected to the spatial localizing module for mediating wireless communication between the portable electronic devices. A user can define electronic data transfers between portable electronic devices in user determined spatial locations with submeter precision. Data transfers are possible to adjacent electronic devices, electronic devices within a defined radius, electronic devices along a defined bearing or having specific orientations, or even located within a defined set of regions or rooms.

Abstract: In a carrier sense multiple-access (CSMA) network, such as a wireless network or a LAN, a transceiver which initiates a transmission to a recipient transceiver in the same medium sends out, prefatory to a bulk of data, a field representative of the length of the data, and another field symbolic of the rate at which the data is to be sent. Non-participant transceivers in the medium receive the data length field and the data rate field, and calculate a length of time they must inhibit themselves to avoid a data collision with the transmitting transceiver, while the participants come to a common agreement at which they can send and receive data.

Abstract: In a freight tracking and routing system, each individual package is provided with a tag physically attached thereto. The tag includes a radio or infrared transceiver, and a microprocessor. At important nodes at geographical locations within the distribution system, location transceivers broadcast signals representative of their locations. The microprocessor, in response to receiving a desired destination signal, emits a signal commanding external equipment to take the package so that it remains at the desired location. The tags are also capable of being electronically queried, or alternately can emit distress signals when they do not reach a particular location at a particular time.