Abstract: A system and method are provided for outsourcing a computer-based task, such as modifying a document (e.g., text, an image), transcribing audio, performing research, translating from one language to another, etc. Outsourceable tasks are designed by service developers and posted on an exchange. Service providers bid on tasks they are qualified for, to indicate they will perform those tasks if paid the bid. Task buyers browse or navigate through the exchange to find what they need, and select a task based on its description, price and/or other factors (e.g., delivery time, language(s)). The exchange receives a task order (i.e., a purchased task), identifies qualified service providers and routes the task, with any required input, to a qualified provider who can complete the task before a deadline. Upon completion, the provider submits the completed task and any required output (e.g., deliverables) to the exchange, which forwards the output to the buyer.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for rating online electronic content. A compilation of information or other item of electronic content is presented to a user, along with comments. The comments may target discrete portions of the content item (e.g., a sentence, a statement, an assertion), the content as a whole, or another comment. A user is able to identify a specific portion of the content item as a target for a new comment, which will automatically be associated with that portion. Users may rate the content item, a portion of the item and/or other users' comments based on credibility and/or other traits (e.g., bias, accuracy, violence, enjoyability, prurience). Users' ratings are tallied to produce an overall rating for comments, commentators, portions of content item, entire content items, a program or series or other source of the content item, etc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to facilitate coupling a light-emitting diode (LED)-based lamp to an electronic or inductive fluorescent light fixture (typically with ballast). An LED-based lamp may include circuitry that simulates an electrical behavior of a fluorescent lamp, and can be installed and operate in the fixture without any modification to the fixture. The LED-based lamp may also include one or more LEDs that are controlled by the circuitry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced browsing with security scanning. Within a document (e.g., a web page, a word processing document, a list of electronic mail messages), a link to other content or another document is selected by a computing device and the content is identified before a user clicks on the link to open the content. The content is placed into a safe cache that prevents the content from adversely affecting the user's computing device. The content is scanned and/or its behavior is analyzed to detect any security threats or undesirable content (e.g., viruses, worms, scripts, adware, spyware, pornography). Results of the analysis may be collected at a central server. The link or an associated indicator may be configured to indicate whether a threat is present; more information may be provided as desired. A user may be provided with various options to ignore a threat, disable the link, etc.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatuses to facilitate coupling a light-emitting diode (LED)-based lamp to an electronic or inductive fluorescent light fixture (typically with ballast). Specifically, some embodiments include circuitry that simulates an electrical behavior of a fluorescent lamp. The embodiments also include one or more LEDs that are controlled by the circuitry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced browsing with security scanning. Within a document (e.g., a web page, a word processing document, a list of electronic mail messages), a link to other content or another document is selected by a computing device and the content is identified before a user clicks on the link to open the content. The content is placed into a safe cache that prevents the content from adversely affecting the user's computing device. The content is scanned and/or its behavior is analyzed to detect any security threats or undesirable content (e.g., viruses, worms, scripts, adware, spyware, pornography). Results of the analysis may be collected at a central server. The link or an associated indicator may be configured to indicate whether a threat is present; more information may be provided as desired. A user may be provided with various options to ignore a threat, disable the link, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for look-ahead security. Within a document (e.g., a web page, a word processing document, a list of electronic mail messages), a link to other content or another document is selected and the content is identified before a user clicks on the link to open the content. The content is placed into a safe cache that prevents the content from adversely affecting the user's computing device. The content is scanned and/or its behavior is analyzed to detect any security threats or undesirable content (e.g., viruses, worms, scripts, adware, spyware, pornography). Results of the analysis may be collected at a central server. The link or an associated indicator may be configured to indicate whether a threat is present; more information may be provided as desired. A user may be provided with various options to ignore a threat, disable the link, etc.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for conducting a client-server application (e.g., instant messaging, VoIP telephony) using non-persistent communications. Clients issue periodic heartbeat messages to a connectionless server using a non-persistent (e.g., UDP) communication protocol. The heartbeat messages identify the clients by unique client identifiers. When an application server has an unsolicited communication for a client (e.g., a new instant message, a VoIP call), the application server retrieves the client's address from the connectionless server if it does not already have the address. The application server forwards the unsolicited communication to the client via a non-persistent communication, and may spoof the connectionless server if necessary to reach the client through a firewall, proxy, NAT or similar entity. Clients that cannot use non-persistent protocols establish persistent connections with a client manager.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced browsing of electronic data (e.g., web pages, documents, electronic mail). When a first page is displayed in a browser, content identified by links to other pages is prefetched. If the page contains a list of links (e.g., search results), an enhanced browsing stripe is superimposed on the links. The stripe is transparent or semi-transparent, so that a user can identify individual links in the list. As long as a user interface cursor remains within the stripe, whenever the cursor is placed over or adjacent to a link, an enhanced browsing window containing the prefetched content for that link is displayed. The stripe extends at least the length of the list of links. If the cursor reaches the end of the browser window, the browser page is automatically scrolled as necessary to view additional links or page content, and the stripe is extended accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically charging an electrically powered vehicle are provided. The apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing proximity or presence of the vehicle, and one or more chargers for automatically coupling with corresponding receptacles of the vehicle and charging an onboard electrical storage device (e.g., a battery). The vehicle may be driven to or parked in a position that automatically couples the apparatus and vehicle as needed, or the apparatus may include locomotion means (e.g., wheels, tracks, rails) for moving along one or more axes of movement. The degree of coupling may depend on the type of charger to be engaged—such as direct contact for conductive and inductive chargers, or close proximity for a near-field charger. The apparatus may also include manual controls for moving/operating the apparatus, a processor for controlling operation of any element(s) of the apparatus, and/or other components.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for conveying and charging portable electronic devices. The apparatus comprises internal and/or external electrical interfaces (e.g., 120 volt AC, 12 volt DC, USB) electrically coupled to an adapter for plugging into an external power source (e.g., 120 volt AC). Devices coupled to the interfaces are charged while the apparatus is coupled to the external power. The apparatus may also comprise one or more batteries for storing electrical power and charging one or more devices even while the apparatus is not coupled to an external power source. The apparatus may be configured as a briefcase, a purse, a suitcase or other portable container, and may comprise handles and/or wheels to improve its mobility.

Abstract: A system and method for automated coaching to help a person constrain their consumption or other behavior. The constraint may comprise food in general (e.g., calories), may be a specific food component (e.g., sodium, sugar, caffeine), or may be some other substance (e.g., alcohol, cigarettes). The system tracks the user's consumption of the constrained item(s) and offers the person one or more automated coaches to help them make consumption decisions. To help constrain a user's caloric intake, an automated coach offers the user one or more suggestions at the time of a meal event (e.g., lunch, snack, dinner). Each suggestion comprises a number of calories that the user can consume without exceeding a target maximum for the day or other period of time.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for making automatic meal recommendations. A user rates his likes and dislikes regarding various factors/characterizations of food, and identifies any dietary restrictions (e.g., avoid sodium, allergic to peanuts). Illustrative factors include types of cuisine (e.g., Italian), type of food (e.g., seafood, vegetarian), method of preparation (e.g., broiled), specific foods or food components (e.g., hamburger, mustard), etc. A user rating of 1 indicates a “like,” ?1 indicates a “dislike.” Some number of preconfigured meals (including snacks) is characterized similarly. A characterization may comprise a 1 for factors that the meal contains or matches, and 0 for factors it does not match. For each factor, a meal's value is multiplied by the user's value, and the products for each factor are added to produce a rank for that meal for the user. Any number of meals may be recommended.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transporting and rehydrating a dehydrated or other hydratable food component. The food component, which may illustratively comprise a powder or gel, may be reconstituted with water or some other liquid (e.g., milk, juice) to produce tea, coffee, an energy drink, soup, or some other food. The apparatus comprises a flexible pouch that may be provided with the hydratable food already inside. The apparatus includes an aperture for receiving the liquid and extracting the reconstituted food, and expands as the liquid is introduced. The pouch is sturdy enough to allow the liquid and food component to be mixed (e.g., by shaking), but the apparatus may also include a shell into which the pouch may be placed. The optional shell lends rigidity to the apparatus. In some implementations, the pouch may be designed for a single use (and be recyclable), while the shell may be reused.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a client-server application (e.g., instant messaging, VOIP telephony) using non-persistent communications. Clients issue periodic heartbeat messages to a connectionless server using a non-persistent (e.g., UDP) communication protocol. The heartbeat messages identify the clients by unique client identifiers. When an application server has an unsolicited communication for a client (e.g., a new instant message, a new VOIP call), the application server retrieves the client's address from the connectionless server if it does not already have the address. The application server forwards the unsolicited communication to the client via a non-persistent communication, and may spoof the connectionless server if necessary to reach the client through a firewall, proxy, NAT or similar entity. Clients that cannot use non-persistent protocols establish persistent connections with a client manager.

Abstract: An audio programming guide provides identification and timing information (i.e., beginning and/or ending times) for broadcast audio programs. The information may be gathered from the broadcasters, producers, developers or creators of the programs, and from third parties having such information. Guide information may also be generated by human or automated operators, perhaps by reviewing a past broadcast and then identifying individual programs. An audio programming guide may be distributed or made available for retrieval before, during or after the broadcast of the programs described in the guide. Therefore, the guide may be useful for facilitating the automated recording of programs, and/or the parsing of a recorded stream of audio programs into individual programs.