Abstract: Methods for an augmented-reality system for enabling rapid selection of a virtual feature with limited user interaction includes establishing a data connection between a head-mounted display device (“HMD”) and a network, and the HMD generating and displaying a virtual selectable feature based on detection of an item or characteristic appearing in a view of the real-world environment, as well as obtaining first information from a HMD sensor indicating a particular user interaction with the HMD, such as the user gazing at the feature for potential selection. The HMD then displays a countdown timer that operates over a predetermined time interval. If the HMD determines that the user interaction is continuous for that time interval; it transmits a request signal to a computer server offering content associated with the selected virtual feature; and displays virtual content, and/or executes a software program based on the received content from the computer server.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided to prevent user tracking of a user device by an operator associated with a paywalled content site by a) receiving, at an intermediary site a request for a URL associate with a paywalled content site, b) forwarding the URL to a virtual machine; c) requesting, by the virtual machine, paywalled content using the URL and using credentials for the paywalled content; d) receiving the paywalled content at the virtual machine; e) rendering the paywalled content as an image frame in a frame buffer; f) creating a video stream or image based on the frame buffer; and g) displaying the video stream or the image at the user device.

Abstract: A method, including the steps of: a) receiving, over a mobile communication network, a user device identifier based on information maintained by a database of the mobile communication network, and first purchase price information from an internet-accessible merchant, b) determining whether a data token is maintained in a memory of the user device, c) generating and transmitting the data token to the user device for storage when the token is not maintained, d) determining, based on the user device identifier, a credit worthiness indicator for the user device, e) transmitting an authorization signal for the requested purchase without concurrently requiring payment when the creditworthiness indicator satisfies predetermined conditions, f) monitoring a total outstanding purchase balance, and g) transmitting a request signal for the user device for settlement of at least a part of the total outstanding purchase balance if this exceeds a predetermined threshold amount.

Abstract: Methods for access points and corresponding payment systems which facilitate access to a data network by a user device for payments of very small monetary amounts in an access now and pay latter arrangement. The method for such a payment system for at least one access point or access point server relies on an identifier associated with a mobile device for recording such identifier; receiving and confirming direct debit orders from the associated mobile device for access to a data network; and for storing the direct debit orders. Such payment system method monitors the total of the debit amounts in relation to the identifier and requests a user of the mobile device to register and settle at least a portion of the total amount after a predetermined time interval and/or on exceeding a predetermined total debit amount, in order to settle at least part of such total debit amount.

Abstract: Methods for rapid micro-payment transactions with deferred payments employ a network-connected AR device (“HMD”) having sensors for detecting a user's gaze/physical commands.

Abstract: A computer-implemented augmented reality-based method provides a user device access to data content items by processing of an image on the user device to identify a candidate visual area, which is processed to identify visual features. The identified features are compared to visual features of database objects associated with one or more context-based categories and available data content items or network searches based on such categories, which when performed will identify data content items. Instructions are then generated to augment a display of the image on the user device with selectable image features for the identified data content items. In response to a selection of one of the selectable image features, a determination is made regarding whether the user device has permission to access the corresponding data content item. If not, a payment settlement arrangement is implemented for the user device to gain access permission to the data content item.

Abstract: A computer-implemented augmented reality-based method provides a user device access to data content by processing of a camera image captured by the user device to identify a candidate visual area, which is then processed to identify visual features indicative of available data content. The identified features are compared to visual features of database objects indicative of available data content, and a determination is made regarding the object that corresponds to the identified features. Instructions are then generated to augment a display of the camera image with selectable image features. In response to a selection of one of the selectable image features based on a multi-function transaction status indicator, a determination is made regarding whether the user device has permission to access the data content associated with the selected image feature. If not, a payment settlement arrangement is implemented for the user device to gain access permission to the data content.

Abstract: A method for accessing an application on a mobile device in the absence of a network connection to a provider of the application, including the steps of presenting an identifier of the application at a user interface of the mobile device when a condition has been satisfied, receiving an input at the user interface requesting access to the application, presenting a license agreement at the user interface specifying a license fee, receiving another input at the user interface indicating user acceptance of the license agreement and fee, executing a pre-settlement action by the mobile device with reference to the license fee, storing information of the license agreement and fee-pre-settlement in the memory of the mobile device, and activating the application for access by the user subject to the license agreement. The condition to be satisfied is determined from a context analysis of actions by or conditions of the mobile device.

Abstract: A method for an internet-accessible content provider computer server that, in response to receiving request information from a referred user device for access to specific digital content subject to a fee, the server: (a) selects a particular payment system based on referrer information included in request information transmitted, (b) transmits to the selected payment system information indicative of the requested specific digital content and a request for approval of the user device for the corresponding fee for the digital content, (c) facilitating communication between the selected payment system and the user device, (d) based on receiving from the selected payment system an approval signal, transmitting the requested specific digital content to the user device.