Abstract: Described are systems and methods for incorporating the reflection of a user and surrounding environment into a graphical user interface (“GUI”). The resulting reflective user interface helps merge the real world of the user with the artificial world of the computer GUI. A video of the user and the surrounding environment is taken using a video capture device such as a web camera, and the video images are manipulated to create a reflective effect that is incorporated into elements of the GUI to create a reflective user interface. The reflective effect is customized for each different element of the GUI and varies by the size, shape and material depicted in the element. The reflective effect also includes incorporation of shadows and highlights into the reflective user interface, including shadows that are responsive to simulated or actual light sources in the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An interactive media player that allows users to view, discuss and interact with any video or audio segment that is owned by the users. In one aspect, a video player graphical user interface presents a video segment in its native, unaltered format and surrounds the video segment with interactive elements with which a user can view related content or create commentary and new content. By tracking metadata such as chapter, timecode, caption and other descriptive information from the video segment, advanced interactions with other users on a network playing the same video segment will be supported without the need to re-encode or duplicate the original video segment. Users can also create new content, such as commentary, audio or video clips that can be associated with a specific section of the video segment and stored on the network so that other users can view and interact with the newly-created content.

Abstract: The system enables novice teachers to leverage the expertise of other more experienced teachers who are distributed across geographical areas covered by similar teaching standards (usually states). By leveraging the vast body of knowledge contained within their peer group, the system is designed to help teachers produce better lesson plans. This is accomplished by providing teachers with suggestions based other teachers' plans for similar lessons.

Abstract: Described is a method and a system for providing user interaction with various devices that incorporates adaptable visual and haptic stimuli. Both the visual and tactile elements of this user interface are aligned with each other and are animated in such a way as to convey more information to the user of such a system than is possible with traditional user interfaces. An implementation of the inventive user interface device includes a flexible and/or stretchable two-dimensional (2D) display membrane covering a set of moving parts, forming a hybrid two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) user interface. The flexible display membrane provides detailed imagery, while the moving parts provide a low relief tactile information to the user. Both the detailed imagery and the low relief tactile information are coordinated together as to the timing, to enable a coordinated user interface experience for the user.

Abstract: A layer that assumes either opaque or transparent state depending on the applied voltage is utilized to secure printed matter. The layer may also require an electrical or optical switching signal to switch between the opaque and transparent states. The layer is provided above the document to be secured and is set to the opaque state so as to obscure the contents of the document. When a prescribed voltage is applied, the layer turns to its transparent state. However, the voltage can only be applied to the security layer in the presence of a security key. A recording system may be employed to log all key-enabled access to the document.

Abstract: A multi-function device that prints information images onto sheets of photo-addressable media is described. The multi-function device is comprised of an image acquisition component, an image generation component, optional image transformation components and an image projector to illuminate the photo-addressable medium with the optionally transformed information images. The effects of ambient light on the photo-addressable medium are reduced by tuning the response characteristics of the photo-addressable medium to respond to the wavelength of the projected light and/or to interpose band-pass filters that reduce non-projected light incident on the photo-addressable medium. Programmable characteristics of the photo-addressable medium are adjustable to compensate for ambient light. Registration marks on the photo-addressable medium allow the alignment of the projected image with the photo-addressable medium.