Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method and apparatus for presenting unsolicited data to users without interrupting the user's activities, wherein the presentation of the unsolicited data is monitored and is available for review by the user at the user's convenience. Embodiments of the invention comprise a content and display manager, wherein the content and display manager include a display monitor, a content delivery system and a content controller. The display monitor selects the display of content to the users, in part, by reviewing a marker which defines the last time that content was displayed to the user and the type of content displayed. The content delivery system transmits a content window to a user computer via the controller. The controller controls the downloading of the content and initially displays the content window in front of a first browser window position and then displays the content window behind the first browser window.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system for the domain to the user computer.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time interaction with broadcasted audio/video content is disclosed. The method involves sampling via a microphone an audio segment from a broadcasted audio/video content received on an audio/video device, converting the sampled audio segment to a digital signal, comparing the digital signal with a digital snapshot of an audio pattern that corresponds to the audio portion of the broadcasted audio/video content, determining a current position relative to a beginning of the broadcasted audio/video content based on the comparing, and displaying on a second audio/video device an interactive display based on the determined current position.

Abstract: A method providing for bookmarking a point within a video stream is disclosed. The method involves sampling via a microphone an audio segment from a broadcasted audio/video content received on an audio/video device, converting the sampled audio segment to digital data, receiving a signal to set a bookmark, and transmitting the digital data to a storage device with identifying information for the video stream. The method also provides for retrieving a stored video stream by receiving a request to retrieve a stored video content, the request including an audio fingerprint, searching a database including the previously stored video streams to locate an audio fingerprint within the video stream which matches the audio fingerprint of the request, determining a location within the stored video stream corresponding to the matched audio fingerprint, and streaming the video stream from the determined location.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time interaction with broadcasted audio/video content is disclosed. The method involves sampling an audio segment from a broadcasted audio/video content, converting the sampled audio segment to a digital signal, comparing the digital signal with a digital snapshot of an audio pattern that corresponds to the audio portion of the broadcasted audio/video content, determining a current position relative to a beginning of the broadcasted audio/video content based on the comparing, displaying on a second audio/video device an interactive display based on the determined current position. In alternate embodiments, the method provides an interactive coupon/offer delivery via a mobile device, a method for bookmarking a point within a video stream, and a method for retrieving a stored video stream.

Abstract: A method for providing an interactive coupon/offer delivery via a mobile device is disclosed. The method involves receiving a request from a mobile device to establish a location of the mobile device, determining the location of the mobile device, sending an offer to the mobile device based on the determined location, receiving confirmation from the mobile device that the offer has been received, and processing the offer based on a request received from the mobile device, wherein the processing is at least one of redeeming and sharing the offer in an alternate embodiment, instead of location being used, the relative time within a broadcasted audio/video content can be used for redeeming and sharing offers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer.

Abstract: A system and method which enables almost any device with text messaging capability to function as a consumer oriented remote shopping device. The consumer can make purchases using existing mobile services and devices. Using Short Message Service (SMS) or Instant Message (IM) or similar technology an order is placed and made ready to pick up at a retail location. The users' pre-approved credit card is charged for the amount of the transaction, and the order is routed to the store of choice. A printed receipt is triggered at the chosen retail location. Other embodiments include using a computer in a browser embodiment to generate a text message for placing an order. In another embodiment, commands are spoken into the phone which are then subsequently converted into text messages which are processed in the same manner as if the text message had been sent directly.

Abstract: A multi-user virtual reality universe (VRU) process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. A VRU host models movement of avatars in the VRU environment in response to client input, which each user providing input for control of a corresponding avatar. The modeled VRU data is provided by the host to client workstations for display of a simulated environment visible to all participants. The host maintains personalized data for selected modeled objects or areas that is personalized for specific users in response to client input. The host includes personalized data in modeling the VRU environment. The host may segregate VRU data provided to different clients participating in the same VRU environment according to limit personalized data to authorized users, while all users receive common data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for directing an on-line user to predetermined information. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention interface with the user's browser to utilize the functions of the browser for directing user “traffic” on a network. In preferred embodiments, when a user accesses a web site page, a traffic control program is executed for the page, wherein the traffic control program controls the transmission (downloading) of data to the user computer and further creates a modified set of rules for at least one of the browser functions.

Abstract: A gaming method operates to provide expert card-counting information to some or all participants, in exchange for a premium. The premium may be a cash payment, a reduction in the prize amounts or betting odds, some combination of the foregoing, or any other useful remuneration. The house retains its edge via the premium. The method may be implemented for play at a physical or virtual card table.

Abstract: A method for conducting Internet domain name service to users connected to the Internet comprises an automated procedure for transferring Internet domain name service from a domain name owner to a domain name manager. This method further comprises Internet sub-domain name services to prospective buyers based on domain names transferred to the domain name manager. Messages requesting domain name service, including requests from domain name owners to sub-license their particular domain name to prospective sub-domain name buyers and from prospective sub-domain name buyers to license available sub-domain names, are received and responded to by an automated domain name management system. This automated domain name management system further comprises an interactive website which includes a database, search engine, and Web server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for directing an on-line user to predetermined information. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention interface with the user's browser to utilize the functions of the browser for directing user “traffic” on a network. In preferred embodiments, when a user accesses a web site page, a traffic control program is executed for the page, wherein the traffic control program controls the transmission (downloading) of data to the user computer and further creates a modified set of rules for at least one of the browser functions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for directing an on-line user to predetermined information. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention interface with the user's browser to utilize the functions of the browser for directing user “traffic” on a network. In preferred embodiments, when a user accesses a web site page, a traffic control program is executed for the page, wherein the traffic control program controls the transmission (downloading) of data to the user computer and further creates a modified set of rules for at least one of the browser functions.

Abstract: A method for filtering content makes use of local filtering agents for end users, and a portal to a network of human reviewing resources. Local filtering agents request content classification for unclassified content. The portal routes requests from local agents to available human reviewing resources. A content classification is provided by the reviewing resources, and may be saved in association with a content identifier for future use. The method permits human review of content within a short period after review is requested. In an embodiment of the invention, a centrally-located switch is provided for controlling filtering levels at one or more user terminals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for directing an on-line user to predetermined information. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention interface with the user's browser to utilize the functions of the browser for directing user “traffic” on a network. In preferred embodiments, when a user accesses a web site page, a traffic control program is executed for the page, wherein the traffic control program controls the transmission (downloading) of data to the user computer and further creates a modified set of rules for at least one of the browser functions.