Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing collaborative learning. In one embodiment, a method includes presenting a first task to a plurality of users on a shared display and receiving inputs via respective input devices for collectively solving the task. The received inputs are analyzed to determine whether the task is correctly performed and to infer one or more probabilistic conclusions about a level of comprehension associated with the first task. An output is presented based upon the probabilistic conclusions about the level of comprehension.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for providing collaborative learning. In one embodiment, a method includes presenting a visual representation of a task in a first modality to a plurality of users in a group on a shared display and receiving a plurality of inputs from input devices associated with the respective users for solving the task. At least one of the inputs comprises a visual representation of the at least one input in a second modality that is different from the first modality and a successful completion of the task by the group requires a correct solution that is collectively dependent upon all of the inputs.

Abstract: An ink includes a binder and a plurality of particulate oscillators suspended in the binder, wherein a visible phase of each of the plurality of particulate oscillators varies in a cyclic manner. In another embodiment, a printing implement includes an ink containing a plurality of particulate oscillators, wherein a visible phase of each of the plurality of particulate oscillators varies in a cyclic manner, and an outlet for dispensing the ink from the printing implement. In a further embodiment, a writing set includes an ink containing a plurality of particulate oscillators, wherein a visible phase of each of the plurality of particulate oscillators varies in a cyclic manner, and a writing surface containing a stimulus that resets the visible phase when the ink is applied to the writing surface.

Abstract: Creating an animated communication includes receiving from a user a series of inputs, wherein the series of inputs defines turns at expression to be taken by a plurality of avatars, wherein at least one of the turns comprises a plurality of expressive modalities that collectively forms a single turn, and wherein at least one of the turns makes use of a virtual writing surface that is shared by the avatars, and rendering the animated communication in accordance with the inputs subsequently to the receiving. Editing a document, such as an animated communication or a portion thereof, includes rendering the document as a sequence of dynamic frames, detecting an input made by a user during the rendering, identifying a dynamic frame of the sequence of dynamic frames whose time of rendering corresponds to a time of the input, and replacing at least a portion of the dynamic frame with the input.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for providing collaborative learning. In one embodiment, a method includes presenting a visual representation of a task in a first modality to a plurality of users in a group on a shared display and receiving a plurality of inputs from input devices associated with the respective users for solving the task. At least one of the inputs comprises a visual representation of the at least one input in a second modality that is different from the first modality and a successful completion of the task by the group requires a correct solution that is collectively dependent upon all of the inputs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing collaborative learning. In one embodiment, a method includes presenting a first task to a plurality of users on a shared display and receiving inputs via respective input devices for collectively solving the task. The received inputs are analyzed to determine whether the task is correctly performed and to infer one or more probabilistic conclusions about a level of comprehension associated with the first task. An output is presented based upon the probabilistic conclusions about the level of comprehension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collaborative work is provided. One embodiment of a method for facilitating a collaborative task undertaken by a plurality of users, where each of the users uses a networked computing device that displays a user interface including a public panel representing a shared workspace and a private panel representing a personal workspace, includes receiving, by a server, a first request from a user to move a component from the shared workspace to the user's personal workspace The component represents an individual contribution to the collaborative task. The method then renders the component unavailable for use (e.g., moving or editing) by the other users.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and identifying birds based upon electronic analysis of their bird calls and songs and method for doing so by utilizing a step-by-step hierarchical method of breaking down bird vocalizations according to order, family, and species of the specific bird. Several embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed particularly a hand held computational device, microphone, audio capture card, user application software and a collection of prerecorded audio data.

Abstract: The invention provides an imaging device comprised of nanoscale crossbar arrays upon a transmissive medium. The preferred embodiment employs a BOPET film as the transparent material bearing addressable nanoscale arrays, and the arrays connected to leads through micro lithographic techniques, and in turn connected to a logic device. An imaging volume is provided by stacking the array-bearing sheets. The volumetric imaging device functions omnidirectionally. By means of applying Fourier and/or geometric optics techniques to imaging data, various focal points and planes of focus can be calculated. The preferred embodiment is on the order of 1 cubic mm. Alternate embodiments include display and projection devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and identifying birds based upon electronic analysis of their bird calls and songs and method for doing so by utilizing a step-by-step hierarchical method of breaking down bird vocalizations according to order, family, and species of the specific bird. Several embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed particularly a hand held computational device, microphone, audio capture card, user application software and a collection of prerecorded audio data.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and identifying birds based upon electronic analysis of their bird calls and songs and method for doing so by utilizing a step-by-step hierarchical method of breaking down bird vocalizations according to order, family, and species of the specific bird. Several embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed particularly a hand held computational device, microphone, audio capture card, user application software and a collection of prerecorded audio data.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and a device avatar system for providing at least one electronic service for a first physical electronic device associated with a first device avatar. In the system, an avatar hosting infrastructure includes at least the first device avatar and provides an encapsulated autonomous system that facilitates communication between the first device avatar and the first physical electronic device. The first device avatar, coupled to receive at least communications from a first controller, provides the at least one electronic service to the first physical electronic device. The first controller, coupled to the first device avatar, enables an owner to implement the at least one electronic service for the first physical electronic device. The first physical electronic device is coupled to the first device avatar and operates in a predetermined fashion in accordance with the at least one electronic service.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and device for securing ownership for a two-part device with a physical unit and a virtual unit so that ownership of the two-part device is efficiently initiated, maintained, and transferred. The steps include initiating, by a user, an activation signal from the physical unit to the virtual unit to activate an ownership procedure and employing a double safety mechanism to activate ownership services via the virtual unit for the physical unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for automatically linking a physical device and a predetermined associated virtual device to provide the physical device with access to at least one service. The method includes the steps of: manufacturing the physical device that is associated with the predetermined virtual device and attaching, to the physical device, a substantially unremovable communication identifier for communicating with the predetermined virtual device. The communication identifier typically facilitates communication over an information space such as the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing messages in a wireless network. Transmissions from all devices are synchronized. Each device is equipped with a routing unit that checks incoming messages for integrity, discards “corrupt” messages, compares non-corrupt messages to the last transmitted message, and applies a set of rules to determine when and what the device should next receive or transmit. The synchronized transmissions and integrity checking process detect true collisions, which occur when multiple transmitters have attempted to send different messages to the same receiver. The comparing process ensures that messages are transmitted only if not previously transmitted, thereby avoiding loop problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, a computer-readable medium and a destination selection system that provide for automatically selecting, for a user, at least one destination avatar to which to send received information based on context information and user-defined policy-selection rules. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of examining, by a destination selection system, user location information and determining the at least one destination avatar to which the received information is to be delivered based on the context information and the user-defined policy-selection rules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and device for securing ownership for a two-part device with a physical unit and a virtual unit so that ownership of the two-part device is efficiently initiated, maintained, and transferred. The steps include initiating, by a user, an activation signal from the physical unit to the virtual unit to activate an ownership procedure and employing a double safety mechanism to activate ownership services via the virtual unit for the physical unit.

Abstract: A system, method, and a program embodied in a computer readable medium are provided for network tunneling. In one embodiment, a network tunneling method is described that comprises the steps of providing a client linked to a network, simulating an operation of a modem in the client with respect to a portable device, and tunneling a network access by the portable device from the client to a network portal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and a device avatar system for providing at least one electronic service for a first physical electronic device associated with a first device avatar. In the system, an avatar hosting infrastructure includes at least the first device avatar and provides an encapsulated autonomous system that facilitates communication between the first device avatar and the first physical electronic device. The first device avatar, coupled to receive at least communications from a first controller, provides the at least one electronic service to the first physical electronic device. The first controller, coupled to the first device avatar, enables an owner to implement the at least one electronic service for the first physical electronic device. The first physical electronic device is coupled to the first device avatar and operates in a predetermined fashion in accordance with the at least one electronic service.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for automatically linking a physical device and a predetermined associated virtual device to provide the physical device with access to at least one service. The method includes the steps of: manufacturing the physical device that is associated with the predetermined virtual device and attaching, to the physical device, a substantially unremovable communication identifier for communicating with the predetermined virtual device. The communication identifier typically facilitates communication over an information space such as the Internet.