Abstract: Systems and methods are presented which allow a user's device to accept media from a variety of sources, process those media items based on their characteristics, and deliver the captured media to a pre-established variety of diverse locations with minimal or no user interaction. These systems and methods can also make media items available to a plurality of internet web sites without actually creating and delivering copies of files. In one embodiment, the diverse locations can each have individual delivery protocols (for example, login and formats) and when a number of media are available at the user's device for delivery to storage locations the media can be delivered to pre-established locations with a single user command without regard to the individual location delivery requirements. In another embodiment, processing, delivery, and access to new media items is handled automatically based on pre-established criteria and analysis of the data and metadata of the media items themselves.

Abstract: One aspect of the concepts presented herein is aggregation and presentation of useful actions for digital media in general and photographs in particular, coupled with federated distribution of this collection of media actions such as printing and storing. In one embodiment, code is provided for use on any website such that media content on supported professional websites, amateur blogs, or even the entire Internet, is presented with an expanded and consistent set of options that the viewing user can exercise. With a minor update to the code for a particular website, website owners can offer a full suite of media actions and immediately begin earning revenue generated from the use of these actions. The code is set such that sites that offer media services over the Internet can obtain instant distribution and additional consumers for their services.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented which allow a user's device to accept media from a variety of sources, process those media items based on their characteristics, and deliver the captured media to a pre-established variety of diverse locations with minimal or no user interaction. These systems and methods can also make media items available to a plurality of interne web sites without actually creating and delivering copies of files. In one embodiment, the diverse locations can each have individual delivery protocols (for example, login and formats) and when a number of media are available at the user's device for delivery to storage locations the media can be delivered to pre-established locations with a single user command without regard to the individual location delivery requirements. In another embodiment, processing, delivery, and access to new media items is handled automatically based on pre-established criteria and analysis of the data and metadata of the media items themselves.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented which allow a user's device to accept media from a variety of sources, process those media items based on their characteristics, and deliver the captured media to a pre-established variety of diverse locations with minimal or no user interaction. These systems and methods can also make media items available to a plurality of internet web sites without actually creating and delivering copies of files. In one embodiment, the diverse locations can each have individual delivery protocols (for example, login and formats) and when a number of media are available at the user's device for delivery to storage locations the media can be delivered to pre-established locations with a single user command without regard to the individual location delivery requirements. In another embodiment, processing, delivery, and access to new media items is handled automatically based on pre-established criteria and analysis of the data and metadata of the media items themselves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows for the seamless integration of the sending mechanism with the media acquiring mechanism of a portable device. In this manner the end-user has instant access to media sharing with complete control over how the media is shared. This integration is accomplished by presenting to the user a series of screens that are available directly from the media creation applications (e.g. cameras or audio recorders) and media viewing applications (e.g. photo galleries or screen savers) on the device. When a photo (or other media) is captured or viewed, a series of pre-established processing options, including on-device uses for the media, internet services and accounts, email addresses and/or phone numbers to which the media can be sent are presented to the user. Some options require no further user interaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows for the transfer of data captured by one device to be processed and moved to another location in accordance with pre-established criteria without requiring user interaction at the time of data capture. In one embodiment, images from a camera-equipped phone are transferred to a personal computer through a file server in accordance with pre-established guidelines. The camera-equipped phone generates a digital image, for example by taking a digital photo with a built-in or attached camera, and transmits the digital image over a standard wireless network, for example the cellular GSM/GPRS network, to a file server. The file server receives the digital data from the camera-equipped phone and forwards the data to a pre-identified location, such as the user's personal computer (or to an image processing facility) through the Internet.

Abstract: A dynamic entertainment playing card having a flexible electronic display and a processor is configured to change state during a card game based on input received by the card during the card game and applied to a set of game rules by the processor. The card display is configured to display changing images on the face of the card during game play according to the changing card state.

Abstract: A dynamic entertainment playing card having a flexible electronic display and a processor is configured to change state during a card game based on input received by the card during the card game and applied to a set of game rules by the processor. The card display is configured to display changing images on the face of the card during game play according to the changing card state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing the exchange of data, particularly media data, among remote locations. In one embodiment, instructions are added to a delivered media message. The instructions are such as to control the processing of the media at the receiving device as well as controlling response messages. This then allows a sending device to enable a return connection from the target location thereby facilitating the return to the sending device of data. The retuned data can be specified by the sender, by the target or by a combination of them. In one embodiment, a intermediary server is used to control the data flow across the network.

Abstract: A dynamic card system and method are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows for the seamless integration of the sending mechanism with the media acquiring mechanism of a portable device. In this manner the end-user has instant access to media sharing with complete control over how the media is shared. This integration is accomplished by presenting to the user a series of screens that are available directly from the media creation applications (e.g. cameras or audio recorders) and media viewing applications (e.g. photo galleries or screen savers) on the device. When a photo (or other media) is captured or viewed, a series of pre-established processing options, including on-device uses for the media, internet services and accounts, email addresses and/or phone numbers to which the media can be sent are presented to the user. Some options require no further user interaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems by which a client application program running on a mobile communications device can determine the telephone number associated with the mobile device and communicate the telephone number to a remote computing entity in a secure and verifiable fashion are presented herein. In one embodiment, a client application program running on a mobile device sends an SMS message to a remote server, allowing the remote server to determine the telephone number associated with the mobile device and return the determined number to the client application program in a SMS response message. A client application program running on a mobile device may also prove to a remote computing entity that the program is running on the device. The client program and remote entity may exchange information in SMS messages, and the client program may transmit information obtained from the remote entity to the remote server via WAP-based communications.

Abstract: A method for a user to preview multiple virtual desktops in a graphical user interface is described. The method comprises receiving an indication from a user to preview the multiple virtual desktops and displaying multiple panes on the display. Each pane contains a scaled virtual desktop having dimensions that are proportionally less than the dimensions of a corresponding full-size virtual desktop. Each scaled virtual desktop displays with one or more scaled application windows as shadows if the corresponding full-size virtual desktop has one or more corresponding application windows that are active.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows for the transfer of data captured by one device to be processed and moved to another location in accordance with pre-established criteria without requiring user interaction at the time of data capture. In one embodiment, images from a camera-equipped phone are transferred to a personal computer through a file server in accordance with pre-established guidelines. The camera-equipped phone generates a digital image, for example by taking a digital photo with a built-in or attached camera, and transmits the digital image over a standard wireless network, for example the cellular GSM/GPRS network, to a file server. The file server receives the digital data from the camera-equipped phone and forwards the data to a pre-identified location, such as the user's personal computer (or to an image processing facility) through the Internet.

Abstract: A method for a user to preview multiple virtual desktops in a graphical user interface is described. The method comprises receiving an indication from a user to preview the multiple virtual desktops and displaying multiple panes on the display. Each pane contains a scaled virtual desktop having dimensions that are proportionally less than the dimensions of a corresponding full-size virtual desktop. Each scaled virtual desktop displays with one or more scaled application windows as shadows if the corresponding full-size virtual desktop has one or more corresponding application windows that are active.

Abstract: Generally described, a method is provided for use in a computer system that allows users to navigate quickly through multiple applications. In accordance with the method, when the computer receives a signal from the user, it extracts a preview representing a screen shot for each window open within the operating system. It then displays the preview, a description, and an icon for the next window in the activation hierarchy and a description and an icon for the remaining open windows. In other embodiments, the previews for all open windows with corresponding descriptions and icons are displayed utilizing several different arrangements. The computer then receives a designation from the user of the next window he or she wants to make active and brings to the foreground the top level window corresponding to the selection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for one computing device (the “provider”) to provide peripheral services to another device (the “host”). A user directly runs the host. The host accesses the provider as if the provider were a set of peripheral devices attached to the host. In this way, the host and provider become, in effect, one device with the combined capabilities of both devices. The provider switches between two modes: In standalone mode, the provider acts as an individual device; upon switching to auxiliary mode, the provider provides peripheral services to the host but can still run applications and present an input/output interface to its own user. When the peripheral device provided to the host is a display screen, the host can map the provided screen into the host's own video memory, thus hiding implementation details from applications that use the screens. One device can simultaneously act as provider and host.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for one computing device (the “provider”) to provide peripheral services to another device (the “host”). A user directly runs the host. The host accesses the provider as if the provider were a set of peripheral devices attached to the host. In this way, the host and provider become, in effect, one device with the combined capabilities of both devices. The provider switches between two modes: In standalone mode, the provider acts as an individual device; upon switching to auxiliary mode, the provider provides peripheral services to the host but can still run applications and present an input/output interface to its own user. When the peripheral device provided to the host is a display screen, the host can map the provided screen into the host's own video memory, thus hiding implementation details from applications that use the screens. One device can simultaneously act as provider and host.

Abstract: A method for a user to preview multiple virtual desktops in a graphical user interface is described. The method comprises receiving an indication from a user to preview the multiple virtual desktops and displaying multiple panes on the display. Each pane contains a scaled virtual desktop having dimensions that are proportionally less than the dimensions of a corresponding full-size virtual desktop. Each scaled virtual desktop displays with one or more scaled application windows as shadows if the corresponding full-size virtual desktop has one or more corresponding application windows that are active.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for one computing device (the “provider”) to provide peripheral services to another device (the “host”). A user directly runs the host. The host accesses the provider as if the provider were a set of peripheral devices attached to the host. In this way, the host and provider become, in effect, one device with the combined capabilities of both devices. The provider switches between two modes: In standalone mode, the provider acts as an individual device; upon switching to auxiliary mode, the provider provides peripheral services to the host but can still run applications and present an input/output interface to its own user. When the peripheral device provided to the host is a display screen, the host can map the provided screen into the host's own video memory, thus hiding implementation details from applications that use the screens. One device can simultaneously act as provider and host.