Abstract: A programmable document includes a physical document having at least one sheet of material and information recorded thereon and a computer attached to the physical document. The computer includes an input/output device, a processor and a memory storing the recorded information in digital form and metadata pertaining to the physical document. By attaching small, inexpensive, computing devices to paper documents, various electronic information associated with the physical document can be retained, updated and modified.

Abstract: An electronic board system includes an electronic board having a screen for displaying information of interest to a work group or community, an input device for receiving information from users in a group or community to be displayed on the electronic board, a memory for storing information received from the input device and a processor for selecting which information stored in the memory to display on the screen, where and how to display the selected information on the screen and displaying the selected information on the screen. The processor selects which information to display in accordance with a predetermined relationship based on a group-based recommendation criteria and user interest. A plurality of sensors disposed behind the screen detect user interest in information displayed on the screen near the sensor. User interest may also be determined by monitoring user requests for copies of information displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A mobile device, for determining location in a wireless network, includes a motion detector for detecting motion of the mobile device; a memory for storing wireless signal strength calibration data comprising a list of wireless signal strengths and known locations; a location detection module for measuring a wireless signal strength of any received network radio signals and for determining the location of the mobile device with reference to the wireless signal strength calibration data; and a location correction module, for applying a statistical correction to the measured wireless signal strength determined by the location detection module when the motion detector detects that the mobile device is moving less than a threshold amount. The mobile device may further include an orientation detector for detecting the orientation of the mobile device, which can be compared with orientation data stored in the calibration data.

Abstract: An electronic board system includes an electronic board having a screen for displaying information of interest to a work group or community, an input device for receiving information from users in a group or community to be displayed on the electronic board, a memory for storing information received from the input device and a processor for selecting which information stored in the memory to display on the screen, where and how to display the selected information on the screen and displaying the selected information on the screen. The processor selects which information to display in accordance with a predetermined relationship based on a group-based recommendation criteria and user interest. A plurality of sensors disposed behind the screen detect user interest in information displayed on the screen near the sensor. User interest may also be determined by monitoring user requests for copies of information displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A mobile device, for determining location in a wireless network, includes a motion detector for detecting motion of the mobile device; a memory for storing wireless signal strength calibration data comprising a list of wireless signal strengths and known locations; a location detection module for measuring a wireless signal strength of any received network radio signals and for determining the location of the mobile device with reference to the wireless signal strength calibration data; and a location correction module, for applying a statistical correction to the measured wireless signal strength determined by the location detection module when the motion detector detects that the mobile device is moving less than a threshold amount. The mobile device may further include an orientation detector for detecting the orientation of the mobile device, which can be compared with orientation data stored in the calibration data.

Abstract: An electronic board system includes an electronic board having a screen for displaying information of interest to a work group or community, an input device for receiving information from users in a group or community to be displayed on the electronic board, a memory for storing information received from the input device and a processor for selecting which information stored in the memory to display on the screen, where and how to display the selected information on the screen and displaying the selected information on the screen. The processor selects which information to display in accordance with a predetermined relationship based on a group-based recommendation criteria and user interest. A plurality of sensors disposed behind the screen detect user interest in information displayed on the screen near the sensor. User interest may also be determined by monitoring user requests for copies of information displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A decentralized network system provides for the distribution and collection of information (or messages) without the constraints of a large physical infrastructure. A decentralized network system includes a plurality of first nodes, each first node having a memory for storing messages, a processor for processing messages in accordance with a predetermined relationship and a communications port for transmitting and receiving messages. The first nodes are attached to some physical device or to a location. A plurality of mobile second nodes is also provided. Each second node includes a memory for storing messages, a processor for creating messages in response to user input and for processing messages in accordance with a predetermined relationship and a communications port for transmitting and receiving messages. Preferably, each second node is a personal digital assistant (PDA). The mobile second nodes are moved by users, who provide the means for transmitting messages from one first node to another first node.

Abstract: An electronic board system includes an electronic board having a screen for displaying information of interest to a work group or community, an input device for receiving information from users in a group or community to be displayed on the electronic board, a memory for storing information received from the input device and a processor for selecting which information stored in the memory to display on the screen, where and how to display the selected information on the screen and displaying the selected information on the screen. The processor selects which information to display in accordance with a predetermined relationship based on a group-based recommendation criteria and user interest. A plurality of sensors disposed behind the screen detect user interest in information displayed on the screen near the sensor. User interest may also be determined by monitoring user requests for copies of information displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A programmable document includes a physical document having at least one sheet of material and information recorded thereon and a computer attached to the physical document. The computer includes an input/output device, a processor and a memory storing the recorded information in digital form and metadata pertaining to the physical document. By attaching small, inexpensive, computing devices to paper documents, various electronic information associated with the physical document can be retained, updated and modified.