Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing delivery of content to client devices of a network via both multicast and unicast mechanisms. In one embodiment, a system for use in a managed content delivery network is described to bridge multicast to unicast, so that the total network bandwidth consumption is significantly lower than a corresponding unicast-only delivery solution, yet which still provides improved quality of service and user viewing experience as compared to a multicast-only delivery solution. In addition, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are readily adapted for real-time multicast to unicast streaming of audio and data to, among other things, minimize network bandwidth usage, while maintaining the guaranteed delivery of unicast streams with little or no modification to the existing client device logic.

Abstract: Methods and systems describe providing face mesh deformation with detailed wrinkles. A neutral mesh based on a scan of a face is provided along with initial control point positions on the neutral mesh and user-defined control point positions corresponding to a non-neutral facial expression. A radial basis function (RBF) deformed mesh is generated based on RBF interpolation of the initial control point positions and the user-defined control point positions. Predicted wrinkle deformation data is then generated by one or more cascaded regressors networks. Finally, a final deformed mesh is provided with wrinkles based on the predicted wrinkle deformation data.

Abstract: A system includes a computing device that includes a memory configured to store instructions. The computing device also includes a processor to execute the instructions to perform a method that includes receiving information representative of one or more environmental conditions. The method also includes determining one or more adjustments for rendering content on one or more electronic displays based upon the received information representative of the one or more environmental conditions, and, adjusting the rendering of the content for being presented on at least one display based upon the received information representing the one or more environmental conditions.

Abstract: Selection devices are provided that comprise a sheet mechanically attached above the surface of a base such that prize or other selection references can be positioned and displayed at different selectable locations on the device. The sheet may mechanically attach above the surface of the base by interacting with the base at a plurality of locations on the base. The sheet may mechanically interact with, for example, radially-oriented, ribs projecting in wheel spoke-like locations above the surface of the base. Paper or cards placed between such ribs and also between the base and clear sheet may display information about individual selectable items that are won or otherwise selected based on a spin of the wheel.

Abstract: A system includes a computing device that includes a memory configured to store instructions. The computing device also includes a processor to execute the instructions to perform a method that includes receiving information representative of one or more environmental conditions. The method also includes determining one or more adjustments for rendering content on one or more electronic displays based upon the received information representative of the one or more environmental conditions, and, adjusting the rendering of the content for being presented on at least one display based upon the received information representing the one or more environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for conditional transactions (purchases/financial transactions) are provided. The system may include of these types of cards, to include but not limited to, credit, debit, gift, stored-value, charge, ATM or may use mobile devices with NFC in a swipe and go mode, or other types of mobile payment systems. The system provides one or more master accounts wherein each master account is tied to and control one or more subordinated accounts. Each subordinated account may have a configurable/customizable set of permissions defined by the master account. The subordinated account holder would optionally require permission from the master account holder to complete a purchase/financial transaction. The master account holder would have an extensible number of configurable/customizable permission rules to choose from for each subordinate account.

Abstract: A method and system for conditional transactions are provided. The system provides one or more master accounts wherein each master account is tied to and controlled by one or more subordinated accounts. Each subordinated account may have a configurable/customizable set of permissions defined by the master account. The subordinated account holder would optionally require permission from the master account holder to complete a purchase. The master account holder would have a number of configurable/customizable permission rules to choose from for each subordinate account.

Abstract: A method and system for conditional transactions are provided. The system provides one or more master accounts wherein each master account is tied to and control one or more subordinated accounts. Each subordinated account may have a configurable/customizable set of permissions defined by the master account. The subordinated account holder would optionally require permission from the master account holder to complete a purchase. The master account holder would have a number of configurable/customizable permission rules to choose from for each subordinate account.

Abstract: An X-ray machine including a detector bank with high resolution detectors for imaging and low resolution detectors for CT reconstruction, and at least one X-ray source configured to direct a beam of X-rays impinging on both the high resolution and the low resolution detectors. A flux filter is located between the detector bank and the X-ray source and the flux filter includes attenuating material for attenuating a portion of the beam impinging on the low resolution detectors.

Abstract: A method for encouraging wireless device users to send marketing messages via a wireless communications network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) sending the wireless device user, via the wireless communications network, a marketing message interface having the marketing message, an incentive, and fields allowing the wireless device user to identify one or more recipients and, optionally, to add an additional message; (2) receiving via the wireless communications network an overall message sent by the wireless device user and/or one of the recipients by use of the marketing message interface and, optionally, the additional message, together with identifier information about the one or more recipients; and (3) rewarding the sender of the overall message with the incentive. A system to implement the method is also disclose.

Abstract: A method for conducting a reverse auction is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) receiving, from a potential purchaser using a communications device, a reverse auction request for a product and/or service that contains descriptive information about the product and/or service; (b) conducting a reverse auction by querying one or more bidder database servers using the descriptive information about the product and/or service, receiving one or more bids to sell the product and/or service from the one or more bidder database servers, and (c) transmitting the one or more bids via the communications network to the communications device. A system to implement the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wrist brace for correction of carpal tunnel syndrome and prevention thereof includes an elongated, flexible resilient member having a plurality of outwardly extending lips along an upper side portion of the flexible member. The outwardly extending lips are of preselected heights and lengths and at preselected positions to provide strategically located leverage and pressure points to relieve the restriction of the medial nerve and allows for substantially the normal use of the hand and wrist in a work or sport environment.

Abstract: The air intake of a conventional automobile which is mounted in front of the windshield under the air intake cover at the rear of the hood is modified by the introduction into the duct of the air intake of a filtration pillow. The pillow is formed from a plurality of separate layers of filtration material including impregnated or particulate absorption material. The absorption material is arranged for extraction of combustion products particularly hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, soot and the like. The filter member can also prevent the entry of debris, leaves and the like together with the rodents or insects.