Abstract: A system to transfer electronic information includes reception of a command to transmit a file of electronic information. In response to the received command, the file of electronic information is automatically copied to create a copied file of electronic information, the copied file is transmitted, and the file of electronic information is rendered unusable. By rendering the file of electronic information unusable after copying the file, no additional usable copies of the file will remain. As a result, a degree of protection is provided to any copyright interest in the electronic information embodied therein.

Abstract: A method of transferring data includes reception of a message from a first mobile device operated by a user, storage of the message according to a location of the first mobile device, reception of an indication that a second mobile device operated by a second user is located proximate to the location, and transmission of the message to the second mobile device.

Abstract: A security system and methodology are provided employing a process that determines whether to use an image and/or other inputs received from at least one remote input node. In one illustrative embodiment, the invention comprises a system and method for using image input in conjunction with wireless transmission to increase personal safety.

Abstract: An apparatus, computer readable medium and method for communicating over a telecommunications network, such as the Internet, with a provider of a service, such as a business. A method for communicating over a telecommunications network with a local representative of an entity, comprising the steps of: receiving, over a data telecommunications network, a request for a connection with a local representative of an entity from a subscriber, wherein the data telecommunications network supports simultaneous voice and data connection over a single line from the subscriber to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) site; determining the geographical location of the subscriber; translating the request from the directory listing database a local representative of the entity that is the geographically nearest to the subscriber requesting a connection; and establishing a voice connection between the subscriber requesting the connection with the local representative of the entity.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method for automated proximity determination and notification is useful to enable a customer or client of a business or other enterprise (e.g. a public library, a government facility, etc) to automatically obtain a predetermined service, on arrival at a destination associated with the business or enterprise, without having to communicate orally with representatives of the business/enterprise. A portable programmable wireless communication device is carried by users of such services. The device, termed a PLAD (pervasive location aware device), receives a program and proximity notification parameters associated with each destination to be visited, when service is reserved relative to the destination.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring elements of a distributed computing system based on evaluations of their value add and cost impact. The system and method for configuring elements of a distributed computing system comprises the steps of: determining one or more system metrics that relate to hardware and/or software elements of a configured distributed system; determining a system value in response to one or more system metrics, the value determined according to one or more value criteria; and, re-configuring elements of the distributed computing environment according to said determined system value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate a distribution of information. According to one embodiment, vehicle control information is determined, the vehicle control information being dependent on time in formation, operator information, and/or vehicle information. For example, an intersection control signal may be determined. The vehicle control information is then transmitted to an automobile device, which in turn arranges for the vehicle control information to be provided to an operator. For example, a graphical representation of an intersection control signal may be displayed on an automobile's windshield.

Abstract: A packet switching network, e.g., the Internet, employs bandwidth managers to provide guaranteed bandwidth reservations to paired forwarding and receiving agents interfacing with sending and receiving stations in the transfer of large data files therebetween. The forwarding agents obtain guaranteed reservations from the bandwidth manager for segments of the large data file which are transmitted to the receiving station in accordance with the respective reservations. The receiving agent reassembles the segments into the large data file for delivery to the receiving station. By segmenting the large data files, using guaranteed bandwidth reservations on different links or multiple networks, the transmission of large data files through packet switching networks is accomplished without adversely impacting the service requirements of other network users.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining selected image information from a digital image and providing that selected image information for selective handling. In one aspect, the present invention automatically locates and segments an item identifier from an image caught by a digital camera and provides image information related to the item identifier for processing. Alternatively, a user can designate what areas of an image comprise the item identifier of interest for further viewing or processing.

Abstract: Data communication between a data sender and at least one data recipient is facilitated when the data recipient is associated with a telephone number that can not be used to access the user with a telephone call. An invention receives the telephone number associated with the data destination (data recipient) and receives an indication that data is to be communicated. The invention uses the telephone number to determine at least one characteristic of data destination/recipient. The invention also receives at least one characteristic of the data to be communicated that enable the data to be communicated to the data receiver/recipient.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program code for using physical characteristic information obtained from two or more subjects to help evaluate subjects or to determine a course of action to take with the subjects includes receiving data indicative of one or more physical characteristics from two or more subjects, determining an evaluation of the data, and providing a notification to a device of the evaluation. A physical characteristic of a subject might be or include the subject's heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar level, posture, temperature, respiration rate, facial response or position, weight, height, galvanic skin response, pheromone emission, brain wave pattern or rhythm, odor, motion, etc., or a change in any one or more of them.

Abstract: An E-commerce system enables a user to conduct transactions with a retailer via a network, typically the Internet without certification or trusted paths. The user is a customer of a financial institution coupled to the network. The institution serves as an intermediary in electronic transactions conducted between end user and retailer. End user and retailer initiate transactions in an Internet session. User selects as one payment option a “check” or data messages as an intent to pay for the purchases without authentication of one another. Retailer prepares and submits a request for payment directly to the financial institution. After the retailer and financial institution exchange digital certificates, the financial institution records the transactions in the user's account as authorized for payment. The user is provided a list of authorized transactions for approval or rejection. Upon approval by the user, payment is made to the retailer by the institution.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, and methods of doing business by selectably mixing one or more sound files with a telephone caller's voice message, either as background for that message or embedded within the message. Or, the mixing may occur within a telephone conversation between parties. The disclosed techniques enable alleviating some of the problems that result from distance communication (as contrasted to face-to-face communication). In particular, context information (such as emotional context) can be provided through appropriate use of background sound and/or embedded audio files. The disclosed techniques may also make communication through voice mail exchange more enjoyable and/or increase its productivity.

Abstract: A method for providing privately viewable data in a publically viewable display includes the steps of: positioning obscuring lights proximate to the publicly viewable display; generating a sequencing pattern; generating a data signal, the data signal comprising private data frames; providing the data signal to the publicly viewable display; activating and deactivating obscuring lights according to the sequencing pattern; and, opening and closing a shuttered display in a set of active glasses in accordance with the sequencing pattern. In consequence, a user viewing the display with the active glasses can view the private data while unauthorized viewers without the active glasses can view only the private data obscured by the obscuring lights.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program code for providing data. According to embodiments of the present invention, a system or method allows a device or entity to provide data to a data perimeter of one or more transmitters, the data being associated with a particular device, location and/or person. A data perimeter may allow a person or device to receive information or other data and/or may form a virtual or intangible boundary created by wireless transmission of the data by one or more transmitters.

Abstract: A method for securely providing privately viewable data in a publicly viewable display can include interspersing private data frames among public data frames according to a sequencing pattern. A syncstream can be encoded based upon a syncstream mask. More particularly, the syncstream can specify when to activate shutters in a set of active glasses in synchronization with the sequencing pattern. Notably, an encryption key pair can be generated having a public key and a private key. Using the public key, the syncstream mask can be encrypted and forwarded to a pair of active glasses. Once received in the active glasses, the encrypted syncstream mask can be decrypted with the private key. Finally, the decrypted syncstream mask can be applied to the encoded syncstream to determine when to activate the shutters in the active glasses.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program code for distribution of “soft goods” and other forms of electronic or digital content via a distribution network includes motivating a distributor or other party in the network to establish one or more additional distributors in the network. Motivation can be provided to a distributor to expand the distribution network by providing an incentive, compensation or other benefit to a distributor that helps establish another distributor in a network or searches for one or more distributors that have characteristics or meet requirements associated with the network.

Abstract: An improved wireless telecommunication system enables a user to obtain communication services in overlapping wireless heterogeneous or homogeneous cellular networks at the most economical cost and bandwidth. A plurality of overlapping cellular networks includes a common command channel, a Central Selection Agency (CSA), a home location register, a visitor location register, and a user device positional location mechanism. In one embodiment the user device is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine its location. In placing a call, the user device broadcasts its ID, location and connection capability requirements on the common command channel. When a base station for the command channel bears the request, the CSA and the home location register for the user are informed. The CSA capability/requirements determine which network and base station selections are potential carriers for the call.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program code for delivering a treatment includes generating a personal area network associated with a patient, said personal area network transmitting a patient identifier associated with said patient, retrieving treatment data associated with said patient identifier, and operating a treatment device pursuant to said treatment data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate a distribution of information. According to one embodiment, vehicle control information is determined, the vehicle control information being dependent on time in formation, operator information, and/or vehicle information. For example, an intersection control signal may be determined. The vehicle control information is then transmitted to an automobile device, which in turn arranges for the vehicle control information to be provided to an operator. For example, a graphical representation of an intersection control signal may be displayed on an automobile's windshield.