Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method is provided for enhancing a user experience within an environment. The experience is enhanced using a number of devices that are connected on a network. The method involves monitoring the environment for cues, such as words from a user reading a book. Upon receiving a cue, one or more of the networked devices are prompted to produce a desired effect that is associated with the cue. The experience of those in the environment is enhanced or augmented by the effects produced. The system of the invention uses a computer that executes a script manager component and a device dispatcher component. The script manager component receives the cues and matches the cue with a desired effect that the network device(s) are to produce. The script manager informs the device dispatcher, which instructs the network devices(s) to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in customizing, organizing and presenting digital information for selection and interaction by end users. The present invention conveys multiple pieces of information to a user in a multi-dimensional metaphor. A user is presented with a selection of content options that are catered to the user. Presented information is filtered on the basis of configurable user criteria, wherein the criteria includes both what is represented and how it is presented, as it relates to current and past user choices of content. The present invention also presents ancillary information that is associated with the digital content. Additionally, the present invention provides user interface features directed to content from a variety of media, including on air, video, photos, music, games and books.

Abstract: An adaptive user interface presented on a heads-up display of an automobile is provided. The adaptive user interface comprises a number of display elements that may be presented in a variety of display states. The display state for each display element is determined based on inputs from a variety of sources (e.g., the automobile).

Abstract: A person is viewing a display. By evaluating tracked information about the person, the display and/or the content being viewed, a tracking system determines that an opportunity exists to present an advertisement that is relevant to the person in the context of the person currently viewing the display. The tracking system provides advertiser data for the advertisement and instructions for generating the advertisement to a synthesis system local to the viewer and the viewer's display system, which dynamically synthesizes the advertisement and provides it to the display.

Abstract: A mediator having at least a ranking component, a listening component, and a control component, selectively controls a group of devices from a plurality of network devices in a network environment to reproduce multimedia content. The mediator correlates the multimedia content with the plurality of network devices. The listening component collects data about the network environment to enhance a user's experience with the multimedia content. The mediator utilizes the network environment data and the correlation of the multimedia content and the plurality of network devices to automatically select the group devices from the plurality of network devices that maximize a user's viewing or listening pleasure when reproducing the multimedia content on the group of devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a display, for instance, on an integrated message board, the display having at least one physical information item and at least one electronic information item are provided. The physical information item may include, by way of example only, a tagged physical object, hand-written data, and/or data obtained through touch or voice recognition. Methods and systems for integrating physical information items and electronic information items in a single display location are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides at least a method and system for collecting and using data with a computing device for a smart closet. With respect to the present invention, a computing device processes information from the interaction of a user with an interactive device such as a mirror or display. Information is relayed to the user to enable to the user to make informed decisions about the clothing to wear. The user interacts with the computing device using gesture recognition, voice inputs, motion recognition, or touch.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing digital content over a computer network. A set of digital content is provided in a storage location that is accessible by the network. One or more physical tokens store data related to accessing the set of digital content. When a token is at a remote location, a request for the set of digital content to be presented at the remote location is received. In response to this request, presentation of the digital content is allowed at the remote location.

Abstract: A user control for dynamically adjusting the scope of a set of content, information, and/or data and a user interface (UI) for representing the same are provided. A scope control tool represented, e.g., by a selectable icon, may be accessible from all screens in the UI and may be applied to both traditional list-type views of content or data, as well as to control screens, tools, or application screens. A method for applying scope to a set of data and representing the data on a UI in a manner which provides a readily visible indication of the amount of data in the data set and which provides for the prominent presentation of that data which may be most useful to the user is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for facilitating interaction between a device and a device environment. The system may include a detection module for automatically detecting proximity of a participant within the device environment. The system may additionally include a user-configurable authorization module for authorizing the device to adjust a device user interface in a pre-determined manner in response to the detection of the participant. The system may also provide for sharing resources among multiple participating devices, wherein each of the multiple participating devices has a device specific set of application resources. The system may additionally include a configurable resource regulation mechanism for making the device specific application resources from the second participating device available to the first participating device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in customizing, organizing and presenting digital information for selection and interaction by end users. The present invention conveys multiple pieces of information to a user in a multi-dimensional metaphor. A user is presented with a selection of content options that are catered to the user. Presented information is filtered on the basis of configurable user criteria, wherein the criteria includes both what is represented and how it is presented, as it relates to current and past user choices of content. The present invention also presents ancillary information that is associated with the digital content. Additionally, the present invention provides user interface features directed to content from a variety of media, including on air, video, photos, music, games and books.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method is provided for enhancing a user experience within an environment. The experience is enhanced using a number of devices that are connected on a network. The method involves monitoring the environment for cues, such as words from a user reading a book. Upon receiving a cue, one or more of the networked devices are prompted to produce a desired effect that is associated with the cue. The experience of those in the environment is enhanced or augmented by the effects produced. The system of the invention uses a computer that executes a script manager component and a device dispatcher component. The script manager component receives the cues and matches the cue with a desired effect that the network device(s) are to produce. The script manager informs the device dispatcher, which instructs the network devices(s) to produce the desired effect.