Abstract: An electronic reader is implemented in a mobile computing device by downloading electronic reader computer instructions to be stored resident in the mobile computing device to permit the mobile computing device to be configured as a stand-alone electronic reader. One or more electronic books are downloaded and temporarily stored in a memory of the electronic reader. Chatroom functionality is integrated into the electronic reader to permit a user to communicate directly from an electronic book to a chatroom to thereby permit communication with selected parties. The user can communicate with other readers in the chatroom, with the author of the book, or with one or more subject matter experts designated by the author or publisher of the book. The integrated chatroom functionality combined with the stand-alone reader functionality provide a quality reading experience for the user as well as interactive capabilities.

Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system employs a user-wearable device that contains identification data. The user is associated with the wearable device using the identification data and provides an initial purchase credit also stored in association with the wearable device. To make a purchase, the user positions the wearable device in proximity with a sensor co-located with a beverage dispenser. The sensor receives the identification data and provides it to a payment processor. The processor determines if the purchase request is less than the stored purchase credit and, if so, activates an actuator positioned between a beverage storage container and a beverage dispenser outlet to thereby dispense the beverage. The processor deducts the purchase amount from the available credit and stores the new credit value. The wearable device may communicate wirelessly with the sensor. The processor may be part of the beverage dispenser or remotely located and communicate via a network.

Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.

Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.

Abstract: A real estate information processing system and method for a mobile communication device optimizes operational features for use with a mobile device. The user can easily specify search parameters for searching real estate listings or for searching for a real estate agent. The search results are displayed on a series of results pages. The user can quickly save or delete each page of search results by swiping a finger across the touch-sensitive display of the mobile communication device. In a similar fashion, the user can specify search parameters, such as price range, by simply sliding a finger across the display. The navigation techniques permit the user to view large amounts of data and quickly make selections.

Abstract: A mobile device captures an object image using the built in imaging capability of the device. A structural recognition module analyzes the captured image to identify the 3D shape of the captured object. A color recognition module analyzes the color of the captured image to differentiate between objects that may be similar in shape. The image analysis information is sent to a server and the server selects an appropriate video file for augmented reality (AR) display on the mobile device. User selection of an operational language for the mobile device may also provided to the server. The system includes audio data files in different languages corresponding to each video AR file. The server selects the audio file corresponding to the language selection data provided by the mobile device. The language appropriate audio file is linked to the video file and the video and audio AR data are transmitted to the mobile device.

Abstract: Secure control of network appliances uses a central hub connected to a plurality of network appliances or multiple hubs in a short-range wireless mesh network. The central hub controls communication with the appliances and also includes a cellular link for communication with a cellular network. Only the central hub can communicate with the Internet via the cellular link. User equipment (UE) contains an application program that works in conjunction with the central hub to control the appliances. Commands generated by the UE are sent either directly to the central hub or via the mesh network. Upon receipt of an authenticated command, the central hub propagates commands via the short-range wireless mesh network to the intended network appliance either directly or via the mesh network.

Abstract: Secure control of network appliances uses a 5G compatible central hub connected to a plurality of network appliances or multiple hubs in a local area network (LAN) or wireless LAN. A master hub controls communication with the appliances and also includes a 5G cellular link for communication with a cellular network. Only the master hub can communicate with the Internet via the cellular link. User equipment (UE) contains an application program that works in conjunction with the central hub to control the appliances. Upon receipt of an authenticated command, the central hub propagates commands to the intended network appliance. The central hub includes a voice command module to permit a user to control operation of the network appliances using voice commands.

Abstract: Secure control of network appliances uses a 5G compatible central hub connected to a plurality of network appliances or multiple hubs in a local area network (LAN) or wireless LAN. A master hub controls communication with the appliances and also includes a 5G cellular link for communication with a cellular network. Only the master hub can communicate with the Internet via the cellular link. User equipment (UE) contains an application program that works in conjunction with the central hub to control the appliances. Upon receipt of an authenticated command, the central hub propagates commands to the intended network appliance. The central hub includes a voice command module to permit a user to control operation of the network appliances using voice commands.

Abstract: A wireless communication device associated with a mobile operator network transmits an authentication request for network access via a wireless access point (AP) using a network transceiver or a transceiver other than the cellular network transceiver. Device authentication can occur directly with the mobile operator network or via a proxy server. Communications with the authentication server my use VLAN/VRF or NFV depending on the availability of the network communications technology. Upon authentication, the requesting device may access a wide area network in a data off-load operational mode and the data flow to and from the device via the AP is monitored and reported to mobile operator network associated with the requesting device. The wireless communication device can communicate with any of a plurality of APs distributed in a venue during the data off-load operational mode.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system employs a user-wearable device that contains identification data. The user is associated with the wearable device using the identification data and provides an initial purchase credit also stored in association with the wearable device. To make a purchase, the user positions the wearable device in proximity with a sensor co-located with a beverage dispenser. The sensor receives the identification data and provides it to a payment processor. The processor determines if the purchase request is less than the stored purchase credit and, if so, activates an actuator positioned between a beverage storage container and a beverage dispenser outlet to thereby dispense the beverage. The processor deducts the purchase amount from the available credit and stores the new credit value. The wearable device may communicate wirelessly with the sensor. The processor may be part of the beverage dispenser or remotely located and communicate via a network.

Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.

Abstract: A mobile device captures an object image using the built in imaging capability of the device. A structural recognition module analyzes the captured image to identify the 3D shape of the captured object. A color recognition module analyzes the color of the captured image to differentiate between objects that may be similar in shape. The image analysis information is sent to a server and the server selects an appropriate video file for augmented reality (AR) display on the mobile device. User selection of an operational language for the mobile device may also provided to the server. The system includes audio data files in different languages corresponding to each video AR file. The server selects the audio file corresponding to the language selection data provided by the mobile device. The language appropriate audio file is linked to the video file and the video and audio AR data are transmitted to the mobile device.

Abstract: A real estate information processing system and method for a mobile communication device optimizes operational features for use with a mobile device. The user can easily specify search parameters for searching real estate listings or for searching for a real estate agent. The search results are displayed on a series of results pages. The user can quickly save or delete each page of search results by swiping a finger across the touch-sensitive display of the mobile communication device. In a similar fashion, the user can specify search parameters, such as price range, by simply sliding a finger across the display. The techniques permit the user to easily view large amounts of data and quickly make selections.

Abstract: A wireless communication device associated with a mobile operator network transmits an authentication request for network access via a wireless access point (AP) using a network transceiver or a transceiver other than the cellular network transceiver. Device authentication can occur directly with the mobile operator network or via a proxy server. Communications with the authentication server my use VLAN/VRF or NFV depending on the availability of the network communications technology. Upon authentication, the requesting device may access a wide area network in a data off-load operational mode and the data flow to and from the device via the AP is monitored and reported to mobile operator network associated with the requesting device. The wireless communication device can communicate with any of a plurality of APs distributed in a venue during the data off-load operational mode.

Abstract: An electronic reader is implemented in a mobile computing device by downloading electronic reader computer instructions to be stored resident in the mobile computing device to permit the mobile computing device to be configured as a stand-alone electronic reader. One or more electronic books are downloaded and temporarily stored in a memory of the electronic reader. Chatroom functionality is integrated into the electronic reader to permit a user to communicate directly from an electronic book to a chatroom to thereby permit communication with selected parties. The user can communicate with other readers in the chatroom, with the author of the book, or with one or more subject matter experts designated by the author or publisher of the book. The integrated chatroom functionality combined with the stand-alone reader functionality provide a quality reading experience for the user as well as interactive capabilities.

Abstract: A wireless communication device associated with a mobile operator network transmits an authentication request for network access via a wireless access point (AP) using a transceiver other than the cellular network transceiver. Device authentication can occur directly with the mobile operator network or via a proxy server. Upon authentication, the requesting device may access a wide area network in a data off-load operational mode and the data flow to and from the device via the AP is monitored and reported to mobile operator network associated with the requesting device. The wireless communication device can communicate with any of a plurality of APs distributed in a venue during the data off-load operational mode.

Abstract: Secure control of network appliances uses a central hub connected to a plurality of network appliances or multiple hubs in a short-range wireless mesh network. The central hub controls communication with the appliances and also includes a cellular link for communication with a cellular network. Only the central hub can communicate with the Internet via the cellular link. User equipment (UE) contains an application program that works in conjunction with the central hub to control the appliances. Commands generated by the UE are sent either directly to the central hub or via the mesh network. Upon receipt of an authenticated command, the central hub propagates commands via the short-range wireless mesh network to the intended network appliance either directly or via the mesh network.

Abstract: A wireless communication device associated with a mobile operator network transmits an authentication request for network access via a wireless access point (AP) using a transceiver other than the cellular network transceiver. Device authentication can occur directly with the mobile operator network or via a proxy server. Upon authentication, the requesting device may access a wide area network in a data off-load operational mode and the data flow to and from the device via the AP is monitored and reported to mobile operator network associated with the requesting device. The wireless communication device can communicate with any of a plurality of APs distributed in a venue during the data off-load operational mode.