Abstract: A system and process employs a gastric band device having an adjustable restriction amount that is adjustable based on at least one first control signal. The system and process also employs at least one of a wireless receiver and location detection electronics configured for providing at least one second signal. In addition, a controller is configured to provide at least one first control signal to the gastric band device based at least in part on at least one second control signal from at least one of the wireless receiver and the location detection electronics. The controller may be configured to provide at least one first control signal for one of increasing restriction or reducing restriction of the gastric band in response to receiving a signal from the location detection electronics representing a predefined geographic location.

Abstract: A communications system includes a plurality of recipient processors located at geographically remote locations with respect to each other and connected for communication with an information provider processor, over the communications network. The provider and recipient processors may comprise respective computers coupled for communication on the Internet or WWW. The provider processor is capable of providing information from any suitable source, by communicating such information over a communication network. However, access to the information by the recipient processors is controlled, based geographic location or region of the recipient processors and time information and, for some systems, a set of rules relating to a further condition.

Abstract: A player utilizing a mobile electronic communication device and a physical game tool may engage in location-based gaming. The mobile device can execute a program to enable the player to play a game. The physical game tool is physically manipulable by the player and also capable of determining its physical location in the physical world. The mobile device can receive from a server data pertaining to a virtual gaming object associated with a target object location that is based, at least in part, on the physical location of the physical game tool; cause a display device of the player to display the virtual gaming object at a virtual location within the game corresponding to the target object location; and cause the display device to update the virtual gaming object based on changes of the location of the physical game tool.

Abstract: A system and process for operating a computer on a communication network involves providing a first performance environment, such as a first game, over the network to a first on-line user, receiving performance data from the first on-line user corresponding to the first on-line user's performance in the first performance environment. A value is defined for performance rights associated with the received data. A second performance environment that is separate from the first performance environment is provided over the network to a second on-line user, in which the second on-line user is able to make a performance. The second on-line user is provided with access to received data corresponding to the first on-line user's performance in the first performance environment, while the second on-line user is making a performance in the second performance environment.

Abstract: A method of location-based gaming includes the steps of engaging a program to play a game, determining the location of a target object, providing the location of the target object to a central location, obtaining a data file pertaining to an object at the location of the target object, and generating gaming object data relative to the location of the target object.

Abstract: A method of aggregating displays of performances into an aggregate site on a network is provided. The aggregated performances originate from at least one performance site on a network. The method includes the steps of selecting a performance criterion; observing at least one performance originating from at least one performance site on a network, the performance being associated with a link; determining when at least one performance meets the performance criterion; establishing an aggregation link to the link associated with the performance meeting the performance criterion; and providing the aggregation link to an aggregate site on a network such that the performance is accessible on the aggregate site.

Abstract: A mobile personal communication device, such as a mobile telephone (cellular, satellite, or the like), that is capable of determining its geographic location, through an on-board GPS unit or other geographic locating mechanism, has a function that is disabled, enabled, modified or otherwise controlled when the personal communication device is determined to be within a defined area. The function controlled based on geographic region may include: the transmission of a data stream, such as a video or audio data stream, from or to the personal communication device; the disamblement or modification of ringers or other mechanism for audible notification of an event, for example, an incoming call or message from an external caller; the disablement or modification of an on-board camera or other on-board recording mechanism; and/or the disablement or modification of screen savers, disabling or modification of display lighting or backlighting or other functions of the personal communication device.

Abstract: A method of establishing personal contact between an inquiring individual and a target individual, the inquiring and target individuals being members of an organization, includes the steps of identifying a target individual of interest to an inquiring individual, determining the location of the target individual and providing the location of the target individual to a central location, providing the target individual with a message that the inquiring individual is interested in establishing personal contact with the target individual, and providing the inquiring individual with authorization to establish personal contact with the target individual when the target individual provides a positive response to the central location.

Abstract: In a method of producing a live performance, the performance being transmitted over a network to a viewer at a physical location, the performance comprising content that is subject to a federal record-keeping requirement, a statement is transmitted by a computer system over a network to the viewer. The statement includes information pertaining to a live performance in accordance with a compliance statement publication requirement of a federal record-keeping requirement. The live performance is transmitted by a computer system over a network simultaneously with or subsequent to the transmission of the statement.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a system, method and apparatus for providing an efficient means for qualifying a petition, referendum or initiative on a ballot on a network. Users on the network access the petition qualifying system via a user interface and requests petitions or initiatives in the user's relevant voting area. After the user has reviewed the petition, the user can endorse the petition by providing the petition qualifying system endorsement indicia. The petition qualifying system verifies the eligibility of the user. The petition qualifying system compiles the received endorsement indicia, and presents such indicia to the relevant agency to secure placement of the initiative on the appropriate ballot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ornamental system, apparatus and method that is dynamically modifiable. Embodiments of the ornament system comprise a processor, at least one ornamental member and a data controller. The processor is a computer which stores user input data for transmission and transmits a request for the transmission of data files. The ornamental member is configured to receive and display image data stored in a database, wherein the stored data can be changed at any time. Embodiments of the present invention can be coupled to other ornamental systems across a wide area network, wherein users can share data files for display.

Abstract: A system for defending a planet having a satellite against impact from an incoming body includes an explosive system and a propulsion system. The explosive system is adapted for deployment on the satellite and detonation thereon with sufficient explosive force to produce at least one ejectum to which is imparted a velocity increment sufficient for the ejectum to exceed the satellite's escape velocity and enter orbit about the planet. The propulsion system is adapted to be secured to at least one ejectum and impart a velocity increment to the ejectum sufficient to leave orbit about the planet and enter an orbit intercepting the incoming body. The system is used in a planetary defense method in which the explosive system is deployed at a deployment site on the satellite and detonated to produce at least one ejectum having a velocity that exceeds the escape velocity of the satellite.

Abstract: A method of producing a performance, the performance being transmitted over a network, the performance being subject to a record-keeping requirement, includes the steps of: providing information pertaining to a performance in accordance with a record-keeping requirement; associating the information with the performance; providing the associated information to a custodian; and transmitting the performance over a network.

Abstract: A method of location-based gaming includes the steps of engaging a program to play a game, determining the location of a target object, providing the location of the target object to a central location, obtaining a data file pertaining to an object at the location of the target object, and generating gaming object data relative to the location of the target object.

Abstract: A system for on-line viewing of an event at an event site includes a central site connected to a network, cameras disposed about an event site, means enabling a user to access the central site and to selectively view the event site by means of at least two of the plurality of cameras, and a processor. The cameras provide views of the event site from at least two different camera angles and provide video feeds to the central site via the network. The processor generates a smooth transitional view between at least two of the cameras, whereby a continuous change of camera angle is provided. Methods of viewing and recording events, and systems and methods for viewing events from vehicles during travel, are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing content, the content to be produced depicting at least one person and being subject to a federal record-keeping requirement. The method includes the steps of providing to a computer system information pertaining to a person to be depicted in at least a portion of the content in accordance with a federal record-keeping requirement; associating by the computer system the information with the content to be produced by storing the information together with an identification of the content to be produced in a storage medium independent of a medium to be used to store the content; determining by the computer system that the stored associated information complies with the federal record-keeping requirement; and producing the content based on the determination of compliance. Methods for transmitting such content, and for preventing the transmission of such content, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of location-based gaming includes the steps of engaging a program to play a game, determining the location of a target object, providing the location of the target object to a central location, obtaining a data file pertaining to an object at the location of the target object, and generating gaming object data relative to the location of the target object.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to a data management system, apparatus and process for uniquely identifying and protecting data. In preferred embodiments, the data management system comprises a data management server, a key generator, a source print generator and a source print detector. In some preferred embodiments, the data management system further comprises a data embedding system. Keys are created by the data management system for application to source files to create a fingerprint for the source file. The fingerprint is compared to unknown files to identify uses of the source file.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing content, the content to be produced depicting at least one person and being subject to a federal record-keeping requirement. The method includes the steps of providing to a computer system information pertaining to a person to be depicted in at least a portion of the content in accordance with a federal record-keeping requirement; associating by the computer system the information with the content to be produced by storing the information together with an identification of the content to be produced in a storage medium independent of a medium to be used to store the content; determining by the computer system that the stored associated information complies with the federal record-keeping requirement; and producing the content based on the determination of compliance. Methods for transmitting such content, and for preventing the transmission of such content, are also provided.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a system, method and apparatus for providing an efficient means for qualifying a petition, referendum or initiative on a ballot on a network. Users on the network access the petition qualifying system via a user interface and requests petitions or initiatives in the user's relevant voting area. After the user has reviewed the petition, the user can endorse the petition by providing the petition qualifying system endorsement indicia. The petition qualifying system verifies the eligibility of the user. The petition qualifying system compiles the received endorsement indicia, and presents such indicia to the relevant agency to secure placement of the initiative on the appropriate ballot.