Abstract: Controlling access to resources through use of security objects including creating a security object in dependence upon user-selected security control data types, the security object comprising security control data and at least one security method; receiving a request for access to the resource; receiving security request data; and determining access to the resource in dependence upon the security control data and the security request data. Creating a security object includes storing in the security object a resource identification for the resource; storing in the security object an authorization level of access for the resource; storing in the security object user-selected security control data types; and storing in the security object security control data for each user-selected security control data type. Embodiments include deploying the security object on a security server or on a client device.

Abstract: Controlling access to resources through use of security objects including creating a security object in dependence upon user-selected security control data types, the security object comprising security control data and at least one security method; receiving a request for access to the resource; receiving security request data; and determining access to the resource in dependence upon the security control data and the security request data. Creating a security object includes storing in the security object a resource identification for the resource; storing in the security object an authorization level of access for the resource; storing in the security object user-selected security control data types; and storing in the security object security control data for each user-selected security control data type. Embodiments include deploying the security object on a security server or on a client device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing a communication connection between a first party and a second party using a secured communication connection object are provided. With the apparatus and method, a first party generates the secured communication connection object by setting parameters identifying and limiting the use of the secured communication connection object for establishing communication connections with the first party. These parameters are encapsulated with contact information for the first party such that the contact information is encrypted. The resulting secured communication connection object is then transmitted to a second party's communication device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of importing data arranged in a table on an electronic whiteboard into a spreadsheet displayed in a computer system are provided. Generally, the spreadsheet and the table each include a plurality of grid cells. To determine where in the spreadsheet to display the data in the table, the location of the cursor in the spreadsheet is first established. This grid cell is used as a reference point. That is, data in the left-most/top-most grid cell on the table is displayed in the grid cell of the spreadsheet in which the cursor is located.

Abstract: Controlling access to resources through use of security objects including creating a security object in dependence upon user-selected security control data types, the security object comprising security control data and at least one security method; receiving a request for access to the resource; receiving security request data; and determining access to the resource in dependence upon the security control data and the security request data. Creating a security object includes storing in the security object a resource identification for the resource; storing in the security object an authorization level of access for the resource; storing in the security object user-selected security control data types; and storing in the security object security control data for each user-selected security control data type. Embodiments include deploying the security object on a security server or on a client device.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-usable medium for sending a first notification message to a credit card agency alerting the credit card agency of a misplaced credit card, an identification of a credit card owner, and a location of the misplaced credit card; in response to receiving the first notification message, sending a second notification message to the credit card owner corresponding to the misplaced credit card; and in response to receiving the second notification message, specifying a procedure for returning the misplaced credit card to the credit card owner.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing multi-threaded conversations in an instant messaging system. The present invention provides a menu option to allow the start of a new topic of discussion within the current instant messaging session. When a new topic is selected, a new thread of conversation is created within the messaging window that is segregated from previous topics of discussion. This new thread of conversation may be created at all other locations for all of the parties involved in the instant messaging session. In this manner, each party to a messaging session containing multiple conversations may be able to understand which response is related to which thread of conversation. In addition, a menu option may be provided by the instant messaging application to allow a user to merge one or more of the threaded conversations into a single conversation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-way connection management (MWCM) system for monitoring and maintaining call connections among a group of participating parties. The multi-way call connection may be established by connecting the originating party and the desired participating parties. Once a multi-way call connection is established, the multi-way call connection may be maintained until the originating party desires to terminate the call. Any disconnected party may rejoin the multi-way call by an automatic redial performed by the MWCM system. Additionally, the originating party may provide a call continuation period of the multi-way call when the originating party can rejoin the multi-way call. In this manner, other participating parties may stay in the multi-way call during the provided period without the originating party being connected.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for determining the location of a stylus for a portable electronic device are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method for determining at a first time that a stylus was not returned to a stylus receiver of the portable electronic device and determining last usage information relating to a last usage of the stylus at a second, earlier time. The method may further include storing by the portable electronic device the determined last usage information and determining stylus location information based on the last usage information. The method may further include providing an indication of the stylus location information to a user. Stylus location information may include one or more of a physical location, a geographic location, a calendar event associated with a last usage, directions to a place of last usage, an application being used at last usage of the stylus, or a user identity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for altering an administrator of a multi-way call during the multi-way call connection and transferring the associated charges from one administrator to another. After a multi-way call connection is established from the originating party to many participating parties, the originating party may be given an opportunity to shift an administrator role to one of the participating parties. The participating party designated to be a new administrator may accept or refuse the request from the originating party. Once the participating party accepts the new administrator role, the subsequent charges may be transferred to the participating party and the originating party may be able to continue in or to drop out from the multi-way call without further responsibility of charges.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing telephone service. The method includes receiving a request at a first telephone from a second telephone to access the first telephone's telephone service in response to the second telephone's inability to access the second telephone's telephone service. The method further includes granting access to the first telephone's telephone service for use by the second telephone in response to receiving the request at the first telephone prompting the first telephone to grant access to the first telephone's telephone service. The request is received by the first telephone from the second telephone via a short-range wireless connection.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a media device such that a user can define specific events as interruptions and automatically change the channel when one of these events is detected. The media control device (MCD) is configurable, both respect to the type of event that is considered an interruption and the alternate channel(s) to which the media device is changed. Once the interrupt has concluded, the MCD changes the radio back to the original station. In the alternative, during an interruption the MCD may simply replace the interrupted channel with a stream from another device. Introduction of a short time delay between the reception of a media signal and the presentation of the signal to a user enables the MCD to execute the described functions in a manner that appears seamless to the user.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for defining information of interest to a particular user and for automatically presenting that information on a user defined channel of a media access device. The method is suitable for use with Internet-connected television, or Web TV, and Internet radio. A user defines subject areas of information that are of specific interest to the user. Each subject area is associated with a particular media outlet or channel of the media access device. The method provides means to scan particular channels of the media access device for information that corresponds to the defined subject areas. When information corresponding to a particular subject area is detected, the media access device is, if necessary, switched on and tuned to the particular channel associated with the particular subject area. In addition, means are provided for automatically recording the detected information for playback at a later time.

Abstract: Provided is a system that enables a computer user to purchase and maintain installed operating systems and applications. Also provided is a method and system that detects and installs updates to programs and operating systems (OSs) on a computing system and ensures that the upgrades are compatible with existing software. A method is provided wherein a computer environment is scanned for all installed software and supporting files and logic such as libraries and OSs. A detected configuration is transmitted to a service provider who generates a service and support plan. The plan is offered to the administrator of the computer environment as an alternative to vendor-supplied plans. Thus, an administrator of a particular computing environment is able to centralize the maintenance and upgrade of installed software. The claimed technology provides access to a single-source pricing and support structure and enables the service provider to negotiate and purchase bulk upgrade packages.

Abstract: Embodiments include hardware and/or software for receiving an electronic receipt from a merchant that describes a transaction for a product by a purchaser and gathering product information from one or more sources such as the merchant, the product's manufacturer, the purchaser's bank, and/or an accessories dealer. Upon gathering the product information, the product information is associated with the transaction for the product on the electronic receipt and packaged in a standard, electronic format, an aggregated package, that is accessible and manageable by the purchaser's software, such as a personal finance manager (PFM) like Quicken™, Quickbooks™, Microsoft Money™, or the like. The aggregated package can then be sent to the purchaser via an email address supplied by the purchaser at the time of the purchaser or by the purchaser's bank while completing a funds transfer for the transaction.

Abstract: A perforating print head for a printing device comprising a frame assembly, a plurality of perforating printing assemblies coupled to the frame assembly, each having an impact element further comprising a first end for impacting a printable media surface and a second end suitable for receiving a driving force, and a drive mechanism suitable for applying the driving force to the second end of the impact element. The drive mechanism may be suitable for applying sufficient driving force to the second end of the impact element to allow the first end of the impact element to perforate the printable media surface.

Abstract: Methods 400 are provided for using RFIDs to aid in creating and documenting electronic e-mail communications. A communication device such as a computer system 200 capable of sending e-mail is configured with an RFID reader 215. When a user is composing an e-mail to send and the computer system 200 detects an RFID identity tag 120 of the user, an authentication content is attached to the e-mail. The authentication content attached to the e-mail helps to authenticate the identity of the user to the person receiving the e-mail.

Abstract: A system for providing credit card sub-accounts with varying credit limits is useful to consolidate many accounts into one account. The present invention allows a user to add others to an existing account with the safety of setting credit limits for each sub-account to prevent sub-account holders from abusing the user's account features, funds, credit limits, and the like. Credit limits for sub-accounts can be configured by an exact amount, a percentage of the total credit limit, a percentage of the credit available, or a combination of these methods, and can also be per transaction, type of establishment where transaction takes place, or types of products or services attempting to be purchased.

Abstract: An automatic teller machine capable of sending a facsimile of a check, money order, or other payment instrument to a payee designated by a user. The user inserts cash or allows an account to be debited to pay for the payment instrument, and the automatic teller machine faxes the payment instrument to the payee.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing multi-threaded conversations in an instant messaging system. The present invention provides a menu option to allow the start of a new topic of discussion within the current instant messaging session. When a new topic is selected, a new thread of conversation is created within the messaging window that is segregated from previous topics of discussion. This new thread of conversation may be created at all other locations for all of the parties involved in the instant messaging session. In this manner, each party to a messaging session containing multiple conversations may be able to understand which response is related to which thread of conversation. In addition, a menu option may be provided by the instant messaging application to allow a user to merge one or more of the threaded conversations into a single conversation.