Abstract: A method, program and apparatus for providing access to alternate images in an electronic document are provided. The present invention comprises identifying an initial image to be displayed in an electronic document (typically a web page) and then determining if alternate versions of the image are available for display. If alternate versions of the image are available, they are provided within the same electronic document. The alternate images differ from the initial image in size and resolution, allowing users with visual impairments to access larger, higher resolution images. The user accesses the alternate images by means of a selector displayed within the electronic document. When selected, the alternate image replaces the initial image in the electronic document, and the document is reformatted.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for generating and displaying programming channel lists. Programming channel lists are generated and displayed according to criteria such as total number of viewers watching the programming channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for merging mobile, or wireless, telephone service with existing wired telephone equipment in a facility, such as a home or business, are provided. With the apparatus and method, a converter is associated with the facility such that a wireless telephone number is associated with the converter. Telephone calls may be made to the facility via a wireless telephone network and the converter. The converter receives calls from the wireless telephone network directed to the converter, converts the format of the wireless telephone call to a wired telephone call format, and routes these calls to one or more wired telephone units in the facility. Calls originating from the wired telephone units in the facility are received by the converter which converts the call signals to an appropriate format for wireless network routing, and forwards the call to the wireless network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for security object enhancement and management are provided. The apparatus and method make use of security objects in which security object data is encapsulated with security object attributes and methods defining the way in which the security object may be used. Because the security object is an encapsulated object, the security object may operate on itself to perform security object management operations. Furthermore, because the security object need not be linked to the items requiring security object protection a priori, the security object may be defined in any manner deemed appropriate by the user. As a result, users of the security objects are given greater freedom in defining the security object, the security object content type, and the way in which the security object may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for merging mobile, or wireless, telephone service with existing wired telephone equipment in a facility, such as a home or business, are provided. With the apparatus and method, a converter is associated with the facility such that a wireless telephone number is associated with the converter. Telephone calls may be made to the facility via a wireless telephone network and the converter. The converter receives calls from the wireless telephone network directed to the converter, converts the format of the wireless telephone call to a wired telephone call format, and routes these calls to one or more wired telephone units in the facility. Calls originating from the wired telephone units in the facility are received by the converter which converts the call signals to an appropriate format for wireless network routing, and forwards the call to the wireless network.

Abstract: An impaired person is provided with a personalized accessibility device, which communicates an identification of a disability or impairment to an assistance device, which provides assistance. Also provided is a method and apparatus for providing feedback to a person with impairment. The feedback may be configured based on the type and extent of impairment, as well as personal preferences, such as a preferred language. The assistance device may also request a response from the disabled or impaired person, thus solving the person's Special Needs in a conversational manner without calling attention to the impairment.

Abstract: A system and method for using write-and-destroy transaction cards which cannot be reprogrammed. The write-and-destroy transaction cards are programmed (i.e., written to) at bit increments representing, in total, the stated value of the card. The stated value may be represented in one or a plurality of denominations and currencies. In use, the remaining value of a card can be ascertained at a merchant location by reading those bits which have not been erased. The remaining value can additionally be confirmed by contacting the issuing financial institution using a unique serial number which may be encoded onto each transaction card. Upon confirmation that the card has sufficient value to conduct the desired transaction, the card is decremented by erasure of the bits representing that value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for security object enhancement and management are provided. The apparatus and method make use of security objects in which security object data is encapsulated with security object attributes and methods defining the way in which the security object may be used. Because the security object is an encapsulated object, the security object may operate on itself to perform security object management operations. Furthermore, because the security object need not be linked to the items requiring security object protection a priori, the security object may be defined in any manner deemed appropriate by the user. As a result, users of the security objects are given greater freedom in defining the security object, the security object content type, and the way in which the security object may be used.

Abstract: Communication of location specific content to client devices including identifying a client device at a location of a location specific device, wherein the client device comprises client device attributes, the client device attributes comprising a client device identification code, and wherein the location specific device comprises a location identification code; recording user preferences for the client device; selecting, in dependence upon the user preferences for the client device and upon the location identification code, content for transmission to the client device; transmitting the selected content through the location specific device to the client device for presentation; and enabling retention of the content within the client device for a period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for merging mobile, or wireless, telephone service with existing wired telephone equipment in a facility, such as a home or business, are provided. With the apparatus and method, a converter is associated with the facility such that a wireless telephone number is associated with the converter. Telephone calls may be made to the facility via a wireless telephone network and the converter. The converter receives calls from the wireless telephone network directed to the converter, converts the format of the wireless telephone call to a wired telephone call format, and routes these calls to one or more wired telephone units in the facility. Calls originating from the wired telephone units in the facility are received by the converter which converts the call signals to an appropriate format for wireless network routing, and forwards the call to the wireless network.

Abstract: A method, program and apparatus for providing access to alternate images in an electronic document are provided. The present invention comprises identifying an initial image to be displayed in an electronic document (typically a web page) and then determining if alternate versions of the image are available for display. If alternate versions of the image are available, they are provided within the same electronic document. The alternate images differ from the initial image in size and resolution, allowing users with visual impairments to access larger, higher resolution images. The user accesses the alternate images by means of a selector displayed within the electronic document. When selected, the alternate image replaces the initial image in the electronic document, and the document is reformatted.

Abstract: An impaired person is provided with a personalized accessibility device, which communicates an identification of a disability or impairment to an assistance device, which provides assistance. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for providing feedback to a person with impairment. The feedback may be configured based on the type and extent of impairment, as well as personal preferences, such as a preferred language. The assistance device may also request a response from the disabled or impaired person, thus solving the person's Special Needs in a conversational manner without calling attention to the impairment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining user information to conduct secure transactions on the Internet without having to re-enter the information multiple times is described. The method and apparatus can also provide a technique by which secured access to the data can be achieved over the Internet. A passport containing user defined information at various security levels is stored in a secure server apparatus, or passport agent, connected to computer network. A user process instructs the passport agent to release all or portions of the passport to a recipient node and forwards a key to the recipient node to unlock the passport information.