Abstract: Digital image data including discrete photographic images of a variety of different subjects, times, and so forth, are collected and analyzed to identify specific features in the photographs. In an embodiment of the invention, distinctive markers are distributed to aid in the identification of particular subject matter. Facial recognition may also be employed. The digital image data is maintained in a database and quarried in response to search requests. The search requests include criteria specifying any feature category or other identifying information, such as date, time, and location that each photograph was taken, associated with each photograph. Candidate images are provided for review by requesters, who may select desired images for purchase or downloading.

Abstract: A method for anticipating a user's desired information using a FDA device connected to a computer network is provided. This method further comprises maintaining a database of user tendencies within the computer network, receiving sensor data from the user's physical environment via the FDA device, generating query strings using both tendency data and sensor data, retrieving data from external data sources using these generated query strings, organizing the retrieved data into electronic folders, and delivering this organized data to the user via the FDA device, In particular, a data management module anticipates the type of information a user desires by combining real time data taken from a sensor unit within a FDA and data regarding the history of that particular user's tendencies stored within the data management module.

Abstract: Methods and systems can filter messages, such as electronic mail (email) messages. According to one example, a method reads sender information for an electronic mail message, wherein the sender information comprises a domain name and a first IP address. The method determines a second IP address associated with a web page associated with the domain name. The method compares the first IP address to the second IP address and provides an indication of likelihood that the electronic mail message constitutes spam based on the comparison of the first IP address to the second IP address.

Abstract: A method for verifying the identity of users connected to a computer network comprises providing fractional information queries to users, wherein responses to these individual queries are not sufficient to identify the user. This method further comprises receiving responses to these fractional information queries and comparing these responses to data available from within a computer network. A set of potential matches to the user is generated according to these responses and is used in determining whether the set of potential matches is sufficient to identify the user.

Abstract: A network server may discourage inappropriate use. Files may be altered in such a way as to not noticeably affect acceptable, desired file types, but to substantially corrupt undesirable file types. Every file copied to or from a memory of a server may be affected, or the method may be applied only to selected files or types of files. In particular, files that may be corrupted by alternation include executable software files and compressed files, which may be fault intolerant. Fault tolerant files, which may include text and graphics files, may not be noticeably affected. In some cases, copyrighted files, media files, and/or other files are altered to prevent undesirable distribution.

Abstract: A method for filtering content makes use of local filtering agents for end users, and a portal to a network of human reviewing resources. Local filtering agents request content classification for unclassified content. The portal routes requests from local agents to available human reviewing resources. A content classification is provided by the reviewing resources, and may be saved in association with a content identifier for future use. The method permits human review of content within a short period after review is requested. In an embodiment of the invention, a centrally-located switch is provided for controlling filtering levels at one or more user terminals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method and apparatus for presenting unsolicited data to users without interrupting the user's activities, wherein the presentation of the unsolicited data is monitored and is available for review by the user at the user's convenience. Embodiments of the invention comprise a content and display manager, wherein the content and display manager include a display monitor, a content delivery system and a content controller. The display monitor selects the display of content to the users, in part, by reviewing a marker which defines the last time that content was displayed to the user and the type of content displayed. The content delivery system transmits a content window to a user computer via the controller.