Abstract: A transactional method and system of incentivizing task performance using token-based exchange for electronic payment authentications. The system and method are configured to reward a person with electronic tokens for tasks that are performed and verified by the system. These tokens can then be exchanged by the user for completing purchases via online retailers or other electronic payment-based services. Verification can involve the use of natural language processing and image comparison algorithms to determine whether a particular task has been successfully completed.

Abstract: An eye-monitoring system monitors and relieves, or even prevents, eye fatigue in users of display screens. The system monitors indicia of eye fatigue in the user, analyzes whatever information the monitoring uncovers, and assigns a score to the monitored indicia. For example, rubbing the eyes is a pretty strong sign of eye fatigue, while the system may have to monitor pupil dilation for quite a while to decide that eye fatigue is likely. The assigned score is associated with the likelihood that the user has, or will soon have, eye fatigue. If the score so warrants, then the system takes remedial action to lessen any current fatigue and to hold off the development of more fatigue. As an example of remedial action, the system alters the visual content seen by the user to shift the content's color palette slightly or to decrease its displayed brightness.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing embers is disclosed. The system includes a laser turret with a sensor array and a laser emitter configured to dispense laser energy. The laser turret can also include a control system configured to move the laser emitter. The laser control system can receive information from the sensor array and sending signals to the control system to move the laser emitter. Using these features, the laser control system can select an incoming ember based on a thermal signature associated with the incoming ember, and the laser control system can issue commands to the control system to direct the laser emitter towards the incoming ember, and the laser emitter can direct laser energy at the incoming ember. The system can also include provisions to track an ember and determine if an ember has been depleted of fuel.

Abstract: A method and system for managing and providing access to a temporary debit card is disclosed. The embodiments provide a system that authenticates remote users of an ATM kiosk who request a temporary debit card. The authentication occurs by capture of biometric data or a specially generated signal from their mobile device transmitted to the kiosk. In one example, the biometric data is compared to a reference biometric pattern. Where the system determines the biometric patterns match, or if the mobile device-generated signal is verified, a signal approving the request is transmitted from the system to the kiosk, causing the kiosk to fabricate a temporary debit card.

Abstract: A transactional method and system of incentivizing task performance using token-based exchange for digital media access. The system and method are configured to reward a person with electronic tokens for tasks that are performed and verified by the system. These tokens can then be exchanged by the user for access to desired digital media. Verification can involve the use of natural language processing and image comparison algorithms to determine whether a particular task has been successfully completed.

Abstract: A system and method for using gaming as a tool to determine optimum routes through areas that have experienced a disaster are provided. Due to the disaster, an area may have some destroyed roads and other infrastructure. In one embodiment, input data collected from people on the ground, drones, and other aerial vehicles can be used to generate a virtual simulation of the area. The virtual area may include renderings of destroyed roads and infrastructure. Once created, the virtual area may be uploaded to an online gaming environment where users can participate in online games that permit them to find the best routes through the virtual area between starting and destination points. Once optimal routes are found, the system may send these routes to navigation systems used by rescuers and other people in the area to help them navigate the disaster area.

Abstract: An environment-transforming system transforms a user's environmental information in ways that allow the user to better perceive her environment. For example, the system transforms some aspects of a visual scene into a sound space for a visually impaired user. Once the user learns to interpret the sound space, she avoids walking into an object because a sound cue tells her that the object is in her near environment and roughly where it is. Various types of transformations are possible depending upon the user's needs and preferences. As all people are different, each user has a personalized profile that directs the transformation process. More generally, the environment to be transformed may include aspects of artificial or enhanced reality. The transformed environmental information can be presented to the user in a number of ways, such as in haptic feedback, as directional audio, through oral stimulation, or through modified visual display.