Abstract: An RFID tag includes a writable memory, and a sensor coupled to persistently affect the writable memory when one or more environmental factors define one or more events of interest.

Abstract: A method includes identifying co-location with an organization, and a mobile device assuming a role of an affinity and/or loyalty card associated with the organization. The mobile device interacts with co-located equipment of the organization to facilitate a transaction.

Abstract: A transaction card may include a first biometric sensor and logic to activate a transaction session for the card upon authenticating a biometric input. The card may further include logic to deactivate the transaction card upon expiration of the transaction session.

Abstract: A method includes a mobile device identifying one or more coupons to point of sale equipment to facilitate the sale of merchandise, and affecting the coupon's value as a result of using the coupon in the sale of merchandise.

Abstract: A hybrid communicator/remote control includes an integrated display screen configured to display a contact list. Each contact in the contact list includes an address, such as a network address, for establishing two-way communication with the contact. Moreover, each contact in the contact list includes a visual identifier, such as a name, picture, or the like, that identifies the contact. A user may select a contact from the contact list, after which a communication channel is established between the hybrid communicator/remote control and a device used by the selected contact, such as a telephone, Internet-accessible telephone, or another hybrid communicator/remote control.

Abstract: Outgoing video communication requests are intercepted and screened by one or more unauthorized recipient lists, authorized recipient lists, caller-specific authorized/unauthorized recipient lists, and/or various combinations of these. The video communication requests may be blocked or forwarded to the recipient depending on whether the recipient is included or not included in one of the various lists.

Abstract: A wireless handheld user device or cellphone that includes the ability to transmit to a recipient digital content that is presently being presented to a user. The device includes a component that presents video or audio, a peer-to-peer activator and a processing device coupled to the component and the peer-to-peer activator. The processor includes a component that selects at least one recipient and a component that wirelessly transmits the presented at least one video or audio to the selected at least one recipient upon activation of the peer-to-peer activator. In one aspect of the invention, the transmission component includes a component that automatically selects a data protocol for the presented at least one video or audio and a component that automatically selects a transmission means from a plurality of transmission means based on cost of transmission and/or a previously defined level of urgency.

Abstract: A sequence of cards is stored that graphically represents available options within an information system. In response to a single user action, the sequence of cards is successively displayed within a focus area of the user interface. In response to a subsequent user action, the successive display is discontinued to display a particular card representing a selected option.

Abstract: Graphical images representing television channels are provided to a display interface, which successively displays the graphical images within a focus area of a user interface in response to a single initiating action by a user. The display interface discontinues the successive display of video frames to show a particular video frame corresponding to a selected channel when a terminating action by the user has been detected.

Abstract: A sequence of cards representing filters is displayed along a first axis of a user interface with a single card being displayed in a focus area. The card in the focus area defines a selected object type filter, which is applied to another sequence of available options. The filtered sequence is then displayed along another (perpendicular) axis of the user interface, which only includes options corresponding to the selected option type filter.

Abstract: A method of providing video enhancement to an interactive content page, the method comprising: providing a graphical overlay with a plurality of transparent sections; providing a graphical underlay capable to show a plurality of underlay contents; displaying a first underlay content in a first one of the transparent sections; and displaying a second underlay content in a second one of the transparent sections in sequence after displaying the first underlay content. An apparatus for providing a video enhancement to an interactive television content page, includes a display engine capable to display a graphical overlay having an associated transparent section, where different underlay contents are displayed on a graphical underlay and through the associated transparent section in a sequential manner; and a processor communicatively coupled to the display engine and capable to execute the display engine.

Abstract: An object is tracked with a camera that is sensitive to both visible and invisible light. An invisible light reflector attached to the object may reflect a target of invisible light, which is provided by an invisible light emitter. The camera processes the invisible light and moves the field of view of the camera so that the object is centered within the field of view. The camera may also zoom the field of view to a desired magnification level.