Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying unwanted email messages by transmitting metadata with an outbound email message that indicates the total number of email messages sent by that sender in a predetermined time period, or alternatively indicates the total number of email messages which are equivalent to the outgoing message that have been sent. In addition the metadata may include an identification of the sender and a “pledge” made by the sender. A pledge may take the form of a binding commitment from the sender that the information contained in the metadata is accurate, and/or that the sender promises to abide by predetermined good conduct rules designed to limit unwanted email. The outgoing message may be further signed by the sender with a digital signature that provides means for verifying the content of the message and the pledge as well as the identity of the sender.

Abstract: A communications system for simulcasting audio or audiovisual program content to a plurality of participating system users via a communication network. Each user operates an access device that reproduces the received program content for the user and also accepts spoken comments from the user concurrently with or immediately following the reproduction of the program content. The spoken comments are transmitted to at least selected ones of the other users so that the selected users can engage in a conversation about the program content as it is simulcast.

Abstract: A system, method and device for managing messages. A caller dialing a particular line has a message managing device operatively connected to the line, that records a copy of the message to be recorded on the line, such as on a conventional answering machine. The MMD includes ring detection circuitry to detect an incoming call. The copy of the message recorded on the line can be communicated to the appropriate user by correlating the incoming call data with a contact list or other preferences selected by a user. The user/recipient of the message can also be manually selected by the caller. The MMD can also implement a virtual phone application for creating a plurality of distinct, unique rings for one line, based upon the caller information.

Abstract: A system for utilizing metadata created either at a central location for shared use by connected users, or at each individual user's location, to enhance user's enjoyment of available broadcast programming content. A variety of mechanisms are employed for automatically and manually identifying and designating programming segments, associating descriptive metadata which the identified segments, distributing the metadata for use at client locations, and using the supplied metadata to selectively record and playback desired programming.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the grain angle of a wood object which has a circular cross section of constant or varying radius along the object's length. This apparatus may be hand-held or fixed mounted as testing circumstances dictate. The resulting grain angle may be displayed in real time, as perceived by the user, or transmitted to a processing unit for data collection or interpretation.

Abstract: A system is presented for replaying a broadcast sports event using a video on demand or personal video recording system. Metadata is created that subdivides the original broadcast into segments, and associates descriptive information with each segment. Playlists that specify an ordered subsequence of the sequence may be selected and used to present a variety of expanded or condensed versions of the sporting event to a viewer. Navigation controls including segment lists, specially formatted screen displays, and special functions under the control of a user-operated remote control, facilitate the interactive selection and control of the presentation.

Abstract: A cellular telephone handset stores audio files previously recorded by the user as well as voice mail messages from other users and selectively transmitted selected ones of these files to the remote listener, or to the voice mail system of a remote user. Voice mail messages are composed, stored, transmitted, forwarded and reviewed using a voice mail system without ringing the remote party's telephone, much as email is composed, stored, transmitted and reviewed using an email server.

Abstract: An audio program and message distribution system in which a host system organizes and transmits program segments to client subscriber locations. The host organizes the program segments by subject matter and creates scheduled programming in accordance with preferences associated with each subscriber. Program segments are associated with descriptive subject matter segments, and the subject matter segments may be used to generate both text and audio cataloging presentations to enable the user to more easily identify and select desirable programming. A playback unit at the subscriber location reproduces the program segments received from the host and includes mechanisms for interactively navigating among the program segments. A usage log is compiled to record the subscriber's use of the provided program materials, to return data to the host for billing, to adaptively modify the subscriber's preferences based on actual usage, and to send subscriber-generated comments and requests to the host for processing.

Abstract: A system for replaying a broadcast sports event using a video on demand or personal video recording system. Metadata is created that subdivides the original broadcast into segments, and associates descriptive information with each segment. Playlists that specify an ordered subsequence of the sequence may be selected and used to present a variety of expanded or condensed versions of the sporting event to a viewer. Navigation controls including segment lists, specially formatted screen displays, and special functions under the control of a user-operated remote control, facilitate the interactive selection and control of the presentation.

Abstract: A cellular telephone handset stores audio files previously recorded by the user as well as voice mail messages from other users and selectively transmitted selected ones of these files to the remote listener, or to the voice mail system of a remote user. Voice mail messages are composed, stored, transmitted, forwarded and reviewed using a voice mail system without ringing the remote party's telephone, much as email is composed, stored, transmitted and reviewed using an email server.

Abstract: A communications system for simulcasting audio or audiovisual program content to a plurality of participating system users via a communication network. Each user operates an access device that reproduces the received program content for the user and also accepts spoken comments from the user concurrently with or immediately following the reproduction of the program content. The spoken comments are transmitted to at least selected ones of the other users so that the selected users can engage in a conversation about the program content as it is simulcast.

Abstract: This improved method of calibrating wood testing machines includes improved test bars, shim and software to direct the operator through the steps of calibration, storing interim results and calculating new calibration factors based on values read when the test bars are placed in the wood testing machine. This method avoids a number of problems in previous methods and apparatus. It properly corrects for changes in deflection in the measurement apparatus and changes in straightness of the test bars. The result is a more stable and reliable calibration that is referenced to precise measurement of the EI product for the test bar.

Abstract: A system, method and device to interrogate for the presence of objects, to prevent the inadvertent separation of the objects from their owner. An owner is alerted when they are separated from the objects by determining when a trigger event occurs, such as a person leaving and/or entering a particular monitored area or location. These monitored areas can be retrofitted with an electronic interrogation device that monitors local conditions to determine whether a user is entering or leaving the monitored area to trigger an interrogation of the personal items. The interrogation device is constructed and arranged to communicate with the objects to determine whether the objects are with the owner. The interrogation device automatically determines the presence of a particular object at the monitored environment and automatically generates a notification when needed. The system further controls functionality of the objects, according to illustrative embodiments, when the object is present.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for accelerometer-based sensing of motion and orientation of a portable device affixed to or integral with an object, to trigger an audio or visual output based on the motion or orientation of the object the portable device is monitoring. The audio output can be pre-recorded in the device memory or can be user recorded through the “tilt and tell” device voice recording. The invention also employs unique movement and orientation to estimated usage, the person using the device, and other application specific usage information. The unique movement can also be used as user interface to the device.

Abstract: A cellular telephone handset stores audio files previously recorded by the user as well as voice mail messages from other users and selectively transmitted selected ones of these files to the remote listener, or to the voice mail system of a remote user. Voice mail messages are composed, stored, transmitted, forwarded and reviewed using a voice mail system without ringing the remote party's telephone, much as email is composed, stored, transmitted and reviewed using an email server.

Abstract: A system, method and device for managing messages. A caller dialing a particular line has a message managing device operatively connected to the line, that records a copy of the message to be recorded on the line, such as on a conventional answering machine. The MMD includes ring detection circuitry to detect an incoming call. The copy of the message recorded on the line can be communicated to the appropriate user by correlating the incoming call data with a contact list or other preferences selected by a user. The user/recipient of the message can also be manually selected by the caller. The MMD can also implement a virtual phone application for creating a plurality of distinct, unique rings for one line, based upon the caller information.

Abstract: A system and method for forwarding calls to virtual phone numbers, the virtual phone numbers associated with landline and other discrete telephone units. A user cellular telephone can receive the calls for the virtual phone numbers, based on preferences specified by the user for when and/or where particular calls are forwarded to the device. The user cellular telephone can be interconnected by a network to a system server that employs a forwarding application to forwards calls to the user cellular telephone when desired, in accordance with the preferences specified by the user. If the call is not one desired to be received by the user cellular telephone, the call can be forwarded to a voicemail database where a voicemail message may be stored, as a distinct voicemail for the virtual number dialed by the calling party.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, and software for providing information from one or more data feeds to a user are provided. In some embodiments, the methods provided by the invention include obtaining at least one putative feed; confirming that the putative feed is a feed; extracting at least a portion of content from the feed or data related to the content from the feed; processing the extracted content or the data to produce a synthetic feed; and presenting the synthetic feed to the user. In more specific embodiments, the putative fee is selected from the group consisting of: RSS feeds and Web syndication feeds. In still more specific embodiments, the portion of the content or data related to the content is selected from the group consisting of: blog posts, podcasts, videos, and Web pages.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and managing copyright licensing. There is provided a device for monitoring a business's performance of music or other copyrighted works to determine if the business has a license for performing the works. The device is generally employed by a user to record a sample of the work, as well as identifying information about the business, to assist in determining the licensing status of the business. A business location identification process obtains the information gathered from the device to identify the business where the device is located. A copyrighted work identification process obtains the recording of the copyrighted work from the device and identifies the particular copyrighted work. The business information is transmitted to a copyright license database that determines the licensing status of the business. If the business is not on the list, the business name is transmitted to a database of unlicensed businesses.

Abstract: This improved method of calibrating wood testing machines includes improved test bars, shim and software to direct the operator through the steps of calibration, storing interim results and calculating new calibration factors based on values read when the test bars are placed in the wood testing machine. This method avoids a number of problems in previous methods and apparatus. It properly corrects for changes in deflection in the measurement apparatus and changes in straightness of the test bars. The result is a more stable and reliable calibration that is referenced to precise measurement of the EI product for the test bar.