Abstract: A scanning game input mechanism that includes a light-emitting mechanism that defines multiple input regions for a game in which there are multiple players. Each of the input regions is a portion of the playing surface in which a corresponding player subset is to provide physical input (such as rolling dice, playing cards, or placing game pieces, and so forth) to affect game state. A scanning mechanism scans objects placed within the input regions, while a communication mechanism communicates information regarding the scanned object. The information might, for example, be communicated to affect an electronic game state maintained in another device or distributed across multiple devices.

Abstract: A system to facilitate network-based commerce includes receiving information relating to an item to be transacted via a network-based commerce system from a first party. Criterion information specifying at least one criterion to be satisfied by a second party in order for the second party to be qualified to transact for the item via the network-based commerce system is received from the first party. An automatic determination is made as to whether the second party satisfies the at least one criterion and if so, then the second party is automatically qualified to transact for the item via the network-based commerce system.

Abstract: A method and system to protect users against potentially fraudulent activities associated with spoof web sites are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, the URL of a document downloaded via a web browser client is compared to the URLs in a list of URLs for known spoof sites. If the URL for the downloaded document is found in the list of URLs for known spoof sites, a security indicator is displayed to the user to indicate to the user that the downloaded document is associated with a known spoof site. According to another aspect of the invention, a security server maintains a master black list and periodically communicates updates of the master black list to the local list of a client security application.

Abstract: Sensors are located on first and second regions of a heat sink, with a portion of the heat sink interposed between the first and second region sensors. The heat sink is connected to a component by an attachment that conducts heat from the component to the heat sink, and a third sensor is located on the component or the attachment with a portion of the attachment disposed between the third sensor and the first and second heat sink region sensors. Temperature readings from the sensors are compared to identify a failing one of the heat sink, the attachment portion, and the component with respect to heat conduction, which includes identifying the interposed heat sink portion as failing in response to a divergence between temperature inputs from the first and second heat sink region sensors. Rate-of-rise temperature readings may also be observed and compared, including to historical values.

Abstract: An accessory device for an external orthopedic fixator where the fixator has an external frame made up of frame components which surround the lower leg and ankle of a patient with one or more transfixation wires fixed thereto. The accessory device includes a foot plate which connects to one of the fixator frame components for supporting the sole of a patient's foot. The accessory device also includes a companion shroud which is wrapped about the fixator with the fixator being received within the interior of the shroud. The shroud has a width and height which are sufficient to conceal the fixator within the shroud interior. The shroud has fabric hook and loop fastener regions which allow it to be easily installed and removed from about the fixator.

Abstract: A method and system to protect users against potentially fraudulent activities associated with spoof web sites are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, the URL of a document downloaded via a web browser client is compared to the URLs in a list of URLs for known spoof sites. If the URL for the downloaded document is found in the list of URLs for known spoof sites, a security indicator is displayed to the user to indicate to the user that the downloaded document is associated with a known spoof site. According to another aspect of the invention, a security server maintains a master black list and periodically communicates updates of the master black list to the local list of a client security application.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention discloses a portable beverage container holder that can be used by an end user during travel to hold beverages and other types of items. The portable beverage container can be used in conjunction with a laptop computer or other type of planar surface and can be folded up when not in use to minimize its size during storage. The device also includes a means for clamping to a laptop computer and other planar surface that minimizes damage to the laptop computer and enables an end user to quickly clamp and unclamp the device during transit.

Abstract: A method and system to protect users against potentially fraudulent activities associated with spoof web sites are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, the URL of a document downloaded via a web browser client is compared to the URLs in a list of URLs for known spoof sites. If the URL for the downloaded document is found in the list of URLs for known spoof sites, a security indicator is displayed to the user to indicate to the user that the downloaded document is associated with a known spoof site. According to another aspect of the invention, a security server maintains a master black list and periodically communicates updates of the master black list to the local list of a client security application.

Abstract: A system and method to control sending of unsolicited communications over a network is provided. Typically, the network is the Internet and the system defines a SPAM prevention tool for users of an on-line service, such as an on-line bidding service. Users may contact an intended recipient with a contact form, which is forwarded to the recipient's e-mail address by an on-line service provider. A link accessible from a Web site allows recipients of unsolicited e-mail to complain to the on-line service provider. Sanctions are implemented against the sender of unsolicited e-mail based on the frequency of complaints. When the complaint level against a sender reaches a certain threshold, the sender is unable to use the contact form for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and system to protect users against potentially fraudulent activities associated with spoof web sites are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, the URL of a document downloaded via a web browser client is compared to the URLs in a list of URLs for known spoof sites. If the URL for the downloaded document is found in the list of URLs for known spoof sites, a security indicator is displayed to the user to indicate to the user that the downloaded document is associated with a known spoof site. According to another aspect of the invention, a security server maintains a master black list and periodically communicates updates of the master black list to the local list of a client security application.

Abstract: A method and system to protect users against potentially fraudulent activities associated with spoof web sites are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, the URL of a document downloaded via a web browser client is compared to the URLs in a list of URLs for known spoof sites. If the URL for the downloaded document is found in the list of URLs for known spoof sites, a security indicator is displayed to the user to indicate to the user that the downloaded document is associated with a known spoof site. According to another aspect of the invention, a security server maintains a master black list and periodically communicates updates of the master black list to the local list of a client security application.

Abstract: Where an attachment means connects a heat sink to a system component, heat is thereby conducted to the heat sink from the component, a temperature sensor is located on the heat sink and another on the component or the attachment means, a portion of the attachment means is disposed between the sensors. Temperature readings from the sensors are compared to identify a failing one of the heat sink, the attachment means portion, and the component, with respect to heat conduction. Corrective action may be identified, and self-power means may also be provided to supply operative power. A wireless output circuit may be provided. Multiple heat sink sensors may be provided in any element. Rate-of-rise temperature readings may be observed and compared, including to historical values.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention discloses a portable beverage container holder that can be used by an end user during travel to hold beverages and other types of items. The portable beverage container can be used in conjunction with a laptop computer or other type of planar surface and can be folded up when not in use to minimize its size during storage. The device also includes a means for clamping to a laptop computer and other planar surface that minimizes damage to the laptop computer and enables an end user to quickly clamp and unclamp the device during transit.

Abstract: A system for providing a graphical user interface to a user of a building automation system via a client is provided. The building automation system includes a plurality of building devices. The system includes a processor and memory communicably connected to the processor. The memory includes computer code for controlling the plurality of building devices. The memory further includes computer code for providing the graphical user interface to the client. The memory unit further includes computer code for generating a plurality of user interface elements for providing to a single view on the graphical user interface, each of the user interface elements associated with a task relating to a building device.

Abstract: A system for filtering items to be displayed on a graphical user interface provided to a client and for interaction by a user, the graphical user interface for a building automation system, is provided. The system includes a processor and memory communicably coupled to the processor. The memory includes computer code for allowing the user to create a filter definition via a computer based form. The memory further includes computer code for saving the created filter definition to memory and computer code for applying the saved filter definition to a set of building automation system data items. The memory yet further includes computer code for generating the graphical user interface, the graphical user interface including results of the applied filter definition.

Abstract: A system and method to control sending of unsolicited communications over a network is provided. Typically, the network is the Internet and the system defines a SPAM prevention tool for users of an on-line service, such as an on-line bidding service. Users may contact an intended recipient with a contact form, which is forwarded to the recipient's e-mail address by an on-line service provider. A link accessible from a Web site allows recipients of unsolicited e-mail to complain to the on-line service provider. Sanctions are implemented against the sender of unsolicited e-mail based on the frequency of complaints. When the complaint level against a sender reaches a certain threshold, the sender is unable to use the contact form for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method that commences by receiving a bid for a particular sales listing from a first bidder that is not pre-approved to bid on the particular sales listing. The method continues by restricting the bid for the particular sales listing from the bidding process associated with the particular sales listing, the restricting based on the requirement of the first bidder to be pre-approved to bid on the particular sales listing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing priority-based application threads on a realtime component are described. A mixing component submits blank buffers to the realtime component. The mixing component receives application thread data according to a priority-based schedule and writes the data using a second real-time thread to the buffers before the buffers into which the data is written are processed. Buffers are created on memory page boundaries with an offset into the memory page such that the least significant bits of a virtual memory address referencing the memory page can be used as an index into a circular buffer queue to determine which buffer is currently being processed. When writing into a buffer, a buffer that is a predetermined range of buffers behind the buffer currently being processed is used.