Abstract: This invention describes an audio snippet exchange network that allows people to subscribe to audio snippets that are published by other members on the network. The audio snippets may also have user contributed metadata related to them, such that the recipients can search a library of audio snippets and play back only those that match the search term. Oftentimes people want to take advantage of communication via social networks but are presently engaged in an activity such as driving or watching a live event. This audio snippet exchange network allows the person to have a largely uninterrupted experience while still publishing and consuming audio messages.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to turn the user's skin into a touchpad device. In the case of a wearable electronic device this can be accomplished by using one or more cameras which face the area of the user's skin that will be used as a touchpad. These cameras can be conveniently embedded into the wearable device. Through use of the cameras, and image processing, it is possible to track the finger movement of at least one finger. It is also possible to determine where on skin touchpad area the finger is hovering and when it is touching the surface. It is also possible to make a determination of how hard the user is pressing on the touchpad area.

Abstract: A method of restricting the distribution of an image attachment to an electronic message via an electronic communications network comprises receiving, via the electronic communications network, the electronic message at a server; removing the image attachment from the electronic message; fragmenting the image into at least two image parts; and creating a set of rendering instructions as to how the at least two the image parts should be reconstituted to represent the original image.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising steps (a) displaying a symbol that is proportional in size to a number of search results in a aggregated georeferenced search result set, the symbol superimposed on a map in a position that geographically corresponds to a position attribute of the aggregated georeferenced search result set, the symbol comprising at least two areas that are essentially proportional in size to the number of results that have a price attribute value within price ranges that correspond to said at least two areas; (b) enabling a user to dynamically modify parameters that define the limits of the price ranges through a price range modification mechanism; (c) updating the at least two areas as the user manipulates said price range modification mechanism; (d) enabling the user to dynamically modify environmental parameters comprising a temperature modification mechanism and a solar modification mechanism; and (e) updating the number of search results as the user manipulates the environmental parameters

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable collapsible visor system secured to the person's head, sometimes via headphones, such that the visor can he extended over the wearer's face for many utilities, including protecting the wearer against communicable diseases, displaying visual data, aiding with the privacy of spoken words, protecting against glare and sun light.

Abstract: This invention describes an audio snippet exchange network that allows people to subscribe to audio snippets that are published by other members on the network. The audio snippets may also have user contributed metadata related to them, such that the recipients can search a library of audio snippets and play back only those that match the search term. Oftentimes people want to take advantage of communication via social networks but are presently engaged in an activity such as driving or watching a live event. This audio snippet exchange network allows the person to have a largely uninterrupted experience while still publishing and consuming audio messages.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air travel scheduling platform that incorporates turbulence forecast and other safety data into search results and flight query filters such that air travelers can choose flight options that minimize their risk of experiencing turbulence, or exposure to other hazardous events. It also allows travelers to monitor turbulence and other hazardous forecasts for specified flights.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable collapsible visor system secured to the person's head, sometimes via headphones, such that the visor can be extended over the wearer's face for many utilities, including protecting the wearer against communicable diseases, displaying visual data, aiding with the privacy of spoken words, protecting against glare and sunlight.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to turn the user's skin into a touchpad device. In the case of a wearable electronic device this can be accomplished by using one or more cameras which face the area of the user's skin that will be used as a touchpad. These cameras can be conveniently embedded into the wearable device. Through use of the cameras, and image processing, it is possible to track the finger movement of at least one finger. It is also possible to determine where on skin touchpad area the finger is hovering and when it is touching the surface. It is also possible to make a determination of how hard the user is pressing on the touchpad area.

Abstract: A device management system includes: a management apparatus including a first memory unit that stores a control program for controlling a management target device, for each type of the management target device; and a relay apparatus including an acquisition unit that acquires the control program corresponding to a type of the management target device connected to the relay apparatus from the management apparatus, and an execution unit that executes a process for supplying the control program acquired by the acquisition unit to a control device connected to the relay apparatus, the control device controlling the management target device connected to the relay apparatus.

Abstract: A method of restricting the distribution of an image attachment to an electronic message via an electronic communications network comprises receiving, via the electronic communications network, the electronic message at a server; removing the image attachment from the electronic message; fragmenting the image into at least two image parts; and creating a set of rendering instructions as to how the at least two the image parts should be reconstituted to represent the original image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery system where delivery time is minimized by proactively moving the inventory into the delivery network and redirecting a nearby delivery carrier to the purchaser. The invention allows for a courier or common carrier, delivery person, or some other delivery service start moving the products into a specific geographic region, tracks where the products are, and allows a customer to see how quickly a certain product, or category of product, could arrive to them before they place their order, and then redirects the item to the end user once they place their order. The invention also provides a way to purchase an order from someone else before the first person receives their item such that the second person receives the item sooner and the first person receives some incentive reward for giving up their order or receiving it later.

Abstract: A system that can control whether a recipient of an electronic message (e.g., a text message, a multimedia message, an e-mail message, etc.) with a forwarding-restricted attachment is permitted to forward the attachment to third parties can be implemented on the network without specialized hardware or software for the client devices. The sender of a text message may limit the downstream distribution of that text message through text message forwarding by associating a forwarding restriction flag with the message.

Abstract: A system that can control whether a recipient of an electronic message (e.g., a text message, a multimedia message, an e-mail message, etc.) with a forwarding-restricted attachment is permitted to forward the attachment to third parties can be implemented on the network without specialized hardware or software for the client devices. The sender of a text message may limit the downstream distribution of that text message through text message forwarding by associating a forwarding restriction flag with the message.

Abstract: A system can control whether a recipient of an electronic message (e.g., a text message, a multimedia message, an e-mail message, etc.) with a forwarding-restricted attachment is permitted to forward the attachment to third parties can be implemented on the network without specialized hardware or software for the client devices. The sender of a text message may limit the downstream distribution of that text message through text message forwarding by associating a forwarding restriction flag with the message.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method according to the invention, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts.

Abstract: A system can control whether a recipient of an electronic message (e.g., a text message, a multimedia message, an e-mail message, etc.) with a forwarding-restricted attachment is permitted to forward the attachment to third parties can be implemented on the network without specialized hardware or software for the client devices. The sender of a text message may limit the downstream distribution of that text message through text message forwarding by associating a forwarding restriction flag with the message.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method according to the invention, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method according to the invention, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method according to the invention, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts.