Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) kit for storing and transporting components of a VR system is described. The VR kit includes receptacles for receiving and/or retaining positions of one or more of a VR headset, a tablet device, a controller, and a charging module. The VR kit can also include receptacles for receiving and/or retaining positions of a set of headphones, a set of earphones, and other material associated with use of a VR system. The VR kit includes a handle that maintains balance of the system during transportation the components of a VR system, while allowing a user to carry other objects. The VR kit is also designed for use in a clinical setting, by including materials that promote sanitization of components of a VR system. The VR kit is compact to facilitate storage of multiple units of the system in small spaces.

Abstract: A system and method including collecting image data of a purchase receipt; converting image data to machine readable data; generating a receipt model including at least one line item from the machine readable text data; selecting a product profile to associate with a line item through one of a tiered set of receipt heuristics, that includes: through a direct identifier heuristic, searching for a product identifier from a line item that corresponds to a product profile, and through an approximate match heuristic, calculating a score for the line item compared to at least one product profile of a master product list; and accounting for the selected product profile of the line item.

Abstract: A system and method including collecting image data of a purchase receipt; converting image data to machine readable data; generating a receipt model including at least one line item from the machine readable text data; selecting a product profile to associate with a line item through one of a tiered set of receipt heuristics, that includes: through a direct identifier heuristic, searching for a product identifier from a line item that corresponds to a product profile, and through an approximate match heuristic, calculating a score for the line item compared to at least one product profile of a master product list; and accounting for the selected product profile of the line item.

Abstract: A computer activity-based challenge may be posted by a computer system to a social network associated with a user of the computer system. A notification may be received from the social network by the computer system indicating acceptance of the challenge for each subscriber of the social network who accepts the challenge. A result obtained by each subscriber who accepted the challenge may be recorded by the computer system after receiving the result from the social network. In some implementations a value associated with the challenge may be updated using dynamic scoring.

Abstract: A server transmits location information based on identification information of at least one access point in response to the reception of the identification information, the time of reception of identification information of an access point that is associated with a location indicated by the location information received from the server is associated with the indicated location, irrespective of the time of reception of the location information. Identification information of an access point is received and is associated with reception time information that indicates the time of reception of the identification information. The identification information associated with the reception time information is transmitted to a location information providing server. Location information based on the transmitted identification information is received and is associated with reception time information that is associated with the transmitted identification information.

Abstract: A server transmits location information based on identification information of at least one access point in response to the reception of the identification information, the time of reception of identification information of an access point that is associated with a location indicated by the location information received from the server is associated with the indicated location, irrespective of the time of reception of the location information. Identification information of an access point is received and is associated with reception time information that indicates the time of reception of the identification information. The identification information associated with the reception time information is transmitted to a location information providing server. Location information based on the transmitted identification information is received and is associated with reception time information that is associated with the transmitted identification information.

Abstract: A computer activity-based challenge may be posted by a computer system to a social network associated with a user of the computer system. A notification may be received from the social network by the computer system indicating acceptance of the challenge for each subscriber of the social network who accepts the challenge. A result obtained by each subscriber who accepted the challenge may be recorded by the computer system after receiving the result from the social network. In some implementations a value associated with the challenge may be updated using dynamic scoring.

Abstract: A pet collar having a digital pet information storage and retrieval device for the identification of a pet is provided. The pet collar carries a modular ID device which is connectable to a computer via a conventional connection device. The ID device is provided for storing information data relative to the pet, including but not limited to identification information, owner information, health records, and the like. The ID device is removably received within an ID device housing secured to the pet collar. When a lost pet wearing the pet collar and ID device of the present invention is found, the finder removes the ID device and connects it to a standard computer and retrieves the data stored thereon in order to contact the owner and ensure proper care is taken of the animal until returned to its owner.

Abstract: A dynamic hardware emulation model (10) to be used with a hardware simulator for testing a user device (26) under test. A programming interface (12) controls a memory pool (14) and a command processor/bus manager (16) such that a command cycle is initiated to read and write data through a computer bus (24), to and from the user device (26). The programming interface (12) and the user device (26) can act in a master or slave mode. When the user device (26) is in slave mode, a slave memory (18) contains expected data for comparison purposes, and an arbiter (20) determines which device will have access to the computer bus (24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing, capturing and disposing of the waste start up web of paper in high-speed manufacturing procedures which involve a converting step, e.g. laser perforation or the like. Specifically, the converting apparatus and the web speed are carefully and precisely controlled by a programmable logic controller to result in a rapid production of converted web with a minimum of waste. The apparatus and method are tuned by sampling the waste and web for conversion quality, and using that information to adjust the converting apparatus and bias that adjustment for maximum reduction in waste.

Abstract: A dynamic hardware emulation model (10) to be used with a hardware simulator for testing a user device(26) under test. A programming interface (12) controls a memory pool (14) and a command processor/bus manager (16) such that a command cycle is initiated to read and write data through a computer bus (24), to and from the user device (26). The programming interface (12) and the user device (26) can act in a master or slave mode. When the user device (26) is in slave mode, a slave memory (18) contains expected data for comparison purposes, and an arbiter (20) determines which device will have access to the computer bus (24).