Abstract: A communications portal for interfacing with a carrier network, a contact center, and a user is disclosed. Telecommunications links are connected to the communications portal to receive inbound calls and place outbound calls. A gateway signaling proxy containing an application server and a reverse automation subsystem is connected to the telecommunications links to recognize and store user selections, detect answer supervision, and execute scripts as configured in the user interface.

Abstract: The system employs the use of biometric authentication, a fraud control gateway and widget, and a point of sale sensor to restrict the use of credit cards or other financial tokens to authenticated actual owners of the card or token. The card or token holder will have biometric information entered into a database during an initiation or enrollment process, and subsequent uses of the card may be authenticated by comparing the biometric information of the attempted user to biometric information stored in the system. The biometric component is used for voice authentication. As part of a multi-factor security schema, the biometric authentication is combined with a series of point of sale and fraud control methods to ensure a comprehensive security umbrella for financial transactions. Both financial institution limits to transactions and consumer-preferred limits to transactions are employed.

Abstract: A portal system for secure, aggregated and centralized management and access of disparate customer service and social networking environments is disclosed. A user interface provides multiple, parameter-based automated service scripts, each configured to utilize customer information. The scripts link to vendor-specific, scenario-specific, and social networking-specific interfaces that have common user interface elements. Shared and dedicated reverse automation gateways are configured to emulate the step-by-step self-service aspects of web sites and interactive voice response systems. The portal system eliminates or reduces inbound toll-free telephone charges for vendor contact centers and additionally links the same to social networking systems.

Abstract: A portal system for secure, aggregated and centralized management of delivering various offers in accordance with specified customer preferences is contemplated. An offer configuration server permits the vendor to specify offers based on various factors such as volume, start time, expiration, and to specify the particular customer device to which the offers are delivered. Customers have associated receive settings that define the preferred frequency, nature of the offers, vendors, and demographic exposure. The offers are delivered to the customer in accordance with these settings.

Abstract: A sound system is provided which may be removably attachable to a variety of head gears despite the size, manufacturer or type of head gear. In particular, the sound system may be attached to an ear pad. The ear pad may have a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment mechanism. The ear pad may have an elastic portion disposed between the first and second attachment mechanisms such that a distance between the first and second attachment mechanisms may be enlarged or increased to match mating attachment mechanisms formed on the head gear. A swim cap having a sound system is provided such that a swimmer may listen to audio sounds while swimming. The sound system may be retained adjacent to the wearer's ears via attachment to the swim cap, a compressive force created by the swim cap, and/or a physical member hooked around the wearer's ears.

Abstract: An improved audio/video system is provided that facilitates increased ease of use. An audio/video device can be provided with a first antenna, with wireless signals emitted by the first antenna comprising signals created from audio content provided by the device. A headset can be provided with an antenna for receiving the wireless signals. A microphone in communication with the audio/video device can be provided for receiving speech commands issued by a user of the audio/video device, with the device being configured to respond to the speech commands. The device can optionally be configured to recognize the voice of one or more particular users. As a result of the wireless transmission of signals between the audio/video device and the headset, and/or the use of speech/voice recognition commands, the device can be conveniently operated by the user. One or more components of the system can also be configured to be waterproof.

Abstract: A method of waterproof testing an electronic device at a rated water depth is provided. The method may comprise the steps of assembling the electronic device; subjecting the electronic device to a test vacuum pressure associated with the rated water depth; measuring a leak rate of the electronic device after the electronic device is subjected to the test vacuum pressure; rejecting the electronic device if the leak rate is above an allowable leak rate; and accepting the electronic device if the leak rate is below the allowable leak rate.

Abstract: An earphone is provided wherein the earphone may be secured to the user while engaging in vigorous water related or non-water related sports such that the user may both listen to audio programming and engage in the physical activity. In particular, the earphone may have a deformable structure which is adjustably securable to the ear of the user. The earbud of the earphone may be attached to the deformable structure via the electrical wire connecting the speaker and the jack of the earphone. Once the deformable structures are secured to the ears of the user, a cinching device may be tightened so as to create tension in the electrical wires to hold the earphone to the head of the user. Additionally, the deformable structure due to its deformability is comfortable to wear.

Abstract: A wetsuit with an integrated audio/video device pocket is provided herein. The audio/video device pocket may be sewn to a base layer of the wetsuit at a deltoid portion of the base layer. The audio/video device pocket may be sized and configured to receive the audio/video device. A remote control unit pocket may be attached to a forearm portion of the base layer. The position of the remote control unit pocket may be ergonomically optimal such that the wearer of the wetsuit may easily manipulate the audio/video device via the remote control unit.

Abstract: An improved audio/video system is provided that facilitates increased ease of use. An audio/video device can be provided with a first antenna, with wireless signals emitted by the first antenna comprising signals created from audio content provided by the device. A headset can be provided with an antenna for receiving the wireless signals. A microphone in communication with the audio/video device can be provided for receiving speech commands issued by a user of the audio/video device, with the device being configured to respond to the speech commands. The device can optionally be configured to recognize the voice of one or more particular users. As a result of the wireless transmission of signals between the audio/video device and the headset, and/or the use of speech/voice recognition commands, the device can be conveniently operated by the user. One or more components of the system can also be configured to be waterproof.

Abstract: A water proof and shock resistant music player is provided which permits a user to listen to his/her favorite music while engaged in his/her favorite sport. For example, the user may listen to music while surfing or boogie boarding. The music player comprises an upper housing and a lower housing. The housings have button apertures with rim grooves formed about an inner periphery of the button apertures. Buttons are sized and configured to fit within the button apertures, and rim portions of the buttons are sized and configured to have a snug fit with the rim grooves such that there is a water tight seal therebetween and the user of the music player may engage in water related activities. The buttons are traverseable between a depressed position which activates switches to control the music player and a retracted position to deactivate the switches. In particular, the buttons may have a flexible member and a rigid member inserted inside of the flexible member.