Abstract: A targeting location information system uses a portable computing device interfaced with a positioning system in combination with a distributed network. Targeting methods and apparatus are then used to identify a user selected location that is some distance away from the then current location of the portable computing device, the targeting methods allow the user of said portable computing device to target a specific distant location or a range of specific distant locations that is a particular distance and orientation away from said then current location of the portable computing device. Target location coordinates for a specific or range of distant locations is then transmitted to the distributed network and is used in the retrieval of corresponding location specific information. Additional information may be associated with the web page information such as priority information, object type information, context type information, or weighting information.

Abstract: A system for enabling a person to person communication from one portable computing device to one or more other portable computing devices based upon physically pointing a portion of one portable computing device in the direction of other portable computing devices. The portable computing devices consist of a CPU, a locative sensor system, an orientation system, and an interface to a distributed network. The distributed network sends and receives data to the portable computing devices. Connected to the distributed network is a User Tracking Application (“UTA”). The User Tracking Application receives location and orientation information from each of the portable computing devices. Based on the location and orientation of the portable computing devices and via control of the users, messages and data may be sent between the devices. The User Tracking Application also allows filtering of groups of users based on particular attributes, such as, age, gender, profession, organizational affiliation, income, etc.

Abstract: A variable footwear support system includes at least one rheological body within a sole of an article of footwear, control electronics within the article of footwear, and at least one E/M field generator coupled to the control electronics and arranged operably proximate to at least one rheological body. The sole is formed of a resilient material and the rheological body contains a Theological fluid having a viscosity that is variable in the presence of an energy field. The control electronics is adapted to generate at least one control signal. The at least one E/M field generator is adapted to generate an energy field corresponding to a control signal generated by the control electronics upon the rheological body.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for intelligently selecting and playing a musical media file on a portable media player in accordance with a preestablished exercise regimen. The intelligent selection is programmatically performed as a means of establishing a desired pace for a user to maintain in accordance with the preestablished exercise regimen. The program determines an approximate footfall rate for the user to perform so as to achieve the desired pace value included in the preestablished exercise regimen, selects a musical media file from a plurality of musical media files stored in a secondary memory whose musical beat rate more closely corresponds to the determined approximate footfall rate than other of the plurality of musical media files stored in a secondary memory and plays at least a portion of the retrieved musical media file to the user as the user performs a corresponding portion of the preestablished exercise regimen.

Abstract: A point-and-send user interface is disclosed wherein a user can point a handheld unit at one of a plurality of electronic devices in a physical environment to select the electronic device and send data to it. Physical feedback can be provided to inform the user of the success and/or other status of the selection and data transfer process. A computer implemented method includes providing a handheld unit adapted to be contacted and moved by a user within a ubiquitous computing environment; receiving sensor data indicating whether the handheld unit is substantially pointed at an electronic device within a ubiquitous computing environment; determining whether an electronic device within the ubiquitous computing environment has been selected by a user based at least in part on the sensor data; and providing the user with physical feedback through the handheld unit upon determining that an electronic device within the ubiquitous computing has been selected.

Abstract: A meeting locator system enables users, each having a mobile phone equipped with locative sensing capabilities, to receive locative data from one another. The meeting locator system displays the location of each user upon a visual map on a mobile phone of at least one user. The visual map is automatically scaled to simultaneously display the location of each user. The meeting locator system computes midpoint location (geometric or geographic) between the users and displays the midpoint over the visual map as an approximate location where the users are likely to meet. The midpoint location can be updated and further adjusted based upon an estimated travel time for each user to reach the midpoint. The estimated travel time is computed based upon a current speed of each user, a recent average speed of each user, a computation of path lengths between each user, and/or other travel conditions and is displayed.

Abstract: Real-time location-based messaging methods and systems enable users of portable computing devices to communicate with other users of portable computing devices based upon the current geographic location of the one or more users. A user can select or define a geographic coordinate(s) in the physical world and a proximity/area around the geographic coordinate(s) as a means of identifying one or more users of portable computing devices to whom the first user will communicate with. The user can select the geographic coordinate(s) and/or define a proximity or area around the geographic coordinate(s) using a geospatial dataset and an interactive graphical user interface for navigating the geospatial dataset and selecting coordinates and/or proximities and/or area within the real physical world.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is described comprising a multiple portable gaming systems interconnected with a wireless communications link. Each gaming system comprises a visual display, a user interface, a communications link, a computer system and gaming software. The gaming system can display the real-time real-world images captured by a video camera mounted on the gaming system overlaid with simulated gaming objects and events. In this way a combined on-screen off-screen gaming experience is provided for the user that merges real-world events with simulated gaming actions.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is described comprising a portable gaming system and a mobile toy vehicle connected by a wireless communications link. The mobile toy vehicle has a drive system, a video camera, a communications link, a computer system, and vehicle control software. The gaming system comprises a visual display, a user interface, a communications link, a computer system and gaming software. The gaming system can display the real-time real-world images captured by the video camera mounted on the mobile toy vehicle overlaid with simulated gaming objects and events. In this way a combined on-screen off-screen gaming experience is provided for the user that merges real-world events with simulated gaming actions. The apparatus allows for single player and multiplayer configurations.

Abstract: Method, system and computer program product for playing contemporaneous newscasts on a media player. The media player includes an update service application in at least periodic communication with a remote content server via a communication network, a user interface functional to receive user preference information accessible by at least the update service application. The update service application is programmed to receive, and store at least one newscast provided by the remote content server. The received newscast update is stored in a local datastore for automatic and contemporaneous play by the media player in at least partial dependence on the established user preference information and generally without interruption of at least one currently playing media file. A user provides scheduling parameters for playing the received newscast.

Abstract: A low-cost and low-power dynamic graphical imagery display device and method of physically manipulating graphical images in size and/or shape by electronically deforming a compliant surface upon which the graphical images are affixed. The dynamic graphical imagery display device utilizes electroactive polymers and has applications including but not limited to advertising, company logos, printed media, and upon articles of apparel. In one embodiment of the invention, the graphical image is oscillated in size and/or shape under electronic control.

Abstract: A method of matching an advertisement to a user engaging an interface includes identifying a plurality of advertisements; obtaining a source ambient factor, wherein the source ambient factor describes a variable condition of at least one of the user's environment and the user's body; and selecting an advertisement from the plurality of identified advertisements to be displayed to the user via an interface, the selected advertisement having a predetermined relational association with the obtained source ambient factor.

Abstract: A mechanical interface for providing high bandwidth and low noise mechanical input and output for computer systems. A gimbal mechanism includes multiple members that are pivotably coupled to each other to provide two revolute degrees of freedom to a user manipulatable about a pivot point located remotely from the members at about an intersection of the axes of rotation of the members. A linear axis member, coupled to the user object, is coupled to at least one of the members, extends through the remote pivot point and is movable in the two rotary degrees of freedom and a third linear degree of freedom. Transducers associated with the provided degrees of freedom include sensors and actuators and provide an electromechanical interface between the object and a computer. Capstan band drive mechanisms transmit forces between the transducers and the object and include a capstan and flat bands, where the flat bands transmit motion and force between the capstan and interface members.

Abstract: A method of visually correlating text and speech includes receiving a source file; generating, based on the source file, a page display image including a series of text segments, the generating including rendering the series of text segments with a first set of display characteristics; receiving an input signal representing an utterance; processing the received input signal to determine whether at least a portion of a text segment included within the generated page display image has been uttered; identifying the text segment determined to have been at least partially uttered; rendering the identified text segment with a second set of display characteristics; and enabling the generated page display image to be visually represented on an output device, wherein the identified text segment is rendered with the second set of display characteristics substantially simultaneously upon receiving the input signal.

Abstract: A haptic feedback planar touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor of the computer based on a location of user contact on the touch surface. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user contacting the touch surface. The touch input device can be a touchpad separate from the computer's display screen, or can be a touch screen. Output haptic sensations on the touch input device can include pulses, vibrations, and spatial textures. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.

Abstract: A location-based demographic profiling system and method is disclosed that enables users to access information about physical establishments indicating the demographic makeup of the patrons currently located within the establishment.

Abstract: System, method and computer program product for a distributed computer-moderated theatrical production. The invention relates to computer moderated shared spaces in which multiple users participate in a shared theatrical experience, the shared theatrical experience including a plurality of users performing lines from a theatrical script, the theatrical lines being sent and displayed to the users under computer control. This invention includes both virtual and physical embodiments. In virtual embodiments users perform remotely through computer generated avatars in a shared virtual space. In physical embodiments users perform together in a real physical space while wearing the portable theatrical units. In both embodiments, the users receive theatrical information from one or more moderating computers, the theatrical information including scripted dialog and/or stage directions that are distributed to users under intelligent computer control.

Abstract: A system, method and device for computer gaming which utilizes actual tossable physical objects rather than virtual computer generated tossable objects as the instrument of game play. Various embodiments of the invention allow one or more players to throw and catch a physical object(s) as part of a computer moderated gaming experience. The various embodiments of the invention include a portable gaming computer in communication with a tossable gaming peripheral device, for example a ball. The portable gaming computer is programmed to wirelessly orchestrate game play and keep score. The gaming experience may be provided in a single or multi-player mode, including the use of single or multiple tossable gaming peripheral devices; maintain individual or team scores depending upon the gaming program selected or encoded into the portable gaming computer and/or tossable gaming peripheral device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed of a wireless system for customers to interact with attendants (e.g waiters) in restaurants. The system provides for a computing system that transmits electronic menus to wireless portable digital assistants (PDA's) and enables customers to place orders and make real-time service requests. For example, the customer is able to select food items from the menus, indicate preparation instructions for each food item, send comments to the attendants, and request drink refills. The customer is able to check on the status of food preparation via the PDA and observe the food being prepared by a camera link. Upon finishing the meal the restaurant can transmit an electronic bill to the customer.

Abstract: A design interface tool for designing force sensations for use with a host computer and force feedback interface device. A force feedback device is connected to a host computer that displays the interface tool. Input from a user is received in the interface to select a type of force sensation to be commanded by a host computer and output by a force feedback interface device. Input, such as parameters, is then received from the user which designs and defines physical characteristics of the selected force sensation. A graphical representation of the characterized force sensation is displayed on the host computer which provides a visual demonstration of a feel of the characterized force sensation so that the user can view an effect of parameters on said force sensation.