Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for facilitating transmission of a video stream from a first video conferencing device to a remote video conferencing device. Embodiments receive, by the first video conferencing endpoint device, first video data captured from a first field of view of a physical environment. The video data includes a plurality of frames. Activity data is determined for portions of the first video data across the plurality of frames. Embodiments generate, by a first video conferencing endpoint device, second video data from a second field of view of the physical environment, based on the determined activity data. Additionally, embodiments facilitate the transmission of the video stream to the remote video conferencing device for display, the video stream comprising the generated second video data and audio data captured within the physical environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, an input device for use with a computer comprises an input device housing; at least one input member disposed on the input device housing; and an auxiliary display connected to the input device housing, the auxiliary display being configured to display information received from the computer including images provided by the computer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, a keyboard for use with a computer comprises a plurality of keys which include a plurality of programmable function keys each being programmable to have multiple shift states to provide different macro functions among the multiple shift states to be inputted to the computer; a plurality of macro shift buttons which represent the multiple shift states and which are configured to be pressed to toggle among the multiple shift states for the plurality of programmable function keys; and a macro record button configured to start and stop macro recording of the macro functions of the programmable function keys.

Abstract: A method of providing a variable credit account to a consumer (12) is provided. The method includes the steps of: offering, by a credit issuer (14), a variable credit account to a consumer (12) by telephone, electronically, mail or at an in-store location; accepting, by the consumer (12), the offer; opening, by the credit issuer, the variable credit account (18) for the consumer (12), where the account includes an open-ended loan portion (22) and a close-ended loan portion (20). The method may further include the steps of initially activating the open-ended loan portion (22) when the initial offer is made electronically, by mail or at an in-store location; and initially activating a close-ended loan portion (20) of the account when the initial offer is made at any point-of-sale. A system and apparatus for providing a variable credit account to a consumer (12) is also discussed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method (100) for the dynamic verification of a consumer engaged in a transaction with a merchant (12) and authorization of the transaction. The method (100) comprises the steps of: providing a consumer transaction data set (16) including a plurality of data fields to a central credit issuer database (14); determining a processing queue (22) based upon the data contained in at least one of the data fields in the consumer transaction data set (16), the processing queue (22) including a plurality of prioritized target transactions (24); comparing at least one data field from the consumer transaction data set (16) directed to the consumer engaged in the prioritized target transaction (24) with at least one data field in at least one of the central credit issuer database (14) and a third party database (26); and determining a consumer/transaction identifier (36) based upon the comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, a keyboard for use with a computer comprises a plurality of keys which include a plurality of programmable function keys each being programmable to have multiple shift states to provide different macro functions among the multiple shift states to be inputted to the computer; a plurality of macro shift buttons which represent the multiple shift states and which are configured to be pressed to toggle among the multiple shift states for the plurality of programmable function keys; and a macro record button configured to start and stop macro recording of the macro functions of the programmable function keys.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, an input device for use with a computer comprises an input device housing; at least one input member disposed on the input device housing; and an auxiliary display connected to the input device housing, the auxiliary display being configured to display information received from the computer including images provided by the computer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a risk management system for providing risk data to an entity engaged in a transaction with a consumer. The system includes an authorization denial system having an authorization denial system interface for receiving a transaction data set having a plurality of data fields from the entity; and a denial rule set with multiple rules for outputting risk data directed to the transaction based upon the result of applying the rules to the data fields in the transaction data set. The authorization denial system interface transmits the resulting risk data to the entity. A method of authorizing a transaction between a consumer and an entity is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a consumer processing system for identifying and recognizing a consumer engaged in a transaction with a merchant. The system includes a consumer processing system interface for receiving, from a merchant, a consumer/transaction data set with a plurality of fields. A consumer/transaction database is populated with data sets, and each data set is related to a specific consumer and also includes multiple data fields therein. The consumer/transaction data set is established as part of an initial data set in the consumer/transaction database, and thereafter, during subsequent transactions, compared to an existing data field in an existing data set in the consumer/transaction database. Based upon the establishment or comparison, a consumer activity data set is communicated from the consumer processing system interface to the merchant. A method of identifying and recognizing a consumer engaged in a transaction with a merchant is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of extending credit to a consumer, including the steps of: offering, to the consumer, a credit account having a private label portion associated with a specified private label entity and a credit issuer network portion for use with a merchant in a credit issuer network; activating at least one portion of the credit account; engaging in a transaction by the consumer, where the consumer uses at least one portion of the credit account; and processing the transaction by a credit issuer processing system. A method of processing a transaction between the consumer having a private label credit account affiliated with a specified private label entity and a merchant and apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A head mounted instrument, such as an indirect ophthalmoscope, has an electrically powered instrument unit and a headband for carrying the instrument unit at or adjacent the front of the wearer's head. A manually adjustable member on the headband enables the effective size of the latter to be adjusted to suit the size of the wearer's head, and is located at the rear of the user's head when the headband is worn. Power for the instrument is provided by one or more electric batteries located or locatable on the headband such that the weight of the battery/batteries is centred substantially at the rear of the user's head when the headband is worn, the battery/batteries being supported or supportable on the headband through mounting formations so that the battery/batteries are supported or supportable on the headband other than through the intermediary of the adjustment member.