Abstract: A dynamic quick response (QR) code including an encoded unique value is displayed in association with an item displayed in a retail environment. A configured QR code change event is detected. Encoding of the dynamic QR code is changed to encode a new unique value. The new unique value is based upon a set of contemporaneous data elements associated with the item displayed in the retail environment. The encoded new unique value of the changed dynamic QR code is archived. The changed dynamic QR code including the encoded new unique value is displayed in association with the item displayed in the retail environment.

Abstract: A system including a computer and a computer readable hardware storage device containing instructions which, upon being executed by the computer, implements a method for restricting access to information transmitted over a computing network. A resource request for a resource to be located is received. The resource request contains a universal resource locator (URL). The URL is evaluated to determine whether encryption of none, part, or all of the URL is required. It is determined that the requested resource is available and in response, the requested resource contained in the resource request is located. It is determined whether encryption is required for none, part, or all of a return URL of the requested resource that is to be returned to a location of the resource request.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems for updating a dictionary on a computer are provided including identifying a set of words included with an application program being installed on the computer and identifying one or more installed dictionaries within the computer. The dictionaries that are identified, typically by searching the computer for installed dictionaries, may then be updated by adding one or more words of the set to at least one of the installed dictionaries. Optionally, one or more installed dictionaries may be identified by the user responding to a query asking the user to identify dictionaries or applications that contain dictionaries installed on the computer. An application programming interface may add the words to the dictionaries by associating the installed dictionaries with one or more installed application programs and identifying an API that is specific for the application and using the API to update the dictionaries.

Abstract: A method for saving and restoring collaborative applications to a selected earlier time, may include saving, by a processing device, content for each collaborative application of a plurality of collaborative applications as a user uses each of the collaborative applications. The method may additionally include restoring each collaborative application to a selected earlier time in response to the selected earlier time being selected by the user. The method may further include presenting the content of each collaborative application at the selected earlier time to the user in response to each collaborative application being restored to the selected earlier time, wherein each collaborative application is presented in an original context from the selected earlier time.

Abstract: A method for saving and restoring collaborative applications to a selected earlier time, may include saving, by a processing device, content for each collaborative application of a plurality of collaborative applications as a user uses each of the collaborative applications. The method may additionally include restoring each collaborative application to a selected earlier time in response to the selected earlier time being selected by the user. The method may further include presenting the content of each collaborative application at the selected earlier time to the user in response to each collaborative application being restored to the selected earlier time, wherein each collaborative application is presented in an original context from the selected earlier time.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for determining the location of a stylus for a portable electronic device. One embodiment provides for determining at a first time that a stylus was not returned to a stylus receiver of the portable electronic device and determining last usage information relating to a last usage of the stylus at a second, earlier time. The embodiment may further include storing by the portable electronic device the determined last usage information and determining stylus location information based on the last usage information. The embodiment may further include providing an indication of the stylus location information to a user. Stylus location information may include one or more of a physical location, a geographic location, a calendar event associated with a last usage, directions to a place of last usage, an application being used at last usage of the stylus, or a user identity.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing data buffering at a wireless communication nodes. Communication nodes maintain data buffering capabilities so that a data cache related to a particular mobile computing device is forwarded among communication nodes in anticipation the movement of the mobile computing device. A decision to forward a specific data cache associated with a particular mobile computing device to a particular end relay communication node is based upon the type, history or other knowledge of the data, knowledge of communication node configuration and/or knowledge of the particular mobile computing device. Intelligent predictions of advantageous buffer forwarding are employed to transmit data caches over high-speed connections between communication nodes to mitigate data buffering issues relating to the transmission of large amounts of data over slower end links between communication nodes and end user devices.

Abstract: Methods for determining the location of a stylus for a portable electronic device are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method for determining at a first time that a stylus was not returned to a stylus receiver of the portable electronic device and determining last usage information relating to a last usage of the stylus at a second, earlier time. The method may further include storing by the portable electronic device the determined last usage information and determining stylus location information based on the last usage information. The method may further include providing an indication of the stylus location information to a user. Stylus location information may include one or more of a physical location, a geographic location, a calendar event associated with a last usage, directions to a place of last usage, an application being used at last usage of the stylus, or a user identity.

Abstract: Provided is a method for generating and updating screenshots within computer software documentation. The disclosed techniques enable software documentation to insert up-to-date screenshots either upon installation of the corresponding software, dynamically when the documentation is used, or in some combination of the two approaches. In one embodiment, the computing system or application detects when screenshots have been modified and regenerates screenshots within affected documentation. Documentation is created that includes text and macros. The macros provide for the inclusion of screenshots within the documentation. Each macro includes information about where an associated screenshot is to be captured, the steps necessary to capture the screenshot and the location within the documentation where the screenshot is displayed. Also included in association with the macros is configuration information necessary to generate the appropriate screenshot.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-usable medium for sending a first notification message to a credit card agency alerting the credit card agency of a misplaced credit card, an identification of a credit card owner, and a location of the misplaced credit card; in response to receiving the first notification message, sending a second notification message to the credit card owner corresponding to the misplaced credit card; and in response to receiving the second notification message, specifying a procedure for returning the misplaced credit card to the credit card owner.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for determining the location of a stylus for a portable electronic device are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method for determining at a first time that a stylus was not returned to a stylus receiver of the portable electronic device and determining last usage information relating to a last usage of the stylus at a second, earlier time. The method may further include storing by the portable electronic device the determined last usage information and determining stylus location information based on the last usage information. The method may further include providing an indication of the stylus location information to a user. Stylus location information may include one or more of a physical location, a geographic location, a calendar event associated with a last usage, directions to a place of last usage, an application being used at last usage of the stylus, or a user identity.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a media device such that a user can define specific events as interruptions and automatically change the channel when one of these events is detected. The media control device (MCD) is configurable, both respect to the type of event that is considered an interruption and the alternate channel(s) to which the media device is changed. Once the interrupt has concluded, the MCD changes the radio back to the original station. In the alternative, during an interruption the MCD may simply replace the interrupted channel with a stream from another device. Introduction of a short time delay between the reception of a media signal and the presentation of the signal to a user enables the MCD to execute the described functions in a manner that appears seamless to the user.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for defining information of interest to a particular user and for automatically presenting that information on a user defined channel of a media access device. The method is suitable for use with Internet-connected television, or Web TV, and Internet radio. A user defines subject areas of information that are of specific interest to the user. Each subject area is associated with a particular media outlet or channel of the media access device. The method provides means to scan particular channels of the media access device for information that corresponds to the defined subject areas. When information corresponding to a particular subject area is detected, the media access device is, if necessary, switched on and tuned to the particular channel associated with the particular subject area. In addition, means are provided for automatically recording the detected information for playback at a later time.

Abstract: Methods 400 are provided for using RFIDs to aid in creating and documenting electronic e-mail communications. A communication device such as a computer system 200 capable of sending e-mail is configured with an RFID reader 215. When a user is composing an e-mail to send and the computer system 200 detects an RFID identity tag 120 of the user, an authentication content is attached to the e-mail. The authentication content attached to the e-mail helps to authenticate the identity of the user to the person receiving the e-mail.

Abstract: Provided is a method for caching a media stream such as a television channel or a radio station such that a viewer or listener may receive an entire programming segment regardless of when in the segment the stream is accessed. The beginning of a segment is recalled, or downloaded, to a local cache during a switch to the channel transmitting the segment and associated with a playback marker. The segment is also cached as the segment is transmitted. The user views the segment from the beginning, first from the cache downloaded when the channel is switched and, then, from the local cache stored as the programmed is viewed. In the case of broadcast media, a number of streams are designated as monitored streams. The programming on monitored streams is segmented into programs or smaller segments and the segments are cached on local memory as the programs are broadcast.

Abstract: Provided is a method that enables a media subscriber to pay for and send pay-per-view media content to a third party. The subscriber is billed for the content in a normal fashion. The viewer selects a specific program that is scheduled for transmission and provides information about the identity of the other subscriber, or the recipient, so that the content can be delivered to the recipient. Additional information may include a reason for sending the program and an additional message. The recipient receives notification that the programming has been purchased on his or her behalf and is given the option of accepting or declining the program. If the recipient accepts the program, the recipient may specify a date and time for viewing or specify that the programming be recorded.

Abstract: Methods 400 are provided for using RFIDs to aid in creating and documenting electronic e-mail communications. A communication device 101 capable of sending e-mail is configured with an RFID transmitter and detector, or RFID transceiver. When the device is in the presence of other devices, the user may choose to capture the e-mail addresses of the other device using the RFID detection capability. Each device has an RFID associated with an e-mail address. By detecting the other RFID devices, the user may automatically capture their associated e-mail addresses.

Abstract: A laptop computer system having extended touch-pad functionality and a method for producing the laptop computer system having extended touch-pad functionality are provided. The laptop computer system includes a touch-pad having a first portion parallel and adjacent to a second portion. The touch-pad is configured for at least one of, (i) the first portion configured to control a cursor movement and placement functions on a first region of the first display and the second portion configured to control a cursor movement and placement functions on a second region of the first display. Secondly, (ii) the first portion configured to control the cursor movement and placement functions on the first display and the second portion configured to control the cursor movement and placement functions on a second display connected to the laptop computer system.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems for operating an application screensaver on a computer system. A screensaver activation condition is stored for one or more application programs on the computer. The screensaver is activated to overlay the client area of a running application window in response to detecting a screensaver activation condition for that application program. A screensaver process or image may be deactivated in response to no longer detecting the occurrence of the stored screensaver activation condition for that application. A screensaver activation condition may be a period of inactivity with the application program. A global desktop screensaver property may also be stored and include global desktop screensaver activation and deactivation conditions, which are used to activate and deactivate a global desktop screensaver process that overlays application program windows.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible system and method for notifying a user when the user has an open document which is inactive over a predetermined period of inactivity defined by the user. The user may be able to set a desirable period of inactivity for each application at the time of the system initialization and change the desirable period of inactivity for an inactive document after the user receives notification.