Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic transaction and more particularly to a method for generating and storing a record of a financial transaction in an electronic format. In one embodiment, a purchaser selects data relating to the purchaser to be included in the financial transaction record. The purchaser data that is selected is retrieved, along with any additional information to be included in the financial transaction record relating to the transaction. An electronic record of the financial transaction is generated based on the retrieved data. The electronic record of the financial transaction is stored in a database.

Abstract: The present invention takes advantage of unused storage space within the ESS cells to provide for the efficient and cost effective storage of downloadable content. Specifically, the system of the present invention generally includes a download grid manager that communicates with the ESS cells. Content to be replicated to the ESS cells, and characteristics corresponding thereto, are received on the download grid manager from a content owner (or the like). Based on the characteristics, a storage policy, and storage information previously received from the ESS cells, the download grid manager will replicate the downloadable content to unused storage space within the ESS cells.

Abstract: This solution relates to machine vision computing environments, and more specifically relates to a system and method for selectively accelerating the execution of image processing applications using a cell computing system. The invention provides a high performance machine vision system over the prior art and provides a method for executing image processing applications on a Cell and BPE3 image processing system. Moreover, implementations of the invention provide a machine vision system and method for distributing and managing the execution of image processing applications at a fine-grained level via a PCIe connected system. The hybrid system is replaced with the BPE3 and the switch is also eliminated from the prior in order to meet over 1 GB processing requirement.

Abstract: An improved solution for Web services is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for providing a virtual Web service includes: providing a Web service gatekeeper, where the gatekeeper acts as an access point to multiple private internal enterprise environments; and then the gatekeeper receives a request for access to one, or more, of these private internal enterprise environments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic switch for commodity use. Specifically, embodiments of this invention provide a high capacity intelligent electronic switch for commodity use. A flexible film substrate is used along with a field-effect transistor (FET) to produce a commodity switch. Multiple printed flexible electronics PFE substrates are stacked to and integrated into an electronic switch system. Various methods are used to measure power consumption within the switch. The modular cell design allows for horizontal and vertical scaling.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for authenticating a user to a telephonic communication device. In one embodiment, the invention includes obtaining a reference sample of an authorized user's voice, storing the reference sample of the authorized user's voice, collecting a sample of the voice of a user of the telephonic communication device, comparing the sample of the voice of the user to the reference sample of the authorized user's voice, determining whether the user is the authorized user, and in the case that the user is determined not to be the authorized user, prohibiting use of the telephonic communication device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for authenticating a user to a telephonic communication device. In one embodiment, the invention includes obtaining a reference sample of an authorized user's voice, storing the reference sample of the authorized user's voice, collecting a sample of the voice of a user of the telephonic communication device, comparing the sample of the voice of the user to the reference sample of the authorized user's voice, determining whether the user is the authorized user, and in the case that the user is determined not to be the authorized user, prohibiting use of the telephonic communication device.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention provide a card (e.g., identification, debit card, credit card, smart card, etc.) having a dynamic information display panel integrated therein. The display panel is typically activated when user uses the card. This can occur when the card is swiped, and/or is powered up via an integrated energy panel (e.g., by an external light source). Alternatively, the card can be powered by RFID coupling, smart IC contact, battery, etc. Upon powering up, displayed information is used to: identify the user; and/or show private information to user only. Along these lines, displayed information can remain in card memory and/or on the display until next transaction, or it can be deleted after a programmed duration.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus, computer architecture, method, operating system, compiler, and application program products for MPEs as well as virtualization across physical boundaries that define physical partitions in a symmetric MCP. Among other things, the disclosure is applied to a generic microprocessor architecture with a set (e.g., one or more) of controlling/main processing elements (e.g., MPEs) and a set of groups of sub-processing elements (e.g., SPEs). The arrangement also enables MPEs to delegate functionality to one or more groups of SPEs such that those group(s) of SPEs may act as pseudo MPEs. Such delegation may occur across the physical boundaries. Regardless, the pseudo MPEs may utilize pseudo virtualized control threads to control the behavior of other groups of SPEs also across physical boundaries.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to fingerprint scanning. Specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-sided fingerprint scanning device on a card (e.g., credit card, smart card, etc.), an associated energy-efficient method for attaining accurate fingerprint information using a multiple charge-coupled biometric sensor array. In a typical embodiment, a scanning device will be provided that includes a scanning area comprised of a set (e.g., at least one) of imaging pixel electrodes (e.g., arranged adjacent to one another in a grid-like or other fashion). As a user presses his/her finger against the scanning area, a portion of the finger will contact a plurality of electrodes. When this occurs, a voltage source of the device will apply a first voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes. A meter of the device will take a first electrical measurement (e.g., resistance and/or charged skin voltage) of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to photovoltaic cells. Specifically, the present invention relates to photovoltaic (PV) cells configurable for energy conversion and imaging. In a typical embodiment, each photovoltaic cell (PV) in the photovoltaic array is divided into a pixel-based array. Each photovoltaic cell is coupled to a set of switches and the photovoltaic cell is dynamically configured for energy conversion or imaging based on the settings of at least one of the switches.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to a light-powered smart card and associated methods for automated information (static and dynamic) exchange pursuant to a commercial transaction. In a typical embodiment, the card (e.g., a credit card, a debit card and/or a smart card) comprises (among other things) an energy component for providing power to the card. Upon powering up via a light source, including light from the interfacing terminal's backlight, a terminal (e.g., a point of sale terminal) will scan/read card information shared between the card and the card company (e.g., upon swiping or placing of the card), and generate a corresponding source validation code (SVC). An optional imager/image array positioned on the back of the card will scan/read the SVC, and card validation code (CVC) logic on the card will generate a CVC based on the SVC (e.g., based on a validation result of the SVC).

Abstract: The present invention relates to machine vision computing environments, and more specifically relates to a system and method for selectively accelerating the execution of image processing applications using a multi-core processor system. To this extent, a multi-core processor system is generally defined as one that is multi-platform, and potentially distributed via a network or other connection. The invention provides a machine vision system and method for executing image processing applications referred to herein as an image co-processor that comprises (among other things) a plurality of multi-core processors (MCPs) that work to process multiple images in an accelerated fashion.

Abstract: The present invention takes advantage of unused storage space within the ESS cells to provide for the efficient and cost effective storage of downloadable content. Specifically, the system of the present invention generally includes a download grid manager that communicates with the ESS cells. Content to be replicated to the ESS cells, and characteristics corresponding thereto, are received on the download grid manager from a content owner (or the like). Based on the characteristics, a storage policy, and storage information previously received from the ESS cells, the download grid manager will replicate the downloadable content to unused storage space within the ESS cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to machine vision computing environments, and more specifically relates to a system and method for selectively accelerating the execution of image processing applications using a hybrid computing system. To this extent, a hybrid system is generally defined as one that is multi-platform, and potentially distributed via a network or other connection. The invention provides a machine vision system and method for executing image processing applications on a hybrid image processing system referred to herein as an image co-processor that comprises (among other things) a plurality of special purpose engines (SPEs) that work to process multiple images in an accelerated fashion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and program product for managing conference calls. Specifically, under the present invention, a moderator and a set (at least one) of invitees (collectively referred to herein as participants) of a conference call are identified. This is typically done based on synchronization with a calendar application used to send and accept an invitation to the conference call. Thereafter, unique conference call numbers associated with the moderator and each of the set of invitees are determined (e.g., by accessing profiles for each participant contained within a directory or the like). Calls are then received from the moderator and invitees(s) using the unique conference call numbers assigned thereto. Although the calls were made using unique conference call numbers, the calls will then be joined under the present invention to initiate the conference call.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide time-varying barcodes for information exchange. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for communicating information between electronic devices via a time-varying barcode image sequence. In a typical embodiment, information to be transmitted is divided into packets. A barcode image is generated from each packet. Each barcode image is displayed sequentially with varying display times based on the complexity of the barcode image. A second electronic device reads and decodes the barcode image sequence until the entire information is received.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for authorizing the use of a biometric transaction card. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a biometric card having a biometric sensor to determine whether the biometric information (fingerprint) is from human skin. In a typical embodiment, the cardholder approaches a magnetic reader with the card. The user places his/her finger on the SpO2 sensor of the card. The sensor estimates the SpO2 level. Card authorization is based, in part, on the estimated SpO2 level.

Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus, computer architecture, method, operating system, compiler, and application program products for MPEs as well as virtualization in a symmetric MCP. The disclosure is applied to a generic microprocessor architecture with a set (e.g., one or more) of controlling elements (e.g., MPEs) and a set of groups of sub-processing elements (e.g., SPEs). Under this arrangement, MPEs and SPEs are organized in a way that a smaller number MPEs control the behavior of a group of SPEs. The apparatus enables virtualized control threads within MPEs to be assigned to different groups of SPEs for controlling the same. The apparatus further includes a MCP coupled to a power supply coupled with cores to provide a supply voltage to each core (or core group) and controlling-digital elements and multiple instances of sub-processing elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide lighting for an image array. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for providing localized lighting for an image array. In a typical embodiment, a set of pixels being scanned in the image array is identified. A subset of light sources within an array of light sources that corresponds to the set of pixels is engaged. After the pixels have been scanned, the subset of light sources is disengaged.