Abstract: A toy construction system comprising toy construction elements, comprising coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements, one or more marker construction elements comprising such coupling means and each having a visual appearance recognizable by an image processing means, and a data processing system adapted to process a captured image of a toy construction model constructed from the toy construction elements to detect at least a presence of at least one of the marker construction elements within the captured image, and responsive to the detected marker construction element, generate a computer-generated image, wherein the marker construction element comprises a visually detectable feature and a movable element movable between a first and a second position, wherein the movable element, when positioned in the first position, causes the visually detectable feature to be visible and, when positioned in the second position, causes the visually detectable feature to be obstructed from

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for authorizing transactions are described. A server system receives, from a first computing device, verification information relating to a verification process for verifying a user associated with the first computing device. A verification status associated with the user is set in a memory of the server system, based on the verification information. The server system receives an authorization request for a payment transaction from a payment terminal, the request including an identifier associated with the user, and having been provided to the payment terminal by a payment device different from the first computing device. Responsive to receipt of the authorization request, the verification status associated with the user is identified, and a determination as to whether to authorize the payment transaction is made at least partly on the basis of the identified verification status.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for performing a validity check of a user device having an application stored thereon. The apparatus comprises a coupling device operable to communicate with the user device via near field communication, a processor, and memory storing program code for execution by the processor and validity check data. The program code comprises executable instructions to receive a determinate user device identifier from the user device via the coupling device and to receive application data from the user device via the coupling device, the application data being characteristic of the application stored on the user device. The program code processes the user device identifier and the application data to generate a test token, and determines whether the test token is a valid token using the validity check data.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising toy construction elements, comprising coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements, one or more marker construction elements comprising such coupling means and each having a visual appearance recognizable by an image processing means, and a data processing system adapted to process a captured image of a toy construction model constructed from the toy construction elements to detect at least a presence of at least one of the marker construction elements within the captured image, and responsive to the detected marker construction element, generate a computer-generated image, wherein the marker construction element comprises a visually detectable feature and a movable element movable between a first and a second position, wherein the movable element, when positioned in the first position, causes the visually detectable feature to be visible and, when positioned in the second position, causes the visually detectable feature to be obstructed from

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for performing a validity check of a user device having an application stored thereon. The apparatus comprises a coupling device operable to communicate with the user device via near field communication, a processor, and memory storing program code for execution by the processor and validity check data. The program code comprises executable instructions to receive a determinate user device identifier from the user device via the coupling device and to receive application data from the user device via the coupling device, the application data being characteristic of the application stored on the user device. The program code processes the user device identifier and the application data to generate a test token, and determines whether the test token is a valid token using the validity check data.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for performing a validity check of a user device having an application stored thereon. The apparatus comprises a coupling device operable to communicate with the user device via near field communication, a processor, and memory storing program code for execution by the processor and validity check data. The program code comprises executable instructions to receive a determinate user device identifier from the user device via the coupling device and to receive application data from the user device via the coupling device, the application data being characteristic of the application stored on the user device. The program code processes the user device identifier and the application data to generate a test token, and determines whether the test token is a valid token using the validity check data.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising toy construction elements, comprising coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements, one or more marker construction elements comprising such coupling means and each having a visual appearance recognizable by an image processing means, and a data processing system adapted to process a captured image of a toy construction model constructed from the toy construction elements to detect at least a presence of at least one of the marker construction elements within the captured image, and responsive to the detected marker construction element, generate a computer-generated image, wherein the marker construction element comprises a visually detectable feature and a movable element movable between a first and a second position, wherein the movable element, when positioned in the first position, causes the visually detectable feature to be visible and, when positioned in the second position, causes the visually detectable feature to be obstructed from

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for configuring and using a contactless application on a chip within a portable device comprising input/output connections arranged to communicate with other devices via a contact connection and via a contactless connection. One such method comprises a first process and a second process. The first process comprises receiving, at the chip and from a first other device, a set of computer instructions, to be executed by the chip, to create a contactless application in a data store of the chip and initialise at least one file associated with the contactless application. The second process comprises executing, by the chip of the portable device, the contactless application, to transmit data to a second other device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for configuring and using a contactless application on a chip within a portable device comprising input/output connections arranged to communicate with other devices via a contact connection and via a contactless connection. One such method comprises a first process and a second process. The first process comprises receiving, at the chip and from a first other device, a set of computer instructions, to be executed by the chip, to create a contactless application in a data store of the chip and initialise at least one file associated with the contactless application. The second process comprises executing, by the chip of the portable device, the contactless application, to transmit data to a second other device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for configuring a contactless application on a chip within a portable device comprising input/output means arranged to communicate with other devices via a contact connection and via a contactless connection. One such method comprises a first process and a second process. The first process comprises receiving, at the chip and from a first other device, a set of computer instructions, to be executed by the chip, to create a contactless application in a data store of the chip and initialise at least one file associated with the contactless application. The first process further comprises configuring the contactless application in accordance with the set of computer instructions. The second process comprises executing, by the chip of the portable device, the contactless application, whereby to transmit data to a second other device.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising toy construction elements, comprising coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements, one or more marker construction elements comprising such coupling means and each having a visual appearance recognizable by an image processing means, and a data processing system adapted to process a captured image of a toy construction model constructed from the toy construction elements to detect at least a presence of at least one of the marker construction elements within the captured image, and responsive to the detected marker construction element, generate a computer-generated image, wherein the marker construction element comprises a visually detectable feature and a movable element movable between a first and a second position, wherein the movable element, when positioned in the first position, causes the visually detectable feature to be visible and, when positioned in the second position, causes the visually detectable feature to be obstructed from

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a plurality of toy construction elements each comprising coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements, one or more marker construction elements comprising such coupling means, configured to interconnect with the toy construction elements, and each having a visual appearance recognizable by an image processing system representing a distinct toy object, and a data processing system comprising a digital processor configured to process a captured image of a toy construction model to detect a position of the composite marker construction element within the captured image, and responsive to the detected position of the composite marker construction element, generate a computer-generated image. Direct or indirect interconnection of two or more of marker construction elements with each other or toy construction elements creates a composite marker construction element representing a combination of said distinct toy objects.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for configuring a contactless application on a chip within a portable device comprising input/output means arranged to communicate with other devices via a contact connection and via a contactless connection. One such method comprises a first process and a second process. The first process comprises receiving, at the chip and from a first other device, a set of computer instructions, to be executed by the chip, to create a contactless application in a data store of the chip and initialise at least one file associated with the contactless application. The first process further comprises configuring the contactless application in accordance with the set of computer instructions. The second process comprises executing, by the chip of the portable device, the contactless application, whereby to transmit data to a second other device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for performing a validity check of a user device having an application stored thereon. The apparatus comprises a coupling device operable to communicate with the user device via near field communication, a processor, and memory storing program code for execution by the processor and validity check data. The program code comprises executable instructions to receive a determinate user device identifier from the user device via the coupling device and to receive application data from the user device via the coupling device, the application data being characteristic of the application stored on the user device. The program code processes the user device identifier and the application data to generate a test token, and determines whether the test token is a valid token using the validity check data.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a plurality of toy construction elements each comprising coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements, one or more marker construction elements comprising such coupling means, configured to interconnect with the toy construction elements, and each having a visual appearance recognizable by an image processing system representing a distinct toy object, and a data processing system comprising a digital processor configured to process a captured image of a toy construction model to detect a position of the composite marker construction element within the captured image, and responsive to the detected position of the composite marker construction element, generate a computer-generated image. Direct or indirect interconnection of two or more of marker construction elements with each other or toy construction elements creates a composite marker construction element representing a combination of said distinct toy objects.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising toy construction elements, the toy construction elements comprising coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements, comprising one or more marker construction elements comprising such coupling means and each having a visual appearance recognizable by an image processing means, and a data processing system comprising image capturing means, image processing means, and display means, wherein the data processing system is adapted to capture an image of a toy construction model constructed from the toy construction elements, to process the captured image to detect at least a presence of at least one of the marker construction elements within the captured image; responsive to the detected marker construction element, to generate a computer-generated image; and to display on said display means a composite image comprising the captured image having superimposed the generated computer-generated image.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a set of toy construction elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements; and a data processing system comprising image capturing means, processing means, and display means, wherein the data processing system is adapted to capture an image of a partial toy construction model constructed from a subset of the toy construction elements; process the captured image to detect at least a position and an orientation of the partial toy construction model; identify a user selection indicative of a user selection of at least one of a set of subsequent construction elements, each subsequent construction element being connectable to the partial toy construction model; responsive to the detected position and orientation of the partial toy construction model, display on said display means a composite image comprising the captured image having superimposed an image of at least the selected subsequent construction element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions that protect the skin and hair from extreme heat (external thermal flux). The compositions include: (a) laponite; (b) one or more UV filters; (c) one or more emulsifiers; and (d) water. The compositions are useful in cosmetic, industrial, and military technologies. For instance, the compositions are useful in methods for protecting skin from intense external thermal flux (e.g., fires and explosives). When applied to the hair, the compositions are useful in methods for protecting the hair from heat damage caused by, for example, hair dryers, curling irons, straightening irons, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sunscreen compositions that are unique in simultaneously protecting skin from heat in while blocking UV radiation. The sunscreen compositions typically include: (a) laponite; (b) one or more UV filters; (c) one or more emulsifiers; and (d) water. The sunscreen compositions are useful for protecting skin from UV damage caused by sun exposure and for preventing heat from reaching the skin. Furthermore, the present disclosure describes methods for using laponite to boost the SPF of sunscreen compositions.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a helpdesk session between a subscriber device and a customer support representative (CSR) device following a request for a helpdesk session. The system issuing, on receipt of said request, a credential pair comprising subscriber credentials for a subscriber device and CSR credentials for a CSR device which is paired with the subscriber device. The subscriber credentials are transferred to the subscriber device and the CSR credentials are transferred to the CSR device. The subscriber and CSR credentials are then transferred to a core node for authentication. If the credentials are authentic the helpdesk session between the paired subscriber device and the CSR device is established.