Abstract: Network security management technology as disclosed herein generates and dynamically updates an intuitive, interactive visualization of a computer network in live operation. The network security management technology interprets human user interactions, such as gestures, as network directives. The network directives may be implemented by the network in response to security events.

Abstract: A device, method and system for automatically inferring a mobile user's current context includes applying a user activity knowledge base to real-time inputs and stored user-specific information to determine a current situation. Automated reasoning is used to infer a user-specific context of the current situation. Automated candidate actions may be generated and performed in accordance with the current situation and user-specific context.

Abstract: An ink includes a binder and a plurality of particulate oscillators suspended in the binder, wherein a visible phase of each of the plurality of particulate oscillators varies in a cyclic manner. In another embodiment, a printing implement includes an ink containing a plurality of particulate oscillators, wherein a visible phase of each of the plurality of particulate oscillators varies in a cyclic manner, and an outlet for dispensing the ink from the printing implement. In a further embodiment, a writing set includes an ink containing a plurality of particulate oscillators, wherein a visible phase of each of the plurality of particulate oscillators varies in a cyclic manner, and a writing surface containing a stimulus that resets the visible phase when the ink is applied to the writing surface.

Abstract: A device, method and system for monitoring, predicting, and accelerating interactions with a computing device includes determining a current interaction context at a computing device based on interactions occurring at the computing device, predicting a number of potential subsequent interactions, speculatively executing at least some of the potential subsequent interactions, and presenting interactive representations of the speculatively-executed interactions at the computing device.

Abstract: A device, method and system for automatically inferring a mobile user's current context includes applying a user activity knowledge base to real-time inputs and stored user-specific information to determine a current situation. Automated reasoning is used to infer a user-specific context of the current situation. Automated candidate actions may be generated and performed in accordance with the current situation and user-specific context.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to support adaptive interaction with legacy software applications, without a need for rewriting those applications. The methods are for use with an interactive electronic system including a processor, a display, and an input device with user-manipulated controls. When the legacy application is executed, a supplemental software program, such as a plugin, is also executed and is utilized in order to identify currently relevant interactive features of the legacy application during execution. Functionality is dynamically assigned to the various user-manipulated controls based on the identified features. In one embodiment, detection of objects (particularly the user's hands) proximate to the input controls is also employed in determining the assignment of functionality and/or in displaying a visual representation to the user of the available interactive choices.

Abstract: The activities of multiple virtual personal assistant (VPA) applications are coordinated. For example, different portions of a conversational natural language dialog involving a user and a computing device may be handled by different VPAs.

Abstract: A device, method and system for automatically inferring a mobile user's current context includes applying a user activity knowledge base to real-time inputs and stored user-specific information to determine a current situation. Automated reasoning is used to infer a user-specific context of the current situation. Automated candidate actions may be generated and performed in accordance with the current situation and user-specific context.

Abstract: A device, method and system for automatically inferring a mobile user's current context includes applying a user activity knowledge base to real-time inputs and stored user-specific information to determine a current situation. Automated reasoning is used to infer a user-specific context of the current situation. Automated candidate actions may be generated and performed in accordance with the current situation and user-specific context.

Abstract: A device, method and system for monitoring, predicting, and accelerating interactions with a computing device includes determining a current interaction context at a computing device based on interactions occurring at the computing device, predicting a number of potential subsequent interactions, speculatively executing at least some of the potential subsequent interactions, and presenting interactive representations of the speculatively-executed interactions at the computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating an individual item of a manufactured product with a mobile computing device includes generating a first identifier including an at least partially random visual feature on the item during manufacture of the item, and generating a second identifier associated with the item, where the second identifier is cryptographically related to the first identifier. One or more digital images of the first and second identifiers may be created by a camera of the mobile computing device. The digital images may be used to validate the authenticity of the item at the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating an individual item of a manufactured product with a mobile computing device includes generating a first identifier including an at least partially random visual feature on the item during manufacture of the item, and generating a second identifier associated with the item, where the second identifier is cryptographically related to the first identifier. One or more digital images of the first and second identifiers may be created by a camera of the mobile computing device. The digital images may be used to validate the authenticity of the item at the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A hardware input device is disclosed in which at least two modes of manual user input can be provided within the same surface area of the device, including actuating or pressing multiple keys or buttons etc. as well as touch and/or gesturing by the user. A disclosed embodiment has actuated keys/buttons with associated sensors for detecting actuation; a second set of sensors for detecting proximity e.g. of a user's extremities is co-located on the input device. In one embodiment, infrared sensors for proximity detection are integrated with the traditional plastic keys/buttons of a computer keyboard or other personal electronics device. In some embodiments, the elevation of actuated input elements can be controlled by a processor, so that the physical configuration of keys/buttons available to the user can be dynamically reconfigured under program control. Methods are disclosed for using the input device to facilitate a heads-up style of interaction.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to support adaptive interaction with legacy software applications, without a need for rewriting those applications. The methods are for use with an interactive electronic system including a processor, a display, and an input device with user-manipulated controls. When the legacy application is executed, a supplemental software program, such as a plugin, is also executed and is utilized in order to identify currently relevant interactive features of the legacy application during execution. Functionality is dynamically assigned to the various user-manipulated controls based on the identified features. In one embodiment, detection of objects (particularly the user's hands) proximate to the input controls is also employed in determining the assignment of functionality and/or in displaying a visual representation to the user of the available interactive choices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptable input/output device. One embodiment of a hardware device for facilitating an interaction between a computing system and a user, the hardware device includes an adaptable surface for supporting the interaction, where the adaptable surface is dynamically deformable under a control of the computing system, and one or more sensors, in communication with the computing system, for detecting a physical presence that is not in direct contact with the adaptable surface. The computing system is configured to cause a deformation of the adaptable surface in response to the physical presence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptable input/output device. One embodiment of a hardware device for facilitating an interaction between a computing system and a user includes: an interaction surface for supporting the interaction, a single actuator capable of driving a first region of the interaction surface, and a first selective clamping mechanism capable of restricting movement of one or more second regions of the interaction surface that partly intersect the first region, wherein a displacement of one or more desired portions of the interaction surface is dynamically controllable.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for authenticating transactions and records is disclosed. An information-based indicium includes an article bearing a first identifier, wherein the first identifier substantially prevents a single user from accumulating multiple articles bearing the same first identifier, and a first digital certificate that is derived in part by encoding the first identifier, wherein the first digital certificate and the article may be presented together to authenticate the indicium by comparing the first digital certificate and the first identifier.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for authenticating transactions and records is disclosed. A method for authenticating an information-based indicium includes receiving an article bearing a first identifier, wherein the first identifier substantially prevents a single user from accumulating multiple articles bearing the same first identifier, receiving a first digital certificate that is derived in part by encoding the first identifier, and comparing the first digital certificate and the first identifier to authenticate the information-based indicium.

Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.

Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.