Abstract: A system, method, and user device for restricting access to the content of media over a network. Biometric information is collected and compared against pre-stored biometric information of a user to authenticate the identity of the user. The user then requests access to the content of a medium. Access is permitted to the requested content if the content is identified as content, or indicia identifying the content, that the user previously uploaded to the server. Access is denied to the requested content if the content is not identified as content, or indicia identifying the content, that the user previously uploaded to the server.

Abstract: A system, method, and user device for restricting access to the content of media over a network. Biometric information is collected and compared against pre-stored biometric information of a user to authenticate the identity of the user. The user then requests access to the content of a medium. Access is permitted to the requested content if the content is identified as content, or indicia identifying the content, that the user previously uploaded to the server. Access is denied to the requested content if the content is not identified as content, or indicia identifying the content, that the user previously uploaded to the server.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method personalize an on-line interface by identifying and tracking a computing environment of a user so that on-line content is tailored to the subjective preferences of the user. In addition, the computing environment advantageously includes objectively distinguishable factors such as one or more of preference settings, cookies (i.e., previously viewed web sites), time/date, location, navigation click stream, autonomic reaction to viewed on-line content and type of computer platform. Thus, one or more usage profile records for each user may be maintained, each tailored for the computing environment and user's subjective preferences when in that computing environment.

Abstract: Two electronic devices automatically perform a synchronization session when one of the electronic devices is brought in proximity to the other electronic device. The synchronization session is initiated without user intervention based simply on the fact that the two devices have recently been brought within a predetermined distance of each other. The two electronic devices communicate in a wireless manner. The two devices may determine that they are within a predetermined distance of each other using global positioning technology, via which one of the devices determines its own position and compares it to a known position of the other electronic device. Alternatively, one of the electronic devices may output a low level signal that can be received by the other electronic device when within a certain range.

Abstract: A method is applied for providing electronically collected and summarized meeting information. First, verbal sounds are electronically collected. The verbal sounds are transmitted to a processor. The processor automatically converts the verbal sounds, as collected, into an electronic text file. The text from the file is then automatically scanned and summarized, in accordance with a predetermined algorithm for identifying one or more key terms in the text file, into an electronic summary file. The text file and/or the summary file are then automatically and electronically distributed to a predetermined number of users.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method personalize an on-line interface by identifying and tracking a computing environment of a user so that on-line content is tailored to the subjective preferences of the user. In addition, the computing environment advantageously includes objectively distinguishable factors such as one or more of preference settings, cookies (i.e., previously viewed web sites), time/date, location, navigation click stream, autonomic reaction to viewed on-line content and type of computer platform. Thus, one or more usage profile records for each user may be maintained, each tailored for the computing environment and user's subjective preferences when in that computing environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for labeling digital image data generated by digital imaging devices, such as digital cameras and camcorders, with descriptive information are disclosed. In one embodiment, a menu of descriptive terms is displayed to the user of the digital imaging device. The user chooses one or more of the descriptive terms and the user's choices are associated with the digital image data. The descriptive terms may be used, for example, to generate a file name or may be later displayed with the digital image. In another embodiment, the digital imaging device accepts audio input such as, for example, the user speaking descriptive labels into a microphone. Using speech processing techniques, descriptive terms are extracted from the audio input and associated with the digital image data. In yet another embodiment, the digital imaging device accepts information from a location determination device, such as a GPS system.

Abstract: A method is applied for providing electronically collected and summarized meeting information. First, verbal sounds are electronically collected. The verbal sounds are transmitted to a processor. The processor automatically converts the verbal sounds, as collected, into an electronic text file. The text from the file is then automatically scanned and summarized, in accordance with a predetermined algorithm for identifying one or more key terms in the text file, into an electronic summary file. The text file and/or the summary file are then automatically and electronically distributed to a predetermined number of users.

Abstract: A system, method, and user device for restricting access to the content of media over a network. Biometric information is collected and compared against pre-stored biometric information of a user to authenticate the identity of the user. The user then requests access to the content of a medium. Access is permitted to the requested content if the content is identified as content, or indicia identifying the content, that the user previously uploaded to the server. Access is denied to the requested content if the content is not identified as content, or indicia identifying the content, that the user previously uploaded to the server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for managing communications between an end user seeking to communicate over an open network with at least one member meeting a prescribed set of criteria established by the end user. The end user and the member are registered members of a common service. The method begins by receiving over the open network an end user request generated by the end user. The end user request includes the prescribed set of criteria. Next, a profile of characteristics of a plurality of members are stored in a database. Each profile is associated with an address corresponding to a particular member. The database is searched to generate a search result containing at least one candidate member with characteristics which correspond to the end user request. Finally, an electronic address is transmitted to the end user or the candidate member so that the end user or candidate member can initiate online communication with the other.

Abstract: Provision of persistent support and assistance to standard browser navigation is disclosed. Preferably, among compliant sites, a common look, feel, and/or functionality is provided. This will particularly assist novice users' navigation of the Internet, as the experience for compliant sites will be aligned with a familiar set of display and functional expectations. One disclosed feature implements a proprietary tag that can be embedded within a web page. The tag indicates whether the page and/or site is compliant with the persistent support features. Once this is understood, the browser can be appropriately instructed or updated to provide the persistent features. Another disclosed feature offers supplemental information regarding resources displayed on a current web page. The supplemental information is not merely additional information that may have been provided along with the current web page; rather, it is preferably information particular to the user.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing an evaluation of a plurality of information sites to a user over a packet-switched network when the user submits a search request through a user interface device in communication with the packet-switched network. The method begins by acquiring a search result, responsive to the search request, which includes network addresses for the plurality of information sites. Next, a plurality of individuals are selected who were previously in communication with at least one of the information sites over the packet-switched network and who meet at least one predefined criterion selected by the user. A plurality of evaluations of at least one of the information sites is retrieved from a database, which are provided by the plurality of individuals. Finally, a rating based on the evaluations is forwarded to the user over the packet-switched network.