Abstract: In one example, we describe a method and device for solving the problem associated with the cover affecting the flash/light from a cell phone camera (for example), causing and adding erroneous colors, effects, and information on the resulting pictures, images, sensors, or videos. We are using/adding one or more lenses in the assembly. With these examples described here, we are solving this problem and dramatically reducing this effect. Other variations are also discussed here.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: In one example, we describe a case (otherwise known as a sleeve, holder, portfolio, jacket, or shell) for an electronic device, such as a tablet computer. This case allows the user to protect and personalize their tablet computer. This case has the unique property of allowing the user to position the device for viewing in either portrait or landscape mode. This is an increasing useful function as media (such as videos) are engaging the users for longer periods of time. This case does not require the user to hold the device in the desired orientation. In another example, we describe a distinct hinge, with a stop that limits its rotational travel allowing the user to prop the tablet computer up, at a viewing angle. In another alternative, this friction hinge can have an angular zone of travel, where little or no friction is encountered.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A method is provided including collecting a first upfront enhancement fee from a first party to a sale involving a first real property, placing the first upfront enhancement fee into a pool account having a plurality of upfront enhancement fees, and lending a first amount of money to a borrower who is purchasing the first real property as part of a first loan, wherein the terms of the first loan are more favorable because of the first upfront enhancement fee. The method may further include retaining and servicing the first loan, and retaining the first upfront enhancement fee in the pool account as a loss reserve.

Abstract: Highlighting selected objects in an electronic document is provided in a manner such that a highlighted object maintains coloring and formatting properties to allow for a maintenance of visual fidelity with a pre-highlighted view of the highlighted object and that allows for a semi-transparent background underneath a highlighted object that allows a user to see and appreciate the coloring and any visual properties applied to the background underneath the highlighting applied to the selected object.

Abstract: Global Positioning System (GPS) route creation via server interaction or wireless terminal collection creates a GPS route data file that includes starting location GPS coordinates, ending location GPS coordinates, and at least one way point location data element. Each way point location data element includes respective way point location GPS coordinates and a respective link to a corresponding digital photograph data file. Wireless terminals having corresponding sensors collect local meteorological conditions that are associated with digital photographs and GPS coordinates at capture. The digital photographs, GPS coordinates at capture, and local meteorological conditions are used to produce local weather reports for requesting client terminals. Virtual tours could also be conducted using the captured digital photograph files.

Abstract: In a method an owner of copyright in a copyright work uses computer equipment to transmit digital signal containing information regarding the copyright work to physically remote computer equipment of a licensing administrator. The licensing administrator uses the computer equipment thereof to receive the digital signal and to store the information contained in the digital signal in an electronic database. An applicant for a license to copy the copyright work uses computer equipment of the license applicant to transmit to the physically remote computer equipment of the licensing administrator request for a license. The licensing administrator uses the computer equipment thereof to receive the request, to process the request in conjunction with the digitally stored information regarding the copyright work in order to generate a license to copy the copyright work and to send a digital signal to the license applicant to confirm granting of the license.

Abstract: Collecting traffic data regarding a plurality of wireless terminals includes periodically receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) location information from each of the plurality of wireless terminals by a location tracking server. For each of the plurality of wireless terminals, the location tracking server accumulates GPS location information. The location tracking server receives information regarding a geographic feature, processes the received GPS location information, and generates a traffic pattern report regarding the geographic feature based upon the accumulated GPS location information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products adapt and render a graphic effect associated with text rendered via an output device. A method involves receiving a character associated with a graphic effect and determining whether the graphic effect has not been fully rendered with a previously received character via the output device. Graphic effects that are fully rendered are rendered in full fidelity without degradation. In response to determining that the graphic effect has not been fully rendered with the previously received character, the method further involves degrading a display quality of the graphic effect and rendering the graphic effect with degradation and rendering the character to allow the character and the graphic effect to be displayed via the output device substantially in real time.

Abstract: Highlighting selected objects in an electronic document is provided in a manner such that a highlighted object maintains coloring and formatting properties to allow for a maintenance of visual fidelity with a pre-highlighted view of the highlighted object and that allows for a semi-transparent background underneath a highlighted object that allows a user to see and appreciate the coloring and any visual properties applied to the background underneath the highlighting applied to the selected object.

Abstract: Images that are contained within documents are compressed to reduce the file size of the document. The compression may occur such that compression steps occur to the image automatically. The compression steps performed are determined based on the information available about the images in a document. The information is used to determine whether or not the image should be compressed as well as what compression method is used.

Abstract: Transparent content and opaque content that is contained within a document is treated differently for printing. The transparent content within a document is rasterized and stored in a system-managed bitmap before printing. While rasterization is effective for maintaining visual fidelity of transparent content it can lead to large spool files and poor performance if excessively performed. In order to help optimize the performance of output devices, the transparent content within the document is rasterized and the opaque vector content within the document is drawn into a metafile before printing. The metafile is replayed onto the printer and into the bitmap such that the opaque content can be blended with the rasterized transparent layers that are contained within the bitmap. The bitmap is then drawn on the printer.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A memory stores a data structure that comprises release identifier information relating to identification, validation, authorization, and/or use of data associated with releases and intellectual property rights associated with the releases. The data structure further includes a first data element that includes an issuer code, a second data element that includes an intellectual property bundle number, and a third data element that includes a check character. Another memory, or alternatively the same memory, stores a data structure that includes license identifier information relating to identification, validation, authorization, and/or use of data associated with licenses and intellectual property rights associated with the data. The data structure further includes a first data element that includes an issuer code, a second data element that includes a license reference, and a third data element that includes a check character.