Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating transactions between a merchant-partner and an end-user. In one embodiment, a service provider: (a) stages a transaction between a merchant and a consumer; (b) creates a transaction-specific unique reference locator (URL) linked to a transaction-specific web page; and (c) sends the transaction-specific URL to the consumer's mobile device. Whereupon the consumer clicks on the transaction specific URL on their mobile device, the service provider displays a token ID on the transaction-specific web page. The token ID is linked to the staged transaction and is used to initiate data communication between a point-of-sale (POS) terminal and the service provider's processing unit. The service provider can then: receive confirmation that the consumer has presented the token ID and a payment to the POS terminal; display a transaction receipt on the transaction-specific web page; and/or notify the merchant that the consumer has provided the payment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating transactions between a merchant-partner and an end-user. In one embodiment, a service provider: (a) stages a transaction between a merchant and a consumer; (b) creates a transaction-specific unique reference locator (URL) linked to a transaction-specific web page; and (c) sends the transaction-specific URL to the consumer's mobile device. Whereupon the consumer clicks on the transaction specific URL on their mobile device, the service provider displays a token ID on the transaction-specific web page. The token ID is linked to the staged transaction and is used to initiate data communication between a point-of-sale (POS) terminal and the service provider's processing unit. The service provider can then: receive confirmation that the consumer has presented the token ID and a payment to the POS terminal; display a transaction receipt on the transaction-specific web page; and/or notify the merchant that the consumer has provided the payment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and method for facilitating transactions between a merchant-partner and an end-user (e.g., a customer of the merchant-partner). More specifically, presented herein are pricing systems and methods for establishing and staging transactions between a point-of-sale terminal, one or more merchant-partners, and a service provider.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating transactions between a merchant-partner and an end-user. In one embodiment, a service provider: (a) stages a transaction between a merchant and a consumer; (b) creates a transaction-specific unique reference locator (URL) linked to a transaction-specific web page; and (c) sends the transaction-specific URL to the consumer's mobile device. Whereupon the consumer clicks on the transaction specific URL on their mobile device, the service provider displays a token ID on the transaction-specific web page. The token ID is linked to the staged transaction and is used to initiate data communication between a point-of-sale (POS) terminal and the service provider's processing unit. The service provider can then: receive confirmation that the consumer has presented the token ID and a payment to the POS terminal; display a transaction receipt on the transaction-specific web page; and/or notify the merchant that the consumer has provided the payment.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for integrating a streaming audio server application, an instant messaging client application, and a media player application. The instant messaging client application may be utilized to engage in an instant messaging session with other users. The instant messaging client application can notify participating users that an audio stream is available from the media player application. The streaming audio server obtains a selection via the instant messenger and then streams the audio track to the requester. The streaming audio server may also be utilized to provide a streaming audio radio station at a client computer.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for integrating a streaming audio server application, an instant messaging client application, and a media player application. The instant messaging client application may be utilized to engage in an instant messaging session with other users. The instant messaging client application can notify participating users that an audio stream is available from the media player application. The streaming audio server obtains a selection via the instant messenger and then streams the audio track to the requestor. The streaming audio server may also be utilized to provide a streaming audio radio station at a client computer.

Abstract: A shell navigation tool for a personal computer having a multiple page shell user interface and a shell component. The shell user interface utilizes navigation between multiple layers of pages to organize and display links to local and remote documents, programs, web links, tasks, services, devices, and the like. At the top level of the multiple-page shell user interface, a start page provides access via hyperlinks to lower order pages, as well as links to system settings, and a limited number of local and remote documents, web links, and programs. Lower pages in the hierarchy, referred to as “Activity Centers” may be scoped to define activity types or groups (e.g., games, web, photography, personal finance). An Activity Center page provides links to local and remote programs documents, and web links, that are related to the defined activity.

Abstract: A computer system is disclosed which may adopt one of many personas, depending upon the role that its owner is currently playing. The computer system includes a central repository of extensible personas available to all applications running on the computer system. Each such persona has associated therewith a suite of parameters, or specific values for parameters, which are appropriate for conducting computer implemented transactions under a particular persona. The computer system further includes a graphical user interface which allows the user to switch from persona to persona by selecting a particular persona from a list of available personas displayed on a display screen of the computer system. By selecting such persona, the user causes the computer system to globally change the entire suite of parameter values so that subsequent transactions conducted with the computer system employ the parameter values of the current persona.

Abstract: A user interface for navigating among screens on a personal computer. The screens, which include layers of a shell user interface and various locations within applications, are presented as pages. In addition, commands and help information of an application are presented as a web of command pages. To this end, a unit of measure, called a “place” is defined. In general, an application is a place, and separate documents within an application may also define a place. Separate command windows and dialog boxes within an application or a document typically do not define a place. Backwards navigation takes the user to the previous place, and forward navigation (if possible) takes the user to the next place. Because the underlying data for a page may change between an initial visit to a page and navigation back to the page, data objects and page code are maintained separately, and are combined only when a request for a page is made.

Abstract: A computer system is disclosed which may adopt one of many personas, depending upon the role that its owner is currently playing. The computer system includes a central repository of extensible personas available to all applications running on the computer system. Each such persona has associated therewith a suite of parameters, or specific values for parameters, which are appropriate for conducting computer implemented transactions under a particular persona. The computer system further includes a graphical user interface which allows the user to switch from persona to persona by selecting a particular persona from a list of available personas displayed on a display screen of the computer system. By selecting such persona, the user causes the computer system to globally change the entire suite of parameter values so that subsequent transactions conducted with the computer system employ the parameter values of the current persona.

Abstract: The degree to which a theme is applied to a graphical computer operating environment is modified. Elements of the graphical computer operating environment are displayed according to an applied theme and a specified theme intensity level. A new theme intensity level is received and the display of the elements of the graphical computer operating environment are modified accordingly. The modification of the elements of the graphical computer operating environment can comprise attenuation or amplification.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a computer involves first compiling configuration information from a source computer and populating a migration file with the configuration information. The migration file is kept at a server. Subsequently, upon access to the server, the configuration information from the migration file is retrieved and used to configure a destination computer.

Abstract: A method for registering a user for an online service includes receiving an initial access to an online service by a prospective user and determining whether the user has provided a valid user identifier (ID). If the prospective user fails to provide a valid user ID, automatically generating a memorable user identifier (ID), without acquiring any personal information regarding the prospective user, to enable the prospective user to anonymously access the online service.

Abstract: The degree to which a theme is applied to a graphical computer operating environment is modified. Elements of the graphical computer operating environment are displayed according to an applied theme and a specified theme intensity level. A new theme intensity level is received and the display of the elements of the graphical computer operating environment are modified accordingly. The modification of the elements of the graphical computer operating environment can comprise attenuation or amplification.

Abstract: A device for receiving telephony and textual input has a display and a plurality of buttons labeled on different axes. The buttons are labeled for textual input on their horizontal axes (parallel to the long dimension of the device), and for telephony input on their vertical axes (parallel to the short dimension of the device). When held horizontally, the device allows entry of textual input, and functions as a textual communications device. When held vertically, the device allows entry of telephony input, and functions as a telephony device.

Abstract: A computer system is disclosed which may adopt one of many personas, depending upon the role that its owner is currently playing. The computer system includes a central repository of extensible personas available to all applications running on the computer system. Each such persona has associated therewith a suite of parameters, or specific values for parameters, which are appropriate for conducting computer implemented transactions under a particular persona. The computer system further includes a graphical user interface which allows the user to switch from persona to persona by selecting a particular persona from a list of available personas displayed on a display screen of the computer system. By selecting such persona, the user causes the computer system to globally change the entire suite of parameter values so that subsequent transactions conducted with the computer system employ the parameter values of the current persona.

Abstract: A character entry device in accordance with the invention has a character entry surface. The character entry surface has raised character segment guides upon which characters can be traced by a human user. Sensors are associated with the segment guides to indicate when particular segment guides are traced. Decoding logic is responsive to the sensors to detect actually traced segment sequences and to determine characters that correspond to the actually traced segment sequences. In one embodiment, the character entry surface and segment guides are part of a remote control. An additional key face pivots to either cover or expose the segment guides. When the key face is covering the segment guides, keys in the key face rest against the segment guides and can be depressed to depress the segment guides. Decoding logic in the remote control interprets segment guide depressions as individual keystrokes when the key face is in this position.

Abstract: A method for formatting both recognized and unrecognized handwritten words in the same paragraphs of a document prepared on a pen-based computer system is provided. A recognizer analyzes handwritten material input into the computer system and identifies some parts of that material as recognized text words and other parts as unrecognized ink words. The recognized ink words are converted to a standard text format and are usually displayed in a standard font. The ink words remain displayed as handwriting. Both types of words are surrounded by "bounding boxes" which are then included in paragraphs. Paragraphs are formatted by a step of aligning the words of a paragraph between margins and in straight lines separated from one another by defined line separation distances. The words' bounding boxes in each line are separated from one another by defined word separation distances. Handwritten words written over displayed paragraphs are inserted within the paragraphs near words they were written over.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a unified data approach to performing computational services, particularly in pen-based computer systems. The approach employs object oriented functions and establishes common data structures employable in the standardized form in particular defined functional domains of the computer system. The functional domains in which the common data structures are employable without adaptation include the view system, the scripting system, and the object store functional domains of the computational system, which preferably is a pen-based computer system. The apparatus according to the invention further includes an object system for creating, eliminating and managing the predetermined data objects and structures. The object store functional domain provides external storage with respect to the externally located operating system with which it cooperates through a minimal, i.e., narrow interface.

Abstract: A rotating object, such as a toy top or yo-yo, is provided with a display mechanism which permits the display of letters, number and graphics as the object moves. In one embodiment a toy top is taught which incorporates such a display made up of string of light emitting diodes. As the top is spun a switch is closed by centrifugal force which activates the display circuitry. A message previously stored in the display circuitry memory is then read out of memory and is used to control the illumination of the LED's. As the top reaches a revolutionary speed which is in synchronization with the clocking speed of the display, the message is viewable by the user, and remains viewable until the rotational speed of the top slows enough to defeat the visual synchronization.