Abstract: Access to heterogeneous data sources may be obtained by interactively determining transformations for use in mapping at least one source data component from at least one data source to a target data component. Selection of at least one the source data component is detected. A corresponding list of representative data examples is generated for each selected source data component. A resulting list of representative data examples is compiled for the target data component from the lists of representative data examples of the selected source data components, the resulting list of data examples being representative of the target data component. A modification of an example is identified from the resulting list of examples representative of the target data component, the example being modified as a single textual entity. At least one transformation is determined, by inferring from the modified example, to be applied to at least one source data component.

Abstract: A service providing apparatus for providing a service to a user of a user interface card (10) is disclosed. The card (10) is configured for insertion into a card read device (1) that has a receptacle (4) to receive the interface card (10). The interface card (10) comprises a substrate (12) with indicia (14) formed thereon. The apparatus also comprises a central processing unit for receiving a service identifier and data stored on the card (10), from the read device (1). The data is related to a user selected indicia (14), wherein the central processing unit is configured to provide a service. The service is identified by the service identifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of establishing a desired communication between an originating entity (102) and a target entity (106). Each entity is coupled to a communication network (100) and has a corresponding profile (112, 142) related to information handled by the entity. Initially a compatibility is determined between the profile (112) of the originating entity (102) and the profile (140) of the target entity (106). If a direct profile compatibility is determined between the originating entity and the target entity, the desired communication are establishing directly between the originating entity and the target entity. If step a direct profile compatibility between the originating entity and the target entity cannot be determined the network is searched to identify an additional entity (108) coupled to the network (100) and having a direct profile compatibility with one of the target or source entity to thereby form a linked entity pair providing communications (112, 124) with the additional entity.

Abstract: A read device (1) for reading an interface card (10) is disclosed. The card (10) is configured for insertion into the read device (1). The card (10) comprises indicia (14) formed thereon and a memory (19) having data stored therein for communicating with an external device. The read device (1) comprises a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane (8) arranged to overlay the interface card (10) upon receipt of the card (10) in the read device (1). The read device (1) also comprises a central processing unit for sending a service identifier, and a specific portion of the data to the external device. The specific data is related to a user selected indicia (14), wherein the external device provides a service identified by the service identifier upon receipt of the data.

Abstract: A read device (1) for reading an interface card (16). The card (16) is configured for insertion into the read device (1). The card (16) comprises indicia formed thereon and a memory having data stored therein for communicating with an external device (601, 700). The read device (1) comprises a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane (8) arranged to overlay the interface card (16) upon receipt of the card (16) in the read device (1). The read device (1) also comprises a central processing unit (45) for sending a service identifier, a distinguishing identifier and a specific portion of the data to the external device (601, 700). The specific data is related to a user selected indicia (14). A service identified by the service identifier upon receipt of the data is provided via the external device (601, 700).

Abstract: A user programmable smart card interface system is disclosed having a smart card (10) and a reader/writer (1) which is able to read data from, and write data into, an electronic memory (19) carried by the card. A user terminal (100) having processing capacity can be used by a user to write customised data into the electronic memory (19). The user is then able to utilise his own data to control a data controlled equipment (120) as the user desires. A storage apparatus (1000) for smart cards and smart cards (501) with a tactile operating surface arc also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is described in which a media browser (101), operating as a software application on a user terminal or preferably a server for a number of users, provides a user with a single user interface that facilitates browsing and searching different metadata collections over the Internet (102). A metadata server (212) is associated with each of the metadata collections. When the metadata server (212) receives a request from the media browser (101), the metadata server (212) interprets the request and replies with a description that satisfies the request and according to a predetermined scheme. The description contains at least one link which represents a return link which represents a return request to the metadata server (212).

Abstract: An interface card comprising a substrate with indicia formed thereon. The card is configured for insertion into a read device. The read device has a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane arranged to overlay the interface card so as to present the indicia to a user of the read device through the membrane. The read device also comprises a memory for storing a service identifier for identifying a service to be received from an external device according to indicia selected by the user and data stored in the memory and associated with the indicia.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic ticketing system (100, 200) and method (60) utilizing a smart card (31) The smart card can be loaded with pre-purchased tickets which are then booked at a subsequent date. Alternatively, the booking and payment for the ticket can be made at the one transaction. The smart card is customizable by a user (100) who would normally be a promoter or organizer of an event for which tickets are required. Also disclosed is a multiple purpose card (70, 91, 141, 151, 161) which is both a smart card having electronic data stored (78) therein and a conventional business card having information (72) printed thereon for use by a reader. The donee of the card is able to insert same into a card reader (12) to obtain detailed information from the computer (100) of the donor of the card. The multiple purpose smart card may also be used as a trading card (506) as part of a set (500) of similar cards each offering differing levels of user access to a database (526) related to the set.

Abstract: The method provides services using a smart card 10 (100 or 200). The services are provided by a third party other than the original equipment manufacturing (OEM) of the smart card. The method comprises the following steps. The method generates 1506 a plurality of data, where each of the data comprises information for activating a service associated with an electrical apparatus. The method also generates 1505 an indicium associated with each data. The method then programmes 1518 a smart card by loading the plurality of data into a memory of the smart card and applying each indicium 1516 to a surface of the smart card. The method also comprises loading the smart card into a smart card reader 1604 and selecting 1608 any one of the indicia. The method then activates the service by communicating 1614 the selected data to the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A virtual image album system is disclosed, the system comprising: a card (10) comprising a substrate (12) having a memory device (19) associated therewith, and indicia (24) formed on the substrate, the indicia (24) being representative of image data, and function data stored within the memory device (19) and associated with the indicia (24); and a reader (1) for the card (10), the reader (1) comprising a touch sensitive membrane (8) arranged to overlay said card (10) and through which the indicia (24) are visible, the reader (1) being adapted to output the specific function data associated with a user selected one of said indicia (24), thereby to reference the specific image data.

Abstract: A customizable user interface system is disclosed, the system comprising: a card (10) comprising a substrate (12), a memory device (19) associated therewith, and indicia (70, 72) formed on said substrate (12) and user interpretable to relate to functions stored within said memory (19); and a reader device (1) for said card (10), the reader (1) comprising a touch sensitive device (8) arranged to overlay said card (10), and through which said indicia (70, 72) are visible, characterized in that said touch sensitive device (8) comprises a membrane via which said indicia (70, 72), arbitrarily arranged on said substrate (12), may be selected.

Abstract: An interface card (16) comprising a substrate (60) with indicia (14) formed thereon is disclosed. The card (10) is configured for insertion into a read device (1). The read device (1) has a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane (8) arranged to overlay the interface card (16) so as to present the indicia (14) to a user of the read device (1) through the membrane (8). The card (16) comprises a memory (19) for storing a distinguishing identifier and a service identifier for identifying a service to be received via an external device (100, 601) according to indicia selected by the user and data stored in the memory (19) and associated with the indicia (14).

Abstract: The method is adapted for using multiple cards with a single reader. The method initiates a session of an application upon an insertion of a first card into the reader. The session is maintained active when the first card is removed from the reader and a second card associated with the first card is to be inserted in the reader. The method performs an action upon an insertion of the second card into the reader.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smart card device having a surface onto which are formed a plurality of user interpretable icons and electronic apparatus attached to the card portion. The electronic apparatus includes a memory in which are retained at least a plurality of character strings each associated with a corresponding one of the icons, a processor means coupled to the memory means, and communication means for coupling the processor means to a reading device configured to facilitate reading of the secure access device. The processor means is configured to relate reading signals generated from a user selection of at least one of the icons and received via the communication means with at least one of the retained character strings to thus perform a secure access checking function for enabling or rejecting user access to a desired service.

Abstract: A context sensitive device including a card portion (101) having a number of user interpretable icons (e.g. 122), an electronic apparatus (106) attached to the card portion (101) which includes a memory unit in which are retained character strings, including contextual information, associated with the corresponding icons (122). The apparatus (106) also has a processor unit coupled to the memory unit, and a communication unit for coupling the processor to a reading device (302), which is configured to facilitate reading the context sensitive device. The processor is configured to relate reading signals resulting from a user selection of one of the icons (122), and received via the communication unit with at least one of the stored character strings, to thus transmit an output signal for indicating a desired service based on the contextual information.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for conveying a video message is disclosed. Video data comprising at least image data and associated audio data is captured and a video message structure (401) is created. A link is established between the structure (401) and the video data to create a structured video message. The structured video message is characterized by a video message structure (401) that provides an originator (103), of the message, enhanced manipulation capabilities for the video data by manipulating the structure (401). The structured video message can be conveyed to a recipient for viewing and/or for providing the recipient substantially the same enhanced manipulation capabilities.

Abstract: A service providing apparatus for providing a service to a user of a user interface card (10) is disclosed. The card (10) is configured for insertion into a card read device (1) that has a receptacle (4) to receive the interface card (10). The interface card (10) comprises a substrate (12) with indicia (14) formed thereon. The apparatus also comprises a central processing unit for receiving a service identifier and data stored on the card (10), from the read device (1). The data is related to a user selected indicia (14) wherein the central processing unit is configured to provide a service. The service is identified by the service identifier.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for conveying a video message is disclosed. Video data comprising at least image data and associated audio data is captured and a video message structure (401) is created. A link is established between the structure (401) and the video data to create a structured video message. The structured video message is characterized by a video message structure (401) that provides an originator (103), of the message, enhanced manipulation capabilities for the video data by manipulating the structure (401). The structured video message can be conveyed to a recipient for viewing and/or for providing the recipient substantially the same enhanced manipulation capabilities.

Abstract: A system (128) for distributing at least one item from a set of media content items is disclosed. The system comprises the set of media content items, which can be warehoused in a vending machine (112) or in a remote server (524). The system further comprises a portable storage device (100) having at least one user selectable icon (104) and an associated reference pointer to a corresponding media content item in the set. Also, the system comprises the vending machine (112), which is responsive to a signal from the portable storage device (100), the signal being dependent upon a user selection of the icon (104). The vending machine is capable of locating the corresponding media content item, and reproducing the item on an output medium (118).