Abstract: A user to conducts a telephone conversation without speaking. It does this by moving the participant in the public situation to a quiet mode of communication (e.g., keyboard, buttons, touchscreen). All the other participants are allowed to continue using their usual audible technology (e.g., telephones) over the existing telecommunications infrastructure. The quiet user interface transforms the user's silent input selections into equivalent audible signals that may be directly transmitted to the other parties in the conversation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling discussions among people about physical objects are provided. Each physical object, of a plurality of physical objects, is associated with a unique corresponding identifier and with at least one person interested in the physical object. When an input including a unique identifier is received that input identifies one of the plurality of physical objects as a specific physical object of interest. A conversational element about the specific physical object of interest is eventually captured. This conversational element is likely produced by a person located at or near the specific physical object of interest. At this point at least one person interested in the specific physical object of interest is identified. This can be based on associations that were produced and the input received. The conversational element about the specific physical object of interest can then be provided to the at least one person interested in the specific physical object of interest.

Abstract: A presentation control system and method to facilitate the interaction between a user and a presentation device. The user generates tangible sensible identification devices, which are linked to items to be displayed in a presentation. In use, the user places the tangible sensible identification-carrying device in the sensible area of an identification sensing device. The identification sensing device reads an identification from the identification-carrying device and determines a presentation element identified by the identification. The presentation element is then displayed via a presentation display device. Alternatively, the user generates one or more control identification devices which are linked to controllable element(s) to be controlled in a presentation. In use, the user places the controllable identification-carrying device in the sensible area of a control identification sensing device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling discussions among people about physical objects are provided. Each physical object, of a plurality of physical objects, is associated with a unique corresponding identifier and with at least one person interested in the physical object. When an input including a unique identifier is received that input identifies one of the plurality of physical objects as a specific physical object of interest. A conversational element about the specific physical object of interest is eventually captured. This conversational element is likely produced by a person located at or near the specific physical object of interest. At this point at least one person interested in the specific physical object of interest is identified. This can be based on associations that were produced and the input received. The conversational element about the specific physical object of interest can then be provided to the at least one person interested in the specific physical object of interest.

Abstract: A token may be issued for a person for whom access rights are to be adjusted. An interaction manager may receive an interaction request and the token. One or more selection criterion may thereupon be adjusted based on the token which may result in a greater access to information being provided. The information may include interaction information displayed as an interaction space on a caller's communication device.

Abstract: A tactile guidance system and method provides a user with navigational assistance through continuous background communication. This continuous background communication is realized through tactile cueing. By making the direction giving through tactile cues, a user's main attention can focus on visual and auditory cues in the real world, instead of focusing on the direction giving device itself. An electronic compass maintains the orientation of a user. A navigation state is maintained as a combination of orientation, location and destination. A guidance server provides a mapping from a user's current location to directions to a desired destination. Communication links maintain communication between the tactile direction device and the guidance server. The compass, tactile direction device, communication links and guidance server all interact to provide direction information to a user via a tactile surface.