| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080204420 | LOW RELIEF TACTILE INTERFACE WITH VISUAL OVERLAY - Described is a method and a system for providing user interaction with various devices that incorporates adaptable visual and haptic stimuli. Both the visual and tactile elements of this user interface are aligned with each other and are animated in such a way as to convey more information to the user of such a system than is possible with traditional user interfaces. An implementation of the inventive user interface device includes a flexible and/or stretchable two-dimensional (2D) display membrane covering a set of moving parts, forming a hybrid two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) user interface. The flexible display membrane provides detailed imagery, while the moving parts provide a low relief tactile information to the user. Both the detailed imagery and the low relief tactile information are coordinated together as to the timing, to enable a coordinated user interface experience for the user. Optionally, various sound affects may also be provided, in a time-synchronized manner with respect to the imagery and the tactile information. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080270357 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLABORATIVE LESSON PLANNING - The system enables novice teachers to leverage the expertise of other more experienced teachers who are distributed across geographical areas covered by similar teaching standards (usually states). By leveraging the vast body of knowledge contained within their peer group, the system is designed to help teachers produce better lesson plans. This is accomplished by providing teachers with suggestions based other teachers' plans for similar lessons. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20090249427 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR INTERACTING WITH UNALTERED MEDIA - An interactive media player that allows users to view, discuss and interact with any video or audio segment that is owned by the users. In one aspect, a video player graphical user interface presents a video segment in its native, unaltered format and surrounds the video segment with interactive elements with which a user can view related content or create commentary and new content. By tracking metadata such as chapter, timecode, caption and other descriptive information from the video segment, advanced interactions with other users on a network playing the same video segment will be supported without the need to re-encode or duplicate the original video segment. Users can also create new content, such as commentary, audio or video clips that can be associated with a specific section of the video segment and stored on the network so that other users can view and interact with the newly-created content. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090251460 | Systems and methods for incorporating reflection of a user and surrounding environment into a graphical user interface - Described are systems and methods for incorporating the reflection of a user and surrounding environment into a graphical user interface (“GUI”). The resulting reflective user interface helps merge the real world of the user with the artificial world of the computer GUI. A video of the user and the surrounding environment is taken using a video capture device such as a web camera, and the video images are manipulated to create a reflective effect that is incorporated into elements of the GUI to create a reflective user interface. The reflective effect is customized for each different element of the GUI and varies by the size, shape and material depicted in the element. The reflective effect also includes incorporation of shadows and highlights into the reflective user interface, including shadows that are responsive to simulated or actual light sources in the surrounding environment. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090282339 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A SPACE BASED ON MEDIA CONTENT - Described is a system and method for controlling the state and capabilities of a meeting room automatically based on the content being presented. The system can detect certain states (such as transitions to a demo, or question-and-answer sessions) based on content of slides, and can automatically switch displays and other devices in a meeting room to accommodate these new states. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090295682 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING SENSOR DATA COLLECTION USING REFLECTING USER INTERFACES - One challenge with using sensing devices to collect information about a person is that the person needs to stay within reach of sensor. Several solutions exist to resolve this issue, some relay on improving the machinery of the sensor, while other relay on constraining the movements of the person tracked. Both these methods have limitations. In this invention proposal, we describe a method for improving data collection without restraining the user unnecessary or that require a leap in sensor technology. By providing subtle feedback of the sensor's field of sensitivity in the form of a reflecting UI, the user can adjust his or her position in front of the sensor to improve the data collection. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100027983 | System and method for manual selection of multiple evaluation points for camera control - A method and system for additively, manually sequentially or manually in parallel, selecting multiple points or regions of interest in the analog or digital viewfinder of a photo or video camera with automatic controls like auto-focusing, auto-metering and auto white-balancing. Points or regions capable of being selected, within a grid of elements comprising a camera's evaluative matrix and represented to the user in a viewfinder or other display, may be hard-coded (pre-defined, selectable regions) or any point, pixel, or group of pixels. Data from the selected regions is used to simultaneously, dynamically adjust focus related parameters, light metering and white balancing of the camera and is tied into these features. Point selection may be via touch screen or by holding down a lock button. The selected points or regions may be applied to focus and aperture related adjustments or for any other camera function related to measurement of the scene. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100145808 | DOCUMENT IMAGING WITH TARGETED ADVERTISING BASED ON DOCUMENT CONTENT ANALYSIS - A method and system for delivery of targeted advertisement via multifunction document imaging devices. Imaging devices used for copying, scanning, faxing and printing documents are used to deliver advertisements, coupons, and other promotional material to users. The imaging device is capable of delivering targeted promotional material based on analysis of the documents content passing through the device. Targeting is based on device history, user history or user demographics. Device history and user history are compiled from the contents of the documents processed respectively at a device and by a user. Demographics are inferred from a demographics model using user identity or document content input to the model. Advertisements may be delivered via paper, the device display, and other means. | 06-10-2010 |
