| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090024711 | DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM WITH ENHANCEMENT DATA - A method of enhancing an electronic communication is disclosed, be it in the form of a message, file, or other type of transmission. The method includes the steps of transmitting and receiving a message or file with a content and, along with the message or file, transmitting and receiving enhancement information enabling a recipient of the message or file to more fully appreciate the content. In one embodiment, the enhancement information enables the recipient to visualize the sender or listen to the content of a message. For example, the enhancement information may include phonemes enabling the recipient to listen to the content of a message in a synthesized voice of the sender. In all embodiments, the enhancement information may be stored at the location of the recipient to limit the need for retransmission thereof. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090051699 | PERSPECTIVE ALTERING DISPLAY SYSTEM - The perception of a displayed image is altered for viewers moving relative to the position of the display system screen, thereby imparting a sense of three-dimensional immersion in the scene being displayed. A display generator generates a scene having foreground and background elements, and a display screen displaying the scene. A sensor detects the position of a viewer relative to the display screen, and a processor is operative to shift the relative position of the foreground and background elements in the displayed scene as a function of viewer position, such that the viewer's perspective of the scene changes as the viewer moves relative to the display screen. The foreground and background elements may be presented in the form of multiple superimposed graphics planes, and/or a camera may be used to record the scene through panning at sequential angles. The system may be used to implement virtual windows, virtual mirrors and other effects without requiring viewers or users to modify behavior or wear glasses, beacons, etc. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090254826 | Portable Communications Device - Improvements enhance the use of portable communications devices such as cellular telephones. According to one embodiment, data storage capacity is added to the device, such that if a “speed-dial” type operation is initiated, the device is operative to announce a pre-recorded message previously associated by the user with that key sequence, such as the number and/or person being dialed. Another feature enables the user to program a series of telephone numbers before in advance. In this way, the user is able to initiate the dialing of the numbers sequentially, without having to select or key in information for each call while driving. Yet another aspect of the invention offers the ability to interact with GPS (“Global Positioning Satellite”) information. In some scenarios, it may be advantageous to be able to switch the communications link (say, between different carrier services, such as “Air-Touch Cellular” or “Sprint PCS”) as the communications device is moved to different locations. Alternatively, the ability to identify its own location enables the device to respond to inquiries from an external stimulus source, by which the location of the device is transmitted back to the external source. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20100325242 | SYSTEM AND METHOD ENABLING LICENSED SOFTWARE TO BE USED ON MULTIPLE COMPUTERS - A method of transferring user preferences from one computer to another is based upon a transportable data storage medium. Information relating to the user's computer configuration preferences are recorded on the medium at a first computer, which is then loaded at a second computer, so as to at least temporarily configure the second computer in accordance with the information stored on the transportable medium. The information stored on the medium may effectuate various configuration changes at the second computer, including the generation of a preferred desktop graphical interface. The storage medium may also include information relating to wired or wireless network or dial-up communications preferences, application programs, one or more user files or information relating thereto. The method may further include the step of accessing a remote location to at least temporarily configure the second computer in accordance with the information stored on the transportable medium. For example, a remote location may be accessed to download data or an application program desired by the user at the second computer. The configuration of the second computer may occur by re-booting the second computer or through a different user log-on without restarting the second computer. The medium may be based on magnetic, optical, magneto-optical, or semiconductor storage, and may be in the form of a disk or card. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110138426 | VIDEO SWITCHING AND SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS - An apparatus integrates a plurality of television signal sources into a cohesive audio/video environment. Internal provisions include a standard broadcast-frequency tuner, cable tuner as well as other optional inputs such as for a direct-broadcast satellite, previously recorded video material, etc. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided whereby a main or primary program channel may be linked to additional channels providing supplementary information to enhance resolution, sound quality, or to facilitate special effects. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110218915 | METHOD FOR SECURE TRANSACTIONS UTILIZING PHYSICALLY SEPARATED COMPUTERS - A secure transaction method involves establishing an electronically accessible verification site authorized by the holder of a credit or debit card, and accessing the verification site by a merchant to determine whether a request for goods or services is authorized. The request for goods or services is based upon the use of the credit or debit card, but the card is not physically presented. The verification site is an electronic mail account which may be established by the merchant, card holder or other authorized person or entity. An authorization message is preferably sent from the site to the merchant in response to the step of accessing the verification site by the merchant. The verification site may also be wirelessly accessible, enabling an authorization message to be delivered through a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, or other mobile device. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110253796 | ZONE-BASED HVAC SYSTEM - A zone-based heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system uses occupant sensors and controllable vents to favor environmental conditions in occupied areas. A plurality of comfort delivery devices are provided, each being associated with at least one of the zones, each comfort delivery device being responsible for delivering a change in climate to its respective zone through the HVAC unit. A sending unit is disposed in each zone, the sending unit including a first sensor for determining whether the zone is occupied by one or more persons, a second sensor for determining an environmental condition in the zone, and a communications device for outputting a signal relating to the occupancy and environmental condition. A control unit includes an input for receiving the signal from each sending unit and selectively activating and deactivating the comfort delivery devices to prioritize the climate control provided by the HVAC unit to zones that are occupied. The control unit further may incorporate information from other sources, both internal and external, and learned behavior from previous measurements. Unoccupied areas may be utilized as sources of pre-conditioned air, previously stored for efficiency or economy reasons. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20120000124 | VERSATILE, MODULAR PLANT SUPPORT SYSTEM, KIT AND METHOD - A system, kit and method are disclosed to support a variety of plants, including tomato plants, flowers such as peonies and roses, small trees and bushes. A rod having a cross-sectional geometry with upper and lower ends defining a length includes a socket configured to receive the lower end of another one of the rods, enabling a plurality of the rods to be stacked. A plurality of retainer components are spaced apart along the length of the rod, each retainer component including one or more capture devices, each capture device being configured to retain a portion of a flexible member. The lower end of one or more of the rods may then be placed into the ground proximate to a live plant with the flexible member positioned around at least a portion of the plant and attached at one or more of the capture devices to support the plant. | 01-05-2012 |
