Abstract:
A collaboration system described herein empowers non-technical users to create and manage custom collaboration portals, called hubs. Hubs are easy to manage, often providing a satisfactory default configuration after the user answers questions through a wizard-like interface. The collaboration system may be provided as an Internet-based service that can be accessed by users regardless of their affiliation with a company or other predetermined group. In addition, the system shields users from the systems that provide storage for hub content, so that users can avoid the difficulties of data management. The system may provide one or more hub widgets that provide specific functionality, such as a calendar widget for managing events, a file widget for sharing files, a comments widget for managing electronic discussions, and so forth. Thus, the collaboration system facilitates online collaboration for users without advanced software experience.
Abstract:
A device for monitoring movement of an object is provided. A first module is configured to secure to the object. A second module, capable of electrically connecting to the first module, includes at least a rechargeable battery and a memory capable of storing a history of movement data. A third module, capable of electrically connecting with the second module, includes a data modem capable of connecting to a remote station, and a battery charger. When the second module is connected to the first module, the memory periodically records available location data representing a position of the device at the time of recording. When the second module is connected to the third module, the memory downloads through the data modem and the battery charger charges the battery.
Abstract:
A device for monitoring movement of an object is provided. A first module is configured to secure to the object. A second module, capable of electrically connecting to the first module, includes at least a rechargeable battery and a memory capable of storing a history of movement data. A third module, capable of electrically connecting with the second module, includes a data modem capable of connecting to a remote station, and a battery charger. When the second module is connected to the first module, the memory periodically records available location data representing a position of the device at the time of recording. When the second module is connected to the third module, the memory downloads through the data modem and the battery charger charges the battery.
Abstract:
A client computer runs an operating system that executes additional applications by loading them using an application loader and executes device drivers for peripheral devices by loading the drivers using a device loader. The operating system restricts the functionality of the operating system, such as by making selected portions and functionality of the operating system unavailable to the user or by limiting the user's ability to add software applications or device drivers to the computer. Additionally, various techniques can be used to remove or reduce the functionality limitations of the computer
Abstract:
A client computer runs an operating system that executes additional applications by loading them using an application loader and executes device drivers for peripheral devices by loading the drivers using a device loader. The operating system restricts the functionality of the operating system, such as by making selected portions and functionality of the operating system unavailable to the user or by limiting the user's ability to add software applications or device drivers to the computer. Additionally, various techniques can be used to remove or reduce the functionality limitations of the computer
Abstract:
A method for encoding network data, such as Internet Protocol (IP) data, into a format for transmission over a satellite system is described. The network data is configured in a packet having a data block and header information. The network data packet is encoded into a variable-length multi-packet transport (MPT) frame. The MPT frame comprises a data frame to hold data and header information. The IP packet in inserted its entirety into the data frame of the MPT frame. The variable-length MTP frame is then encoded into one or more fixed-length MTP packets. Each MPT packet has a data fragment block comprising a portion of the MTP frame and associated header information to designate what portion of the MTP frame is contained in the data fragment block. The MPT packets are sized to be embedded as a specific size payload of the satellite packet that is transmitted over a satellite network. Using this method, data received over a data network (i.e., Ethernet or Internet) in large network data packets are broken into smaller packets defined by the multi-packet transport. These smaller packets are then inserted as the data payload within standard fixed-size packets suitable for transmission across a particular distribution medium, such as satellite network. The network data remains independent of the underlying network and can be easily extracted at the receiver for use by computer applications.
Abstract:
A client computer collects registration information regarding a user and/or the client computer and attempts to upload the collected information to a remote registration system. The client computer stores the registration information locally and delays uploading of the information to the registration system until a connection to the registration system is established. The connection to the registration system and the uploading of the registration information can be performed automatically and transparently to the user, eliminating the need for any further required actions on the part of the user once the registration information is collected.
Abstract:
A method and system for monitoring wireless data service performance of wireless service providers. Data messages are sent from a plurality of remote and/or local monitoring probes to other monitoring probes. In general, the remote monitoring probes will be distributed throughout a service area(s) from the service provider and include both fixed probes and mobile probes, wherein each probe will include one or more wireless devices, including cellular phones, PSC phones, PDA devices, Blackberry devices, and the like. Various performance data are then measured, including message deliver latency and network accessibility. This data is then sent from the remote monitoring probes to one or more central monitoring stations, where it is stored and aggregated to generate performance reports and alerts, which are delivered to the service providers or may be accessed through a web user interface. In addition, wireless Internet access service performance is monitored using the remote and local monitoring probes, wherein various access functions are performed using WAP-enabled wireless devices.
Abstract:
A visualization system for enabling a user to select a vehicle and to overlay images of various user-selected accessories onto an image of the vehicle to cause a computer to display an image of the desired combination includes a database that stores digitized images of various vehicles and accessories. The accessories can be photographed separately from the vehicle, so that it is not necessary to photograph an accessorized vehicle for each one of the potentially thousands of vehicle/accessory combinations. The database correlates accessories and colors, with prices and other data, to the relevant vehicles. An Internet user can access the database over the Internet to select a vehicle with user-defined accessories, and then a composite image of the vehicle with accessories is presented to the user. Or, a salesperson in a dealership can access a local database of vehicles/accessories to display, on a monitor in the showroom, a composite photograph of a vehicle with a buyer-defined suite of accessories, such that the buyer can visualize the desired vehicle/accessory combination even if an actual vehicle with the desired accessory suite is not on the lot.
Abstract:
A method of remotely updating control software in a heavy-duty vehicle having at least one programmed controller including securing the heavy-duty vehicle; determining that the vehicle is secured; establishing a wireless connection with the heavy-duty vehicle; downloading an updated control software; and updating the heavy-duty vehicle's control software with the updated control software in response to the determining that the vehicle is secured.