Abstract:
An improved tablet for a digitizer including a stylus and a tablet for digitizi An 5 Vt pV:stylus position on the tablet as a function of the stylus current distribution over the tablet includes a first resistive coating on the face of the tablet for conducting stylus current to a plurality of current sensors about the periphery of the tablet; and one or more additional resistive coatings covering the first resistive coating and connected electrically in parallel with the first resistive coating for providing an additional wearing layer to protect and prolong the life of the first reactive coating, the additional resistive coatings having resistance values higher than the first resistive coating.
Abstract:
A position sensing computer input device including a sensor with a sensing surface including a conductive sheet on which a human touch and the touch of an inanimate object may both be sensed. The device is able to discriminate between the two types of touch for allowing input with at least one of an inanimate object and a human touch.
Abstract:
A shaft speed and hot bearing indicating apparatus is described having a transducer actuating means mounted on the shaft immediately adjacent the supporting bearing for actuating an electrical transducer to produce an electrical pulse as the transducer actuating means is rotated during each revolution of the shaft. The transducer pulse is processed by an electronic mechanism for multiplying the transducer pulse by sixty by a phase-locked loop network and then counting the number of multiplied pulses occurring during each one second of time interval in a BCD counting mechanism. The total count is displayed each second on a decimal digital display. The apparatus also has means for activating an alarm when the sensed speed falls below a preset speed. The transducer activating means is responsive to the temperature of the bearing and is rendered ineffective when a preset temperature is reached.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for identifying unwanted email messages by transmitting metadata with an outbound email message that indicates the total number of email messages sent by that sender in a predetermined time period, or alternatively indicates the total number of email messages which are equivalent to the outgoing message that have been sent. In addition the metadata may include an identification of the sender and a “pledge” made by the sender. A pledge may take the form of a binding commitment from the sender that the information contained in the metadata is accurate, and/or that the sender promises to abide by predetermined good conduct rules designed to limit unwanted email. The outgoing message may be further signed by the sender with a digital signature that provides means for verifying the content of the message and the pledge as well as the identity of the sender.
Abstract:
This invention relates to methods and systems for accelerometer-based sensing of motion and orientation of a portable device affixed to or integral with an object, to trigger an audio or visual output based on the motion or orientation of the object the portable device is monitoring. The audio output can be pre-recorded in the device memory or can be user recorded through the “tilt and tell” device voice recording. The invention also employs unique movement and orientation to estimated usage, the person using the device, and other application specific usage information. The unique movement can also be used as user interface to the device.
Abstract:
A communications system for simulcasting audio or audiovisual program content to a plurality of participating system users via a communication network. Each user operates an access device that reproduces the received program content for the user and also accepts spoken comments from the user concurrently with or immediately following the reproduction of the program content. The spoken comments are transmitted to at least selected ones of the other users so that the selected users can engage in a conversation about the program content as it is simulcast.
Abstract:
An audio program and message distribution system in which a host system organizes and transmits program segments to client subscriber locations. The host organizes the program segments by subject matter and creates scheduled programming in accordance with preferences associated with each subscriber. Program segments are associated with descriptive subject matter segments, and the subject matter segments may be used to generate both text and audio cataloging presentations to enable the user to more easily identify and select desirable programming. A playback unit at the subscriber location reproduces the program segments received from the host and includes mechanisms for interactively navigating among the program segments. A usage log is compiled to record the subscriber's use of the provided program materials, to return data to the host for billing, to adaptively modify the subscriber's preferences based on actual usage, and to send subscriber-generated comments and requests to the host for processing. Voice input and control mechanisms included in the player allow the user to perform hands-free navigation of the program materials and to dictate comments and messages which are returned to the host for retransmission to other subscribers. The program segments sent to each subscriber may include advertising materials which the user can selectively play to obtain credits against the subscriber fee. Parallel audio and text transcript files for at least selected programming enable subject matter searching and synchronization of the audio and text files. Speech synthesis may be used to convert transcript files into audio format. Image files may also be transmitted from the server for synchronized playback with the audio programming.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for identifying unwanted email messages by transmitting metadata with an outbound email message that indicates the total number of email messages sent by that sender in a predetermined time period, or alternatively indicates the total number of email messages which are equivalent to the outgoing message that have been sent. In addition the metadata may include an identification of the sender and a “pledge” made by the sender. A pledge may take the form of a binding commitment from the sender that the information contained in the metadata is accurate, and/or that the sender promises to abide by predetermined good conduct rules designed to limit unwanted email. The outgoing message may be further signed by the sender with a digital signature that provides means for verifying the content of the message and the pledge as well as the identity of the sender.
Abstract:
A communications system for simulcasting audio or audiovisual program content to a plurality of participating system users via a communication network. Each user operates an access device that reproduces the received program content for the user and also accepts spoken comments from the user concurrently with or immediately following the reproduction of the program content. The spoken comments are transmitted to at least selected ones of the other users so that the selected users can engage in a conversation about the program content as it is simulcast.
Abstract:
A system for utilizing metadata created either at a central location for shared use by connected users, or at each individual user's location, to enhance user's enjoyment of available broadcast programming content. A variety of mechanisms are employed for automatically and manually identifying and designating programming segments, associating descriptive metadata which the identified segments, distributing the metadata for use at client locations, and using the supplied metadata to selectively record and playback desired programming.