摘要:
In a cluster of smart devices, an active device is selectably operable in either a hub-based mode under commands received from a control hub, or in a hub-less mode, where the active device autonomously decides how to respond to current states reported by other smart devices of the cluster. Optionally, an active device operating in hub-based mode automatically switches to hub-less mode upon failing to communicate with the control hub or upon detecting malfunction of the control hub.
摘要:
A wind-by-wind printer of three-dimensional envelopes is disclosed. A partial envelope is rotated by a turntable, a printhead is positioned proximate to a pervious fiber wind according to a three-dimensional model of the complete envelope, and unmelted fiber is dispensed and joined to the pervious wind. Several source fibers may be merged into a single build fiber toward printing. The source fiber may be modified toward printing, for example by shaping, painting or heating without melting. Several printing units may concurrently operate for adding several fiber winds to the envelope during a single revolution of the turntable.
摘要:
A compact payment terminal for operating upon a purchase made by a customer at a retail device is provided. The customer carries a mobile communication device that includes a payment module and a communication module. The compact payment terminal includes a first interface for interfacing with the retail device, a second interface for interfacing with the mobile communication device of the customer and a processing unit connected to the first and second interface. The compact payment terminal is configured to receive, via the first interface, a payment request from the retail device, cooperate, via the second interface, with the payment module of the mobile communication device for initiating a payment transaction respective to the payment request, and selectably conduct, via the second interface and the communication module of the mobile communication device, a communication session between the processing unit and at least one server.
摘要:
A data storage device that can be reversibly associated with one or more of a plurality of hosts. A “trusted” host on which the device is mounted is allowed access to a secure data area of the device automatically, without the user having to enter a password. Ways in which a host is designated as “trusted” include storing the host's ID in a trusted host list of the device, storing a representation of the host's ID that was encrypted using a trust key of the device in a cookie in the host, or storing a storage password of the device in a password list of the host. Alternatively, an untrusted host is allowed access to the secure data area if a user enters a correct user password.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus for a play system representing a character, including multiple distinct physical play units for representing the same character simultaneously, while establishing and preserving the impression that, independent of the physical play units, the character itself has a genuine and unique existence of its own. The invention provides for this property of the play system by permitting only a single play unit to fully represent the dynamic components of the character at any given time. Enabled status can be reversibly transferred from one play unit to another by user command.
摘要:
Devices, methods and computer-readable code for simultaneously monitoring the content of at least two streaming audio content channels are disclosed. In some embodiments, the monitored content is analyzed, and one or more features of the monitored content channels are computed, including but not limited to music classification features, content genre features, and spoken content features. These computed features may be used, for example, to compute a rating or score for each monitored audio channel, for example, a rating computed relative to user listening preferences, expressed, for example, in preference rules. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed device includes a channel selector for automatically tuning, for example, to a channel assigned a higher rating at a given time. Alternatively or additionally, content rating scores may be displayed to a user who manually selects and tunes to an audio content channel.
摘要:
A stored-value payment system includes trusted cards and untrusted merchant terminals. Security is enhanced by the card receiving an amount of stored value only upon the card confirming that an amount that is at least equal to the received amount is paid by the card at the terminal. The card may provide to the terminal a verifiable payment record for an amount that is calculated by the card by subtracting the value received by the card from the value paid by the card. Further security features may include a terminal certificate that is updated upon settlement and includes a terminal expiration time, and a card time register that is updated upon a payment transaction with an unexpired valid terminal.
摘要:
An apparatus and method for managing interpersonal activities among subscribers. A processor picks two subscribers for a meeting, and assigns them matched face-to-face or virtual assignments that are either identical or complementary. Assignments are selected by a processor according to preferences previously received from the picked subscribers. A random factor may affect the assignment selection. The level of intensity and/or intimacy of assignments selected by the processor may be responsive to the number of previous meetings of the picked subscribers.
摘要:
Individuals, couples, and families subscribe to a community for facilitating the arrangement of their outings and social meetings. Subscribers fill in wish-lists to specify their level of interest in specific attractions, in getting together with specific other subscribers, and in arranging their specific schedules for outings. An encounter generator processes the subscriber wish-lists to identify matches of subscribers who are interested in the same attraction, who favor each other's company, and who are free at the same time. The system notifies the matched subscribers, optionally offering ticketing and/or reservation assistance. Partial matches are optionally referred to the respective subscribers for negotiating the unmatched schedule or attraction. The system is adaptable to serve singles who wish to identify and get to know a prospective mate through mutual visits to attractions, as well as individuals, couples, and families who want to go out with their existing friends or make new friends.
摘要:
A reversible receptacle for receiving a USB plug, including a first set of four electrical contact regions and a second set of four electrical contact regions, the contact regions configured such that in a first coupling orientation of the plug with the reversible receptacle, only the first set of electrical contact regions is mechanically connected with the contacts of the plug and in a second coupling orientation of the plug with the reversible receptacle, only the second set of electrical contact regions is mechanically connected with the contacts of the plug. Also provided are corresponding reversible USB appliances based upon the aforementioned reversible receptacles.