1292results about How to "No cost" patented technology

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for efficient, entertaining information delivery. In one embodiment, information is partitioned into clips. Clips are selected for a user packaged together for presentation to the user in an entertaining manner. In one embodiment, the clips are selected and packaged together in accordance with a template. In another embodiment, information about the user is used to select clips. In one embodiment, a user presented with a stream of information comprised of clips of information assembled for the user. The user may select a clip to retrieve additional information related to the clip. In one embodiment, the selected clip is a portion of a program (e.g., a television show, a movie, a song, an advertisement, etc.) and the additional information is a larger clip of the program and / or the entire program.

Techniques for eliminating one or more portions of a data object from any join step of an operation that joins multiple data objects include determining that an operation joins a first data object and a second data object. The second data object includes multiple portions. Each of multiple data units of the first data object is scanned. Based on data in the data units of the first data object, information is generated. The information indicates a portion of the second data object for exclusion. The indicated portion is excluded from an output of the operation. Only one or more portions of the second data object that are not indicated for exclusion in the information are included in a particular join step involving the second data object. By pruning a large second table, such as a fact table, the computational resources consumed by the joins are substantially reduced.

A multi-tier data storage system includes a first data storage unit for storing recently loaded data files; a second data storage unit coupled to the first data storage unit for archiving data files residing on the first data storage unit for more than a predetermined period of time; and, a third data storage unit coupled to the second data storage unit, the third data storage unit caching files archived in the second data storage unit if the data file is unavailable on the first data storage unit.

An integrated circuit includes a CPU, a power management unit and plural functional units each dedicated to executing different functions. The power management unit controls the threshold voltage of the different functional units to optimize power / performance operation of the circuit and intelligent power management control responds to the instruction stream and decodes each instruction in turn. This information identifies which of the functional units are required for the particular instruction and by comparing that information to power status, the intelligent power control determines whether the functional units required to execute the command are at the optimum power level. If they are, the command is allowed to proceed, otherwise the intelligent power control either stalls the instruction sequence or modifies process speed.

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. After sorting, the coins fall into a temporary holding area. At this point the transaction can either be canceled or accepted. If the transaction is canceled, the coins are returned. If the transaction is accepted, the coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of store coupons. Manufacturers' coupons are dispensed regardless of whether or not the transaction is accepted.

A method is presented that enables the creation of an alternative data plan by third party enterprises for mobile network end users. The method includes purchasing data transport bundles from one or more network service providers through an exchange, and either alone or with other enterprises, developing the alternative data plan for offer to end-users to consume data transport from the data transport bundle or bundles. The alternative data plan may be offered to the end user for free or the end user may be charged for use of the ADP based on the number of transactions, file type. The ADP may be billed to the user by the network provider or the ADP may be pre-purchased from the creator of the ADP.

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

An Internet-based audio / video and VoIP telephone visitation system for prisons wherein audio / video and VoIP visitation may be originated by either an inmate or an outside visitor. An inmate uses an individual portable electronic device in his / her possession to communicate exclusively with the visitation system. Through the visitation system video messages, video visitations, and VoIP telecommunications may be exchanged between the inmate and a registered visitor having an Internet-enabled device. Communication requires no endpoint control by prison personnel. All communications may be subject to intervention, recordation, and monitoring by prison personnel. Payment for services is prepaid by visitors using an on-line payment service eliminating involvement of prison personnel. All non-privileged calls are recorded. All calls may be monitored. A fee-per-minute is charged. Time is tracked for each call. The call duration and time remaining for a call may be displayed for both the visitor and the inmate.

A method and apparatus are provided for generating a sale offer over an electronic network (such as the Internet). The method and apparatus may be used with a commercial sale system designed to increase the revenue income of Web site by offering, at a substantially discounted or virtually free basis, one or more goods and / or services to visitors of the Web site. According to the features of the invention, the seller (who may be the owner or co-owner of the Web site) transmits a sale offer on the Web site for a high quality good or service, wherein the good or service can be purchased for free or a cost near to zero. The seller may make the offer visible and available to a number of perspective buyers, who are connected at that very moment to the Web site. According to an additional aspect of the invention, the sale offer may be available for only a very limited amount of time (e.g., one or more minutes) and may be offered at random or unpredictable times on the Web site in order to increase Web traffic to the site.

Embodiments provided herein include techniques for enabling a mobile device to communicate with smart media in a manner that can sidestep the secure element of the mobile device—and the costs associated with it. The mobile device can communicate with the smart media using near-field communication (NFC) by creating an encrypted connection with a remote computer while bypassing a secure element of the mobile device. This allows the mobile device to provide point-of-sale (POS) functionality by reading and / or writing to the smart media, without compromising the security of the smart media.

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

A method for issuing authentication information is provided. The method includes steps of: (a) a managing server, if identification information of a specific user is acquired from a user device in response to a request for issuing the authentication information and the identification information is determined to be registered, creating a transaction whose output includes: (i) the specific user's public key and (ii) a hash value of the identification information or its processed value to thereby record or support other device to record it on a blockchain; and (b) the managing server acquiring a transaction ID representing location information of the transaction recorded on the blockchain.

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

The fast laser depositing process of preparing antiwear heat resistant composite coating on the surface of crystallizer features that high power laser is first utilized in fast scanning to form transition layer in excellent metallurgical binding with the substrate of crystallizer copper plate on the surface of the plate and then utilized in wide band deposition to form Co base alloy with excellent heat resistance and high wear resistance on the surface of the transition layer. Compared with convenient technological process, the present invention has the advantages of precise control in laser power, position, shape and other parameters, easy automatic control of the whole process, no environmental pollution, high production efficiency, low power consumption, etc. and may be used widely.

A digital rights management method (250) and apparatus (10) for protecting digital content enables a flexible pricing model to be implemented that accounts for a subscriber's current subscription type. The digital rights management method (250) provides (251) a purchase option element for each protected digital content. This purchase option element includes specifying a set of content usage rules (which may or may not allow for the content to be saved persistently). The digital rights management method (250) also includes specifying (252) a cost for each protected digital content associated with the set of content usage rules. The digital rights management method (250) also includes specifying (253) a subscription group for the protected digital content associated with a set of content usage rules, which subscription group includes one or more subscription services and one or more associated incremental discounts for the protected digital content based on the one or more associated subscription services.

A connected traffic safety system comprises at least one roadside unit and a vehicle detection device. The roadside unit is configured to transmit wireless signals and receive corresponding responses from a corresponding wireless device of an Onboard Unit (OBU)-equipped vehicle, and to send at least one of vehicle location data, direction heading data, elevation data and speed data from the OBU-equipped vehicle to a traffic signal controller. The vehicle detection device is configured to generate vehicle detection data of at least one non-Onboard Unit (OBU)-equipped vehicle. The roadside unit to receive the vehicle detection data for creating a proxy data wireless message for the non-Onboard Unit (OBU)-equipped vehicle. The roadside unit to mimic the proxy data wireless message as a first Basic Safety Message (BSM) for the non-Onboard Unit (OBU)-equipped vehicle that would have been available to the Onboard Unit (OBU)-equipped vehicle present nearby.

To eliminate an amplitude difference between luminance signals from pixels included in horizontal lines of color filters, caused by a sensitivity difference from one photosensor to another in a CCD, and reduce a horizontal stripe-like noise appearing in a monitoring image and captured image, there is provided an arithmetic circuit to calculate an amplitude difference in Gr and Gb signals based on an output from a four-channel detector to set gains multiplied by compensation factors, respectively, with which the white balance-processed Gr and Gb signals are equal in amplitude to each other, thereby controlling the gain of a while balance amplifier.

Methods and systems for a reciprocal backup of data, including files, directories, and application data are provided. Example embodiments provide a Reciprocal Backup System (“RBS”), which enables users of two or more computer systems connected over a network to engage each other for automated reciprocal backup needs using peer-to-peer computing techniques. The peer computer systems negotiate a reciprocal backup relationship where each provides the other with backup storage in a secure fashion. The intermittent nature of some partners is handled automatically by the RBS, which supports fully automated and scheduled backups as well as immediate backup and restoration of data objects. In one embodiment, the RBS comprises reciprocal backup system partner support and one or more storage repositories. The RBS partner support includes a reciprocal backup manager and scheduler and a reciprocal backup agent. These components cooperate to provide the backup and restoration operations of the RBS.

The invention provides a compensating method of the switching frequency of a amplifier which comprises the following steps: two output end polarities is compared in the state in which the amplifier has no signal outputting; the inputting end current of the amplifier is adjusted according to the electrode; repeated circle is carried out until achieving the requirement of stopping the cycle. The invention also provides a compensating device of the DC offset voltage of the amplifier which comprises a comparator, a register, a decoding module and a current compensation module. The invention has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, small power-consumption. Meanwhile, the invention is used both for a signal amplifier and an amplifier system, which can limit the imbalance voltage to be in small scope.

A method for providing a virtual cloud service at the lowest actual cost can begin with an optimal transaction handler of a federated virtual service cloud maintaining a virtual resource pool of transactional units. Each transactional unit can represent a service application deployed to a cloud service provided by a cloud service provider having a usage-based service cost model that allows transactional units to be placed in an inactive state to suspend its operating expense. Operational metrics data for the cloud service providers can be continuously captured. In response to a service request, the transactional unit that meets fulfillment requirements of the service request and incurs a lowest actual cost can be determined based upon cost factors derived from the operational metrics data, the usage-based service cost model, and a current usage state of the virtual resource pool. The received service request can be routed to the determined transactional unit.

An Internet-based audio / video and VoIP telephone visitation system for prisons wherein audio / video and VoIP visitation may be originated by either an inmate or an outside visitor. An inmate uses an individual portable electronic device in his / her possession to communicate exclusively with the visitation system. Through the visitation system video messages, video visitations, and VoIP telecommunications may be exchanged between the inmate and a registered visitor having an Internet-enabled device. Communication requires no endpoint control by prison personnel. All communications may be subject to intervention, recordation, and monitoring by prison personnel. Payment for services is prepaid by visitors using an on-line payment service eliminating involvement of prison personnel. All non-privileged calls are recorded. All calls may be monitored. A fee-per-minute is charged. Time is tracked for each call. The call duration and time remaining for a call may be displayed for both the visitor and the inmate.

Methods and systems for a reciprocal backup of data, including files, directories, and application data are provided. Example embodiments provide a Reciprocal Backup System (“RBS”), which enables users of two or more computer systems connected over a network to engage each other for automated reciprocal backup needs using peer-to-peer computing techniques. The peer computer systems negotiate a reciprocal backup relationship where each provides the other with backup storage in a secure fashion. The intermittent nature of some partners is handled automatically by the RBS, which supports fully automated and scheduled backups as well as immediate backup and restoration of data objects. In one embodiment, the RBS comprises reciprocal backup system partner support and one or more storage repositories. The RBS partner support includes a reciprocal backup manager and scheduler and a reciprocal backup agent. These components cooperate to provide the backup and restoration operations of the RBS.

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. After sorting, the coins fall into a temporary holding area. At this point the transaction can either be canceled or accepted. If the transaction is canceled, the coins are returned. If the transaction is accepted, the coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of store coupons. Manufacturers' coupons are dispensed regardless of whether or not the transaction is accepted.

The invention provides a harmless and comprehensive utilization method of secondary aluminum dross and relates to a harmless and comprehensive utilization method of secondary aluminum dross produced in an aluminum dross treating process. The harmless and comprehensive utilization method is characterized in that slurry is prepared from the secondary aluminum dross produced in the aluminum dross treating process and water, a stirring deamination reaction is performed, and ammonia gas formed through the reaction is condensed or absorbed by water; slurry after the reaction is subjected to liquid-solid separation, separated liquid phase is subjected to evaporative crystallization, and a chlorate and fluoride salt mixture is obtained; separated solid phase is used for producing a calcium aluminate material. With adoption of the method, the aluminum dross can be treated harmlessly, useful components in the aluminum dross are recovered efficiently, the harmless secondary aluminum dross can replace high-alumina bauxite for preparing a calcium aluminate product, production cost is reduced greatly, zero-release utilization of the aluminum dross is realized, the process is simple, the operation is convenient, the cost is low, environmental protection is realized, and the method has wide applicability.

A method of sharing possessions among friends connected through a social network whereby friends post sharable items viewable and searchable by keywords, description, and data by their friends and provides means for notification of friends' desire to borrow said items. Upon item sharing, friends can acknowledge receipt and condition of items borrowed, notify borrower's failure to return borrowed items, purchase damage waiver insurance, and rate the quality of the borrower. A method to encourage friends to donate to charities by offering to gift distinct or sharable items, whereby donations must be received by borrower's or lender's selected charities before gifting, and donations can be coordinated by third parties. Users can post requests for items desired as gifts or monetary amounts they're willing to donate upon gift receipt. Items available for gift are searchable and advertisements are displayed to users based on user's searched keywords.

A mechanism gives users meaningful access to information while protecting the interests of publishers and creators of information including text, graphics, photos, executable files, data tables, audio, video, and three dimensional data and allows a user to review a document while connected to a network but prevents the user from downloading, printing, or copying the document unless a fee is paid. The user is allowed to review documents at a first cost basis, but only provides other access to documents, such as copying, printing, or downloading on a second cost basis. The user is also allowed to purchase a selectable portion of a document at a price based on the amount of material selected where that amount of material can include a portion of a document, an entire document, or an anthology of components of multiple documents.

A user activates the transaction facilitation system from an online banking homepage. Thereafter, communication is performed over a secure communication network. User and transaction type information are received and a unique transaction number is generated. Product information from a vendor is provided to the user, and selected product information is received from the user. Selected transaction information and the transaction number are transmitted to the user's financial institution, and transaction confirmation information is received from the financial institution. A purchase order and the transaction number are transmitted to the vendor, and a confirmation of the purchase order is received from the vendor. An indication of the confirmation of the purchase order, the transaction number, and a customer relations management password are transmitted to the financial institution. Failing successful delivery or any other transactional problems, the user may go directly to free of charge customer relations management services for resolution.