6877 results about "Computer based" patented technology

A printed object, such as an item of postal mail, a book, printed advertising, a business card, product packaging, etc., is steganographically encoded with plural-bit data. When such an object is presented to an optical sensor, the plural-bit data is decoded and used to establish a link to an internet address corresponding to that object.

A cell phone is equipped with a 2D optical sensor, enabling a variety of applications. For example, such a phone may also be provided with a digital watermark decoder, permitting decoding of steganographic data on imaged objects. Movement of a phone may be inferred by sensing movement of an imaged pattern across the optical sensor's field of view, allowing use of the phone as a gestural input device through which a user can signal instructions to a computer-based process. A variety of other arrangements by which electronic devices can interact with the physical world are also detailed, e.g., involving sensing and responding to digital watermarks, bar codes, RFIDs, etc.

Streaming compressed digital hypervideo received upon a digital communications network is decoded (decompressed) and played in a client-computer-based "video on web VCR" software system. Scene changes, if not previously marked upstream, are automatically detected, and typically twenty-one past scenes are displayed as thumbnail images. Hyperlinks within the main video scene, and / or any thumbnail image, show as hotspots, with text annotations typically appearing upon a cursor "mouse over". All hyperlinks-as are provided and inserted by, inter alia, the upstream network service provider (the "ISP")-may be, and preferably are, full-custom dynamically-resolved to each subscriber / user / viewer ("SUV") upon volitional "click throughs" by the SUV, including retrospectively on past hypervideo scenes as appear within the thumbnail images. Hyperlinking permits (i) retrieving information and commercials, including streaming video / hypervideo, from any of local storage, a network (or Internet) service provider ("ISP"), a network content provider, and / or an advertiser network site, (ii) entering a contest of skill or a lottery of chance, (iii) gambling, (iv) buying (and less often, selling), (v) responding to a survey, and expressing an opinion, and / or (vi) sounding an alert.

Methods and systems for monitoring, diagnosing and / or treating psychological conditions and / or disorders in patients with the aid of computer-based virtual reality simulations. Pursuant to one preferred embodiment, a computer program product is used to control a computer. The program product includes a computer-readable medium, and a controlling mechanism that directs the computer to generate an output signal for controlling a video display device. The video display device is equipped to display representations of three-dimensional images, and the output signal represents a virtual reality simulation directed to diagnosis and / or treatment of a psychological condition and / or disorder.

Computer display privacy and security for computer systems. In one aspect, the invention provides a computer-controlled system for regulating the interaction between a computer and a user of the computer based on the environment of the computer and the user. For example, the computer-controlled system provided by the invention comprises an input-output device including an image sensor configured to collect facial recognition data proximate to the computer. The system also includes a user security parameter database encoding security parameters associated with the user; the database is also configured to communicate with the security processor. The security processor is configured to receive the facial recognition data and the security parameters associated with the user, and is further configured to at least partially control the operation of the data input device and the data output device in response to the facial recognition data and the security parameters associated with the user.

Communication is an important issue in man-to-robot interaction. Signs can be used to interact with machines by providing user instructions or commands. Embodiment of the present invention include human detection, human body parts detection, hand shape analysis, trajectory analysis, orientation determination, gesture matching, and the like. Many types of shapes and gestures are recognized in a non-intrusive manner based on computer vision. A number of applications become feasible by this sign-understanding technology, including remote control of home devices, mouse-less (and touch-less) operation of computer consoles, gaming, and man-robot communication to give instructions among others. Active sensing hardware is used to capture a stream of depth images at a video rate, which is consequently analyzed for information extraction.

A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizing a computer-based telephony management unit to connect institutional telephones with outside telephone lines. The unit provides institutional users with fully automated, direct dial and collect calling privileges for local, long distance, and international calls. The unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users, for recording calling transactions made by the users, and for managing user monetary accounts. The unit can record up to 400 hours of conversation in a digital format. The unit provides various administrative capabilities, including user account management, audit trails, transaction reports, centralized management and report capabilities, and detection of fraudulent calling.

The present invention is directed to a computer aided design method for producing an implant for a patient prior to operation comprising the steps of: generating data with a non-invasive 3D (3-dimensional) scan of the patient's defect site that digitally represents the area that will receive the implant; designing and validating an implant on a computer based on digital data generated from a volume image of the patient; and fabricating the implant based solely on the implant design data generated on computer.

Computer dating is applied to instant messaging, in a novel, systematic and flexible way. This system and method enable the user to search and find instantly compatible dates in instant messaging networks on the basis of attribute search or 1-way compatibility search or 2-way compatibility search, and to search either for potential dates that are currently Online or also for dates that are currently Offline. Many additional features are described, and especially for example features that are based on improved integration between computer dating and instant messaging. Important features include for example: a. Integration of the dating environment with the contactee list (buddy list). b. Generating a list of compatible dates with different markings for people that are online or offline or a list divided into sub-lists or separate lists according to this. c. Applying a reverse variation by adding Instant messaging features to an Online dating site. d. Automatic instant notification when a new highly compatible date is available, instead of only periodical reports. e. Using a database of systematic pictures to which the users relate in defining their own appearance and the appearance of the desired date. f. Automatic finding of duplicate records. g. Addition of “OR” and / or “IF” relationships between questions instead of only the usual “AND”.

The present invention provides methods, techniques, materials and devices and uses thereof for custom-fitting biocompatible implants, prosthetics and interventional tools for use on medical and veterinary applications. The devices produced according to the invention are created using additive manufacturing techniques based on a computer generated model such that every prosthesis or interventional device is personalized for the user having the appropriate metallic alloy composition and virtual validation of functional design for each use.

Provided are methods and systems for controlling the conversion of data inputs to a computer-based light system into lighting control signals. The methods and systems include facilities for controlling a nonlinear relationship between data inputs and lighting control signal ouputs. The nonlinear relationship may be programmed to account for varying responses of the viewer of a light source to different light source intensities.

A service configured to be accessible by two or more parties to a two-sided funds transfer transaction through a computer network (e.g., the Internet) provides functionality for sending a payment request to a target payer or payee who is not yet registered with the service. Depending upon who is initiating the transaction (i.e., a payer or a payee) the payment requests may be received as requests to send payments or requests to collect payments. In the latter case, the service may be further organized to solicit a payment, for example by transmitting an e-mail message to a second party to the funds transfer transaction. When used to collect payments, the service may be further organized to process one or more responses to the above-mentioned solicitations.

A computer based, digital image management system that visually presents an entire archive in a manner that facilitates easy, non-textual, searching for specific images. The system consists of two main elements; a file management methodology, and a graphical user interface. The file management method utilizes reference files that contain multiple properties (metadata) relating to each image file. Image files are grouped into a multiplicity of collections based on user-defined associations of the properties. The graphical user interface visually represents the groups of image files on 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional graphic metaphors. In addition, the graphical interface uses multiple display variables such as icons, mnemonics, size, movement, color, and luminance to signify relationships between groups, and / or communicate key properties of individual or groups of images.

The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method / system for facilitating communications between service providers and potential customers for services. The computer-implemented method / system provides a marketplace for interactions, both online and off-line, between service providers and potential customers, including purchasing groups, particularly buyer-driven service-related interactions. The marketplace advantageously allows categorization, key word searching, group purchasing, service packaging, data mining, auctions and other commercial features and functionality. The computer-implemented method / system also supports holographic imagery, e.g., in the form of virtual assistants, that facilitates marketplace-related activities. Based on the computer-implemented method / system, service providers are able to efficiently and cost effectively extend the reach of their marketing and promotional activities to a wide range of additional customers, and customers are able to initiate access service providers ideally suited to meet their needs, i.e., buyer-driven commerce, at desirable prices and according to required timeframes.

A computer-based customer tracking system uses a passive biometric identification for identifying customers. Neither the customer, nor any establishment personnel, are required to enter any informational data with respect to the customer; identification is done completely biometrically. Biometric identification information is sent to a central computer processor, which searches files in a library for matching biometric data. If no match is found, the processor opens a new file in the library, assigning a code or identification number to the file. Information with respect to the customer's biometric data, along with any transactional information, are stored in the file. If prior activity information stored in the file exceeds a predetermined level, information with respect to the customer's prior activity is retrieved from the file and sent to a terminal, preferably at the location of the transaction. Any new information from the transaction is then sent to the processor and stored for future access. The processor scans the files periodically, and deletes files for which the activity level in the file is below a certain predetermined level over a preselected time period. Deletion of inactive files precludes the processor memory from being overloaded with information which is not useful to the establishment, and also reduces the amount of time necessary for the processor to search library files for biometric matches.

A computer-based method and system accomplish automatic optimization of a preferred merchandising figure of merit like revenue, profit, etc. by concurrent optimization of prices and in-store promotion schedules for groups of interrelated products in a supermarket or in a chain of supermarkets. The basis of the system is a statistical model that combines effects of prices, promotion schedules and other factors that could influence demands, and produces a flexible nonparametric predictive demand function that can be optimized simultaneously in prices and promotion schedules. The system generates demand predictions for groups of interrelated products by applying data mining procedures to historical database that contains sales data along with various sales conditions, adjusting statistical predictive demand models, and then optimizing them in prices and promotion schedules. The user can interact with the system by selecting and customizing optimization and prediction scenarios provided by the system, and by requesting customized reports with results of particular optimization and prediction schemes.

A computer-based virtual assistant the behavior of which can be changed by the user, comprising a voice user interface for inputting information into and receiving information from the virtual assistant by speech, a communications network, a virtual assistant application running on a remote computer, the remote computer being electronically coupled to the user interface via the communications network, wherein the behavior of the virtual assistant changes responsive to user input. A computer-based virtual assistant that also automatically adapts its behavior is disclosed, comprising a voice user interface for inputting information into and receiving information from the virtual assistant by speech, a communications network, a virtual assistant application running on a remote computer, the remote computer being electronically coupled to the user interface via the communications network, wherein the remote computer is programmed to automatically change the behavior of the virtual assistant responsive to input received by the virtual assistant. As detailed below, the virtual assistant adapts to the user in many different ways based on the input the virtual assistant receives. Such input could be user information, such as information about the user's experience, the time between user sessions, the amount of time a user pauses when recording a message, the user's emotional state, whether the user uses words associated with polite discourse, and the amount of time since a user provided input to the virtual assistant during a session.

A method and system for selecting an agent to service a contact at a contact center accounts for the state of the contact center and for individual agent proficiency and performance. A software-implemented method includes an algorithm that adjusts the agent-selection process according to variations in state such as fluctuating call volume. When two or more metrics describe distinct aspects of an agent's performance and both aspects are relevant to agent selection, the algorithm can weigh each according to relative importance to the center's operational effectiveness. The present invention couples to the information infrastructure of a computer-based contact center and interfaces with the components of the center that acquire and maintain information pertinent to the agent-selection process. This connectivity delivers real-time information to the software algorithms and thereby facilitates rapid response to changing conditions.

Interactive, computer based orthodontist treatment planning, appliance design and appliance manufacturing is described. A scanner is described which acquires images of the dentition which are converted to three-dimensional frames of data. The data from the several frames are registered to each other to provide a complete three-dimensional virtual model of the dentition. Individual tooth objects are obtained from the virtual model. A computer-interactive software program provides for treatment planning, diagnosis and appliance from the virtual tooth models. A desired occlusion for the patient is obtained from the treatment planning software. The virtual model of the desired occlusion and the virtual model of the original dentition provide a base of information for custom manufacture of an orthodontic appliance. A variety of possible appliance and appliance manufacturing systems are contemplated, including customized archwires and customized devices for placement of off-the shelf brackets on the archwires, and removable orthodontic appliances.

A photographer's guidance system is formed of a computer-based processor made responsive to location, time of day, manual user inputs, among others to provide photo exposure suggestions based upon information stored as photo set-up descriptors. In response to user requests in combination with present conditions such as time, location weather, etc., a database request is executed against stored photo set-up data to produce a result set of photo set-up descriptors. These descriptors are used both manually and automatically to assist a photographer user in setting up a photo exposure in agreement with the prescribed parameters. These systems may be directly coupled with a DSLR type camera and may operate via user controls and interfaces thereof. In alternative versions, these system have independent control and user interfaces with outputs coupled to a DSLR control. In still further other versions, an entirely manual system leaves it to the photographer to set up a camera of the art in agreement with parameters presented in resultsets.

A method and system for transferring information from a first computer-based device to a web site, for temporary storage and later transfer of the stored information from the web site to a second computer-based device. First, a communication link is established between a first computer-based device and the web site. Next, the first computer-based device is scanned, via the web site, to determine the information contained on the first computer-based device. The user then selects which of the scanned information is to be uploaded from the first computer-based device onto the web site for temporary storage. Finally, the selected information is transferred from the first computer-based device onto the web site for temporary storage. Once retrieval of the temporarily stored information is desired, the user establishes a communication link between a second computer-based device and the web site. The second computer-based device is scanned, via the web site, to determine the information contained on the second computer-based device. The temporarily stored information, from the first computer-based device on the web site, is then displayed to the user and the user selects which of this temporary information, from the first computer-based device, is to be downloaded from the web site onto the second computer-based device. The selected information is finally downloaded from the website onto the second computer-based device.

A computer-based system is provided for composing menus of URL-encoded bar code symbols specifying the location of Internet-based information resources on the Internet. In the illustrative embodiment, the system comprises a computer system operably connectable to the Internet and including a visual display screen, a keyboard, and printer. The system also includes a GUI-based Internet browser program and a URL-menu composition program supported by the computer system. The function of the GUI-based Internet browser program is to enable a user to access and display Internet-based information resources stored on an Internet information server at a location specified by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The function of the URL-menu composition program is to enable the user to compose a menu of URL-encoded bar code symbols while surfing the Internet using the GUI-based Internet browser program. After the menu of URL-encoded bar code symbols has been composed, it may be edited and then printed on a selected print medium. By virtue of the present invention, any Internet-based information resource can be automatically accessed and displayed by reading its URL-encoded bar code symbol from the printed menu using a bar code symbol reader operably connected to an Internet-enabled computer system supporting a bar code driven Internet browser program.

A planar touch control is used to provide input to a computer and haptic feedback is provided thereto. A touch control includes a touch input device with a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor associated with the computer based on a location of user implemented contact on the touch surface. The computer can position or modify a cursor or image in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user via the touch surface.

The subject invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates providing content-targeted advertising to a user based at least in part on the content of a user action. The user action can be performed in connection with an outbound messaging system, a real-time messaging system such as a chat or instant messaging, a game environment, and / or calendaring system. The system and method analyze at the least the content of an outbound message and then present a content-targeted advertisement based on the content of the message. The same can be done with respect to calendar entries. However, outbound and inbound calendar entries, invitations, and responses to invitations can be analyzed for content and have content-targeted advertisements presented to the sender or receiver of such items. User privacy can be maintained and / or increased by allowing a user to opt out of content-targeting advertisements. Reasons for being targeted can also be provided to the user.

A system and method may include identifying a virtual machine setting associated with a virtual machine, obtaining system specification information associated with a computer, and generating validation information based on the system specification information and the virtual machine setting. The system and method may further include determining whether to deploy the virtual machine to the computer based on the validation information.

A computer based credit application processing system provides a graphical user interface, automatic software update downloading, lender to lender routing of credit applications, and integration with in-house finance and insurance systems and third party data entry facilities, among other features. Web site linkage is also accommodated.

A self-contained interactive video display system. A projector projects a visual image onto a screen for displaying the visual image, wherein the projector projects the visual image onto a back side of the screen for presentation to a user on a front side of the screen. An illuminator illuminates an object near the front side of the screen. A camera detects interaction of an illuminated object with the visual image, wherein the screen is at least partially transparent to light detectable to the camera, allowing the camera to detect the illuminated object through the screen. A computer system directs the projector to change the visual image in response to the interaction.