US 5,760,771 6/2/98: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING STRUCTURED TOURS OF HYPERTEXT FILES Blonder; Greg E. and Milewski; Allen E.

• There are two key problems with hypertext on the internet. First, humans are most comfortable following linear narratives with clearly (and professionally) authored "plots". This is supported by centuries of oral and written storytelling. Hypertext is neither linear nor generally professionally authored, so it is ultimately a frustrating experience. Second, the internet is so large, merely wandering around a site leaves the visitor unsure they have encountered the most important features. The hypertext tour agent creates a scripted, auto running narrated set of URLs, which overlay existing sites, and reimposes a linear narrative on the underlying loose collection of pages. Can be used for an initial tour of a new site, or as a completely new experience (like Mystery Theater visits the Internet).

US 5,708,422 1/13/98 TRANSACTION AUTHORIZATION AND ALERT SYSTEM Blonder; Greg E., Greenspan; Steven Lloyd, Mirville; J. Robert, Sugla; Binay

• Puts the consumer in control of their purchases. For example, at the check out counter the register amount is sent to VISA and the bank, who then sends you a page asking to authorize the transaction. By using a two way paper or cellphone, you can authorize the transaction immediately and confirm the right amount is debited Fewer errors in the final bill, easy fraud detection (how can I be buying gold jewelry while driving to work?), and better expense control.

US 5,559,868 9/24/96 METHOD FOR SENDING AND RECEIVING VIDEO IMAGES Blonder, Greg E.

• Essentially video Caller-ID