Abstract: A digital audio player and a method for processing encoded digital audio data, wherein the digital audio data is encoded using one of a plurality of encoding formats. The exemplary audio data player includes a hard disk or other data storage medium for storing data files, a microcontroller, buffer memory for anti-skip protection, and an audio decoder. The encoded audio data files and associated decoder files are downloaded from a personal computer or similar device to the audio data player hard drive. The player provides a menu-driven user interface for selection, sorting, and playback of stored audio data files. The audio decoder, generally a digital signal processor, provides various preset equalization modes. The preset modes are specific to audio genres such as jazz, pop, and rock.

Abstract: A digital audio player and a method for processing encoded digital audio data, wherein the digital audio data is encoded using one of a plurality of encoding formats. The exemplary audio data player includes a hard disk or other data storage medium for storing data files, a microcontroller, buffer memory for anti-skip protection, and an audio decoder. The encoded audio data files and associated decoder files are downloaded from a personal computer or similar device to the audio data player hard drive. The player provides a menu-driven user interface for selection, sorting, and playback of stored audio data files. The audio decoder, generally a digital signal processor, provides various preset equalization modes. The preset modes are specific to audio genres such as jazz, pop, and rock.

Abstract: A method and a system for automatically ordering replacement of consumable parts of a system. At least one parameter for a part of the system is monitored. The parameter is compared to at least one replacement criterion. A user notification is automatically generated when a comparison of the parameter to the replacement criterion indicates that a replacement part should be ordered. Responsive to a user input or an automatic system control, a replacement part order is automatically communicated to a replacement part order center. The monitored parameter can be a duration of operation, an output level, an input level, an operating temperature, a number of on-off cycles, an oxidation level, a corrosion level, a decomposition level, or a material elasticity level. The order can be transmitted to the replacement part order center through a global computer network, a cable television network, a wireless link, or a dial-up telephone line.

Abstract: An extensible business method for performing research over the internet is presented. A first community web site is provided for a first targeted industry. User profile and feedback information is gathered from the users of the first community web site. The gathered user profile and feedback information from the first community web site is provided to at least one subscribing client of another web site. This method may be duplicated by repeating the above steps to a second targeted industry. In one example, a method for performing on-line consumer research over the internet is implemented comprising the following steps. User reaction of at least one user to at least one advertisement displayed on a first web site is gathered. Then research information is provided to a subscribing client on a second web site, based on the gathered user reaction on the first web site.

Abstract: Enhancements to a business method for performing research over the internet are presented. In one aspect, a user is requested to select a ratable object. The user is then requested to select a color to associate with the selected ratable object, after the selected ratable object has been viewed by the user so that research result is obtained. In another aspect, a community web site is provided for a plurality of users for a first targeted industry. User information for the plurality of users of the community web site are gathered. Thought leaders among the plurality of users of the community web site are then identified. In yet another aspect, as a way to entice users to a website for gaining research information, a user is allowed to select an advertisement from a plurality of advertisements and the user is allowed to send an email containing a link to the selected advertisement.