Abstract: A system and method for identifying stolen component parts contained within a product and/or identifying the origin of a component part. To utilize the system, an integrated transmitter assembly is attached to at least some component parts within a product. Each of the integrated transponder assemblies transmits an identification code. In a database, the identification codes of the integrated transponder assemblies are recorded along with the identification of the assembly into which they were originally installed. Products in the marketplace are periodically scanned. As products are scanned, the integrated transponders contained in those products transmit their identification codes. The identification codes are read and compared to the data in a database. If a scan reveals a component part listed as stolen, an indication is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying stolen component parts contained within an assembly and/or identifying the origin of a component part. To utilize the system, a passive integrated transponder is attached to at least some component parts within an assembly. Each of the passive integrated transponders transmits an identification code when activated. In a database, the identification codes of the passive integrated transponders are recorded along with the identification of the assembly into which they were originally installed. Assemblies in the marketplace are periodically scanned. As assemblies are scanned, the passive integrated transponders contained in those assemblies are activated and transmit their identification codes. The identification codes are read and compared to the data in a database. If a scan reveals a component part listed as stolen, an indication is provided.

Abstract: A system and method of selecting a color scheme of an actual environment by evaluating different color schemes in a virtual environment. To utilize the system, a virtual image of a real environment is created. This can he done by scanning photographs of the real environment into a computer. The real environment that contains a plurality of different surfaces having different colors and design patterns. The computer identifies the boundaries of each of said different surfaces in the virtual image that is created. The computer then considers each of the different surfaces as a variable field. Using a computer interface, a user selectively varies the colors and design patterns of any of the surfaces in the virtual image. The different surfaces are altered until the color scheme of the virtual image matches a desired color scheme.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying stolen component parts contained within an assembly and/or identifying the origin of a component part. To utilize the system, a passive integrated transponder is attached to at least some component parts within an assembly. Each of the passive integrated transponders transmits an identification code when activated. In a database, the identification codes of the passive integrated transponders are recorded along with the identification of the assembly into which they were originally installed. Assemblies in the marketplace are periodically scanned. As assemblies are scanned, the passive integrated transponders contained in those assemblies are activated and transmit their identification codes. The identification codes are read and compared to the data in a database. If a scan reveals a component part listed as stolen, an indication is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting stolen electronic assemblies that have been illegally added to a second vehicle. When a vehicle is manufactured, each electronic assemblies within the vehicle are provided with unique identification codes that can be accessed electronically. The codes for the various electronic assemblies are assigned to the vehicle in which those assemblies are originally manufactured. When the vehicle is inspected or serviced, the electronic identification code from each electronic assembly can be read. The various electronic identification codes are compared to an authorized identification code that identifies the vehicle in which the various electronic assemblies are contained. If the identification code from one of the electronic assemblies does not match the authorized identification code for the vehicle, then it can be determined that the electronic assembly in question is not original to the vehicle.