Abstract: A method and apparatus for provisioning an alternative energy source generator operable with a gateway in communication with a web portal are provided herein. In one embodiment, the method includes entering system information into the gateway, and transmitting the system information to the web portal. The method also includes validating the system information, determining configuration information for the alternative energy source generator in response to validation of the system information, and transmitting the configuration information to the gateway. The method also includes initiating a discovery process to ascertain discovery information for the alternative energy source generator in response to the configuration information, and transmitting the discovery information to the web portal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for provisioning an alternative energy source generator operable with a gateway in communication with a web portal. In one embodiment, the method includes entering system information into the gateway, and transmitting the system information to the web portal. The method also includes validating the system information, determining configuration information for the alternative energy source generator in response to validation of the system information, and transmitting the configuration information to the gateway. The method also includes initiating a discovery process to ascertain discovery information for the alternative energy source generator in response to the configuration information, and transmitting the discovery information to the web portal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for provisioning an alternative energy source generator operable with a gateway in communication with a web portal. In one embodiment, the method includes entering system information into the gateway, and transmitting the system information to the web portal. The method also includes validating the system information, determining configuration information for the alternative energy source generator in response to validation of the system information, and transmitting the configuration information to the gateway. The method also includes initiating a discovery process to ascertain discovery information for the alternative energy source generator in response to the configuration information, and transmitting the discovery information to the web portal.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes a fabric and switch units coupled to the fabric. Each switch unit includes a capsule containing an electrically responsive liquid, wherein the electrically responsive liquid causes the capsule to increase in rigidity in response to application of an electric field to the electrically responsive liquid. Each switch unit also includes one or more switches coupled to the capsule, wherein a selected pressure applied to the capsule activates or more of the switches underneath the capsule. The keyboard apparatus also contains electrical conducting lines connected to the switch units.

Abstract: In a system, method and program for bidding for a best solution process execution in a heterogeneous network, a network client provides a request to a network server for process execution. The network server simulates the process execution and provides the simulation results to network hosts in the form of bid solicitations. An embodiment of the method includes providing a payload that characterizes the requested process execution to a network server. The server simulates the requested processing, and solicits and analyzes bids from network hosts for the process execution while maintaining anonymity as to the identities of the network host and the network client. An embodiment of the system includes a network server operably coupled to the network client and the network host, wherein the network server is adapted to receive and simulate a process execution request, and solicit and analyze bids submitted by network hosts for the process execution.

Abstract: Simplifying command recognition from speech term recognition in speech recognition technology. A system for recognizing non-verbal sound commands within an interactive computer controlled display system with speech word recognition comprises standard technology for recognizing speech words in combination with a set up for storing a plurality of non-verbal sounds, each sound representative of a command. There are display means responsive to the recognizing of speech words for then displaying the recognized words. In response to the input of non-verbal sounds, there is a comparison of the input non-verbal sounds to said stored command sounds, together with means responsive to the comparing means for carrying out the command represented by a stored sound which compares to an input non-verbal sound. The non-verbal sounds may be voice generated or they may be otherwise physically generated. The commands may direct movement of data, e.g. cursors displayed on said display system.

Abstract: A method and system for reading and propagating accurate time in a worldwide enterprise system through a hierarchical network of time servers, with a single time source at the top of the pyramid, and time source clients at the base. Single source time synchronization is assured by starting with an atomic clock receiver connected to a time source computer. Primary time servers next in the hierarchy access the source to obtain accurate time information. Clients access higher time servers to obtain time information. Time servers operate as multiple hierarchical layers between the clients and the time source, limiting the load on any single server and providing redundant paths to a valid time source. Time servers unable to verify their time through the primary, alternate, or failover servers invalidate themselves, thereby preserving system integrity.

Abstract: A keyed authentication system and method employing rule based operation and service provider authentication techniques are described herein to provide for governing access and/or operation privileges for use environments such as vehicles, buildings, homes, computers, equipment, and intelligence. Broadly speaking, the system employs the use of an access device, including an identification tag, which may be validated by an authentication device to grant specific access and/or operation privileges to the controlled use environment. The identification tag encoded on the access device may be aligned with a set of rules that establish the level of access and/or operation for each unique identification tag. An application service provider may maintain the plurality of identification tags and associated rule sets and authorize trusted encoding devices to program the desired identification tags and associated rule sets into the plurality of access and authentication devices within the system.

Abstract: In a system, method and program for executing a process in a heterogeneous network, a network client provides a request to a network server for anonymous, secure process execution to be performed by a network host in exchange for payment. An embodiment of the method includes providing a payload which characterizes the requested process execution to a network server, providing from the payload an agent which is enabled to complete the requested processing, and providing the agent to a network host. An embodiment of the system includes a network server operably coupled to the network client and the network host, wherein the network server is adapted to receive a process execution request and transmit a process to accomplish the requested task. The network server is further adapted to maintain confidentiality as to the identities of the network client and the network host.

Abstract: In a system, method and program for identifying and binding a process, a network server receives and analyzes a request for process execution associated with a task and packages the request such that the task may be completed. An embodiment of the system includes a network client that provides a request for process execution to a network server. The network server evaluates the request, and if acceptable, creates a process to be executed on a network host to complete the task. An embodiment of the method includes providing a payload that describes a process requested to complete a task. The payload also describes the ability of the client to pay for the processing. The network server is adapted to receive the payload over the network and to bind the payload with enabling programming instructions allowing the payload to process on a network host.

Abstract: In a system, method and program for bidding for a best solution process execution in a heterogeneous network, a network client provides a request to a network server for process execution. The network server simulates the process execution and provides the simulation results to network hosts in the form of bid solicitations. An embodiment of the method includes providing a payload that characterizes the requested process execution to a network server. The server simulates the requested processing, and solicits and analyzes bids from network hosts for the process execution while maintaining anonymity as to the identities of the network host and the network client. An embodiment of the system includes a network server operably coupled to the network client and the network host, wherein the network server is adapted to receive and simulate a process execution request, and solicit and analyze bids submitted by network hosts for the process execution.

Abstract: In a system, method and program for enabling electronic commerce, a network host provides a service using the network to a network client in exchange for payment while maintaining anonymity and security. An embodiment of the system includes a networked financial resolution center, which is operably coupled to the network host and network client. The financial resolution center is adapted to maintain financial accounts for the network host and the network client. The financial resolution center is further adapted to resolve the payment for the service is further adapted to maintain confidentiality as to the identities of the network client and the network host. An embodiment of the method includes receiving a charge for the network host, assigning the charge to the network client, and resolving the charge via the financial accounts for the network client and network host while maintaining confidentiality.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes a fabric and switch units coupled to the fabric. Each switch unit includes a capsule containing an electrically responsive liquid, wherein the electrically responsive liquid causes the capsule to increase in rigidity in response to application of an electric field to the electrically responsive liquid. Each switch unit also includes one or more switches coupled to the capsule, wherein a selected pressure applied to the capsule activates or more of the switches underneath the capsule. The keyboard apparatus also contains electrical conducting lines connected to the switch units.

Abstract: In a system, method and program for creating an authenticatable, non-repudiatable transaction identity in a heterogeneous network, a network client provides a request to a networked financial resolution center for a task identity, wherein the task identity is adapted to indicate the suitability of the task for process execution over the network. An embodiment of the method includes providing a request for a transactional identity, which includes an identification of the client and requester, a description of a task to be completed using the network, and a request for financial authorization. An embodiment of the system includes a networked financial resolution center operably coupled to a network client, wherein the networked financial resolution center is adapted to receive and analyze requests for transactional identities. The financial resolution center is further adapted to issue transactional identities that may include authorizations for the performing the task and financing the task.