Abstract: A system and method for creating a searchable representation of an electronic catalog the searchable representation of the electronic catalog includes one or more search data structures each having one or more search data records. The search data records include a first data field containing data representing an attribute of a product within the electronic catalog, a second data field containing data representing the number of times the attribute is used in connection with any product within the electronic catalog, and one or more additional data field each containing data representing a record address within the electronic catalog at which data pertaining to each product having the attribute is stored.

Abstract: A detachable remote controller for an electronic entertainment device and a method for using the same are provided. The detachable remote controller includes a first infrared transmitter and a second infrared transmitter. The first infrared transmitter transmits signals to the electronic device while the detachable remote controller is coupled with the entertainment device. The remote controller is shaped in such a way to be docked within a cavity and flush with one surface of the entertainment device. The first infrared transmitter is aligned in the cavity such that the first infrared transmitter transmits signals to a light pipe embedded within the entertainment device. The second infrared transmitter is located at one end of the detachable remote controller to transmit signals to the entertainment device while the detachable remote controller is not coupled with the entertainment device.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for exchanging data between at least one merchant site and at least one partner site across an interconnected computer network. The at least one merchant site enables a user to conduct a transaction on the merchant site, and employs a merchant database format. The at least one partner site has a link to the at least one merchant site and/or a display of transactional information from the at least one merchant site, and employs a partner database format different than the merchant database format. The display of transactional information of the at least one partner site enables a user to conduct a transaction with the at least one merchant site on the at least one partner site. A clearinghouse site is also provided in communication with the at least one merchant site and the at least one partner site.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and presenting a size of a memory within a universal remote control. The described system and method allows a user to place a universal remote control into an operational mode wherein it measures a size of memory and reports the measured memory by means of an audio or visual indication.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a remote control to command the operation of appliances, to capture demographic data, and to provide services, such as automated warranty registration, instructions, viewing guides, etc., relevant to the appliances is provided. The system includes a database and associated server that are located remotely from the remote control and accessible via a network connection. Command codes, graphical user interface elements, and services are accessed and downloaded to the remote control, as appropriate, using data supplied to the server that identifies the appliances and/or functional capabilities of the appliances. This data can be supplied by the appliances directly or can be obtained from other sources such as barcode labels, network devices, etc.

Abstract: A method for selecting a fulfillment plan for moving an item within a supply chain. The method is performed in response to the receipt of an order for an item. To select the fulfillment plan, a list of alternative fulfillment plans for moving the item within the supply chain is constructed, the constructed alternative fulfillment plans are evaluated against a predetermined criteria, and the constructed alternative fulfillment plan that most closely meets the predetermined criteria is selected for implementation to position the item within the supply chain for use in meeting the order.

Abstract: A controlling device for operating a PC and one or more home appliances. The described controlling device has integrated mouse and remote control functions, and may be configured to automatically detect whether the controlling device is being used as a mouse or as a remote control. For effective operation in both control modes, the controlling device includes both RF and IR transmitters, and is configured to transition between these transmission mediums based on the detection of whether the controlling device is being used as a mouse or as a remote control.

Abstract: An automotive storage and playback device and method for using the same are described. The automotive storage and playback device is capable of being detachably coupled to an automobile. The device includes a wireless transceiver to receive compressed digital content automatically from a computer system via a wireless local area network based on user defined preferences input into the computer system. The wireless transceiver is communicably coupled to the wireless local area network when the wireless transceiver is a predetermined distance from a wireless local area network access point. The device also includes a decoder and converter to decompress and convert the digital content. The decompressed and converted digital content is sent to be played on an output device in the automobile.

Abstract: A device for holding paving blocks includes a front plate for contacting the paving blocks and a base plate for contacting a ground surface. Linking the front plate to the base plate is a plurality of support structures. Each support structure includes a boss member adapted to receive an anchor used to anchor the holding device to the ground surface, first and second support members which link the boss member to the face plate and which engage the face plate at opposed angles, and a third support member which links the boss member to the ground plate.

Abstract: A system and method for compressing and storing image data. The system and method creates for each of a plurality of original images a plurality of resultant images by altering the content of each of the plurality of original images a corresponding plurality of different ways. Each of the resultant images is then compressed. From the compressed, resultant images created from each of the plurality of original images one resultant image is selected. Each of the selected one of the plurality of resultant images is then stored such that each of the selected one of the plurality of resultant images is retrievable to be displayed as a representation of its corresponding original image.

Abstract: Two-way communications between a video system and a control device is disclosed. The communications links comprise visible light, IR light, or a combination of visible and IR light. The communications link provide a convenient route to capture data or lock system features or various combinations thereof.

Abstract: A sub-floor assembly having sub-floor panels that are adapted to be integrally overlapped while providing clearance for channel sections when the floor deflects under load. Clearance for the channel sections may be achieved by providing pockets in an upper layer of a first sub-floor panel in the area where the channel sections engage a second sub-floor panel with which the first sub-floor panel is in overlapping engagement.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a communication link between a consumer electronic device adapted for two-way, wireless communications with at least one peripheral. The communication link is managed using a controller that is associated with the consumer electronic device that functions to assign communication slots to the peripheral to facilitate communications between the peripheral and the consumer electronic device.

Abstract: An artificial turf system having a bottom layer comprised of a plurality of pads constructed from a cross-linked, closed cell, high-density foam, a top layer of synthetic fibers disposed upon the bottom layer to provide a synthetic grass surface, and an infill layer installed upon the top layer wherein the bottom layer functions to provide shock absorbing characteristics to the artificial turf system as well as to evacuate water laterally.

Abstract: An audio converter device and a method for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, the audio converter device receives the digital audio data from a first device via a local area network. The audio converter device decompresses the digital audio data and converts the digital audio data into analog electrical data. The audio converter device transfers the analog electrical data to an audio playback device.

Abstract: A system and method for compressing and storing image data. The system and method creates for each of a plurality of original images a plurality of resultant images by altering the content of each of the plurality of original images a corresponding plurality of different ways. Each of the resultant images is then compressed. From the compressed, resultant images created from each of the plurality of original images one resultant image is selected. Each of the selected one of the plurality of resultant images is then stored such that each of the selected one of the plurality of resultant images is retrievable to be displayed as a representation of its corresponding original image.

Abstract: A system and method for using an universal remote control to access extended operational functions of a device. A consumer causes the universal remote control to transmit a code data value selected from the library to a target device while observing the effect of the transmitted code data value on the target device. When the target device responds in a manner desired by the consumer, the consumer may tag the code data value that caused the desired effect and assign the tagged code data value to a programmable key on the universal remote control.

Abstract: A home control and automation system and method. The system generally includes one or more wireless remote controls, a plurality of appliances (including network enabled appliances and traditional legacy appliances in the exemplary system), associated control centric devices, and associated content centric devices. Various methods for control and operation of appliances in the networked home control and automation environment are disclosed. Specifically, methods are disclosed which enable advanced home control features such as location based control setup and operation, network enabled legacy appliances and system integration, save and recall capabilities for appliance and media states, generic command based appliance controls, dynamic/complex macro command generation, and Internet based control capabilities from remote locations are disclosed in conjunction with the system of the current invention.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.