Abstract: Data retrieval apparatus comprises a base unit e.g. a geographic globe having a surface bearing a set of index information, and a pen-like operator separate from and co-operable wirelessly with the globe. The operator has a sensor for sensing the index information when it is brought close to the globe surface, a memory device for storing data information associated with the index information for retrieval based on a reference to the index information sensed by the sensor, a controller for retrieving said data information from the memory device by reference to the index information sensed by the sensor, and a speaker for announcing said data information retrieved by the controller.

Abstract: A handheld telecommunication device includes a housing, keys, a display, a speaker, a microphone, and an electronic operating circuit connected to and co-operable with the display, the speaker, and the microphone for performing various functions including telecommunication functions. The operating circuit includes a sensor for sensing placement of the housing close to a body part of a human user of the telecommunication device and within a relatively short distance, and a control for, in response to sensing of a body part within the relatively short distance, deactivating the keys for a period generally as long as the housing is held within the relatively short distance from the body part.

Abstract: A weather station has an MCU for evaluating weather information relating to an atmospheric parameter, a sensor for sensing the parameter for subsequent processing by the MCU, and an LCD display. The LCD display has a multi-layered structure including front and rear glass plates, liquid crystal material located between the plates in a pattern having a number of parts, a foremost transmissive polarizer, and a transflective polarizer behind the rear glass plate. There is also a color backing behind the rear polarizer, which has a number of regions in different colors and cover the liquid crystal pattern parts, so that the color regions are selectively revealed through the parts of the pattern as the parts of the pattern of the liquid crystal material are activated, thereby displaying the weather information in color.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first automated system monitors at least one call characteristic (e.g., frequency of abnormally short calls) to determine whether quality of service standards are being met by the various carriers being utilized by the system. Such an at least one call characteristic can be stored in a database for later retrieval by an automated link diagnosis system. If appropriate, a link re-routing system can respond to an analysis of the link diagnosis system in order to re-route calls—by either taking at least one link out of service or by placing at least one link back into service.

Abstract: A projection clock includes a base unit that includes a power supply, a clock circuit powered by the power supply, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting time information provided by the clock circuit. Also, a projection unit, separate from the base unit, includes a projection circuit and a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving the transmitted time information, based on which the projection circuit operatively projects the time.

Abstract: A weather station apparatus for measuring and indicating weather information, having a base station and a remote indicator. The base station includes a microprocessor (MCU) for evaluating weather information relating to an atmospheric parameter. At least one sensor is associated with the MCU for sensing the atmospheric parameter for subsequent processing by the MCU. An RF transmitter is included for transmitting a wireless signal representing the weather information evaluated by the MCU. The indicator includes an RF receiver for receiving the wireless signal from the transmitter, a control circuit for processing the wireless signal, and a color-changing light source controlled by the control unit to indicate the weather information represented by the wireless signal in a color that is dependent upon the value of the weather information.

Abstract: A weight management system includes a control wristwatch including a processor programmed with a weight management program and an RF receiver, a weight scale for collecting weight data from a user and including an RF transmitter for transmitting the weight data to the wristwatch, and a pedometer or heart rate monitor for collecting exercise data from the user and including an RF transmitter for transmitting the exercise data to the wristwatch. The weight management program is operable on the weight data to determine a plan for managing the weight of the user through exercise, and operable on the exercise data to monitor execution of the plan.

Abstract: A wireless heart rate monitoring system comprises a detection unit and a display unit, the two units being separate and co-operatively in communication via a wireless link. The detection unit comprises a casing, straps for attaching the casing on a user, a heart rate detector at the casing for detecting ECG pulses of the user, a microprocessor for computing a heart rate based on the ECG pulses detected by the heart rate detector, and a transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal indicative of the computed heart rate to the display unit. The display unit comprises a casing, a receiver for receiving the wireless signal from the detection unit, and a display for displaying the heart rate received by the receiver.

Abstract: A portable blood pressure measuring device comprises a casing, a pressure sensor sensing oscillations in pressure from a cuff attached to a user, and a microprocessor for determining blood pressure based on the oscillations in pressure sensed by the pressure sensor. A signal converter provided in the casing converts data from the pressure sensor into data for the microprocessor. A voice processor provided in the casing receives data from the microprocessor and generates a voice signal indicative of the blood pressure sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system for generating royalty revenue includes: a business entity configured to acquire rights to at least one intellectual property asset from at least one IP owner; a licensing group operating on behalf of the business entity, configured to perform at least one licensing activity to generate royalty revenue from the at least one intellectual property asset, thereby providing income for the at least one IP owner, wherein the business entity is configured to defend the at least one intellectual property asset for the at least one owner. A method of using intellectual property to generate licensing revenue includes: forming a business entity; acquiring at least one intellectual property asset from at least one IP owner who is not an employee of the business entity; generating royalty revenue from the at least one intellectual property asset; defending the at least one intellectual property asset; and providing at least one investor with at least a portion of the royalty revenue.

Abstract: A voice activated clock has a body, a clock projector for displaying time, and an electronic operating circuit that includes a clock circuit for performing various clock functions including operating the projector to display time. The operating circuit further includes a voice input circuit for inputting a voice command issued by a user, a memory, and a voice processing circuit for associating an input voice command with a corresponding one of the clock function, storing the command in the memory, and comparing voice command later input by the voice input circuit with the command stored in the memory for matching, and operating the clock circuit to perform the associated clock function in the event of a match.

Abstract: A weather station (100) for indicating weather conditions, comprises a casing (110) having a screen (120) and an internal electronic operating circuit (90). The operating circuit (90) includes at least one sensor (70) for sensing an atmospheric parameter and a microprocessor (80) for ascertaining a weather condition based on the sensed atmospheric parameter and indicating the weather condition on the screen (120). The operating circuit (90) includes a memory (60) which stores several sets of images, each set representing a corresponding variation of the weather condition, for selection by the microprocessor (80) to indicate the weather condition in the variation as ascertained in an animated representation.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for screening media segments received from at least one originator. The method includes receiving at least one media segment from an originator, providing the media segment to at least one screener, associating feedback from the at least one screener with the at least one segment, thereby obtaining associated feedback, and delivering the associated feedback regarding the at least one segment to the originator of the media segment. The feedback provided to the originator is input by a screener using a portable screening room. The system for screening media segments includes an interface enabling communication between the originator of the media segment and at least one screener screening the media segment and a portable screening room used by the at least one screener to associate feedback with the media segment that is then sent to the originator.

Abstract: A wireless output system for AV (audio and/or video) equipment, comprises a base unit for use with the equipment and an output unit for use elsewhere, the two units being communicable with each other via a wireless link. The base unit transmits a wireless AV signal corresponding to an AV signal received from the equipment for reception by the output unit, receives a wireless control signal from the output unit, and transmits a wireless control signal based on the one received for reception by the equipment. The output unit receives the wireless AV signal from the base unit and reproduces sound/image based on the received signal, receives a wireless control signal from a remote controller for the equipment, and transmits a wireless control signal corresponding to the one received for reception by the base unit.

Abstract: A prepaid virtual calling card, specifically for providing users (consumers and business affiliates) with an on-line method and apparatus to create custom prepaid calling cards for immediate use and distribution, wherein the prepaid virtual calling card is created by: connecting a user via a communications network to at least one server; presenting the user with an applications supplied by the server for the issuance of the virtual calling card; submitting the application to the server; and issuing the virtual calling card.