Abstract: An applause device including a sound generator capable of generating at least one applause sound. The sound generator preferably can generate at least one sound which can indicate approval or disapproval, such as clapping, hollering, whistling, booing, and hissing. A switch permits the user to select between each of the sounds. The device also preferably comprises illumination structure so as to illuminate at least a portion of the sound generation device. In a preferred embodiment, the applause device is shaped substantially, at least in part, in the shape of an open hand. A method for generating applause sounds and a system for remotely controlling the applause device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a musical display system for displaying musical notes to a musician and may include a camera for capturing a conductor image. The system may also include a display structure configured to display a conductor image and a musical note. A processor may be coupled to the camera and the display structure where the processor can signal the camera to capture a conductor image. The control center may signal the display structure to display a conductor image and a musical note. In another arrangement, a musical display system for displaying musical notes to a musician may include a display structure configured to display a conductor image and a musical note. The system may include a processor coupled to the display structure where the processor may include a animated conductor generator. The processor may signal the display structure to display a conductor image and a musical note.

Abstract: A communications device includes a transceiver for sending and receiving wireless signals, a screen for displaying one or more text and graphics, one or more input structures for inputting information, and a removable smart card having one or more card engines and one or more data stores, the data stores storing data related to one or more geographic areas and one or more assigned values. The present invention also provides a smart card including one or more card engines where the card engine determines operability of the smart card based on an assigned value. The smart card also includes one or more data stores where the data store stores geographic region data and one or more assigned values. The data can include one or more of regional telephone numbers, regional addresses, regional advertisements, regional historic information, regional custom information, regional directions, and regional tourist information.

Abstract: A system for conducting a meeting which includes at least one control system, and a plurality of microphones configured to transmit an activation request to the control system. The control system generates an activation sequence for the microphones based on at least one activation request transmitted by a user for at least one of the microphones. The control system selectively activates each microphone for which an activation request has been transmitted. The selective activation occurs according to the generated activation sequence. One or more cameras may also be included for capturing video images of the users speaking into the microphones.

Abstract: A method and system for brokering real estate transactions, in which a broker allows a user to sell a first property and purchase a second property via a computer communications network. The method and system include the following steps: (a) the broker accepting at least one first property sale offering; (b) the broker providing at least one second property purchase offering; (c) the broker allowing the user to accept a selection of at least one second property selected from the at least one second property purchase offering; (d) the broker transferring the sale proceeds from the sale transaction of the first property to the user, for use in purchasing the at least one second property selected in said accepting step (c); and (e) executing a purchase transaction of the at least one second property selected in said accepting step (c), using the sale proceeds from the sale transaction of the at least one first property as payment towards the purchase of the at least one second property.

Abstract: An automated depository system having a sobriety detection mechanism and a storage unit for storing a deposited article in which the storage unit selectively releases the stored article based on measurements taken by the sobriety detection mechanism. In one arrangement, the sobriety detection mechanism can produce a blood alcohol content reading, and the storage unit can release the deposited article when the reading is below a predetermined value. Conversely, the storage unit can retain the article when the reading reaches a predetermined value. In another arrangement, the system can have circuitry for contacting a transportation service based on measurements taken by the sobriety detection mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for displaying advertisements including the steps of providing at least one non-transparent cable for transmitting light in which an end of each non-transparent cable is received by a receiving structure and transmitting light selected from a plurality of colors along the non-transparent cables such that the light is emitted from the ends of the non-transparent cables received by the receiving structure. The emitted light forms a display in accordance with at least one of a pre-programmed design, and the display is an advertisement or a simulated floor covering. The non-transparent cable can be a fiber optic cable, and the method can further include the step of incorporating the receiving structure into an infrastructure. As an example, the infrastructure can be a travelway that supports at least one of vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A worker productivity tracking system for determining the productivity of a worker using a manufacturing device. The worker productivity tracking system may include a central processing unit coupled to one or more remote processing units. A remote processing unit may track the amount of time a worker needs to complete a task. The remote processing unit may send the worker data to the central processing unit. The central processing unit may compare the worker data with manufacturing process information to determine the productivity of the worker. A memory card may be used by the remote processing unit to determine whether a worker is able to operate a manufacturing device.

Abstract: A method for providing access includes providing an electronic access card having a biometric identifier, biometrically identifying with the electronic access card an authorized user of the electronic access card, signaling a monitoring station when the user is identified, receiving an enabling signal from the monitoring station, and providing access in response to the receipt of the enabling signal. The method can also include enabling an ignition system in response to the receipt of the enabling signal.

Abstract: A method of generating advertising revenue includes purchasing from a prior owner a portable display structure having at least one advertising surface for displaying at least one advertisement, leasing the portable display structure to the prior owner, and selling at least a portion of the advertising surface to at least one advertiser thereby providing the at least one advertiser with an advertising medium. The at least one advertiser can include a prior owner and a third party. The portable display structure can be a transportation vehicle for transporting goods or passengers.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system. The system includes an electronic access card in which the electronic access card stores information associated with a user of the electronic access card, a card reader for receiving the electronic access card and for reading the associated information and a vehicle transceiver coupled to the card reader. The vehicle transceiver transmits at least a portion of the associated information to at least one of a monitoring station and a portable unit. The monitoring station and the portable unit each include a computer for displaying the associated information. In one arrangement, the card reader and the vehicle transceiver can be mounted in a vehicle, and the vehicle transceiver can transmit the associated information from any vehicle having the card reader and the vehicle transceiver. In addition, the portable unit can be a law enforcement mobile unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable digital image display device having a scanner for generating digital images, a disc media drive for reading digital images from a disc medium and writing digital images onto the disc medium and a display device for displaying digital images. Also, the invention concerns a digital image display device having a scanner for generating digital images, a multi-unit disc media storage wheel for storing a plurality of disc media and a disc media drive for reading digital images from at least one of the disc media stored on the storage wheel and writing digital images onto at least one of the disc media. The disc media drive can be an optical disc media drive, and the disc medium can be an optical disc medium.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system for alerting a vehicle driver of the presence and status of traffic devices. The vehicle navigation system may alert a driver of the time remaining before a traffic device, such as a traffic light, changes the flow of traffic. The vehicle navigation system may also alert a vehicle driver of traffic devices, such as stop signs and speed limit signs, when the driver is approaching the traffic device. The vehicle navigation system may alert a driver through audible or visual alerts, or both. The vehicle navigation system may include a display screen that may or may not be attached to a vehicle. The vehicle navigation system may also include an in-vehicle alert system enabling vehicle drivers to send alert messages to other vehicle drivers within a close proximity.

Abstract: A method for providing access includes providing an electronic access card having a biometric identifier, biometrically identifying with the electronic access card an authorized user of the electronic access card, signaling a monitoring station when the user is identified, receiving an enabling signal from the monitoring station, and providing access in response to the receipt of the enabling signal. The method can also include enabling an ignition system in response to the receipt of the enabling signal.

Abstract: An applause device including a sound generator capable of generating at least one applause sound. The sound generator preferably can generate at least one sound which can indicate approval or disapproval, such as clapping, hollering, whistling, booing, and hissing. A switch permits the user to select between each of the sounds. The device also preferably comprises illumination structure so as to illuminate at least a portion of the sound generation device. In a preferred embodiment, the applause device is shaped substantially, at least in part, in the shape of an open hand. A method for generating applause sounds and a system for remotely controlling the applause device is also disclosed.