Abstract: The present invention provides a system through which a standard communications device can be modified to enable scanning of product barcodes in order to enable data collection of product information at a remote server site. Once this data collection of product information is complete, the user can perform various functions, as will be described in further detail. Advantages of the invention include providing users with the capability to implement product replenishment at a verified lowest price. In addition, price comparisons may be used in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, as well as the enablement of a mobile marketplace. Moreover, the present invention may simply be used to track desired products or for providing additional product information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for directing an on-line user to predetermined information. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention interface with the user's browser to utilize the functions of the browser for directing user “traffic” on a network. In preferred embodiments, when a user accesses a web site page, a traffic control program is executed for the page, wherein the traffic control program controls the transmission (downloading) of data to the user computer and further creates a modified set of rules for at least one of the browser functions.

Abstract: An article including a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which when executed, causes receipt of a control request from a first client for an animatronic device located on a second client and determining if the control request is serviceable by the animatronic device. In addition, the instructions also include sending the control request unaltered to the second client if the control request is serviceable by the animatronic device, and modifying the control request to a serviceable control request if the control request is not serviceable by the animatronic device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus which enable remote control of animatronic devices over a network using a web enabled cell phone. For clients having limited programming capabilities such as a cell phone, signals created by pressing a key on a keypad are sent to an intermediate server which would have a mapping of a key to a desired animatronic control command and would convert the received signals to an animatronic control command and send the animatronic control command to a server for sending to an addressed animatronic device. A determination may be made if the animatronic control command is serviceable by the animatronic device. The animatronic control command is sent unaltered to a receiving client if the animatronic control command is serviceable by the animatronic device connected to the receiving client. The animatronic control command may be modified to a valid animatronic control command if the animatronic control command is not serviceable by the animatronic device.

Abstract: An article including a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which when executed, causes receipt of a control request for a medical-monitoring device located on a client and determining if the control request is serviceable by the medical-monitoring device. In addition, the instructions also include sending the control request unaltered to the client if the control request is serviceable by the medical-monitoring device, and modifying the control request to a serviceable control request if the control request is not serviceable by the medical-monitoring device.

Abstract: An article including a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which when executed, causes receipt of a control request for a medical-monitoring device located on a client and determining if the control request is serviceable by the medical-monitoring device. In addition, the instructions also include sending the control request unaltered to the client if the control request is serviceable by the medical-monitoring device, and modifying the control request to a serviceable control request if the control request is not serviceable by the medical-monitoring device.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a gaming method and apparatus wherein the participants are guaranteed to win a minimum amount after a fixed period of time or a predetermined number of games. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention include the determination of the parameters for the minimum win and controlling the gaming device, wherein determination of the parameters for the minimum win includes the determination of the win interval and the minimum guaranteed award amount for achieving the win interval. If a player achieves a win interval, the player can received a minimum guaranteed award amount or proceed to the next level of play. Play continues until the player achieves a winning combination or chooses to receive the minimum guaranteed award amount.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for directing an on-line user to predetermined information. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention interface with the user's browser to utilize the functions of the browser for directing user “traffic” on a network. In preferred embodiments, when a user accesses a web site page, a traffic control program is executed for the page, wherein the traffic control program controls the transmission (downloading) of data to the user computer and further creates a modified set of rules for at least one of the browser functions.

Abstract: A system for merging text with distributed multimedia information comprising a processor, a network interface, a display, and a memory. The memory is configured to cause said processor to receive a request in said browser application to present said distributed multimedia information; launch said multimedia file presentation application; validate said distributed multimedia information; pass a pointer to said distributed multimedia information to said media command interrupt layer; and display said multimedia information.