Abstract: A method and system for tracking a changeable description of an article labeled by a machine-readable label (MRL) allows articles like fresh vegetables to be labeled with MRL devices. A unique code in the MRL is correlated with descriptive information about the article including, possibly, changeable information such as a remaining quantity of the article. The descriptive information can be updated, so for example, if the information relates to a bottle of vinegar, the quantity remaining is always correlated to the MRL if the information is regularly updated. Thus, for example, a household inventory can be maintained with quantities that are below an initial value of a purchased item. Also, fresh foods like vegetables and deli foods can be automatically tracked by a home inventory system that reads MRL devices such as radio frequency identification tags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pricing items, such as goods or services, which features the use of price tags having customer readable displays which can be controlled via a central processor or computer in response to monitored environmental conditions

Abstract: A terminal receives data from a storage device that stores data indicating a topic about which information is sought or with reference to which some transaction is desired. The terminal initiates an exchange with a network server and the terminal by transmitting the data received from the storage device. If an indication is made at the terminal that either a further exchange is not desired or that the terminal cannot presently connect with the server, the data from the storage device is saved in a memory for later use in conducting the further exchange. Various options attending this context include providing for the delivery of information by an alternate channel and other options.

Abstract: A method and system for reading machine-readable label devices and searching resources bases responsive to the context in which the reading took place provides versatility and intelligence that insures users will obtain real value from their use. For example, the system may be used to obtain information about a product fitted with a transponder. The system goes beyond monolithic information-gathering and transaction automation by exploiting context information and flexible search engine technology and by using natural language parsing to make searching to make creation and maintenance of resource bases more economical.

Abstract: A method and system for reading machine-readable label devices and searching resources bases responsive to the context in which the reading took place provides versatility and intelligence that insures users will obtain real value from their use. For example, the system may be used to obtain information about a product fitted with a transponder. The system goes beyond monolithic information-gathering and transaction automation by exploiting context information and flexible search engine technology and by using natural language parsing to make searching to make creation and maintenance of resource bases more economical.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking a changeable description of an article labeled by a machine-readable label (MRL) allows articles like fresh vegetables to be labeled with MRL devices. A unique code in the MRL is correlated with descriptive information about the article including, possibly, changeable information such as a remaining quantity of the article. The descriptive information can be updated, so for example, if the information relates to a bottle of vinegar, the quantity remaining is always correlated to the MRL if the information is regularly updated. Thus, for example, a household inventory can be maintained with quantities that are below an initial value of a purchased item. Also, fresh foods like vegetables and deli foods can be automatically tracked by a home inventory system that reads MRL devices such as radio frequency identification tags.

Abstract: A method and system for reading machine-readable label devices and searching resources bases responsive to the context in which the reading took place provides versatility and intelligence that insures users will obtain real value from their use. For example, the system may be used to obtain information about a product fitted with a transponder. The system goes beyond monolithic information-gathering and transaction automation by exploiting context information and flexible search engine technology and by using natural language parsing to make searching to make creation and maintenance of resource bases more economical.

Abstract: A method and system for reading machine-readable label devices and searching resources bases responsive to the context in which the reading took place provides versatility and intelligence that insures users will obtain real value from their use. For example, the system may be used to obtain information about a product fitted with a transponder. The system goes beyond monolithic information-gathering and transaction automation by exploiting context information and flexible search engine technology and by using natural language parsing to make searching to make creation and maintenance of resource bases more economical.

Abstract: A method and system for reading machine-readable label (MRL) devices and searching resources bases responsive to the context in which the reading took place provides a default mode that supplies useful options when matching resources cannot be identified from the MRL or other data. The user is given the option of defining his/her own response and matching template. Alternatively or in concert, the user may receive a generic response based on a lesser match or a message suggesting the user scan a different MRL or use a different object associated with the MRL reader.

Abstract: A terminal receives data from a storage device that stores data indicating a topic about which information is sought or with reference to which some transaction is desired. The terminal initiates an exchange with a network server and the terminal by transmitting the data received from the storage device. If an indication is made at the terminal that either a further exchange is not desired or that the terminal cannot presently connect with the server, the data from the storage device is saved in a memory for later use in conducting the further exchange. Various options attending this context include providing for the delivery of information by an alternate channel and other options.

Abstract: A method and system for completing transactions with a document such as a movie ticket. The document has a machine-readable label affixed to it. An account is associated with an identifier stored in the machine-readable label allowing a user to complete a transaction with the document as if it were a credit card. This make impulse purchasing more likely because transactions can be completed without a separate step for account identification and authorization.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the activity of an object at a remote location, includes a consumer electronic appliance having a first input for receiving data indicative of a program and a second input for receiving data indicative of the activity of the object. An activity sensor placed at the remote location senses the activity of the object and transmits data indicative of the activity to the second input of the consumer electronic appliance. The consumer electronic appliance may include an activity detector that measures the activity of the object in the object data. The activity detector may automatically cause the consumer electronic appliance to present the activity of the object if the measured activity meets a predetermined activity threshold. The consumer electronic appliance may also enable the user to momentarily observe the activity of the object or continuously monitor the activity of the object.

Abstract: A method and device for placing orders over a network using bioauthentication account authorization for an account having different users and access levels.