Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect a focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable. Emission signatures of imaging devices are stored in a datastore and distributed to users of thwarting systems via a network. Emission signatures are associated with thwarting signals to allow detection and thwarting systems to respond quickly to the use of an unauthorized imaging device.

Abstract: A portable status sentry comprises a portable memory device, an interface adapted for connecting the portable memory device to a computing device, and auto-run instructions. The auto-run instructions comprise status instructions and are executed by the computing device when the portable memory device is installed in the computing device. Upon execution of the status instructions the computing device is adapted for accessing a query network, acquiring status data from a status file accessible to the query network and associated with a monitored device, and processing the status data to produce a status measure relating to a status of the monitored device.

Abstract: A system for associating baggage with a passenger comprises a biometric reader that captures a biometric measure from a passenger, a boarding document comprising a machine-readable boarding identifier, and a baggage tag comprising a machine-readable baggage identifier. An association processor associates the machine-readable boarding identifier and the machine-readable baggage identifier and the biometric measure.

Abstract: A system and method for data recipient invoked electronic commerce allowing data subjects to provide information over a network and data recipients to receive such information relating to the needs of s data subject such as purchases, distribution of application information and the like. The system includes a server having software which gathers the information from a data subject to complete a transaction over a network. The system has a data subject data structure that stores information for registered data subjects. The software is able to access the data subject data structure and enter the data subject's information during subsequent transactions. Having the software obtain and enter the data subject's purchasing information, the data subject does not have to enter the same information every time the data subject desires to effect a transaction over the network. In alternate embodiments, the same technology can be applied to other arenas where a user may have to enter the same repetitive information.

Abstract: A cardiac contractile augmentation device (CCAD) comprising an EAP segment adapted to be attached to a portion of the heart that would benefit from contractile augmentation. The EAP segment is energized by a pulse generator. In response to an electrical pulse the EAP segment deforms resulting in a contraction of the portion of the heart to which the EAP fabric is attached. In response to another pulse from the pulse generator, the EAP segments returns to its pre-deformed state. A CCAD may be constructed of EAP segments that are independently energized under control of a processor that is connected to the individual segments. The processor causes the pulse generator to sequentially pulse the individual segments in the direction of a normal contraction of the cardiac tissue. In this way, the CCAP provides contractile augmentation to a chamber of the heart in a pattern that is equivalent to a concentric contraction of normal heart muscle.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing an alarm when the separation distance between a monitoring module associated with an object (animate or inanimate) and an alert module exceeds a preset threshold distance thereby forming a leadless electronic tether between the object and the object owner. A monitoring module comprises a portable transmitter provides a signal to an alert module comprising a receiver and a processor. The alert module is adapted to determine a separation distance between the monitoring module and the alert module based on an attribute of the signal. When the separation distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, the alert module issues an alert. Alternatively, when the monitoring module signal is not received by the alert module, an alert is issued.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a telephone call between a calling party telephone and a called party telephone over a wired network. A telephone number associated with the called party telephone is monitored using a telephone status monitor to obtain a status of the called party telephone. The status of the called party telephone is entered in a called party telephone status file that is accessible to a calling party processor over the wired network. The calling party processor dials the telephone number of the called party telephone when an on-hook status is detected by the calling party processor so as to establish a telephone call between the calling party telephone and the called party telephone over the wired network.

Abstract: A system and method for equipment status data over a network. Equipment adapted for reporting status data indicative of the status of the equipment is connected to a first network A status file connected to the first network receives the status data from the equipment over the first network. A second network is connected to the status file and to a processor. The processor comprises instructions for accessing the status file over the second network, acquiring the status data from the status file, and processing the status data. Based on the processed status data, the processor may take action to control a device or issue an alert. The action taken by the processor is determined by instructions selected by a user of the processor or the equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the status of an authorization device over a network. Output signals indicative of the status of the authorization device are stored in a ticket file. An authorization datastore accesses the ticket file over the first network and obtains the status of the authorization device. A determination is made from the user identifier if the user is authorized to access a ticketed venue. Permission is granted to the user to access the ticketed venue if the user is determined to meet access requirements.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the status of a telephone in a packet switched network. The system and method provides for the telephone status to be determined by a status monitoring device or, where the network is a cable network and the equipment comprises a telephone, by a subscriber cable interface device. The equipment status file is accessible over a network, such as the Internet, by status accessing device. The status file provides status information indicative of the telephone for which the status is being determined.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the status of an authorization device over a network. Output signals indicative of the status of the authorization device are stored in a status file. An authorization datastore accesses the status file over the first network and obtains the status of the authorization device. A determination is made from the user identifier if the user is authorized to use the controlled device. Permission is granted to the user to use the controlled device if the user is determined to be authorized to use the controlled device.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect a focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable. Emission signatures of imaging devices are stored in a datastore and distributed to users of thwarting systems via a network. Emission signatures are associated with thwarting signals to allow detection and thwarting systems to respond quickly to the use of an unauthorized imaging device.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the state of a structure over a network. The system and method provides for providing the status of a monitoring device to a status file. The status file is accessible over the Internet by computer so that a party can first determine the status of the device. The system operates over normal PSTN's, over cable systems, over wireless networks and over the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method for determining telephone status over a network. The system and method provides for off hook status to be determined by a switch or other monitor that then provides that information to a telephone status file. The telephone status file is accessible over the Internet by computer so that a calling party can first determine if the called party is on the telephone. Thus wasted time in making calls that cannot be completed is avoided. The system operates over normal PSTN's, over cable systems, and over the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect a focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable. Emission signatures of imaging devices are stored in a datastore and distributed to users of thwarting systems via a network. Emission signatures are associated with thwarting signals to allow detection and thwarting systems to respond quickly to the use of an unauthorized imaging device.

Abstract: An animal training device for administering audio stimulus and physical encouragement to an animal. The trainer has a transmitter with variable signal strength. The animal worn device had a receiver that senses the signal strength. If the signal strength drops to a preset limit indicative of distance from the transmitter, a tone is sounded. Further signal drop results in a shock being delivered. Alternatively, a trainer module comprises an RFID poller and an animal module comprises an RFID tag. The poller sends a polling signal to the RFID tag. The polling signal is reflected back to the trainer module where the reflective signal is used to determine a separation distance. If the separation distance exceeds a preset threshold, an encouragement command is sent from the trainer module to the animal module.

Abstract: A status monitoring system utilizing an RFID tag. In an embodiment of the present invention, a status of a receiving device comprises a device address, whether the device is able to receive communications from a sending device, and a recipient list of users able to use the receiving device at any particular time. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the recipient list is created by the receiving device in response to the detection of a qualified user within a preset access distance of the receiving device. A sending device may access this status information and determine how to communicate with a user on the recipient list.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect a focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing an alarm when the separation distance between a monitoring module associated with an object (animate or inanimate) and an alert module exceeds a preset threshold distance thereby forming a leadless electronic tether between the object and the object owner. A monitoring module comprises a portable transmitter provides a signal to an alert module comprising a receiver and a processor. The alert module is adapted to determine a separation distance between the monitoring module and the alert module based on an attribute of the signal. When the separation distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, the alert module issues an alert.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing an alarm when the separation distance between a monitoring module associated with an object (animate or inanimate) and an alert module exceeds a preset threshold distance thereby forming a leadless electronic tether between the object and the object owner. A monitoring module comprises a portable transmitter provides a signal to an alert module comprising a receiver and a processor. The alert module is adapted to determine a separation distance between the monitoring module and the alert module based on an attribute of the signal. When the separation distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, the alert module issues an alert.