Abstract: An electronic device that is configured to gather information from the environment surrounding the consumer. The information is passed along to a central computer facility that can evaluate the information to determine, for example, what television shows are being watched and the number of viewers watching the content. Additional features provide compensation methods rewarding viewers for particular content that is viewed.

Abstract: An electronic device that is configured to gather information from the environment surrounding the consumer. The information is passed along to a central computer facility that can evaluate the information to determine, for example, what television shows are being watched or what restaurant is being visited. Additional features make further use of the gathered information.

Abstract: A fiber optic switch includes a plurality of optical modules that selectively direct light between optical fibers. Each optical module includes an optical fiber, and a light beam steering mechanism for directing light from or to an optical fiber. A processor within the optical module, and an optical detector form a control circuit such that each optical module can align light from fibers within the optical switch. In one embodiment, the beam steering mechanism includes one or more piezoelectric motors that position lenses in front of an optical fiber. The capacity of the fiber optic switch can be increased or decreased by adding or removing optical modules from the switch.