Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems enabling an interactive information retrieval system that includes a user interface allowing users to graphically generate information queries for objects of interest found in various media, such as television, video, and print. The invention can allow users to designate objects of interest within a television or video display and receive information related to the objects of interest. The invention can also allow users to generate queries designating objects of interest within a graphical image using a GUI.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems enabling an information exchange system allowing for the transmission of a message carrier containing at least one message code along with video and television data, as well as subsequent capture and decoding of the message carrier to identify the at least one message code. As discussed herein, implementations of the invention can be used in connection with an electronic commerce and data interchange system featuring a Universal Digital Assistant (UDA) that facilitates financial transactions and data interchange, as well as dissemination, management and exchange of commercial information (e.g., advertising, promotions, sales announcements, and the like) and personal information (e.g., address and other contact information, driver's license number, and memberships). The invention, in one implementation, provides an end-to-end e-commerce solution that can transform a mobile phone/PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) into a Universal Digital Assistant configured to receive data (e.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems enabling an interactive electronic commerce and data interchange system that delivers advertising, content and all manner of ecommerce and data interchange messages tailored to individual users. The present invention provides methods, apparatuses and systems enabling an interactive electronic commerce system enabling the targeted exchange of tailored messages with interested users presented with message codes in conventional media, such as television, radio, and printed publications. The present invention allows for the targeted dissemination of tailored information, such as advertising, promotions, sales announcements, coupons, and the like. In one embodiment, the a Universal Digital Assistant (UDA) operates in connection with a remote server having access to the individual users demographic, psychographic, preference, contact and other personal information and delivering advertising messages based on data associated with individual users.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems enabling an information exchange system allowing for the transmission of a message carrier containing at least one message code along with video and television data, as well as subsequent capture and decoding of the message carrier to identify the at least one message code. As discussed herein, implementations of the invention can be used in connection with an electronic commerce and data interchange system featuring a Universal Digital Assistant (UDA) that facilitates financial transactions and data interchange, as well as dissemination, management and exchange of commercial information (e.g., advertising, promotions, sales announcements, and the like) and personal information (e.g., address and other contact information, driver's license number, and memberships). The invention, in one implementation, provides an end-to-end e-commerce solution that can transform a mobile phone/PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) into a Universal Digital Assistant configured to receive data (e.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems enabling an interactive electronic commerce system enabling the targeted exchange of messages with interested users presented with message codes in conventional media, such as television, radio, and printed publications. The present invention allows for the targeted dissemination of information, such as advertising, promotions, sales announcements, coupons, and the like. The present invention, in one embodiment, provides an end-to-end ecommerce solution that transforms the cell phone/PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) into a Universal Digital Assistant which can receive data including advertising, promotions, sales announcement information based on message identifiers encoded into advertising and content from and including the analog and digital TV, TV set-top box, Internet, wireless, radio, satellite and print media. In one embodiment, the present invention enables an interactive electronic coupon system that facilitates the collection and redemption of electronic coupons.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems enabling an interactive information retrieval system that includes a user interface allowing users to graphically generate information queries for objects of interest found in various media, such as television, video, and print. The invention can allow users to designate objects of interest within a television or video display and receive information related to the objects of interest. The invention can also allow users to generate queries designating objects of interest within a graphical image using a GUI.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems enabling an interactive information retrieval system that includes a user interface allowing users to graphically generate information queries for objects of interest found in various media, such as television, video, and print. The invention can allow users to designate objects of interest within a television or video display and receive information related to the objects of interest. The invention can also allow users to generate queries designating objects of interest within a graphical image using a GUI.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems enabling an interactive electronic commerce system enabling the targeted exchange of messages with interested users presented with message codes in conventional media, such as television, radio, and printed publications. The present invention allows for the targeted dissemination of information, such as advertising, promotions, sales announcements, coupons, and the like. The present invention, in one embodiment, provides an end-to-end ecommerce solution that transforms the cell phone/PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) into a Universal Digital Assistant which can receive data including advertising, promotions, sales announcement information based on message identifiers encoded into advertising and content from and including the analog and digital TV, TV set-top box, Internet, wireless, radio, satellite and print media. In one embodiment, the present invention enables an interactive electronic coupon system that facilitates the collection and redemption of electronic coupons.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems enabling an interactive electronic commerce and data interchange system that delivers advertising, content and all manner of ecommerce and data interchange messages tailored to individual users. The present invention provides methods, apparatuses and systems enabling an interactive electronic commerce system enabling the targeted exchange of tailored messages with interested users presented with message codes in conventional media, such as television, radio, and printed publications. The present invention allows for the targeted dissemination of tailored information, such as advertising, promotions, sales announcements, coupons, and the like. In one embodiment, the a Universal Digital Assistant (UDA) operates in connection with a remote server having access to the individual users demographic, psychographic, preference, contact and other personal information and delivering advertising messages based on data associated with individual users.

Abstract: Methods and systems enabling an interactive electronic commerce system that facilitates dissemination and management tasks associated with advertisements and other advertising, promotion or information interchange messages, such as coupon offers and sales announcements. In one embodiment, the present invention further provides advertisers the ability to assess the correlation between the broadcast (or other delivery) of an advertisement and user activity related to the advertisement, such as a purchase or inquiry.

Abstract: A user-responsive system has a controller and a plurality of remotes. Each remote typically has a corresponding sensor and/or actuator. Applications for this system include, but are not limited to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, lighting systems, security systems, energy management systems, home automation systems, and home entertainment systems.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant HVAC system capable of continued operation in the event of a thermostat malfunction. An HVAC controller controls the operation of an HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature signal output from the thermostat and indicative of air temperature of a conditioned space proximate the thermostat. The HVAC controller detects a thermostat malfunction and, in response thereto, instead controls the operation of the HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature sensor outputting a signal indicative of return air temperature from the conditioned space.

Abstract: An indoor environmental conditioning system and a method for controlling the circulation of non-conditioned air. The system comprises a conditioning source, air distribution source and air distribution conduit. The air may be propelled at at least two different flow rates.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant HVAC system for use in a single or multi-zoned system, capable of continued operation in the event of a thermostat, or other sensing device malfunction. An HVAC controller controls the operation of an HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature signal output from the thermostat and indicative of air temperature of a conditioned space proximate the thermostat. The HVAC controller detects a thermostat malfunction and, in response thereto, instead controls the operation of the HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature sensor outputting a signal indicative of return air temperature from the conditioned space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing an indoor environmental conditioning system for spaces, for operation. The apparatus and method are advantageously configured for use with an indoor environmental conditioning system in which the spaces are provided with an indoor environmental conditioning input and an indoor environmental conditioning sensor, both operably connected to an indoor environmental conditioning source. Each space is further provided with means for actuating the indoor environmental conditioning source. The apparatus and method enable the indoor environmental conditioning system to be placed in an initial condition such that no space can receive, and no sensor report, indoor environmental conditioning. The indoor environmental conditioning inputs are actuated one at a time, and operably linked thereafter with the indoor environmental conditioning sensor which reports a change in environmental conditioning status.

Abstract: A control system for a fluid-fuel burner, such as a furnace for an HVAC system. The furnace has a variable flow of fuel into the burner. In addition, the circulating air blower is also variable. The furnace heat exchanger plenum is maintained at a substantially constant temperature, as a means for providing substantially constant temperature air to the spaces to be heated.

Abstract: An arrangement for adjusting the intensity of an electrodeless discharge lamp is described. In one embodiment the high-frequency signal delivered to the induction coil is interrupted during a predetermined portion of a full duty cycle. This function is provided by a dimmer control unit which may be in an analog or digital form and may respond to a control signal provided by a potentiometer, a three-way lighting fixture or an addressable, remote controlled interface with data transmitted over the power lines or over a radio or infrared communication channel. In another embodiment the dimmer control unit alters the amplitude of the high-frequency signal supplied to the lamp's induction coil.

Abstract: A price display system for a store includes spread spectrum radio broadcasting of UPC and price data from a transmitter in the store to a large number of receivers. Each receiver is connected to one or more LCD displays attached to the store shelves, and each receiver provides the relevant information to each of the connected displays. The displays and receivers are battery powered.

Abstract: A tape measure 20 includes a display window 24 for presenting a digital presentation of the measurement being made. The tape measure 20 includes an encoder 74 which provides for a combined absolute scale 95 and relative scale 105 for determining the measurement. Perforations 62 in the tape 26 are mated with pins 60 extending from a capstan 58 in order to cause the encoder 74 to send signals to a microprocessor 76. The microprocessor 76 processes the signal and displays the measurement.