Abstract: A data processing system, method, and product are disclosed for self-directed distance learning. The data processing system includes a client computer system coupled to a server computer system utilizing a network. An Internet-based distance learning environment is first accessed from which a first one of multiple, separate information streams is selected. The selected information stream is associated with an educational presentation. The selected information stream is then used to select a second information stream. Both information streams are then presented.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: A system (and method) includes a sound monitoring system, a detector for identifying a source of the sound, a computing system for processing the sound to trigger a notification event, and a user interface system for notifying at least one individual responsible for the sound.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for scheduling an event or meeting consisting of a plurality of persons which is determined by optimizing one or more variables. In the preferred embodiment, one or more requests for a meeting are pooled. A selected variable is optimized and an event is scheduled on the optimized variable. As additional meeting requests are pooled which conflict with the initial optimized event, the selected variable is again optimized and the event is dynamically rescheduled based on the optimized variable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a datamining service vendor to provide subscribing power customers with electrical consumption data services. The system and method provide a mechanism by which electrical consumption is measured at the point of consumption over incremental periods of time. Customers can subscribe to a datamining service vendor which monitors and collects customer electrical consumption data at each addressed location within the customer's electrical network and provides the customer with a detailed report of power consumption statistics and trends. This allows the customer to make informed consumption choices resulting in cost savings to the customer and conservation of power generation resources.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product for determining optimum routing of vehicles based on historical information as well as user preferences and current travel conditions. Historical data is compiled and statistically analyzed to determiner characteristics of each possible route between two points. The characteristic information is then used along with user preference information and current travel condition information to determine an optimum route between the two points.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for accessing, transmitting and storing a client's hearing profile on a network, which results in the creation of an audio font that is customized to the client's hearing preferences. In turn, the client's audio font may be accessed by the client and transmitted to a client's selected digital audio device via a network connection, which attenuates the sound drivers of the digital audio device to properly filter and adjust audio output in a manner that best enhances the sound quality to the client's needs and preferences. The invention allows the client to customize the sounds emitted from digital audio devices by providing audio preference feedback which modifies the selected audio font to more accurately represent the audio preferences of the client.

Abstract: A data processing system, method, and product are disclosed for marking particular types of communications. A database is established that includes multiple different distinguishing identifiers. Each identifier identifies a particular type of communication. A communication is received. A determination is made as to whether the communication includes one of the distinguishing identifiers. Communications that include one of the identifiers are marked.

Abstract: The present invention provides an RF tag having an antenna that can be selectively tuned to achieve optimal performance. The RF tag comprises an RF transponder integrated circuit and an antenna connected to the RF transponder integrated circuit. The antenna includes components such as tuning stubs and loading bars that are physically alterable to selectively vary the performance characteristics of the antenna. The tuning stub and loading bar may each further comprising a variably selectable length having elements that may be removed by punching, cutting, etching, laser trimming or other process. The antenna may further comprise a leadframe or a flexible substrate.

Abstract: A data processing system, method, and product are disclosed for self-directed distance learning. The data processing system includes a client computer system coupled to a server computer system utilizing a network. An Internet-based distance learning environment is first accessed from which a first one of multiple, separate information streams is selected. The selected information stream is associated with an educational presentation. The selected information stream is then used to select a second information stream. Both information streams are then presented.

Abstract: A computer system, method, and product are disclosed for embedding demographic information in network packets. The computer system includes a server computer system coupled to a client computer system using a network. Demographic information is obtained about a user of the client computer system. This demographic information is embedded into network packets transmitted by the client computer system to the server computer system.

Abstract: A method (and system) includes receiving a request to present information selected from a plurality of examples of information, reading an identification token of at least one user, and determining whether the at least one user is authorized to be presented the information.

Abstract: A system (and method) for workspace sound regulation, includes an office enclosure having a plurality of barriers, the barriers including reflective surfaces, and the reflective surfaces creating a plurality of preferred locations in the enclosure.

Abstract: A system (and method) includes a seating platform, at least one sensor for detecting a state of the seating platform connected to a first wireless communications device, the first wireless communications device for conveying information on the state of the seating platform, and a second wireless communications device for receiving information from the first wireless communications device, and a computing system. The second wireless communications device is for receiving the information carrying signal and is connected to the computing system. The computing system is for initiating an action based upon the information.

Abstract: A system for buying and selling merchandise includes a network having a plurality of user terminals, a memory device for storing a predetermined event for the merchandise, and at least one processor, accessible by the plurality of user terminals, for automatically adjusting a price of the merchandise based on the predetermined event, and matching buyers with the merchandise to facilitate a transaction.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for managing processing of data in data processing system within a peer-to-peer network data processing system. A request is received from a requester. Preferences are compared within the request to control information to form a comparison, in which the control information dictates responses by the data processing system. The request is selectively responded to based on comparison.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for evaluating a product is provided. In one embodiment, a product identification token associated with the product is optically scanned. The product identification token identifies a location from which a product evaluation form may be retrieved. The product evaluation form associated with the product is then retrieved using the product identification token. The product evaluation form is then presented to a user. The user may then optically scan a receipt identification token on a receipt corresponding to the purchased product. The receipt identification token provides receipt purchase information such as, for example, purchase location, purchase price, identity of the purchaser, and other demographic information. The receipt purchase information is then entered into the product evaluation form, facilitating the entry of product evaluation information about a product.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for modifying event reminders and outputting information associated with event reminders is provided. In one embodiment event reminder information used to remind a user of a scheduled event is extracted from a storage device. The extracted event reminder information is analyzed to identify related output information. The related output information is then sent to an output device to be presented to a user, thereby enabling the display of information correlated to events of importance to the user. In another embodiment event reminder information used to remind a user of a scheduled event is extracted from a storage device. Information related to the scheduled event is then extracted from a storage device. The extracted event reminder information is analyzed to identify modifications to apply to said event reminder information, thereby enabling event reminders to be updated to reflect correlated events of importance to the user.

Abstract: A method, program and system for providing customized information to a user waiting in a queue in a communications system are provided. The invention comprises receiving a communication from a user and placing the user in a queue. The user is then identified. For example, a user using a telephone who has been placed on hold might be identified by the originating telephone number or a customer identification number entered by the user. A database of customized information content is consulted and information content is selected according to user's identity. The customized information content is then presented to the user, either audibly (i.e. over a speaker) or visually (i.e. on a computer or cell phone display). Examples of the type of information content presented to the user include music clips based on caller preferences, local news, or advertisements.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided for automatically determining the limitations of an individual for receiving and interpreting information and then providing information content to the individual in a format that is understandable to the individual. The apparatus, method and computer program product make use of a mechanism for identifying the limitations of the individual. The mechanism may itself inform an information source of the limitations of the individual or the mechanism may be used in conjunction with a user profile to identify the limitations of the individual and the preferred information content format to use with the individual. Based on this determination, a format for the information content from the information source may be selected and used to output the information content to the individual. The selection of the format may include enhancing one or more aspects of a standard format and decreasing one or more other aspects of the standard format.