Abstract: A system and method for ranking search results. The system receives search results and uses an artificial neural network (ANN) to rank the results, wherein at least one of the inputs to the ANN is derived from a search query, and wherein the search query is processed as a visual image. An input to the ANN can include a user's profile and a search engine results page (SERF) produced by a search engine and presented to a user for review. An output of the ANN can include a re-ranking of an input SERF. The ANN can be trained and used in batch mode, periodically after saving results from multiple search sessions conducted by a plurality of users.

Abstract: A system and method for searching and voting on Internet-accessible content is presented. HTML-linked content on one or more Internet host servers is indexed and stored on associated meta servers. Non-HTML content and dynamic HTML content from the deep web, is processed by the present invention into HTML content, indexed, and stored on the meta servers. Each meta server includes a local search engine. The present invention also includes a central repository which tracks user votes, query language progressions, and information about content on each of the meta sites. The present invention also provides a plurality of enhancement plug-ins for standard web robots, including a toolbar for conventional web browsers. The toolbar can be used to securely solicit and authenticated user votes from standard web sites, while preserving the privacy of the voter. The plug-ins facilitate interoperability between existing Internet software (and technology) and the present invention.

Abstract: A wireless electrical power metering system is provided. A processor having a multichannel power line transceiver, a wireless transceiver, and a power meter attached thereto measures power consumption information at a location. The processor converts the power consumption information into IP-based data, and transmits same over the wireless transceiver. The information can be wirelessly received by a remote monitoring station or transmitted across the Internet for storage, analysis, and billing. The processor can remotely control appliances in response to power consumption trends. The processor can relay information between a wired or wireless network and a power line network, to allow multiple dwellings to be networked using power lines, and households to be connected to the Internet via a power line network. The electrical power metering system also includes Global Positioning System (GPS), biometric scanning, emergency alert reception, and environmental monitoring capabilities.

Abstract: A system and method for searching and voting on Internet-accessible content is presented. One or more meta servers or sites store information about the structure and location of content on one or more Internet host servers. HTML-linked content on the one or more Internet host servers is indexed and stored on the one or more meta servers, and non-HTML content on the one or more Internet host servers is processed by the present invention into HTML content, indexed, and stored on the one or more meta servers. Each meta server includes a local search engine that can be queried by a user. A plurality of different types of queries can be conducted by the user, including local queries, global queries, and peer-to-peer network queries. The user is provided with search results which point to relevant content on one or more of the meta server and/or one or more of the Internet host servers. After viewing the content, the user can cast votes relating to the user's satisfaction with the search results.

Abstract: A wireless electrical power metering system is provided. A processor having a multichannel power line transceiver, a wireless transceiver, and a power meter attached thereto measures power consumption information on a power line inductively coupled with the power meter. The processor converts the power consumption information into IP-based data, and transmits same over the wireless transceiver. The information can be wirelessly received by a remote monitoring station or transmitted across the Internet for storage, analysis, and billing. The processor generates appliance control signals and generates same across the multichannel power line transceiver to remotely control appliances in response to power consumption trends. The processor provides firewall capabilities, and relays information between a wired or wireless network and a power line network, thereby expanding the size of existing household networks.

Abstract: A wireless electrical power metering system is provided. A processor having a multichannel power line transceiver, a wireless transceiver, and a power meter attached thereto measures power consumption information on a power line inductively coupled with the power meter. The processor converts the power consumption information into IP-based data, and transmits same over the wireless transceiver. The information can be wirelessly received by a remote monitoring station or transmitted across the Internet for storage, analysis, and billing. The processor generates appliance control signals and generates same across the multichannel power line transceiver to remotely control appliances in response to power consumption trends. The processor provides firewall capabilities, and relays information between a wired or wireless network and a power line network, thereby expanding the size of existing household networks.