Abstract: Disclosed are a magnetic ink character recognition method, apparatus and system. The method includes: reading a magnetic signal of a magnetic ink character on a medium to be recognized; acquiring the amplitude characteristic data of the magnetic ink character according to the magnetic signal thereof; and performing spectral angle cosine match processing on the amplitude characteristic data of the magnetic ink character to obtain the recognition result of the magnetic ink character. The present method can reduce the stability requirements on the magnetic signal and improve the recognition rate of the magnetic signal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for preparing a nanoparticle filled nanocomposite material, the method including the steps of providing a plurality of nanoparticles. attaching a first layer of organic ligand to the nanoparticle via a phosphate or phosphonate linkage, covalently attaching a second layer of matrix compatible polymer to said first layer of organic ligand to produce modified nanoparticles, providing a polymer matrix and dispersing the modified nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, wherein the dispersement of the modified nanoparticles into the polymer matrix results in a nanocomposite material, and wherein the modified nanoparticles are modified such that the first layer is proximal to the nanoparticle and the second layer is distal to the nanoparticle. Also within the scope of the invention are modified nanoparticles, alternative nanocomposite materials and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A personal online information management system allows users to monitor, manage, retrieve, and utilize their personal online behaviors such as browsing, searching, editing/commenting, discussion, shopping, and peer to peer communications. The system provides personalized service with explicitly self-controlled privacy protection. The system enables an anonymous or identified user to easily switch between a monitored mode and an un-monitored mode.

Abstract: An online annotation management system and method for creating annotations while browsing a web resource and managing the annotation information associated with corresponding web resources is disclosed. A computer-implemented method for enabling users to create annotations during an online session includes the steps of providing a switch module operable to enable the user to switch between a browsing mode and an annotation mode, and providing an annotation module operable to enable the user to annotate a resource being viewed. The annotated content created by the user is preferably stored in a private manner. The annotated content may be shared by the user with at least one peer if the user so desires.

Abstract: A method for dynamically and adaptively delivering special offerings in a network environment includes the steps of categorizing a content of contexts and special offerings, analyzing and indexing information carrying units from the special offerings, pre-locating the indexed information carrying units in the contexts, associating categorized special offerings with the pre-located information carrying units in the contexts, tagging the pre-located information carrying units in the contexts, receiving a request from a user for a context, and serving the tagged context to the user.