Abstract: A method and system for the transmission and sale of real-time sensor data. The system including, placing remote sensors in areas of interest to the providers users, receiving sensor orientation requests from users, determining a winning sensor orientation, and finally sending the data from the sensor to the users.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter involves a skill based game where users predict a future event. Once the contestants make their prediction, the value is recorded and then compared against the actual data of the event predicted when the event occurs. The difference between the actual and predicted value is used to determine a winner of the skill based game. The winner of the competition advances in a tournament to reach the goal of the contest.

Abstract: A method and structure for optimizing a solution for a complex problem typically solved by software tools includes selectively converting problem data into a format appropriate for one or more preselected vendor's set of solution tools and inputting the formatted design data into the one or more preselected vendor's set of solution tools. If more than one vendor has been preselected, resultant solution results are compared and the optimum solution is selected.

Abstract: A filter (system and method) for filtering electronic mail messages includes a recognition (e.g., optical and/or aural recognition) device which analyzes a content of an electronic mail message, and categorizes the electronic mail message based upon a result of the analysis (e.g., optical and/or aural analysis).

Abstract: A system (and method) for linking wireless and land line communications media, includes a connector for connecting a communications media, and an indicator for alerting a user of the state of a connection. The connector automatically initiates a continuous reestablishment operation after the indicator announces a state of disconnection and in which the system provides a conferencing capability using the Internet. A handset to be used in voice communications includes a housing including a receiver and transmitter for connecting to a computer network, a plurality of wireless protocols for use with the transmitter, and a universal telephone port coupled to the housing for connecting to a universal telephone jack.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the purchase of fine-grained resource purchases, such as utility resources or access to limited highway lanes. Real time pricing based upon current demand and/or usage is periodically determined. Access to that real time pricing information is obtained by individual users via a distributed computing network or radio frequency broadcast system and utilization of those resources is then locally controlled based upon that pricing information. Access to limited highway lanes may be priced based upon current actual utilization and pricing information is then broadcast, permitting users to selectively access those lanes based upon real time pricing decisions by those users.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product for monitoring and controlling bio-enhancement implants is provided. With the apparatus, system, method and computer program product, a user may control the operation of implantable devices within the user's body by operation of a personal digital device. The personal digital device may obtain operational settings of the various implantable devices based on information stored within the personal digital device and/or information obtained from a network. The settings of the various implants are established in view of the possible interactions of the implants with one another. The personal digital device further monitors the operation of the implantable devices and the user's biological indicia. Based on the monitoring, the operation of the implantable devices are modified to obtain a desired result.

Abstract: A method and structure for optimizing a solution for a complex problem typically solved by software tools includes selectively converting problem data into a format appropriate for one or more preselected vendor's set of solution tools and inputting the formatted design data into the one or more preselected vendor's set of solution tools. If more than one vendor has been preselected, resultant solution results are compared and the optimum solution is selected.

Abstract: A carrying case (and an integrated briefcase computer including the carrying case) includes a housing having first and second container portions which are selectively opened and closed, the first and second container portions being coupled together, a computer including central processing unit (CPU) integrally housed in one of the first and second container portions of the housing, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen located in the other of the first and second container portions of the housing, and a keyboard, removably housed in the one of the first and second container portions, for communicating with the LCD screen.

Abstract: A system and method for providing web site update schedules to consumers. A consumer requests the web sites for which they would like to receive update schedules and the invention provides the update schedules to the consumer along with advertisements, promotions and recommendations for other web sites to visit. In one embodiment, these advertisements and recommendations are targeted to the consumers based on their interests. The update schedules for the various web sites can be obtained through several means. In one embodiment, the update schedules may be obtained by itself by crawling the web sites periodically or by receiving the update schedules directly from web sites that register with the system.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that reduces the taxpayer's burden of tax preparation and provides greater accuracy in the calculation of tax return figures. The invention provides for a centralized data repository service which collects tax information on behalf of the citizenry (a financial recording service provider), indexes the data by a personal identifier, and allows the taxpayer to either recall the data for use on yearly income tax returns or enables the government or a third party to access the data, prepare the taxpayer's tax return and file the tax return with the appropriate governmental taxing authority.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product for monitoring and controlling bio-enhancement implants is provided. With the apparatus, system, method and computer program product, a user may control the operation of implantable devices within the user's body by operation of a personal digital device. The personal digital device may obtain operational settings of the various implantable devices based on information stored within the personal digital device and/or information obtained from a network. The settings of the various implants are established in view of the possible interactions of the implants with one another. The personal digital device further monitors the operation of the implantable devices and the user's biological indicia. Based on the monitoring, the operation of the implantable devices are modified to obtain a desired result.

Abstract: A carrying case (and an integrated briefcase computer including the carrying case) includes a housing having first and second container portions which are selectively opened and closed, the first and second container portions being coupled together, a computer including central processing unit (CPU) integrally housed in one of the first and second container portions of the housing, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen located in the other of the first and second container portions of the housing, and a keyboard, removably housed in the one of the first and second container portions, for communicating with the LCD screen.

Abstract: A system for the distribution of services, includes a computer device within a vehicle, a vehicle monitoring system coupled to the computer device, a communication system coupled to the computer device for outputting a signal with vehicle monitoring system data, and a remote service center computer device for receiving a signal with vehicle monitoring system data. The method of distributing vehicle maintenance services includes monitoring, by a sensor, a maintenance parameter of the vehicle, communicating the service parameter to a controller, the controller triggering a communications device, sending, by the communications device, a message to a service center, and dispatching, by the service center, a service vehicle based on receiving the signal.