Abstract: An appliance control system of the present invention comprises an appliance and a mobile computing device configured for controlling the appliance by at least one of determining an available content for the appliance, selecting the content used by the appliance, and applying user preferences to the appliance. A method of controlling an appliance of the present invention comprises establishing a wireless communication link between an appliance and a mobile computing device, and controlling the appliance with the mobile computing device includes at least one of determining an available content for the appliance, selecting the content used by the appliance, and applying user preferences to the appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, organizing and utilizing networked peripheral device include peripheral devices, which are aware of their respective geographical location and operational capabilities, and self-organization of the peripheral devices into a cluster of networked peripheral devices based on the operational capability of each respective peripheral device and the relative physical proximity with respect to each other. The host computer is also made aware of its geographical location. One or more peripheral device(s) that are optimally suited to fulfill the request is selected based on the physical proximity of the selected peripheral device(s) to the requesting user host computer and/or the capabilities of the selected peripheral device(s). The selection of the optimal peripheral device(s) is made by the networked peripheral devices without requiring the user of the host computer to know the topology of the network, e.g., the locations and capabilities of each of the networked peripherals.

Abstract: A method for controlling an appliance includes identifying with a mobile computing device the unrecognized appliance and automatically applying a user preference to the unrecognized appliance.

Abstract: An appliance control system of the present invention comprises an appliance and a mobile computing device configured for controlling the appliance by at least one of determining an available content for the appliance, selecting the content used by the appliance, and applying user preferences to the appliance.

Abstract: A method of controlling an appliance comprises controlling the appliance with at least one of a plurality of mobile computing devices and establishing priority of control over the appliance between the plurality of mobile computing devices using a priority rule.

Abstract: A method of controlling an appliance includes wirelessly initiating with a mobile computing device a performance of a content on at least one appliance of a plurality of appliances. The method includes interrupting the performance of the content by at least one of: switching the performance from a first appliance to a second appliance of the plurality of the appliances; splitting the performance of content between the first appliance and the second appliance; and splitting the performance of content on the first appliance to include only a portion of the content. The method optionally includes maintaining the continuity of the performance during the switching step and/or splitting step.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, organizing and utilizing networked peripheral device include peripheral devices, which are aware of their respective geographical location and operational capabilities, and self-organization of the peripheral devices into a cluster of networked peripheral devices based on the operational capability of each respective peripheral device and the relative physical proximity with respect to each other. The host computer is also made aware of its geographical location. One or more peripheral device(s) that are optimally suited to fulfill the request is selected based on the physical proximity of the selected peripheral device(s) to the requesting user host computer and/or the capabilities of the selected peripheral device(s). The selection of the optimal peripheral device(s) is made by the networked peripheral devices without requiring the user of the host computer to know the topology of the network, e.g., the locations and capabilities of each of the networked peripherals.

Abstract: An implementation of a technology, described herein, for facilitating the discovery of the existence of infringements, reporting discoveries of such infringements, and the resolution of such infringements. This technology acts as a clearinghouse for the reporting of patent infringements by the public and the presentation of such reports to interested parties, such as the patent holders. Infringement reporters are encouraged to report infringements because of the ease of reporting and incentives (e.g., monetary rewards) for doing so. In addition, the identity of the reporters is protected. This technology facilitates the resolution of infringements by negotiating, mediating, arbitrating, etc. a deal between anonymous infringers and interested parties. The technology manages payment of settlement/licensing fees so that the identity of the anonymous infringers remains protected.

Abstract: Systems and method for managing software updates for printing devices utilize component memory to provide ways to notify printing device users that a software update for the printing device is available. Upon authorization by a user, the user is also provided with means to obtain the software update, either by downloading the software update to the printing device or a host computer or by manually contacting a vendor. The process may also be accomplished automatically. The component memory may also store a pointer to an Internet web site from which the software update may be downloaded. The component memory is radio frequency identifier memory and, therefore, different software update information intended for different printing device users may be stored immediately prior to shipping replacement components.