Abstract: In some embodiments, network traffic information is captured at network information sources. These sources provide detailed information about the network communications transactions at a network device. Importantly, different types of sources can provide different types of information. Gatherer devices gather the detailed information from the various information source devices and convert the information into standardized information. The gatherer devices can correlate the gathered information with account information for network transaction accounting. Manager devices manage the gatherer devices and store the gathered standardized information. The manager devices eliminate duplicate network information that may exist in the standardized information. The manager devices also consolidate the information. Importantly, the information stored by the manager devices represents the consolidated, account correlated, network transaction information that can be used for billing or network accounting.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for playing a stored content providing a plurality of segments which collectively contains the stored content, each segment has using first terminus and a second terminus with the content having a temporal flow from the first terminus to the second terminus. At least one segment is associated with a plurality of links to other segments. The method includes playing at least one segment with the temporal flow, determining whether a content expansion is desired prior to reaching the second terminus. If the content expansion is desired, then linking to an expansion segment and playing the expansion segment. If the content expansion is not desired, then linking to a continuing segment and playing the continuing segment. The method includes an additional link from the expansion segment to the continuing segment such that the continuing segment is played after the expansion segment has been played.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for cleaning fiber. Included is a structure with a basket pivotally coupled thereto. The basket is adapted for receiving fiber therein. In use, particles are removed from the fiber upon rotation of the basket. In another embodiment, a system and method are provided for cleaning fiber utilizing just a basket for receiving fiber therein, and a blower for blowing the fiber in the basket to remove particles therefrom.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for compression of characters. Initially, characters are received after which a mathematical representation for the characters is selected based on a desired level of compression quality of the characters. Such characters are then represented using the selected mathematical representation so that the mathematical representation of the characters may be compressed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for efficiently implementing a dual finite impulse response (FIR) filter to vertically filter video data. A unique feedback mechanism enables multi-filter performance while implementing fewer actual filters and accompanying line delays than required in the available art. Advantageous placement of arithmetic elements is used to compensate for approximation error introduced by the feedback mechanism, resulting in substantially undiminished circuit performance in a more efficient circuit than currently available.

Abstract: A multiplayer game system is implemented over the WWW using a plurality of game servers dynamically linked to and controlled by a WWW server. The WWW server dynamically links game players who log on to a web site hosted by the WWW server as a function of game playing statistics for each game player which are stored in the WWW server. The game servers generate the game player statistics for each player during and/or after game play and upload the game player statistics to the WWW server. The WWW server matches game players to appropriate games currently being played on the game servers based on the skill level required by the game and the corresponding skill levels of other current players of that game as represented by the game player statistics stored by the WWW server and dynamically generates links for the game player to the appropriate games. The user can then select which game to play by choosing one of the dynamically generated links.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for a hardware implementation of a blending of “skinning,” during graphics processing in a graphics pipeline. During processing in the pipeline, a plurality of matrices and a plurality of weight values are received. Also received is vertex data to be processed. A sum of a plurality of products may then be calculated by the multiplication of the vertex data, one of the matrices, and at least of the weights. Such sum of products is then outputted for additional processing.

Abstract: A computer system utilizing software to map content by determining a field of relevance and at least one topic in the field of relevance is presented. The system determines at least one content pertaining to the topic, retrieves a representation of the content and maps the representation of the content onto the field of relevance. Then, it provides an extremely flexible presentation mechanism where the content is organized by multi-dimensional mappings to present the information effectively. One of the features allows a vector to be assigned to each entity, queries a user or software agent for a particular focal element and displays the multiplicity of distinguishable entities based upon the assigned vectors utilizing the focal vector as a reference point to view the information. The system facilitates the organization of results of database interrogations, web searches and other large data situations, creating a multi-dimensional topic space of content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grouping texture data to increase storage throughput. Texels are addressed and stored according to adjacency to enable retrieval of a plurality of texels (a cache entry) with only a single address space request. Individual texel position is then derived using a simple adjacency formula. The preferred method and apparatus are compatible with both tiled data and linear data storage formats.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided including a sheet formed of a transparent material. The sheet defines a template capable of having a pattern printed thereon. During use, the template is adapted for being removed from the sheet. Also included is at least a pair of alignment designators that are positioned on the template of the sheet for marking the material. The markings facilitate alignment of the material in a support frame that is adapted for use when embroidering the pattern on the material.

Abstract: The present invention includes an instructional golf ball including a spherical body having an outer surface with a plurality of dimples formed therein. Situated on the outer surface of the body is instructional indicia. Such instructional indicia include text for providing guidance as to the manner in which a user should play the golf ball. During use, a user might read the instructional indicia while addressing the golf ball, and address and/or strike the golf ball in the manner indicated by the instructional indicia.

Abstract: A graphics pipeline system is provided for graphics processing. Such system includes a transform module adapted for being coupled to a vertex attribute buffer for receiving vertex data. The transform module serves to transform the vertex data from object space to screen space. Coupled to the transform module is a lighting module which is positioned on the single semiconductor platform for performing lighting operations on the vertex data received from the transform module. Also included is a rasterizer coupled to the lighting module and positioned on the single semiconductor platform for rendering the vertex data received from the lighting module.

Abstract: An electrodynamic strut coupled between two points within a structure and adapted to damp the vibration of the structure. The strut includes a spring mechanism for damping low level vibration of the strut and associated structure. The spring mechanism exhibits high stiffness for damping low level vibration of the strut until the vibration reaches a predetermined value. Upon the vibration reaching the predetermined value, the spring mechanism exhibits a low constant stiffness. Also included is an motion conversion mechanism including a ball screw and associated ball nut for converting linear vibrational motion of the strut to rotational motion. A motor/generator with a pair of associated contacts is in communication with the motion conversion mechanism and adapted to combat the rotational motion with generated torque. The torque is a function of the resistivity between the contacts. Further included is a variable resistance mechanism coupled between contacts associated with the motor/generator.