Abstract: Generating Gray sequences for non-standard sequence lengths to be used in cyclical sequences having L members. For binary members of the cyclical sequence having values less than L/2 an amount (C/2?L) the most significant bit is forced to a logical “1” to create intermediate binary members. For members greater than or equal to an amount (C/2?L) is added to the binary to create intermediate binaries. The intermediate binaries are then transformed to a Gray code sequence having a non-standard sequence length of L.

Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing the playback of a digital audio broadcast on a plurality of network output devices using a microphone near a source, embedded control codes, and the audio patterns from the network output devices. An optional, additional manual adjustment method relies on a graphical user interface for adjustment and audible pulses from the devices which are to be synchronized. Synchronization of the audio is accomplished with clock synchronization of the network output devices. The digital audio broadcast from multiple receivers does not present to a listener any audible delay or echo effect.

Abstract: A system and method of eliminating static while utilizing pre-programmed tuner buttons on a radio is disclosed. The system of the present invention mutes a pre-programmed tuner button frequency when the radio signal for the pre-programmed frequency is below a threshold value. Further the system of the present invention may automatically tune to an alternate frequency when radio signal strength of the pre-programmed tuner button frequency is below a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a business process feature for providing universal registration in an information appliance network. The business process feature includes providing user registration information to a universal registration resource, the user registration information accessible by providers of resources via the information appliance network. The business process feature further includes requesting use of a provider resource requiring the user registration information wherein the provider resource automatically retrieves the user registration information from the universal registration resource to enable the user to access the resources. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for providing universal registration, including accessing a resource, passing a registration interface dynamic base object to the resource, and interrogating the registration interface dynamic base object for registration information.

Abstract: Computers are commonly connected in networks which allow interactive communications between two or more computer users. Occasionally, one user tries unsuccessfully to interactively communicate with another user who is unavailable for interactive communications. Accordingly, the inventor devised a system, method, and software to summon the unavailable user through an alternative communications device, for example, a pager, associated with the unavailable user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a circuit board within a computer chassis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a standoff support mounted in a channel so that the standoff can be positioned along the length of the channel by moving or sliding the standoff within the channel. This movable standoff facilitates the mounting of a variety of circuit boards within the same computer chassis.

Abstract: A joystick designed to be used primarily in a mobile computing environment. The joystick is designed to attach to the side of a notebook computer in such a way that the support of the notebook computer becomes the support of the joystick. The interface the joystick uses to communicate with the computer is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. A pass-through port has also been included to allow the joystick to participate in the daisy chain capabilities of USB technology.

Abstract: A tray cover for retaining optical discs within an optical disc drive capable of being vertically oriented is comprised of a cover attachable to the tray of the optical disc drive. The cover forms a pocket against the tray for receiving the optical disc so that the optical disc is generally retained against the tray as the tray is extended and retracted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of interacting with broadcast content based upon position. By providing a method and apparatus suitable for interacting with broadcast content based upon position, a user has a dynamic and flexible way of interacting with broadcast content. A method for determining availability of broadcast content to a broadcast content receiver may include determining position of a broadcast content receiver. The broadcast content receiver is suitable for obtaining broadcast content. A broadcast data is queried by the broadcast content receiver for broadcast transmittal data corresponding to the determined position of the broadcast content receiver.

Abstract: A client device, or information appliance such as a personal digital assistant, is capable of receiving multimedia data streams from a server. However, due to processing and display capabilities, the client device may not be able to present the complete data stream, or a user may elect to configure the client device not to process data that will unduly reduce the client device's performance. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for allowing a server to determine the native, or user selected, capabilities of a client device, such that the server can filter and parse the data into meaningfully presentable data and non-meaningfully presentable data, and then transmit only the meaningfully presentable data to the client device for processing and display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for CMOS integration. A method of integrating CMOS within a product based on a received order includes receiving an order for a product having a desired configuration. The product is identified for CMOS loading, wherein the product is loaded with custom CMOS code created in accordance with the ordered desired configuration. Thus, the product corresponding to the order may be produced having the desired configuration.

Abstract: An electronic recipe manager capable of merging two or more electronic recipes into a task list that can be executed to prepare a multiple dishes or food items of a complete a meal is described. Electronic recipes for preparing one or more food items are retrieved wherein each recipe includes at least one task. The recipes are then merged by combining the task(s) of each recipe to provide a task list suitable for use in preparing the food items, wherein the tasks are arranged chronologically so that the food items are completed and made ready to serve at substantially the same time. In exemplary embodiments, merging of the recipes may be accomplished by interrogating a database associating each task within the recipes with a time requirement describing the estimated time required for performing the task. When a task is performed, the actual time required for performing the task may be determined and used for updating the time requirement associated with the task.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling provision of a call return service is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes a method of generating telephone numbers from voice messages. The method includes the step of using speech recognition to isolate a spoken number in a voice message, and confirming to a high degree of accuracy that the spoken number represents a telephone number. The method further includes the step of converting the spoken number into a data sequence representing the telephone number. This data sequence is then made available for immediate or later use.

Abstract: A universal boot disk for a computer is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a computer system comprises a computer, a removable media storage device, and a boot media. The storage device operatively couples the computer. The boot media is removably inserted in the storage device, and has an executable program stored thereon to automatically detect one of a plurality of different compact-disc read-only-memory (CD-ROM) devices and to cause installation of a corresponding driver program. In one particular embodiment, the program comprises a language selection component, a keyboard selection component, as well as a CD-ROM auto-selection component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of providing a navigational aide. In a first aspect of the present invention, a system and method of providing a navigational aide includes monitoring data displayed on a display device and detecting a marker of a section of the displayed data. A navigational aide is displayed in response to the detected marker of the section of displayed data.

Abstract: A flexible display extension apparatus for supporting a flexible panel display in a viewing position. The extension apparatus includes an extension member that may be collapsed for allowing the flexible panel display to be at least partially rolled upon itself when the display is not in use.

Abstract: A personal computer apparatus includes a portable computer, a cellular telephone which can be connected to the portable computer, and a pager which can be connected to the cellular telephone. The portable computer, the cellular telephone, and the pager each have an independent power supply and are each detachable from the apparatus for individual functionality. When connected, the cellular telephone and pager can be coupled to the power supply of the portable computer.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying content accessed by a client to an audience via a projector is disclosed, wherein the content includes a client version suitable for access by clients and a projector version suitable for display by a projector. The system includes a server coupled to the network capable of communication with the clients via the network and at least one projector capable of accessing the projector version of the content communicatively coupled to the server. Upon receiving a request from a client that one or more projectors display content accessed by the client, that is “follow” the display of content by that client, the server thereafter monitors the browsing activity of the client, detecting when the client is accessing content via the network. When the client accesses the client version of the content, the server notifies the following projector(s) to access the projector component of the content via the network so the content may be displayed by the projector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an object driven software architecture that allows objects written in any programming language running on any operating system or hardware to communicate with any other object written in any other programming language running on any other operating system or any other hardware including objects executing on the same system or executing on different systems coupled via a network.