Abstract: In a communications network-based system, a method for securely processing recurrent consumer transactions. Merchant-specific proxy financial account information is provided to a user and maintained in a database, the proxy financial account information valid for transactions at a single merchant only. A request for transaction approval is received from a merchant, the request including a merchant identifier and a user's proxy financial account information. The database is queried to determine if the proxy financial account is valid for the merchant seeking transaction approval. The proxy financial account information may include a credit card account number and/or a proxy billing address linked to a financial account. A merchant identifier string, identifying the authorized merchant, may be encoded in the credit card number and/or proxy billing address. A communications network-based system and software program for implementing the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ESD protection circuit is integrated into the core of an FPGA in a distributed fashion coupling the bodies of one or more transistors to the power supply pin and/or the ground pin of the FPGA. The ESD protection circuit includes one or more positive discharge paths and one or more negative discharge paths. In the case of a positive ESD event, the positive discharge paths are on and the negative discharge paths are off. In the case of a negative ESD event, the positive discharge paths are off and the negative discharge paths are on. In either event, the bodies of the transistors track the voltages at the power supply pin and/or the ground pin to protect the core from being by damaged by electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A programmable memory interface circuit includes a programmable DLL delay chain, a phase offset control circuit and a programmable DQS delay chain. The DLL delay chain uses a set of serially connected delay cells, a programmable switch, a phase detector and a digital counter to generate a coarse phase shift control setting. The coarse phase shift control setting is then used to pre-compute a static residual phase shift control setting or generate a dynamic residual phase shift control setting, one of which is chosen by the phase offset control circuit to be added to or subtracted from the coarse phase shift control setting to generate a fine phase shift control setting. The coarse and fine phase shift control settings work in concert to generate a phase-delayed DQS signal that is center-aligned to its associated DQ signals.

Abstract: A trigger circuit is provided for a pull-down device by connecting a diode between the I/O pad and the body of the pull-down device. In one embodiment, the pull-down device is formed as a plurality of discrete transistors in a single well. The drain of each transistor is connected through a ballast resistor to the I/O pad; and the source of each transistor is connected through a ballast resistor to ground. The trigger circuit is a diode formed in a different well from that of the transistors. The cathode of the diode is connected to the I/O pad and the anode is connected to the transistor well through a center tap located between the transistors. Preferably, the transistors are NMOS transistors formed in a P-well. Advantageously, the diode is an N+/PLDD diode. Alternatively, the diode is an N+/P diode where the P region is formed by an ESD implant. In other embodiments the diode is formed in the same well as the transistors.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for conveying availability information of a calling party to a called party. A PBX serving the telephones of the calling and called parties is connected to a presence server. In an embodiment of the invention, the presence server is also connected to a computer and/or other information device (such as a personal data assistant or telephone) of the calling party. After the calling party has left a voice mail message for the called party, the called party will subsequently retrieve the message. In an embodiment of the invention, the PBX then queries the presence server as to the availability of the calling party. The presence server senses whether the calling party has indicated his or her presence; if so, it is inferred that the calling party is probably present and available for a return call. If the presence server detects no such indication by the calling party, it is inferred that the calling party is likely to be absent.

Abstract: A method for customizing a communications network, including receiving, at a ringback update system, information regarding a machine recognizable feature associated with a printed matter located on an article, where the information is obtained with a feature recognition unit. The feature recognition unit is associated with or resides in or on a communications station associated with a called party, and further the information regarding a machine recognizable feature is transmitted from the feature recognition unit or from a communications station associated with the feature recognition unit. In addition, the method includes accessing, with the ringback update system, a storage device containing at least one announcement, downloading the announcement in response to receiving the information regarding a recognition of a machine recognizable feature and replacing a call signal with at least a portion of the at least one announcement.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the method, system, software arrangement and computer-accessible medium according to the present invention facilitates an analysis of interactions between nonlinear absorbing materials and an incident electromagnetic wave based on material properties and characteristics of the incident beam of the electromagnetic energy. Using the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to determine laser beam propagation in a variety of multiphoton absorbing materials. Energy levels associated with such materials, which may be associated with various electron absorption and/or relaxation phenomena, may be added to and/or removed from the analysis. Incident laser beams can vary from continuous wave to attoseconds in duration and a numerical solution can be obtained that is radially and/or temporally dependent.

Abstract: An improved method, system, and computer program product for efficient transmission of data to multiple network nodes is disclosed. A method for transmitting a data block over a network from a first sending node to a first set of recipient nodes, comprises, in the first sending node, a) dividing the first set of recipient nodes into a subset of selected nodes, selected according to scoring criteria associated with each recipient node, and a subset of unselected nodes, b) assigning at least one of the unselected nodes to at least one selected node according to scoring criteria associated with the respective selected nodes, c) transmitting to each selected node a packet including the data block and a list of the nodes assigned to the selected node.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a Remote Subscriber Identification (RSID) system with a remote database capable of seamlessly storing, linking, and transferring mobile data to a user's communication device. The user's data can be used on any communication device that capable of recognizing personal identifying information, transmitting this information to the remote database, accessing the user's subscriber specification information and any subscriber personalized information, and transmitting it to the user's communication device, enabling the user to use this information with the communication device.

Abstract: A ringback replacement insertion system for replacing certain communications network signals and tones is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback replacement system to allow for modification of the network service.

Abstract: An image processing system for delivering real scene information to a data processor. The system includes the data processor, an image-delivery mechanism, an information delivery mechanism, and a graphic processor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing bleach (or sodium hypochlorite) and caustic potash (or KOH) without the need for shipping or storing chlorine gas. Specifically, the present invention relates to the manufacture of potassium hydroxide and chlorine gas, through several process options, for the manufacture of sodium hypochlorite (or bleach), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and/or other chlorinated compounds. The disclosed process allows operating flexibility based on chlorine demand, reduces capital costs and eliminates the need for the transportation and storage of chlorine gas.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel, theft-resistant, and senior-friendly packaging for consumer and retail products that is cheap and easy to manufacture. The packaging is designed to prevent individuals from gaining access to the enclosed product through tampering with the packaging while at the same time meeting or exceeding federal child-resistant and senior-friendly guidelines. The packaging incorporates plastic material and multiple cuts to be tear-resistant and to halt the propagation of a tear, if one should occur.