Abstract: An arrangement (apparatus and method) for obtaining a single copy of a received signal from a simulcast broadcast area. Within a desired service area, multiple transmitters at separately located sites simultaneously broadcast the same multi-channel, multi-program signal. Broadcast waves from the transmitters propagate throughout substantially overlapping portions of the service area. Each such channel carries a multiplexed digital data stream containing packets of information for a plurality of programs, e.g. television programs. A receiver system comprises an antenna adapted to receive direct transmissions from two or more of the transmitters as well as multipath signals from two or more of the transmitters. To compensate for the potentially interfering signal receptions, the terminal device includes a delay processor, such as an adaptive delay equalizer or a rake receiver.

Abstract: A programmed computer for forming a pronounceable security password, includes storage medium having a plurality of first and second word segment portions stored thereon. Each second word segment portion is within one or more sets of second word segment portions, each set being associated with one first word segment portion. Each second word segment portion within a particular set is different from others within the set and is combinable with the associated first word segment portion to form a pronounceable word segment. A plurality of transition numbers each associated with one or more of the first word segment portions and corresponding to the number of said second word segment portions within the associate set of second word segment portions are also stored on the storage medium. The computer includes a processor programmed to select a first word segment portion and a second word segment portion from its associated set of second word segment portions.

Abstract: Two MPEG-encoded digital data streams are simultaneously decoded in a digital entertainment terminal to provide Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and Picture-on-Picture (POP) capabilities for a conventional television. A primary MPEG-encoded data stream is decoded using a digital video processor optimized for MPEG2 decoding or a dedicated MPEG2 decoder system. A secondary MPEG-encoded data stream is partially processed by filtering the B frames of the secondary MPEG-encoded data stream and using the corresponding I and P frames in a partial decoding arrangement to obtain decompressed video data providing a limited-resolution representation of a second program. Partial decoding may also be performed using only I frames. The partial decoding may be implemented through execution of software by a general-purpose microprocessor. Alternatively, the media processor may perform the partial decoding during the idle intervals of the dedicated media processor.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for effecting secure communications during a communications session between users in a secured communication cryptosystem in which users are each associated with a public crypto-key and a private crypto-key, includes computer readable storage medium having computer programming stored thereon. The stored computer programming is configured to be readable from the computer readable storage medium by a computer and thereby cause the computer to operate so as to generate a private crypto-key using a private exponent and a modulus N, which is the product of a plurality of numbers within a set of large prime numbers. The generated private crypto-key is divided into a private user key portion having a first bit length and a central authority key portion having a second bit length. The first bit length is smaller than the second bit length, and is no larger than fifteen percent of the bit length of the modulus N but no less than 56 bits.

Abstract: An Internet type access system includes an autodialer for automatically establishing communications with a merchant's facility over a switch network while maintaining Internet connectivity over a packet data network. The autodialer, in combination with the merchant's server, coordinates between the Internet session and the newly established switched connectivity, the session history from the prior Internet session being supplied to a sales representative receiving the autodialed call. The sales representative is provided with a terminal for controlling the merchant's server to push data to the client in response to the interactive session simultaneously conducted over the switched network.

Abstract: In an Advanced Intelligent Network, a central mediation point stores call processing records for controlling call routing and other call processing functions. To provide short code access to information service providers, each information service provider will operate an independent database which stores additional call processing records. When an established subscriber dials the short code, e.g. an N11 code, the mediation point identifies the information provider that the subscriber has previously selected from the subscriber's call processing record stored in the mediation point. The mediation point communicates with that service provider's database to obtain call processing information. The mediation point validates the call processing information for compatibility with network operations. The mediation point forwards validated call processing information to a node of the network to process the call in accord with the information from the provider's database.

Abstract: A network arrangement for the delivery and presentation of multimedia applications includes one or more file servers, containing multimedia assets and program objects connected to the network. A user terminal connected to the network includes a display for displaying a plurality of timelines. The terminal also includes a graphical user interface for placing icons representing multimedia assets on one timeline and icons representing program objects on another timeline. The terminal has a processor which integrates multimedia objects from the multimedia assets associated with the first timeline with the program objects associated with the second timeline to produce an interactive multimedia application. A user input device cooperates with the user terminal to retrieve from the file server(s) and to playback or execute one or more objects at a relative time presented on the interactive multimedia application.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) comprises a services control point providing fully integrated service logic for both narrowband and broadband communications. When a terminating trigger of a switch on the phone number of the line serving a customer detects an incoming telephone call, the switch sends a query to the services control point with the calling number of the incoming call. The services control point issues a send data transaction with the retrieved calling party information to the customer's set-top box. The calling party information is then displayed on the customer's video display, and the customer sends an instruction for re-directing the call through the set-top box to the ISCP.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for selectively executing a resident terminal application and an information provider-specific application stored in a digital entertainment terminal adapted to decode broadband data signals from a video dial tone network. The digital entertainment terminal stores the resident terminal application related to native operations including network communications in a nonvolatile memory, and stores the information provider-specific applications used for accessing the information provider's services in a dynamic memory. The digital entertainment terminal is adapted to suspend execution of one of the resident application and the information provider-specific application and begin execution of the other application in response to a toggle input from a user's remote control, and resume execution of the suspended application in response to a second toggle input from the user's remote control.

Abstract: Multiple player games implemented by computer are improved to permit playing without any delay penalty for stations remote from another station. Delay times are compensated using measurement of round trip delay times to each station and the stations participating in the game determine the proper master station based on shared information.

Abstract: To provide interactivity, data communication through wireless telephone network (e.g. cellular) is combined with a broadband digital transmission through a broadcast network. In the preferred embodiment, the broadcast network utilizes multiple transmitters at separately located sites simultaneously broadcasting the same multi-channel, multi-program signal. Broadcast waves from the transmitters propagate throughout substantially overlapping portions of the service area. Customer premises receiving systems include a receiving antenna and one or more digital entertainment terminals. The terminal includes a channel selector and digital receiver for capturing a digital transport stream from a selected channel. A processor converts selected program information from the transport stream for presentation, e.g. via a television set. The terminal also includes a CPU controlling the operation of the channel selector and the processor in response to user inputs.

Abstract: A system and method of effecting transfer of message information of varied types from one centralized messaging system to another messaging device in a switched communications network having a plurality of central offices connected to subscriber terminals and connected together by trunks wherein the transfer of the message is effected through a common channel signaling network without using the trunks.

Abstract: A public switched telephone network (PSTN) provides communication of digital data from a data provider or LAN to one or more of a plurality of subscriber premises. Asymmetrical digital subscriber line interface units operating at variable rates and in variable modes (ADSL/AVRs) over a local loop offer one-way video-on-demand and other services and carry the necessary signalling between the subscribers and information providers. In an asymmetric mode, the interface units frequency multiplex digital information with voice information to the subscriber and support transmission of a reverse control channel from the subscriber to the central office for transmission back to the information provider. Other modes are supported which permit selective bi-directional and reversible communications as well.

Abstract: A fiber optic network comprises an optical fiber connection (one fiber or two) from a central office to an intelligent interface device in the subscriber's premises. The central office includes a serving node transceiver providing communication links to/from at least a narrowband switch and a broadband switch for providing narrowband and broadband service routing. The network includes at least one passive power splitter/combiner for passing all wavelengths on the optical fiber connection between the serving node transceiver and the intelligent interface devices. All wavelengths are provided to each customer and bandwidth on the optical fiber loop is dynamically allocated for individual services on demand through two-way wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing as well as any necessary signal format conversions. The network has media access control functionality and utilizes a dynamic media access control procedure for allocation of the bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using underused or unused local telephone company local loops to subscriber premises for providing to such premises a connection to an alternate service provider. The use of the local loop is leased to the ultimate service provider at a rate dependent upon the usage and nature of usage of the circuit. Information and data to permit efficient and convenient billing for leased usage of the loops is implemented by providing on the local loop a passive monitor. The monitor detects and temporarily stores data relating to the commencement and termination of the signaling, the time of day, and the nature of the signaling that occurs. Data collected from the monitors is stored at a monitor center from which it is transferred to a billing operation such as the telephone company Revenue Accounting Office (RAO). Switching is provided to permit optional usage of the loop by either the telephone company of the alternate service provider or both.

Abstract: An arrangement (apparatus and method) for monitoring jitter caused during transport of digitally-coded information in a packet switched network, and for managing network operations in accordance with the detected jitter. The detected jitter is used to determine whether corrective action is necessary, such as rerouting network traffic, or performing network maintenance. The disclosed arrangement detects program clock reference (PCR) values from an MPEG-encoded transport stream, whereby each pair of PCR values represents an expected arrival time of a corresponding stream segment. An actual arrival time for the corresponding stream segment is determined in response to detection of the corresponding PCR values and an independent clock signal. The expected arrival time of the stream segment and the actual arrival time are correlated with an accumulation of expected and actual arrivaimes of previously-received data packet stream segments in order to determine the jitter in the digital data stream.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) comprises an services control point providing fully integrated service logic for both narrowband and broadband communications. When a terminating trigger event of a switch on the phone number of the line serving a customer detects an incoming telephone call, the switch sends a query to the services control point with the calling number of the incoming call. The services control point retrieves calling party information corresponding to the calling number directly from a line identification database and issues a send data transaction with the retrieved calling party information to the customer's set-top box. The calling party information is then displayed on the customer's video display.

Abstract: A combined landline Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) system provides the capability of call feature selection using control signals generated by a mobile subscriber. The calling features are specified by the control signals which are sent within the CDPD system from the subscriber station to a CDPD controller or switching entity. Protocol translation takes place so that the control signals from the subscriber station are placed in a form suitable for the CCIS normally used in an AIN. These signals are transferred to convenient AIN switching or control entity and sent to an ISCP where the request for calling features are evaluated and instructions given to other elements of the AIN to provide the requested calling features.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a common channel signaling network controlling a communications system to detect predetermined events and to execute a predetermined script upon detection of those events. This is accomplished using the common channel signaling network in conjunction with programmable and addressable monitors coupled to the common channel signaling links connected to the signaling transfer points (STPs). These monitors are programmed to trap and temporarily record predetermined data associated with specific events which it is desired to block or control. The monitors provide an output to a control processor having an SSP capability which is linked to the STPs. The monitors are programmed either through the common channel signaling network or through a monitor port connected to the control processor.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring operations of advanced intelligent network (AIN) elements of a public switched telephone network by transporting standardized network management messages across a data network. A maintenance and operations console (MOC) sends and receives Simplified Network Management Protocol (SNMP) objects from AIN elements such as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) via a packet switched network using a standardized transport protocol such as TCP/IP. The IP includes an error monitoring system that collects error messages and generates an error status report. An SNMP agent internal to the IP converts the error status report to SNMP objects outputs the SNMP objects onto the packet switched network. The HOC receives the SNMP objects, assigns an operational priority to the SNMP objects, and displays the operational priority of the received SNMP objects based on object relationships identified by a Management Information Base (MIB).