Abstract: Computer-readable media and a computer system for implementing a natural language search using fact-based structures and for generating such fact-based structures are provided. A fact-based structure is generated using a semantic structure, which represents information, such as text, from a document, such as a web page. Typically, a natural language parser is used to create a semantic structure of the information, and the parser identifies terms, as well as the relationship between the terms. A fact-based structure of a semantic structure allows for a linear structure of these terms and their relationships to be created, while also maintaining identifiers of the terms to convey the dependency of one fact-based structure on another fact-based structure. Additionally, synonyms and hypernyms are identified while generating the fact-based structure to improve the accuracy of the overall search.

Abstract: Techniques are presented to determine user-interest sensitive notes. User selected passages, user interest information, condensation transformations and optional meaning distortion constraints are identified. User foci expressed by the selected passages are determined based on the similarity of the elements in the selected passages to elements in the user interest information. User sensitive notes are determined by selectively applying the condensation transformations to the selected passages to preferentially retain user foci while eliding less salient information. Meaning distortions constraints are optionally applied in conjunction with condensation transformations or in creating the condensation transformations in order to reduce the likelihood of distorting the meaning of the passage.

Abstract: Computer-readable media and a computer system for implementing a natural language search using fact-based structures and for generating such fact-based structures are provided. A fact-based structure is generated using a semantic structure, which represents information, such as text, from a document, such as a web page. Typically, a natural language parser is used to create a semantic structure of the information, and the parser identifies terms, as well as the relationship between the terms. A fact-based structure of a semantic structure allows for a linear structure of these terms and their relationships to be created, while also maintaining identifiers of the terms to convey the dependency of one fact-based structure on another fact-based structure. Additionally, synonyms and hypernyms are identified while generating the fact-based structure to improve the accuracy of the overall search.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to construct and use user-interest sensitive indicators of search results. A set of documents is determined based on one or more search terms. Passages within each selected document are identified based on the search terms. Condensation transformations applied to the passages to preferentially retain elements of the passage based on the search terms and user interest information. The resultant indicator is provides a user-interest sensitive signal of the meaning of the passage.

Abstract: A method and system of distributed illumination and sensing, the system including devices, each device including an emitter to emit at least one of light and sound, a sensor to receive an indirect emission, and a controller to determine the existence and/or relative location of at least one of the other devices in response to the indirect emission.

Abstract: A frameless media path module is provided for a media processing system feeding media streams through a media path structured for serial or parallel flows. The frameless media path module includes a plurality of media guides and not less than two media transport nips operated by at least one actuator. Means is included for attaching the frameless media path module to a supporting structure. Media state sensing electronics detect media edge or relative motion and intermodule electrical communication capability is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and program products for determining where to position received transitory audio within a experiential data stream so as to provide minimal disruption to the experiential data stream.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and program products that create a shared social space that enables a local audience member and a remote audience member to simultaneously experience a recorded experiential data stream.

Abstract: A computerized business method that provides content to supplement a presentation of an experiential data stream. The method includes a step of receiving a request for content configured to be included in said presentation of the experiential data stream. The method also determines content parameters from the request that are used to select the content. It also provides the content and records appropriate transaction information.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to construct and use user-interest sensitive indicators of search results. A set of documents is determined based on one or more search terms. Passages within each selected document are identified based on the search terms. Condensation transformations applied to the passages to preferentially retain elements of the passage based on the search terms and user interest information. The resultant indicator is provides a user-interest sensitive signal of the meaning of the passage.

Abstract: Techniques are presented to determine user-interest sensitive notes. User selected passages, user interest information, condensation transformations and optional meaning distortion constraints are identified. User foci expressed by the selected passages are determined based on the similarity of the elements in the selected passages to elements in the user interest information. User sensitive notes are determined by selectively applying the condensation transformations to the selected passages to preferentially retain user foci while eliding less salient information. Meaning distortions constraints are optionally applied in conjunction with condensation transformations or in creating the condensation transformations in order to reduce the likelihood of distorting the meaning of the passage.

Abstract: Techniques are presented to determine user-interest sensitive condensations of a passage. One or more passages are selected and user interest information, condensation transformations and optional meaning distortion constraints are identified. The foci of user interest within the selected passages are determined based the similarity of the elements in the selected passages to elements in the user interest information. The condensation transformations are applied to the selected passages to preferentially retain user foci while eliding less salient information. The resultant condensate provides signals the user-interest sensitive meaning of the passage. Meaning distortions constraints are optionally applied in conjunction with the condensation transformations or in creating the condensation transformations to reduce the likelihood of distorting the meaning of the passage.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and program products that enable an audience member of a local device to navigate, by activation of user selectable controls, through an experiential data stream presented on the local device.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and program products that provide content that is structured to be able to be presented in conjunction with at least one prerecorded portion of an experiential data stream.

Abstract: Various particle transport systems and components for use in such systems are described. The systems utilize one or more traveling wave grids to selectively transport, distribute, separate, or mix different populations of particles. Numerous systems configured for use in two dimensional and three dimensional particle transport are described.

Abstract: A modular flexible media handling apparatus includes an input module (28) through which flexible media enters the apparatus, at least one main path module (28, 30, 32, 34) through which flexible media passes along a main path (24), at least one lookaside module (36, 38) through which flexible media selectively passes along a lookaside path, and an output module (34) in which flexible media from the lookaside path and main path are merged.

Abstract: A system and method for providing metadata interaction and visualization with task-related objects is described. A plurality of task-oriented items is defined. Each task-oriented item includes a storage component specifying metadata relating to at least one of planning, executing or completing a task. A visualization is provided to tie in the task-oriented items and associate modeling logic operating on at least one such task-oriented item. The visualization is displayed by highlighting at least one of interdependencies and conflicts between the metadata of the task-oriented items.