Abstract: A system and method for providing assistance to a position receiver in a location network consisting of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and a synchronized network of positioning-unit devices is disclosed. A positioning-unit device observes the time and frequency of received Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals relative to the synchronized network of positioning-unit devices. These time and frequency observations are modulated, as assistance data, onto the positioning signals that are broadcast by the positioning-unit devices. A position receiver demodulates the assistance data and analyzes the positioning signals. The position receiver then searches for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals in a range responsive to the assistance data and the analysis of the received positioning signals.

Abstract: A correlation system for Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) positioning systems is disclosed, whereby a position receiver acquires, tracks, and demodulates a plurality of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) modulated positioning signals are pulsed in a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme. A specialized correlation processor within the position receiver is configured to internally generate pseudo-random number (PRN) code signal replicas of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) positioning signals in synchronicity with their respectively received Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) positioning signals. This correlation system provides the position receiver with range measurements free from the deleterious effects of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cross-correlation artifacts and degraded signal-to-noise ratios, therefore allowing the computation of high accuracy position solutions.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting alarm conditions, the method involving receiving at a first time a trigger notification describing a monitored occurrence on a network; setting a redundancy window to begin at the first time and to end at an expiration time; designating a first alarm condition to represent the trigger notification; receiving a second notification at a second time after the first time, the second notification describing the monitored occurrence; and determining whether a second alarm condition exists by testing whether the second time is within the redundancy window.

Abstract: A method of routing video data includes receiving data from a Video on Demand (VoD) content source at a network management system, the data indicating a first set-top box device requesting VoD content. The method also includes identifying an end node group associated with the first set-top box device. The end node group includes a plurality of set-top box devices that share a resource at the VoD content source. Further, the method includes selecting a network path between the VoD content source and the first set-top box device from a set of prospective network paths associated with the first set-top box device. The set of prospective network paths associated with the first set-top box device and network path sets associated with other set-top box devices of the end node group simultaneously satisfy a plurality of constraints related to network path delay and jitter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage network transport paths in accordance with network policies are disclosed. An example apparatus comprises a policy manager to manage a first policy for a first endpoint and a second policy for a second endpoint, and a path manager to provision a transport network path based on the first and second policies.

Abstract: A system and method for providing assistance to a position receiver in a location network consisting of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and a synchronized network of positioning-unit devices is disclosed. A positioning-unit device observes the time and frequency of received Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals relative to the synchronized network of positioning-unit devices. These time and frequency observations are modulated, as assistance data, onto the positioning signals that are broadcast by the positioning-unit devices. A position receiver demodulates the assistance data and analyzes the positioning signals. The position receiver then searches for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals in a range responsive to the assistance data and the analysis of the received positioning signals.

Abstract: A system for managing a communication system is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network management system having a network configuration element that identifies for each of a plurality of wireless base terminals (WBTs) a resultant communication path to a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO) according to a plurality of performance characteristics and a delay injected into at least one of a plurality of alternative communication paths connecting combinations of the WBTs to the MTSO. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic toy gun for data and audible sound/voice communication. Audible sound/voice may be communicated over an infrared beam or a radio frequency signal while data is communication over an infrared beam. The toy laser tag gun includes an IR receiver, an IR transmitter, a speaker, and a microphone 210. The IR receiver receives an incoming IR beam. The IR transmitter 206 generates an IR output beam. A pair of toy laser tag guns form an IR communication system with one or more RF and/or IR communication channels. Simplex and full duplex IR communication may be provided over one or more IR communication channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for improving network performance in a communication system. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network management system (NMS) that manages operations of a communication system including a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO) coupled to a plurality of wireless base terminals (WBTs) by way of a corresponding plurality of network elements, having a network configuration element that identifies for each of the plurality of WBTs a resultant communication path to the MTSO according to a plurality of performance characteristics calculated from alternative communication paths connecting combinations of the WBTs to the MTSO. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for method and apparatus for maintaining network performance in a communication system. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network management system (NMS) that manages operations of a communication system including a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO) coupled to a plurality of wireless base terminals (WBTs) by way of a corresponding plurality of network elements, having a network configuration element that identifies for each of the plurality of WBTs a plurality of resultant communication paths to the MTSO according to a plurality of differential delays calculated from alternative communication paths connecting combinations of the WBTs to the MTSO for each of a plurality of change scenarios affecting the plurality of network elements. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method, apparatus, and system to synchronize timers or clocks of toys. A play-set includes a first toy having a first timer and a start button. The first toy can be designated as a master when the start button is depressed. After being designated as the master, the first toy sends a synchronization signal to begin synchronization. The play-set also includes a second toy communicatively linked to the first toy. The second toy has a second timer, and synchronizes the second timer to the first timer of the first toy in response to the synchronization signal. After timer synchronization, scripts are selected and a script start signal synchronizes the beginning of script play.

Abstract: A virtual scale model operating environment for controlling operational scale models. The virtual scale model operating environment includes a virtual controller that provides simulated environmental parameters normally associated with real operation. The virtual controller can display a simulated measure of the simulated environmental parameters to a user. Control of the operational scale model by a user is altered by the virtual controller in response to the simulated environmental parameters. The simulated environmental parameters vary due to various factors including the operation of the scale model by a user in order to provide more realistic play. The virtual controller further provides sound effects and phrases from a virtual voice through its own speakers or through headphones. The virtual controller has a microcontroller executing software algorithms to provide the simulated environmental parameters and alter actual control of the operational scale model.

Abstract: Method and system of customizing ringtones. The method and system including features to facilitate synthesizing a sample recording and converting the synthesized sample recording to a customized ringtone suitable for use with a phone.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, photo-chromic and phosphorescent toys are disclosed. A photo-chromic and phosphorescent toy includes both photo-chromic and phosphorescent materials applied to the toy such as through an ink, paint, plastic, or dye. The photo-chromic and phosphorescent materials may be supplied within a material of the toy or applied-to a surface of the toy at the factory. The photo-chromic and phosphorescent materials may be activated in various ways with various light activating devices that can generate an activating light with appropriate wavelengths.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, photo-chromic applicators are disclosed. The photo-chromic applicator may include a liquid photo-chromic material such as a photo-chromic ink or paint. The photo-chromic material is applied to a surface of a toy, a page, or other object by a child user. The photo-chromic material may be activated in various ways with various light activating devices that can generate the activating light with appropriate wavelengths.

Abstract: An attitude system that includes a radiating means which moves predeterminately through three-dimensional space, such that a cyclic Doppler is superimposed upon a transmitted signal; receiving this transmitted signal through a receiving means which moves predeterminately through three-dimensional space, such that a cyclic Doppler is superimposed upon the received signal; analyzing the movement of the receive means in relation to the radiating means by interpreting the received cyclic Doppler; and determining attitude based on the interpreted Doppler. Or alternatively, adjusting the movement of the receive means in three-dimensional space so the superimposed cyclic Doppler is minimized on the received signal and; determining attitude based on the adjustment required to bring the receive means and radiating means into an alignment.

Abstract: A system for customizing ringtones. The system including a server configured to facilitate generating a customized ringtone based on a sample recording. The system including a phone configured to display a user interface as a function of customization signals received from the server. The customization signals being related to customization options available for customizing the recording sample. The phone being configured to communicate at least one user selected customization option to the server for use by the server in customizing the sample recording and generating the customized the ringtone.

Abstract: A method is provided for electrochemically depositing a polysaccharide mass having a selected physical state. According to an embodiment, an electrically conductive support of a substrate is contacted with an aqueous solution including a selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide, and the selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide is electrochemically deposited on the electrically conductive support while controlling deposition conditions to form the polysaccharide mass having the selected physical state, such as that of a hydrogel. Deposition may be performed in a spatially and/or temporally controlled manner.

Abstract: A correlation system for Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) positioning systems is disclosed, whereby a position receiver acquires, tracks, and demodulates a plurality of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) modulated positioning signals are pulsed in a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme. A specialized correlation processor within the position receiver is configured to internally generate pseudo-random number (PRN) code signal replicas of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) positioning signals in synchronicity with their respectively received Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) positioning signals. This correlation system provides the position receiver with range measurements free from the deleterious effects of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cross-correlation artifacts and degraded signal-to-noise ratios, therefore allowing the computation of high accuracy position solutions.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, photo-chromic light drawing sets are disclosed including a photo-chromic page and a light pen. The photo-chromic page includes a flat transparent substrate having a page-like shape and one or more layers of photo-chromic ink applied onto the substrate. The flat transparent substrate to display an object underneath, and the one of more layers of photo-chromic ink are substantially transparent in an inactive state. The light pen selectively generates an activating light to shine onto the photo-chromic page and activate a portion of the one of more layers of photo-chromic ink. The activated portion of the one or more layers of photo-chromic ink is temporarily transformed from the inactive state to an active state in response to the activating light.