Abstract: A retrieval of programs, segments from a program, and/or segments from a plurality of programs comprising enabling a user to establish content preferences by means of at least one keyword; retrieving from a plurality of previously produced programs each having at least one program segment whose content is defined in accordance with at least one of a plurality of keywords, and responsive to a keyword analysis of the content preferences, at least one program segment retrieved from each of at least two previously produced programs, and/or retrieving a continuous version of, and from within, a previously produced program, the continuous version skipping over at least one program segment which is defined in accordance with at least one of a plurality of keywords. Wherein the retrieving is from a remote program provider, the system and method further comprising communicating the content preferences to the remote program provider.

Abstract: A laser readable disc comprising at least one spiral track storing a video program including within at least three segments containing respectively (1) content unique to one of at least two versions of, and playable from within, the video program, (2) content unique to another of the at least two versions, and (3) content common to the at least two versions, the laser readable disc storing a user interface particular to the video program, and storing segment information (e.g. information defining and linking segments) for playing, by means of a random accessing and buffering, and responsive to a preference with respect to, for example, at least one category of detail and/or a category of possibly objectionable content, such as motion picture rating, at least one seamless version of, and from within, the video program, and for seamlessly skipping at least one segment containing content not included in the version being played; and wherein a segment (e.g.

Abstract: A memory device, such as an optical disc, comprising a variable content video, user interfaces, program routines, system control codes, and gaming software (where applicable); the video having a non-sequential logical arrangement of parallel, transitional, and overlapping segments, and content information defining and linking segments of the video responsive to at least one content category, such as a rating; the segments including (1) at least one segment unique to one of at least two versions of the same variable content video, (2) at least one segment unique to the other of said at least two versions of the same variable content video, and (3) at least one segment common to said at least two versions of the same variable content video; the segment definitions each having a descriptor responsive to the at least one content category; and the content information providing, responsive to a viewer's preference with respect to the at least one content category and by means of random access and buffering means fo

Abstract: A video method and system maintains a transmission of an audio of a video during a viewer controlled freezing, slowing, and/or zooming of the transmission of the video component of the video by automatically selecting, adjusting audio levels, looping, and producing audio effects, from a plurality of audio elements of the video, such as a foreground and background audio elements, in response to the viewer control of the transmission of the video component.

Abstract: A system for, and a method of, playing a selected one of at least two versions of, and from within, the same variable content video program stored in a laser readable disc comprising at least one spiral track, the video program including within at least three segments containing respectively (1) content unique to one of said at least two versions, (2) content unique to another of said at least two versions, and (3) content common to said at least two versions, comprising the means for, or the steps of, selecting, responsive to, for example, a motion picture rating, which of said versions is to be played, and by means of information combining (e.g.

Abstract: A variable content video comprising a video and a segment map, the segment map defining a plurality of video segments of the video responsive to at least one preestablished content category, the segment map providing information for a video system to automatically select, retrieve, and transmit as a continuous video, video segments from the plurality of video segments responsive to a preference with respect to the at least one preestablished content category. The content category may be a category of possibly unsuitable content such as violence. The plurality of video segments may comprise parallel segments to provide greater variety in the level of explicitness. In an embodiment the variable content video is stored in a memory device such as a portable laser readable memory.

Abstract: A video retrieving method/system that permits a viewer to establish video content preferences, request a video from a remote video provider, and receive a version of the requested video that is responsive to an application of the content preferences to a content map that provides for a variable arrangement of a plurality of video segments of the requested video. Alternatively, the viewer receives the requested video and a content map of the requested video, enabling the viewer to produce a version of the received video responsive to an application of the content preferences to the content map.

Abstract: A video delivery system and methodology for storing a plurality of videos and video segment maps, each of the video segment maps defining a plurality of video segments of a corresponding video, the plurality of video segments comprising non-sequential parallel, transitional, and overlapping video segments; receiving from a remote video retriever a request for a video, the request providing for a keyword; establishing video content preferences of the remote video retriever; selecting video segments responsive to an application of the video content preferences to a video segment map of the requested video; retrieving the selected video segments; and providing the retrieved video segments to the remote video retriever.

Abstract: In a video-on-demand and communications system, the enhancements comprising the automatic integration of the video and communication services delivered to a viewer. Specifically, during the viewing of a video, when a phone call, audio or audio/video, is received, the delivery of the video is automatically paused in response to the viewer accepting the call. Upon completion of the call, the delivery of the video is automatically restarted at the point placed on hold, at some pre-defined amount of time prior to the pausing of the video, or at a suitable prior point in the video. When the video being delivered is a content-on-demand video, the video map identifies the beginning point of the segment in which the pause occurred thus automatically identifying a suitable prior point in the video to restart the delivery of the video. By automatically replaying the segment in which the pause occurred, the viewer re-engages the video without the loss of continuity.

Abstract: A video system and method comprising an automatic configuration with a viewer's video content preferences, and the automatic selection of video segments from a plurality of video segments responsive to an application of the viewer's video content preferences to a segment map of a video. The segment map defines the plurality of video segments, which may comprise at least one parallel segment. The segment map and the selected video segments are retrieved from a memory such as a laser readable memory. The retrieved video segments are transmitted as a continuous video. Additionally or alternatively, the video system retrieves from a remote video provider a version of a video selection that is responsive to the viewer's video content preferences. In one embodiment, the viewer's video content preferences and the segment map are responsive to, for example, at least one content category of possibly unsuitable content.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a player of a video game an automatically customized version of an interactive video game responsive to the player's content preferences in at least one category of possibly unsuitable content. A content-on-demand interactive video game method principally comprises establishing a player's content preferences responsive to at least one category of possibly unsuitable content; providing an interactive video game comprising gaming software, and a segment map defining, responsive to the at least one category of possibly unsuitable content, a plurality of content segments of the interactive video game; and automatically selecting, responsive to the gaming software, content segments from the plurality of content segments responsive to an application of the player's content preferences to the segment map.

Abstract: A video method and system for automatically tracking a viewer defined target within a viewer defined window of a video image as the target moves within the video image by selecting a target within a video, producing an identification of the selected target, defining a window within the video, utilizing the identification to automatically maintain the selected target within the window of the video as the selected target shifts within the video, and transmitting the window of the video.

Abstract: This invention relates to a video system comprising integrated random access video technologies and video software architectures for the automated selective retrieval of non-sequentially stored parallel, transitional, and overlapping video segments from a single variable content program source, responsive to a viewer's preestablished video content preferences. Embodiments of the video system permit the automatic transmission of the selected segments from a variable content program as a seamless continuous and harmonious video program, and the transmission of the selected segments from an interactive video game further responsive to the logic of the interactive video game. The viewer's video content preferences being stored in the video system, and/or in a compact portable memory device that facilitates the automatic configuration of a second video system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a video system comprising integrated random access video technologies and video software architectures for the automated selective retrieval of non-sequentially stored parallel, transitional, and overlapping video segments from a single variable content program source, responsive to a viewer's preestablished video content preferences. Embodiments of the video system permit the automatic transmission of the selected segments from a variable content program as a seamless continuous and harmonious video program, and the transmission of the selected segments from an interactive video game further responsive to the logic of the interactive video game. The viewer's video content preferences being stored in the video system, and/or in a compact portable memory device that facilitates the automatic configuration of a second video system.

Abstract: A transaction protection system is provided that permits non-related third parties to offer an impartial, readily accessible standardized service that will protect and encompass any moneys that are tendered by an individual or business entity to a transaction in relation to a second business or entity. Delivery of payment will occur upon a future condition being met automatically whereby the system both performs an escrowing function, a payment function and a notifying function automatically. The transaction processing system acts as a temporary depository control in the flow of the moneys from parties in a transaction ensuring that sufficient balances are available for the transaction and assuring that payment is made only upon satisfaction of the conditions set by the parties to the transaction. The system is implemented by means of either an integrated credit/debit system, deposit slips and forms or through conventional checks combined with either credit card or deposit slips.

Abstract: This invention relates to an enhanced transaction approval system for processing transactions in which a deposit is tendered for the purchase of goods and services. Specifically, the credit authorization system for a deposit transaction permits the exclusion of card information on the purchase deposit slip, provides for the inclusion of a delivery by date on the purchase deposit slip, and utilizes a transaction number that both identifies the deposit transaction and represents an approval number.

Abstract: A playing apparatus including a plurality of representative components each representative of one of a plurality of computer components, each of the representative components structured for assembly as a completed structure, a gameboard defining a playing area, the playing area including a plurality of identified player positions disposed in spaced relation to one another and defining a pathway, at least some of the player positions being located within one of a plurality of component areas within the playing area, each of the components areas identifying one of the plurality of representative components, the playing area further including directions for assembling the plurality of representative components.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting, selecting and retrieving actual samples of wallcoverings based upon selected criteria generated by the user. The user is provided with an input card or brochure listing a number of design characteristics. This input card or brochure includes a chart of color-range cells, each cell representing a range of shades of a base color. Based upon these characteristics, the system would produce a listing of all design patterns, such as wallcoverings which meet these characteristics. The computer system would generate a listing of these patterns. Additionally, the system could include a warehouse/storage facility operatively connected to the computer so as to physically provide the user with the design patterns which were chosen.

Abstract: Enhancements to computer keyboards and calculator devices are provided that permit a user to select the function and labelling of said device's numeric keypad to conform to either the 123 layout or the 789 layout. The enhancements comprising labelling means for selectively labelling the numeric keypad keys as either a 123 layout or as a 789 layout; switching means for changing the signal associated with each key independent of the application; and circuit board means for transmitting the signals associated with either layout.