Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates substitution of a full bitmap version of a graphical image with a line drawing version of the graphical image in a graphical presentation. The system operates by displaying a page in the graphical presentation, which includes the line drawing version of the graphical image. Next, the system allows a user to input a command to display the full bitmap version of the graphical image. If the user inputs the command, the system retrieves the full bitmap version of the graphical image, and displays the full bitmap version of the graphical image. Note that displaying the line drawing version of the graphical image requires less data to be retrieved than displaying the full bitmap version of graphical image. Consequently, loading the line drawing version of the graphical image takes less time than loading the full bitmap version.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for building a database of content objectionable scenes of an audiovisual work, and a method and apparatus which uses the database to control reproduction of the work. The database may be stored on a server and made available to clients which control an audiovisual reproduction apparatus through a direct dial-up or Internet connection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous uninterrupted playback of a dual sided optical disk during side-to-side changing of the optical disk. The point at which a dual-sided optical disk will be switched between sides is determined. At some point prior to the switching of sides of the disk, a portion of the data at the end of the first side of the disk is transferred to a memory. During the switching of the disk to the second side, the stored data is read out from the memory to provide uninterrupted continuous playback of the optical disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous uninterrupted playback of a dual sided optical disk during side-to-side changing of the optical disk. The point at which a dual-sided optical disk will be switched between sides is determined. At some point prior to the switching of sides of the disk, a portion of the data at the end of the first side of the disk is transferred to a memory. During the switching of the disk to the second side, the stored data is read out from the memory to provide uninterrupted continuous playback of the optical disk.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a vertebral joint comprises a connection element adapted to extend through a first vertebral body, through a vertebral endplate of the first vertebral body, through a vertebral endplate of a second vertebral body, and through the second vertebral body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for building a database of content objectionable scenes of an audiovisual work, and a method and apparatus which uses the database to control reproduction of the work. The database may be stored on a server and made available to clients which control an audiovisual reproduction apparatus through a direct dial-up or Internet connection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous uninterrupted playback of a dual sided optical disk during side-to-side changing of the optical disk. The point at which a dual-sided optical disk will be switched between sides is determined. At some point prior to the switching of sides of the disk, a portion of the data at the end of the first side of the disk is transferred to a memory. During the switching of the disk to the second side, the stored data is read out from the memory to provide uninterrupted continuous playback of the optical disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous uninterrupted playback of a dual sided optical disk during side-to-side changing of the optical disk. The point at which a dual-sided optical disk will be switched between sides is determined. At some point prior to the switching of sides of the disk, a portion of the data at the end of the first side of the disk is transferred to a memory. During the switching of the disk to the second side, the stored data is read out from the memory to provide uninterrupted continuous playback of the optical disk.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates substitution of a full bitmap version of a graphical image with a line drawing version of the graphical image in a graphical presentation. The system operates by displaying a page in the graphical presentation, which includes the line drawing version of the graphical image. Next, the system allows a user to input a command to display the full bitmap version of the graphical image. If the user inputs the command, the system retrieves the full bitmap version of the graphical image, and displays the full bitmap version of the graphical image. Note that displaying the line drawing version of the graphical image requires less data to be retrieved than displaying the full bitmap version of graphical image. Consequently, loading the line drawing version of the graphical image takes less time than loading the full bitmap version.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates substitution of a full bitmap version of a graphical image with a line drawing version of the graphical image in a graphical presentation. The system operates by displaying a page in the graphical presentation, which includes the line drawing version of the graphical image. Next, the system allows a user to input a command to display the full bitmap version of the graphical image. If the user inputs the command, the system retrieves the full bitmap version of the graphical image, and displays the full bitmap version of the graphical image. Note that displaying the line drawing version of the graphical image requires less data to be retrieved than displaying the full bitmap version of graphical image. Consequently, loading the line drawing version of the graphical image takes less time than loading the full bitmap version.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of quickly previewing user selected portions of a DVD or other stored work having a questionable rating without having to view the entire work. By utilizing the rating information contained in the scene, a scene can be called up for review and a decision can be made quickly whether or not to accept or reject that particular scene for playback during the playback of the entire work. Discrete scenes of the work may be approved or disapproved for viewing individually or collectively, and in some cases, alternative, less offensive scenes may be substituted in place of rejected scenes. These accepted scenes may be combined with other scenes, that have a rating less than that originally chosen by user, for later seamless viewing of the work.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening and releasing a first electrical contact on a cable with a second electrical contact on a computer component, and a method for fastening and releasing the first and second electrical contacts, are shown and described. The computer component generally has an attachment orifice defining a fastening axis. In one embodiment, the fastener has a body, an elongated casing, an engagement element and an actuator. The elongated casing can project from the body along the fastening axis when the first and second electrical contacts are aligned for engagement. The engagement element can be positioned along the casing at a location spaced apart from the body. The casing and/or the engagement element is movable between release and fasten positions. In the release position, the engagement element is generally near the fastening axis and the casing and/or the engagement element is generally configured to be received in the attachment orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous uninterrupted playback of a dual sided optical disk during side-to-side changing of the optical disk. The point at which a dual-sided optical disk will be switched between sides is determined. At some point prior to the switching of sides of the disk, a portion of the data at the end of the first side of the disk is transferred to a memory. During the switching of the disk to the second side, the stored data is read out from the memory to provide uninterrupted continuous playback of the optical disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous uninterrupted playback of a dual sided optical disk during side-to-side changing of the optical disk. The point at which a dual-sided optical disk will be switched between sides is determined. At some point prior to the switching of sides of the disk, a portion of the data at the end of the first side of the disk is transferred to a memory. During the switching of the disk to the second side, the stored data is read out from the memory to provide uninterrupted continuous playback of the optical disk.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening and releasing a first electrical contact on a cable with a second electrical contact on a computer component, and a method for fastening and releasing the first and second electrical contacts, are shown and described. The computer component generally has an attachment orifice defining a fastening axis. In one embodiment, the fastener has a body, an elongated casing, an engagement element and an actuator. The elongated casing can project from the body along the fastening axis when the first and second electrical contacts are aligned for engagement. The engagement element can be positioned along the casing at a location spaced apart from the body. The casing and/or the engagement element is movable between release and fasten positions. In the release position, the engagement element is generally near the fastening axis and the casing and/or the engagement element is generally configured to be received in the attachment orifice.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening and releasing a first electrical contact on a cable with a second electrical contact on a computer component, and a method for fastening and releasing the first and second electrical contacts, are shown and described. The computer component generally has an attachment orifice defining a fastening axis. In one embodiment, the fastener has a body, an elongated casing, an engagement element and an actuator. The elongated casing can project from the body along the fastening axis when the first and second electrical contacts are aligned for engagement. The engagement element can be positioned along the casing at a location spaced apart from the body. The casing and/or the engagement element is movable between release and fasten positions. In the release position, the engagement element is generally near the fastening axis and the casing and/or the engagement element is generally configured to be received in the attachment orifice.

Abstract: A computer is disclosed having a flat panel display device and a disk drive unit, each pivotable between a closed position wherein they serve as covers for the housing of the computer, and an open position, wherein access is provided to the internal components of the computer, including a motherboard and drive assemblies housed in the disk drive unit.

Abstract: A combined computer mouse and telephone device is provided. The device includes a common housing which can open to provide a telephone handset, and close to provide a computer mouse. The device is toggled between a mouse and telephone mode of operation via a hinge-switch which switches upon opening and closing of the housing. The telephone keypad is located on an interior of the housing during operation of the mouse, thereby eliminating the possibility of accidentally depressing the keypad when using the mouse.