Abstract: In order to help system users organize the user data and communications, a service provider system organizes the user data according to a specific system data architecture using W4 technology to facilitate organization of user communications, content, and data. The system provides a data structure that organizes data using the human metaphor and provides a user interface to access and manipulate the data using a human metaphor. As a result, users may intuitively interact with, manipulate, and create data without having to learn specific rules and steps based on of file-size, format, and directory structures, among others. In addition, the service provider system provides a single, intuitive to manipulate interface to manage all user communications.

Abstract: An integrated web-based communications/calendar/organizational/entertainment system provides a user interface to provide the most pertinent data to a user at any time by organizing the data into strips of content organized according to four broad contexts of who, what, when, and where. The user interface focuses information displayed by the interface by automatically adjusting the content displayed by each strip based on a user selection in any one strip.

Abstract: An integrated web-based communications service provides a content aggregator to simplify the task of managing personal, friends, family, and business contacts via a process of aggregation and consolidation into a central point. The content aggregator imports contacts from existing databases, harvests additional contact information, and maintain the contact information.

Abstract: A system and processes create a Mega-frame Initialization Packet such that remote MIP inserters can regenerate Transport Stream bit rate and MIPs for Single Frequency Networks with modulation schemes different from an incoming stream in a totally deterministic way. This process guarantees that all MIP re-generators having the same signal at the input and having the same modulation scheme generate exactly the same stream (bit exact) even in multiple locations.

Abstract: An radio frequency identification (RFID) tag parking system to control a gate to allow a patron in a vehicle to enter and exit a parking facility without stopping, the system comprising: a first antenna for reading an RFID tag in a first area contained within a lane 215 associated with an entrance or an exit of the facility; a second antenna for reading the RFID tag in a second area, separate from the first area, contained within the lane 215 associated with the entrance or exit; an RFID reader 250 connected to the first and second antennae to read an identification (ID) associated with the RFID tag when the RFID tag passes through one of the first and second areas; and a processing device to determine that the read ID is valid and may access the facility and to control the gate to open. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second antennae are sequentially activated as a vehicle enters the first area and the second area, respectively.

Abstract: A system and processes create a transport stream carrying several encapsulated contents, watermarks, and other ancillary data. The transport stream is re-multiplexed while keeping synchronous and deterministic operation. Synchronous deterministic operation allow each derived transport stream to be broadcasted in Single Frequency Networks, as all re-multiplexers have the same signal at the input and selecting the same content generates exactly the same stream in multiple locations.

Abstract: Here, we demonstrate new material/structures for the photodetectors, using semiconductor material. For example, we present the Tunable Avalanche Wide Base Transistor as a photodetector. Particularly, SiC, GaN, AlN, Si and Diamond materials are given as examples. The desired properties of an optimum photodetector is achieved. Different variations are discussed, both in terms of structure and material.

Abstract: A system and processes create a transport stream carrying several encapsulated contents, watermarks, and other ancillary data. The transport stream is re-multiplexed while keeping synchronous and deterministic operation. Synchronous deterministic operation allow each derived transport stream to be broadcasted in Single Frequency Networks, as all re-multiplexers have the same signal at the input and selecting the same content generates exactly the same stream in multiple locations.

Abstract: An LCD display system provides colored backlighting to enhance the viewing experience of presentations by the display system. The liquid crystal display (LCD) system includes a monochrome LCD to display monochrome information including at least two sectors; at least two backlighting elements to emit light in a plurality of colors, each backlighting element associated with one sector of the LCD and configured to backlight the one associated sector with a color light; and a processing device to control display of the information on the LCD and to select the color emitted by each backlighting from the plurality of colors. Each backlighting element may include two or more different color light emitting diodes (LEDs) wherein the intensity of each color LED is controlled by the processing device to provide the color selected by the processing device. A reflective element may be positioned relative to the backlighting element to reflect the color light emitted by the backlighting element.

Abstract: A virtual world toy system includes a physical doll and physical props that may be used in conjunction with a virtual world unit. The virtual world unit provides a portal through which the physical doll may enter and explore a virtual world under a user's guidance and control. The physical doll and props may be played with by a user in the real world; however, the physical doll and props also may be placed into the virtual world unit where they manifest themselves in a virtual world presented by the virtual world unit. Once in the virtual world, the virtual world unit provides a virtual representation of the physical doll and props to a user. In addition, the virtual world unit provides an interface to command, assist, direct, and/or influence the virtual doll's interaction with the virtual world. Two or more virtual world units may be connected together so that multiple users may interact together within the virtual world.

Abstract: According to one implementation a user customizable, magnetic advertisement includes a first magnetic layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface including: a first portion and a second portion including printed material. An adhesive may be affixed to the first portion and configured to receive a medium including business information. A protective layer may be affixed to the adhesive and removed to receive the business information medium. The advertisement is customizable by removing the protective layer and affixing the business information medium. In one example, the medium may be a business card and the printed material provided information associated with a business. Additionally the second portion may be a coupon, a frequent purchase coupon, a service reminder, an appointment reminder, or a tag line including information about a business. The second portion also may be configured to receive written indications.

Abstract: A voltage booster transistor with an optimal conducting path formed in widebandgap semiconductors like Silicon Carbide and Diamond, is provided as a power transistor with a voltage rating >200V. Contrary to conventional vertical design of power transistors, a higher, optimum doping for a given thickness supports higher Source/Drain blocking voltage. A topside and backside gate region of the opposite conductivity type than the channel region providing control of source to drain current path through a small gate voltage. The backside gate and the Drain junction are able to support the rated blocking voltage of the device.

Abstract: A lateral power diodes with an optimal drift doping formed in widebandgap semiconductors like Silicon Carbide, Aluminum Nitride and Gallium Nitride and Diamond are provided with a voltage rating greater 200V. Contrary to conventional vertical design of power diodes, a higher, optimum doping for a given thickness is critical in supporting higher anode/cathode blocking voltage, and lower on-resistance than vertical drift region designs. The backside contact and the anode junction must be able to support the rated blocking voltage of the device.

Abstract: A lateral drift vertical metal-insulated field effect transistor (LDVMISFET) with an optimum conducting channel formed in Silicon Carbide, is provided as a power transistor with a voltage rating of greater than 200 V. The lateral drift region achieves a better on-resistance/breakdown voltage trade-off than the conventional vertical drift region design of power MOSFETs. This is achieved by using an optimal doping and thickness for the voltage blocking and current conduction. The drain and backside terminal is able to support at least the rated blocking voltage of the device. A vertical MIS channel may be formed on the favorable 11-20 plane to achieve a higher MIS channel mobility as compared to the conventional 0001 or 000-1 planes resulting in a much lower on-resistance for the same blocking voltage as compared to conventional vertical MOSFET with similar blocking voltage.

Abstract: A bid estimating system and method is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a processor that accesses a database of existing customer information specific to that customer. The processor identifies information specific to the customer stored in the database and determines an estimate, in real time, for the services provided based on the customer specific information. The estimate is then conveyed to the customer for their approval. According to one preferred embodiment the service provider is a landscaper. According to this embodiment the potential customer provides the customer's address. A processor then access a real estate database for the address and determines a bid based on the database information corresponding to the address. Alternatively, a landscaper can create accurate bids for mailers simply by identifying an address and selecting the types of services to be performed in order to determine the cost of the services.

Abstract: An electronic toy gun for a toy shooting game includes an infrared beam emitter, a trigger, a game data input device, and an internal processor. The infrared beam emitter is configured to emit an encoded infrared beam. The trigger is configured to activate a state of emission of the infrared beam by the infrared beam emitter so as to indicate that a weapon is being fired. The game data input device is configured to receive game data input from a user. The internal processor is configured to receive the game data input from the game data input device and to cause the infrared beam emitter to emit an infrared beam that is coded with one of a plurality of codes based on the game data input.