Abstract: A method and system recover from a failure of an operational software program. A second software program which is known to function properly and is capable of downloading an updated copy of operational software is stored on the computer with the first software program. The second software program is a boot program which monitors resets of the first software program, determines if the number of resets which have occurred without the operational software first having reached a set operating point (such as establishing communication with a remote computer) reaches a threshold, and preempts operation of the first software program when the threshold is reached.

Abstract: Sets of tessellatable elements are disclosed, in which a relatively low number of different elements may be combined together to provide very attractive tessellating patterns. The elements may be in the form of tiles, for paving or for covering flooring or walls, for example, game pieces, including television and computer games, pieces for use in maze construction and for many other applications.

Abstract: Control of a packet communications network in a fixed network used by a mobile communications network is performed. (1) A communication hold mode is set for a user when the traffic volume of the user's transmission or reception of a packet per fixed time period is less than a predetermined value. The communication hold mode is defined as “although the network resources are released once, a mobile station and a gateway center at an interface with an external network behave to the user side and the external side as though the communication hold mode were maintained”. (2) When the user in the communication hold mode restarts the transmission of a packet, the mobile station automatically carries out a recall processing without the intervention of the user, and re-establishes the communication up to the gateway carrier.

Abstract: A method and computer program for automatically and continually extracting application protocols (i.e., defining a set of allowable or authorized actions) for any application. The method involves receiving a message from a server before it is sent or in parallel with sending to a client. The message may be in response to a specific request for it from the client. The program then extracts the application protocol data from the server message. Working with a copy of the message, the program strips off the communications protocol(s) from the message and parses the remaining message to identify user-selectable options contained in the message such as commands, fields, etc. These items represent the set of allowable or authorized user actions for the particular “stage” of the current version of the application as set forth in the message. The set of allowable user actions is then stored by the extraction program in a protocol database accessible to a gateway or filter module.

Abstract: A CDMA communications system that can shorten a delay time until the establishment of traffic, and prevent excessive transmission power. Although transmission request signals RQ1, RQ2, RQ3, . . . sent from mobile stations through a common channel undergo only open loop power transmission control, and hence have large fluctuations in their received levels, their interference amount to message signals can be kept low because their received power is averagely about 1/a of that of the message signals MSG1, MSG2, MSG3, . . . The message signals are sent from the mobile stations in accordance with the power transmission control bits contained in a forward link signal ACK sent from the base station, followed by closed loop power transmission control. This enables the received level fluctuations at the base station to be kept low.

Abstract: Fully oxidized cutback asphalts suitable for application in roofing, waterproofing, and sealing applications in all weather conditions, including as mastics and other sealants. Compositions according to the invention comprise unprecedented proportions of solids and asphalts yet remain workable to temperatures as low as 20° F. or below. In addition to fully-oxidized roofing-grade asphalts, preferred compositions according to the invention also comprise hydrophobic agents selected from the group comprising fatty acids and amine compounds and may be applied in rain or other wet conditions, and include polybutene or fatty acid peptizers to control the glass transition temperature of the completed mastic and thereby permit application of the composition at extremely low temperatures. Preferred embodiments optionally also comprise fillers such as cellulose fibers, diatomaceous earth, limestone, and asbestos for various advantageous purposes.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a portable, player programmable, interactive toy for a shooting game played by radiating and appropriately detecting infrared light (or other radiated energy). Player sets of the toy include at least one IR emitter, at least one IR detector, and in the preferred embodiments, at least one audio or visual device. A keypad or other input device is provided for the entry of coded information to select from preprogrammed features and functions, including game modes, both prior to the start of a game and/or during a game. The interactivity includes at least two players interacting other than by detection of a hit, i.e., detection by one player of light shot by another player. The invention provides for information transfer between players to transfer or remotely activate features and functions or to remotely control another player's equipment.

Abstract: In a shooting game toy, a target includes a display device that provides different image patterns to facilitate a communication of different states, or changes of state, of a shooting game or the toy. In a preferred embodiment, the display device is an electroluminescent display having a plurality of display elements that are activated in a predefined sequence corresponding to each state or change of state of the shooting game. For example, a routine hit of the target may be visually displayed as an image pattern representative of a conventional “outward burst” pattern, while a reset to a known state may be visually displayed as an inwardly contracting pattern, a destruction of the target as yet another visual pattern, and so on. By providing different display patterns at each target, the state of the game, or a change of state of the Game, is visually communicated to each participant having a view of the target, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the shooting game.

Abstract: A simulation architecture and method having four major steps. Firstly, an input circuit description to be simulated is compiled into an initial circuit compilation as follows. The input circuit description is translated into an initial register transfer level (RTL) network representation comprised of sequential and/or combinational objects. Next, translation of the RTL network into a network of clusters is accomplished. In general, a cluster is a region of the circuit which has uniform simulation activity. The initial clustering process, by default, chooses an simulation mode for all clusters known as event-triggered cycle-based. The other possible simulation mode for a cluster, in accordance with the present invention, is oblivious-triggered cycle-based. The first major step completes with translating the network of clusters into simulatable object code which includes additional object code that generates activity data regarding each cluster during a simulation.

Abstract: A method and program for providing a Japanese language user interface for a messaging system which transfers messages among users on the system based upon addresses represented in an address format such as ASCII. The method includes the steps of storing a plurality of addresses in an address directory, each address being represented in kana, kanji, and address format; and sorting the address directory in a first order based upon the kana form of the addresses and in a second order based upon the address format of the addresses. Sorting can be accomplished by indexing the directory and sorting the index. When creating a new message, a user of the application program selects a given address from the address directory by inputting the given address in kana form. The directory is searched for the input address in kana form and, when found, the address format of the address is retrieved. The new message is then transferred using the address format.

Abstract: The present system and method is directed to an interactive navigation system and method for exploring or browsing digital content data that can be spatially structured such that content pages can be located relative to one another. Once a page arrangement layout is completed, a navigation bar in conjunction with an underlying scrolling engine allow fast access to any section of the information space while maintaining an intuitively correct spatial metaphor. Thus, as the user manipulates the navigation bar, the scrolling engine moves the user to the new information content area in a visually intuitive manner while the intermediate content is displayed on a screen.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser and applicator is provided having a reservoir for holding a liquid such as a liquid foundation and having a spout through which the liquid may be dispensed. An applicator is attached to the reservoir and is detachable therefrom. The liquid maybe dispensed through the spout onto the applicator for application to a user's skin. The applicator slides into a track provided on the reservoir and is held in the track by a friction fit. A pump may be provided on the reservoir for dispensing the liquid foundation. The user may pump liquid foundation onto the applicator and remove the applicator from the reservoir and apply the liquid foundation onto the user's skin using the applicator. A lid attachable to the reservoir and enclosing the pump and applicator protects the applicator from dirt and other substances and allows the dispenser and applicator to become portable in a handbag or purse.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a chronic disease is disclosed. The monitor includes a database for storing a plurality of patient data entries and sorts the patient data entries according to whether a test threshold is crossed. Each of the patient data entries includes personal information of a patient and a set of guidelines concerning the patient's care. The guideline represents a plurality of rules concerning a patient's care derived from accepted tests used to monitor the disease represented in an algorithm. A processor separates the patient entries designated by the user according to the test thresholds, such as for HbA1c, lipids, liver enzyme and microalbumin, for the disease of diabetes.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a portable, programmable, interactive toy for a shooting game played by radiating and appropriately detecting infrared light (or other radiated energy). A player set includes an IR light projector (gun), an IR light detector (target) and a detachable, programmable data (or program) module which controls operation of the toy in accordance with data programmed therein. The data module may be detached, and the toy will operate in a default mode which is downwardly compatible with other toys that do not include the programmable data module. The toy also includes a base unit which programs the data modules to provide each player with a unique firing code. The data modules may also include circuitry which recognizes the different codes. The data modules may accumulate game and player information such as the number of shots fired by the associated gun, the number of hits registered by the associated target, and the source (player identification) of each hit registered.

Abstract: A dangerous driving conditions warning system for a vehicle such as an automobile is described. The warning system captures signals from two or more devices in an automobile, such as speedometer, distance measuring device, and airbag, and conveys the signals to a decision circuit which determines whether a dangerous driving condition exists and outputs an activation signal upon detecting a dangerous condition. The activation signal is sent to and activates an indicator such as a warning light or loud audible warning. The warning indicator alerts a trailing vehicle and other vehicles near the vehicle equipped with the warning system of the existence of one of various conditions warranting caution, a reduction in speed, or a veering or turn.

Abstract: A system for providing an interactive look-and-feel in a digital video broadcast via an X-Y protocol is provided. At a head-end, video information is digitized and associated with private data, such as event identifications, X-Y coordinates, link event identification and synchronization data. This information is then transmitted to a receiving end and is input into a set-top box. The set-top box receives the broadcast digital signal and includes a member for receiving the broadcast digital signal and generating a playable signal including indicia of the link data. The playable signal is then played on a playing device. The user is provided with a remote control or similar input device for selecting from the indicia. Upon selection of a desired indicia, the user may exercise the predetermined link associated with the selected indicia in order to obtain the desired playable signal.