Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for breaking down computing tasks within a larger application and distributing such tasks across a network of heterogeneous computers for simultaneous execution. The heterogeneous computers may be connected across a wide or local area network. The invention supports mobile agents that are self-migrating and can transport state information and stack trace information as they move from one host to another, continuing execution where the mobile agents may have left off. The invention includes a server component for providing an execution environment for the agents, in addition to sub-components which handle real-time collaboration between the mobile agents as well as facilities monitoring during execution. Additional components provide realistic thread migration for the mobile agents.

Abstract: A voucher-enabled gaming system for use with games of chance, where a player uses one-time-use vouchers having game credits or a value associated with each voucher. A voucher is inserted into a player terminal, read by the player terminal, and the associated value retrieved from a central server; game credits equivalent to the value are made available for game play. Upon cash-out from the player terminal (or other terminal type), a player will be issued a new voucher having a transaction ID generated by the terminal, the transaction ID being unique to the particular system installation and associated with the value of the voucher, which the player may then take to a different terminal to continue game play.

Abstract: Output value signals from radiometer or receiver channels are normalized to achieve a flat field response when creating a millimeter wave image. A normalizing factor is applied to the output value signals from each channel, and the normalizing factor accommodates drift in offset of the output value signals on a scan-by-scan basis. The normalizing factor is based on each channel observing a different mean scan brightness temperature from a portion of the scene than the mean brightness temperature of the entire scene. The normalizing factor is obtained by solving a system of simultaneous equations in which normalizing factors from all of the channels are related to one another, preferably by a consistency condition where the mean scan temperature of each channel is equal to an average of the intensities of those image pixels to which the output value signals from that channel contributes.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for resolving anomalies within a network topology map that typically occur when a derived topology map fails, for a variety of reasons, to include devices resident on the network. The method of the present invention discovers missing devices by identifying a conflicting link within a received topology map, the conflicting link comprising a source and one or more conflicting destinations. The conflicting link is resolved through the use of one or more virtual devices within the topology map. The conflicting link is replaced with a link to a virtual device based upon the resolution of the conflicting link, thereby eliminating the anomaly in the topology map. The step of resolving the conflicting link may also comprise the steps of determining a number of conflicting destinations from the source of the conflicting link, resolving the source of the conflicting link, and resolving the conflicting destination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for gathering data from a web-based server, transmitting the data to a web-based client, and storing the data on the web-based client. The web-based server translates data from a data supplier's proprietary data model into a data consumer's proprietary data model using a data mapping function. The web-based server also converts data from a structured data format to a markup language format. The web-based client periodically polls one or more data servers for data. The web-based client receives data in a markup language format and translates it into a structured data format, then stores it in a database. The web-based client and the web-based server can collaborate with each other to streamline the data conversion and translation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selectable multi-performance configuration. Instead of the traditional methods of producing separate high-end and low-end graphics chips, the present invention produces processing systems in a single unit. The single unit is readily and functionally partitionable. Each partition is capable of independent operation. By using all of the partitions a high-end graphics processing system may be simulated and tested. By using a subset of the partitions, a low-end graphics processing system may be simulated on the same system without the added cost of re-design of either hardware or software.

Abstract: In a broadband communications system, e.g., a cable system, programming content can be readily reserved and accessed for viewing using interactive program guides in accordance with the invention. Such programming content may include in-progress programs, future programs and previously broadcast programs which are recorded at a headend in the cable system, and which may or may not have overlapping broadcast times. In addition, the user may reserve programs at a set-top terminal, and may also do so remotely from the terminal through a communications network such as, the Internet, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless telephone network, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for visually informing a user that an email client has executed a desired command. The method comprises calculating an area within the email client that displays text of a message and mapping an identically sized set of texture mapped polygons to the area within the email client displaying the text of the message. The set of polygons texture mapped with a texture representing the text of the message. The invention further comprises displaying the texture mapped polygons on top of the text of the message, animating the texture mapped polygons in response to a particular command a user wishes to execute; and removing the texture mapped polygons from the area within the email client displaying the text of the message.

Abstract: Prescription data representing a prescription for a particular drug is arranged into records. Each record includes fields for identifying a patient and a subscriber, and for indicating the date for dispensing the drug and the drug dosage, among other things. Based on the information in the fields, a prescribed drug is identified as a new therapy or a continuation therapy. In addition, a therapy switch is ascertained on the basis of the drug identified as the new therapy for a patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of encouraging distribution, registration, and purchase of free copyable software and other digital information which is accessed on a User's System via a Programmer's Program. Software tools which can be incorporated into a Programmer's Program allow the User to access Advanced Features of the Programmer's Program only in the presence of a valid Password which is unique to a particular Target ID generated on an ID-Target such as the User's System. Advanced features will thus re-lock if the Password is copied to another ID-target. If a valid Password is not present, the User is invited to obtain one, and provided with the means of doing so, and of installing that Password in a place accessible to the User's System on subsequent occasions. The present invention also provides Programmers with means to invoke business operations as well as computational operations with their programs, and thus to automatically obtain payment from Users who elect to obtain passwords.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rasterizer interpolator. In one embodiment, a setup unit is used to distribute graphics primitive instructions to multiple parallel rasterizers. To increase efficiency, the setup unit calculates the polygon data and checks it against one or more tiles prior to distribution. An output screen is divided into a number of regions, with a number of assignment configurations possible for various number of rasterizer pipelines. For instance, the screen is sub-divided into four regions and one of four rasterizers is granted ownership of one quarter of the screen. To reduce time spent on processing empty times, a problem in prior art implementations, the present invention reduces empty tiles by the process of coarse grain tiling. This process occurs by a series of iterations performed in parallel. Each region undergoes an iterative calculation/tiling process where coverage of the primitive is deduced at a successively more detailed level.

Abstract: A system and method for providing more than one simultaneous and different bingo game, using single bingo ball draws from a central location. The present invention further provides for players to be highly distributed, for example throughout the US, while still using the single centralized ball draw and still supporting different bingo games in parallel.

Abstract: Novel heterocyclic aromatic compounds are disclosed. The novel compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable esters or salts thereof may be used in pharmaceutical compositions, and such compositions may be used to treat an infection, an infestation, a neoplasm, or an autoimmune disease. The novel compounds may also be used to modulate aspects of the immune system, including modulation of Type 1 and Type 2 activity.

Abstract: A computerized system and method process financial securities and instruments, including options, derivatives, and bonds, to accurately determine and optimize the after-tax proceeds an investor could expect to have at the end of a holding period for each of a set of investment strategies and determines an optimal strategy for maximizing such after-tax proceeds.

Abstract: A computer keyboard provides for one or more of processing, interfacing, input/output control with respect to the computer and/or one or more devices coupled to the keyboard, and/or for control of one or more devices coupled to the keyboard. The keyboard comprises at least one processor, and may also include one or more busses and/or other devices, that, individually in cooperation, perform such functions. In one embodiment, the processor receives telephony signals from the computer and provides telephony signals to the computer, performing the processing necessary to support telephony functions such as conversion of audio signals. Audio signals from computer sound cards and other audio signal sources may be mixed with telephony signals in keyboards according to the invention. Displays and associated input devices incorporated by the keyboard are provided to control telephony and other keyboard processor functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image and video indexing scheme for content analysis. According to the invention, a database of images or videos is compressed. By examining patterns in the compression scheme of each image or video, the present invention identifies the content of the data. In one embodiment, an unsupervised learning method is employed where each image or video is sub-divided into smaller blocks (8 pixels×8 pixels, for instance) and each of the smaller blocks is examined for its compression pattern. Then, the patterns associated with each of the smaller blocks is recorded for each of the images in the database and content is retrieved from the database by associating certain patterns or groups of patterns with certain content.

Abstract: Anhydrous cosmetic compositions comprising hydrolyzed jojoba ester with increased short- and long-term thermal stability are disclosed. The compositions exhibit increased thermal stability of at least about 1° C., preferably at least about 5° C., and most preferably, at least about 10° C., and optimally at least about 15° C. The compositions provide excellent aesthetic and long-wear properties and are resistant to liquid syneresis and are useful in cosmetic and personal care formulations.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for preparing to efficiently distribute data to be extracted from a data store to clients and for distributing such prepared data to the clients. The methods and system have particular utility in the context of a network monitoring system which captures and stores network event data and makes the event data available to clients according to any desired view or summary. One method for preparing the data involves storing as primary requests one or more client requests for data to be extracted from the event database. Additional client requests for event are each compared to the stored primary requests to determine whether each additional request matches a stored primary request in accordance with a given criterion, such as a filter or summary formula. If the additional request matches a stored primary request, the additional client request is associated with the matching primary request.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scheme for compressing the color components of image data. The pixel data is grouped into a plurality of tiles for storage. A test is performed to determine if a tile can be compressed so that its size after compression is less than its size before compression. If so, the tile is compressed. A tile table is provided that includes a flag that can be set for each tile that is compressed. In a data transfer from memory to a graphics processor, the tile table is examined to identify those tiles that are compressed and must be decompressed prior to use. In one embodiment, a number of compression schemes are available for use on a tile and the best compression scheme is chosen on a tile by tile basis. The invention includes an identifying code for each compression scheme (stored as a value in each compressed tile).