Abstract: A graphics memory includes a plurality of memory partitions. A memory controller organizes tile data into subpackets that are assigned to subpartitions to improve memory transfer efficiency. Subpackets of different tiles may be further assigned to subpartitions in an interleaved fashion to improve memory operations such as fast clear and compression.

Abstract: A toy is provided having a motion detector that detects motion of the toy and generates a signal indicative of the motion. There is a visual display that is capable of selectively producing a visual output and an audio system capable of producing an audible output corresponding to, and descriptive of, the visual output.

Abstract: A method of parametric group processing includes forming a parametric index from an indexed database. A first parametric group and a second parametric group corresponding to elements in the parametric index are specified. The first parametric group and the second parametric group are merged to produce a merged parametric group. A parametric result is extracted from the merged parametric group, where the parametric result specifies a set of documents.

Abstract: An expression-varying device is disclosed. The device includes a supporting member that supports two eyeball bodies so that the eyeball bodies are free to pivot. The device also includes a connecting member that connects the two eyeball bodies, and that supports the eyeball bodies so that the eyeball bodies can pivot in synchronization in a side to side or left to right direction. The device includes a swinging mechanism that causes the connecting member to swing upward and downward and to the left and right. The swinging mechanism includes a disk in which a recessed groove is formed in a side surface of the disk and runs in a circumferential direction. The depth of the groove and distance of the groove from the center of the disk vary according to relative positions on the disk. The swinging mechanism includes a motor that causes the disk to rotate. An engaging shaft which engages with the recessed groove of the disk is formed on and protrudes from and to the side of the arm member.

Abstract: A valve is provided that includes a body portion defining a conduit and a control element coupled to the body portion and configured to selectively engage the body portion adjacent the conduit. The control element is configured to be axially repositioned based on axial movement of the body portion.

Abstract: A graphics pipeline system and method are provided for graphics processing. Such system includes a transform module adapted for receiving graphics data. The transform module serves to transform the graphics data from a first space to a second space. Coupled to the transform module is a lighting module which is positioned on the single semiconductor platform for performing lighting operations on the graphics data received from the transform module. Also included is a rasterizer coupled to the lighting module and positioned on the single semiconductor platform for rendering the graphics data received from the lighting module. During use, an antialiasing feature is implemented on the single semiconductor platform to improve a quality of the graphics rendering.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a plurality of main processors. At a first time and in response to a first time reference, a first rendezvous signal is sent from a first to a second of the plurality of main processors. At a second time, and in response to a second time reference, a second rendezvous signal is sent from the second of the plurality of main processors, to the first of said plurality of main processors. After the first rendezvous signal is received by the second of the plurality of main processors and the second rendezvous signal is received by the first of said plurality of main processors, substantially simultaneous scanning of control information is initiated by the first and second of the plurality of main processors. In variations, a difference between the first and second times signals a fault condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating multi-phase signals includes a delay chain to produce multi-phase signals, a slow boundary signal, and a fast boundary signal. An array of trim capacitors is connected to the delay chain. A timing control window circuit produces a control signal when a reference signal is outside a timing control window defined by the slow boundary signal and the fast boundary signal. A digital circuit produces a digital capacitive trim signal for application to the array of trim capacitors in response to the control signal. The digital capacitive trim signal alters the capacitive loading of the delay chain.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for programmable processing of fragment data in a computer hardware graphics pipeline. Initially, fragment data is received in a hardware graphics pipeline. It is then determined whether the hardware graphics pipeline is operating in a programmable mode. If it is determined that the hardware graphics pipeline is operating in the programmable mode, programmable operations are performed on the fragment data in order to generate output. The programmable operations are performed in a manner/sequence specified in a graphics application program interface. If it is determined that the hardware graphics pipeline is not operating in the programmable mode, standard graphics application program interface (API) operations are performed on the fragment data in order to generate output.

Abstract: A computer-assisted system, medium and method of providing a risk assessment of a target system. The method includes providing one or more test requirements categories, associating one or more first data elements with each requirements category, associating one or more second data elements with a degree of exposure of the target system to the one or more threats, comparing the first data elements to the second data elements to determine, based on predetermined rules, composite data elements for each requirements category; and selecting, based upon predetermined rules, a level of risk of the composite data elements as a baseline risk level for each requirements category.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear warmer device. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making ear warmers and ear warmer frames.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a brake system includes storing several input-signal-value/output-value associations for a specific brake in a memory unique to the specific brake. The method includes determining an input signal associated with a desired output by interpolating between the stored input-signal-value/output-value associations. In one embodiment, the brake system is used in conjunction with a rehabilitation device to provide a device that accurately produces a desired output.

Abstract: A telephone interface and voice recognition driven Internet browser system and method for accessing/browsing the Internet on a cable or satellite television includes a phone for receiving a voice signal from a user. The voice signal controls a telephone interface which displays Internet contents on the television via a cable or satellite television channel. The system also includes a voice recognizer, preferably operated on a supercomputer, for recognizing/interpreting/analyzing the voice signal and generating command signals to access/browse the Internet. The voice recognizer is capable of recognizing/interpreting/analyzing voice signals transmitted from a plurality of users in real time. The system further includes a stack of computers and an Internet browser. Each of the stack of computers is capable of accessing/browsing the Internet and retrieving/organizing requested Internet contents via the Internet browser.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for managing public keys through a server that stores associations between public keys and email addresses. This system operates by receiving a first message from a client containing a request for approval of a client public key along with the client public key. In response this request for approval, the system sends a second message to the client containing a request for identity confirmation that includes the client public key. If a third message is received from the client containing an affirmative response to the request for identity confirmation, the system stores an association between a client email address and the client public key in a database. This allows other clients to look up the client public key in the database.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with network devices without regard to the device type and/or manufacturer is described. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a global graphical user interface (GUI) for communicating with various network devices. The global GUI includes an intuitive interface driven by a template library. For each device type and each device manufacturer, this template library can store both the attribute fields required for device configuration and the format for communicating those attribute fields. When a network administrator wants to communicate with a particular network device, the template associated with that device can be retrieved from the template library. The network administrator can then populate the attribute fields of that template with the appropriate data. This attribute data can be formatted and provided to the network device.

Abstract: A collapsible flotation device is provided that uses a coilable spring coupled to a panel to collapse the device when the spring is coiled, and to expand the device when the spring is uncoiled configuration. The spring can be contained within a sleeve along the outer portion of the panel. A support member that traverses the panel is provided. An inflatable bladder disposed about a part of the outer portion of the panel and coupled to the support member buoyantly supports a body weight of a user. The combination of the inflatable bladder and the support member provide support for a user in a seated position on the panel. Many configurations are disclosed, including a multi-user collapsible flotation device, multiple connected single-user flotation devices, and so forth. A back support member and a headrest, both of which can be inflatable, provide additional support for a user to maintain a seated position on the panel. A foot support member is provided for the comfort of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus or support having a frame that can be disposed in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame includes a first end portion, a second end portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, and several connectors. Each of the connectors are disposable at a first position when the frame is in its expanded configuration and are disposable at a second position when the frame is in its collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A base releasably coupleable to a pogo stick tip for added stability and prolonged enjoyment of the pogo stick.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device. The optical device comprises a waveguide core and a nanocomposite material optically coupled to the waveguide core. The nanocomposite material includes a plurality of quantum dots. The nanocomposite material has a nonlinear index of refraction ? that is at least 10?9 cm2/W when irradiated with an activation light having a wavelength ? between approximately 3×10?5 cm and 2×10?4 cm.

Abstract: A managed services platform. An applications management server is provided for managing relationships with application service providers and others over a wide area network such as the Internet. The applications management server interfaces with a master database server and the servers of one or more application service providers, or other entities, to facilitate selection and deselection of applications, services, and capabilities that may be available for use by the information technology network of a company.