Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for traitor tracing that selects a probability distribution for the assignment of file-segment variations in a digital file. This probability distribution is selected to improve traceability for a particular size of a coalition of attackers. At least one symbol for each file-segment variation is then distributed based on the selected probability distribution.

Abstract: A composite membrane comprises: a first layer of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and a layer of asphalt applied over the first layer of HDPE. A second layer of HDPE sheeting is applied over the layer of asphalt. A method of creating a composite barrier to chemical vapors is also disclosed which comprises applying a base layer comprising high density polyethylene (HDPE); applying an asphalt layer over the base layer; and applying a top layer comprising HDPE over the asphalt layer.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying the source of an unauthorized copy of content. The method includes embedding a unique user fingerprint code to into each of a plurality of authorized copies of content and identifying an unknown fingerprint code in an unauthorized copy of the content. Each member of the unknown fingerprint code is compared to each corresponding member in each of the user fingerprint codes. A score is assigned to each of the user fingerprint codes based on the comparison and users associated with scores exceeding a threshold are identified as a source of the unauthorized copy.

Abstract: An access rights analysis including a query automaton generation unit for generating a query automaton from a path expression in which retrieval conditions for a database. An access control automaton generation unit generates an access control automaton from an access control policy; a schema automaton generation unit generates a schema automaton from a schema; and a logic operation unit performs a logic operation related to each of the generated automatons. By use of the above components, access rights in database retrieval using the path expressions are decided without checking the XML document itself in the XML database and checking by each node.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for executing at least one client computer software application by embedding a web browser in a proxy server, thereby forming a proxy browser. The proxy browser is used to execute the application inside the proxy server. In one embodiment of the invention, each client browser that connects to the proxy server is assigned an instance of the proxy browser and session information is maintained for the client browser. When the client browser makes a request to the proxy server, the request is linked to the instance of the proxy browser.

Abstract: A storm drain filter assembly that filters incoming drainage water and can prevent sediment, debris, and other undesirable materials (such as oil) from entering a storm drain's inlet. The frame can be rotated upwardly away from the road for street sweeping, and can also be detached from the curb and removed to a remote location for cleaning. The filter assembly comprises a filter panel including a bristle filter and a frame that holds the bristle filter, the bristle filter including a plurality of bristles. At least one seal is positioned between the filter panel and the surface to prevent leakage around the edges of the panel. A pivotable mount is provided for holding the filter panel in an operational position in the path of the flowing drainage water. In one embodiment the bristles are made of polypropylene.

Abstract: A film trap and gate assembly for use on a motion picture projector. The film trap includes an image aperture and a first and second trap rail assembly. The film trap further includes a stripper plate having an angled stripper blade attached to an attachment flange. The stripper blade is attached to the attachment flange at an at least one degree angle, preferably biased towards the trap body. The film gate includes a projection aperture and a first and second gate rail assembly. A film tensioning assembly is attached to the gate body, the film tensioning device having a deformable body disposing at least two tensioning rollers, and an adjustable tensioning device. When assembled, the film trap and gate assembly forms a film movement channel to guide the film past an illumination source, while reducing the contact between the film strip and the film trap and gate assembly. Consequently, the number of showing of a motion picture film is substantially increased.

Abstract: An interactive character system that includes one or more toy characters and an environment, such as a theme park. Each toy character has one or more one or more electronic signal receivers, and an electronic system. The electronic system is structured to produce oral communication and has a programmable memory structured to store software. The software is structured to interact with the electronic signals and to cause the electronic system to produce the oral communication. The environment has one or more environmental electronic signal transmitters disposed therein. The toy character, one or more one or more electronic signal receivers interact with the one or more environmental electronic signal transmitters to cause the toy character electronic system to produce the oral communication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for displaying information from the Internet. In one embodiment, the invention generates a plurality of content modules, each content module comprising a subset of the content of at least one web site. The content modules are then stored in a content module data directory. When a query is received from a user, the query is assigned to at least one content module. The results of the query are displayed on two regions of the user's screen. On a first region of the user's display screen a list of information relating to the plurality of retrieved web sites is displayed. On a second region of said display screen, information from said at least one content module associated with the query is displayed.

Abstract: A black-light display creates dynamic and animated imagery by employing a UV laser system (14, 16, 18) configured to scan a luminescent material (12) to produce a UV-excited static or dynamic image.

Abstract: The origin address of an e-mail message is validated to enable blocking of e-mail from spam e-mail sources, by preparing, in response to the receipt of a predetermined e-mail message from an unverified source address, a data key encoding information reflective of the predetermined e-mail message. This message, including the data key, is then issued to the unverified source address. The computer system then operates to detect whether a response e-mail message, responsive to the challenge e-mail message, is received and whether the response e-mail message includes a response key encoding predetermined information reflective of a predetermined aspect of the challenge e-mail message. The unverified source address may be recorded in a verified source address list.

Abstract: A message is provided to a tracking server system in response to a client system referencing a predetermined resource locator that corresponds to a resource external to the tracking server system. The tracking server system indirectly provides for the client system to have an informational element selectable by the client system, where the informational element is graphically identified on the client system with informational content obtainable from a content server system through use of a content resource locator. The informational element includes a tracking resource locator, referencing the tracking server system, and data identifying the informational element. The selection of the informational element causes the client system to use the tracking resource locator to provide the data to the tracking server system and to use the content resource locator to obtain the informational content from the content server system.

Abstract: An optical disc system for storing information on a medium includes a light source, a focusing mechanism, and a tracking mechanism wherein the mechanisms are controlled by a feedback loop and the focusing mechanism focuses light emitted by the light source onto the medium to effect writing of information thereon. The system is provided with an electronic circuit for generating a servo error signal that is communicated in the feedback loop for effecting corrections of the focusing mechanism and the tracking mechanism. The system is further provided with a driver for energizing the light source, a bias coil disposed proximate to the medium, a bias coil driver switchably connected to the bias coil for supplying an electric current thereto, a current monitoring circuit connected to the bias coil driver having an output responsive to the electric current, and a controller connected to the output of the current monitoring circuit and to the driver.

Abstract: An optical drive system includes a computer that monitors the current in an improved bias coil assembly in conjunction with a magnetomotive field generator to determine when a predetermined current threshold is exceeded. The bias coil assembly includes a wire coil wrapped around a center bar contained by a bias coil housing. The bias coil assembly is positionable above an information storage medium so that the entire medium may be within the magnetic field thereby allowing writing of information to all portions of the medium. When the threshold is exceeded, a sufficiently strong magnetic field is generated to permit writing of information on the storage medium utilizing a laser. A laser pulse generator is then enabled. The device thereby achieves a substantially shortened write cycle while employing the improved bias coil assembly.

Abstract: An optical drive system includes a computer that monitors the current in the bias coil of a magnetomotive field generator to determine when a predetermined current threshold is exceeded. When the threshold is exceeded, a sufficiently strong magnetic field is generated to permit writing of information on a storage medium utilizing a laser. A laser pulse generator is then enabled. The system is provided with an optics module for processing light produced by the laser light source. A laser driver for energizing the laser light source is positioned in close proximity to the optics module and the laser light source to reduce noise in signals associated with the optics module. The system thereby achieves a substantially shortened write cycle while reducing relevant signal noise.

Abstract: An analog to digital circuit assembly for use in an optical information includes a circuit for multiplexing a reference voltage input of an analog to digital converter to produce alternating normalized and referenced digital outputs of a plurality of analog signal inputs at a rate controlled by a sampling clock which includes a switch including first and second inputs, an output, and a control input for alternately connecting the first and the second inputs to the output, the output being applied to the reference voltage input.

Abstract: An optical drive system includes an optical assembly, a light source, a lens positioned to direct light between the optical assembly and an information storage medium or disc, and an actuator suspending the lens. A photodetector is disposed in a path of returning light to measure light received from the medium. A monitoring circuit is provided to monitor a Quad Sum signal associated with return light. A first servomotor is employed to move the lens in a tracking direction and to move the lens during focus capture while system circuitry searches for a maximum Quad Sum signal. A second servomotor is employed to move the lens in a focusing direction. A first electronic circuit is provided to control the first and second servomotors.

Abstract: A magneto-optical drive system having a computer that monitors the current in the bias coil of a magnetomotive field generator to determine when a predetermined current threshold is exceeded. When the threshold is exceeded, a sufficiently strong magnetic field is generated to permit writing of information on a storage medium utilizing a laser. A laser pulse generator is then enabled. The device thereby achieves a substantially shortened write cycle.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a beamsplitter for splitting a source beam into a test beam and a reference beam, an imaging device for detecting an interference pattern, a mirror disposed in a path of the test beam for reflection of the test beam toward the imaging device, a micromirror disposed in a path of the reference beam for reflection of a portion of the reference beam toward the imaging device, and a focusing mechanism disposed for focusing the reference beam on the micromirror. The micromirror has a lateral dimension not exceeding the approximate lateral dimension of a central lobe of the reference beam focused thereon by the focusing mechanism. A spatial filter for reducing effects of aberration in a beam includes a reflector disposed upon a transparent base wherein the reflector has a lateral dimension not exceeding the approximate lateral dimension of a central lobe of the spatial intensity distribution of the beam focused upon the reflector.

Abstract: The mechanism for loading and unloading a disk cartridge uses two sliders (one on each side of a base plate), which move in opposite directions under the influence of a tiller. Each slider has a slot to receive one of the two lifting pins provided on the cartridge receiver. The movement of the sliders drives the lifting pins along the slots, thereby raising or lowering the cartridge receiver depending upon the direction of rotation of the tiller. The sliding motion of the lifting pins engaged in the S-shaped slots thus unloads a disk from or, alternatively, loads the disk onto the drive spindle. As the lifting pins travel along their respective slots, the lifting and lowering of the disk is accomplished in such a manner that the disk hub is peeled from the spindle magnet rather than being lifted vertically off the spindle. This reduces the peak force required to break the magnetic clamp force between the spindle magnet and the disk hub.