Abstract: A bill comprises a first sheet of paper having two or more information panels and a remittance panel defined therein. Information (e.g., text) in the information panels is oriented in a first direction, and information in the remittance panel (e.g., text) is oriented in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction. In one embodiment, first sheet comprises two information panels on a first side, and two information panels on a second side. A first information panel comprises summary information; second and third information panel comprises billing information, and a fourth information panel comprises advertising information. The bill is folded such that information in the information panels reads like a book (excepting the remittance panel which is generally torn off). In another embodiment, information in side-by-side panels comprise information in two languages, for example English and Spanish.

Abstract: Pixels in a low bit-rate encoded image are categorized into two or more categories. In one embodiment three pixel categories are used: 1) pixels belonging to quasi-constant (QC) regions where the pixel intensity values vary slowly (e.g., pictorial portions), 2) pixels belonging to textured regions which are characterized by many small edges and thin-line signals (e.g., text portions), and 3) pixels belonging to dominant-edge (DE) regions which are characterized by few sharp and dominant edges (e.g., edge portions). In one embodiment DE pixels are categorized first, then QC and textural pixels are distinguished from the remaining pixels using the number of zero-crossings among the pixels and a threshold. Conventional spatial filters that are well suited for each pixel category type are then used to enhance each region of the image. In one embodiment, various combinations of spatial filters are used to enhance the image.

Abstract: An interface which displays indicia associated with a single voice mail message on a screen. The invention is used in a visual voice messaging system to allow a user to view indicia without scrolling to another screen. A user may thus sort messages which she desires to hear more quickly and easily.

Abstract: An interface for an electronic classified advertising system. The interface includes the capability for the user to enter search criteria for an item of interest, to save the search criteria and to be notified by the system when an item matching the search criteria is entered into the system.

Abstract: A method for processing selections identified by a user in an interactive multi-media information system. The interactive multi-media information system includes a processor, a memory, a display device and an input device having a plurality of alpha-numeric keys. The identification of user selections is accomplished utilizing the input device. The method includes the step of retrieving from the memory a first set of digital data representing a first multi-media program. The method continues with the step of displaying the first multi-media program on the display device. The method further includes the step of prompting the user to press an alpha-numeric key on the input device to receive multi-media information regarding a selection. The method concludes with the steps of receiving a signal representing the alpha-numeric key and displaying multi-media information regarding the identified selection.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for dynamically transferring an application from a server to a client station in an interactive television network. The method begins with the step of storing an application engine in the memory of the client station. The method further includes the step of transmitting a signal from the client station to the server. The signal represents a request for an application. The method also includes the steps of downloading an application segment from the server to the client station and storing the application segment in the memory of the client station. Finally, the method includes the step of executing the control logic of the application segment. An apparatus is also disclosed for implementing the method.

Abstract: A system and method of image processing using neural networks to control image processing elements. Neural network parameters are defined by genotypes consisting of network vectors. Genotypes may be selectively mutated and cross-bred to provide a mechanism for modifying the behavior of the neural networks, or phenotypes. Genetic modeling processes are used to perform such mutation and cross-over. User feedback concerning output images, is used to select particular genotypes for further mutation and exploration. Preconditioning is employed to extract structural information from source images prior to network processing. Genetic morphing and subnet fusion are also available, to provide additional variations on image processing operations.

Abstract: A system and method for processing moving images employ an interactive particle system comprising virtual image processing elements, or paintbrushes, in order to avoid problems of noise amplification and sensitivity to temporal discontinuities in source images. Attributes and parameters of paintbrushes may be specified by the user, and may vary dependent on the content of the source image. Paintbrushes may interact and may respond to virtual forces of various types. The system and method provide mechanisms by which the user may specify force parameters, by which source images can become forces, and by which force attributes may diffuse throughout the display field.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling traffic in selected links of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) through the use of variable price incentives. The number of selected PSTN links which are available for use are determined at a predetermined time through the use of an appropriate traffic measurement system. Thereafter, a customer usage rate is determined for the selected PSTN links. The determined rate corresponds to the number of selected links which are available for use. An electrical signal is generated for receipt by the user and which contains information corresponding to the determined customer usage rate.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically indexing information to allow a user to view "cross sections" of the information as desired. Information in a document is divided into "cells". As the user adds or changes information in cells of a document, the system updates one or more indexes to reflect the new contents of the document. Thus, indexes are generated and maintained, using a variety of index criteria, without any user effort or intervention. Index criteria may include cell contents of data elements as well as cell attributes. The user may view indexes by means of special index pages that form part of the document. Cells in the index pages are linked to other cells within the document so that a user may access any document cell directly from the index, as desired.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for use in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) for automatically accessing and invoking existing switch-based services without going off-hook. To be operative, the Advanced Intelligent Network must be equipped with O-called-party-busy trigger and leg manipulation functionality such as in AIN release 1.0 architecture and have at least one service node or suitable switch in electrical communication with a plurality of central offices via a suitable signaling protocol such as Transaction Capability Application Part (TCAP) protocol. The switch or service node must be operative as the home switch or virtual Service Switching Point (SSP) for subscribers to existing switch-based services. In operation, the signaling protocol is monitored to detect predetermined triggers and line conditions associated with selected switch-based services.