Abstract: A file system or other system that manages information entities includes a subsystem to store one or more tokens, as well as a token action log to associate each token with a customizable set of one or more actions, where each token is to trigger the associated set of one or more actions in response to accompanying a file-system/information entity that experiences an event. The file system also includes a token log manager, which initiates the appropriate actions corresponding to file-system entities that experience an event.

Abstract: Eye-to-eye videoconferencing may be carried out through the use of a motion coupling that positions a strut at least partially across a screen, near the eye level of the viewer. A camera may be mounted on a camera portion of the strut to obtain a video image of the viewer. The motion coupling may permit translation or rotation of the strut to reposition the camera. The motion coupling may be selectively lockable through internal,friction or through the use of a locking device. The camera may be movable along the camera portion via a camera translational coupling.

Abstract: Icons representing a plurality of interactive options periodically available within an interactive television system are stored in an icon repository. Each interactive option corresponds to a button on a remote control. Furthermore, each icon shares a common visual characteristic with a corresponding button on the remote control. Exemplary shared visual characteristics include shape, color, size, relative position, etc. In response to an interactive option corresponding to a first icon becoming available, the first icon is displayed on a television to alert the user to the interactive option. The first icon may be visually emphasized in various ways, such as by highlighting, animation, and scaling.

Abstract: A system for capturing a virtual model of a site includes a range scanner for scanning the site to generate range data indicating distances from the range scanner to real-world objects. The system also includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver coupled to the range scanner for acquiring GPS data for the range scanner at a scanning location. In addition, the system includes a communication interface for outputting a virtual model comprising the range data and the GPS data.

Abstract: An object may be identified with a camera that is sensitive to both visible and invisible light. The camera receives a target of invisible light, either from an invisible light illuminator attached to the object, or via radiation from the object itself. The system processes the invisible light to position and size a halo with respect to the location of the object. The type of halo used may be determined by user selection. The system then modifies the visible component of the video signal from the camera to obscure the portion that lies outside the halo, thereby concealing the surroundings of the object.

Abstract: Multiple signals received through different transmission mediums are synchronized within a set top box (STB) for subsequent mixing and presentation. For example, a video program transmitted via a cable network is synchronized with a secondary audio program, such as a radio program, received via the Internet. In another example, a video program transmitted via a cable network is synchronized with one or more programmed events, such as directives to display text or graphics or animation, play streaming media, direct a browser to a particular web page, and the like.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, in response to a user pressing an alternative audio button while watching a television broadcast, the user is provided with a list of secondary audio programs (e.g., radio programs received via the Internet) to replace the primary audio program associated with the broadcast. After a secondary audio program is selected, a synchronization component determines an extra transmission delay associated with the secondary audio program. A buffering component then buffers the video program for a period of time equal to the extra delay. A mixing component then mixes the synchronized video program with the secondary audio program, which are then presented to the user.

Abstract: In response to an interactive option becoming available, an icon sharing visual characteristics with a corresponding button of a remote control is displayed. A description of the interactive option in the language of the user may also be presented visually or audibly. The icon and description may be displayed alone or in a configuration of a map of the remote control. The description may be audibly output using voice synthesis techniques.

Abstract: A remote control for an interactive television system includes an integrated camera, a specifically-designated button for activating the camera, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting video information captured by the camera to the interactive television system. The remote control also includes an activity indicator for visually indicating when the camera is active. A set top box for the interactive television system includes a wireless receiver for receiving the video information and a converter for transforming the video information into a network-compatible video stream for transmission to a network.