Abstract: A game console capable of communicating with other game consoles over a link or network is provided with a headphone and microphone for each player who will engage in voice communication. Verbal communications directed to one or more other players are converted to pulse code modulated (PCM) digital data and are encoded and compressed in real-time, producing data packets that are transmitted to another game console. The compressed data packets are decompressed and decoded, producing PCM data that are converted to an analog signal that drives a headphone of the intended recipient. Players can selectively mute voice communications to and from a specific other player. The PCM data can be encoded in a round-robin fashion that reduces the number of encoders required. A predefined level of computing resources is used for voice communication to avoid aversely affecting the quality of game play.

Abstract: An indication of sharpness of focus is provided to a user to assist in focusing a camera. In one embodiment, the camera is coupled to a personal computer. An algorithm is implemented by the personal computer to determine a sharpness of focus based upon differences between the luminance of adjacent pixels in a selected region of an image produced by the camera. A visual or aural indication of the sharpness of focus is provided to the user to enable the user to focus the camera to the sharpest possible focus. Alternatively, the algorithm can be implemented by a processor within a camera so that a visual or aural indicator on the camera provides the indication of sharpness of focus as a user adjusts the focus of the camera.

Abstract: Combinatorially-synthesized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oligonucleotides attached to encoded beads that are hybridized to amplified and labeled genomic DNA or ribonucleic acid (RNA) are analyzed using a flow imaging system. Oligonucleotides and corresponding reporters are bound to the surfaces of a plurality of small beads such that different beads bear different oligo sequences. Each bead bears a unique optical signature comprising a predefined number of unique reporters, where each reporter comprises a predefined combination of different fluorochromes. The composite spectral signature in turn identifies the unique nucleotide sequence of its attached oligo chains. This optical signature is rapidly decoded using an imaging system to discriminate the different reporters attached to each bead in a flow in regard to color and spatial position on the bead.

Abstract: Two different and separate audio data streams are processed through a personal computer (PC) system or other computing device so that the separate and distinct audio data streams are heard through separate sound transducers. In a preferred embodiment, chat messages received over a network during execution of a multiplayer game are processed separately from sounds produced by the multiplayer game, enabling a user to hear the game sounds from speakers, separate and distinct from verbal chat messages, which are heard through earphone(s). The earphone(s) are included in a headset, as well as a microphone that enables the user to produce verbal data that are conveyed to a hardware control unit that is connected to the PC system through a universal serial bus (USB) port. The chat audio data are converted into an analog audio signal that is heard by the user in the headphone(s) and is spatially separate and distinct from the game audio data heard through the speakers.

Abstract: A software tool automatically places files and folders of a software program within segments of a DVD. The segments are defined by security placeholders, and the disposition of the placeholders is initially randomly determined, consistent with predefined rules. The placeholders are included on the disc to hinder unauthorized copying. A developer generally defines the order in which the files and folders are to be laid out, and the software tool automatically places the files and folders, filling successive segments and shifting the placeholders to accommodate files that will not fit in a current segment. However, any movement of the placeholders must be done by the tool and is only permitted if the new disposition of the placeholder is in accord with the predefined rules. A user can manually modify the automated layout, and in response, the files and folders are automatically shifted to accommodate the changes introduced by the user.

Abstract: When utilized in a flow imaging instrument, calibration beads provide a known data source that can be employed in various self-diagnostic, calibration and quality metric applications for the both the optical system of the flow imaging instrument, as well as the flow cell of the flow imaging instrument. Such data can be used to determine point spread functions associated with an imaging system, to determine a sensitivity of an imaging system, and to determine a focal point of the imaging system. Imagery collected from calibration beads can be used to determine core size and stability and TDI/flow speed synchronization. Calibration beads can be beneficially employed to enable stable system operation, even when very low sample concentration, or very small sample sizes are to be analyzed.

Abstract: Machine instructions comprising a bootstrap code are buried within a critical component of an electronic game console where they cannot readily be accessed or modified. A preloader portion in a read only memory (ROM) is hashed by the bootstrap code and the result is compared to an expected hash value maintained in the bootstrap code. Further verification of the boot-up process is carried out by the preloader, which hashes the code in ROM to obtain a hash value for the code. The result is verified against a digital signature value that defines an expected value for this hash. Failure to obtain any expected result terminates the boot-up process. Since the bootstrap code confirms the preloader, and the preloader confirms the remainder of the code in ROM, this technique is useful for ensuring that the code used for booting up the device has not been modified or replaced.

Abstract: Voice communication between players using one or more multiplayer game console is selectively controlled. A player may selectively block voice communications with another player during a current and any future games. In addition, an authorized party (e.g., a parent) can selectively preclude voice communication by a minor child by setting an option that is uploaded to an online game service service; the minor child is then precluded from voice communication on any voice console via the online game service. Also, a player may be temporarily or permanently banned from voice communication during games played through an online game service in response to complaints made by other players concerning the player's behavior in voice communication while playing games, e.g., excessive use of profanity. When a player signs on to the online game service, data are downloaded to the game console that indicate any applicable restraints on voice communication.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the position of a movable member in an electronic input device within a predefined resolution. Two offset signals indicate the position of the movable member. The time required for each signal to cross a threshold level is measured and inverted, revealing an offset sinusoidal relationship. The offset sinusoids may be plotted against each other to reveal an approximate circle of inverse time samples for a cycle. Corresponding inverted minimum and maximum times are used to determine a center reference value for each signal. As a function of the inverted times, a quadrant of the circle is determined. Within a quadrant, a sector most closely corresponding to the position of the movable member is determined from among a plurality of predefined sectors that define the resolution. A number of sectors between position samples of the movable member are accumulated and communicated to a host device.

Abstract: The device contemplated provides a method for positioning the drill bit in a drilling operation to achieve small changes in hole angle or azimuth as drilling proceeds. Two different positions are available to the operator. The first is a straight ahead position where the tool essentially becomes a packed hole stabilizer assembly. The second position tilts the bit across a rotating fulcrum to give a calculated offset at the bit-formation interface. The direction that the bit offset is applied in relation to current hole direction is controlled by positioning the orienting pistons prior to each drilling cycle, through the use of current measurement-while-drilling (MWD) technology. Components of the tool comprise a MWD housing, upper steering and drive mandrel, non-rotating position housing, lower drive mandrel splined with the upper mandrel, rotating fulcrum stabilizer and drill bit.

Abstract: Reformatting a previously formatted document. A unique interface allows preview and selection of both a color set and a font set. A color set comprises a plurality of colors defining a color scheme. The font set comprises a plurality of fonts defining a font theme. A format set is defined by the selection of a color set and a font set. A format set comprises a plurality of formats, each format comprising a format font name, a format font size, a format font color, and other properties. Once a format set is determined, the document is reformatted in such a way as to largely maintain the proportionality and integrity of its previous formatting. In so doing, each discrete portion of text in the document is analyzed to determine its format properties. Each format in the format set is then compared to the text format. Points are added to a match quality value associated with the format when it is determined that a property of the format matches a property of the existing text format.

Abstract: Items of mail are rapidly processed in a mail sampling system to determine if the mail is contaminated with a chemical or biological agent. The mail sampling system maintains a negative pressure in a containment chamber and includes a triggering sampler that makes a threshold determination regarding possible contamination, and a detecting sampler that obtains a sample for more detailed analysis in response to a signal from the triggering sampler. A sample of particulates collected from an item of mail is either removed for analysis or analyzed in the system to identify a contaminating agent. Optionally, the system includes an archiving sampler, which archives samples for subsequent processing and analysis, and a decontamination system, which is activated to decontaminate the mail if needed.

Abstract: A method for efficiently padding a macroblock of a video object plane employs two new instructions. The instructions, PadToRight and PadToLeft, are applied in alternating sequence during a PadPass 1 operation and a PadPass 2 operation. The results of these two operations are then averaged to pad each transparent pixel in each row of a macroblock that includes at least one opaque pixel. A Shift_in register is used to temporarily store data to facilitate the operation implemented by these instructions. Once the transparent pixels in each row have been padded horizontally, pixels in rows having shape data equal to zero (indicating all pixels in the row are transparent) are padded in a pre-processing step, followed by an upward propagation step. The two instructions are preferably implemented using 2:1 multiplexers implemented with an arithmetic logic unit. The method is particularly useful in set-top boxes, games, and other video applications.

Abstract: An on-line electronic commerce transaction for facilitating purchase of digital products (softgoods) after enabling a user to preview the softgoods. Creators of the softgoods enter into an agreement with an e-commerce agency in which the agency agrees to handle sales of the softgoods and to return a portion of the revenue to the creators. Creators are provided with a softgood authoring tool that automates the softgood creation process. Before the softgoods are distributed, a unique identifier is included in the softgood by this authoring tool. To play a softgood, a prospective purchaser downloads or otherwise acquires a player program. The player program enables a prospective purchaser a limited preview of each softgood. If a user decides to purchase a softgood, the player program communicates with the e-commerce agency over the Internet to facilitate the purchase transaction. During this transaction, the prospective purchaser is prompted to enter a financial account number.

Abstract: A pair of optical gratings are used to modulate light from an object, and the modulated light from either optical is used to determine the velocity of the object. Each optical grating is offset from a reference focal point by the same distance, one grating being offset in a positive direction, the other in a negative direction. Signals produced in response to the modulated light can be processed to determine a direction in which a primary collection lens should be moved in order to improve a focus of the imaging system on the object. The lens is moved incrementally in the direction so determined, and the process is repeated until an optimal focus is achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the signals are weighted, so that the optical grating disposed closest to the optimal focus position contributes the most to velocity detection.

Abstract: Reporting an attribute of a device via PS/2 protocols to a host executing an industry standard PS/2 port driver that does not include explicitly recognize the attribute. For example, a wireless mouse reports a battery state and a signal quality state through a standard PS/2 port driver that does not recognize any command or identifier for battery state or signal quality state. The attribute state is encoded in a standard PS/2 data packet. The standard PS/2 data packet is uniquely identified as an attribute packet by encoding data corresponding to highly unlikely mouse movement. A filter driver running on the host activates transmission of the attribute packets by commanding the port driver to issue a unique sequence of standard PS/2 commands, which the mouse system recognizes. The filter driver intercepts incoming PS/2 data packets, recognizes the unlikely data values that identify an attribute packet, and decodes the attribute state.

Abstract: A program or program snippet is rewritten to conform to site-specific properties prior to being executed by a target host. The program or program snippet directed to a target host from a known or unknown source is either intercepted by a server before reaching the target host or can be redirected from the target host to the server to effect its rewriting. The program is parsed in its external representation, converting it to an internal representation that is inspected and analyzed with reference to a site-specific properties database. A summary of the program's properties is then compared to the site-specific properties database by a binary rewriting engine, which produces a rewritten program in an internal representation. If appropriate, the program or program snippet is rewritten to convert it to a format suitable for execution on the target host. Furthermore, certifications may be added to the rewritten program to mark that the rewritten program obeys site-specific constraints.

Abstract: Small, rugged scanners micro-fabricated from commercial optical fibers to form waveguides or other structures. The scanning waveguide has a distal portion on which is formed a non-linear taper with a diameter that decreases toward a distal end. Optionally, a hinge portion having a reduced diameter can be formed in the distal portion, improving the scanning properties of the waveguide. A micro-lens can be integrally formed at the distal tip of the waveguide with either a droplet of an optical adhesive, or by using an energy beam to melt the material of the waveguide to form a droplet. The droplet is shaped with an externally applied force. When mechanically driven in vibratory resonance, the tip of the optical waveguides moves in linear or two-dimensional scan patterns of relatively high amplitude and frequency, and large field of view. The scanner can be used either for image acquisition or image display.

Abstract: Controls for an optical scanner, such as a single fiber scanning endoscope (SFSE) that includes a resonating optical fiber and a single photodetector to produce large field of view, high-resolution images. A nonlinear control scheme with feedback linearization is employed in one type of control to accurately produce a desired scan. Open loop and closed loops controllers are applied to the nonlinear optical scanner of the SFSE. A closed loop control (no model) uses either phase locked loop and PID controllers, or a dual-phase lock-in amplifier and two PIDs for each axis controlled. Other forms of the control that employ a model use a frequency space tracking control, an error space tracking control, feedback linearizing controls, an adaptive control, and a sliding mode control.

Abstract: A boundary macroblock of a video object is padded without significant synchronization overhead between a host processor and an existing coprocessor. The host processor determines horizontal and vertical graphics primitives as a function of shape data stored in a host memory. The shape data determine whether a dot, a line, or a rectangle primitive should be used to pad transparent pixels in the macroblock. The host processor communicates the primitives to a coprocessor, which renders the primitives in an interleaved pipeline fashion to pad transparent pixels of the macroblock based on texture data stored in video memory. The flow of primitives is in one direction from the host processor to the graphics coprocessor, and the texture data is not transferred back and forth between the host processor and coprocessor. This technique is especially useful for enabling acceleration of MPEG-4 video decoding utilizing existing coprocessors capable of accelerating MPEG-1/2 video decoding.