Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for caching media data to thereby enhance media data read and/or write functionality and performance. A multimedia apparatus, comprises a cache buffer configured to be coupled to a storage device, wherein the cache buffer stores multimedia data, including video and audio data, read from the storage device. A cache manager coupled to the cache buffer, wherein the cache buffer is configured to cause the storage device to enter into a reduced power consumption mode when the amount of data stored in the cache buffer reaches a first level.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for caching media data to thereby enhance media data read and/or write functionality and performance. A multimedia apparatus, comprises a cache buffer configured to be coupled to a storage device, wherein the cache buffer stores multimedia data, including video and audio data, read from the storage device. A cache manager coupled to the cache buffer, wherein the cache buffer is configured to cause the storage device to enter into a reduced power consumption mode when the amount of data stored in the cache buffer reaches a first level.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that can advantageously alter a playback rate of a multimedia presentation, such as a video clip. One embodiment of the invention permits a multimedia presentation to be sped up or slowed down with a controlled change in pitch of the sped up or slowed down audio. In one embodiment, this controlled change in the pitch permits the sped up or slowed down audio to retain a same sounding pitch as at normal playback speeds. In one embodiment, a duration is specified and playback of the video clip is advantageously sped to complete playback within the specified duration. In another embodiment, a finish by a time is specified, and the playback of the video clip is advantageously sped to complete playback by the specified time.

Abstract: A number of items of data from a data source (12) can be processed, and then supplied to at least one data destination (16-17). The data can include image data, text data, numeric data or other types of data, or a combination of these types of data. The processing of the data is controlled by a project definition (14, 71, 101), which includes a plurality of modules selected from a variety of available modules (Tables 1-4). The modules have input and output ports which are interrelated by binding information. A subset of the available modules are branch modules, which can change a flow of execution through the modules that make up the project definition. One type of module effects branching by changing the flow of execution based on the state of data being processed by the project definition, whereas another type of branch module changes the flow of execution based on real-time interaction with a person.

Abstract: A number of items of data from a data source (12) can be processed and then supplied to a data destination (16, 17). The data may include image data, text data, numeric data or other types of data, or a combination of these types of data. The processing of the data is controlled by a project definition (14, 71, 101), which includes a plurality of modules selected from a variety of available modules (Tables 1-4). The modules have input and output ports which are interrelated by binding information. The data source may be located in a remote system, and the data may be obtained from that data source in an automated manner through a computer network. Similarly, the data destination may be a remote system, and the processed data may be deposited in the data destination in an automated manner through a computer network.

Abstract: A number of items of data from a data source (12) can be processed and then deposited in at least one data destination (16, 17). The data can be image data, text data, numeric data or some other type of data, or a combination of these types of data. Processing of the data is controlled by a project definition (14, 71, 101) which includes a plurality of modules selected from a variety of available modules (Tables 1-4). The modules have input and output ports that are interrelated by binding information. Some of the modules are capable of taking an item of data and splitting it into two or more component parts. Other modules are capable of taking separate items of data and combining them.

Abstract: A number of items of data from a data source (12) can be processed and supplied to a data destination (16, 17). The data can include image data, text data, numeric data or other types of data, or a combination of these types of data. The processing of the data is controlled by a project definition (14, 71, 101), which includes a plurality of modules selected from a variety of available modules (Tables 1-4). The modules have input and output ports which are interrelated by binding information. Where a project definition is complex and/or is assigned to process a large data set, capability is provided to launch multiple instances of the same project definition, each of which processes a respective portion of the data. Further, capability is provided to launch multiple instances of the same or different project definitions on each of one or more computers, in order to efficiently execute project definitions in a centralized processing facility.

Abstract: An interactive vector object (56, 76, 102) operable to be downloaded over a network (16) may comprise data (58, 104) to render an image of the vector object (56, 76, 102) and an active area defined by the vector object (56, 76, 102). A vector graphics network file (88) may in connection with the data (58, 104) render the image of the vector object (56, 76, 102) on a client system (14) connectable to the network (16).

Abstract: A system for adjusting a graphical object includes a processor coupled to an input device, an output device, a memory, and a data retrieval device. The processor executes an application that supports a project which presents an adjustment control associated with the particular one of a number of graphical objects. The project dynamically associates with and disassociates from the adjustment control to adjust the particular graphical object.

Abstract: A system for processing an event of a graphical object includes a processor coupled to an input device, an output device, a memory, and a data retrieval device. The processor executes an application that supports an event manager which detects the initiation of an event upon a graphical object. The application further supports an interface module that dynamically associates with and dissociates from the graphical object to communicate event information to a client.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a graphical object includes a processor coupled to an input device, an output device, a memory, and a data retrieval device. The processor executes an application that supports an event manager which detects the initiation of an event upon a graphical object. The application further supports a project that dynamically associates with and dissociates from the graphical object to execute instructions associated with the event.

Abstract: A system for processing data for a graphical object includes a processor coupled to an input device, an output device, a memory, and a data retrieval device. The processor executes an application that supports a project which dynamically associates with and disassociates from a particular one of a number of graphical objects to process data items of a data client according to a data request.

Abstract: A system for determining a path in a graphical diagram includes a processor coupled to an input device, an output device, a memory, and a data retrieval device. The processor executes an application to determine a path through a portion of a graphical diagram, to record path information defining the path, and to reproduce a copy of the path using the path information.

Abstract: A method for creating and configuring a component-based application through text-based descriptive attribute grammar includes creating a parse tree from an application description file, transforming the parse tree into a plurality of components corresponding to instances of classes in an application framework, and initializing and further processing the components to launch the component-based application. Additionally, a system for creating and configuring a component-based application includes a parser, a plurality of element processors, an element mapper, an attribute mapper, and a parameter converter.

Abstract: Armrests for chairs which are laterally and vertically adjustable.

Abstract: A laterally adjustable armrest for a chair comprising a support mounting plate attachable to a support that is adapted to be on the chair and an armrest mounting plate provided with pivot mechanisms whereby the armrest mounting plate is permitted lateral movement in respect of the support mounting plate.