Abstract: A multimedia broadcast system provides program schedule information simulcast as a Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) data stream including commands and displayable, selectable indicia associated with the commands, along with programs for display. A set top box is adapted to separate the HTML data stream and to store that data in a cache as WEB pages retrievable by a WEB browser in the set top box, whereupon the program schedule information is displayed including the displayable, selectable indicia. Selecting the indicia directs the set top box via the associated command to tune to a program associated with the displayable indicia. The indicia may be any text, icon, dynamic figurine, and the like. In a preferred embodiment program schedule WEB pages, including the commands and displayable indicia, are stored especially marked on a WEB server coupled to the Internet and to a scanner adapted to scan the WEB server for marked pages, and to upload the marked pages to a satellite broadcast system.

Abstract: A multimedia data distribution system comprises a distribution system adapted to distribute and deliver Asynchronous Transfer Mode signals to the level of an individual home network bus, a micro-PBX connected to the distribution system and to the home network bus; and a converter connected to the home network bus and having an outlet adapted for connecting to conventional single media and multimedia electronic devices, such as telephones, personal computers, fax machines, television sets, and the like. The micro-PBX is adapted to translate between the public network data protocol and a Local Area data protocol on the home network bus, and to manage the home network bus as a Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect (CSMA/CD) type bus, and the converter is adapted to convert signals on the home network bus to a form required by one of the single media and multimedia electronic devices.

Abstract: A system is provided wherein relatively low-end computers, such as portable, battery-powered computers ordinarily incapable of sophisticated Internet browsing functions may be used to browse the Internet. The enhanced computing ability for such portables is provided by a unique Internet server adapted for transposing data files to alternative, low-information-density form, preferably comprising simplified or single files suitable for rapid processing and display by connected portable and other low-end computers In embodiments wherein batter-powered field units are used, battery life is exhibited far beyond what would be expected for a battery-powered computer with computing power for browsing the Internet directly. In some embodiments of the invention adapted files are saved and identified for future use in communicating with specific devices over Internet connections.

Abstract: An information dissemination system comprises an Internet-connected server adapted for gathering information from plural sources, and sorting the information according to subscriber preferences. The sorted information is transmitted via the Internet to a subscriber's Internet Applicance (IA) as electronic documents, where the documents are downloaded to a connected playback device. The playback device may be disconnected from the PC, and the information electronic documents rendered as speech to a speaker in the playback device by a text-to-speech system. In a preferred embodiment annotation is added at the Internet-connected server to control speech characteristics, such as inflection, upon playback. In some embodiments updates may be made by radio with the playback device disconnected from the IA.

Abstract: A memory chip has an on-board search engine adapted to accept programming from a system CPU and to perform a search for a search object or pattern independently of further action by the CPU, wherein the CPU is free to perform other tasks while a search of memory banks composed of two or more such chips takes place. In some embodiments the memory chip has a dedicated bus connection for programming by the system CPU and for reporting the results of a search. In some embodiments as well the on-board search engine has a dedicated on-board bus for communication with column amplifiers and decoders of memory cell arrays on the chip. CPU and memory combinations are disclosed and methods for practicing the invention.

Abstract: A keyboard compatible with Universal Serial Bus protocol has multiple bays with physical engagement interfaces and electrical connectors for supporting serial-compatible peripheral devices. Identical bays in the keyboard, having a common physical shape and electrical pin matrix, are adapted to specific peripheral devices by use of adapters that interface both with the generic bay and the specific peripheral device. Translation between USB protocol and standard serial protocol is accomplished by enhancements to a keyboard controller in the keyboard that also serves conventional keyboard functions.

Abstract: A vehicle accident recording system employs a digital camera connected to a controller, a non-volatile memory, and an accident-sensing interrupter. The controller accesses images from the digital camera periodically and stores the images in a limited space of n sectors. After all n sectors are filled, each new image is overwritten to the oldest stored image. In the event of an accident, the interrupter causes the operation of storing images to cease. The result is a recorded history of n images spanning a time period up to the incidence of an accident of the number of images stored times the average time period between images. In a preferred embodiment the system has a communication port whereby the stored images may be downloaded after an accident to a digital device capable of displaying the images, thereby providing a visual record of the time period immediately preceding an accident.

Abstract: A system to reducing repetitive motion injury (RMI) risks comprises a wrist-resting device having one or both of a heater and a vibrator in the device. In preferred embodiments edges of a support pad for the device are rounded significantly to avoid the possibility of sharp edges impeding a user's blood circulation. In another aspect a control system is provided for monitoring user activity and weighting each instance of activity according to stored parameters to accumulate data on user stress level. In the event a prestored stress threshold is reached, a media player is invoked to provide rest and exercise for the user.

Abstract: A system for filling fields in Internet forms follows executable control code to associate stored fill entities with field names, and to place the stored fill entities into fields in the Internet form. In one embodiment association is automatic to the extent that names of fill entities match field names in the form. In another embodiment a display list is provided superimposed on the form, the display having selectable stored entity names. In this embodiment of the invention entity names may be selected from the superimposed list and caused to fill selected fields sin the form. In some embodiments both features are provided. In yet another embodiment a WEB browser is adapted to download database entities from a remote server through an Internet connection directly to a memory que without immediate display. The stored entities are separately selectable from the memory que for display and processing independent of operation of the WEB browser or the Internet connection.

Abstract: A color video projector system has separate light sources for producing separate beams of light which are passed each first through color filters to provide separate color beams before being processed by video-controlled light shutter matrices and then combined into a single beam projectable to provide a full-color video display with superimposed color spots rather then side-by-side color spots. In a preferred embodiment the color beams are red, green, and blue. In another aspect of the invention a single white-light source is used, and the beam of white light is split by a prism system into separate color beams, which are redirected to impinge as parallel beams on a monochrome LCD array. The LCD array is switched by a controller driven in accordance with a video signal, and the emerging beams are recombined and focused on a surface to produce a dynamic color image.

Abstract: A computer structured with a motherboard has ICs mounted on one side of the motherboard and connections for ports and peripheral devices on the opposite side. The motherboard is mounted to a heat sink plate with heat-conductive structure compressed between the ICs mounted to the motherboard and the heat sink plate, so heat generated by the ICs is conducted into the heat sink plate. The heat sink plate forms one wall of an enclosure for the computer, and as an external wall, radiates heat from the ICs into the surroundings. A riser card with expansion slots is connected to the motherboard in a manner that expansion cards may be mounted to expansion ports either at the front or the rear of the enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to stand with the heat sink plate vertical to take advantage of convection as well as radiation cooling, and in some embodiments the outside surface of the heat sink plate is grooved or channeled to increase the area for radiation, and to aid convection flow.

Abstract: A color video projector system has separate light sources for producing separate beams of light which are passed each first through color filters to provide separate color beams before being processed by video-controlled light shutter matrices and then combined into a single beam projectable to provide a full-color video display with superimposed color spots rather then side-by-side color spots. In a preferred embodiment the color beams are red, green, and blue.