Abstract: A hybrid coaxial cable network employing interdiction to ensure privacy in telephony communications. The video and telephony signals are secured such that telephony and interactive video signals to and from a subscriber do not appear on the network at any other undesired subscriber location.

Abstract: An enhanced provisioning server and method of operating a provisioning server that allow for network lease customization for client groups and individual clients. The enhancement also provides a standard interface for exchanging the client lease customization information, a method for maintaining a one lease per client association when clients roam from network to network, and a method for transitioning all of the leases associated with one network to another network approximately simultaneously. The transition may include renumbering all of the IP addresses.

Abstract: A hybrid coaxial cable network employing interdiction to ensure privacy in telephony communications. The video and telephony signals are secured such that telephony and interactive video signals to and from a subscriber do not appear on the network at any other undesired subscriber location.

Abstract: A hybrid coaxial cable network employing interdiction to ensure privacy in telephony communications. The video and telephony signals are secured such that telephony and interactive video signals to and from a subscriber do not appear on the network at any other undesired subscriber location.

Abstract: A method and system for manipulating a broadcast signal utilizes a sliding-window time range multicast or a buffered storage queue at the headend. Multiple streams are available to the end user, which each stream originating from a corresponding different playback point in the sliding-window time range or headend buffered storage queue.

Abstract: A system and method is discloses for remotely displaying and creating handwritten information in real time. A first writing/display surface is used in conjunction with a stylus to scribe graphical images as well as text onto the surface for sharing the scribed information with other users. Once the handwritten information is created by touching the stylus to the first writing/display surface it is immediately sent to a remote second writing/display surface. A user of the second writing/display surface receives and views the transmitted handwritten information and then can transmit information by touching the stylus to the writing/display surface. The present invention, allows users to view the same workspace and make modifications to the displayed texts and graphics in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the operation of a television using a cable broadcasting network is disclosed. The presence of a viewer in front of the television is sensed, presence information is then transmitted to a cable broadcasting service center via the cable broadcasting network, a control signal is sent to the television adapted to receive same, and regular cable programming is suspended. The present invention allows the cable broadcasting company to provided additional services to the cable subscriber to retain and attract additional customers. These additional services may be tailored to the specific needs of the cable subscriber, thus a higher quality cable service is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the operation of a television using a cable broadcasting network is disclosed. The presence of a viewer in front of the television is sensed, presence information is then transmitted to a cable broadcasting service center via the cable broadcasting network, a control signal is sent to the television adapted to receive same, and regular cable programming is suspended. The present invention allows the cable broadcasting company to provided additional services to the cable subscriber to retain and attract additional customers. These additional services may be tailored to the specific needs of the cable subscriber, thus a higher quality cable service is provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing Internet addresses corresponding to an electronic signal, such as a video or audio program, to a user. The system includes a receiver for receiving at least one electronic signal, where the electronic signal includes one or more Internet addresses embedded therein. A decoder in communication with the receiver is operable to extract the one or more Internet addresses from the electronic signal. The system further includes a processor in communication with the decoder. The processor compiles a historical list of the one or more Internet addresses extracted from the electronic signal, and includes memory for storing the historical list. A web browser connected to the processor is operable to present the historical list of Internet addresses to the user.

Abstract: A hybrid coaxial cable network employing interdiction to ensure privacy in telephony communications. The video and telephony signals are secured such that telephony and interactive video signals to and from a subscriber do not appear on the network at any other undesired subscriber location.

Abstract: An enhanced provisioning server and method of operating a provisioning server that allow for network lease customization for client groups and individual clients. The enhancement also provides a standard interface for exchanging the client lease customization information, a method for maintaining a one lease per client association when clients roam from network to network, and a method for transitioning all of the leases associated with one network to another network approximately simultaneously. The transition may include renumbering all of the IP addresses.

Abstract: A hybrid coaxial cable network employing interdiction to ensure privacy in telephony communications. The video and telephony signals are secured such that telephony and interactive video signals to and from a subscriber do not appear on the network at any other undesired subscriber location.

Abstract: An enhanced provisioning server and method of operating a provisioning server that allow for network lease customization for client groups and individual clients. The enhancement also provides a standard interface for exchanging the client lease customization information, a method for maintaining a one lease per client association when clients roam from network to network, and a method for transitioning all of the leases associated with one network to another network approximately simultaneously. The transition may include renumbering all of the IP addresses.

Abstract: A remote controller for controlling the operation of a electronic appliance has a function or appearance which is changed by adding auxiliary modules to a base unit, allowing a user to adapt the remote controller to his specific needs. Once the module is coupled to the base unit an additional electronic appliance may be controlled. The auxiliary modules may be functional, including interface circuitry and adding more capability to the remote controller or non-functional, having no electrical circuitry. The functional modules may include but are not limited to display screens, speakers, keyboards, etc. The non-functional modules are added for the purpose of changing the appearance of the remote and/or for ease of handling or for attaching other accessories.

Abstract: An interactive television system includes a remote control unit and a set top box. The remote control unit includes an input device and control logic. The control logic processes input signals to transmit television control signals to control television programming. Further, the control logic is configured to execute game software instructions stored on a local medium, and process input signals to play the game. In some embodiments, the set top box interacts with the remote control unit during gaming.

Abstract: A method for preparing a computer for service activation with a network service provider. A pre-qualifying routine is executed on the computer to gather information about the computer's initial configuration setting. A diagnostic routine is executed on the computer to test the hardware components involved in network services. If the initial configuration setting and test results meet or exceed predetermined requirements, then service software applications programs are installed in the computer and programmable configuration settings are updated. The computer then transfers a copy of the final configuration settings and test results to the network service provider where the information is stored for future reference.

Abstract: A system and associated method for enabling a user to determine the status of other users and to identify communications procedures for contacting the other users based on the status of the other users. The system includes a plurality of communications devices each associated with a user. Each of the communications devices is operable for the associated user to self assign a user status and communications procedures for contacting the associated user as a function of the user status. Each of the communications devices associated with a user is operable for displaying the user status of the other users. A hybrid fiber coax (HFC) communications network is operable with the communications device for providing continuous communications connectivity of a plurality of users with one another through an Internet. Each of the communications devices associated with a user is operable for displaying the communications procedures associated with the other users for contacting the other users.

Abstract: A generic proxy server, set top device, and methods of operation are described to enable communication with the set top device through the generic proxy server. The set top device is connected to the generic proxy server through a private network. A user wishing to communicate with the set top device is connected to the generic proxy server through a public network. The set top device prepares for communication by registering itself with the generic proxy server and then providing a gateway code to the generic proxy server. The user initiates communications by contacting the generic proxy server and identifying a particular set top device to be accessed. Communications between the user and a set top device through the generic proxy server are enabled by the generic proxy server executing the gateway code supplied by the set top device.

Abstract: An enhanced provisioning server and method of operating a provisioning server that allow for network lease customization for client groups and individual clients. The enhancement also provides a standard interface for exchanging the client lease customization information, a method for maintaining a one lease per client association when clients roam from network to network, and a method for transitioning all of the leases associated with one network to another network approximately simultaneously. The transition may include renumbering all of the IP addresses.

Abstract: An enhanced provisioning server and method of operating a provisioning server that allow for network lease customization for client groups and individual clients. The enhancement also provides a standard interface for exchanging the client lease customization information, a method for maintaining a one lease per client association when clients roam from network to network, and a method for transitioning all of the leases associated with one network to another network approximately simultaneously. The transition may include renumbering all of the IP addresses.