Abstract: A description is given of a communication set for connection to a communication line such as a telephone line, which communication set includes means for detecting set functions such as ringing signal detection, and a rectifier circuit which is connected to a common output which is coupled to a scanning device included in the set function detection means, which scanning device detects the line conditions. A large number of line conditions may be detected with a minimum of components required, among which an analog/digital converter for which only a single input pin on a chip is necessary.

Abstract: In a broadband communication system there are multi-stage power amplifier systems for amplifying the power of radio-frequency (RF) communication signals. Each stage of the amplifier system results in composite triple beat (CTB) distortion, and if the phase of the CTB distortions are approximately the same (i.e. are in-phase), then the amplitudes of the distortions are added (i.e. “20 dB” rule). The amplifier system of the invention includes one or more phase filters positioned in series between the power amplifier stages. The phase filters are adapted to shift the phase of the communication signals, so that the phase of CTB distortions, resulting from the amplification of the communication signals in the amplifier stages between the phase filters, are substantially different (i.e. are out-of-phase). Thus, only the power of the CTB distortions are added (i.e. “10 dB” rule).

Abstract: A method and system are for transforming an XML document structured according to a set of XML grammar rules to at least one XML document structured according to at least one subset of the set of XML grammar rules. The system includes a controller capable of executing a set of programmable instructions for retrieving at least one grammar restriction style sheet (GRSS) corresponding to at least one subset of a set of XML grammar rules, where the at least one GRSS includes transformation rules for transforming an XML document to at least one XML document structured according to the at least one subset of the set of XML grammar rules; and a transformation engine for using the transformation rules of each retrieved GRSS for transforming data elements of the XML document to data elements structured according to the at least one subset of the set of XML grammar rules to transform the XML document to the at least one XML document structured according to the at least one subset of the set of XML grammar rules.

Abstract: Centrally controlled wireless networks require reliable communications between the central controller and each of the stations within the wireless networks. The structure of a wireless network is often dynamic, or ad-hoc, as stations enter and exit the network, or are physically relocated. The selection of the central controller for the network may also be dynamic, either because the current central controller desires to exit the network, or because the communication between the current central controller and one or more of the stations is poor. This invention discloses a method and apparatus for assessing the quality of the communication paths among all stations in the network. This assessment is useful as a continual monitor of the quality of the network, and can be utilized to select an alternative central control station based upon the quality of communication paths to and from this station. Additionally, the quality assessment can be utilized to establish relay communication paths, as required.

Abstract: A semiconductor inductor and a method for making a semiconductor inductor are provided. An oxide layer disposed over a substrate is etched to form an interconnect metallization trench within the oxide layer. The oxide layer is also etched to form a first inductor trench within the oxide layer such that the first inductor trench is defined in an inductor geometry. The oxide layer is then etched to form at least one via in the interconnect metallization trench and a second inductor trench over the first inductor trench in the oxide layer. The second inductor trench also has the inductor geometry. After the oxide layer is etched, the at least one via, the second inductor trench, the interconnect metallization trench and the first inductor trench are filled with copper. The semiconductor inductor is configured to have a low resistance and a high quality factor.

Abstract: In a computer network, documents are produced, the document is hashed to produce a fingerprint, and the fingerprint is encrypted to sign the document then the document signature is transmitted from the user system to a secure computer system. The secure computer system creates a time stamp including the document signature and a digital time. The secure system signs the time stamp to verify its origin. The time stamp and notary's signature are transmitted from the secure system to the user's system. The user has access to the notary's public key which is used for determining whether the time stamp is authentic. Then, if the document is revised, the revised document is hashed and the hash is combined with an indication that the revision is related to the original document. The indication could be a hash of the original document, the original document signature, the notary's time stamp for the original document, or the notary's signature for the original document.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting and selecting foreground objects from an acquired image. The system includes an image acquisition arrangement having a camera for acquiring an image and sources of illumination. The arrangement is augmented with an additional illumination device. The illumination device is positioned near the camera. The illumination device emits radiation, either in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range, which is detected by the camera. The radiation emitted by the illumination device differs from main ambient illumination by temporal and/or spectral properties so that it can be discriminated by the camera and/or other image processing devices. Foreground objects are recognized utilizing the image acquisition arrangement of the inventive system by using the temporal and/or spectral properties of the radiation emitted by the illumination device.

Abstract: A multi-lingual transcription system for processing a synchronized audio/video signal containing an auxiliary information component from an original language to a target language is provided. The system filters text data from the auxiliary information component, translates the text data into the target language and displays the translated text data while simultaneously playing an audio and video component of the synchronized signal. The system additionally provides a memory for storing a plurality of language databases which include a metaphor interpreter and thesaurus and may optionally include a parser for identifying parts of speech of the translated text. The auxiliary information component can be any language text associated with an audio/video signal, i.e., video text, text generated by speech recognition software, program transcripts, electronic program guide information, closed caption text, etc.

Abstract: System and method for adjusting the position of a displayed image of a person. The system comprises a control unit that receives a sequence of images and processes the received images to determine whether the person is positioned at the border of the received images to be displayed. If so positioned, the control unit generates control signals to control the position of an optical device providing the sequence of images so that the person is positioned entirely within the image.

Abstract: A method of binding one or more lamps from a neighborhood group into a control group that are controlled together. First, the addresses of the lamps in the neighborhood group are requested. The first address received from the lamps in response to the address request is considered as an address (represented as ADDR1) of a first lamp in the neighborhood group. The lamps in the neighborhood group are queried as to whether they have address ADDR1 of the first lamp in the neighborhood. A response to the query is received, of course, from the first lamp, which has address ADDR1. In addition, it is determined whether one or more additional responses to the query are received from one or more of the other lamps in the neighborhood group. If additional responses are received, all lamps having address ADDR1 are instructed to randomize their addresses.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and recording an image of an impact to an object. The system comprises a sensor located to detect an impact at a corresponding surface region of the object and provide an output in response to detection of such an impact. The system further comprises an optical device having a field of view. The space adjacent the surface region corresponding to the sensor is located within the field of view of the optical device. The output provided by the sensor in response to detection of an impact initiates image capture by the optical device of the space adjacent the surface region corresponding to the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for directing an incoming telephone call. The system comprises a control unit that receives images associated with two or more regions of a local environment. The two or more regions are each serviced by a respective telephone extension. The control unit processes the images to identify, from a group of known persons associated with the local environment, any one or more known persons located in the respective regions. For each known person so identified, an indicium is generated that associates the known person with the respective region in which the known person is located.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering selections and presenting recommendations. A filter that is associated with a media system receives data comprising one or more personal characteristics of a user of the media system. The filter determines at least one recommendation for the user of a selection available on the media system based upon at least one of the personal characteristics of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically selecting an alternate item based on user behavior. The disclosed television programming recommender monitors user behavior and automatically selects an alternate program when the viewer does not sufficiently like the current program selection. Detected predefined negative behavior includes, for example, (i) auditory commands, (ii) gestural commands, (iii) facial expressions, or (iv) other predefined behavior suggesting that the viewer dislikes the program. A flexible mechanism is provided for providing an alternate program selection.

Abstract: A recommendation system is disclosed that generates recommendations for one or more items based on the combined preferences of a number of individuals. The disclosed recommender initially identifies the individuals that are present, and thereafter generates a recommendation score based on the combined preferences of each user. In one implementation, a recommendation score is first computed for each individual, before a combined recommendation score is computed for the entire group. The combined recommendation score, C, can be computed, for example, using an average or a weighted average.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for repairing an image using an image defect matte that indicates portions of an image that have been repaired in previous iterations or are proposed modifications for a current iteration. A user interface incorporates graphical tools that allow the user to modify or manipulate the defect matte and thereby initiate commands that control the selection, detection or repair of one or more defects in an image. For example, the user interface may include commands that allow a user to further repair or cancel a previous repair of a selected region of an image. Each image defect matte may be stored, for example, as an array of elements that assume integer values corresponding to different degrees or steps of repair, such as “original”, “repaired” or “new defect.” Each matte integer value can be encoded with a different color. Each element of the defect matte corresponds to one or more image pixels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting and removing defects from images. Defects in an original image sequence are detected and optionally repaired using well-known techniques. Non-image data is generated containing intermediate results from the automatic defect detection and repair stage. The non-image data may include motion estimation, granularity and defect size/location information. The invention allows the operator to review the original and repaired image sequences, and optionally the non-image data, in an interactive session to accept, reject or further modify any of the automatic repairs in a more efficient manner.

Abstract: A system having a video display screen that provides video to a user. The position of the display screen is adjustable based upon the location of the user with respect to the display screen. The system includes at least one image capturing device trainable on a viewing region of the display screen and coupled to a control unit having image recognition software. The image recognition software identifies the user in an image generated by the image capturing device. The software of the control unit also generates at least one measurement of the position of the user based upon the detection of the user in the image.

Abstract: A recommendation system is disclosed that generates recommendations for one or more items based on user preferences and one or more environmental factors. The user's preferences are learned under various environmental conditions using an environmental data collection system. The observed environmental conditions may include, for example, location, characteristics of the location, weather or characteristics of the user's motion, such as a rate of movement. For each positive and negative behavioral example, a number of attributes of the selected item are classified in the user profile together with the prevailing environmental conditions. When recommending an item, the disclosed recommender retrieves the user preferences and evaluates the current environmental conditions. A recommendation score can be generated for each available item based on the user's demonstrated preferences under similar environmental conditions, such as in the same or a similar geographic area or under similar weather conditions.

Abstract: A media player controller is disclosed that monitors user activity and automatically controls a media player in response to predefined events. The disclosed media player controller includes one or more audio/visual mage capture devices focused on one or more users. The captured audio and video information is processed by the media player controller to identify one or more predefined events. A number of rules can be utilized to define various user events, such as when the user has left the room, is on the telephone or is otherwise paying attention to the media player. Each rule contains one or more conditions, and, optionally, a corresponding action-item that should be performed when the rule is satisfied. Upon detection of a predefined event, the corresponding action, if any, is performed by the media player controller.