Abstract: Electronic coupons are provided for items comprising products and services. The coupon information is received along with broadcasts of associated television programs. Selected coupon modes alert a viewer when coupon information is available for an item. The viewer alert comprises displayed marks superimposed over the broadcast of the television program. The displayed marks comprise indicators for each item for which coupon data is available, and the indicators may be representative of the items to which the indicators correspond. The coupon information for a particular item is selected when the viewer selects the indicator corresponding to the item in which the viewer is interested. Upon selection, the coupon information is displayed along with the broadcast of the currently selected television program. Coupon information may be selected for storage on a removable recording medium along with data corresponding to the television program with which the coupon information is associated.

Abstract: A scripting engine causes a computer to perform operations. The scripting engine includes a first script interpreter that executes a carrier script. A steganographic decoder extracts a hidden script that is steganographically coded in the carrier script. A second script interpreter executes the hidden script. The carrier script may include a graphic image file and the hidden script may be steganographically coded in the graphic image file. The scripting engine may further include a decryption module that decrypts the hidden script with a key that may be steganographically coded in a third script.

Abstract: A method for creating sensory experiences operates by scanning the acoustical signal across the human neural cortex to create the desired sensory perceptions. The acoustic signal is scanned in a predetermined pattern. The pattern is then modified to fill in spaces in the predetermined pattern so that over a short time period, the desired signal is scanned across the intended region of the neural cortex. In one exemplary embodiment, the pattern begins with an array of points on the cortex. Thus, an acoustic signal in an array of points is directed towards the cortex. The acoustic pattern is then shaped to expand in radius about each point. Thus, the acoustic signal scans the visual cortex in an array of expanding circles. Varying the signal at each point along the radius as it expands produces neural firing differences in the neural tissue. When the circles expand to where they begin to touch, the pattern changes to fill in the areas between the original array of points.

Abstract: A high-speed low-power dynamic current biased operational amplifier (Op-amp) for use in switched capacitor circuits. The system and method reduces current in the reset process of the switched capacitor circuit's operation, while maintaining the drive current required for fast settling in the amplification process. The system and method significantly lowers the power consumption of the switched capacitor circuit, while overcoming the main issues related to dynamic current biasing in an Op-amp, common-mode feedback interaction, using architecture other than the standard differential input stage of a normal Op-amp.

Abstract: A system and method for augmenting digital material with MPEG-7 content descriptions to enhance searching and selection of the digital material. Pursuant to the collection of content information about the digital material, either through receipt or content characterization, a set of MPEG-7 descriptor schemes and descriptors are created for constituent elements of the content. The MPEG-7 descriptions are structured as META tags, including predetermined opening and closing delimiters, which are inserted within the header field of the digital material. The MPEG-7 content description data may contain multiple content levels describing levels of associated embedded content. By way of example, use of MPEG-7 content descriptions within a web site (or internet transaction session) can improve the speed and accuracy of content selection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of decoding coded video bitstreams is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first processor and a second processor configured to operate in parallel. The main processor receives the coded video bitstream, parses it, and calls the second processor to decode the coded video bitstream to retrieve macroblock data. If an error occurs during decoding, the second processor signals the first processor, which can instruct the second processor to perform an error recovery routine. The first processor the performs dequantization and inverse DCT to recover digital pixel data from the macroblocks so that an image formed from the digital pixel data can be later displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing picture quality of a video signal. The method includes displaying a user menu having a plurality of choices of video labels; receiving a choice of video label from the plurality via an input from a user; translating the video label into a label code; receiving at least a first video processing parameter from a look-up table corresponding to the label code; and configuring a video processor according to the first video processing parameter.

Abstract: Closed captioning information is provided regarding the location of a speaker, and when the text is spoken. An audio/video signal includes a video data and the closed captioning information. The closed captioning information includes a time index, a closed captioning text, and positioning information. The positioning information indicates a position within a frame of the video data, and is associated with the closed captioning text for a given time index. The position corresponds to the speaker who is speaking the associated closed captioning text. A decoder device decodes the closed captioning information to determine the position of the speaker within the video data, and the time index to correlate the closed captioning text and positioning information to a specific frame of video data. The video data is preferably scaled to provide a less than full screen video.

Abstract: A method for performing a file transfer in a peer-to-peer environment enables transfers with controlled anonymity. According to this method, a file is received from a user via a third party along with a content rating from the user. Along with the file, an alias is received identifying the user. Identity information about the user is stored in the third party in association with the alias. The user can select one or more information elements within the identity information that can be sent along with the alias. Among that which can be included as the information elements are one or more of the following: an email address, a name, a mailing address, a telephone number, a social security number, a bank account number, a credit card number, an age, a birth date, income information, employment information, purchasing preference information, and an education history. Any content rating are aggregated with other content rankings from other users and identified with the alias.

Abstract: Setting parameter values are migrated through a new software upgrade. Each software version includes a version number. The version number of the new software is compared to a version number of the current software. The version number of the current software is determined by reading a version number parameter value stored in a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). If the version number of the new software is higher than the version number of the current software, for each setting parameter value within a new map file, either a current setting parameter value stored in the NVRAM or a default value from the map file, is loaded into a temporary memory.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for implementing a Cantonese speech recognizer with an optimized phone set, and may include a recognizer configured to compare input speech data to phone strings from a vocabulary dictionary that is implemented according to an optimized Cantonese phone set. The optimized Cantonese phone set may be implemented with a phonetic technique to separately include consonantal phones and vocalic phones. For reasons of system efficiency, the optimized Cantonese phone set may preferably be implemented in a compact manner to include only a minimum required number of consonantal phones and vocalic phones to accurately represent Cantonese speech during the speech recognition procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus optimize the use of system resources when switching between applications. Preferably, the apparatus includes a processor, a secondary memory and a system memory. Applications previously loaded into system memory from the secondary memory are set to either an active state or an inactive state. In the active state, the processor actively processes the application and a portion of the system memory is used by the processor for active processing. In the inactive state, neither the processor nor the portion of the system memory dedicated for active processing is used by the application. Preferably, only one application is in the active state at any given time. When multiple applications are currently stored in system memory, one of the applications is set to the active state while the other applications are set to the inactive state.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first passive signal repeater and a second passive signal repeater, operable to respond to the wireless data signal and to first and second wireless transceivers, respectively. A mounting device is configured to traverse a structure within the building, and to receive the first and second passive signal repeaters. The mounting device has a transfer path, which is operable to transfer the wireless data received at the first passive signal repeater to the second passive signal repeater, and to transfer the wireless data signal at the second passive signal repeater to the first passive signal repeater. When the mounting device traverses the structure, and the first and second signal repeaters are arranged on the mounting device in such a manner that the transfer path is operating, a wireless signal path traversing the structure is created between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for equitably allocating bandwidth to virtual networks operating on a common physical network, such as a power-line network for homeowners sharing a single power-line distribution transformer. An ad-hoc master is selected from the virtual power-line network controllers. The master allocates bandwidth to streams based on their priority group categorization. By way of example, four priority groups (A-D) are described into which stream priority is classified, with the highest priority group for communicating isochronous streams, the lowest priority for transferring asynchronous streams and the other priority groups for communicating streams having an intermediate level of transmission priority.

Abstract: A system providing a user interface to annotate different items in a media production system such as in a digital non-linear post production system. Parts of the production, such as clips, frames and layers, that have an associated annotation are provided with a visual annotation marker. The annotation marker can use shape, color or animation to convey source, urgency, status or other information. Annotations can be text, freehand drawing, audio, or other. Annotations can be automatically generated. Annotations can be compiled into records, searched and transferred. A state of an application program can be stored and transferred to a remote system. The remote system attempts to recreate the original state of the application program. If the remote system is unable to do so, an image of the state of the application program is obtained, instead. Assignment of control to various functions of an application program is achieved by associating a function (i.e.

Abstract: A system providing a user interface to annotate different items in a media production system such as in a digital non-linear post production system. Parts of the production, such as clips, frames and layers, that have an associated annotation are provided with a visual annotation marker. The annotation marker can use shape, color or animation to convey source, urgency, status or other information. Annotations can be text, freehand drawing, audio, or other. Annotations can be automatically generated. Annotations can be compiled into records, searched and transferred. A state of an application program can be stored and transferred to a remote system. The remote system attempts to recreate the original state of the application program. If the remote system is unable to do so, an image of the state of the application program is obtained, instead. Assignment of control to various functions of an application program is achieved by associating a function (i.e.

Abstract: A method for processing audio from varying audio sources includes providing a variable audio response, including audio gain, balance and tonal quality setting on a per channel (or per source or both) basis that a user can adjust when setting up the receiver. For example, a user can establish a relative gain setting from −4 dB to +4 db in 2 dB increments, increment rear volume while increasing base response for the audio so that the audio is compensated in accordance with this setting before sending the audio to the speakers. This enables a user to account for those channels or sources that are out of the normal for the user in terms of loudness and tone, i.e., either the channels are too loud or too soft relative to most of the other channels or sources. Each channel or source would be preset to 0 dB, thereby providing no compensation. According to this method, the user first sets his volume control to a place where the user finds satisfactory.

Abstract: A video scaler optimizes the display properties of an image so that as little image is lost as possible while occupying as much of the screen as possible. By so doing, a high definition image can be made larger without losing all of edges of the picture. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for displaying a 16:9 aspect ratio image on a 4:3 aspect ratio screen provides that the image is proportionally increased so that approximately 13% of the image is lost at the sides while approximately only 13% of the screen is unused at the top and bottom. Similarly, a method for displaying a 4:3 aspect ratio image on a 16:9 aspect ratio screen provides that the image is proportionally increased so that approximately 13% of the image is lost at the top and bottom while approximately only 13% of the screen is unused at the sides.

Abstract: A method for displaying a status to a television viewer provides detailed information to a viewer. According to the method, signal strength of a received RF signal is evaluated, and an RF signal strength indicator value is created. The RF signal strength indicator value can be a qualitative indicator, such as strong, good, normal, weak, or absent. The RF signal indicator value can also be a qualitative value. A transport signal is also evaluated and a transport signal validity indicator value is then created. A quantitative value could be obtained based on the bit error rate, for example. Additionally, received parsing information is evaluated and a parsing validity indicator value is created. As with the transport signal, the received parsing information can be evaluated to obtain a qualitative indicator, such as valid or invalid.

Abstract: A network device application programming interface (API) provides an interface to control and receive events from network devices. The network device API preferably resides within a control device, which is coupled to a network of devices. Each network device preferably uses IP-based protocols for sending control commands, and for receiving responses to the commands and asynchronous events. The network device API provides an interface that can be used across many different platforms. The interface is used as part of an application or as a standalone application. The network device API also provides a framework for defining and implementing a device control protocol. The framework for defining and implementing the device control protocol provides common functionality across multiple control and eventing protocols.