Abstract: There is provided a system and method for user interfaces to navigate online shopping circulars. There is provided a method comprising retrieving circular data, presenting the circular data arranged by sorting parameters, receiving a request to obtain a product, and initiating a transaction for the requested product with a retailer. The sorting parameters may include parameters such as retailer bids for enhanced visibility, thereby providing increased monetization opportunities. The sorting parameters may also include flexible preset or user defined filtering options, allowing users to enjoy an engaging and streamlined shopping experience. The online shopping circulars may be implemented as a module for online media content, such as a news site or an entertainment portal.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for automatic selection of encoding parameters for transmission of media objects is provided. The method and computer program product involve the automatic selection of media encoding parameters based on editorial and technical contexts. Such contexts include time constraints, duration, size, quality, processing time and compression time. The media objects are then automatically encoded using these automatically selected parameters, and then transmitted from a remote site to one or more additional sites via a communications network.

Abstract: A news information content list may be updated dynamically by first altering the content list at a feed station server. More specifically, the content list may be altered by implementing one or more revisions thereto. The content list is comprised of an ordered sequence of stories, with each story being comprised of any one or combination of text elements, metadata, and one or more references to media objects. Next, the revisions implemented to the content list are packaged into a message and transmitted to one or more field stations. These revisions are used in updating copies of the content list at the field stations. Thus, media objects and the like are transmitted only when they are modified, not when they are included or moved in multiple other content lists. A content list at a field station is processed in a similar manner. Specifically, one or more revisions to a content list at a feed station are received via a message at a field station.

Abstract: A facsimile transmitter capable of transmitting graphic as well as text material, by telephone or wireless. A digital code derived from scanning the document to be transmitted is truncated from eight bits per pixel to six bits per pixel. The three most significant bits of each pixel are run length encoded in eight bit bytes, so that wherever the same three most significant bits appear in adjacent pixels, these three bits are transmitted once, followed by a five bit code indicating the number of times (up to 32 times) the same three most significant bits are repeated in succeeding pixels. The resulting eight bit bytes are similarly run length encoded, so that the transmission of the three most significant bits of each pixel is double run length encoded. An eight bit fine resolution byte is transmitted for each eight pixels.

Abstract: A facsimile receiver of the type in which a laser beam modulated by a received video signal scans a light sensitive recording paper to print an image corresponding to the video signal. A feedback loop insures that the output of the laser beam acousto-optical modulator (AOM) accurately tracks the demodulated received video signal. A variable transmissivity filter in the path of the laser beam is automatically positioned to provide increased transmittance as the laser beam intensity decreases with aging of the laser, so as to maintain a constant light output intensity. A lens in the optical system which focuses the laser beam on the paper is moved mechanically as the paper is transversely scanned, so that the focus of the beam is varied to compensate for the planar (non-cylindrical) configuration of the paper, thus keeping the beam focused on the paper throughout the length of each scan line.

Abstract: A portable facsimile transmitter suitable for use by reporters and photographers in the field, for sending high quality pictures to an unattended remote receiver, by telephone or wireless. A rotating drum to which the original is affixed is initially scanned at a rapid rate to establish the photodetector operating level so as to maximize the signal dynamic range. After the initial scan the picture is scanned at one of three selectable rates (determined by setting the drum speed), and the video output of the photodetector is modulated and coupled to the transmission line. The original is affixed to the drum by means of a fixed (with respect to the drum) clamp and a movable clamp at each end thereof. A tab extends from an end of each clamp, and the position of each tab is sensed to provide a synchronization signal so that the picture is centered at the remote receiver.

Abstract: A facsimile reproduction system is disclosed. The system utilizes a laser beam at the transmission station to scan across an image to be reproduced through an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) cell. The laser beam is reflected off the image onto photo detector cells to generate electrical signals analogous to tonal variation in the image. A laser beam at the receiver station is also provided to sensitize a sheet of sensitized paper to produce a facsimile of the image. The intensity of the receiving station laser beam is modulated in accordance with the photo detector electrical signals by applying the signals to an rf carrier which then is applied to an AOM cell positioned between the laser and sensitized paper.