Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring method for prolonging a usage lifetime of a biosensor to measure a physiological signal representative of a physiological parameter associated with an analyte in a biofluid. The biosensor includes two working electrodes at least partially covered by a chemical reagent and two counter electrodes having silver and a silver halide, and each silver halide has an initial amount.

Abstract: A system for monitoring wafer throughput per hour in a wafer furnace includes a database, an analysis unit, a comparison unit, and an output unit. The database includes two or more operation histories of the wafer furnace. The analysis unit is coupled to the database. The analysis unit includes logic that retrieves at least one operation history from the database, determines a standard process time and a specification range for the retrieved operation history, and receives a current process time for the current process. The comparison unit, which is coupled to the analysis unit, includes logic that compares the standard process time and the specification range to the current process time. The output unit, which is coupled to the comparison unit, includes logic that outputs a comparison result. A method for monitoring wafer throughput per hour in a wafer furnace also is described.

Abstract: A handheld device (12) integrates personal information scheduler (252) with a program list view (250) selection and operation of a wide variety of media devices. Specifically, the handheld device (12) includes a database containing program content downloaded during the vertical blanking interval (VBI) or from the Internet (174). Viewing the EPG database and personal calendar simultaneously, the user incorporates program into his/her personal schedule for viewing or recording. Further, the device is capable of analyzing usage patterns to set defaults of the handheld device, and other devices under its control, according to user preferences.

Abstract: A digital cable network architecture and services method includes a cable medium and a plurality of hosts that include a receiver. A policy file store contains policy files having at least one of a service provider section, a consumer section, and a manufacturer section that can be updated by at least one of the service provider, a consumer and a receiver manufacturer, respectively. A service provider that is associated with the policy file store provides digital cable services over the cable medium to the hosts and downloads monitor applications and policy files to the hosts over the cable medium. The MAs use the service provider section, the consumer section, and/or the manufacturer section of the policy file to alter resource contention, alter service provisioning at levels below a channel level, and/or alter fraudulent receiver identification calculations.

Abstract: A portal system employs a handheld media delivery device (18) adapted to receive broadcast media content having media content information, adapted to formulate a request based on the media content information, adapted to communicate the request for additional media content to the portal system (23), adapted to receive the additional media content from the portal system (23), and adapted to deliver the additional media content to a consumer (32). The handheld device has a request processor adapted to determine whether a connection to the portal system is available, queue requests locally, and store requests until the connection is available. The portal system includes an input adapted to receive a request for additional media content from the handheld media delivery device (18), and a retrieval mechanism adapted to retrieve additional media content based on the request.

Abstract: A digital cable network architecture includes hosts that include a receiver with a hash function generator that calculates hash values based on a hash function and data from memory blocks in the receiver. A policy file store contains policy files having a service provider section, a consumer section, and/or a manufacturer section that can be updated by the service provider, a consumer and/or a receiver manufacturer. A service provider downloads monitor applications (MAs) and policy files to the hosts over the cable medium. The MAs access the service provider section, the consumer section, and/or the manufacturer section of the policy file to alter resource contention, service provisioning, and/or alter fraudulent receiver identification calculations. The hash function of the receiver outputs the hash values to the MA, which compares the hash values to expected hash values to identify fraudulent access.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing current electronic program guide technology by drawing upon information from at least two disparate content sources (20 and 13). Electronic program guide information is displayed to the viewer using a portable handheld device (14), such as a remote control, PDA, or cellular phone. This approach enables electronic program guide information to be provided to the viewer at different depth levels, as well as allows content providers to incorporate their own display format for the electronic program guide information. Lastly, the portable handheld device allows the viewer to easily manipulate the electronic program guide information, thereby enhancing their interactive TV experience.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying media content from disparate sources includes tagging media content with an identifier tag useful in synchronization with additional media content, and useful in delivery of the media content. In other aspects, the media content is transmitted to a distribution mechanism adapted to distribute the media content to media delivery devices. In yet another aspect, the media delivery device is adapted to obtain additional media content from a disparate source, adapted to synchronize the media content with the additional media content according to the identifier tag, and adapted to deliver the media content to a consumer according to the identifier tag.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided for adaptively tuning to a content signal. The entertainment device includes a receiver responsive to content signals provided to the entertainment device. A selected channel of the receiver provides an output signal to an output terminal of the automobile entertainment device. A data processor is operably linked to the receiver for receiving a signal index of the content signal. The data processor is responsive to a predetermined signal index for actuating the receiver to select the specific channel corresponding to the predetermined signal index. A memory stores the predetermined signal index in accordance with an operator preference. Thus, the predetermined signal index enables the entertainment device to adaptively adjust to an operator's preferred content.

Abstract: A system is provided for seamless synchronization through asynchronous integration of Internet content with broadcast content within a portable handheld device (14), such as a remote control or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The handheld device (14) receives program-related data from the television (12) while the user is watching a program. The program-related data places the handheld device (14) in sync with the program the user is watching and augments the user's enjoyment of the program by providing supplemental broadcast information or additional interactive features. The handheld device (14) is also configured to retrieve additional supplemental information from at least one content source distinct from the broadcast source.

Abstract: A communication network having a server which communicates with a switch using a high bandwidth connection. The switch also communicates with one or a plurality of servers at a low bandwidth connection. The client connects to the switch using multiple bandwidth connections. Applications running on the client and server address the client having multiple low bandwidth connections utilizing a virtual internet protocol (IP) address. Devices which communicate using the virtual IP address include a virtual network driver (VND). The VND determines whether the application desires to read or write to a virtual IP address. If so, the VND distributes the data for transmission amongst the multiple bandwidth connections. Similarly, when a network devices receives data written to a virtual IP address, the VND assembles the data for utilization by the application so that the application appears to have received data from a single IP address.

Abstract: A handheld device (such as a personal digital assistant or a cellular telephone) is capable of receiving digital information obtained from a broadcast source during, for example, the vertical blanking interval or from the Internet. The handheld device is capable of both formulating an instruction based on the digital information received and transferring the information and/or instruction to a remote electronic device. The instructions are used by the remote electronic device to perform a particular operation.

Abstract: An adaptive learning system learns and adapts to behavior of a user enjoying media content via a handheld device. The system includes a user interface provided to the handheld device and operable to receive user input, and a media delivery mechanism provided to the user interface and operable to deliver media content to the user in response to the user input. In further aspects, the system includes a data store provided to the handheld device and operable to record information relating to user consumption of media content, wherein the user consumption occurs in connection with delivering electronic media content.

Abstract: A digital cable network architecture and services method includes a cable medium and a plurality of hosts that include a receiver. A policy file store contains policy files having at least one of a service provider section, a consumer section, and a manufacturer section that can be updated by at least one of the service provider, a consumer and a receiver manufacturer, respectively. A service provider that is associated with the policy file store provides digital cable services over the cable medium to the hosts and downloads monitor applications and policy files to the hosts over the cable medium. The MAs use the service provider section, the consumer section, and/or the manufacturer section of the policy file to alter resource contention, alter service provisioning at levels below a channel level, and/or alter fraudulent receiver identification calculations.

Abstract: A digital cable network architecture includes hosts that include a receiver with a hash function generator that calculates hash values based on a hash function and data from memory blocks in the receiver. A policy file store contains policy files having a service provider section, a consumer section, and/or a manufacturer section that can be updated by the service provider, a consumer and/or a receiver manufacturer. A service provider downloads monitor applications (MAs) and policy files to the hosts over the cable medium. The MAs access the service provider section, the consumer section, and/or the manufacturer section of the policy file to alter resource contention, service provisioning, and/or alter fraudulent receiver identification calculations. The hash function of the receiver outputs the hash values to the MA, which compares the hash values to expected hash values to identify fraudulent access.

Abstract: A method for interpreting objects alongside a road obtains an image of an object in the vicinity of the road, displays the image to an occupant of the vehicle and receives a signal selecting the object. The method identifies the object by extracting and recognizing text from the image. The method then translates the text into a language with which the occupant of the vehicle is familiar and presents the translated text to the occupant either as a text overlay on the displayed image or as a speech signal.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method of programming a recording device to record at least one broadcast program. The method receives at a server, through a communications network, a request to program the recording device. The server customizes a page of programming information, including an identification of the one broadcast program. The customizing includes attaching a hyper link to the identified broadcast program and embedding an instruction to the recording device in the hyper link. The server transmits the customized page of programming information for user selection of the identified broadcast program through the hyper link. The request to program the recording device is transmitted through the communications network from a device, such as a cellular telephone, a personal computer or a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) is provided for displaying static cartographical data in accordance with a GPS signal and integrating dynamically updated data during display. The GPS system includes a receiver responsive to the global positioning signal. The receiver has a first communication module responsive to a signal of a content provider. The signal of the content provider defines dynamic content. The receiver has a data processor for integrating the dynamic content with the static cartographical data. A display device of the GPS system displays the integrated cartographical data and dynamic content. In this way, the dynamic content is provided to the global positioning system to alert an operator of traffic patterns and hospitality venues in relation to displayed static cartographical data.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) is provided for displaying static cartographical data in accordance with a GPS signal and integrating dynamically updated data during display. The GPS system includes a receiver responsive to the global positioning signal. The receiver has a first communication module responsive to a signal of a content provider. The signal of the content provider defines dynamic content. The receiver has a data processor for integrating the dynamic content with the static cartographical data. A display device of the GPS system displays the integrated cartographical data and dynamic content. In this way, the dynamic content is provided to the global positioning system to alert an operator of traffic patterns and hospitality venues in relation to displayed static cartographical data.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided for adaptively tuning to a content signal. The entertainment device includes a receiver responsive to content signals provided to the entertainment device. A selected channel of the receiver provides an output signal to an output terminal of the automobile entertainment device. A data processor is operably linked to the receiver for receiving a signal index of the content signal. The data processor is responsive to a predetermined signal index for actuating the receiver to select the specific channel corresponding to the predetermined signal index. A memory stores the predetermined signal index in accordance with an operator preference. Thus, the predetermined signal index enables the entertainment device to adaptively adjust to an operator's preferred content.