Abstract: A method and system are provided in which broadcast signals are received and converted into data streams for processing. A user is enabled to select preferred broadcast stations for monitoring and signals from the selected stations are converted into digital data streams which are input to first-in first-out (FIFO) memory units to enable a local storage of a segment of predetermined duration of broadcast signals on different FIFO tracks in a user receiving device. The FIFO is dynamically allocated for the selected stations and as each FIFO memory for each selected station becomes full, old information or content is moved out of memory as new information or content is applied to the FIFO. The receiving device includes means for enabling a user to move forward or backward within the stored segment. Partitions or markers are provided to separate broadcast content items, such as sequentially played songs within the stored segment, to enable incremental movement to selected positions within the stored segment.

Abstract: A method and implementing processing system are provided in which, in addition to normal playback modes, users of voice mail devices are enabled to select a vignette playback mode in which shortened versions of received messages are played back to the user. In one embodiment, a user is able to have the shortened versions or vignettes played back sequentially without interruption. In another embodiment, the user may select to pause after each playback in order to manage or otherwise dispose of the played message. In yet another embodiment, the user is enabled to select vignette mode playback default values including, but not limited to, selecting which portion of received messages are to be played back, and the duration of each vignette message playback. The user is also enabled to input new vignette playback values in place of the default values for each received message or group of received messages.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided in which replies to originating electronic messages such as email are grouped together in a manner such that the replies may be selectively accessed and presented together with a reference to the originating message for viewing by the sender of the original message. In one embodiment, selected relevant portions of reply messages are extracted or copied from the reply messages and presented as a connected series of individual replies on a display screen which references the originating message. In another embodiment, icons or hypertext references are created and embedded in or otherwise associated with an originating message to enable a user to quickly access replies to an originating message by selecting one or more of the embedded icons or hypertext from the originating message.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided in which a senders of electronic communications such as email are enabled to selectively control the sending and display of portions of electronic communications. In one example, selected portions of a message may be viewed by only selected recipients and other sections of the communications may be viewed by all recipients. In another exemplary embodiment, means are also provided to select print disable and forwarding disable functions, which when selected, are effective to prevent printing or forwarding, respectively, of all or selected portions of a received message by selected recipients.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which broadcast signals are received and converted into data streams for processing. A user is enabled to select preferred broadcast stations for monitoring and signals from the selected stations are converted into digital data streams which are input to first-in first-out (FIFO) memory units to enable a local storage of a segment of predetermined duration of broadcast signals on different FIFO tracks in a user receiving device. The FIFO is dynamically allocated for the selected stations and as each FIFO memory for each selected station becomes full, old information or content is moved out of memory as new information or content is applied to the FIFO. The receiving device includes means for enabling a user to move forward or backward within the stored segment. Partitions or markers are provided to separate broadcast content items, such as sequentially played songs within the stored segment, to enable incremental movement to selected positions within the stored segment.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which broadcast signals are received and converted into data streams for processing. A user is enabled to select preferred broadcast stations for monitoring and signals from the selected stations are converted into digital data streams which are input to first-in first-out (FIFO) memory units to enable a local storage of a segment of predetermined duration of broadcast signals on different FIFO tracks in a user receiving device. The FIFO is dynamically allocated for the selected stations and as each FIFO memory for each selected station becomes full, old information or content is moved out of memory as new information or content is applied to the FIFO. The receiving device includes means for enabling a user to move forward or backward within the stored segment. Partitions or markers are provided to separate broadcast content items, such as sequentially played songs within the stored segment, to enable incremental movement to selected positions within the stored segment.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which broadcast signals are received and converted into data streams for processing. A user is enabled to select preferred broadcast stations for monitoring and signals from the selected stations are converted into digital data streams which are input to first-in first-out (FIFO) memory units to enable a local storage of a segment of predetermined duration of broadcast signals on different FIFO tracks in a user receiving device. The FIFO is dynamically allocated for the selected stations and as each FIFO memory for each selected station becomes full, old information or content is moved out of memory as new information or content is applied to the FIFO. The receiving device includes means for enabling a user to move forward or backward within the stored segment. Partitions or markers are provided to separate broadcast content items, such as sequentially played songs within the stored segment, to enable incremental movement to selected positions within the stored segment.