Abstract: A method for enabling at least one of a plurality of user devices to provide a service flow is described. In one example, a code is transmitted to a home identification device (HID) to be combined with an HID identification number. The combined response, which is comprised of the code and the HID identification number, is then transmitted from the HID and received by the user device(s). If the combined response is equivalent to at least one predetermined match key, which is stored in the user device(s), that user device(s) provides the service flow to a respective television(s).

Abstract: In a video on demand (VOD) system, methods and apparatus are provided for seamlessly switching back and forth between two pre-encrypted files having changing encryption keys Such switching back and forth may be required when a VOD server stores both a “normal” copy of a movie and a “special” copy such as a “trick-play” version for, e g, fast forward and rewind effects Instead of using keys with changing parities in both streams, the special stream is encrypted with keys using the same parity (even or odd), while the normal stream is encrypted with one dynamic key (odd or even) and one fixed key (even or odd) Other special streams, such as scene branch streams and alternate angle streams can also be accommodated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for decrypting an encrypted transport stream, comprising. The method includes receiving the encrypted transport stream over a content delivery network. The encrypted transport stream is encrypted using a first control word that serves as an encryption/decryption key. A variable control word is received over the content delivery network. The variable control word is mathematically constrained to create a second control word. The encrypted transport stream is decrypted using the second control word if the second control word is the same as the first control word.

Abstract: A set top box is provided that includes an RF front-end for receiving programming content over a distribution communication network. A processor is operatively associated with the RF front-end and a storage device is operatively associated with the processor. An interface is provided for establishing communication with an external device. In response to a signal received from the distribution network over the RF front-front identifying at least one programming object to be downloaded thereto, the processor is configured to locate and receive the programming object from the external device through the interface.

Abstract: In a video on demand (VOD) system, methods and apparatus are provided for seamlessly switching back and forth between two pre-encrypted files having changing encryption keys. Such switching back and forth may be required when a VOD server stores both a “normal” copy of a movie and a “special” copy such as a “trick-play” version for, e.g., fast forward and rewind effects. Instead of using keys with changing parities in both streams, the special stream is encrypted with keys using the same parity (even or odd), while the normal stream is encrypted with one dynamic key (odd or even) and one fixed key (even or odd). Other special streams, such as scene branch streams and alternate angle streams can also be accommodated.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically classifying plaque lesions. A plaque classification application applies a plaque classification criterion to at least one graphical image, comprising a map of spectrally-analyzed characterized tissue of a vessel cross-section, to render an overall plaque classification for the slice or set of slices, covering a 3D volume. The plaque classification is based upon the amount and location of each characterized tissue type (e.g., necrotic core—NC). In an exemplary embodiment the set of potential plaque classifications, not to be confused with characterized tissue types—from which the plaque classifications are derived—include, for example: adaptive intimal thickening (AIT), pathological intimal thickening (PIT), fibroatheroma (FA), thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), and fibro-calcific (FC).

Abstract: A method and system for managing a blackout of media content data includes receiving a media content stream at a local media content device. The media content stream includes the media content data and blackout data related to the blackout of the media content data. The local media content device is operable to implement the blackout of the media content data with the blackout data in the media content stream.

Abstract: The present invention uses a radio frequency (RF) signal backscattered from vascular tissue to identify a border on a vascular image. Embodiments of the invention operate in accordance with a data gathering device connected to a computing device and a transducer via a catheter. The transducer is used to gather RF data backscattered from vascular tissue. The RF data is provided to the computing device via the data-gathering device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the computing device includes (i) a data storage device for storing tissue types and related parameters and (ii) an application. The application is used to convert the RF data into the frequency domain and to identify associated parameters. The parameters are compared to the parameters stored in the data storage device to identify the corresponding tissue type. This information is used, possibly with other border-related information, to determine a border on a vascular image.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the transfer function of a catheter and/or substantially synchronizing the acquisition of blood-vessel data to an identifiable portion of heartbeat data. Specifically, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a computing device is electrically connected to a catheter and used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure (e.g., a blood vessel, etc.). The backscattered ultrasound data is then used, together with an algorithm, to estimate at least one transfer function. The transfer function(s) can then be used (at least in a preferred embodiment) to calculate response data for the vascular tissue (i.e., the tissue component of the backscattered ultrasound data). In a second embodiment of the present invention, an IVUS console is electrically connected to a catheter and a computing device and is used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure.

Abstract: An enlargement feature of a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. When a portion of a digital image displayed in the GUI is selected for enlargement, an enlarged version of the selected portion is displayed adjacent to the remaining portion of the original image that was not selected for enlargement. The digital image may include a plurality of image portions (e.g., individual display windows) selectable for enlargement, such as those found in a CATV electronic programming guide (EPG). In one embodiment, hidden supplemental data corresponding to the selected portion is only revealed in the enlarged version of the selected portion, so that it can be more easily viewed. In another embodiment, an enlargement feature application program is downloaded to a local device that controls the GUI, in response to a subscriber accepting an offer presented by a service provider.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using the frequency spectrum of a radio frequency (RF) signal backscattered from vascular tissue to identify at least one border (e.g., tissue interface, etc.) on a vascular image. Embodiments of the present invention operate in accordance with a data gathering device (e.g., an intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) device, etc.) electrically connected to a computing device and a transducer via a catheter. The transducer is used to gather radio frequency (RF) data backscattered from vascular tissue. The RF data is then provided to (or acquired by) the computing device via the data-gathering device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the computing device includes (i) at least one data storage device (e.g., database, memory, etc.) for storing a plurality of tissue types and parameters related thereto and (ii) at least one application (e.g., a characterization application, a gradient-border application, a frequency-border application and/or an active-contour application).

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic device is used to acquire RF backscattered data (i.e., IVUS data) from a blood vessel. The IVUS data is then transmitted to a computing device and used to create an IVUS image. The blood vessel is then cross-sectioned and used to identify its tissue type and to create a corresponding image (i.e., histology image). A region of interest (ROI), preferably corresponding to the identified tissue type, is then identified on the histology image. The computing device, or more particularly, a characterization application operating thereon, is then adapted to identify a corresponding region on the IVUS image. To accurately match the ROI, however, it may be necessary to warp or morph the histology image to substantially fit the contour of the IVUS image.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic device is used to acquire RF backscattered data (i.e., IVUS data) from a blood vessel. The IVUS data is then transmitted to a computing device and used to create an IVUS image. The blood vessel is then cross-sectioned and used to identify its tissue type and to create a corresponding image (i.e., histology image). A region of interest (ROI), preferably corresponding to the identified tissue type, is then identified on the histology image. The computing device, or more particularly, a characterization application operating thereon, is then adapted to identify a corresponding region on the IVUS image. To accurately match the ROI, however, it may be necessary to warp or morph the histology image to substantially fit the contour of the IVUS image.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic device is used to acquire RF backscattered data (i.e., IVUS data) from a blood vessel. The IVUS data is then transmitted to a computing device and used to create an IVUS image. The blood vessel is then cross-sectioned and used to identify its tissue type and to create a corresponding image (i.e., histology image). A region of interest (ROI), preferably corresponding to the identified tissue type, is then identified on the histology image. The computing device, or more particularly, a characterization application operating thereon, is then adapted to identify a corresponding region on the IVUS image. To accurately match the ROI, however, it may be necessary to warp or morph the histology image to substantially fit the contour of the IVUS image.

Abstract: An enlargement feature of a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. When a portion of a digital image displayed in the GUI is selected for enlargement, an enlarged version of the selected portion is displayed adjacent to the remaining portion of the original image that was not selected for enlargement. The digital image may include a plurality of image portions (e.g., individual display windows) selectable for enlargement, such as those found in a CATV electronic programming guide (EPG). In one embodiment, hidden supplemental data corresponding to the selected portion is only revealed in the enlarged version of the selected portion, so that it can be more easily viewed. In another embodiment, an enlargement feature application program is downloaded to a local device that controls the GUI, in response to a subscriber accepting an offer presented by a service provider.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using the frequency spectrum of a radio frequency (RF) signal backscattered from vascular tissue to identify at least one border (e.g., tissue interface, etc.) on a vascular image. Embodiments of the present invention operate in accordance with a data gathering device (e.g., an intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) device, etc.) electrically connected to a computing device and a transducer via a catheter. The transducer is used to gather radio frequency (RF) data backscattered from vascular tissue. The RF data is then provided to (or acquired by) the computing device via the data-gathering device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the computing device includes (i) at least one data storage device (e.g., database, memory, etc.) for storing a plurality of tissue types and parameters related thereto and (ii) at least one application (e.g., a characterization application, a gradient-border application, a frequency-border application and/or an active-contour application).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for creating a Program Association Table (PAT) for a reduced portion of a multiplexed data stream, when the multiplexed data stream has been reduced, for example, to carry fewer services over a cable television plant. More particularly, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for creating a PAT for a desired combination of multiplexed data stream subgroups contained within an incoming data stream, when the incoming multiplexed data stream is reduced. The invention enables a new PAT to be output which correctly corresponds to the services in a reduced data stream (e.g., for cable-side transmissions). The present invention is particularly useful when reducing high data rate satellite television data streams for cable-side transmission.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the transfer function of a catheter (including components attached thereto—e.g., IVUS console, transducer, etc.). Specifically, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a computing device is electrically connected to a catheter and used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure (e.g., a blood vessel, etc.). The backscattered ultrasound data is then used, together with an algorithm, to estimate the transfer function. The transfer function can then be used (at least in a preferred embodiment) to calculate response data for the vascular tissue (i.e., the tissue component of the backscattered ultrasound data). In a second embodiment of the present invention, an IVUS console is electrically connected to a catheter and a computing device and is used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure.

Abstract: A system for streaming encrypted conditional access (CA) data, such as control words, from a primary or master conditional access provider (CAP) to one or more secondary CAPS. The primary CAP encrypts content (program data) that is to be access-controlled, such as a television program, according to the associated CA data. A first group of user terminals is compatible with the CA data of the primary CAP. The CA data is then provided to the secondary CAPs to provide corresponding CA data for the content in the secondary CAPs' associated formats for compatibility with other groups of terminals. The invention can be used in any packet-based distribution system, including a broadband television network headend, and avoids the need for the secondary CAPs to request the control words on an as-needed basis. Moreover, the CA data for a current crypto-period and a number of future crypto-periods are provided in a “sliding window” to allow the secondary CAP to begin preparing its CA data in advance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a high definition television signal (e.g., a high definition MPEG2 data stream) and re-encoding the high definition signal to create a standard definition television signal. In particular, the apparatus involves re-encoding a copy of the high definition (HD) signal into a standard definition (SD) signal and combining both the original signal and the re-encoded standard definition signal into a multiplexed signal. The provision of both an SD signal and an HD signal in the multiplexed signal enables both SD television receivers and HD television receivers to receive content initially provided as an HD signal. The re-encoding may be performed, for example, at a cable television system headend. The HD television signal may contain one or more television services (channels). The apparatus enables backward compatibility between an HD data stream and SD receivers. Legacy SD equipment and new HD equipment can be supported using the same television signal feed.