Abstract: A method for inserting advertisements into streaming audio for transmission over a world wide network of computers. The method includes transmitting audio data from a first server location to a client location. The audio data include a flag and audio content data. The method also includes monitoring the audio data and identifying the flag on the audio data. A step of inserting an advertisement, which is based upon a user profile, into the audio data based upon the flag is also included. The method also outputs the audio content data comprising the advertisement.

Abstract: A system and method for buffering streaming audio data or other media sources to client devices, where said system maintains a constant buffering time by adjusting the low water mark of the play buffer based on the bit rate of the stream to a level such that the time for the play buffer to fill to the low water mark is constant for all streams.

Abstract: A method for determining an orientation of an object includes determining a plurality of boundary values defining a predetermined range of movement of the object; dividing the range into position segments using the plurality of boundary values; moving a movable portion of the object to a current position; determining a change in object position by comparing a prior object position to the current position; determining the number of position segments corresponding to the change of the object position; outputting a signal corresponding to the number of segments to a control device; determining a scaling value for any or all of the position segments corresponding to a desired position amplification or position attenuation scheme; and controlling movement of a selected image or device based on the amplification or attenuation scheme such that movement of the moveable portion of the object causes disporportional movement of the image or device.

Abstract: A device used for measuring the orientation of a human head about one or two axes and converting that information into an electrical signal in the analog or digital domain includes a headset and includes one or two electromechanical orientation sensors which provide an electrical signal that corresponds to the orientation of the head without any reference to an off-of-the body reference. The orientation sensor includes a signal generating device, such as a variable resistor, coupled to the torso of the user via a mechanical linkage. As the head moves, the linkage moves and changes the resistance of the variable resistor. The change in resistance corresponds to the orientation of the head. One orientation sensor is used to measure the horizontal, or lateral angle, of the head with respect to the torso, or shoulder blades. Two orientation sensors mounted on each side of the head measure both the lateral and vertical angles of the head with respect to the torso, or shoulder blades.