Abstract: Distribution, either incorporated into a video signal or via a separate channel, of human and/or artificially intelligent generated auxiliary information used to selectively record and/or display one of several subsets of program segments. Subsets comprise options that are progressively abstracted, alternatively rated, selectively limited to particular subject matter, or otherwise diverse versions of the program material. Settop box, or similar device, records program and auxiliary information, and displays selected subset under user control.

Abstract: Processes for selecting, manipulating and arranging data points or pixels derived from information bearing signals are useful to reduce the bandwidth of, or improve the perceived quality of, such a signal as transmitted and displayed. The techniques utilize time-varying sampling schemes and take into account the characteristics of the human visual system. For each information frame, a subset (3) of all possible data points (1) is selected (2). A further subset of active data points (5) is selected (4) for which data will actually be sampled. The active points (5) are further divided (6) into points for which a value will be transmitted (x-points) (7) and points which will be sampled but for which no separate value will be transmitted (o-points) (8). A mathematical association between the x-points and o-points is made (9) and new values to be transmitted are calculated for the x-points (10).

Abstract: Procedures and systems for speeding up end-user access of large interlinked databases over communication networks such as the internet. Predicting user requests is accomplished by artificially intelligent assistant. These requests are prioritized and augmented protocols are used to download in a weighted interleaved fashion multiple information resources.

Abstract: Procedures and systems for speeding up end-user access of large interlinked databases over communication networks such as the internet. Predicting user requests is accomplished by artificially intelligent assistant. These requests are prioritized and augmented protocols are used to download in a weighted interleaved fashion multiple information resources.

Abstract: Procedures and systems for speeding up end-user access of large interlinked databases over communication networks such as the internet. Predicting user requests is accomplished by artificially intelligent assistant. These requests are prioritized and augmented protocols are used to download in a weighted interleaved fashion multiple information resources.

Abstract: Procedures and systems for speeding up end-user access of large interlinked databases over communication networks such as the internet. Predicting user requests is accomplished by artificially intelligent assistant. These requests are prioritized and augmented protocols are used to download in a weighted interleaved fashion multiple information resources.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illustrator- or painter-operated, computer-mediated system for creating binocular, stereoscopic images from 2-D and 3-D image elements created by the operator or imported into the system. Depth effects are synthesized by creating parallax offsets which are applied to the display positions of the various elements in the view presented to each eye. The magnitude of the offset for each object is related to the depth of that object, the direction of the offset is related to which eye the view is intended for. A 3-D input device is described as a system component which may be used to control such a system. Additional techniques are disclosed whereby digital information so created may be displayed, broadcast, or utilized in a virtual reality system.

Abstract: Procedures and systems for speeding up end-user access of large interlinked databases over communication networks such as the internet. Predicting user requests is accomplished by artificially intelligent assistant. These requests are prioritized and augmented protocols are used to download in a weighted interleaved fashion multiple information resources.

Abstract: Imaging device is trained (e.g., panned, zoomed, focussed) on environmental navigation feature, such as street sign or house number, by operator input and computer control. Optional illumination in visible, infrared, ultraviolet, or other spectrum enhances (especially nighttime) imaging. Optional processing is applied to image to increase brightness, sharpness and/or size, and/or to counter positional or other distortion or error. Computer controlled motion tracking, affected by pattern recognition algorithms with optional artificial intelligence, and/or freeze frame function, and/or optical or digital image stabilization, are used to stabilize view from moving vehicle.

Abstract: An internet-mediated technique permits the collaboration of parents, educators and advertizing sponsors to motivate student utilization of interactive computer practice sessions with automated assessment and customized presentations for students.

Abstract: Methods and devices for incorporating additional information, such as HDTV side strips, into the blanking intervals of a previous frame. These may be used in conjunction with Inventor's time-varying STS techniques or otherwise. The information thus incorporated may be used, in addition to HDTV side strips, for the incorporation of data that may represent: additional definition; information that may be used to convert a monoscopic image into a left and right pair, or the second of a pair; various area maps which may be used to apply a multiplicity of algorithms to separate areas of an image; motion analysis information; interactive or gaming information; multimedia or hypermedia information; or, otherwise. Off-line computation and recording may be used to advantage at the encoding end of the process, as well as pipelined architecture at the reception end.

Abstract: Processes, devices and systems for creating, manipulating and displaying images employing variable-geometry pixels. Pixels may vary in size, shape or position. Storage and transmission requirements may thus be reduced; as well as an increase in apparent resolution.

Abstract: Off-line computation and recording is applied (via an under-powered processor) to the encoding, for bandwidth compression, of a high-resolution video signal. This technique permits more compute cycles to be applied to each frame than if the process were attempted to be accomplished in real time. Better compression ratios and/or better visual quality are, thus, achieved than if the process were attempted to be performed by the same processor in a real-time manner.