Abstract: A system and method for providing a dynamic user interface for a dense three-dimensional scene is presented. Clusters are placed in a three-dimensional scene arranged proximal to each other such cluster to form a cluster spine. Each cluster includes one or more concepts. Each cluster spine is projected into a two-dimensional display relative to a stationary perspective as a hierarchical view of the cluster spines in the display. Folder controls operating on the hierarchical view are presented. The hierarchical view includes an indicator representing each cluster spine and a line indicating the cluster spine interrelationships relative to other cluster spines. A label is generated to identify one such concept included in each cluster spine in the hierarchical view.

Abstract: A system for changing the coder-decoder utilized during a voice over Internet protocol telephone call is disclosed. The system includes two local area networks connected to each other via a wide area network. Each local area network includes a router connected to the wide area network, a switch connected to the router and a voice over Internet protocol telephone connected to the switch. The voice over Internet protocol telephones are configured to detect when voice packets are being dropped and utilize a lower bandwidth coder-decoder.

Abstract: A method includes receiving user input indicating a selection of a first multimedia channel from a set of multimedia channels for display. The method further includes determining a first user-selected audio indicator associated with the first multimedia channel. The method additionally includes providing the first audio indicator for audible output in response to receiving the user input indicating the selection of the first multimedia channel. Another method includes providing a user interface to facilitate an association of one or more audio indicators with one or more corresponding channel selection actions.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, method and apparatus for connecting a target telephone with Voice Mail System in a network comprising Centrex or other TDM telephones and VoIP (or SIP) type telephones. The invention provides a system for the connection of a target telephone with a Voice Mail System in a network using a protocol converter that is connectable to a PSTN network and an IP network and a voice mail system. The converter may comprise instructions; computer memory and a processor. The converter converts message signals between SIP signals and SMDI signals as may be required and then directs the message signals to a target telephone, which may be through an IP Gateway. The system may further comprise a management console or an end office facility. An Electronic Numbering facility comprising phone numbers convertible between PSTN numbers and SIP numbers may also be provided with the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for managing a wireless network in conjunction with an Ethernet switch comprising at least one SIP-aware application, an SIP-aware Access Port, and an SIP-aware management device for managing wireless network signals by providing out-of-band SIP signals to the SIP-aware Access Port. The device may comprise a program for load balancing SIP-aware applications and/or a port for monitoring all traffic across all ports. The invention provides for detection of rogue access ports, for the monitoring of RF link quality, Access Port availability and metrics for Quality of Service.

Abstract: A method includes associating a first channel identifier of an electronic programming guide with a first multimedia channel from a first content source and associating a second channel identifier of the electronic programming guide with a second multimedia channel from a second content source. The second content source is different from the first content source. A computer readable medium embodies a set of executable instructions that manipulate a processor to generate an electronic programming guide. The electronic programming guide includes a first set of one or more channel identifiers and a second set of one or more channel identifiers. Each channel identifier in the first set is associated with one or more multimedia channels of a cable television transmission and each channel identifier in the second set is associated with a multimedia channel of a packet-based network transmission.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data representative of a plurality of multimedia channels and associating channel numbers with at least a subset of the plurality of multimedia channels to generate a first channel numbering set. The method further includes providing, in response to user input indicating a selection of a channel number of the first channel numbering set, data representative of one of the plurality of multimedia channels for display. A set of executable instructions manipulate a processor to display an electronic programming guide (EPG) interface. The EPG interface includes a user input interface to receive user information indicating a preferred arrangement of a plurality of multimedia channels ordered in a channel numbering set. The set of executable instructions further manipulate the processor to provide, in response to user input indicating a selection of a channel number by a user, one of the plurality of multimedia channels for display based on the channel numbering set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for security in a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) message. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an access point (104) has a transceiver (302) for coupling a VoIP terminal (102) with a communications network (110), and a processor (304). The processor is programmed to intercept (302) a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) message from the VoIP terminal, interleave (306) portions of the VoIP message into two or more packet streams, encrypt (310) each packet stream, and transmit (316) each encrypted packet stream in distinct communication channels of the communication network.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a distributed presence and availability management network (PAMN). PAMN presence detection elements or devices can be distributed throughout enterprise, wireless, and wire-line communication systems. The PAMN can include a first element having a first session initiated protocol (SIP) application to interface to an enterprise platform and collect enterprise system based presence information. The PAMN can also include a second element having a second SIP application to interface to a public wire-line communication network and collect public wire-line network based presence information. The PAMN can further include a third element having a third SIP application to interface to a wireless communication network and collect public wireless network based on public wireless communication presence information.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a presence and availability management configuration. The system and method can include a system that pings multiple communication devices associated with a targeted party prior to sending a communication. The system can transmit a target device identifier with a status request (a ping) over a communication network. A response to the ping can provide presence information related to the targeted party. In addition, the system can ping a second target communication device by transmitting a second device identifier over the communication network. In response to a reply from the second target device, additional presence information can be determined. Utilizing a response or responses from the first and second party device(s), (and possibly other devices and/or multiple presence servers), a target device address and a communication mode can be determined, (i.e. where and how to send a communication and to which device).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for authorizing activity in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) environment. A requested activity can be a request to view a pay-per-view program or purchase an item. An account server receives a request from a viewer to view or purchase the IPTV activity. The account server checks the cost of the request against a spending limit of the viewer. If the cost of the requested item exceeds the amount available in a viewer's account, the viewer receives a message and is offered an option to request an exception to exceed the spending limit. A request for an exception to exceed the spending limit is received at the account server, and an account administrator is notified of the receipt of the request for the exception. A response is received from the account administrator to grant authorization. If no response is received within a selected time limit, the request can be implicitly rejected.

Abstract: A method and system are provided. The method includes providing a multimedia data stream including a first channel having video content representing a first list of video games and corresponding channel identifiers and a second channel having video game data associated with a first video game of the first list. The second channel is associated with a first channel identifier corresponding to the first video game. The system includes one or more storage devices to store video game data, a list generation module to generate video content representing a first list of video games and corresponding channel identifiers and a multimedia stream generator. The multimedia stream generator generates a multimedia data stream including at least a first channel having data representative of the video content representing the first list of video games and a second channel having video game data associated with a first video game of the first list.

Abstract: A television and a method thereof are provided. The television includes a display, a first network interface to a packet-based network, a first modular card receptacle coupled to the first network interface and a game console modular card coupled to the first modular card receptacle. The game console modular card processes video game data and includes one or more controller interfaces to receive user control signals related to game play and an output to provide video data associated with the game play. The method includes receiving video game data at a television having a game console modular card via a first network interface to a packet-based network, providing at least a portion of the video game data to the game console modular card via a first modular card receptacle of the television and processing the video game data to provide game play content for display by the television.

Abstract: A television and a method thereof are provided. The television includes a display, a first network interface to a packet-based network, and a decoder operable to process a multimedia data stream received via the first network interface, wherein the television is operable to display video content of the multimedia data stream on the display promptly upon receipt of a user request to power up the television. The method includes receiving a multimedia data stream at a network interface of a television, wherein the network interface is coupled to a packet-based network, processing the multimedia data stream at a decoder of the television to generate video content and providing the video content to a display of the television, wherein the television displays video content of the multimedia data stream promptly upon receipt of a request to power up the television.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes a processor and a network interface coupled to the processor. The network interface is further coupled to a packet-based network. The processor is further connected to a television display, a decoder, and a flash memory. The decoder is also connected to the network interface. The processor is configured to execute a real-time operating system which has logic and configuration parameters for streamlining one or more operations of the processor.

Abstract: A television and a method are provided. The television includes a display, a first network interface to a packet-based network, a first modular card receptacle coupled to the first network interface, and an audio receiver modular card coupled to the first modular card receptacle, the audio receiver modular card to process audio data, wherein the television is operable to display video content on the display promptly upon receipt of a user request.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for receiving a plurality of cellular telephone signals over an RF communication system. The present invention receives at least one signal at a cellular frequency, identifies a user associated with the cellular signal, converts the signal to an RF signal, and sends the converted RF signal to the RF communication system. The call is received at wireless RF handset. A removable Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) of a cell phone docked and integrated with the present invention to route the cellular call to RF receiver. Multiple RF communication lines are managed. Various methods of notifying the intended recipient are disclosed, such as textual display and distinctive ring tones.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes a processor configured to be coupled to a packet-based network. The processor is further coupled to a television display, a video sensor, an alarm sensor, and a modular card. The modular card includes a control module having logic to transmit an electronic message. The electronic message includes a link back to the system.

Abstract: A system includes a multimedia data interface to receive data representative of one or more multimedia channels and a display interface to a display device, the display interface to provide processed multimedia data. The system further includes a security control module to receive alarm sensor data associated with one or more alarm sensors and an alarm premises display module coupled to the security control module and the display interface. The alarm premises display module includes logic to provide a premises diagram for display via the display interface, wherein the premises diagram illustrates a layout of monitored premises and logic to provide a representation of an alarm status of one or more premises locations based on the alarm sensor information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a cellular zone is disclosed. A communication link connects a cellular base station and a wireless access point. A typical communication link can be a wire-based communication network, such as the Internet, using IP telephony protocol. The wireless access point communicates with a cell phone over a cellular frequency and thereby establishes the cellular zone. Where the area of the cellular zone and the coverage area of the cellular base station overlap, continuous arbitration is performed to select a communications channel. The strength of a first signal received from the cellular base station is compared to the strength of a second signal received from the wireless access point. Selection criteria include signal strength and a time-oriented criteria to maintain continuity of communication channel.