Abstract: This invention provides methods for preparing samples for MALDI mass spectrometry. The methods make possible the use of reagents that are normally considered unsuitable for MALDI in the preparation of a sample. Also provided are methods for internal calibration of a mass spectrometer, and methods for preparing sample supports.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for identification of proteins using high mass accuracy mass spectrometry. Not only do high mass accuracy measurements provide greater confidence in protein identification assignments, but they also enable proteins to be identified with either less sequence coverage or fewer additional tandem MS experiments. In addition, high mass measurement accuracy optionally allows protein identifications to be made on the basis of the mass of a single peptide, providing higher-throughputs in the analysis of mixtures due to the significant decrease in time spent on additional tandem MS experiments. In addition, a concomitant time saving in the cross correlation process of mass spectral data with in silico digested databases would also be achieved.

Abstract: The method for adjusting quality during image capture includes computing a discrete cosine transform of a digital image to create DCT coefficients. A quantization table is generated that specifies frequency bands to be filtered and the DCT coefficients are digitized using the quantization table. It is preferred that the DCT coefficients be ordered in a zig-zag sequence to facilitate run-length encoding.

Abstract: A media pipeline with two channels processes sequences of digital still images. A blender is provided so as to enable simple effects on these two streams of video data such as dissolves, wipes and chroma keys. Complex arbitrary three-dimensional effects and other effects may also be provided using an external interface. Thus, a system for processing sequences of digital still images to provide real-time digital video effects includes first and second channels for communicating first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video. A controller directs still images to one of the first and second channels. A blender, having a first input connected to the first channel, a second input connected to the second channel, and an output, provides a combination of the first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video.

Abstract: The method for adjusting quality during image capture includes computing a discrete cosine transform of a digital image to create DCT coefficients. A quantization table is generated that specifies frequency bands to be filtered and the DCT coefficients are digitized using the quantization table. It is preferred that the DCT coefficients be ordered in a zig-zag sequence to facilitate run-length encoding.

Abstract: Multiple applications request data from multiple storage units over a computer network. The data is divided into segments and each segment is distributed randomly on one of several storage units, independent of the storage units on which other segments of the media data are stored. At least one additional copy of each segment also is distributed randomly over the storage units, such that each segment is stored on at least two storage units. This random distribution of multiple copies of segments of data improves both scalability and reliability. When an application requests a selected segment of data, the request is processed by the storage unit with the shortest queue of requests. Random fluctuations in the load applied by multiple applications on multiple storage units are balanced nearly equally over all of the storage units.

Abstract: Media composer for editing source material. The media composer includes apparatus for receiving digitizing, storing and editing video and audio source material. Computing apparatus manipulates the stored source material and output apparatus communicates with the computing apparatus to display the manipulated material and control information. The computing apparatus includes JPEG compression techniques and is programmed to provide enhanced editing features.

Abstract: Multiple applications request data from multiple storage units over a computer network. The data is divided into segments and each segment is distributed randomly on one of several storage units, independent of the storage units on which other segments of the media data are stored. Redundancy information corresponding to each segment also is distributed randomly over the storage units. The redundancy information for a segment may be a copy of the segment, such that each segment is stored on at least two storage units. The redundancy information also may be based on two or more segments. This random distribution of segments of data and corresponding redundancy information improves both scalability and reliability. When a storage unit fails, its load is distributed evenly over to remaining storage units and its lost data may be recovered because of the redundancy information.

Abstract: Multiple applications request data from multiple storage units over a computer network. The data is divided into segments and each segment is distributed randomly on one of several storage units, independent of the storage units on which other segments of the media data are stored. Redundancy information corresponding to each segment also is distributed randomly over the storage units. The redundancy information for a segment may be a copy of the segment, such that each segment is stored on at least two storage units. The redundancy information also may be based on two or more segments. This random distribution of segments of data and corresponding redundancy information improves both scalability and reliability. When a storage unit fails, its load is distributed evenly over to remaining storage units and its lost data may be recovered because of the redundancy information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a customer loyalty investment program system and method. In one embodiment, the invention is used in e-commerce. In another embodiment, the invention may be used for on-line and/or off-line commerce using a credit card. The system illustratively includes a web server containing a web site and a database server containing a member information, merchant information, fund information, purchase/rebate information, on-line financial products/services information, and an input/output means. The method may include negotiating rebate percentages with merchants, registering members, receiving rebates from the merchants based on member purchases, investing the rebates in the fund, and issuing shares in the fund to members based on rebates received as a result of their respective purchases. Advantageously, the composition of the fund preferably reflects the rebates received from the merchants.

Abstract: Multiple applications request data from multiple storage units over a computer network. The data is divided into segments and each segment is distributed randomly on one of several storage units, independent of the storage units on which other segments of the media data are stored. At least one additional copy of each segment also is distributed randomly over the storage units, such that each segment is stored on at least two storage units. This random distribution of multiple copies of segments of data improves both scalability and reliability. When an application requests a selected segment of data, the request is processed by the storage unit with the shortest queue of requests. Random fluctuations in the load applied by multiple applications on multiple storage units are balanced nearly equally over all of the storage units.

Abstract: Multiple applications request data from multiple storage units over a computer network. The data is divided into segments and each segment is distributed randomly on one of several storage units, independent of the storage units on which other segments of the media data are stored. Redundancy information corresponding to each segment also is distributed randomly over the storage units. The redundancy information for a segment may be a copy of the segment, such that each segment is stored on at least two storage units. The redundancy information also may be based on two or more segments. This random distribution of segments of data and corresponding redundancy information improves both scalability and reliability. When a storage unit fails, its load is distributed evenly over to remaining storage units and its lost data may be recovered because of the redundancy information.

Abstract: The system processes sequences of digital still images to provide real-time digital video effects, and includes first and second channels for communicating first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video. A controller directs still images to one of the first and second channels. A blender, having a first input connected to the first channel, a second input connected to the second channel, and an output, provides a combination of the first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video.

Abstract: Media composer for editing source material. The media composer includes apparatus for receiving digitizing, storing and editing video and audio source material. Computing apparatus manipulates the stored source material and output apparatus communicates with the computing apparatus to display the manipulated material and control information. The computing apparatus includes JPEG compression techniques and is programmed to provide enhanced editing features.

Abstract: Media composer for editing source material. The media composer includes apparatus for receiving digitizing, storing and editing video and audio source material. Computing apparatus manipulates the stored source material and output apparatus communicates with the computing apparatus to display the manipulated material and control information. The computing apparatus includes JPEG compression techniques and is programmed to provide enhanced editing features.

Abstract: A system for the management of media data and binding of media date to requests for pieces of media, which includes a plurality of procedures that can establish and write storage of new media, and make requests for media based on media source identification and range on the specified media source. A system for the management of relational information between media sources, which includes a plurality of procedures to set and query the information. Relations are established either via interaction with the sources or by user's specifications. Relations are based on positions in the source, labels on these positions and ranges from the labels indicating the length of the relation. Further the invention provides for the separation of information concerning source relations, actual media stored for these sources, and binding of media to specific needs for the media within the system.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a media recorder for recording live and prerecorded analog audio and/or video information. It is capable of receiving, digitizing, and storing analog audio and/or video information in real time. The invention detects discontinuities in the reception of the analog information and automatically terminates the storage of the information, so the previously received audio and/or video information is stored as a self-contained clip of digitized information. The invention is also capable of receiving and storing digital audio and/or video information from other sources, so that the system can play both the digital audio and/or video information digitized by it and that received from the other sources. This allows both the newly recorded and previously recorded media segments to be evaluated both individually and in context with other segments.

Abstract: The method for adjusting quality during image capture includes computing a discrete cosine transform of a digital image to create DCT coefficients. A quantization table is generated that specifies frequency bands to be filtered and the DCT coefficients are digitized using the quantization table. It is preferred that the DCT coefficients be ordered in a zig-zag sequence to facilitate run-length encoding.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selecting samples for presentation on an output device, such as a display or speaker, from a sequence of stored media samples, such as audio or video information. Position information is received from a pointing device, such as a mouse, and translated into direction and magnitude information. A second sample is then retrieved based on this position and magnitude information. This method may be used to implement jog or shuttle controls for a media composer, which may be provided with simulated "inertia" for ease of use.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a media recorder for recording live and prerecorded analog audio and/or video information. It is capable of receiving, digitizing, and storing analog audio and/or video information in real time. The invention detects discontinuities in the reception of the analog information and automatically terminates the storage of the information, so the previously received audio and/or video information is stored as a self-contained clip of digitized information. The invention is also capable of receiving and storing digital audio and/or video information from other sources, so that the system can play both the digital audio and/or video information digitized by it and that received from the other sources. This allows both the newly recorded and previously recorded media segments to be evaluated both individually and in context with other segments.