Abstract: Timecoding systems, methods and data structures are described which, in some embodiments, permit a true time to be ascertained from media samples whose timecodes contain an amount of drift which can arise from having non-integer frame rates. Inventive methods incorporate the use of an offset parameter that describes a time difference between a timecode and a true time associated with a media sample. The inventive approaches can be incorporated with and used compatibly in connection with current timecoding paradigms such as SMPTE timecode and the like. Further embodiments permit timecoding to take place at the field level of a frame. This can permit true-time calculations to be done to ascertain the true time associated with individual fields of a frame. In addition, other embodiments provide novel counting compensation methods that are directed to reducing the drift that can be associated with media samples that are sampled at non-integer frame rates.

Abstract: Timecoding systems, methods and data structures are described which, in some embodiments, permit a true time to be ascertained from media samples whose timecodes contain an amount of drift which can arise from having non-integer frame rates. Inventive methods incorporate the use of an offset parameter that describes a time difference between a timecode and a true time associated with a media sample. The inventive approaches can be incorporated with and used compatibly in connection with current timecoding paradigms such as SMPTE timecode and the like. Further embodiments permit timecoding to take place at the field level of a frame. This can permit true-time calculations to be done to ascertain the true time associated with individual fields of a frame. In addition, other embodiments provide novel counting compensation methods that are directed to reducing the drift that can be associated with media samples that are sampled at non-integer frame rates.

Abstract: Timecoding systems, methods and data structures are described which, in some embodiments, permit a true time to be ascertained from media samples whose timecodes contain an amount of drift which can arise from having non-integer frame rates. Inventive methods incorporate the use of an offset parameter that describes a time difference between a timecode and a true time associated with a media sample. The inventive approaches can be incorporated with and used compatibly in connection with current timecoding paradigms such as SMPTE timecode and the like. Further embodiments permit timecoding to take place at the field level of a frame. This can permit true-time calculations to be done to ascertain the true time associated with individual fields of a frame. In addition, other embodiments provide novel counting compensation methods that are directed to reducing the drift that can be associated with media samples that are sampled at non-integer frame rates.

Abstract: Timecoding systems, methods and data structures are described which, in some embodiments, permit a true time to be ascertained from media samples whose timecodes contain an amount of drift which can arise from having non-integer frame rates. Inventive methods incorporate the use of an offset parameter that describes a time difference between a timecode and a true time associated with a media sample. The inventive approaches can be incorporated with and used compatibly in connection with current timecoding paradigms such as SMPTE timecode and the like. Further embodiments permit timecoding to take place at the field level of a frame. This can permit true-time calculations to be done to ascertain the true time associated with individual fields of a frame. In addition, other embodiments provide novel counting compensation methods that are directed to reducing the drift that can be associated with media samples that are sampled at non-integer frame rates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strategy science methodology involving computer implementation is provided. The invention includes a well-defined set of procedures for carrying out a full range of projects to develop strategies for clients. One embodiment of the invention produces custom consulting projects that are found at one end of the full range of projects. At the other end of the range are, for example, projects developing strategies from syndicated models. The strategies developed are for single decisions or for sequences of multiple decisions.

Abstract: A system identifies video data to be encoded as well as multiple display regions associated with a particular video display type. Each of the multiple display regions is associated with a different portion of an image associated with the video data. The video data is encoded such that the encoded video data includes information regarding the multiple display regions. Each of the multiple display regions has an associated display region identifier. Additionally, the system may identify an active region of the video data. The active region may be located anywhere within an image associated with the video data. The video data is encoded such that the encoded video data includes information regarding the active region.

Abstract: A method of interfacing non-integrated media processing system elements is presented, the method comprising identifying one or more characteristics of one or more media processing system elements, and dynamically negotiating which system elements will perform certain media processing tasks based, at least in part, on the identified one or more characteristics of the system elements.

Abstract: A content control system for limiting access by sensitive users, such as children, or the like, to certain types of content. The content control system provides a user interface for an information handling system, information appliance, content recorder, or the like that provides a single point of user control for parental locks for multiple audio and/or audiovisual devices. In embodiments of the invention, the content control system may employ a method of setting the content rating parameters of a content control system based on content rating of example content. The content control system may also employ a method for modifying the content rating of content received by a content recorder such as a personal video recorder, or the like.

Abstract: A multimedia application program interface (API), selectively invoked in a computing system to interface any video decoder application with any video accelerator is presented comprising a command data structure and a residual difference data structure. The residual difference data structure includes residual difference information for use among and between the decoder and the accelerator in the prediction process. The control command data structure includes control commands which are dynamically tailored to interface the decoder application with a hardware accelerator in accordance with an acceptable media processing standard negotiated between the decoder and the accelerator.

Abstract: A multimedia system comprising an information handling system, a plurality of multimedia devices operatively and electrically connected to the computer, and at least one software module residing in computer memory for interpreting device control commands is capable of performing a method for interpreting device control commands, including receiving a high level device control command, generating a generic device control script based on a device interconnect model and the high level device control command, interpreting the generic device control script, and transmitting specific device control commands to a device through a device interface.

Abstract: A moldable composite building material which can be formed into structural elements, such as blocks or bricks, is provided. The moldable composite building material is composed primarily of gin trash combined with a binder and a sealer. The gin trash is mixed with the binder and either molded or extruded into the desired shape, creating a compacted material. The compacted material is then cut, if necessary, and coated with a sealer to form the moldable composite building material.

Abstract: A system for implementing an intelligent window user interface for computers ("software suite") is disclosed. Each of a plurality of software suites of the present invention comprises a compound computer display object that provides a single integrated visual representation, via a "software suite window," for multiple application programs and/or files, which are represented in the suite window by icons. Each software suite has associated therewith a storage element in which is stored contextual information for defining the appearance and behavior of the software suite window and the icons displayed therein and for identifying the locations of files associated with the icons. This contextual information may also include, for example, an order in which related files in the suite are to be executed, as well as file history and manufacturing information for the items represented in the suite.