Abstract: A method of responding to an incoming call includes receiving the incoming call from a caller. The incoming call includes caller ID information having image data associated with the caller included therein. The image data is displayed on a video telephony device display while audibly announcing receipt of the incoming call. A communication session is established with the caller by presenting a pre-recorded announcement to the caller. In response to the pre-recorded announcement, a message from the caller is received and recorded. The message is rendered while it is being recorded only if a user-selectable mute setting option has not been activated.

Abstract: A method and system identify programming code that is appropriate to the architecture and capabilities of a set-top terminal in a cable television system. The appropriate programming code is identified from among a variety of code objects being broadcast from the headend facility of the cable television system. A platform identifier stored in the set-top terminal is matched to a corresponding platform identifier in an entitlement management message or other download locator message that specifies where in the transport stream from the headend a particular code object can be acquired. By acquiring the object corresponding to the message bearing a matching platform identifier, the set-top terminal acquires programming code compatible with its attributes. Additionally, the cable television system can then optimally support a varied population of set-top terminals.

Abstract: A timing circuit includes a variable frequency oscillator which has a control signal that determines the output frequency of the oscillator. The control signal and a reference signal are stored in the circuit. A precision calibration pulse is applied to the timing circuit which counts the output cycles of the variable frequency oscillator during the period of the pulse. This count is stored and compared to the reference count to produce an error count. This error count is combined with the previously stored control signal to produce a new control signal that drives the output of the oscillator to a new frequency. The timing circuit can be utilized as a part of a delay circuit is an electronic blasting system wherein a control unit transmits the calibration pulse concurrently to each of the delay circuits to cause each circuit to calibrate its local oscillator in accordance with the calibration pulse. The control unit transmits a delay count to each of the delay ignition circuits.

Abstract: In the field of blasting, it is often desirable to ignite explosives at various relative times. Such delayed ignition can have advantages in better break up of rock and reduced ground vibration. A principle problem in using the time delay technique is the accuracy rate of a local oscillator which measures the delay time for each of the delay circuits. In the described system, a calibration interval, independent of any delay time, is transmitted from a control unit concurrently to each of the delay circuits wherein each delay circuit counts the output of its local oscillator during the calibration interval. This local oscillator output is then compared to a predetermined reference count, either at the delay circuit or at the control unit, and a correction factor is established. This correction factor is then applied to a delay count for the individual delay circuit.