Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for defining a personalized sequence of discrete media content segments to be played at particular times. The media content segments are selected from live media content segments and archived media content segments. The method includes specifying an order of play of the media segments; specifying specific live media content segments having defined start times, durations and repeat intervals; and deriving a play sequence. The media content segments may be audio or video content segments. The system in a preferred embodiment is carried out using a series of web pages and the content defined by the sequence is provided to the user over a computer network.

Abstract: Methods for remotely sensing sound waves in an optically transparent or semitransparent medium through detecting changes in the optical properties of the medium, which are caused by the sound waves. For example, to implement a microphone that can sense sound at a distance from the sound source. The variations in the attenuation or the phase of a beam of light that is received after passing through the sound waves are sensed and converted to an electrical or other signal. For the attenuation method, the wavelength of the beam of light sensed is selected to be one that is highly attenuated by a constituent of the medium, so that the changing instantaneous pressure of the medium due to the sound pressure waves can be detected through the changing light attenuation due to the changing density of the air along the light path.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for generating a desired references to a sequence or series of possibly periodically-updated references to information available on a computer network, independently of the information source.

Abstract: Methods for remotely detecting whether a specific object is in a specific position or state. For example, to detect a desired condition, such as; that a residential sliding door is both fully closed and also locked, or a stove element is turned off, or that a window's pane of glass is intact. Optical methods are used, and in one embodiment a retroreflective surface is affixed to the door's locking handle, or the control dial for the stove element, or the glass surface, respectively, for this example. A narrow light beam illuminates the location where the retroreflective surface would be if; the door is closed and its lock handle is in the locked position, the control dial for the stove element is in the off position, or the window's glass is intact. If a monitoring device senses the retroreflected beam of light, then the retroreflective surface must be in the desired position, and the desired condition has been confirmed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for defining a personalized sequence of discrete media content segments to be played at particular times. The media content segments are selected from live media content segments and archived media content segments. The method includes specifying an order of play of the media segments; specifying specific live media content segments having defined start times, durations and repeat intervals; and deriving a play sequence. The media content segments may be audio or video content segments. The system in a preferred embodiment is carried out using a series of web pages and the content defined by the sequence is provided to the user over a computer network.

Abstract: A sonic method of classifying and screening incoming telephone, and other types of calls is disclosed. Based on information from the network provider, such as a caller ID message from a telephone company, distinctive sounds which are easy to mentally associate with specific callers or categories of callers are generated in place of, or in addition to, other call alerting methods, such as the standard ringing of telephones—so there is no need to go to, view, or to be able to read, the caller ID information on a visual display. The invention can be configured to not generate a distinctive sound for certain callers or categories of callers, so calls from certain callers or categories of callers will not disturb the called party. The invention can be connected to any telephone receptacle as a standard telephone or answering machine would be, so no special wiring or installation is required.