Abstract: Strategies are described for coalescing the processing tasks associated with a series of control events that occur relatively close together in time. The coalescing can involve eliminating redundant tasks by more directly advancing to a terminal control state. One exemplary application of the control coalescing is in the playback of media content information in a networked environment. When a user enters a series of commands to repeatedly change the channel, or repeatedly seek new positions within a single stream, the control coalescing comes into play by aggregating these control events so that it requires fewer control processing tasks to perform. This provision helps reduce the latency associated with handling multiple control events that occur close together in time.

Abstract: An apparatus for presenting each of a first face and a second face of a document to a processing element to facilitate processing of the document thereby. The apparatus includes a first transport subassembly for moving the document along a first document path to present the first face of the document to the processing element. The apparatus also includes a gate adapted to permit movement of the document from the first document path to the second document path. In addition, the apparatus has a second transport subassembly for moving the document in the second document path in a reverse direction until the document engages a downstream side of the gate. The gate directs the document, upon engagement thereof with the downstream side, into the first document path with the second face of the document positioned for presentation to the processing element.

Abstract: A media experience policy engine includes three components: an information manager, a policy evaluator, and an enforcement module. The information manager collects information regarding the current state of a media delivery system, such as, for example, usage of a CPU, memory, hard disk, (I/O) interface, and a network. This collected data is then verified by the policy evaluator to see if resource contention is, or is close to, occurring. If so, existing or potential conflicts are dealt with by the enforcement module, which applies corrections, such as, for example, limiting the access of later chronologic users, or degrading the user experience of all users, in accordance with a desired policy in order to vitiate the resource contention and maintain a user experience consistent with the desired policy.

Abstract: Provided are arrangements for downloading resources and managing downloaded resources. A file is requested from a HTTP server, the file associated with an original URI. The file is downloaded and assigned a handle. The file is then stored in a storage location such as a file cache or in a persistent storage location. Upon command of an advanced content playlist or sequence, the file is called by calling the handle of the file. The storing of the file may include storing the file in a location where the file is subject to an automatic removal operation. The file may be an image file or any other type of file, especially multimedia files. The automatic removal operation may occur upon a quitting or restarting of the application. If another request is made for another file, the prior downloaded file may be replaced.

Abstract: A process for making VOC-compliant adhesives, sealants, or mastic compositions for use in residential and industrial construction applications, and the products made thereby utilizing VOC-compliant solvents in the polymerization process.

Abstract: Program code enabling the streaming of HD content in real-time to a game console is stored on a storage medium remote from the game console. The game console executes software that facilitates transfer of the program code from the remote storage medium to the game console. The program code ensures that sufficient bandwidth exists on a network between the game console and a HD tuner, and enables the streaming of HD content in real-time to the game console.

Abstract: A transrate manager on a host computer determines if there is a limitation in network bandwidth and controls the bit-rate of streaming media content accordingly. The bit-rate is controlled by excluding types of video frames from the streaming media content and then reintroducing excluded types of video frames back into the streaming video content once the network has recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of computerized systems for evaluating patient-specific data for the purpose of providing healthcare providers with recommendations for adhering to best medical practices.

Abstract: A consumer device is presented that utilizes a system and method for downloading from a network server the run time image of the device's operating system and/or application program. As such, the amount of Flash memory required to store the operating system may be greatly reduced, which also reduces the cost associated with such Flash memory. Since the run time image is downloaded from a network server, the image can be updated at the server for bug fixes and feature enhancements. For devices operating in audio/video distribution, additional security is provided to maintain the digital rights management of the A/V content. This security is provided through a combination of hardware and software security features including ROM in the CPU or board mounted Flash memory with an unwritable section. Further, each boot load program checks the digital signature of the program it is loading before that program is allowed to execute.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for changing a display mode. The apparatus includes a graphical user interface having one of a set of display modes. The set of display modes include a passive matrix display mode and an active matrix display mode. The apparatus also includes a switch capable of changing the display mode of the graphical user interface from one display mode to another display mode in the set of display modes.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method of handling for-sale items while shopping at a brick-and-mortar store, including inventorying, tracking, and scanning the for-sale items at checkout. Customers select and bag items while they shop. Each item includes an RFID tag uniquely identifying the item or category of item. The customer brings the shopping cart to an unloading zone of a checkout station. Another, empty shopping cart is positioned in an unloading zone. The customer may receive electronic guidance in positioning the shopping carts. As the customer moves the bags from the shopping cart in the unloading zone to the shopping cart in the loading zone, the bags are scanned by the RFID scanner without removing the items from the bags. Redundant RFID scanners may be provided to increase reliability, and a UPC scanner may be provided as a backup. The shopping carts at the loading zone and unloading zone may be weighed and the weights compared, to guard against possible theft of goods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, air is automatically sampled within a zone of interest in response to an event caused by a mammal. The release of material from the mammal may be induced by directing an increased velocity airflow at the mammal or by introducing a sneezing agent into the zone of interest and capturing the air sample after the mammal has sneezed. Materials contained within the sampled air may include organic material such as skin, hair, saliva, or mucus, and gases such as CO2 and methane. The materials may be forensically analyzed to confirm the presence or to determine the identity of the mammal. The organic materials may contain DNA, in which case the forensic analysis may include a DNA analysis to determine the identity of the mammal.

Abstract: A system receives multiple data samples and determines time stamp values associated with each of the multiple data samples. The system identifies an earliest time stamp value and uses that time stamp value as an initial system clock value. The system may also subtract a delay factor from the earliest time stamp value to account for delay in decoding the multiple data samples. The earliest time stamp value is also communicated to an audio decoder and a video decoder. The audio and video decoders provide clock data back to a component that maintains the system clock value. If the difference between the clock data received from the decoders and the system clock value exceeds a threshold value, the system clock value is recalculated.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) for incrementally updating and formatting high-definition digital versatile disk (HD-DVD) markup are described herein. The tools may receive first markup representing a first scene description to be read from a HD-DVD, and may map the first markup into a first area composite for presentation to a user. The tools may then receive second markup representing a second scene description to be read from the HD-DVD. In response to receiving the second markup, the tools may incrementally remap a portion of the first scene description into a second area composite for presentation to the user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) for optimizing execution of high-definition digital versatile disk (HD-DVD) timing markup are described herein. The tools may receive timing markup read from an HD-DVD disk, and optimize the processing of the timing markup using one or more of the optimization strategies described herein.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for distributing, and redeeming manufacturer coupons for a product purchase in a retail environment. With the mechanism of the illustrative embodiments, the data processing system of a retailer (hereinafter the loyalty coupon system) receives an electronic coupon from a manufacturer. The loyalty coupon system links the product to the inventory control system of the retail environment. The loyalty coupon system then targets the electronic coupon to customers that have subscribed to the loyalty coupon system. The coupon system provides for the communication of the product coupon directly to each subscribed customer on the list. Upon a customer selecting the coupon, the loyalty coupon system configures a customer reward. Upon the customer purchasing the product using their loyalty card, the loyalty coupon system disburses the customer reward at the point of sale. The manufacturer is billed for the redeemed coupon.

Abstract: Diffusion regions in a standard cell design are bridged across cell boundaries. Shallow trench isolation is reduced and nitride passivation thickness variation is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of computerized systems for evaluating patient-specific data for the purpose of providing healthcare providers with recommendations for adhering to best medical practices.

Abstract: A congestion controller for a media server monitors both the buffer status of the client device as well as the network performance. The congestion controller may increase or decrease the pacing of packets transmitted over the network based on the fullness of a buffer on the client device, but may also change the bit rate of the packets based on the network performance. By monitoring both the client device status and network performance, the pacing and bit rate of the packets may be varied together to achieve an optimized throughput and maximized user experience of the media.

Abstract: While streaming media content, trick mode operation is optimized to a level that can be readily accommodated by available resources of a media delivery system. In one possible strategy, a trick mode optimization module may decrease the bit rate of the media content stream by progressively dropping delta frames and then a fraction of the remaining key frames as needed. According to another possible strategy, the trick mode optimization module may decrease the bit rate of the media content by progressively dropping sequences of frames between successive key frames. In addition, the trick mode optimization module may combine strategies and drop sequences between key frames, as well as dropping delta frames from the remaining sequences.