Abstract: A particular method includes receiving a video stream to be displayed on a display device. The method also includes, during a first time period, sending a low resolution version of the video stream to the display device while recovering a full resolution version of the video stream. The method further includes synchronizing the low resolution version of the video stream with the full resolution version of the video stream. The method also includes, during a second time period after the first time period, switching from sending the low resolution version of the video stream to the display device to sending the full resolution version of the video stream to the display device.

Abstract: A novel extendible flexible flood barrier manufactured from textile and membrane materials has been developed which comprises a textile/membrane wall and support posts configured to be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position and wherein, in the deployed position, forms a leak-free barrier against flood water or other fluids. The flexible wall is stored in a container on one side of the opening to be protected and extended to the receiver on the opposite of the opening to deploy the barrier. Structural members, such as posts or a building itself will react to the load from the flood water impinging on the wall. Intermediate posts or bollards can be added to lengthen the wall so larger spans can be closed-off with the flexible wall. The flexible wall can be configured for use in many applications including entire buildings, building entrances, transit system passages, such as ventilation shafts or elevator shafts, stairwells, and other openings that can be threatened by flooding.

Abstract: A novel extendible flexible flood barrier manufactured from textile and membrane materials has been developed which comprises a textile/membrane wall and support posts configured to be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position and wherein, in the deployed position, forms a leak-free barrier against flood water or other fluids. The flexible wall is stored in a container on one side of the opening to be protected and extended to the receiver on the opposite of the opening to deploy the barrier. Structural members, such as posts or a building itself will react to the load from the flood water impinging on the wall. Intermediate posts or bollards can be added to lengthen the wall so larger spans can be closed-off with the flexible wall. The flexible wall can be configured for use in many applications including entire buildings, building entrances, transit system passages, such as ventilation shafts or elevator shafts, stairwells, and other openings that can be threatened by flooding.

Abstract: A lightweight watertight cover that is easily installed and positively secured in place, which provides a reliable seal to prevent flood water from entering openings such as subway ventilation shaft gratings and other porous openings that serve as entry point for flood water.

Abstract: A novel design and construction method for the creation of a Deployable Flexible Flood Mitigation Device manufactured from textile and membrane materials. The Flexible Flood Mitigation Device comprises a textile/membrane panel configured to be movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the panel forms a barrier against flood water; and a spool that is manually or electrically operated is used to move the panel from the closed position to the opened position. The spool can also be eliminated and the panel can be manually folded for storage. The Flexible Flood Mitigation Device can be configured for use in many applications including subway tunnels, vehicular tunnels, stairwells, ventilation shafts, and other openings that can be threatened by flooding. It can be used in any orientation (vertical, horizontal or at an angle with respect to gravity), and can stop fluids approaching from either side. It can also be shaped to fit any opening.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a destination communication device, information related to a communication from a source communication device. The method further includes determining, at the destination communication device, a designation of the source communication device based on the information. The method further includes selecting, based on the designation, a prompt from multiple prompts. The method further includes sending the prompt from the destination communication device to the source communication device. The prompt is a request for second information related to urgency of the call.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at an application server, information related to a call from a calling device to a called device. The method further includes determining, at the application server, a designation of the calling device. The method further includes sending a prompt to the calling device from the application server. The prompt is a request for information related to urgency of the call, where the prompt corresponds to a first prompt when the designation is a first designation and the prompt corresponds to a second prompt when the designation is a second designation. The method further includes receiving a response to the prompt at the application server and modifying a call setup message based on the response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for printing cans with different print patterns in the same production sequence, without it being necessary to interrupt the production. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a process for producing cans, which uses a printing device, the can produced by the device and process, and a transfer blanket that is a graphic means that influences the final print patterns of the cans to be printed.

Abstract: A novel design and construction method for the creation of a Deployable Flexible Flood Mitigation Device manufactured from textile and membrane materials. The Flexible Flood Mitigation Device comprises a textile/membrane panel configured to be movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the panel forms a barrier against flood water; and a spool that is manually or electrically operated is used to move the panel from the closed position to the opened position. The spool can also be eliminated and the panel can be manually folded for storage. The Flexible Flood Mitigation Device can be configured for use in many applications including subway tunnels, vehicular tunnels, stairwells, ventilation shafts, and other openings that can be threatened by flooding. It can be used in any orientation (vertical, horizontal or at an angle with respect to gravity), and can stop fluids approaching from either side. It can also be shaped to fit any opening.

Abstract: A profile-based system is employed to manage user identities and preferences, devices, content and/or other aspects of service delivery. The user profiles may be maintained in one or more servers or other elements located in an external network access via a customer premises equipment (CPE) gateway of a local network. The profiles can be used to map users to identities, devices, services, and other features that affect the manner in which a particular user communicates with (or through) the external network.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at an application server, information related to a call from a calling device to a called device. The method further includes determining, at the application server, a designation of the calling device. The method further includes sending a prompt to the calling device from the application server. The prompt is a request for information related to urgency of the call, where the prompt corresponds to a first prompt when the designation is a first designation and the prompt corresponds to a second prompt when the designation is a second designation. The method further includes receiving a response to the prompt at the application server and modifying a call setup message based on the response.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include information services, methods and systems to facilitate gathering and management of information by home users and professional users of information gathering, processing, and distribution services, and user interfaces through which users communicate with information services. In one embodiment of the present invention, a central information gathering, processing, and distribution service provides a simple, but robust and highly functional, interface to remote home users and professional users to allow the home users and professional users to continuously receive updated information gleaned from continuous searching of the Internet and other information sources by the information service. The interface allows users to define, refine, and stably store interests that define information searches continuously carried out, on behalf of the user, by the information gathering, processing, and distribution service.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for enhanced ringing features on communications terminals. Flexible user-established rules, customized in a subscriber profile database, enable the ring-tone to vary based on caller-id, caller priority, call-urgency (as determined by caller), call context and so forth. Call set-up logic applies the profile rules prior to completing the call set-up. “Buzz-tones” extend the basic distinctive ringing feature to the “silent” mode that is currently available on cell-phones, which is of particular utility to subscribers with hearing disabilities. Other kinds of alerts (audio/motion/visual) like flashing colors on a display, moving pictures and the like, and any combination of notification modes, are contemplated by alternative embodiments.

Abstract: A profile-based system is employed to manage user identities and preferences, devices, content and/or other aspects of service delivery. The user profiles may be maintained in one or more servers or other elements located in an external network access via a customer premises equipment (CPE) gateway of a local network. The profiles can be used to map users to identities, devices, services, and other features that affect the manner in which a particular user communicates with (or through) the external network.

Abstract: A method at a first set top box includes transmitting to a second set top box a request to use a television tuner associated with the second set top box. The method further includes receiving a return recording option from the second set top box. The method also includes generating an indication of a rejection of the request from the second set top box based on the received return recording option. The indication includes a graphical message specifying the rejection of the request.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide incentives to deflect callers to websites are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to deflect a caller to a webpage include receiving a call from the caller, offering an incentive to the caller to terminate the call and access the webpage, and providing an address of the webpage to the caller after the caller consents to terminate the call.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine when to deflect callers to websites are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to deflect a caller to a webpage include receiving a call from the caller, determining a performance metric associated with processing the call, and determining whether to offer the caller an option to terminate the call and access the webpage based on the performance metric.

Abstract: A local network call handling device is configured to establish multiple concurrent call sessions between local network end devices and an external network. When a prioritized end device attempts to establish a call session, the call handling device may initially determine if a first call session identifier is available. If so, the call session can be established using that first identifier. If the first identifier is in use for a call session of another end device, the call handling device may either use a different call session identifier for the prioritized end device session or may drop a pre-existing call session to free an identifier for use in connection with the prioritized end device.

Abstract: A local network call handling device is configured to establish multiple concurrent call sessions between local network end devices and an external network. When a prioritized end device attempts to establish a call session, the call handling device may initially determine if a first call session identifier is available. If so, the call session can be established using that first identifier. If the first identifier is in use for a call session of another end device, the call handling device may either use a different call session identifier for the prioritized end device session or may drop a pre-existing call session to free an identifier for use in connection with the prioritized end device.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic system includes an otoscope, which is configured to generate at least a first image (e.g., digital photograph) of a tympanic membrane of a patient, and an apparatus for diagnosing acute otitis media within the patient. The apparatus includes a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied in the medium. The computer-readable program code includes a first computer-readable program code that evaluates the at least a first image of the tympanic membrane of the patient relative to a database containing at least one image of a tympanic membrane of at least one archived patient, to thereby detect indicia of acute otitis media in the patient.