Abstract: Grouping media files via playlists on a computer-readable medium. One or more media files are selected according to a grouping criterion to define one or more playlists from the media files. A folder is associated with the playlists and stores values identifying each of the playlists associated with the folder along with references to each of the playlists.

Abstract: Optimizing operation of a media player during rendering of media files. The invention includes authoring software to create a data structure and to populate the created data structure with obtained metadata. The invention also includes rendering software to retrieve the metadata from the data structure and to identify media files to render. In one embodiment, the invention is operable as part of a compressed media format having a set of small files containing metadata, menus, and playlists in a compiled binary format designed for playback on feature-rich personal computer media players as well as low cost media players.

Abstract: Creating and displaying an adaptive menu structure for media files. The invention includes authoring software to create the menu structure to enable a user to navigate the media files using a media player. The invention also includes filtering software to adapt the created menu structure to display menu information on a display associated with the media player as a function of a media type associated with the media player. In one embodiment, the invention is operable as part of a compressed media format having a set of small files containing metadata, menus, and playlists in a compiled binary format designed for playback on feature-rich personal computer media players as well as low cost media players.

Abstract: Updating automatically generated playlists in response to media content being edited. Aspects of the invention associate a playlist type or other code with each playlist to define the structure of the playlist. When media content is added to or deleted from a collection of media files, one or more playlist types corresponding to the media content are identified. The playlists with the identified playlist types are updated to reflect the addition or deletion of the media content.

Abstract: Storing image data for a menu in a compound image file. Image data for a menu of media files is retrieved and efficiently stored in the compound image file. A media player accesses the compound image file to obtain and display relevant images in a menu. The invention reduces the quantity of file operations needed to render the menu and thus reduces the time needed to display the menu as perceived by a user. As a result, the invention enhances the user experience with the media player.

Abstract: Enabling efficient navigation of a playlist of media files stored on a computer-readable medium. Aspects of the invention define a playlist structure to have one or more playlist units. Each playlist unit identifies one or more media files in the playlist and includes metadata for the media files. A consumer electronic device retrieves the playlist units and displays the metadata contained therein to a user to enable navigation of the playlist. Aspects of the invention reduce the memory requirements of the consumer electronic devices and reduce the quantity of disk seek operations needed for playlist navigation.

Abstract: A source generates a medium key (KM) and a media secret table including a plurality of entries, each entry including (KM) encrypted by a public key (PU-PD) of a plurality of devices, obtains the medium ID of a medium therefrom, generates a content key (KD) for a piece of content, encrypts the content with (KD) to result in (KD(content)), encrypts (KD) with (KM) to result in (KM(KD)), generates a package for the content including (KD(content)), (KM(KD)), the medium ID, and a signature based on at least the medium ID and verifiable with (KM), and copies the generated package and the media secret table to the medium. Thus, a device with the medium and a private key (PR-PD) corresponding to an entry of the media secret table can access and render the content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically-engineered bone marrow stromal cells and method of preparation thereof for ex vivo delivery of protein and peptides of interest into human or animals. The method includes forming a bone marrow stromal cell expression system in vitro and administering the expression system to a human or animal recipient. The invention relates also to implants colonized by bone marrow stromal cells. In accordance with the invention, the implants comprise a matrix which can be composed of a large variety of biocompatible and biodegradable products, and stromal cells which are integrated into the matrix as such or under genetically-engineered forms. Genetically-engineered bone marrow stromal cells or cell colonized implant are also useful for tissue repair and tissue synthesis, as for angiogenesis.

Abstract: Revascularization of an ischemic myocardium is achieved through the stimulation of angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) by causing an injury to the heart via puncturing and traversing the ischemic myocardium from the epicardium to the endocardium simultaneously, at a plurality of spaced apart sites, with a plurality of needles, and simultaneously withdrawing the plurality of needles from the punctured ischemic myocardium; the technique and the device have advantages over the use of lasers for this purpose an additional advantage is that the revascularization can be performed without open chest surgery or conventional sternotomy although it can also be employed in conjunction with these surgical procedures; thus, by way of example, the revascularization can be performed transthoracically; with a t sternotomy, a thoractomy incision or thoracoscopically; the puncturing operation may also be employed in myogenesis of a myocardium by delivery of desired agents to the myocardium through the puncturing needles;