Abstract: Systems and processes are described for improved management and operation of a commercial kitchen, for example, in a quick-serve restaurant. A communication hub may interconnect a production client comprising a digital device arranged to execute a production application; a preparation/cook client comprising a digital device arranged to execute an ingredient preparation application; and one or more connected kitchen appliances. A broker (hub) provides communications among the production client, the preparation client, the connected kitchen appliance and an orchestrator application. A database may be coupled to the orchestrator for storing a set of prescribed workflows and ingredients parameters for ingredients to make menu items.

Abstract: Device for holding and securing Electronic Cigarettes within a motor vehicle comprising a box-like structure having side panels, a rear panel, and a bottom panel, accessible from the top and the front. The device contains a plurality of upper and lower flexible constructs within the interior of the device acting as securing means to secure either cylindrical or box-type Electronic Cigarettes of varying dimensions. The device holds and secures, alternately, cylindrical or box-type Electronic Cigarettes, in the same space within the holder, as opposed to having separate compartments for each type of Electronic Cigarette. The invention also introduces a multi-bracket vehicle door panel mounting system where different size brackets are employed to conform to vehicle door panels of varying depths.

Abstract: A self-contained system containing a plurality of pages of printed content, incorporating means for detecting which page is being viewed by the reader, and incorporating means for producing supplementary auditory output related to the printed content of the pages, wherein the supplementary auditory content produced for any given page is determined by the sequence of pages previously viewed by the reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capacitive sensing of objects in a summation mode and a non-summation mode. A dual mode capacitive sensing system comprises a capacitive sensor and a processor. The capacitive sensor has a pair of adjacent conducting pads including a first conducting pad and a second conducting pad. The processor has a pair of input/output channels respectively coupled to the first and second conducting pads. The processor is configured to measure capacitance of the capacitive sensor in a summation mode and in a differential mode. A capacitive object sensing system comprises a capacitive sensor, a processor, and a plurality of objects each configured to have a unique capacitance. The processor is configured to identify one of the playing pieces based on the sensor capacitance measured when the one of the playing pieces is set on the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided relating to delivering audio content for an interactive electronic book system, including a book with a plurality of pages with overlaying magnets affixed thereto, a magnetic sensor, a temperature sensor, a speaker, a computer with calibration and temperature compensation data stored in non-volatile memory, and audio content related to the pages of the book, such that the computer determines which page the book is open to and causes the speaker to deliver audio content related to the open page. Apparatus and methods are provided for calibrating an electronic book system including temperature compensation steps.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the presence and identity of a game piece placed at a sensing location by attaching one or more conductive rings at fixed concentric locations on the bottom of the game piece and sensing the presence or absence of the conductive rings by means of sensors that are insensitive to the rotational orientation of the game piece.

Abstract: A simple display of items from a list, which changes in synchrony with the corresponding video display, and permits simple navigation under user control. The display includes three control objects positioned below a video frame window on a display screen. A middle displayed object is located in a focus position and corresponds to the video segment currently being played in the video window. When play of the segment is complete, the object located to the right of the focus position moves and displaces the middle displayed object, most recently displayed within the focus position, to indicate a forward progression within the viewed video sequence.

Abstract: A self-contained system containing a plurality of pages of printed content, incorporating means for detecting which page is being viewed by the reader, and incorporating means for producing supplementary auditory output related to the printed content of the pages, wherein the supplementary auditory content produced for any given page is determined by the sequence of pages previously viewed by the reader.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided relating to delivering audio content for an interactive electronic book system, including a book with a plurality of pages with overlaying magnets affixed thereto, a magnetic sensor, a temperature sensor, a speaker, a computer with calibration and temperature compensation data stored in non-volatile memory, and audio content related to the pages of the book, such that the computer determines which page the book is open to and causes the speaker to deliver audio content related to the open page. Apparatus and methods are provided for calibrating an electronic book system including temperature compensation steps.

Abstract: A method, a computer readable medium, and a system are provided for generating control information for controlling computer system operation during execution of the computer system. At least one attribute change of a computer system to occur during execution of the computer system is identified. The attribute change is associated with an event taking place during computer system execution. An index point is created identifying the attribute point as triggering the attribute change, and the index point is associated with the attribute change in the computer system. The index point is stored in a format configured to be used by the computer system to initiate the attribute change upon the index point being reached during the execution of the computer system.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a computer, data, or media system in response to state changes in the computer system. At least one state table having a first dimension and a second dimension is created. At least one programming element is listed along the first dimension and a plurality of states of the computer system are listed along the second dimension. At each intersection of the first dimension and the second dimension is a cell in which an operand is specified for the programming element at each state. For each state change of the computer system, each programming element listed along the first dimension is executed according to the operand listed for a current state.

Abstract: The system and method stores event data, including timing data associated with each event referenced against a reference time, in an index table within the memory of an integrated receiver decoder (IRD) such as a set-top-box. The event data is typically transmitted in advance of a broadcast signal received by the IRD and stored within IRD memory in anticipation of the broadcast program. The reference time is generated by any one of a variety of different means, such as by time date table, time plus offset table, or within a data (e.g. MPEG) stream. Time relative to the reference time, where the reference time can be periodically reset to accommodate interruptions or changes in the original broadcast programming to which the events are synchronized, are compared to the event times stored in memory. If a match occurs, the event triggers at that appropriate relative time.

Abstract: A method, computer readable medium, and system are provided for generating thematic information correlated with segments for possible inclusion in a program. Thematic information concerning the program is developed. A data structure is generated collecting information identifying a theme and associating a segment with the theme. The data structure is configured to be engaged by a media player to present additional content related to the thematic information in the program.

Abstract: A method, a computer readable medium, and a data system are provided for indicating when a superseded data file in a series of data files has been replaced with a changed data file. An index file is created and inserted in the series of data files. The index file includes a change indicator signifying that the changed data file has replaced the superseded data file. The index file is repeatedly transmitted with the series of data files.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a computer, data, or media system in response to state changes in the computer system. At least one state table having a first dimension and a second dimension is created. At least one programming element is listed along the first dimension and a plurality of states of the computer system are listed along the second dimension. At each intersection of the first dimension and the second dimension is a cell in which an operand is specified for the programming element at each state. For each state change of the computer system, each programming element listed along the first dimension is executed according to the operand listed for a current state.

Abstract: A method, a computer readable medium, and a data system are provided for controlling computer system operation during execution of the computer system. At least one attribute change of a computer system to occur during the execution of the computer system is identified. The attribute change is associated with an event during computer system execution such that indication of the event triggers the attribute change. An index point is identified at which point the attribute change is to occur, and an index point type is specified for determining whether the attribute change is triggered depending on when the execution of the computer system commenced relative to occurrence of the index point.

Abstract: A method, a computer readable medium, and a system are provided for generating control information for controlling computer system operation during execution of the computer system. At least one attribute change of a computer system to occur during execution of the computer system is identified. The attribute change is associated with an event taking place during computer system execution. An index point is created identifying the attribute point as triggering the attribute change, and the index point is associated with the attribute change in the computer system. The index point is stored in a format configured to be used by the computer system to initiate the attribute change upon the index point being reached during the execution of the computer system.

Abstract: A method, a computer readable medium, and a system are provided for controlling computer system operation during execution of the computer system. At least one attribute change of a computer system to occur during the execution of the computer system is identified. The attribute change is associated with a state change in the computer system such that indication of the state change triggers the attribute change. An index point is identified at which point the state change is to occur. The state change is associated with the index point, and when the index point is reached during the course of computer system execution, the attribute change is triggered automatically upon the index point being reached. The method, computer readable medium, and system can be used for controlling computer system execution in a broadcast environment or used to emulate computer system execution.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant classification system classifies a vehicle occupant based on data from an array of sensors using a combination of weight estimation, pattern recognition, and evaluation of statistical characteristics. This occupant classification can then be used to make an airbag deployment state decision. The major modules of this system can include a calibration unit, a weight estimation module, a pattern module, and a decision-making module. The calibration unit can perform a calibration process to normalize sensor deflections using a known deflection force in order to compensate for variations in sensors and the effects of the seat trim and foam. The weight estimation module can perform a weight estimation process that uses calibration data from the calibration process and sensor data from the sensors to translate sensor deflection due to a vehicle occupant into a displacement value.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant classification system classifies a vehicle occupant based on data from an array of sensors using a combination of weight estimation, pattern recognition, and evaluation of statistical characteristics. This occupant classification can then be used to make an airbag deployment state decision. The major modules of this system can include a calibration unit, a weight estimation module, a pattern module, and a decision-making module. The calibration unit can perform a calibration process to normalize sensor deflections using a known deflection force in order to compensate for variations in sensors and the effects of the seat trim and foam. The weight estimation module can perform a weight estimation process that uses calibration data from the calibration process and sensor data from the sensors to translate sensor deflection due to a vehicle occupant into a displacement value.