Abstract: A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.

Abstract: A mobile telephone, or personal communication services subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As known in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “?” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g., providing further directory assistance).

Abstract: Scrolling data in a display window having peripheral controls on a user interface of a data processing system includes a two-dimensional scrolling control that is integrated as part of the peripheral controls. The two-dimensional scrolling control includes at least three directional components. Each directional component is associated with a direction on the display window, and at least one of the directions corresponds to a change in both of the two dimensions. User input is accepted from a user. The user input includes a selected directional component. The data in the display window is scrolled in the direction associated with the selected directional component.

Abstract: Various varieties of rice are subjected to heat treatment either by torrefaction in the presence of some water, by steaming, or by boiling, the water in each instance containing dissolved chemicals, for the purpose of modifying the protein content and the starch content to condition the product for subsequent accelerated water imbibation during final cooking for eating. Chemicals for such purpose are citrates, including sodium citrate, magnesium citrate and calcium citrate, and alkali metal phosphates, including orthophosphates, metaphosphates, and pyrophosphates. Calcium chloride reduces the temperature of heat treatment required and deters adhesion between the grains. Calcium chloride carried by the rice grains deters loss of moisture from the grains during storage irrespective of the type of treatment to which the grains have been subjected otherwise.