Abstract: Integration of DSP running algorithms with general purpose processor running applications including plugin objects as proxies for the DSP algorithms and with quality of service including application controls of algorithm scheduling and algorithm events reported to the applications.

Abstract: A method of filing e-mail messages is provided wherein when setting up each e-mail folder or at any point in time later on the e-mail user can assign or remove one or more person's name (senders or recipients of user's e-mail) the folder. When sending or receiving an e-mail message the e-mail user uses the address information such as at TO, FROM or CC to file the e-mail message or pointer to the e-mail message in the folder or folders with the assigned peoples people names. Similarly a keyword may be assigned to a folder and the keyword in a title of the message using for filing in the folder. The method may be automatically filed or semi-automatic filed by the system highlighting the person or keyword for which the e-mail is to be filed to and selecting or overriding. The messages are retrieved from all of the folders using the person's name or keyword.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of non-participatory user identification includes using sensor technology to collect data related to identifying characteristics of a user. The collection preferably requires no active identification measures by the user. The data can be extracted from the sensor technology 12 and matched to a template. This matching can, as an example, be performed using a matcher included in a recognition technology device 14. The user can then be identified based upon the template of data matched. Typically, the recognition technology device 14 will recognize when a new but known fingerprint is operating the user interface. The corresponding user profile may then be used to provide personalized content to the new user.

Abstract: A method of transferring electronic equivalents (32) of published items (18) is provided wherein bar codes (116, 118) are attached on the items (18) prior to distribution to subscribers (12). The bar codes (116, 118) are scanned by a bar code reader (22), formatted into a predetermined message format compatible with network protocols and transmitted to the associated publishing authority (30). Based on the bar code information, the publisher (30) will either push the requested electronic equivalent (32) or transfer a pointer to the user (12) to a network cite containing the requested electronic equivalent (32). Alternatively, the publisher (30) can push updates of published items (32) to users (12).

Abstract: An improved listing or menu is provided wherein the items of a listing are sequentially enhanced to enable assist the user in selecting the items on the list. the enhancement may be audio such as from MP3 or pictures such as from MPEG or may be user-defined enhancements.

Abstract: An improved E-mail method is provided that includes a message stage for generating a message, an addressing stage for addressing an envelope for sending the message and a stuff and send step for sending the message wherein the addressing stage is not permitted until the message is proofed and signed and the stuff and send email stage is not permitted until the addressing is listed and approved.

Abstract: Integration of DSP running algorithms with general purpose processor running applications including plugin objects as proxies for the DSP algorithms and with quality of service including application controls of algorithm scheduling and algorithm events reported to the applications.

Abstract: An automated follow-up system is described wherein when composing a message request a deadline is also set and requests the recipient respond by a deadline date.

Abstract: A client-server system having server task scheduling in two phases with client deadlines phase information used in a second phase subtask server scheduling. Also, a object broker for the system with collapsing of client request calls and returns to maintain data in coprocessors, and server memory management for multitasking and data flow through a shared memory for multiple coprocessors to avoid primary processor bus congestion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for intelligently acquiring participants in a video telephony system by identifying human faces (101) in a bit map image from other objects and determine locations of the faces on the screen (102). The method then determines those to be included in the video conferencing by prompting for example and addressing a processor to move the camera to those locations (104-106).