Abstract: Server-side determination of quality of service received by a client. Content is transmitted from the server to the client according to a protocol. During transmission, the protocol requires the client to periodically send the server statistics concerning the transmitting, e.g., lost packets, latency, or the like. The server simulates the network connection between the client and server based at least in part on the received statistics. The simulating allows the server to recreate, server-side, the content received by the client. The server may then compare what was sent to the client, versus the recreated received content, to determine a quality of service received by the client.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an end-user's subjective assessment of streaming media quality includes obtaining reference data characterizing the media stream, and obtaining altered data characterizing the media stream after the media stream has traversed a channel that includes a network. An objective measure of the QOS of the media stream is then determined by comparing the reference data and the altered data.

Abstract: A refrigerated beverage merchandiser is provided which has a display case for the placement and viewing of product housed within the merchandiser. The display case provides for a plurality of individual hangers which position the merchandise for viewing through a transparent window defined by the display case.

Abstract: A hot beverage vending machine adapted for making coffee drinks from a freeze dried mixture by utilizing mixing bowls and delivery tubes surrounded by a heater shroud. A smooth edge whipper is utilized to whip the coffee mixture to the proper consistency after it leaves the mixing bowl to provide the proper crema appearance in the cup. The mixture is directed into a cup by an adjustable outlet tube so that the coffee mixture is directed against the side of the cup below the full line. The adjustable outlet tube also contributes to the proper drink appearance by reducing the number of large bubbles in the cup.

Abstract: A vending machine having an anti-pilferage door mechanism with a delivery door interconnected through linkage to an anti-pilferage door and a rear door which come together to close off the opening for the product storage area to the product dispensing chamber when the delivery door is opened by a customer thus preventing any opening which would allow a pilferage device such as a wire to be inserted through the delivery door opening up into the product storage area. The linkage which connects the delivery door to the anti-pilferage door and rear door is on one side of the dispensing chamber and a spring biasing mechanism is mounted on an opposite side of the chamber and assists in biasing the delivery door closed while providing a force reduction exerted by the spring as the door is opened.

Abstract: An ingredient mixing apparatus and moisture reduction system for a liquid vending machine which is capable of mixing a predetermined portion of dry ingredient with a liquid and vending the resultant mixture. The ingredient mixing apparatus includes a mixing bowl which has a cylindrical upper portion and conical lower portion with an outlet spout at the bottom. The liquid is injected into the bowl at a tangent so that it swirls about the bowl for mixing. The dry ingredient is dropped into the top of the bowl simultaneously with the liquid injection so that the two mix before leaving the bowl through the bottom. A top cap is provided for the mixing bowl with a depending wall extending adjacent the inner cylindrical surface of a portion of the bowl. A divider wall also supported by the cap extends down into the mixing bowl to divide it into two sections. Suction is provided on the second section to remove steam or vapor and airborne dry ingredient from the bowl.

Abstract: The performance of video encoding is characterized both over the short term (e.g., based on the previous encoded frame) and over the long term (e.g., based on the previous n encoded frames). An encoding parameter (e.g., the global quantization level) is selected for the current frame based on the short-term and long-term performance characterizations and the current frame is encoded using that selected encoding parameter. In a preferred embodiment, the global quantization (Q) level is permitted to change for only certain (i.e., adjustable) frames. In addition, the global Q level for key frames is generated using special processing which tends to allow the key frames to be encoded using more bits.

Abstract: In a multiprocessor system having a plurality of bus devices coupled to a storage device via a bus, wherein the plurality of bus devices have a snoop capability, and wherein the plurality of bus devices have first and second caches, and wherein the plurality of bus devices utilize a modified MESI data coherency protocol, the system provides for reading of a data portion from the storage device into one of the plurality of bus devices, wherein the first cache associated with the one of the plurality of bus devices associates a special exclusive state with the data portion, and wherein the second cache associated with the one of the plurality of bus devices associates an exclusive state with the data portion, initiating, by the one of the plurality of bus devices, a write-back operation with respect to the data portion, determining if there are any pending snoops in the second cache, and changing the special exclusive state to a modified state if there are no pending snoops in the second cache.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for transferring information between multiple buses. Information is transferred through a first bus between multiple first bus devices. Information is transferred through a second bus between multiple second bus devices. Information is transferred through logic between the first and second buses. Using the logic, an action of a first bus device is enabled in response to a condition in which a second bus device waits for the action while the first bus device waits for a separate action on the second bus.

Abstract: A method and system in a data processing system for transferring data from a first device to a second device within the data processing system. The data processing system includes a data bus, an address bus, a first address space associated with a memory and a second address space associated with an input/output device. Initially, a transfer signal is transmitted in the data processing system. The transfer signal identifies the transfer as a transfer concerning an address in the second address space associated with the input/output device. A first address package is then transmitted to the second device from the first device on the address bus. The first address package includes a transfer identifier, a first identifier associated with the first device and a second identifier associated with the second device. A second address package, comprising a byte count and an address, are transmitted to the second device from the first device on the address bus.

Abstract: A hot beverage brewing and dispensing machine having a brewing cylinder for receiving a hot liquid and a beverage product for brewing, a base member beneath the brewing cylinder with a brewed liquid outlet through which beverage brewed in the brewing chamber can flow, a seal between the base member and a bottom end of the brewing cylinder with a filter material therebetween for sealing the cylinder during brewing when the brewing cylinder is brought into engagement with the filter material, a filter feed mechanism, a tube for supplying liquid and a chute for supplying beverage product to an upper portion of the brewing cylinder, and a conical dispersing surface disposed at the upper portion of the brewing cylinder upon which the liquid and beverage product impinge from their supply means and which disperses the liquid and beverage product as they fall to a bottom portion of the brewing cylinder washing the cylinder walls.

Abstract: A dual brewing system for a vending machine in which a pair of separate brewers are mounted for simultaneous movement through a brewing and dumping cycle even though only one of the brewers is actually used to brew a beverage, such as tea or coffee, at a time. A filter paper feed mechanism is provided for one of the brewers used primarily for coffee. The paper feed mechanism is controlled so that it is only advance after the brewer which it is associated with is used and not when the other brewer is used.