Abstract: Chopsticks are provided including a first chopstick and a second chopstick which have been modified to be readily coupled together. Bores are formed in each of the chopsticks. A pin is supplied which passes through each of the bores. The pin has a friction fit within the bores such that the chopsticks are held together. The pin resiliently flexes when distal ends of the chopsticks are brought together, so that the pin provides a return force to the chopsticks. The bores and pin preferably have a non-circular cross-section so that the chopsticks are held within a common plane. The pin can have at least one tip that is pointed so that the pin can double as a toothpick.

Abstract: Construction of a pixel-based display using a set of pixel assemblies poured or placed into a display area or volume. Each pixel assembly has a means to produce a visible display output at its position and identify its own position within a 2-D or 3-D display space continuously or when needed. One or more image signals are distributed to the pixel assemblies collectively. Each pixel assembly uses its own self-detected position and other criteria to autonomously decide to which part of the signal(s) it will respond and what value to display as an output. Optionally each pixel assembly may also be able to: decode pixel identity encoded in the input signal(s) to implement a stroke/random access display; communicate with adjacent display elements in order to engage in collective action in local regions of the display; detect faults and remove itself from the display; and reprogram itself using an external signal.

Abstract: A sparker array includes a plurality of sparker sources of sound and light emissions, the plurality of sparker sources arranged in a geometric pattern with respect to a region, the array configured to deliver a maximal acoustic output to the region. Sparker sources may include reflectors. A single electrical source to drive a sparker array may be employed. A sparker system may include two or more sparker arrays. A time delay may be employed to trigger electrical circuits of the sparker arrays. Sparker arrays may be used to deliver shock waves with increased operational life, consistency and efficacy for specific applications.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.

Abstract: Construction of a pixel-based display using a set of pixel assemblies poured or placed into a display area or volume. Each pixel assembly has a means to produce a visible display output at its position and identify its own position within a 2-D or 3-D display space continuously or when needed. One or more image signals are distributed to the pixel assemblies collectively. Each pixel assembly uses its own self-detected position and other criteria to autonomously decide to which part of the signal(s) it will respond and what value to display as an output. Optionally each pixel assembly may also be able to: decode pixel identity encoded in the input signal(s) to implement a stroke/random access display; communicate with adjacent display elements in order to engage in collective action in local regions of the display; detect faults and remove itself from the display; and reprogram itself using an external signal.

Abstract: Chopsticks are provided including a first chopstick and a second chopstick which have been modified to be readily coupled together. Bores are formed in each of the chopsticks. A pin is supplied which passes through each of the bores. The pin has a friction fit within the bores such that the chopsticks are held together. The pin resiliently flexes when distal ends of the chopsticks are brought together, so that the pin provides a return force to the chopsticks. The bores and pin preferably have a non-circular cross-section so that the chopsticks are held within a common plane. The pin can have at least one tip that is pointed so that the pin can double as a toothpick.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.

Abstract: A system and method for secure graphics processing employing an operating system that supports multiple independent levels of security (MILS) is described. A video queuing mechanism is provided in conjunction with a cross domain guard to receive extended graphics language video inputs from multiple input applications in multiple security enclaves. Without accessing sensitive data, a function manages desired format and mode selections of the displays, coordinates the execution of multiple graphics applications that produce the needed video content, as well as communicate with a one or more high assurance render functions regarding how to draw each video output's content in a secure and easily certifiable manner.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.

Abstract: Construction of a pixel-based display using a set of pixel assemblies poured or placed into a display area or volume. Each pixel assembly has a means to produce a visible display output at its position and identify its own position within a 2-D or 3-D display space continuously or when needed. One or more image signals are distributed to the pixel assemblies collectively. Each pixel assembly uses its own self-detected position and other criteria to autonomously decide to which part of the signal(s) it will respond and what value to display as an output. Optionally each pixel assembly may also be able to: decode pixel identity encoded in the input signal(s) to implement a stroke/random access display; communicate with adjacent display elements in order to engage in collective action in local regions of the display; detect faults and remove itself from the display; and reprogram itself using an external signal.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling scheduling in a packet switching node in a network are provided which enable the scheduling of packets from different sources in an earliest deadline first order. The packets are assigned timestamp deadlines and placed in input queues. The timestamps are determined according to maximum delay or minimum throughput quality of service requirements specified for the packets. The packets are scheduled in the earliest deadline first order in an output packet store. The packet closest to its timestamp deadline is selected from the output packet store by using an index.

Abstract: A method of preserving and/or reacquiring synchronisation of ATM cells (10) in an ATM cell transmission system, the ATM cells each including a header (12) and payload (11), the method including the steps of encoding the header and payload and interleaving them along with synchronisation data within a transmission frame.

Abstract: A method of hardening ATM cells (10), the ATM cells (10) each including a header (12) and payload (11), the method including the steps of hardening individual ATM cells by encoding the header and payload and encapsulating the resulting data (20, 21) from each cell within a transmission frame dedicated to that cell.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the resistance of ATM cells (10) to burst errors and jamming, the ATM cells each including a header (12) and payload (11), the method including the step of interleaving the ATM cell header into an error correction transmission frame.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.