Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: A lock receptacle assembly having a body portion having a first end that includes a bore configured to receive a lock, an end cap removably securable to the first end of the body portion. The end cap having a through bore to allow passage of the lock, such that, when assembled, the lock can lock the end cap and the body portion together. The end cap interlocks with the first end of the body portion so that there is substantially no load on the lock when axial force is applied to the assembly.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for configuring data elements in a computer application such as menu items, links to purchase products, options, links to information, and user commands based on the behavior of users in the application. Information associated with the behavior of multiple users and information associated with a finite set of data elements in the computer application are analyzed to determine a configuration of the data elements such that user access to relevant information is improved.

Abstract: An agent that receives an input event and outputs Emotion_Response messages based on personality trait indices and emotional state indices is disclosed. The agent has a social response generator that receives an input event, an output from an emotional state register and an output from a predefined personality trait register, and updates at least one of a current state of the emotional state register or a Social_Response message stored an event buffer. The agent has an emotion generator that outputs an Emotion_Response message based on at least one of the Social_Response message stored in the event buffer, one or more outputs of the predefined personality trait register, or one or more outputs of the emotional state register. The agent operates within an environment server that provides contextual environment that facilitates interaction amongst a group of agents, which receive input events from the contextual environment and outputs emotional response messages thereto.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing a decoded audio/video broadcast programming signal to a monitor includes using a set top box (STB) docked with a docking station, connected to a television. The method and system provides a subscriber of the broadcast programming the distribution of the STB amongst docking stations and associated televisions. The STB may include a video recorder for recording audio/video broadcast programming. The docking station may contain an identifier that the STB can recognize and use to limit or expand the decoded audio/video broadcast programming signal.

Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.