Abstract: A user access interface for a processor device comprises a control program adapted to receive a first access data indicative of a first access key, so that upon receiving the first access data the control program causes the database to be interrogated, thereby obtaining a first verification data that is indicative of access verification for one or more accessible services associated with the first access data, the physical access key and a respective registered first user.

Abstract: A physical user interface is provided as an adjunct to a graphical user interface to a device having an operating system. The physical interface has a work surface or workspace that is scanned by one or more sensors capable of determining the position of objects. The work surface or workspace is sub-divided into two or more regions. Each region is representative of a user-generated command. In some examples, the one or more sensors adapted to determine the position and orientation of one or more counters. The sensors can distinguish which region a counter is located in and what orientation it is in. The sensors provide an output signal, based on the determination, to the device.

Abstract: Broadcasting methods are disclosed which allow a user to choose between passive or active participation. Information is broadcast to a set-top box or from a database of content. Content is carried in segments which are scheduled into programs. Segments may be updated without altering the schedule which determines a program. A user may depart from a scheduled program or depart from a broadcast and enter a unicast, at will. The user may subsequently rejoin a scheduled replay or broadcast.

Abstract: A method of enabling electronic commerce transactions is provided by a service, the service giving to users a disposable credit card or other indicia of credit for a particular transaction or amount. The service receives registration information from the user and authorizes the user. The service establishes an account for the user and issues a disposable (one use) credit card number to the user which has the same format as a permanent credit card number, is acceptable to the user and the institution with whom the user is transacting business. The system incorporates various security features.

Abstract: The invention provides a family of browser plug-ins, which may be used separately or in combination to assist in the collection, organisation and review of web content and hyperlinks. It will be understood that the invention comprises software for managing information, methods of accumulating and storing information and computer hardware when running the disclosed software. The software will be described with reference to the collection of hyperlinks from pages displayed in a browser window as well as the collection of updateable bookmarks. Various features may be combined into a plug-in for an Internet browser. It is intended that plug-ins and their features may be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: A method for broadcasting data to a television set using a carrier signal such as a television or commercial radio carrier signal composed of the steps of: constructing a data stream from individual first record of a transmission database, each first record comprising one of a selection of formats, at least one of the first records comprising executable program code or an object, broadcasting the data stream within the carrier signal, providing a user with a user's device for receiving and decoding the data stream, the user's device receiving and decoding the data stream to a user's database, the user's database having second records comprising at least some of the first records, the second records comprising one of a selection of formats and at least one record comprising executable program code or an object broadcast from the first records determining the format a second record using a control program running, when required, the executable program code, and generating a display on the television consistent

Abstract: A distributed database system includes a central station for accumulating and distributing data on a database, and a plurality of receiver stations that receive the data and selectively make available at least portions of the data in accordance with the demands of a user. A transmitter encodes and transmits the sequential data stream for delivery embedded within television signals.

Abstract: A distributed database system includes a central station for accumulating and distributing data on a database, and a plurality of receiver stations that receive the data and selectively make available at least portions of the data in accordance with the demands of a user. A transmitter encodes and transmits the sequential data stream for delivery embedded within television signals.