Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically displaying program guide information for television programs using information from the Extended Data Services (EDS) or similar type data services. The system allows for the automatic display of program related information automatically as a user scrolls (surfs) through various program channels. The information is displayed in an unobtrusive manner.

Abstract: A system and method for providing voice authentication during a sale transaction through a telephone system or other communication means, wherein users to the service may require voice authentication as a prerequisite to conduct a conventional credit card or debit transaction. The voice authentication step is performed based on a comparison between a previously recorded voice message and the voice message inserted through the system using the voice browser and the voice recognition technology.

Abstract: An Internet enabled remote tag-processing terminal is disclosed for facilitating commercial transactions using competitive information. A remote terminal reads/scans product tags or labels, and their content is transmitted to a service node to conduct an on-line search for competitive information on similar products. The service node then sends an information response to the remote terminal, which allow a user (1) to determine whether to complete a commercial transaction while in a retailer location, (2) complete an on-line commercial transaction in response to the received competitive information or (3) adjust the scanned tag or search parameters to conduct a new search.

Abstract: A navigation system is disclosed including at least one RF tag having a predetermined signature. The system also includes a receiver having an RF tag reader capable of reading the predetermined signature. A controller is communicatively coupled to the receiver, a memory and output device. The controller is arranged to receive the predetermined signature, based upon the predetermined signature, obtain at least one navigation instruction stored in the memory, and output the navigation instruction using the output device. Additional non-navigational information may also be provided using the output device. The receiver may also include an input device for inputting information into the navigation system.

Abstract: An arrangement for the control of viewing of a video/television program in which a rating code and an alternative segment code are transmitted with the video/television signal. The codes are decoded and processed via a microcontroller. A viewer of the video signal is able to enter codes of permitted program ratings using a remote control unit. The rating codes are based upon the content of the video signal. Alternative segments for the video/television signal may be substituted for possibly objectionable content based upon a comparison of the received codes and the permitted program ratings segments of video/television signal.

Abstract: An arrangement for the control of viewing of a video/television program in which a rating code and a position code are transmitted with the video/television signal. The codes are decoded and processed via a microcontroller. A viewer of the video signal is able to enter codes of permitted program ratings using a remote control unit. The rating codes are based upon the content of the video signal. The position codes relate to the display position of possibly objectionable content. Based upon a comparison of the received codes and the permitted program ratings portions of video signal are blanked and/or muted. The position codes allow for sub-portions of the image display to be blocked rather than the entire display.

Abstract: A method and communication system are disclosed that use object prioritization and layered image coding in image/video transmission. Objects within an image/video are identified and models are assigned to represent the objects. Priorities are assigned for the objects in accordance with predetermined prioritization rules, then communication channels to communicate data related to the models are assigned so that a higher priority object is assigned to a communication channel having a reliability factor higher than a lower priority object.

Abstract: A system and method for providing voice authentication during a sale transaction through a telephone system or other communication means, wherein users to the service may require voice authentication as a prerequisite to conduct a conventional credit card or debit transaction. The voice authentication step is performed based on a comparison between a previously recorded voice message and the voice message inserted through the system using the voice browser and the voice recognition technology.

Abstract: A method and communication system are disclosed that use object prioritization and layered image coding in image/video transmission. Objects within an image/video are identified and models are assigned to represent the objects. Priorities are assigned for the objects in accordance with predetermined prioritization rules, then communication channels to communicate data related to the models are assigned so that a higher priority object is assigned to a communication channel having a reliability factor higher than a lower priority object.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that allow viewers of video/TV programs to automatically, or by request, receive synchronized supplemental multimedia information related to the video/TV programs. The supplemental multimedia information is received as an. Internet document, e.g., using Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL). Synchronizing information is received/extracted from the video/TV program. The synchronizing information may be in the form of keyframes, image triggers extracted using image recognition technology, time codes or Closed Captioning (CC) and Extended Data Services (EDS) codes. The video/TV program and the supplemental multimedia information are then displayed as a virtual web page.