Abstract: A method and system is provided for processing a program stream for interactive viewing, wherein the program stream includes programming content relating to a program having a plurality of program segments. The program stream is received and divided into at least one block comprising an expanse of the program stream. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a block is measured based upon the normal play time of the programming content, or some other predefined measurement. A determination is then made as to whether the block comprises at least one complete program segment. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a program segment is a logical portion of TV show or movie, such as a specific story of a news show, a scene in a movie, etc. Upon identifying one or more programming segments, these segment(s) may be made available for interactive viewing prior to receiving the end of the program.

Abstract: A method of operating a communications system storing assets for later transmission, is disclosed. The assets have respective expiration dates beyond which a right to transmit expires. The method comprises checking an expiration date of an asset and deleting the asset from storage based, at least in part, on the expiration date, a predetermined period of time added to or subtracted from the expiration date and/or whether the asset has been selected for later viewing. The predetermined period of time may provide a grace period for completing viewing of a selected asset by a user, either after or before the expiration date, depending on the rights to the asset granted by the source of the asset. The period of time may depend on a playtime of the asset and may be added to the expiration date only if the asset has been selected for viewing. Systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for determining the permeability and the porosity of small sections at and just below the surface of a slabbed sample of porous rock or other material. The measurement is performed by forcing air or other gas through a central passageway of a deformable (e.g. rubber) probe tip pressed against the surface of the sample to be tested. Permeability of the matter directly under the probe tip is computed from the ratio of flow rate into the sample to the pressure drop between the gas in the probe-tip and the ambient atmosphere. A preferred and an alternative means for measuring flow rate are disclosed involving the use of an optical interferometer to detect displacement of a bellows chamber.