Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.

Abstract: Methods for slice-based encoding of program guides and user interfaces. The program guides include multiple video streams for picture-in-picture and other applications. A method for encoding the program guide includes encoding a first set of slices for each of a plurality of graphics pages; and encoding a second set of slices for each of a plurality of video streams.

Abstract: Television System A television system is provided which includes a display screen connected to or integrally formed with a broadcast data receiver (BDR). The BDR receives data from a broadcaster at a remote location and decodes the data to form video, audio and/or auxiliary data. At least part of the decoded data is used to generate first and second windows (4, 6, 8, 20, 22) on the display screen and one or more of the windows contain user selectable options. Upon user selection of a particular option (24) from the first window, at least a part of the first or second windows (4, 6, 8, 20, 22) are reconfigured, such that the at least part of the first window covers or disables a remaining part of the first window and/or a part or whole of the at least second window.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for operating an electronic program guide system. The method comprises displaying a first view wherein graphical indicators each of which corresponds to a broadcast channel are displayed on a display; detecting input selecting one of the graphical indicators; and displaying a second view in response to the detected input, wherein programming information relating to a channel corresponding to the selected graphical indicator is displayed on the display.

Abstract: Electronic program guide (EPG) information is updated based on watermark data conveyed with video. Such systems permit EPGs to be updated automatically to reflect changes to program scheduling caused by sporting events running long, late breaking news, etc. In one arrangement, a system identifies incoming programming by reference to watermark data, and conforms the EPG presentation to match the incoming programming. The electronic program guide paradigm can also be applied to indexing online messaging forums that are related to video programs, and access to such forums can be provided through use of watermark data.

Abstract: According to the invention, techniques for using user-specific information to configure and enable functions in remote control broadcast and interactive systems. In specific embodiments, the user-specific information can be used to facilitate purchasing items electronically, for example. In other embodiments, the user-specific information can be used to complete a call for assistance in case of an emergency, select favorite material for viewing, or control access to content, such as adult entertainment. For example, in select specific embodiments, the user-specific information can be used for restricting access to sexually explicit material over electronic delivery media. In various specific embodiments, the user-specific information can also include information about persons other than the user, to which the user has a particular relationship. For example, information such as a mother's favorite flower, or a child's clothing size, and the like may be stored for a particular user.

Abstract: An aggregator, operating in a digital communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request. The search request may be augmented by using a content suggestion engine to add additional search terms and descriptions to the search request.

Abstract: The present invention is a navigational user interface for interactive television. The invention uses an intuitive interactive interface for navigating through service options preferably offered by a cable television service. Services offered such as video on demand, purchasing delivery foods, restaurant selection, banking and community events is all navigated using the present invention.

Abstract: A single subscriber multiple set top boxes linkage device has a real time video and audio compressor which provides a digitized payment signal, a subscriber management unit providing a subscriber pairing signal to a linkage control unit, which is responsible to the pairing, and a multiplexer. The set top boxes are classified as a master and at least two slaves. The master emits linkage control signals continuously to assure whether the pairing is correct. When the slave receives the linkage control signal, it is contrasted with the clock from the head end to assure a correct pairing. The mounting work is convenient without necessary to further add control signal wire or other dedicated accessories. Therefore, the cost is low. Moreover, a dynamic encryption is used in the present invention, which is highly reliable in safety and is very difficult to be decrypted.

Abstract: In a method for the transmission of audiovisual signals between at least one source node and at least one destination node of a home audiovisual network, said source node or nodes insert a piece of information, into said audiovisual signals, to control the copying and/or broadcasting of said audiovisual signals by said destination node or nodes.

Abstract: A player device for generating audio visual signals representative of entertainment content with advertisements includes a reader mechanism for reading entertainment content pre-recorded on a first medium and reading advertisements pre-recorded on a second medium, and a processor generating command signals inserting advertisements read by the reader mechanism from the second medium into entertainment content read by the reader mechanism from the first medium.

Abstract: A system for searching, packaging and delivering content using an aggregator is described. The aggregator processes requests, searches, provides search results and acquires content. The aggregator, operating in a communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request.

Abstract: An aggregator, operating in a digital communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request. The search request may be augmented by using a content suggestion engine to add additional search terms and descriptions to the search request.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing RF signal strength at a set-top terminal includes a network characterization diagnostic tool, such as a diagnostic application routine, that is loaded into the flash memory of the set-top terminal. An installation technician or field service engineer invokes the diagnostic application routine by entering a pseudo secret key sequence into the set-top terminal. Then, the diagnostic application routine measures the RF signal strength for the entire bandwidth and produces a visual display of a plot of the signal strengths on a television set operatively coupled to the set-top terminal. The display allows the installation technician or field service engineer to easily diagnose whether a “hole” or “tilt” exists in the measurement of the RF signal strength.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for providing content-owner control in a device is optionally networked. A method for accessing media content has steps of initiating a first view providing access to at least a portion of a first content within the first view, initiating a second view providing access to a second content within the second view and preventing the second content from being accessed with the first content in the first view. Additionally, access to a third content with the first content is allowed in the first view. An apparatus includes a first view configured to provide access to a first content, a second view configured to provide access to a second content, and a graphical subsystem configured to prevent the second content from being access in the first view. In one variation, the first view is a media content view, and the second view is a web view.

Abstract: A personal video service manager can store one or more personal video assets on a server. A personal video asset can comprise a recording of a broadcast stream of a broadcast asset or an asset that has been pre-authored in a personal video asset format. Upon receiving a request from a subscriber to receive the personal video asset, the personal video service manager can facilitate a connection between the server and the subscriber for distributing the personal video asset from the server to the subscriber.

Abstract: An access node that is deployable at a distance from a cable company head-end or a telephone company central office serves residential and business subscribers within a small geographical area. The access node provides interoperability between and across communications links and protocols, thereby providing a modular, configurable access point for both business and residential users that enables the service provider to tailor its services for each user in a cost-effective manner. The access node includes modular interfaces to multiple communications links and protocols on its network side and modular interfaces to multiple communications links and protocols on its user or access side. A switch/router connects the outputs of the two interfaces together and aggregates traffic to the network while simultaneously partitioning traffic to the users to the appropriate connections.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing and managing disparate video network devices supports a user interface with an interface protocol communicating through a management adapter. The management adapter communicates with a device access layer that represents video network devices as objects, such as Management Beans, with a class of objects associated with a type of device. The objects translate communications from the management adapter into a protocol and attributes native to the device to allow the management adapter access to device attributes, which are then available to the user interface via the interface protocol. The device access layer thus establishes a proxy relationship so that video network devices are more easily interacted with and managed by applications communicating through the management adapter by a uniform protocol.

Abstract: A remote content crawler continually crawls a digital communication network looking for content to provide to a content aggregator. The content provided to the aggregator may be stored in a form of an entire content file. The content may include an entire movie, television program or electronic book. Alternatively, the content provided to the aggregator may be a reference to a content file that is stored at, or that will be available at one of the remote locations. The content may be a reference to a future, scheduled live sports event that will be made available to system users. The sports event may be provided for a one time fee, as part of a sports package, for which a fee is collected, or as a free event.

Abstract: In a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable system, data is communicated upstream from user terminals to a headend of the system to realize various interactive services. The user terminals generate analog modulated signals representing the user data, which populate different channels in a reverse passband of the system. In accordance with the invention, the analog modulated signals are transformed to the corresponding digital baseband signals containing the data. The resulting digital baseband signals are optically transmitted to the headend, thereby efficiently utilizing the limited capacity of the fiber optical portion of the HFC cable system.

Abstract: A method of allocating power among a plurality of signals, at least two of the signals employing different signal formats, located on different channels of the return path of a cable data network, divides a total power available for the signals on the return path in accordance with a minimum value of an average BER for all the signals and allocates power to each of the signals in accordance therewith. Specifically, a number of parameters are obtained including modulation type and symbol rate for each signal format employed on the return path, the AWGN noise floor across the reverse link, the nominal maximum available RF power for transmitting signals on the reverse path. A predetermined BER expression for each of the modulation types employed on the return path is then obtained, each of the expressions requiring a plurality of input values that includes the above-noted parameters.

Abstract: A system for downloading different versions of software or data modules into a plurality of terminals having different compatibility interfaces includes an authoring component for generating the different module versions, a downloading source including a descriptor table which associates each module version with a list of compatibility requirements needed to download the module, and a plurality of terminals coupled to the downloading source. The downloading source transmits the descriptor table to each terminal and also continuously transmits the modules over the network. Each terminal extracts the descriptor table and, based on a match between an entry in the descriptor table and an internally stored table, determines which version of a particular module should be downloaded. The system avoids the need for two-way communication between each terminal and the downloading source.

Abstract: A video recorder programming device has a telephone interface and includes telephone answering machine functionality and video recorder programming functionality. The device operates, by default, as a telephone answering machine. When a user enters a programming code using the telephone keypad, the device switches to a video recorder programming mode and prompts the user to enter a channel number, start time and a stop time or duration. The device stores the received programming data and, in the programming mode, allows the user to edit or delete the stored data.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for broadcasting history or coarse representations or both of stroke media and other media. Levels are created for media, and the levels are periodically broadcast. The levels segment the media and allow the media to be examined with details that range from coarse to fine or examined with varying importance or both. The periodic broadcast of the levels provides history of the media. In particular, for stroke data, levels of detail are determined through a certain method. Each level of detail is periodically broadcast. The levels of detail may be shown by themselves or combined at a receiver to create segmented views of the stroke data. A user can select a coarse view of the stroke data to quickly see the stroke history. Additionally, techniques are provided for quickly and repeatedly accessing data elements in already existing data structures. Generally, a description is created that describes data elements in a preexisting data structure.

Abstract: A set top box is provided with a patch antenna to wirelessly communicate with other devices. In one embodiment, the set top box has a metallic enclosure with a non-metallic bezel covering the front of the device. A communication circuit board with an imprinted patch antenna is located in the interstitial space between the metallic enclosure and the non-metallic bezel. The communications board preferably comprises a thin (0.06 inch) FR-4 circuit board with etched copper cladding. The patch antenna preferably comprises a ground plane on one side of the circuit board, and a rectangular patch on the opposite side of the circuit board. The patch is side-fed by a microstrip feed. The dimensions of the antenna are selected to optimize the antennas performance in frequency range between 2.400 and 2.483 GHz when located in the above-described interstitial space.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and processing data for display on a display device are described. Encoded data is received through a first digital connection. The encoded data is then processed in response to a request from a user to obtain multiple signals. Finally, the signals are transmitted to the display device through a second connection.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a novel gene, CED-12, and its homologues, ELMO1, ELMO2 and ELMO3. The present invention also includes polypeptides that are encoded by these genes that are involved in the engulfment of dying cells and cell migration. The present invention also includes antibodies, assays, and treatment methods.

Abstract: The present inventtion relates to gene ession in normal cells and cells of tumors and particularly to mutant forms of the TGF-&bgr; II receptor receptor which bind ail TGF-&bgr; isoforms. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating a disease associated with mutated TGF-&bgr; type II receptor, e.g. a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant genetic material which can be operably linked to protein encoding sequence comprising an expression control sequence having at least one promoter region and at least one repressor region such that basal expression in a tissue where the protein is required to be expressed is reduced whilst allowing induction of expression of the protein encoding sequence. Suitably the promoter is a p450 type promoter whilst suitably it is the p450 CYP1A1 promoter of the rat. The invention further provides a method of manufacturing proteins for polypeptides in the method of manufacturing or recombinant construct for transgene induction.

Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for microinjection of samples into amphibian oocytes incorporates a tray for holding a plurality of the amphibian oocytes, an injection needle for injecting a sample into the amphibian oocytes, a driving means for moving a relative position between the tray and the injection needle and a controlling device for controlling the movement by inputting a depth of the injection needle for the tray or the amphibian oocytes in the injection of the sample, and injecting the sample into the amphibian oocytes at the given depth. According to the present invention, the sample can be injected into the amphibian oocyte with constant depth precisely , and quality of the oocytes and the positional site of needle injection can be recorded as information.

Abstract: A transgenic zebrafish animal model for the study of haemopoietic cell differentiation, control, and screening of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic non-human mammal whose germ cells and somatic cells contain a knockout mutation in DNA encoding orphan nuclear receptor ERR&agr;. More specifically, the invention relates to knockout mice whose germ cells and somatic cells contain a knockout mutation in DNA encoding orphan nuclear receptor ERR&agr;. The invention further relates to such knockout non-human mammals which express an ERR&agr; gene which is different from the endogenous gene which was disrupted. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to a transgenic mouse having its endogenous ERR&agr; gene disrupted and expressing human ERR&agr;. As well, the invention relates to cell lines in which ERR&agr; activity (and/or level) has been inactivated or augmented. The invention further relates to uses and methods of the transgenic animals of the present invention to select agents which modulate the expression and/or activity of ERR&agr;.

Abstract: This invention provides for transgenic non-human mammalian models of human disease, methods of making such models as well as methods of using such models to assess efficacy of therapeutic and prophylaxis treatments, to assess the antigenic potential of compounds, and other uses.

Abstract: The present invention discloses transgenic mice with inactivating mutations in the endogenous gene for the acetyl-CoA carboxylase-2 isoform of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Inactivation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase-2 results in mice exhibiting a phenotype of reduced malonyl-CoA levels in skeletal muscle and heart, unrestricted fat oxidation, and reduced fat accumulation in the liver and fat storage cells. As a result, the mice consume more food but accumulate less fat and remain leaner than wild type mice fed the same diet. These results demonstrate that inhibition of ACC2 acetyl-CoA carboxylase could be used to regulate fat oxidation and accumulation for purposes of weight control. The transgenic mice of the instant invention provide a useful animal model to identify such inhibitors and for studying the mechanisms of fat metabolism and weight control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expression and assembly of foreign multimeric proteins —e.g., antibodies—in plants, as well as to transgenic plants that express such proteins. In one of several preferred embodiments, the generation and assembly of functional secretory antibodies in plants is disclosed. The invention also discloses compositions produced by the transgenic plants of the present invention and methods of using same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of multigenerational analysis of plants modified by insertional mutagenesis, and a method for associating plant mutant trait and genotype information. The invention is further directed to a method for managing data pertaining to plant mutant trait and genotype information in a database. The invention is further directed to a system for managing plant mutant trait and genotype information in a database, a system for allowing users to associate plant trait and genotype information, a system for facilitating business transactions with a user regarding plant materials or a gene sequence of interest to user and a computer-readable medium embodying a program of instructions for execution by a computer for implementing a system for allowing users to associate plant trait and genotype information.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods related to acyl-coenzyme A thioesterases. In particular, the present invention is related to plant acyl-coenzyme A thioesterases. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of the enzymes, as well as mutant and variant forms, some of which possess altered characteristics relative to the wild-type enzyme. The present invention also relates to methods of using acyl-CoA thioesterases, including altered expression in transgenic plants and expression in prokaryotes and cell culture systems.

Abstract: Methods of determining whether a plant is a member of a known cultivar utilize DNA fingerprinting techniques and the discovery of 41 polymorphic fragments that correlate with cultivar identity. These methods are useful in determining whether a plant is a member of a particular breeding family and potentially whether plants are genetically similar to each other.

Abstract: Genes and methods for optimizing levels of substrates employed in the biosynthesis of copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) in plants and bacteria via manipulation of normal metabolic pathways using recombinant DNA techniques are provided. This is achieved through the use of a variety of wild-type and/or deregulated enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of aspartate family amino acids, and wild-type or deregulated forms of enzymes, such as threonine deaminase, involved in the conversion of threonine to P(3HB-co-3HV) copolymer endproduct. By these methods, enhanced levels of threonine, &agr;-ketobutyrate, propionate, propionyl-CoA, &bgr;-ketovaleryl-CoA, and &bgr;-hydroxyvaleryl-CoA are produced. Also provided are methods for the biological production of P(3HB-co-3HV) copolymers in plants and bacteria utilizing propionyl-CoA produced through a variety of engineered metabolic pathways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing growth of plants. This involves applying a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein in a non-infectious form to a plant or plant seed under conditions effective to enhance growth of the plant or plants produced from the plant seed. Alternatively, transgenic plants or transgenic plant seeds transformed with a DNA molecule encoding a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein can be provided and the transgenic plants or plants resulting from the transgenic plant seeds are grown under conditions effective to enhance plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to transgenic trees having increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide. In particular, the present invention relates to larch and poplar trees transformed with an altered AHAS gene, wherein such transformation results in the trees' increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the present invention find use in impacting microbial pathogens and in enhancing disease resistance to pathogens, particularly by plants. The compositions of the invention include polypeptides that possess antimicrobial properties, particularly fungicidal properties, and the encoding nucleic acid molecules. The polypeptides of the invention are isolated from the hemolymph and fat bodies of insect larvae induced by injection of plant pathogenic fungi. Further provided are plant cells, plants, and seed thereof, transformed with the nucleic acid molecules of the invention so as to confer disease resistance on the plant.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense response are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding maize BTL proteins are provided. The sequence can be used in expression cassettes for antimicrobial resistance, modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense response. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.

Abstract: Chimeric expression promoter comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence, derived from a first plant promoter comprising a plant vascular expression promoter region, said plant vascular expression promoter region being replaced with a nucleic acid sequence derived from a second plant promoter and comprising a plant green tissue expression promoter region.

Abstract: The invention provides diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DAGAT) proteins, wherein said proteins are active in the formation of triacylglycerol from fatty acyl and diacylglycerol substrates. In one aspect, Mortierella ramanniana DAGAT proteins have been isolated and have molecular weights of between approximately 36 and 37 kDa as measured by SDS-PAGE. The invention also provides novel DAGAT polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences and to methods of producing such polypeptides using recombinant techniques. In addition, methods are provided for using such sequences to alter triacylglycerol levels in plants and to treat diseases associated with altered DAGAT activity or expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid molecule encoding the catalytic subunit of a variant protein phosphatase from pea plant, a new member of the protein phosphatase 2A family, that directly interacts with the red and far-red light absorbing photoreceptor phytochrome A. This gene is exclusively expressed in the flower and stalk organs. The catalytic subunit of the protein phosphatase interacts more preferentially with the Pfr form and dephosphorylates it in a Zn2+/Fe2+-dependent manner. The invention also describes the methods and processes for generating expression cassettes and plasmids and for the use of these expression cassettes and plasmids to synthesize the protein phosphatase or biologically active fragments of such an enzyme.

Abstract: A plant transformation vector for transforming host plant cells with a chimeric selectable marker gene is disclosed. The gene includes, operatively linked in sequence in a 5′ to 3′ direction, (i) a DNA promoter sequence from the rice beta-glucanase 9 (gns9) gene; (ii) a selectable marker gene, and (iii) a 3′ untranslated terminator region. Also disclosed are a vector pair containing the transformation vector, a method of obtaining transformed monocots whose seeds produce a selected heterologous protein during sed germination, and a plant whose cells are transformed with the chimeric selectable marker gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of compiling a positive sense functional gene profile of an organism, a method of changing the phenotype or biochemistry of an organism, a method of determining a change in phenotype or biochemistry of an organism, and a method of determining the presence of a trait in an organism, and a method of isolating human cDNA. The methods comprise expressing transiently a nucleic acid sequence of a donor organism into a host plant to affect phenotypic or biochemical changes in the host organism. A viral vector functional genomic screen has been developed to identify nucleotide sequences in transfected plants by enhancing or supressing an endogenous gene expression in a positive sense mechanism, or by overexpressing a new protein. Once the presence of a trait in a plant is identified by phenotypic or biochemical changes in the host plant, the nucleic acid insert in the cDNA clone or in the vector that results in the changes is then sequenced.

Abstract: The present invention regards a method of unmasking or revealing genetic variation in eukaryotic organisms, such as plants, to eukaryotic organisms, particularly plants, produced by the method, and eukaryotic organisms, particularly plants, that exhibit a phenotype (phenotype trait) masked by Hsp90 function (activity). Specifically, the present invention is directed to the detecting genetic variation in a plant by interfering with the Hsp90 buffer system. More specifically, endogenous Hsp90 activity is inhibited by drugs or genetic manipulation that results in the manifestation of pre-existing yet otherwise undetected genetic variations, such as polymorphisms.