Abstract: A reusable software component that enables procedural rules in the form of text to be edited, viewed, checked for valid rule syntax, and evaluated after assigning values to variables during run-time of a compiled host program in such a way that supplements or modifies the procedural logic of that host program. Thereby enabling a computer's behavior to be modified, or helping it to reach some conclusion or result, based on conditions that need not or cannot be pre-determined before run-time and compiled into the host program. This component can be used in either or both a graphical user interface, GUI, mode and/or a non-GUI mode. This component can be associated with other software components, and it can be customized to apply a specific rule syntax.

Abstract: A program-controlled unit has debug resources for monitoring the operations proceeding within the program-controlled unit. The program-controlled unit described is distinguished by the fact that the debug resources contain a CPU, and/or that a portion of the debug resources is provided for monitoring the operations proceeding within the remainder of the debug resources. Debug resources constructed in this way make it possible for errors occurring in program-controlled units to be localized and eliminated rapidly and simply under all circumstances.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a method for obtaining performance data from software compiled with or without trace hooks. The method begins with a software application being entered and a trace data flag being set to off. Then, for each module initiated by the software application several steps are performed. First, the trace data flag is set to on if the module is registered with a performance analyzer tool. Next, it is determined whether the module being initiated contains trace data hooks. If the module does have trace data hooks and the trace data flag is on, then a request is transmitted to the performance analyzer tool to record trace data in response to encountering the embedded trace data hooks in the module. If the module does not have trace data hooks and the trace flag is on a request is transmitted to the performance analyzer tool to record trace data in response to entering and exiting the module.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for distributing cores. In general, a core that includes a plurality of first variables is identified without reference to one or more parameters. A computer program is executed that includes a plurality of second variables with reference to the one or more parameters. The execution of the computer program includes execution of the core. The one or more parameters of the first variables are then inferred from the one or more parameters of the second variables.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and computer program products may facilitate translation of machine code associated with a first processor for execution on a second processor. Machine code associated with a first processor may be translated into a translated program that includes one or more translation instructions for execution on the second processor. The one or more translation instructions are used exclusively to translate machine code that is associated with a processor other than the second processor. The translated program may be stored in a storage medium where it may be executed using the second processor. Each translation instruction that involves access of the storage medium may be dispatched to one or more translation load-store units that are dedicated exclusively to processing the translation instructions.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automated translation of data sets includes a computer at a local site receiving information from a remote site. The computer compiles this information into one or more binary objects, and uses these binary objects to service customer requests by transforming a data value from a first representation into a second representation. The received information is typically localization information, e.g., rules for time zone conversion, daylight savings time adjustments, currency conversion, language translation, etc., but can address other types of conversion. A system formed by the remote site, the computer at the local site with a binary object in memory, and a communications module connecting the two, and a method are also discussed.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for using a dynamic object in a programming language. In general, an object is defined with an associated first value and second value. The first value is used in association with the object during a predetermined clock cycle. The second value is used in association with the object before or after the predetermined clock cycle.

Abstract: A microprocessor (10) comprises a compiler (4), which, for a source program including an integer division q=int(a÷b) (int( ) is a function discarding figures below decimal point in parentheses) for dividing integer a, expressed in N bits, by integer constant b, causes a computer to execute a first process for calculating mb=int(m÷b) (where m=2N), and a second process for generating an object code, which stores the mb in a first register (24), calculates qx=int(a×mb÷m), calculates rx=a−qx×b, set a quotient q to q=qx when rx<b, or q=qx+1 when rx>=b;

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for optimizing the runtime behavior of database or other applications by allowing selection of alternative code segments during linking of pre-compiled object modules. A macro-preprocessor inserts a declaration for a global variable in the source code in response to an occurrence of a command of interest. The linker selects object modules for executing other commands based on the presence or absence of the declaration for the global variable in the preprocessed source code. The method and apparatus are useful in implementing programming language statements including non-procedural programming languages such as the Embedded Structured Query Language (ESQL).

Abstract: System and method for implementation of an install system that provides for installing a driver for a hardware device on a computer system. The install system includes a decision mechanism that determines if the hardware device is connected to the computer system, and a user interface that instructs a user to connect the hardware device if it is determined that the hardware device is not connected to the computer system. A driver installer then installs the driver for the hardware device if it is determined that the hardware device is connected to the computer system. The method for installing a driver for a hardware device on a computer system includes the steps of determining if the hardware device is connected to the computer system, instructing a user to connect the hardware device if it is determined that the hardware device is not connected to the computer system, and then installing the driver for the hardware device if it is determined that the hardware device is connected to the computer system.

Abstract: A system and method update client computers of various end users with software updates for software products installed on the client computers, the software products manufacturered by diverse, unrelated software vendors. The system includes a service provider computer system, a number of client computers and software vendor computer systems communicating on a common network. The service provider computer system stores in an update database information about the software updates of the diverse software vendors, identifying the software products for which software updates are available, their location on the network at the various software vendor computer systems, information for identifying in the client computers the software products stored thereon, and information for determining for such products, which have software updates available. Users of the client computers connect to the service provider computer and obtain a current version of portions of the database.

Abstract: A system and method update client computers of various end users with software updates for software products installed on the client computers, the software products manufacturered by diverse, unrelated software vendors. The system includes a service provider computer system, a number of client computers and software vendor computer systems communicating on a common network. The service provider computer system stores in an update database information about the software updates of the diverse software vendors, identifying the software products for which software updates are available, their location on the network at the various software vendor computer systems, information for identifying in the client computers the software products stored thereon, and information for determining for such products, which have software updates available. Users of the client computers connect to the service provider computer and obtain a current version of portions of the database.

Abstract: In a method for providing software to an implantable medical device system, including an implanted medical device and a presentation unit in communication with each other, a most current version of software for operating one or more of these system units is stored at a server which is remote from the implanted medical device system. Upon each start-up of the presentation unit, a communication link is established between the server and the presentation unit, and information is provided from the presentation unit to the server identifying the software which is respectively currently stored in one or more of the system units. The server determines whether the currently stored software in the system units requires an update and, if so, the server downloads the software version stored at the server to any of the system units which is/are in need of updated software.

Abstract: A method of installing hardware and corresponding software comprising the steps of initiating the installation process for a hardware element having corresponding software, monitoring the operating system for commands which require user intervention, analyzing the commands received from the operating system, and responding to the commands received from the operating system without requiring user intervention. The invention further comprises an installation script for use in association with a computer and an associated hardware element or software element. The script comprising a monitoring mechanism, an analyzing mechanism and a responding mechanism. The monitoring mechanism monitoring a request for user intervention by an operating system. The analyzing mechanism analyzing the request to determine a response thereto. The responding mechanism responding to the request without substantially requiring user intervention.

Abstract: A computer program tool for checking the correct or otherwise installation of a different computer program operates by comparing predetermined installation data with detected installation results, including at least one of read register entries and details of files stored subsequent to the installation. A user may specify the particular computer program and version of which the installation is to be checked, as well the operating system environment. The results of the checking may be reported as a simple pass/fail, a code value or a descriptive text of any error encountered.

Abstract: When installing the Microsoft windows installer service, the install system suppresses a reboot of the computer device. The install system with reboot suppression includes a load mechanism that loads the install system to a temporary directory. A directory mechanism then sets the path for the install system to the temporary directory, and an executing mechanism executes the install system from the temporary directory. The method suppresses a reboot of the computer device when installing the Microsoft windows installer service and includes the steps of loading the install system to a temporary directory and setting a path for the install system as the temporary directory. Then the install system is executed from the temporary directory.

Abstract: A software delivery process including sub-processes of configuration management and version control, change and problem management, building, packaging, and distribution and installation. The process is implemented by an integrated management system that includes a configuration management sub-system, a change and problem management sub-system, a building sub-system, a packaging sub-system, a distribution sub-system, and a tracking sub-system. The subsystems are integrated in order to manage the software along its whole life cycle, from development to installation in production. The tracking sub-system captures and integrates information about the status of the delivery from the other sub-systems along all steps of the process.

Abstract: A system and a method for installing and configurating a package including an operating system, software products, and applications on end-user computers connected to server computers in a network. The method is based on a pull deployment model where installation is triggered and performed on site by the end-user, using tools provided by an administrator. Based on a predefined machine function, a generation process generates a source file having required parameters to make the installation, those parameters being stored in a centralized configuration database. Response files needed for the installation are generated in turn. The system allows tracking the installation process and reporting its success or failure to the central database.

Abstract: For each of the customers of a broadcast service, server software can predict the content that the customer's client software is expected to acquire from the servers on behalf of the customer. This is based on (1) billing information for the customer received from the customer's client software and that describes previously broadcast content acquired by the client software on behalf of the customer, and (2) a description of available content that will be available for broadcast by the service and that can be acquired by the customer's client software. One application includes deriving a broadcast schedule for the service based on such predicted content for the customers.

Abstract: Content with a plurality of treatments, in the form of a movie, video, text, animation, music, etc., is stored on a network, each treatment having a storyline connection with all the other treatments. Subscribers to the content are classified in a subscriber tier based on subscription fee amounts. Each tier has a prescribed number of element choices within the content treatments to determine the direction of the flow of the content. A top-level tier is capable of choosing a first and second sub-set of elements of a main presentation, e.g. a movie. The elements, in the example of a movie, may include characters and movie genre. Each subscriber's choice, within a tier, is registered and the majority of the top level determines a first element in the movie. Each subscriber in the second highest level is able to adjust the storyline, which includes a first element determined by the first tier, by choosing a second element. A further tier of subscribers is not allowed to adjust the story line.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining whether a television is on and in near proximity is provided. The system includes a television, an audio sensor, an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital signal processor. The audio sensor, which may be portable by a member of the television audience, is situated in the same room as the television. When the television is turned on, the television emits an audio signal, the audio sensor detects the audio signal, the analog-to-digital converter converts the audio signal into a set of digital audio samples, and the digital signal processor processes the set of digital audio samples. The system may also include an amplifier to amplify the detected audio signal and to provide the amplified signal to the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: An encryption arrangement for multiple encryption of television programs. A system according to embodiments of the present invention multiple encrypts only a portion of the data required for full presentation of a television program to permit coexistence of multiple conditional access encryption systems associated with multiple manufacturer's set-top boxes within a single system. In one embodiment, a time slicing technique is used to encrypt portions of a program on a time allocated basis. By only encrypting a portion of the program, dramatically less bandwidth is consumed than the alternative of multiple encryption of all program data, thus permitting a larger number of programs to be carried over the same bandwidth while permitting coexistence of multiple conditional access systems in a single cable television system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for enabling a computer to manipulate programming breaks in an original digital content stream. One of a plurality of substitute durations is selected with reference to a first duration of a first programming break. The selected substitute duration is substituted for the first duration, thereby generating a modified digital content stream having a modified programming break.

Abstract: According to video distributing method and system, in a video server connected to viewer terminals through a network 3, a list of plural supply service charges containing “free-charge” which are based on the CM amount to be inserted into one video content is stored in a content list 30 with CM-added charges in advance. When accepting a video information supply request from a viewer terminal, the information of the content list 30 with the CM-added charges is supplied to a Web page. When accepting an designation of a desired content and the CM amount thereof from a terminal, a video signal composite portion 27 receives this designation, and only the CM amount based on the designation is inserted in the video content stored in the content portion 24 corresponding to the indicated content. The video content containing the CM is distributed to the requesting terminal.

Abstract: This invention involves a virtual environment created through the combination of technologies. The invention employs the knowledge and experience of a Personal Assistant or Host, created through Artificial Intelligence applications, which assists and guides the user of the environment to products and/or services that they will most likely be interested in purchasing or requiring. The intelligent assistant's choices are based on its experiences with the specific user. The intelligent assistant communicates with the user by means of a speech recognition and speech synthesis device. This invention is an easy to use virtual reality environment that takes advantage of existing technologies and global communications networks such as the Internet without requiring any given degree of computer literacy. This invention includes a virtual intelligent assistant for each user which adapts to its user as it provides individualized guidance.

Abstract: An aggregator is provided in connection with advertisement swapping. The aggregator can be implemented in an interactive television system so as to perform real-time aggregation of trigger information for advertisement swapping through cooperation with content providers or third-party entities. The aggregated information can then be made available to set top boxes and/or ancillary devices of subscribers. Advertisement swapping may be performed via use of the trigger information to perform channel switching to a channel that broadcasts substitute advertisements or via use of the trigger information to retrieve substitute advertisements from a storage unit. The advertisement swapping may be performed by devices of opted-in subscribers, or by devices at a broadcast center.

Abstract: A device information analysis circuit 108 analyzes type and capability of reception terminal, and in accordance with the result of analysis, a scene/object conversion circuit 1002 refers to object description data 103 and scene description data 104, and determines whether or not display positions and placement (layout of the respective objects in a display screen of the reception terminal) of respective objects must be changed. If it is determined that the display position and placement must be changed, the display positions and the placement of the respective objects described in the scene description data 104 and the object description data 103 are converted in accordance with the result of analysis by the device information analysis circuit 108.

Abstract: The invention relates to a TV distribution system which comprises a network head-end, user stations and an upstream channel from the user stations to the network head-end. Each upstream channel transports an upstream frame divided into time slot regions, each region corresponding to a different type of access for the stations. Each frame can notably contain a contention based region to which all the stations have free access.

Abstract: An ITV system having a plurality of channels is provided. A visual card is created for each channel, each visual card including a graphical representation of the channel. The visual cards may be linked together or grouped in one or more sequences. One or more visual cards from one or more sequences may be displayed across the GUI, with one visual card being displayed within a focus area. In response to a single user action, the visual cards within a particular sequence may be successively displayed within the focus area. When the user sees a visual card representing a desired channel, the user takes some additional action and the successive display of visual cards is discontinued. The visual card representing the desired channel is then displayed in the focus area within the user interface, and may be visually enhanced. Once the successive display of visual cards has been discontinued, the user may select the channel represented by the visual card.

Abstract: A plurality of images are stored, each of which represents the same option at different levels of specificity. A specificity indicator is associated with each image that indicates the level of specificity at which the corresponding option is represented. When a graphical representation of an option is to be displayed, a specificity selector selectively displays the image having the highest level of specificity among the plurality of images that represent the particular option.

Abstract: A button on a remote control device is associated with a filter for filtering a first stored sequence of cards representing available options. A display unit displays a user interface including a focus area intersected by a first axis. In response to detecting activation of a button on the remote control device indicating a selection of a filter, the first sequence of cards is filtered according to the selected filter to produce a second sequence of cards. The second sequence is then displayed along the first axis, with one card being displayed within the focus area.

Abstract: The present invention was accomplished in order to provide broadcast terminal equipment and an information supply system, with which the convenience of a viewer can be improved by preparing a program list in which favorite programs of the viewer can be easily found out and automatically recording the viewer's favorite programs with the utilization of the viewer's watching program data, and moreover, a variety of information and services can be provided by making use of the viewer's watching program data with taking advantage of an interactive function, comprising a viewer's program data storage device to store program data related to programs a viewer watched, an each viewer's program list preparing device to prepare a favorite program list of the viewer based on the program data stored in the viewer's program data storage device, a favorite program detecting device to detect a program which fits into the favorite program list of the viewer prepared by the each viewer's program list preparing device in a prog

Abstract: Electronic publications are entirely in digital form and are not distributed in hard-copy form. Consequently, distribution can occur by virtually any data transmission. In fact, the electronic publications can be incorporated in a television signal broadcast by a broadcasting system (cable, satellite, terrestrial). The publication is then extracted from the television signal by a receiving or recording device, such as a personal video recorder. The publication can then be displayed and read on the user's television set or other video monitor. In this way, electronic publications can be distributed widely and quickly at little cost.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a television electronic programming guide (EPG) that allow users to combine multiple search criteria within a single search. The EPG receives a television program search criteria set containing a plurality of search criteria and a specified search time period. The EPG provides a search result set containing television programs that meet the television program search criteria set for the specified search time period. The search time period may be revised such that the search criteria set is automatically applied to the revised search time period. One embodiment provides a search time period button that returns the search to a current time period from a specified future time period.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiver judges, when a program is reserved by a user on a program guide table, whether or not the reserved program should be in a series, to prompt, when the reserved program is in the series, the user to choose whether or not the reserved program should be registered as a series reservation, and extracts, when it is chosen that the reserved program should be registered as a series reservation, programs which are in a series relationship with the reserved program, to process the programs constituting the series as reserved programs.

Abstract: The present invention is a navigational user interface for interactive television and, more specifically, for purchasing food products via the navigational user interface and a 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 user-processor interface is described for providing data content to a user in transit on a mobile platform. The interface includes at least one option selectable by the user for bi-directional access to a network via satellite link. The interface also includes at least one option selectable by the user for real-time access to video content via satellite link. The user interface allows an in-flight passenger to select from an extensive menu of travel-related information, including up-to-date flight and ticketing information pertaining to the airline and aircraft carrying the passenger.

Abstract: A broadcast program is contiguously stored to a real-time storage means in a program server. The stored program is read from the real-time storage means and sent to a receiver when the receiver sends a request to the program server to send the stored program to the receiver so that the receiver may show the stored program. Retrieval of the stored program is similar to replaying a program stored on a video tape recorder.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate user access to various types of content stored within one or more devices on a private network, both from other devices on the private network and from devices external to the private network, are provided. Content stored within each network device is published to the private network (e.g., to other devices on the private network), either periodically or continuously, via a respective contributor module associated with each network device. Meta information about content stored within each network device (and/or content) is aggregated, either periodically or continuously, via an aggregator module in communication with each contributor module. The content stored within the network devices (or content centrally stored) is then categorized, either automatically or manually by a user, into one or more content categories via a categorizer module in communication with the aggregator module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to a video system based on bandwidth consumption include processing that begins as the server monitors bandwidth utilization of connections within the video system. The processing continues when the server receives a request to access a video program via the connection from a client device of the video system. The processing then continues as the server determines whether the bandwidth utilization exceeds a bandwidth threshold. If the bandwidth utilization exceeds the bandwidth threshold, the server provides an indication of viewing-cost options regarding access to the video program to the client device. The processing then continues as the client selects one of the viewing-cost options and provides the selected option to the server. The processing then continues as the server processes the request to access the video program based on the client response.

Abstract: In response to a request to establish video communication between a video-enabled (e.g., videophone) and non-video-enabled (e.g., cellular telephone) communication device, two-way audio communication is established between the two devices. One-way video communication is also established between a server and the video-enabled device. Video signals generated by the video-enabled device during the two-way audio communication are captured and cached within the server. The cached video signals may be subsequently retrieved and displayed by a computer terminal or video-enabled communication device.

Abstract: A signal distribution system to save on the cost of cable modems for cable TV headend operators who wish to deliver broadband digital data services, DSL, video-on-demand or POTS service over their HFC CATV delivery networks. All species within the genus have a shared cable modem and a filtration and combining circuit comprised of a plurality of diplexer filters or junction boxes or both which mix baseband packet data with analog CATV signals onto coax drop lines coupled to the various subscribers and connect POTS or DSL signals onto twisted pair portions of siamese cables. Various species have the cable modem feeding digital data or packets of DOCSIS or other data or digitized DSL signals sent over the HFC to the cable modem or digitized POTS signals send over the HFC to the cable modem to either a packet switch, a DSL concentrator, a voice-over-IP gateway or some combination of the above.

Abstract: A method, device and network (100, 200) for compressing cable modem data signals and conserving bandwidth within the network. Cable modems (110, 210) transmit upstream data signals to a fiber node (130, 230) which compresses the data signals and transmits the compressed signals upstream to a headend (112, 212) which decompresses the data signals. The fiber node (130, 230) compression may be by a shaping filter (142, 144) or a fast Fourier transform (FFT) function 270. The headend decompression may be by an inverse shaping filter (162) or an inverse FFT function (272).

Abstract: In an aspect, a method and system is provided to receive and analyze tracked and reported broadcasted data errors, based on a path of the broadcasted data, regional factors including terrain, dynamic factors including weather and season, and retransmission factors. In an aspect, error correction is utilized, based on an analysis of the reported data errors. In an aspect, a method and system is provided to receive broadcast data, and track and report data errors based on a path of the received data, regional factors including terrain, dynamic factors including weather and season, and retransmission factors. In an aspect, data is received having error correction based on an analysis of the reported data errors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital broadcast system and method for enabling a viewer linkage to internet service providers via a channel remote controller. The channel remote controller can transmit one of a plurality of channel request signals in response to the viewer's selection. Each channel request signal corresponds to one of the internet service providers. The system comprises a communication apparatus, a broadcast station communicating with the communication apparatus, and a terminal electrically connecting with the communication apparatus for display presentation from the linked internet service provider. The communication apparatus receives the signal from the channel remote controller, converts the signal into a corresponding script to link to the corresponding internet service provider, and transmits the corresponding script.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing access by a user to a resource through one of a plurality of communication systems. The method includes the steps of releasably connecting a microphone to a body part of the user, detecting a voice signal of the user through the connected microphone and transferring the detected voice signal of the user detected by the microphone to a local base unit. The method further includes the steps of recognizing at least some spoken words of the user, associating the recognized words with a predetermined communication system of the plurality of communication systems, executing a predetermined command to gain access to the resource based upon the recognized words through the associated communication system and displaying a status screen regarding the accessed resource on a television set of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of delivery and storage of real-time data in communications networks. More particularly, the present invention provides a method, apparatus, system, and machine-readable medium to store an encoded audio or video stream.

Abstract: A video data transmission system in which a video signal transmitting apparatus and a plurality of video signal receiving apparatuses are coupled to each other via a network, and the video signal transmitting apparatus has a first memory unit for storing a video signal as digital video data which is sequentially updated a plurality of second memory units to which the digital video data is written at predetermined timings and from which the digital video data is read and a control unit for controlling the first and second memory units and a transmitter for transmitting the digital video data to the network. With the configuration, optimum digital video data is transmitted to the plurality of video signal receiving apparatuses in accordance with the transmission band of the network coupled to the video signal transmitting apparatus.

Abstract: In order to transition to digital television services, existing analog televisions require additional equipment that can decode received digital data streams. Devices of this sort are readily available, however they can become expensive as the feature list expands. The present invention provides a low-cost digital television settop or the like, with built-in digital decoding and analog signal pass-through capabilities. The tuner within an analog television receives (i) passed through analog television channels and (ii) digital channels that have been converted to analog signals and placed on a predetermined analog television channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic compositions, methods of designing immunogenic compositions, methods of treatment using immunogenic compositions, methods of evaluating cell-mediated immunity resulting from immunogenic compositions, research models, and methods of making research models, all of which relate to targeting tumor vasculature.