Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing path metrics in a trellis. The trellis phase nodes that have the common nodes of the preceding trellis phase through the allowed state transitions determined by the code are defined as basic group nodes. Then path metrics corresponding to the code are produced, and in each basic group winner information on the winner path and path metric information on the rejected paths is stored in a memory in respect of only one node. Finally the signal is re-processed in the opposite direction trellis phase by trellis phase starting from the path metrics produced last by producing the path metrics of the preceding trellis phase basic group by basic group using the path metrics of the one node of the basic group of the present trellis phase and the winner information and path metric information stored in the memory.

Abstract: A web site visualization tool useful for business analytics is described. The visualization tool has a web server for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI), and a database for storing web pages and web page metrics. The web server includes a relationship engine for maintaining stored web page linkages and decision support tools for generating metrics related to the stored web pages. The web server displays a GUI to a user via a standard client web browser. In one embodiment, the GUI includes a standard report region with thumb-print size web page images located in the periphery surrounding the report region and connected to the corresponding entries in the report region. In another embodiment, the GUI includes a web page region and a web page information region having metrics and other information related to the web page displayed in the web page region.

Abstract: A visual discovery tool for graph generation is described. The visual discovery tool has a database for storing a data set, rules, and graph types and a graph generator for selectively applying rules and graph types to the data set to generate graphs. In one embodiment, triggers and threshold values are stored in the database to determine the execution of the graph generator. In another embodiment, a user interface enables the customization of the rules and graph types.

Abstract: Provides method and systems to simplify processing and improve processing speed for validation of an XML document. In an example embodiment, a non-deterministic automaton is generated by a binary tree automaton generation module from a document type definition described by hedge grammar. Furthermore, a deterministic binary tree automaton is generated by a determination module, and a deterministic binary tree automaton of which transition function &dgr; is minimized by a minimization module is generated. This minimum deterministic binary tree automaton is used to validate an XML document with a validation module. When the XML document is normally accepted by the binary tree automaton, validation results wherein the XML document is reasonable are outputted.

Abstract: The invention concerns a module for generating objects, called Webbike module, for supplying at least one function for generating objects from raw data retrieved from at least a data source, containing at least a document expressed in a markup language. The invention is characterised in that: on reception by said object-generating module of a request for at least an object (3), said at least one object-creating function uses at least a retrieval subfunction, to inform the content of at least one member (31, 32, 33) concerning the structure of said at least one object (3).

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems allowing users to send and receive character-based, graphically expressive messages using mobile wireless devices. In one embodiment, the present invention allows users to create and maintain a customized, easy-to-use visual messaging environment for use with wireless mobile devices having limited display and other interface capabilities. In one embodiment, the present invention allows users to establish a graphical character-based, messaging personality, including selectable images of the character that convey a certain mood.

Abstract: A method for optimizing loop bandwidth in a delay locked loop is provided. A representative power supply waveform having noise is input into a simulation of the delay locked loop; an estimate of jitter is determined; and the loop bandwidth of the delay looked loop is adjusted until the jitter falls below a pre-selected value. Further, a computer system for optimizing loop bandwidth in a delay locked loop is provided. Further, a computer-readable medium having recorded thereon instructions adapted to optimize loop bandwidth in a delay locked loop is provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for pre-tabulating sub-networks. This method (1) generates a sub-network that performs a function, (2) generates a parameter based on this function, and (3) stores the sub-network in a storage structure based on the generated parameter. In some embodiments, the generated sub-network has several circuit elements. Also, in some embodiments, the generated sub-network performs a set of two or more functions. Some embodiments store each generated sub-network in an encoded manner. Some embodiments provide a method for producing a circuit description of a design. This method (1) selects a candidate sub-network from the design, (2) identifies an output function performed by the sub-network, (3) based on the identified output function, identifies a replacement sub-network from a storage structure that stores replacement sub-networks, and (4) replaces the selected candidate sub-network with the identified replacement sub-network in certain conditions.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for pre-tabulating sub-networks. This method (1) generates a sub-network that performs a function, (2) generates a parameter based on this function, and (3) stores the sub-network in a storage structure based on the generated parameter. In some embodiments, the generated sub-network has several circuit elements. Also, in some embodiments, the generated sub-network performs a set of two or more functions. Some embodiments store each generated sub-network in an encoded manner. Some embodiments provide a method for producing a circuit description of a design. This method (1) selects a candidate sub-network from the design, (2) identifies an output function performed by the sub-network, (3) based on the identified output function, identifies a replacement sub-network from a storage structure that stores replacement sub-networks, and (4) replaces the selected candidate sub-network with the identified replacement sub-network in certain conditions.

Abstract: A computer processor integrated circuit has multiple functional units, where each unit is coupled to a register file for reading and writing operands. An instruction fetch unit receives instructions from a memory system and dispatches commands to the functional units. The processor has a resource status flags register wherein particular units may be marked enabled or disabled. The instruction fetch and decode unit checks the resource status flags register prior to dispatching commands and dispatches commands only to those functional units marked enabled. The instruction fetch and decode unit is capable of dispatching commands to available units, and of stalling and dispatching remaining commands in a following cycle if insufficient resources are available to simultaneously dispatch all commands necessary to execute an instruction or group of instructions.

Abstract: The method, system and computer program product for design analysis of a component efficiently subject a finite element model of the component to the appropriate thermo-mechanical environment(s), evaluate the component's stress responses to the environmental loads, and compare the stress responses to pre-selected limits. In addition, the method, system and computer program product accurately identify potential failure points of the component and the interconnect structure of the component, identify the type of environmental load that caused the failure, prompt the user to modify the design or other user-defined parameter of the component, and further test a finite model of the modified component. Thus, the method, system and computer program product provide an economical and timely design analysis for components that enables users to determine the appropriate design for the components based upon the type of thermo-mechanical environment(s) to which the component will be subjected over its lifetime.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enabling the analog and digital triggering of a signal analysis device such as a Logic Analyzer, wherein separate analog and digital signal paths provide separate analog and digital processing of an input test signal for enabling the triggering of a signal analysis device upon analog and digital signal conditions.

Abstract: A method for optimizing loop bandwidth in a phase locked loop is provided. A representative power supply waveform having noise is input into a simulation of the phase locked loop; an estimate of jitter is determined; and the loop bandwidth of the phase looked loop is adjusted until the jitter falls below a pre-selected value. Further, a computer system for optimizing loop bandwidth in a phase locked loop is provided. Further, a computer-readable medium having recorded thereon instructions adapted to optimize loop bandwidth in a phase locked loop is provided.

Abstract: A method for estimating jitter in a delay locked loop is provided. The estimation is determined from a simulation that uses a representative power supply waveform having noise as an input. Further, a computer system for estimating jitter in a delay locked loop is provided. Further, a computer-readable medium having recorded thereon instructions adapted to estimate jitter in a delay locked loop is provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing a semiconductor integrated circuit including a plurality of clock groups which are designed to be supplied with their respective clock signals. The method is improved by supplying plural kinds of clock signals for performing a scan testing respectively to the clock groups, the respective clock signals having different duty factors in at least a part of the clock groups. This prevents circuits on the plurality of scan lines from operating simultaneously, thus suppressing power consumption during a clock operation, allowing highly accurate testing.

Abstract: To provide a resistor circuit with which a resistance ratio among voltage division resistors in a semiconductor integrated circuit can be realized with high accuracy. The resistor circuit of the present invention includes: a reference resistor portion; and a resistor portion including resistor elements and fuse connected in parallel with the resistor elements, respectively, for trimming the resistor elements. The resistor elements are put to be arranged in order from the resistor element having a largest resistance value so as to be adjacent to the reference resistor portion in the periphery of the reference resistor portion. As a result, it is possible to obtain accurately the ratio between a resistance value of a reference resistor and a desired resistance value determined with the ratio from the resistance value of the reference resistor.

Abstract: An electrical circuit can be described by a layout and by a network list. A network list has one or more cells each having one or more cell entities. From an existing layout, intrinsic capacitance values and coupling capacitance values of the networks are determined for all of the cell entities. Using these capacitance values, the cell entities are classified into variants. These variants are used in the simulation of the behavior of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A circuit for an emulation system that has a logic element having a RAM, lookup table, optional delay element and flip-flop/latch. The flip-flop/latch may behave as a flip-flop or as a latch and has separate set and reset signals. The delay element inserts a selectable amount of delay into the data path of the logic element in order to reduce race time problems. The logic elements may be combined to share input signals so as to increase the size of the RAM. The improved circuit also has a playback memory used to store up to a a plurality of copies of sampled data from a logic element so that emulation data can be played back for debugging purposes. Multiple read ports coupled to the logic elements permit a user to read out data from the logic elements during emulation in a time multiplexed manner. The input/output pins may be time multiplexed to carry multiple signals, unidirectionally or bidirectionally.

Abstract: A system and method for providing correlation of HDL signal names in the structural gate level description. In one embodiment, an HDL behavioral description of a circuit is processed by a correlation compiler to identify intermediate signals. The behavioral description is modified to specify that the intermediate signals are primary outputs of the circuit. The modified behavioral description is then processed by a synthesis tool to generate a structural description corresponding to the modified behavioral description. The structural description includes as outputs the identified intermediate signals.

Abstract: A layout pattern generating unit within a lithography process margin evaluating apparatus generates a plurality of design layout patterns, using an analysis condition and information stored in a layout pattern template holding unit. In addition, a simulation condition generating unit generates a plurality of simulation conditions, using the analysis condition and information stored in a simulation condition template holding unit. A simulation unit generates a plurality of actual layout patterns, using a generated condition. Thus, the lithography process margin evaluating apparatus can reduce operational burden and improve accuracy.

Abstract: A lithography reticle advantageously includes “proximity effect halos” around tight tolerance features. During reticle formation, the tight tolerance features and associated halos can be carefully written and inspected to ensure accuracy while the other portions of the reticle can be written/inspected less stringently for efficiency. A system for creating a reticle data file from an IC layout data file can include a processing module and a graphical display. The processing module can read the IC layout data file, identify critical features and define a halo region around each of the critical features. The graphical user interface can facilitate user input and control. The system can be coupled to a remote IC layout database through a LAN or a WAN.

Abstract: An apparatus including a unit for analyzing the relation among a plurality of modules of software from one or more objects forming the software, a unit for storing the analysis unit, a unit for displaying the analysis result as a module link structure diagram, and a unit for receiving from a user an instruction to change a display style of the displayed module link structure diagram, and controlling the change of the display style correctly grasps the current contents from the software to which functions, etc. are added at the using stage.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for implementing software breakpoints in a multiprocessor system having a number of processors each coupled to a main memory. In an illustrative embodiment, each of the processors has an instruction cache associated therewith. An instruction for which a breakpoint is to be inserted is retrieved from a corresponding instruction address in the main memory, and a breakpoint code, e.g., a debug opcode, is inserted at the instruction address in main memory. After the breakpoint code is executed by a given one of the processors, the retrieved instruction is stored in the corresponding instruction cache for that processor, and a use-once indicator, associated with the instruction as stored in the corresponding instruction cache for that processor, is set.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting stack signature marking segments into application program modules at the entry and exit points of the application program segments prior to compilations. Unique module identifier values are assigned to each application program module. During execution of the modified application software modules, upon entry into a new module or instance of a module, the unique module identifier is pushed onto the stack along with an instance number and an entry indicator. Upon termination of the module or instance of a module, the unique module identifier is pushed onto the stack with the instance number and an exit indicator, thereby placing an entry signature and an exit signature onto the stack bracketing the stack frame assigned to that module or module instance. During debug of exceptions, these signatures may be used to locate and identify stack frames and their associated software modules.

Abstract: Models destined for verification are described at the level of synthesizable description (for example VHDL). The synthesizable description (200) is automatically converted (300) into a C++ model (200′). This allows verification of the correctness of the synthesizable description by comparing the results of a verification carried out on the original description from the cell in C++ with the results of a similar verification of the C++ model obtained by automatic conversion of the synthesizable description. It is also possible to make the C++ model obtained by automatic conversion (200′) to interact with a system model including blocks (201, 202, 203) of a system model at C++ level, in particular with the possibility of producing concurrent events that occur in correspondence with a main timing signal source.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes, parsing a source code, performing a plurality of optimizations on the parsed code, generating a plurality of configuration instruction sets based on the optimized source code and automatically selecting one of the plurality of generated configuration instruction sets according to a user defined criteria, the selected configuration instruction set being used to configure hardware.

Abstract: A solution to avoid performance degradation associated with load-object independence by arranging interface source code, particurlarly JNI source code, in a stylized form, and then preprocessing the stylized interface source code into a Virtual Machine (“VM”) specific form. The stylized source code allows a preprocessor to identify and track field and method identifiers, and to match up the field and method uses with the specification of the field or method. The source code is stylized by substituting stylized variable names, each with a native element identifier, for non-stylized variables.

Abstract: Verification of intermediate language code. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method first verifies metadata of an intermediate language code for consistency and accuracy, and then verifying the intermediate language code for consistency and accuracy. This latter part in one embodiment is accomplished by performing first a syntactic check of the intermediate language code, and then a semantic check of the intermediate language code.

Abstract: A program memory controller unit includes apparatus for the execution of a software pipeline procedure in response to a predetermined instruction. The apparatus provides a prolog state, a kernel state, and an epilog state for the execution of the software pipeline procedure. In addition, in response to a predetermined condition, the software pipeline loop procedure can be terminated early. Apparatus is provided whereby a second software pipeline loop procedure can be initiated prior to the completion of a first software pipeline procedure. Two additional instructions are provided for addressing problems resulting from hardware pipeline delays and for more efficient program execution.

Abstract: A version for each of a plurality of object files in a computer program is verified by identifying a version of an object file of the plurality of object files in the computer program and comparing the identified version to an initial version. In response to the identified version being different than the initial version, an alert is generated.

Abstract: An improved method of upgrading the firmware of an electronic device is disclosed. The method is executed over a communications link. The method includes compression of a portion of the new firmware, but does not require the device to have any pre-existing decompression algorithms built into it. A system and device capable of executing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for installation of a first program code on a server which is connected via a communication network with an installation server and on which a second program code is already installed. The invention further relates to the server and the installation server for performance of this process. A first data set containing the first program code is sent by the installation server via the communication network to the server. A second data set containing a test code for the first program code to be installed is sent by the installation server via the communication network to the server. Before integration of the first program code in the second program code, the server by means of the test code checks the second program code on the server to establish whether it is compatible with the first program code. Only if the result of this check is positive does the server integrate the first program code in the second program code already on the server.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an electronic program guide (EPG) display are provided. The method includes displaying an EPG on a display device, receiving a selection of a particular channel from the displayed EPG, comparing parental rating information of the selected channel with prestored parental rating information, and selectively displaying, in the EPG, program information of the selected channel based on the comparison results The apparatus and method prevent display of any inappropriate channel/program information in the EPG according to a user's set parental rating information.

Abstract: A video-on-demand conditional access information distribution system includes establishing a session with a set top terminal by defining an in-band communications channel for transporting content to the set top terminal, and communicating to the set top terminal via the defined in-band communications channel, an authorization message and descrambling message suitable for determining a descrambling key for descrambling a program stream. The set top terminal sends a request for content via an out of band communications channel and a scrambled program stream is provided to the set top terminal via the defined in-band communications channel. The authorization message is sent prior to the set top terminal receiving the descrambling message and the scrambled program stream, which includes video-on-demand content requested by the set top terminal.

Abstract: A method for providing television advertising includes receiving user input for selecting an advertising parameter and providing a user with an advertisement corresponding to the advertising parameter.

Abstract: A system for computer-based storing of information about a current state so that later recall of the information can augment human memories In particular, when information about a current event of interest is to be stored, a variety of current state information of different types (e.g., video, audio, and textual information) about the environment and about a user can be acquired via sensors and other input devices. The variety of state information can then be associated together as a group and stored for later retrieval. Other information can also be associated with the group, such as one or more recall tags that facilitate later retrieval of the group, or one or more annotations to provide contextual information when the other state information is later retrieved and presented to the user. When information about a past event is to be recalled, one or more identifying recall tags can be received that are used to identify one or more state information groups that match the identifying tags.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: A digital history service presents a user's collected data in an historical format such as a timeline that includes various interactions with objects and people over the course of time wherein the digital history data was retrieved and correlated from the various data stores. An example of such a retrieval is to select a sequence of items from the data store based on an algorithm that determines the next item based on its relationship to the current item. The relationship could be a complex combination of the date, time of year, historical events in the past, the person(s) or objects involved in a given event, the location of an event, past or upcoming national holidays, calendar items, etc.

Abstract: A method is described for associating a predefined unique symbol with a type of supplementary content for a program, creating a program schedule that includes a listing for the program, and providing the predefined unique symbol in association with the listing in the program schedule.

Abstract: A keyword or condition for selecting a program selection is stored in a memory in advance. When receiving a command for displaying a program select screen from a user, a broadcast receiver checks if program information acquired from a broadcast signal contains information that matches the keyword or condition. If a program, which contains information that matches the keyword or condition, is present, the program is indicated in colors, which are different from color assigned to other programs. When the program is selected by operating a cursor, information on the program is presented in the form of highlight displays. When rating information is contained in the program information of the selected program, a warning sound is generated.

Abstract: The invention proposes an interface device with a screen intended to be used with a device for restitution of multi-media content (for example a television) to perform searches on a multi-media content being restored.

Abstract: A method for managing television presentation recordings includes determining if a television presentation corresponding to a television presentation listing is scheduled to be recorded, assigning a color to the television presentation listing responsive to determining that the television presentation is scheduled to be recorded, and presenting the television presentation listing to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for partitioning storage space in a video recording system or multi-media system into a plurality of discrete partitions. Each of the discrete partitions can be allocated to a different user of the video recording system or application of the multi-media system. Furthermore, the systems are designed to allocate an amount of the storage space to each partition to eliminate hoarding of the storage space by only one user or application.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment network system has a video-on-demand (VOD) application which allows viewers to create their own customized lists of preferred video content programs, such as movies, games, TV shows, and so forth. Viewers are permitted to select criteria for grouping various video content programs into manageable sets. Lists of programs are provided in one or more scrollable lists, the scrolling rates of which are programmable. Once grouped, previews for the set of programs are displayed. The VOD application allows the viewers to browse the previews at their own rate, skipping forward to the next preview or backward to the previous preview. During this automated browsing, the VOD application enables the viewer to add any of the programs of interest to a customized list. The viewer can retrieve the customized list at any time. If the viewer orders a program from the customized list, the program remains available to the viewer for a rental period (which is adjustable).

Abstract: A condition for executing an event relating to a delivery management is set in accordance with delivery objects (content, publicity information) and if the event execution condition is satisfied as the result of repeating delivery of the delivery objects to a user, the event is executed. A manager of a server can provide information that a provider of the delivery objects needs without continuous monitoring of a delivery of the delivery objects. To a content, publicity information relating to the details thereof is linked. Further, on the basis of points which are given at every use of the content and every view of the publicity information, a content fee is discounted by the amount corresponding to the views of the publicity information. Since the publicity information that the user views is not an advertisement irrelevant to the details of the content and the content fee is discounted, it is possible to produce an effective advertisement which causes few complaints of the user.

Abstract: A method is provided for allocating bandwidth over a cable network to establish a packet-switched telephony connection between two endpoints. The method begins by authorizing and reserving an allocation of bandwidth at the time of a call origination sufficient to establish a voice-band data connection between the endpoints. Next, only a portion of the allocation of bandwidth is committed. This committed portion, which is sufficient to establish a compressed voice traffic connection between the endpoints, is a subset of the reserved allocation of bandwidth. The reserved but uncommitted portion of the allocation of bandwidth is released so that it is available for another connection if at least one of the endpoints determines that the connection is to support voice traffic and not voice-band data. This bandwidth portion may be released after a prescribed period of time has elapsed since the establishment of a full send/receive connection without the detection of voice-band data.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a grid for an electronic programming guide is described. One embodiment includes an electronic programming guide grid generator; a TV listings data module connected to the electronic programming guide generator; and a presentation module connected to the electronic programming guide grid generator.

Abstract: A broadcasting apparatus used in a computer system includes a receiver, a control circuit, an audio data stream controller, and a video data stream controller. The receiver is used to receive signals transmitted from a network. The control circuit is used to generate a broadcasting audio signal and a broadcasting video signal based on the signals transmitted from the receiver. The audio data stream controller is electrically connected to the control circuit and an audio device to generate a sound signal according to the broadcasting audio signal and an audio signal generated by the audio device, and to transmit the sound signal to a speaker. The video data controller is electrically connected to the control circuit and a video device to generate a graphic signal according to the broadcasting video signal and a video signal generated by the video device, and to transmit the graphic signal to a monitor.