Abstract: A method for determining a load distribution for a plurality of servers is disclosed. A total user count during a predetermined interval of time is received from each server of a plurality of servers for all channel resources associated with each respective server of the plurality of servers. A present load distribution is determined for the predetermined interval of time for each respective server of the plurality of servers based on the total user count received from each server. A load gradient is determined for the predetermined interval of time from each server of the plurality of servers. A future load distribution is determined for each respective server based on the total user count for each server and each respective load gradient. Lastly, a load distribution for each respective channel resource is distributed among the plurality of servers based on the determined future load distribution for each respective channel resource.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable storage medium for executing a set of tasks. The method includes selecting an incomplete task in the set and then either starting its execution (if it was not previously suspended) or resuming its execution (if it was previously suspended). An execution timer is also started. If the selected task completes before expiry of the execution timer, the selection process is reinitiated; otherwise, the selected task is suspended, and the selection process is reinitiated. In this way, processing of a lengthy or lower-priority task can be pre-empted by processing of a shorter or higher-priority task. The method may also involve recognizing that a new version of an existing task already in the task set has been added thereto. In such a case, the older version is removed from the task set even if it is not yet complete.

Abstract: An apparatus to accommodate and load a disc cartridge in a drive includes a tray on which the disc cartridge is accommodated, a locking lever having a locking hook caught in a groove formed at a side wall of the disc cartridge when accommodated on the tray and which restricts/releases the disc cartridge using the locking hook. A sliding holder is slidably installed at the tray to prevent the disc cartridge from moving by pressing the disc cartridge restricted by the locking lever in one direction.

Abstract: An emergent disc-ejection device applied in a disc player having a bottom casing and a disc accessing body is provided. The bottom casing has a via hole, while the disc accessing body is disposed on the bottom casing. The emergent disc-ejection device includes a tray, an active element and a connecting rod. The tray carries a disc to enter and leave the disc accessing body. The active element is coupled to the tray for carrying the tray to be ejected from the disc accessing body. The connecting rod and the disc accessing body are connected via a pin joint. By inserting a probe into the via hole along a first direction to provide an applying force to the force receiving portion, the force applying portion will push the active element along a second direction, enabling the active element to carry the tray to be ejected from the disc accessing body.

Abstract: A supporting mechanism for movably supporting a member to be supported along a supporting shaft, comprises supporting members and a pressing device. The supporting members are provided on the member to be supported. Each of the supporting members comes into contact with the supporting shaft on at least two contact points so as to be movable on the supporting shaft. The at least two contact points are apart from each other. The pressing device presses the supporting members against the supporting shaft so that the contact points of each supporting member simultaneously come into contact with the supporting shaft.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating local video distribution. A method incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include linking a plurality of users with associated carrier frequencies. The associated frequencies may be given approximately six MHz slices of the radio frequency spectrum that correspond to portions of the very high frequency (VHF) ranges assigned to television channels. A user may input a command identifying a desired video stream, which may be encoded in an MPEG format. In response to the command, the desired video stream may be decoded and modulated on the carrier frequency associated with the user. The modulated signal may be output to a premise network such that the user can access the modulated stream by tuning a premise network connected television to the appropriate carrier frequency.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for supporting and enabling the selection and mixing of multiple input data streams from multiple sources within a receiving device allowing external control includes a receiving device, a control device and one or more source devices. The receiving device receives input data streams from the source devices. The input data streams are provided as inputs to selectors within the receiving device. The selectors output selective ones of the input data streams to a mixer, based on control information received from a control device. The mixer then combines the selected input data streams into an output stream, based on control information received from the control device. The interfaces and functions of the selectors and the mixer are provided to the control device in response to a request from the control device.

Abstract: A method for receiving information content from an information distribution system, wherein the information content is divided into a plurality of content portions, the method comprising: subscribing to a multicast group representing at least one content portion; and determining, at the end of a content portion, whether to subscribe to another multicast group.

Abstract: To compensate a failure in downloading of music piece data. For example, when a viewer instructs purchase of a music pieceC to an IRD at a timing t0 during the sixth transmission of music piece data, the music piece data to be transmitted for the seventh time immediately after the instruction is usually downloaded. When the downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the seventh time fails for some reason, downloading is re-executed on music piece data to be transmitted for the eighth time. The music piece data for the final transmission time in each of musical pieces is used for re-execution. Timing at which downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the time immediately preceding the final time can be instructed is set as purchase limit time by using elapsed time since program start time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying received data, analyze the quality of the displayed data formulating a media-parameter suggestion for the encoder to alter the characteristics of data to be sent to the receiver, and sending from the receiver, the formulated suggestion.

Abstract: A system allows a user to select a service on a device and request a service executing function of a server to carry out the service. An authentication function authenticates the user and searches the functions of devices required in the requested service within the authority given to the user. The function acquires and registers the right to use in a device-configuration managing function through a right-to-use managing function. An adaptor delivering function delivers specifications for setting connections between functions required for execution of the service and a group encryption key generated by a key-generating function to devices. Device coordinating functions set device-embedded functions based on the received specifications. The functions conduct cipher communication with other devices using the key and carry out the service.

Abstract: A system and method for strong access control to a network is provided. An access control server and authentication device are provided for controlling access to a network. The access controlled by the access control server may include network protocols, network resources, and electronic devices that may be coupled to the network. Network resources may include data stored on the network. The access control server may grant access to the network to a user based upon a correct response received from an authentication device assigned to the user. The user may be able to access only selected data that may be determined by an access level assigned to the authentication device. Upon authentication, the authentication device must remain active to maintain a network session. The authentication device becomes inactive when it is deactivated, uncoupled from the network, or in any mode in which the device cannot produce a response to the access control server.

Abstract: There is provided a service providing system that is capable of preventing personal information on a user who has used a service from being leaked to other users without spoiling the convenience for the user, and increasing the frequency with which the user uses the service. The service providing system includes a service providing apparatus that provides a service for the user, and a password issuing device that issues a password with an expiration date that is made to correspond to identification information held by the user in response to the payment of a fee by the user. The service providing apparatus includes a memory that stores setting data used for simplifying operations relating to the service provided for the user, and a CPU. The CPU authenticates the user according to the identification information on the user, the password issued to the user, and the expiration date thereof, and gives the authenticated user a permission to perform operations on the setting data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for datastream analysis and blocking. According to one embodiment of the invention, a network access device, analyzes (without proxying) each of a stream of packets traversing a single connection through the network access device from an external host to a protected host. In addition, the network access device forwards each allowed packet of the stream of packets as long as the connection is active. However, if one of the stream of packets is determined to be disallowed as a result of the analyzing, then the network access device discards the disallowed packet and terminates the connection, causing the protected host to discard those packets received on the terminated connection.

Abstract: A system and method for e-mail screening to prevent the spread of viruses and to compensate users for viewing unsolicited e-mails. Users have all incoming e-mails redirected to a e-mail screening site. When the user registers with the server of the present invention, the user designates a password to the screening site and inform email senders of the password. When email comes to the user, it is redirected to the server site. IF a password is present in the e-mail it is sent directly back to the user. If there is no password present, the email is scanned and the sender is notified that, for a fee, the email can be forwarded to the user. If the sender pays the fee to the server site, the scanned email is forwarded and the fee is then shared with the user.

Abstract: A malware detecting system is described in which a client computer 8 sends a file access clearance request to an assessment computer 24 to determine whether or not access is permitted to that file. In this way, the different client computers on a network 2 may share their scan results and centralized control may be provided over access permissions to individual files or groups of files.

Abstract: A method for collecting and distributing data on computer viruses identified on a plurality of computers during virus scanning includes receiving virus scan results from the plurality of computers and collecting and storing the virus scan results in a database. The results include the type of virus identified. The method further includes aggregating at scheduled intervals the virus scan results over a specified time period at a publisher server to create a virus database and replicating the virus database to a subscriber server. A virus report is created from the virus database upon receiving a request from a user computer at the subscriber server and sent to the user computer.

Abstract: A method and device if or recording an information signal with first copy protection information to a storage medium includes recording according to first copy rules identified by the first copy protection information. The first copy protection information identifying the first copy rules is detected, and at least second copy protection information is recorded according to the detected first copy rules. The first and second copy protection information identify a legality message to be interpreted by reader. Screening information is recorded in a safe way on the storage medium to identify that the first copy protection message has been read.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus having a recording medium and cartridge memory inside a cartridge and making a copy of control information memorized in said cartridge memory recorded, in which control information memorized in the cartridge memory is compared with one recorded in the recording medium, thereby a recording or reproducing operation of the apparatus is selected based on the compared result. Moreover in the apparatus, a password is memorized in the cartridge memory in advance and an authentication is made with the password being input through an external input means, thereby its recording or reproducing operation is selected based on the authenticated result.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for authenticating a device. A method includes receiving a certificate from the device, the certificate including a plurality of fields, including a field holding a digital signature from a certifying authority, verifying the digital signatures in the certificate, the verifying including at least one of verifying the certifying authority digital signature using the certifying authority public key; and verifying a device digital signature using a device public key, and receiving validation data from a source, the validation data identifying one or more data in the certificate as valid or invalid according to predetermined criteria, and if the digital signatures are verified and validated, transmitting a session key to the device to establish a secure communication channel.

Abstract: A security policy manager generates a permission grant set for a code assembly received from a resource location. The policy manager can execute in a computer system (e.g., a Web client) in combination with the verification module and class loader of the run-time environment. The permission grant set generated for a code assembly is applied in the run-time call stack to help the system determine whether a given system operation by the code assembly is authorized. A permission request set may also be received in association with the code assembly. The permission request set may include a minimum request set, specifying permissions required by the code assembly to run properly. The permission request set may also include an optional request set, specifying permissions requested by the code assembly to provide an alternative level of functionality. In addition, the permission request set may include a refuse request set, specifying permissions that are not to be granted to the code assembly.

Abstract: A digital information recording apparatus includes multiple recording circuits for making multiple copies. The apparatus limits the number of copies, however, in accordance with copy information provided within the digital information itself. When the number of copies is reached, if additional copies are to be made, then the source copy is disabled when a new copy is made.