Abstract:
An automated parking system including a data server module, an internet-based sign up module, an automated parking module, an enforcement module, and a payment module. The data server module includes a member information database that stores selected member information; a client information database for storing selected client information; a location database for containing listings of parking units administered by the automated parking system; and an activity database for containing a listing of parking unit and member activity. The internet-based sign up module is operatively connected to the member information database for entering and processing new selected member information and providing private member identification information. The private member identification information includes a member identifier and personal identifier. The automated parking module implements the steps of: i) determining whether a user is a valid member based on the selected member information in response to a placed parking unit inquiry; ii) prompting the user for a parking unit (e.g. space or lot) identifier (e.g. number) if the user is a valid member, iii) determining if the parking unit identifier is valid based on parking unit listings in the location database and prompting the user to confirm a purchase by entering a personal identifier (e.g. PIN); and, iv) completing the transaction if the correct personal identifier is entered. The enforcement module is operatively connected to the data server module for checking selected parking units and validating the amount of time a member can park in a specific parking unit based on the activity data. The payment module is operatively connected to the data server module for processing member activity for a selected time frame and providing a billing of the member in response thereto; and, for processing parking unit activity for a selected time frame and providing payment to the client in response thereto utilizing the selected client information.
Abstract:
A television receiver which receives an ATSC multi-program stream for a single major channel and generates a status display which displays the major channel identifier and a plurality of indicators, each corresponding to a respective one of the minor channels associated with the major channel. The indicator corresponding to the minor channel that is currently selected is highlighted with respect to the other indicators. The television receiver includes an image format converter and the status display also includes information concerning the format of the received signal and any format conversion that is currently being performed. The television receiver is also coupled to a digital VCR via a digital communications link. The digital television receiver generates a control panel for the digital VCR on the display device of the television receiver, and includes a facility for receiving commands for the digital VCR, sending the commands to the digital VCR via the digital communications link displaying the current status of the digital VCR. The television receiver maintains the status display for the digital VCR, by sending a status change request to the digital VCR immediately after receiving any status change information, whereby the VCR responds to the status change request only on a subsequent change in its operational status.
Abstract:
A panelling system for the construction of cubicles having two upright posts, a panel connected to one of the posts by a hinge and two cross rails running between the posts. Each of the upright posts has a similar, but laterally inverted, cross-sectional shape. The posts are attached to the floor and ceiling by means of channel members and to a rear wall by means of wall brackets which also serve to support service supplies. The panels may support various items, such as W.C.'s, washbasins, etc.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for generating a Value Bearing Indicium (VBI) for on-line ticketing applications. A VBI may be generated by hashing user information to create a message digest that is used to create a digital signature. The digital signature is combined with the user information to create a VBI that can be validated by a variety of stand-alone or on-line methods. An on-line ticketing application using the VBI is described.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for creating openings in a material that solidifies is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rigid board and at least one rigid retainer plate. The rigid retainer plate comprises at least one buoyancy plate to resist the buoyant force of the material that solidifies, at least one hydrostatic plate to resist the hydrostatic force of the material that solidifies, and a retainer tie. The rigid board further comprises retainer plate slots configured to accept the retainer plates. When the apparatus is in use, the retainer plates are inserted into the retainer plate slots and the retainer ties are coupled to formwork panels. The material that solidifies is then poured into the gap between the formwork panels. Once the material is solidified, the formwork panels are removed and the apparatus can be either reused or thrown out. The apparatus may be used with any material that solidifies.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are techniques to manage access to a memory using a buffer construct that includes state information associated with a region of the memory. The disclosed techniques facilitate access to the region of memory through a direct memory access operation while the state information of the buffer construct is in a first state. The state information can be transitioned to a second state in response to a first instruction. The disclosed techniques also facilitate access to the region of memory through a cache operation while the state information of the buffer construct is in the second state is disclosed. The state information can be transitioned to the first state in response to a second instruction.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are techniques to execute tasks with a computing device. A first task is initiated to perform an operation of the first task. A buffer construct that represents a region of memory accessible to the operation of the first task is created. A second task is initiated to perform of an operation of the second task that is configured to be timed to initiate in response to the buffer construct being communicated to the second task from the first task.
Abstract:
This invention provides a system for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with great speed and specificity. The system employs a heat block containing a liquid composition to rapidly transfer heat to and from reaction vessels. The system makes use of the reflective properties of the liquid metal to reflect signal from the PCR into the vessel and out the top. In this way, the signal can be measured by an optical assembly in real time without removing the vessels from the heat block.
Abstract:
Use of an adsorbent and a sealed package (e.g. an overwrap) to protect a pharmaceutical product in a solid state in the presence of a reducing sugar.
Abstract:
A computer system is provided that utilizes a buffer construct to manage memory access operations to a region of memory. The buffer construct may correspond to a data item or structure that represents a region of memory. Each task may control the buffer construct exclusively of other tasks, so that the region of memory that is represented by the buffer construct is only available to the controlling task. Another task that requires access to the region of memory must wait until the controlling task makes the buffer construct available. The controlling task makes the buffer construct available only when DMA or other memory access operations that are in progress become complete. In this way, the buffer construct acts as a token that synchronizes each of the concurrent tasks execution and ensures mutually exclusive access to the common region of memory.