Abstract:
The method and apparatus operates in a video recorder and playback unit to identify selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of either suspending recording or advancing playback of the television signal during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to control operation of the video recorder/player. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a game ball with a transient marking feature that may be used on any court surface. No preparation of the court surface is required. The game ball is coated with a temporary marking agent that is encapsulated or otherwise sealed aginst exposure to the air. When the ball contacts a surface with sufficient velocity, a small quantity of the marking agent is liberated to provide a visible mark on the surface at the point of contact. Similar to a “disappearing ink”, the marking agent dissipates after being released from the microcapsules.
Abstract:
A printed book has associated therewith certain electronically stored data in the form of a glossary of words appearing in the printed text. The electronic data is preferably stored in a remotely accessible server. A graphical user interface is provided for controlling access to the data stored in the server. When the reader of the book wishes to access data associated with a portion of the text, the reader uses a computer pointing device to select or manipulate indicia on the graphical user interface corresponding to the visual cue in the book. The server retrieves the appropriate glossary entry which is then presented on the reader's computer.
Abstract:
An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.
Abstract:
A video playback device includes video and audio event detectors which detect the presence of events in the video signal as it is played. When the viewer commands the device to skip past a portion of a recorded program, a processor monitors the detected events to locate an event corresponding to the beginning of a next program segment. The device then returns to that location and begins normal play. Alternatively, the viewer may manually terminate the skipping process, at which time the device automatically returns to the location of the most recently detected event.
Abstract:
A video recording and playback device (10) incorporates a processor (114) for processing the video signal to detect the presence of commercial messages. Video and audio event detectors (102, 104) detect the presence of events in the signal as it is recorded. The timing relationship of the detected events is analyzed to classify the video segments between events as program material or as commercial messages. After a program is recorded, control marks are generated (132) to indicate the beginning and end of commercial groups so that they will be skipped during subsequent replay of the recorded program.
Abstract:
A cleaner/wipe is provided integrally with a newspaper or other printed publication. The cleaner/wipe may be used for removing printer's ink from the hands of the reader and/or from the reader's clothing or upholstery. In a preferred embodiment, a page or a portion thereof is printed with a modified printer's ink vehicle so that the page or portion thereof can be torn out and used as a wipe. In an alternative embodiment, the wipe may be separately printed or otherwise prepared and then inserted in the printed publication.
Abstract:
An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an automotive appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The automobile owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the automotive appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the automobile either directly from the server or the automobile owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.
Abstract:
An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.
Abstract:
An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of a motor vehicle. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The motor vehicle owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the motor vehicle. Once the desired settings have been made, they are transferred to the motor vehicle using a portable transfer device, which may comprise a key for operating the motor vehicle.