Showing papers on "Personal computer published in 1997"

Advanced multiplexed analysis with the FlowMetrixTM system

Abstract: The FlowMetrixTM System is a multiplexed data acquisition and analysis platform for flow cytometric analysis of microsphere-based assays that performs simultaneous measurement of up to 64 different analytes The system consists of 64 distinct sets of fluorescent microspheres and a standard benchtop flow cytometer interfaced with a personal computer containing a digital signal processing board and Windows95®-based software Individual sets of microspheres can be modified with reactive components such as antigens, antibodies, or oligonucleotides, and then mixed to form a multiplexed assay set The digital signal-processing hardware and Windows95-based software provide complete control of the flow cytometer and perform real-time data processing, allowing multiple independent reactions to be analyzed simultaneously The system has been used to perform qualitative and quantitative immunoassays for multiple serum proteins in both capture and competitive inhibition assay formats The system has also been used to perform DNA sequence analysis by multiplexed competitive hybridization with 16 different sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes

Multi-user remote health monitoring system

Abstract: The invention presents a networked system for identifying an individual, communicating information to the individual, and remotely monitoring the individual. The system includes a server and a workstation for entering in the server queries to be answered by the individual. The server is preferably a web server and the workstation is preferably a personal computer or remote terminal connected to the server via the Internet. The system also includes a remotely programmable apparatus connected to the server via a communication network, preferably the Internet. The remotely programmable apparatus interacts with the individual in accordance with a script program received from the server. The server includes a script generator for generating the script program from the queries entered through the workstation. The script program is received and executed by the remotely programmable apparatus identify the individual, to communicate the queries to the individual, to receive responses to the queries, and to transmit the responses from the remotely programmable apparatus to the server. Identification of the individual can also be achieved via a data card, a remote monitoring device, or the interception of data from a separate information system. As the present invention has multi-user capabilities, it can be used in a public place, such as a pharmacy or health care clinic. The multi-user capabilities also allow collection and tracking of user data for the healthcare industry.

A system for accessing multimedia mailboxes and messages over the internet and via telephone

Abstract: A unified messaging system that provides a multimedia mailbox. The system allows a subscriber to access stored multimedia messages, such as voicemail messages, facsimile messages, combined voice and facsimile messages and video messages, not only through a public switched telephone network using a telephone but also over a data network, such as the Internet or an intranet, using a personal computer. The system provides voicemail access over the telephone network, indicating message number, etc. with the ability to play messages to the telephone user as desired. For text type messages, such as facsimile and e-mail, the system converts the text into speech and plays the speech to the telephone user. The system allows a personal computer user to obtain the data network access using an Internet browser. The browser is used to access a home page of the system and get information about the messages stored, and is used to download (get) and play the messages at the personal computer via data streaming in the case of a voice or video messages or view the messages in the case of text type messages, such as facsimile and e-mail. The user can also perform the other typical messaging functions over the data network connection that are provided for telephone access, such as viewing a message list, saving and deleting messages, group list administration and other administration tasks.

Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with universal access to diagnostic information and images

Abstract: A medical ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided which is capable of being accessed over data communication networks such as the Internet, making the ultrasonic images, diagnostic reports, and ultrasound system diagnostics information and operation accessible to a conventional personal computer using commercially available software at virtually any remote location. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system can be remotely operated from the personal computer. The inventive apparatus and techniques make it possible for physicians to remotely access, control, and perform diagnoses using their ultrasound systems over a network such as the World Wide Web with no special hardware requirements.

System to control content and prohibit certain interactive attempts by a person using a personal computer

Abstract: A computer terminal and a method for blocking the use and creation of vulgar and pornographic material monitors computer operations for creation or transmission of vulgar and pornographic material. Data created by the keyboard, data selected by the mouse pointer, and data passing through the Internet interface are monitored for content and further operation of the computer terminal is blocked. The terminal may only be unblocked by a supervisory intervention, such as by entering a password, or restarting or resetting the terminal. Keyword searches, such as those in Internet search engines, are also monitored, but the terminal adapts to monitor for words that are tested to produce lists of Internet sites containing vulgar and profane items. The computer terminal and method can be modified to block other forms of communication or computer operation, secret business data, execution or opening of certain programs or files.

System and method for on-line multimedia access

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for providing access to multimedia content on-line which is updated virtually simultaneously with the vendor's update process. By a user accessing a page on the World Wide Web, for example, data (encrypted and unencrypted) and instructions are automatically downloaded to a user's computer system for quick access. Depending upon the user's computer system (LAN or a stand-alone personal computer), "applets" containing data and instructions are stored for immediate access. In a Karaoke application of this invention, where the user desires to access songs which are most popular at a given time, the user accesses a page where a song list and other information is displayed on a display apparatus. When the user clicks on a particular song of the song list, the applet executes an authentication request. If the user is authenticated, the authentication is downloaded as part of the applet containing the desired multimedia content (or separately depending upon the circumstances). According to this invention, an applet includes multimedia elements which further include timing codes and a synchronization function which provides for the synchronization of the delivery of the multimedia elements.

Method and system for performing automated financial transactions involving foreign currencies

Abstract: A method and system for performing financial transaction involving foreign currencies deals in virtually all trading currencies, automatically incorporates the current market process and operates in a secure environment. Customers can access the system on-line and in real-time through various terminals such as, for example, a personal computer (PC) (10). By inputting information in response to prompts on the screen, the system quickly identifies the nature of the transaction the customer desires and the customer inputs the characteristics of the transaction the user desires. The system then automatically generates an offer in response to the customer's request based upon a number of parameters including the market price, the size and nature of the transaction and the size and nature of the client. The system then promptly displays the bank's offer to the customer in a clear and concise manner. The customer is then given an opportunity to accept the offer, ask that the offer be updated or reject the offer. If the customer delays for too long a period of time in deciding to accept or reject the offer, the system automatically withdraws and updates the offer thereby protecting the bank from liability for a 'stale' rate. If accepted, the trade is automatically forwarded for processing and assigned a reference number for tracking and control purposes.

Application of photoshop-based image analysis to quantification of hormone receptor expression in breast cancer

Abstract: The benefit of quantifying estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in breast cancer is well established. However, in routine breast cancer diagnosis, receptor expression is often quantified in arbitrary scores with high inter- and intraobserver variability. In this study we tested the validity of an image analysis system employing inexpensive, commercially available computer software on a personal computer. In a series of 28 invasive ductal breast cancers, immunohistochemical determinations of ER and PR were performed, along with biochemical analyses on fresh tumor homogenates, by the dextran-coated charcoal technique (DCC) and by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). From each immunohistochemical slide, three representative tumor fields (x20 objective) were captured and digitized with a Macintosh personal computer. Using the tools of Photoshop software, optical density plots of tumor cell nuclei were generated and, after background subtraction, were used as an index of immunostaining intensity. This immunostaining index showed a strong semilogarithmic correlation with biochemical receptor assessments of ER (DCC, r = 0.70, p < 0.001; EIA, r = 0.76, p < 0.001) and even better of PR (DCC, r = 0.86; p < 0.01; EIA, r = 0.80, p < 0.001). A strong linear correlation of ER and PR quantification was also seen between DCC and EIA techniques (ER, r = 0.62, p < 0.001; PR, r = 0.92, p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that a simple, inexpensive, commercially available software program can be accurately applied to the quantification of immunohistochemical hormone receptor studies.

Personal computer lottery game

Abstract: A method and system for playing a player interactive lottery type game includes a gaming piece which includes a predetermined code having data indicating whether the player wins or loses the game, the data being unrecognizable to the player, such that the player does not know the outcome of the game prior to play of the game. The code is entered by the player into a processor. The processor presents a game of chance to the player on a display for interactive play by the player, and the player controls game play by inputting game parameters to the processor. The processor controls the outcome of the game of chance played by the player based upon the code entered by the player. A display provides an indication to the player of a game win or a game loss based upon the code.

Method and apparatus using a pass through personal computer connected to both a local communication link and a computer network for indentifying and synchronizing a preferred computer with a portable computer

Abstract: A tightly integrated the palmtop computer system and personal computer system is disclosed. The palmtop computer system and personal computer system synchronize with each other to share information. The synchronization software recognizes different synchronization environments including: synchronizing multiple palmtop computer systems with a single personal computer system, synchronizing a single palmtop computer system with multiple personal computer systems, synchronizing a palmtop computer system with a remote personal computer system across a network using a local personal computer system, and remotely synchronizing with a personal computer system across a telephone line. The synchronization software handles each different synchronization environment appropriately with minimal user interaction.

Method and apparatus for authenticating on-line transaction data

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for authenticating data related to on-line transactions. The invention utilizes a user-customized certification indicator that informs a user as to the success or failure of one or more authentication and/or security protocols implemented on a user communications access device such as a personal computer, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), an enhanced function telephone, etc. In one or more embodiments, one of the components of the indicator is user defined, and locally stored, reducing the likelihood of interception and counterfeiting. In one or more embodiments, the indicator components include a centrally provided graphic element and a user defined text overlay. When a user initiates an electronic transaction, a background validation process is initiated that implements procedures for determining the authenticity of data related to the transaction, such as the identity of a transaction party. If the validation process determines that the data is authentic, the validation process displays a certification indicator comprising the graphic overlaid with the user defined text-string. In another embodiment, the certification indicator includes one or more multi-media components, such as, for example, an audio component.

Real time system and method for remote purchase payment and remote bill payment transactions and transferring of electronic cash and other required data

Abstract: A wireless/cellular terminal (1) and method is provided for allowing a user to perform remote purchase and bill payment transactions, and transferring of telecash and other required data to other terminals (2) or to the remote host computers (4) without using modem. In one embodiment, the terminal includes means for receiving and transmitting of bills and electronic cash directly to/from other terminals in a connectionless way without using the network (3). In the method of this invention, the payee's details such as account number, contact codes are sent/broadcast to the payee's terminal (e.g. mobile phone). The payer activates the payee's details upon which the bill and/or the required amount of telecash is sent to the payee's terminal or host computer. The terminal of this invention can operate as both the user's cellular/wireless electronic wallet and as his cellular/wireless telephone, thus providing a Mobile Wallet-Phone (MWP). By using MWP the user is able to send/receive payment messages and electronic cash directly to/from other terminals under a small terminal-to-terminal (1, 2) radio coverage or via the network (3). In another embodiment, the method of this invention provides a P-PIN (Payment-Personal Identification Number) process for user authentication which, when required, is used (in addition to the PIN-code which is used for mobile telephone services) to verify that the user has the right to use the terminal as his electronic wallet for paying by telecash or account transferring. In another embodiment of the method of this invention a bill inquiry is sent from other terminals or from the host computer to the user's terminal upon request of the user or automatically and/or continuously whenever the provided service requires so. In this case the user's terminal can be also a personal computer or television connected to the fixed internet or operating wirelessly.

User interface and rule processing for a personal communications routing system

Abstract: A user interface provides a uniform control scheme among different devices in a personal communications routing system. The system allows devices such as a personal computer, personal information communicator, pager, fax machine and base station to be operated with a standard twelve key telephone keypad controller for the purpose of accessing electronic messages such as e-mail, voice-mail, fax transmissions, etc. Handheld communicators are docked with the devices to provide wireless transmission between a base station and numerous devices in a multi-user environment. The base station receives electronic messages for the users in, e.g., an office and routes the messages to a device as the user instructs. The user is able to perform operations on the messages such as reading, responding, deleting, etc., by using the keypad. A visual indication of user designated message bins, along with icons to represent messages received, is used to special advantage by coordinating the bin layout with the arrangement of keys on the keypad. Another feature of the system is that rules can be predefined to route, screen or otherwise manipulate the messages. The rules are applied by the base station to each incoming message. Different users can have different rules such as automatic forwarding of messages, automatic paging upon receipt of a message and sorting of messages by sender's name or time of day.

Strategic Channel Design

Abstract: Three forces are changing the customary rules of distribution channel management: proliferating customers' needs, shifts in the balance of power in channels, and changing strategic priorities. Many firms are outsourcing the distribution function to third parties. Others, using IT, direct marketing, database marketing, and other variations contact customers directly, so the roles of the distributor or dealer are evolving. And some firms are simultaneously experimenting with a number of distribution options before committing to one system. A personal computer, for example, may be available by direct mail or through a computer superstore or a specialty store. Firms are also dealing through specialists rather than generalists, because specialists tend to be more focused and nimble than the manufacturer in a turbulent environment. The authors propose a strategic approach to planning for future channel configurations, control of the channel, and resource commitment. The channel must address customers' needs, ensure that the customer sees the value in the company's offering, be cost-efficient, and handle any new products and services that emerge. Anderson et al. suggest that a company first assess its current distribution channels, each channel's profitability, its market coverage, and the cost of each channel function. Next, a company should choose a channel arrangement based on sound design principles that recognize that the distribution strategy must contribute to the business's overall objectives.

A pc peripheral interactive doll

Abstract: An interactive system for teaching, entertaining, and habituating a child utilizes an interactive entity such as a doll (13), the doll having a microphone (39), a speaker (37), and control circuitry adapted for driving the speaker and microphone and a bi-directional communication link to a personal computer (PC) (15). Scripted data stored at the computer directs doll activity and verbal articulation, and utilizes response from the child through the doll to the PC in directing output to the doll. In alternative embodiments the interactive doll has also servo-mechanisms (17a, 17b, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29) for providing doll motion, such as eye and mouth and limb movement, which may be coordinated with verbalization in different scripts by commands retrieved at the computer and sent to the doll. In a preferred embodiment environments and applications are provided on CD-ROM disks which may also provide the operating application for the interactive doll system. Systems may be adapted for a broad range of functionality, such as acquaintance of a child with foreign languages, story telling, indirect interaction between an adult and a child through the medium of the doll, and much more.

Global network computers

Abstract: This invention generally relates to one or more computer networks having computers like personal computers or network servers with microprocessors linked by broadband transmission means and having hardware, software, firmware, and other means such that at least one parallel processing operation occurs that involve at least two computers in the network. More particularly, this invention relates to one or more large networks composed of smaller networks and large numbers of computers connected, like the Internet, wherein more than one separate parallel processing operation involving more than one different set of computers occurs simultaneously and wherein ongoing processing linkages can be established between virtually any microprocessors of separate computers connected to the network. Still more particularly, this invention relates to business arrangements enabling the shared used of network microprocessors for parallel and other processing, wherein personal computer owners provide microprocessor processing power to a network, preferably for parallel processing, in exchange for network linkage to other personal and other computers supplied by network providers, including linkage to other microprocessors for parallel or other processing; the basis of the exchange between owners and providers being whatever terms to which the parties agree, subject to governing laws, regulations, or rules, including payment from either party to the other based on periodic measurement of net use or provision of processing power.

Multipurpose computerized television

Abstract: A multipurpose computerized television system generates a plurality of video images in association with a personal computer. A television circuit associates with the personal computer and is within the personal computer chassis for receiving a plurality of television signals and directing the signals to the monitor for the monitor to display. An audio multimedia circuit associates with the personal computer and the television circuit and is also located within the chassis for receiving and processing audio data from the television circuit. The audio multimedia circuit also communicates the audio multimedia data to the personal computer. Control circuitry associated with the television circuit and the personal computer within the chassis controls the operation of the television circuit through the personal computer. The control circuitry comprises a remote control circuit for remotely and independently controlling the television circuit and the personal computer.

[Cap image--a new kind of computer-assisted video image analysis system for dynamic capillary microscopy].

Abstract: We describe a newly developed multi-function video image analysis system for the computer-aided evaluation of capillaroscopic findings in microcirculation research. The Cap image analysis system comprises an IBM-compatible PC with a Matrox image processing card and real-time video tape digitalization. The video recorder is driven by a personal computer to which it is connected via an RS-232 interface. In contrast to currently available systems, the program presented here makes it possible to select any of several integrated image analysis functions, depending on the quality of the video image. Some examples of the analysis functions available are measurements of erythrocyte flow velocity using the line shift diagram method, the spatial correlation method, and the auto flying spot method. The standard features of the new program include a number of special functions and automatic movement correction. The system thus makes it possible not only to measure numerous morphological parameters such as capillary diameter, length, torquation index and capillary density, but also to perform video densitometric analysis, for example using fluorescent dyes.

Decoding of real time video imaging

Abstract: A process allows an image capturing apparatus to be integrated with a personal computer to continuously display a video image of the imaging apparatus. Upon proper input by a user, or automatically after a timed interval, a snapshot of the video image is captured. An autodiscrimination process of the captured video image automatically decodes any bar-coded information present in the captured image and outputs the information.

Teaching and Language Corpora

Abstract: Preface Foreward Acknowledgements List of Contributors General Introduction 1 Teaching and Language Corpora: a Convergence, GLeech Section A Why use corpora? 2 Corpus Evidence in Language Description, JM Sinclair 3 Corpora and the Design of Teaching Materials, D Mindt 4 Enriching the Learning Environment: Corpora in ELT, G Aston Section B Teaching Languages 5 All the Languge That's Fit to Print: Using British and American Newspaper CD-ROMs as Corpora, D Minugh 6 Exporing Texts through the Concordancer: Guiding the Learner, L Gavioli 7 Contexts: the Backgroud, Development and Trialling of a Concordance-based CALL Program, T Johns 8 The Automatic Generation of CALL Exercises from General Corpora, E Wilson 9 Exploiting a Corpus of Written German for Advanced Language Learning, W Dodd 10 Creating and Using a Corpus of Spoken German, R Jones 11 The Role of Coropra in Studying and Promoting Welsh,K Ahmad & A Davies Section C Teaching Linguistics 12 Micro- and Macro-linguistics for Natural Language Processing,P Peters 13 Using a Corpus to Evaluate Theories of Child Language Acquisition, B Ketteman 14 Using Corpora for the Diachronic Study of English, G Knowles 15 The Use of an Annotated Speech Corpus in the Teaching of Prosody, A Wichmann 16 Corpus and Concordance: Finding out about Style, H Jackson 17 The Role of Corpora in Critical Literary Appreciation, B Louw 18 Teaching Corpus Linguistics to Teachers of English,A Renouf Section D Practical Perspectives 19 First Catch your Corpus: Building an Undergraduate Corpus of French from Freely Available Textual Resources,G Inkster 20 Creating and Processing Corpora in Greek and Cyrillic Alphabets on the Personal Computer, P King 21 Developing a Computing Infrastructure for Corpus-based Teaching,G Hughes Appendices References Index

Image icon associated with caller ID

Abstract: A person receiving a telephone call to identifies a caller in advance of answering the telephone call by means of a image associated with the caller's Caller ID. The image is displayed on a telephone display device, television set, personal computer or other display coupled to the telephone system. The calling party may define the image to be associated with their Caller ID. The calling party transmits a image over the telephone line prior to, or concurrently with, a telephone call intended to be answered by the receiving party. The image is stored in a storage device coupled to the receiving party's telephone system along with an indication of the Caller ID of the calling party. The next time that the calling party calls the receiving party the previously stored image is accessed and displayed.

Digital print order and delivery method and system

Abstract: According to the method and system of the present invention, digital image data is input in a personal computer, through an image input device. The order sender processes the image data with reference to a display on the screen of the personal computer, and then inputs print order data. The print order data includes print option data designating size and number of prints, expected delivery date data, delivery option data designating the way of delivery, and user ID data for identifying the order sender. Then an order receiver or a particular photofinisher is designated. The processed digital image data and the print order data are sent to the designated photofinisher. The reception processing device of the order receiver stores the digital image data and relating print order data, and commands a digital printer to make prints from the digital image data in accordance with the print order data.

Real-time stereo vision on the PARTS reconfigurable computer

Abstract: The paper describes a powerful, scalable, reconfigurable computer called the PARTS engine. The PARTS engine consists of 16 Xilinx 4025 FPGAs, and 16 one-megabyte SRAMs. The FPGAs are connected in a partial torus-each associated with two adjacent SRAMs. The SRAMs are tightly coupled to the FPGAs so that all the SRAMs can be accessed concurrently. The PARTS engine fits on a standard PCI card in a personal computer or workstation. The first application implemented on the PARTS engine is a depth from stereo vision algorithm that computes 24 stereo disparities on 320 by 240 pixel images at 42 frames per second. Running at this speed, the engine is performing approximately 2.3 billion RISC-equivalent operations per second, accessing memory at a rate of 500 million bytes per second and attaining throughput of over 70 million point/spl times/disparity measurements per second.

Heuristic Algorithms for the Handicapped Persons Transportation Problem

Abstract: We examine the problem of determining an optimal schedule for a fleet of vehicles used to transport handicapped persons in an urban area. The problem is a generalization of the well-known advance-request Pickup and Delivery Problem with Time Windows. Due to the high level of service required by this kind of transport, several additional operational constraints must be considered. The problem is NP-hard in the strong sense, and exact approaches for the solution of real-life problems (typically with hundreds of users to be transported) are not practicable. We describe a fast and effective parallel insertion heuristic algorithm which is able to determine good solutions for real-world instances of the problem in a few seconds on a personal computer. We also present a Tabu Thresholding procedure which can be used to improve the starting solution obtained by the insertion algorithm. The application of the proposed procedures to a set of real-life instances for the city of Bologna, involving about 300 trips each...

Hand-held gps-mapping device

Abstract: A hand-held navigation, mapping and positioning system and device (10) contains a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver (13), a database capable of storing vector or bit mapped graphics, a viewing port (11), an embedded processor (12), a simplified user interface (15), a data compression algorithm, and other supporting electronics. The viewport (11) is configured such that the data presented in the viewport is clearly visible in any ambient light condition. The database stores compressed image data which might include topographical map data, user annotations, building plans, or any other image. The system includes an interface to a personal computer (14) which may be used to annotate or edit graphic information externally to the device for later upload. In addition, the device contains a simple menu-driven user interface (15) which allows panning and zooming the image data, marking locations of interest, and other such functions. The device may be operated from an internal rechargeable battery, or powered externally.

Media editor for non-linear editing system

Abstract: A non-linear editing system for home audio and video applications includes a compression/decompression engine, a high capacity storage device and a media editor that provides point and click audio and video editing functionality, including recording, playback and special effects, such as real time gamma correction, color effects, 2D effects and real time fades, using a time-line system. The media editor includes a configurable Shaped Cut, Relocate, Alpha and Mixer (SCRAM) engine to mix, shape cut and relocate portions of images. In addition, the SCRAM engine supports pixel weighting to enable drawing and movement of transparent objects for video overlay operations. The compression/decompression engine includes electronic circuitry designed to implement high speed data compression and decompression using JPEG, MPEG or wavelet techniques. The high capacity storage device typically comprises internal and external non-linear magnetic storage devices, such as Enhanced IDE or SCSI hard drives, although other non-linear storage devices, such as magneto-optical or optical disk drives may be used. Similarly, the system includes input/output (I/O) capability for video in composite NTSC or PAL formats including SVHS resolutions, analog and digital stereo audio in 16-bit CD format, multimedia inputs, such as clip art and synchronized audio/video, from CD-ROMs and DVDs, a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and Internet connectivity through standard telephone lines using a modem and through cable TV lines. The system does not require the use of a computing device, such as a personal computer, to perform its non-linear editing functions.

Down-loadable hand-held optical reader

Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader, in particular a bar code wand is used by a consumer to read bar code information accompanying a product displayed at a retail outlet. The bar code information can be presented in, for example, UPC format and carries information relating to the products. The consumer subsequently down-loads information stored in the reader via a suitable interface to a personal computer which accesses information identified by a address included in or comprising the bar code information. The site contains additional information such as price information concerning the advertised product and the consumer may be able to pay for and order the product directly via the site. As a result the consumer has a simple reminder of the product, is able to obtain additional information concerning the product with minimum difficulty and can obtain the product itself with maximum ease.

Home movie maker

Abstract: The home movie editor of the present invention provides a simple but effective user interface and control mechanism which enables the user to edit video. The editor is preferably operable on a personal computer found in many homes today. The home movie editor consists of the graphical user interface and device control modules which interface via a bus to the video playback and recording hardware. The editor scans in video clips as thumbnails and displays the thumbnails in the clip window of the display. Using a cursor and cursor control device, the user can drag and drop clips into the edit window which visually depicts a sequence of edited clips showing the sequence of thumbnails. The clip insertion function is simplified by the insertion pointer that points to the clip boundary closest to the location of the cursor.

Establishing a standard: Competitive strategy and technological standards in winner-take-all industries

Abstract: Executive Overview The ability of a firm to establish its technology as an industry standard is a critical determinant of its long-term competitive position and success. Witness, for example, the successes of Microsoft and Intel, whose technologies define standards in today's personal computer industry. The strategic options that a firm might adopt in order to establish its technology as a standard include licensing, entering into strategic alliances, adopting an appropriate positioning strategy, and diversifying into the production of complementary products. There are benefits, costs, and risks associated with each of these options. The key factors that have an impact on the scale of these outcomes include the height of barriers to imitation, the capabilities of the firm's competitors, the firm's own resources and skills, and the availability of complementary products. These factors influence the particular competitive strategy that a firm adopts.

Database navigation system for a home entertainment system

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.