764 results about "CD-ROM" patented technology

A method and apparatus for distributing, generating, and redeeming discount Virtual Coupons TM , rebate or gift certificates or the like which may be used on conjunction with a frequency card program or the like. Virtual Coupons TM may be distributed electronically, for example, in the form of a diskette or CD-ROM software. Software on the diskette or CD-ROM may prompt a consumer to call a 1-800 number for a validation number or code. During the phone call, telemarketing personnel may request consumer demographic and or identification information which may be entered into a centralized database. Once the software is validated, a consumer may print out a list selected Virtual Coupons TM displayed on a Graphical User Interface (GUI). When a product is purchased, the UPC code of the product may be compared electronically with a list of Virtual Coupons TM authorized for a particular consumer. An appropriate coupon discount may then be applied and the Virtual Coupon TM may be considered "redeemed". Once redeemed, consumer ID information and Virtual Coupon TM information may be retrieved electronically and used to update a central database. Accurate data may then be produced illustrating which consumers or groups of consumers are redeeming which Virtual Coupons TM . Such data may be used for marketing purposes or to generated further diskettes for distribution targeting specific consumers or groups of consumers with specific classes of Virtual Coupon TM offerings. The use of Virtual Coupons TM eliminates or reduces fraud, and allows a frequency card discount to be applied only a limited number of times.

Methods, computer readable mediums and systems provide media player users with a full contextual metadata experience. Metadata include multiple forms of property data, or information, relating to media accessed by a media player, such as a CD in a CD-ROM drive of a computer. Metadata is transferred from a server to a client. Identification parameters associated with the accessed media file are submitted by the client to a server, and property data is retrieved and forwarded to the client. The metadata provides the user with integrated, contemporaneous property data directly related to the media file being played, providing automatic, integrated access to data from multiple databases, simply by accessing a related media file through a media player, without further direction from the user.

Method and system for executing a software application in a virtual environment includes a file system hook operatively interposed between a file system manager and a file system driver of the local computer, the file system hook configured to detect a file system call corresponding to a target program and to perform one or more procedures, and an agent procedure executing on the local computer to configure the file system hook for executing the target program. Also provided is a token file corresponding to the target program, the token file including file system overlay information for the target program. The one or more procedures may include accessing data at a server terminal operatively coupled to the local computer via a data network, or at a locally connected CD-ROM drive. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for detecting and measuring performance characteristics and metrics of participants and vehicles. These performance characteristics and metrics include, but not are limited to, airtime, g-force, spin, rotation, drop distance, acceleration, and video and still images. These vehicles include, but are not limited to a snowboard, ski, skateboard, wakeboard, motorcycle, bicycle, ice skates and rollerblades. In one implementation, a camera provides near real-time images and video footage of a participant's actions on a vehicle which can be correlated with performance metrics. The camera may be located on the participant, the participant's vehicle or other equipment, or from some other observation point. The images recorded by the camera can be downloaded to a recording or other storage device to produce memorabilia (e.g., a CD ROM, or video cassette). If desired, the images can be sent in real-time through an event system and network (e.g., using a radio or other transmitter) to television, the Internet, and to other locations for producing the memorabilia or for providing images to television display devices, such as those located in a ski lodge for entertainment purposes or in a coach's or personal trainer's office for training purposes.

Software is licensed for use on a particular computing device, such as a gaming console or a multimedia console. An unlocking code is provided from a distribution service to the computing device (either directly or via a user), which in turn, unlocks the appropriate software or portion of software for use with the associated computing device. The software may reside on a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM or DVD disk, that is being used in conjunction with the computing device. The unlocking code may be provided directly to the user in private (e.g., via email or a mobile phone) or in public (e.g., published on a website). Portions of the software that may be unlocked include a particular level of a game or other features (such as additional characters or weapons), or a working or more advanced version of an application that was otherwise provided as a demo or older version. The unlocking code may be based on a unique identifier of the computing device and an identifier associated with the software seeking to be accessed. Thus, the code may only be used by the computing device having that unique identifier. This prevents unauthorized or unlicensed computing devices from using the software.

Provided is a data transmission method, a communications network, a mobile receiving device and data processing methods for use in broadcast of geographic information to mobile devices. The invention overcomes the problem of lack of currency of static information distribution via CD-ROM, and the problem of the cost of lengthy connections to the Internet which is a requirement of some dynamic solutions. The geographic data which is relevant to a transmitter in the network is broadcast by the transmitter as a plurality of separate data elements which each relate to and include an identification of a specific map segment of a segmented map, such that the data elements can be transmitted independently of each other and the map segment identifier can be used by the receiving device to position the geographic information of each data element within the appropriate map segment. Each data element is retransmitted periodically such that gaps can be filled in and the map can be built up over time even if transmission failures occur during a transmission.

An object of the present invention is to enable the configuration tasks needed to form a wireless LAN to be performed using a simple method while increasing security during such configuration. In a wireless network configuration system GH1 including an encryption key setting system LH1, where an access point 20 determines after the power thereto is turned ON that configuration for connection to a wireless LAN has not yet be carried out, the access point 20 activates a restricted receiving mode in which only an initial configuration packet is accepted. A terminal 50 that has sent an initial configuration packet and the access point 20 that has received such initial configuration packet while the restricted receiving mode is active each create an identical WEP key with reference to the data on a CD-ROM 51 or the data in a ROM 12, respectively, and set and register the created WEP key in itself.

In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., a player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith. In some embodiments, the player may request such outcomes by presenting and / or selecting a session object and / or by interfacing with a tangible medium recording or production device (e.g., on a casino floor).

Interactive or non-interactive primary content for which value is expected to be paid, is maintained in a contents database and accessed from a server station over a network. A customer database containing identifying information about persons accessing the system is maintained on the server side. When the customer accesses the server system over a network, the desired primary content is downloaded into the game console together with accessing identifying information about the client from the customer database. On the basis of the identifying information, auxiliary content, such as advertisements, is triggered for playback in the game console. Information concerning viewing of the auxiliary content is recorded and uploaded to the server. The playback record of the auxiliary content is used as a basis for billing the client and advertisers for valuable content. The auxiliary content is provided on a detachable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD.

A computer system provides for the secure installation and operation of software. The computer system includes a platform, such as a personal computer, having a processor and the Microsoft® Windows® operating system. The computer system also includes a first drive, such as a network, DVD or CD-ROM drive, adapted for access by the processor, and a second drive, such as a hard disk, adapted for access by the processor. The second drive includes an NT File Structure logical volume. The computer system further includes an installer operatively associated with the first drive. The installer cooperates with the processor to write a Primary Data Stream file to the NT File Structure logical volume, to associate data with the Primary Data Stream file, and to write the associated data to the NT File Structure logical volume as an Alternate Data Stream file.

The present invention provides a highly convenient removable device and a startup method. A hub division unit 31 in a single composite device 2 allocates data exchange with the computer 1 side to a plurality of devices, thereby easily realizing a plurality of functions. When connected to a USB, a recognition control unit 32 returns a signal representing a CD-ROM in a simulated manner in response to inquiry about the type of the device from the host side. When a device is mounted, a desired processing such as a program execution described in the script is automatically performed without installing a resident program for detecting a device mounting in advance in the computer side.

A system for selecting decorative materials is based on large numbers of high-resolution, full color images of decorative materials stored in a compressed format on an inexpensive medium such as a CD-ROM. In creating the ROM, each image is coordinated with additional information such as style of pattern, type of material, and other auxiliary information. Before final compression and storage of the image data color information is added by spectrophotometrically analyzing the decorative material. Color values for a background color and up to four foreground colors are determined. Individual colors are then referenced to a comprehensive color standard system containing a large number of standardized color swatches. Spectrophotometric color referencing allows the data records to be rapidly searched on the basis of color, as well as the other information in the record. Wallpaper patterns, drapery material, floor covering, or paint can then be rapidly selected on the basis of matching color. Various patterns and paints can be compared side by side on a high-resolution computer monitor that has been calibrated to produce an accurate color image. Finally, the chosen paints and other decorating materials can be rendered onto a room image so that the consumer can view an accurate simulation of the chosen materials.

Systems and methods to access password-protected stored data when a corresponding data password has been lost, forgotten, or is otherwise unavailable, and to recover the data password to facilitate access to the password-protected data from a digital memory device such as a hard disk drive associated with a user computer. In some embodiments the computer is communicatively coupled with a network and receives at least one encryption key from a secure computer via the network. In other embodiments the computer is a stand alone computer and receives at least one encryption key from a removable, non-volatile memory such as a CD ROM. The encryption key is used to encrypt the data password and both are stored on the hard disk drive. If the data password becomes lost, forgotten, or otherwise unavailable, the encrypted password is recovered from the hard disk drive and decrypted to recover the data password.

A specialized data format native to a first platform is wrap-packaged into an industry-standard text file in a protocol suitable for Internet transmittal. A Signature Support Library provides parameters to combine with a User's private key to generate a signature particular to the data file being converted.

A system and method of creating and employing an operating system (OS) image having selected functionality. A user, such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of personal computers (PCs) or an information technology professional, selects a set of OS components from a plurality of OS components available in an installation OS image. The selected set of OS components is installed as the OS image on a computer readable medium such as a CD-ROM. The OS image includes a script for interacting with the OS image to perform functions desired by a user, such as booting a destination computer and installing a reference OS image or recovering the destination computer from a failed installation of the reference OS image.

The present invention relies on a band moiré image layout model capable of predicting the band moiré image layer layout produced when superposing a base band grating layer of a given layout and revealing line grating layer of a given layout. Both the base band grating layer and the revealing line grating layer may have a rectilinear or a curvilinear layout. The resulting band moiré image layout may also be rectilinear or curvilinear. Thanks to the band moiré image layout model, one can choose the layout of two layers selected from the set of base band grating layer, revealing line grating layer and band moiré image layer and obtain the layout of the third layer by computation, i.e. automatically. Base band grating layers and revealing line grating layers may be produced which yield, upon displacement of the revealing layer on top of the base layer or vice-versa, a band moiré image whose patterns move either along a predetermined direction or in the case of a concentric band moiré image, either inwards or outwards in respect to the center of the concentric moiré bands. In addition, it is possible to conceive a revealing line grating layer which when translated on top of the base band grating layer, generates a band moiré image which is subject to a periodic deformation. Furthermore, thanks also to the availability of a large number of geometric transformations and transformation variants (i.e. different values for the transformation constants), one may create documents having their own individualized document protection. A computing system may automatically generate upon request an individualized protected security document having specific base band grating and revealing line grating layouts. The computing system may then upon request generate and issue a security document incorporating the base band grating layer, a base band grating layer or a revealing line grating layer allowing to authenticate a previously issued security document. The presented methods may be used for creating an individualized protection for various categories of documents (banknotes, identity documents, checks, diploma, travel documents, tickets) and valuable products (optical disks, CDs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, packages for medical drugs, products with affixed labels, watches).

A controller for use in an optical storage device is provided. The controller includes a block decoder / encoder for processing data to and from a media of the optical storage device. An ATAPI interface is also provided and is configured to process data and control signals for selectively communicating data to and from the optical storage device during operation in an ATAPI mode. Universal serial bus (USB) logic is configured to process data and control signals for selectively communicating data to and from the optical storage device during operation in a USB mode. The USB logic is configured to utilize data transfer control logic implemented by the ATAPI interface. Accordingly, the one controller can be integrated into either an external peripheral device that communicates over a USB connection in the USB mode, or into an internal peripheral device that communicates over an IDE connection in the ATAPI mode. The optical storage device can be any type of optical storage device, such as, for example a CD-RW, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD, and the like. Further, the optical storage device can be in the form of an internal or external peripheral device.< / PTEXT>

To realize a music-oriented game allowing the use of a commercially available music information storage medium, such as a commercially available music CD, or a network distribution as a means for obtaining original data of game music. In a game device of which controller is operated by a player in accordance with game music, game program code and game data are stored in a CD-ROM. The game data includes operation timing data, which is necessary when using the music recorded in a predetermined commercially available music CD, as game music. The recorded content of a commercially available music CD is read using a CD-ROM reader 24. When that commercially available music CD is the predetermined commercially available music CD, music is reproduced as game music based on the recorded content of that commercially available music CD, and a guidance is shown on a monitor based on the operation timing data whereby timings at which the player is required to operate the controller in accordance with the game music is instructed to the player.

A portable computer system provides an operating system-independent digital data player. The computer system includes an operating system, a data storage medium to store a plurality of digitally encoded data files, and a digital data player to decode and play the plurality of digitally encoded data files in an operating system-independent digital data mode. The data storage medium may be any of the storage media for the computer system such as a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive or removable data storage. A mini-display panel of the portable computer system displays control status information associated with playing of the plurality of digitally encoded data files in the digital data mode. The computer system further includes a digital data button to place the portable computer system in the digital data mode and a plurality of digital data control buttons to select a plurality of digital data control commands for the plurality of digitally encoded data files. Selective portions of the portable computer system are placed in a reduced power state for the digital data mode.

Pure random numbers from a sheet within a one-time pad are employed to encrypt the bytes of a source data packet and to order the encrypted bytes in a random order within the encrypted data packet. Pure random numbers fill remaining positions within the encrypted data packet. The resulting encrypted data packet is unconditionally secure (i.e., unbreakable). Sheets within the one-time pad are utilized only once, and the one-time pad is replaced when exhausted. For electronic checking applications, the one-time pad is distributed to the user stored in an electronic checkbook, with a copy retained by the bank. For cellular telephone applications, the one-time pad is stored in a replaceable memory chip within the mobile unit with a copy retained at a single, secured central computer. For client-server applications or applications involving sales over the Internet, the one-time pad may be provided to the user on a floppy disk or CD-ROM, with a copy retained by the vendor.

A musical workstation system produces a display presentation in one of a musical composition responsive to musical composition data and responsive to one or both of input variables and a selected operating mode. The system is comprised of (1) means to provide the musical composition data (such as local storage (ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, hard disk etc.), or via a communications interface to an external device (such as another music workstation, a master controller, a computer), a memory, a selection subsystem, a controller, and a display subsystem. The memory selectively stores the received original musical compositions. The selection subsystem determines a selected operating mode and display format. The controller, responsive to the selection subsystem, provides means for selectively controlling the storing of the musical composition data in memory and selectively processing (e.g. altering) the stored musical composition data responsive to the selected operating mode and the input variables to produce a particular one of a plurality of processed results, such as external communications, operating, mode, transformation to derivative musical compositions, etc. The music workstation can coordinate communications, or be a slave device, with one or more external devices, such as other music workstations, a master workstation, a controller, etc. The display system provides for selection of original compositions, creation of derivative compositions, distribution of compositions, monitoring of each performer's performance, group virtual performances, and also allows for local and distributed retrieval and editing of musical compositions.

A browser-based system is described that provides a methodology for labeling of photo compact discs with a photo-facsimile table of contents. The system allows a customer at an e-commerce photo Web site to easily archive multiple albums that are on-line onto a CD-ROM along with a personalized table of contents printed onto the CD itself. This provides a user-friendly index of the digital images stored on the CD, thus saving a user from having to load the CD in a CD drive to be able to determine which pictures it contains. In this manner, people having multiple photo-CDs can quickly and easily identify the particular CD that has photographs that are of interest.

The CD credit card includes vendor and cardholder information and a magnetic strip attached to the front surface designed to be used with a standard reading terminal. Formed on the rear surface is a CD media surface capable of being read in a standard CD-ROM player. In one embodiment, the CD media surface is a "multiple write and read" media surface capable of being produced by a CD-RW device. In a second embodiment, the CD media surface is in "write once, read many" media surface capable of being produced by a CD-R device. Formed centrally on the disc body is a spindle hole which enables the disc to be placed in a CD player. An optional plug may be inserted into the spindle hole.

A musical workstation system produces a display presentation in one of a musical composition responsive to musical composition data and responsive to one or both of input variables and a selected operating mode. The system is comprised of (1) means to provide the musical composition data (such as local storage (ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, hard disk etc.), or via a communications interface to an external device (such as another music workstation, a master controller, a computer), a memory, a selection subsystem, a controller, and a display subsystem. The memory selectively stores the received original musical compositions. The selection subsystem determines a selected operating mode and display format. The controller, responsive to the selection subsystem, provides means for selectively controlling the storing of the musical composition data in memory and selectively processing (e.g. altering) the stored musical composition data responsive to the selected operating mode and the input variables to produce a particular one of a plurality of processed results, such as external communications, operating, mode, transformation to derivative musical compositions, etc. The music workstation can coordinate communications, or be a slave device, with one or more external devices, such as other music workstations, a master workstation, a controller, etc. The display system provides for selection of original compositions, creation of derivative compositions, distribution of compositions, monitoring of each performer's performance, group virtual performances, and also allows for local and distributed retrieval and editing of musical compositions.

Software is licensed for use on a particular computing device, such as a gaming console or a multimedia console. An unlocking code is provided from a distribution service to the computing device (either directly or via a user), which in turn, unlocks the appropriate software or portion of software for use with the associated computing device. The software may reside on a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM or DVD disk, that is being used in conjunction with the computing device. The unlocking code may be provided directly to the user in private (e.g., via email or a mobile phone) or in public (e.g., published on a website). Portions of the software that may be unlocked include a particular level of a game or other features (such as additional characters or weapons), or a working or more advanced version of an application that was otherwise provided as a demo or older version. The unlocking code may be based on a unique identifier of the computing device and an identifier associated with the software seeking to be accessed. Thus, the code may only be used by the computing device having that unique identifier. This prevents unauthorized or unlicensed computing devices from using the software.

The present invention relates to a portable information apparatus which can realize electrical power for a longer period of time. Under the condition that the suspending mode is set, when an exclusive key is manipulated, a switch monitoring circuit detects this condition and issues an interruption to the CPU. In this timing, the CPU supplies the necessary electrical power to the CD-ROM controller, CD-ROM drive and audio circuit which are required for reproduction of CD. Thereby, a CD can be reproduced under the suspending mode.

A method and computer system including a bootable storage media, preferably a CD-ROM, having a single bootable disk image that allows multiple emulations. A hard disk boot image including an MBR is provided at the beginning of the bootable disk image. A floppy DBR is provided at a predetermined sector boundary in the hard disk image so that the computer system can use either the hard disk or the floppy disk emulation at boot time. A computer article of manufacture embodying a single bootable disk image that allows both a hard disk or a floppy disk emulation is also provided.

A CD-ROM control chip is provided for a use of firmware information update in the CD-ROM system. The control chip at least includes a microprocessor, a decoder, a controller, and an extra memory. The microprocessor is coupled to a data bus, and further coupled to an external ROM, which stores all firmware information. The decoder is coupled to the microprocessor through the data bus, and is also coupled to an external buffer memory and an external main board interface. The external main board interface allows the CD-ROM control chip to communicate with an external computer. The controller is coupled to the decoder, and is coupled to the microprocessor the data bus. The controller is used to receive information and control signals from an external CD. The extra memory is coupled to the microprocessor through the data bus. When the microprocessor starts to update the firmware information, it generates at least one output enabling signal, one chip selecting signal, and one writing-in signal, and sends these signals to the external ROM. The external ROM is treated as an information storing space, and the extra memory is treated as execution space used by an update program routine.

A portable computer system provides an operating system-independent digital data player. The computer system includes an operating system, a data storage medium to store a plurality of digitally encoded data files, and a digital data player to decode and play the plurality of digitally encoded data files in an operating system-independent digital data mode. The data storage medium may be any of the storage media for the computer system such as a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive or removable data storage. A mini-display panel of the portable computer system displays control status information associated with playing of the plurality of digitally encoded data files in the digital data mode. The computer system further includes a digital data button to place the portable computer system in the digital data mode and a plurality of digital data control buttons to select a plurality of digital data control commands for the plurality of digitally encoded data files. Selective portions of the portable computer system are placed in a reduced power state for the digital data mode.

In one embodiment, the invention is a 64 bit hardware ID (H / W ID) for tying a software product to a particular computer to prevent software piracy. The 64 bit hardware ID represents ten different components of the user's computer: the CD-ROM device, the disk adapter, the disk device, the display adapter, the first drive serial number, the MAC address, the processor serial number, the processor type, the RAM size in Mb, and the SCSI adapter. Each time the software product is opened, the expanded H / W ID is compared to the hardware on the computer to determine whether a predetermined minimum number of components match. In one embodiment, the expanded H / W ID allows for expansion of the user's computer because so long as the component originally listed in the expanded H / W ID can be found on the computer, then that component matches the expanded H / W ID. Typically, seven out of ten components in the expanded H / W ID must match the computer before the software product will fully operate.