text:
The invention, an electronic book selection and delivery system, is a new way to distribute books and other textual information to bookstores, libraries and consumers. The primary components of the system are a subsystem for placing text in a video signal format and a subsystem for receiving and selecting text that is placed in the video signal format. The system configuration for consumer use contains additional components and optional features that enhance the system, namely: (1) an operation center, (2) a video distribution system, (3) a home subsystem, including reception, selection, viewing, transacting and transmission capabilities, and (4) a billing and collection system. The operation center and/or video distribution points perform the functions of manipulation of text data, security and coding of text, cataloging of books, messaging center, and uplink functions. The home subsystem performs the functions of connecting to a video distribution system, menu selecting text, storing text, and transacting through phone or cable communicating mechanisms. A portable book-shaped viewing device is used for viewing the textual material delivered. The billing and collection system performs the transaction, management, authorization, collection and publisher payments automatically utilizing the telephone system.
1. A method for restricting access to electronic books displayed on a viewer, the method comprising:
storing an encrypted electronic book on a viewer, the electronic book having a plurality of pages;
receiving a request to view the electronic book; and
decrypting the pages for viewing on a page-by-page basis, including:
retrieving a selected page;
decrypting and displaying the selected page; and
encrypting the selected page when no longer displayed.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. A method for restricting access to electronic books displayed on a viewer, the method comprising:
associating an identification of the electronic book with a unique viewer;
storing an encrypted electronic book on a viewer only if the identification associated with the electronic book matches an identification of the viewer;
restricting access to the electronic book to the unique viewer for display on the unique viewer; and
decrypting the pages for viewing on a page-by-page basis, including:
retrieving a selected page;
decrypting and displaying the selected page; and
encrypting the selected page when no longer displayed.
5. The method of
6. The method of
receiving an identification of the viewer; and
determining if the identification of the viewer corresponds with the unique viewer.
7. A method for restricting access to electronic books displayed on a viewer, the method comprising:
storing an electronic book on a viewer;
associating a predetermined amount of time after the electronic book is stored on the viewer with the electronic book;
allowing access to and display of the electronic book for the predetermined amount of time; and
restricting access to the electronic book, for display of the electronic book on the viewer, once the predetermined amount of time has passed.
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. The method of
11. A method for restricting access to electronic books displayed on a viewer, the method comprising:
associating an identification of a viewer unique key with an electronic book;
storing the electronic book on a viewer only if the identification associated with the electronic book matches the identification of the viewer;
encrypting the stored electronic book based upon the viewer unique key;
decrypting the electronic book only upon receipt of the viewer unique key, and
decrypting the pages for viewing on a page-by-page basis, including:
retrieving a selected page;
decrypting and displaying the selected page; and
encrypting the selected page when no longer displayed.
12. A portable viewer for displaying electronic books, comprising:
a memory for storing instructions;
a memory for storing electronic books; and
a display for displaying the electronic books; and
a processor that operates under control of the instructions and is capable of:
storing an encrypted electronic book on the viewer;
receiving a request to view the electronic book; and
decrypting the encrypted electronic book for viewing on a page-by-page basis following a decrypting process that comprises:
retrieving a selected page;
decrypting and displaying the selected page; and
encrypting the selected page when no longer displayed.
13. The portable viewer of
14. The portable viewer of
15. A portable viewer for displaying electronic books, comprising:
a memory for storing instructions;
a memory for storing electronic books,
a display for displaying the electronic books; and
a processor that operates under control of the instructions and is capable of:
storing an encrypted electronic book on the viewer;
associating an identification of the electronic book with a unique viewer; and
restricting access to the electronic book to the unique viewer for display on the unique viewer; and
decrypting the pages for viewing on a page-by-page basis, including:
retrieving a selected page;
decrypting and displaying the selected page; and
encrypting the selected page when no longer displayed.
16. The portable viewer of
17. The portable viewer of
receiving an identification of the viewer; and
determining if the identification of the viewer corresponds with the unique viewer.
18. A portable viewer for displaying electronic books, comprising:
a memory for storing instructions;
a memory for storing electronic books;
a display for displaying the electronic books; and
a processor that operates under control of the instructions and is capable of:
storing an electronic book on the viewer;
associating a predetermined amount of time after the electronic book is stored on the viewer with the electronic book;
allowing access to and display of the electronic book for the predetermined amount of time; and
restricting access to the electronic book, for display of the electronic book on the viewer, once the predetermined amount of time has passed.
19. The portable viewer of
20. The portable viewer of
21. The portable viewer of
22. A portable viewer for displaying electronic books, comprising:
a memory for storing instructions;
a memory for storing electronic books;
a display for displaying the electronic books; and
a processor that operates under control of the instructions and is capable of:
storing an encrypted electronic book on the viewer;
storing an identification of a viewer unique key;
encrypting the stored electronic book based upon the viewer unique key;
decrypting the electronic book only upon receipt of the viewer unique key; and
decrypting the pages for viewing on a page-by-page basis, including:
retrieving a selected page;
decrypting and displaying the selected page; and
encrypting the selected page when no longer displayed.
This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/237,825, filed Jan. 27, 1999 now abandoned, which is a division of Ser. No. 08/336,247, filed Nov. 7, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,690, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/160,194, filed Dec. 2, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,990,927, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.
Sparked by the concept of an information superhighway, a revolution will take place in the distribution of books. Not since the introduction of Gutenberg's movable typeset printing has the world stood on the brink of such a revolution in the distribution of text material. The definition of the word "book" will change drastically in the near future. Due to reasons such as security, convenience, cost, and other technical problems, book and magazine publishers are currently only able to distribute their products in paper form. This invention solves the problems encountered by publishers.
The electronic book selection and delivery system is a new way to distribute books to bookstores, libraries, and consumers. The technological breakthroughs of this invention provide a secure electronic system for both delivering selected books and receiving payments. The system has an unusual combination of features that provides the consumer with a daily use household appliance that has a high tech aura while being very practical, portable, and easy to use.
The clear advantage of the system is that it eliminates the distribution of any physical object such as a paper book or computer memory device from any book distribution system. The purchase of a book becomes a pay-per-read™ event avoiding the overhead, "middle-men," printing costs, and time delay associated with the current book distribution system. Published material and text such as the President's speech, a new law, a court decision on abortion, or O. J. Simpson's testimony can be made immediately available to the consumer at a nominal fee.
The system is a novel combination of new technology involving the television, cable, telephone, and computer industries. It utilities high bandwidth data transmissions, strong security measures, sophisticated digital switching, high resolution visual displays and user friendly interface software.
The primary components of the text delivery system are the subsystem for placing the text onto a video signal and the subsystem for receiving and selecting text that was placed on the video signal. The preferred embodiment of the system includes additional components and optional features that enhance the system. The system may be configured for use by bookstores, libraries, and consumers.
The system for consumer use is made up of four subsystems, namely: (1) an Operations Center, (2) a video distribution system, (3) a home subsystem including reception, selection, viewing, transacting and transmission capabilities, and (4) a billing and collection system.
The Operations Center performs several primary functions: manipulating text data (including receiving, formatting and storing of text data), security encoding text, cataloging books, providing a messaging center capability, and performing uplink functions. The system delivers the text from the Operations Center to consumer homes by inserting data within analog video signals. The insertion of text is generally performed with a text generator and an encoder at an uplink site that is within or near the Operations Center. The system can be several lines of the Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI), all the lines of the analog video signal, or a digital video signal to transmit text data. Using the VBI delivery method, the top ten or twenty book titles may be transmitted with video during normal programming utilizing existing cable or broadcast transmission capability without disruption to the subscriber's video reception. Using the entire video signal, thousands of books may be transmitted within just one hour of air time. Nearly any analog or digital video distribution system may be used to deliver the video signal with included text.
The home subsystem performs four primary functions: connecting to the video distribution system, selecting text, storing text, and transacting through a phone or cable communicating mechanism. The components of the home subsystem may be configured in a variety of hardware configurations. Each function may be performed by a separate component, the components may be integrated, or the capability of existing cable set top converter boxes and televisions may be utilized. Preferably, a connector, library unit and viewer unit are used. The connector portion of the home subsystem receives the analog video signal and strips or extracts the text from the video. The home library stores the text signal, provides a user friendly software interface to the system and processes the transactions at the consumer home. The viewer provides a screen for viewing text or menus.
The viewing device is preferably a portable book shaped viewer which stores one or more books for viewing and provides a screen for interacting with the home library unit. A high resolution LCD display is used to both read the books and to interact with the home library software. An optional phone connector or return-path cable connection initiates the telephone calls and, with the aid of the library, transmits the necessary data to complete the ordering and billing portion of the consumer transaction. The billing and collection system performs transaction management, authorizations, collections and publisher payments automatically utilizing the telephone system.
The primary components of the electronic book selection and delivery system 200 are an encoder 204, a video distribution system 208, a connector 212, and a text selector 216 as shown in
Using a connector 212 and text selector 216 combination, various methods of selecting and retrieving desired text from a composite or video signal are possible. Text may be preselected, selected as received or selected after being received and stored. The preferred method is for the connector 212 to strip all the text from the video signal and have the text selector 216 screen all the text as received from the connector 212. The text selector 216 only stores text in long term or permanent memory if the text passes a screening process described below.
An overview of a preferred embodiment is shown in
Many analog and digital video distribution systems 208 can be used with this text delivery system 200, such as, cable television distribution systems, broadcast television distribution systems, video distributed over telephone systems, direct satellite broadcast distribution systems, and other wire and wireless distribution systems. Nearly any distribution system which can deliver a video signal will work with the text delivery system. It is also possible to distribute the text without using a video signal as described below.
The home subsystem performs five primary functions, (1) connecting with a video distribution system, (2) selecting data, (3) storing data, (4) displaying data, and (5) handling transactions. An important optional function of the home sub-system is communicating using a telephone communication system. The home subsystem is made up of primarily four parts: a video connector 212 or similar type of connector for connecting with a video distribution system, a library unit 262 for storing and processing, a viewer unit 266 for viewing menus and text and a telephone connector 270 for connecting with a telephone communications system 274.
The billing and collection subsystem 278 may be co-located with the operations center 250 or located remote from the operations center. The billing and collection subsystem 278 is in communication with the home subsystem via telephone-type communication systems. Any of a number of telephone type communication systems, such as, a cellular system, will operate with the billing and collection system. The billing and collection system records the books or portions of text that are selected or ordered by the subscriber. The collection system will charge a subscriber's credit account or bill the subscriber. In addition, the billing and collection system will monitor that amount due to publishers or other outside sources 282 who have provided textual data or other services such as air time to enable the text delivery system 200 to operate.
The collection and billing system 278′ shown has two sections (330, 334) one for transaction management, authorizations and publisher payments 330, and the other for customer service 334. The customer service section 334 provides for data entry and access to customer account information. Transaction accounting information 338 is supplied to credit card companies 342 by the transaction management section 330 of the billing and collection system 278′. The credit card companies 342 provide billing 346 to customers either electronically or by mail.
Three methods for communicating between the subscriber base 348 and the billing and collection system 278′ are shown: by telephone switching 350 alone, cellular switching 354 and telephone switching 250 combined, and by use of the cable system 358 and the telephone switching 350. The system shown supports both one-way 362 and two-way cable communication 366 with subscribers. Libraries and schools 370 as well as bookstores 374 may use the delivery system.
Libraries and schools 370 would have a modified system to allow the viewer to be checked-out or borrowed while bookstores 374 would rent or sell the viewer and sell electronic book data. The bookstores 374 as well as the libraries and schools 370 may be serviced by cable 378. Optional direct broadcast systems (DBS) 382 can also be used with the system 200.
I. The Operations Center
The processing at the operations center is controlled by a processor 404 which uses an instruction memory 416. The processor and instruction memory may be supplied by a personal computer or mini-computer. To perform the catalog and messaging functions, the operations center uses a catalog and message memory 420 and the text generator 410 if necessary.
The data stream of text, catalog and messages is preferably encoded by a security ending prior to being sent to the uplink module 424. Various encoding techniques may be used such as the commercial derivative of NSA's encryption algorithm, Data Encryption System (DES), and General Instrument's DigiCipher II may be used by the security encoding module 424. Following encoding, the encoded text may be stored in text memory 428 prior to being sent the uplink 254. It is preferred that a first-in-first-out text memory arrangement is used under the control of the processor 404. Various types of memory may be used for the text memory 428 including RAM. The operations center may use file server technology for the text memory 428 to catalog and spool books for transmission as is described below.
To transmit textual data, the delivery system uses high bandwidth transmission techniques such as those defined by the North American Broadcast Teletext Standard (NABTS) and the World System Teletext (WST) standard. Using the WST format (where each line of the Vertical Blanking Interval contains 266 data bits), a four hundred page book, for example, may be transmitted during programming using four lines of the Vertical Blanking Interval at a rate of approximately one book every 1.6 minutes (63,840 bits per second). Alternatively, books may be transmitted over a dedicated channel, which interrupts programming so that 246 lines of video can be used to transmit approximately 2,250 books every hour (3.9 Mbits per second). A teletext type format is the simplest but possibly the slowest text format to use with the system. In either event, an encoder is utilized at an uplink site to insert textual data into the analog video signal. In many other respects, the delivery of the textual information is completed using existing cable television plants and equipment.
As shown in block 508, files are broken into smaller packets of information. Header information is added to the packets. The bit stream is converted from a serial digital bit stream to an analog bit stream that is compatible with an NTSC video signal. Block 512 shows the switching of analog data into the video lines of a video signal. The analog data is either placed in the VBI or the active video lines.
As an alternative to cable or television delivery methods, the telephone system may be used to transmit books to the subscribers. An average book would take about 7 minutes to transmit over the public telephone system. Using the telephone system, it is not necessary to combine video and text into a composite signal. In most other respects, the operation center would remain similar whether text delivery was by telephone or cable. It is preferred that file server technology (such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,875, entitled AUDIO/VIDEO FILE SERVER INCLUDING DECOMPRESSION/PLAYBACK MEANS, issued to Mincer, et al., and, U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,695, entitled FILE SERVER SYSTEM HAVING HIGH-SPEED WRITE EXECUTION, issued to Noveck, et al., incorporated herein by reference) be used at the operation center with a telephone system text delivery method.
II. The Home Subsystem
The hardware configuration for a four component home subsystem 258 is shown in
The electronic components which make up the home subsystem can be arranged in a variety of ways. In the four unit subsystem of
RF communications are preferred in the home because it allows the separate components to be located throughout the home without restriction.
The data communicated between the units is preferably secure data. In addition, the library 262 may provide power to the viewer 266 through the hard wire communication link 615.
To receive and strip the data from the video signal at the consumer's home, either a cable interface device or cable connector is used. The cable connector device includes a tuner 613, while the cable interface device makes use of existing tuning equipment in the home. In either configuration, data is stripped from the video signal and stored at the subscriber's location in the library 262. The phone connector 270, and modem 611 initiate telephone calls and transmit ordering and billing information to the Operations Center or billing and collection system. The home library 262 is the intelligent component of the home subsystem, incorporating the hardware and software necessary to store the text data, generate menus and effect the purchase transactions. In addition to an RF transceiver 604, the home library 262 also includes the necessary jacks and connections to allow the system to be connected to the viewer 266. As shown in
a. The Video Connector
The connection to the video distribution system is preferably a cable connector to a cable television delivery system, as shown in
The video connector 212 may also contain a channel tuner module 613 that can tune to the video channel and provide access to the video that contains the data to be stripped. Using the optional tuner module 613, a set top converter, VCR, or TV tuner is not needed in the home subsystem. The optional tuner module 613 would instead receive the CATV signal directly through the cable connector 212′.
b. Library
An embodiment of the library 212 for a two unit home subsystem is shown in both
The library 262 contains a digital logic section 609 (not shown in
i. Memory Storage Unit
The memory storage unit of the library is preferably a removable portable memory unit 600 (as shown in
ii. Power Circuitry
As shown in
iii. Connection to the Public Telephone System
The connection to the telephone system is preferably provided by a modem 611. Various available modems may be used to perform this function. As shown in
iv. Library Processing
If the address is a unique address, block 666 checks whether the address of the packet matches the library box ID number. The library box ID number is a unique number associated with that library 262 which is used to ensure security of the data. Block 670 determines whether an electronic file has already been opened into which the data packet can be saved. If no data file has been opened then block 674 opens a new data file for that packet. If an electronic file has been opened, then the packet is saved in that electronic file on disk, block 678. Next, the process checks to see if this is the last packet for a particular book for a particular textual data block being received 682. If it is the last packet of information, then the electronic file is closed and the directory of available electronic files is updated 686. Following either block 682 or 686, the process returns to receive another data packet from the data stream received from the data stripper block.
With the packet address is checked and the address is determined to be a broadcast address, the process determines the type of message that is being sent 690. The message is then stored in appropriate electronic message file 694 and the process is returned to block 650 to receive another data packet and perform another error check.
Using the process of
Information requests received from the viewer 266 generally fall into three categories: (1) directory data of books stored in the library 262, (2) index of all available books on the system, and (3) requests for a specific book (Block 700). Process block 704 answers a request from the viewer 266 for a directory of data showing the books stored at the viewer 266. The directory of data is sent to the viewer 266 so that it may be displayed to the subscriber. Process block 708 handles requests from the viewer 266 for an index of all available books on the system. The library 262 will obtain an index of all the available books on the system and transmit that index, process 712, with menu information to the viewer box. Process block 716 replies to a request from the viewer 266 for a specific book. The library 262 opens an electronic file for the specific book requested by the viewer 266 and transmits the record or transmits the information on a packet-by-packet basis to the viewer, 720. This process of transmitting the specific book, record, or packets to the viewer continues until the last record or packet has been sent, 724.
In addition to the processes shown on
c. The Viewer
(1) A high resolution LCD screen, preferably of VGA quality, is used by the viewer 266 to display text and graphic images. The screen is preferably the size of one page of a book.
(2) Digital circuitry that includes a secure microprocessor 621, instruction memory 732, and digital logic. Data is transferred to the viewer 266 in compressed and encrypted format. The secure microprocessor 621 compares the ID number of the viewer 266 with the incoming data stream and only stores the text data if the ID number of the viewer 266 matches that within the incoming data stream. It is preferred that the viewer 266 not output text data or other data and that the data is decompressed and decrypted only at the moment of viewing and only for the current page being viewed. These measures are preferred because they provide additional security against unauthorized access to data.
(3) A video graphics controller 607′ that is capable of assisting and displaying VGA quality text and graphic images is included in the viewer 266. The graphics controller 607′ is controlled by the digital circuitry described above. Text may be displayed in multiple font sizes.
(4) The viewer 266 of
(5) Book memory 728 for at least one book or more of text is included in the viewer 266. The memory 728 stores text and any graphics which represent pictures in a book. The memory 728 can also store menu graphics data. Two different memory 728 devices may be used in the viewer 266, one for the instructions for the microprocessor 621 in the digital circuitry and a second type of memory may be used for the book memory 728. Various memory devices available on the market may be used such as, ROM, RAM or a small hard disk. Since a book requires approximately 0.6 megabytes of storage, a small hard disk providing approximately 60 MBytes of storage provides memory to store approximately 100 books. Text for books may be stored in various font sizes so that larger or smaller fonts may be recalled from memory 728 as desired.
(6) Power supply circuitry 736 in the view will accept power from either an AC power source or from an optional battery 603′, or the library 262. The power supply circuitry provides the necessary voltages to accommodate the various systems within the viewer 266.
(7) An optional battery 603′ is provided in the preferred embodiment. The battery 603′ is automatically recharged when AC power is available.
(8) An optional RF transceiver 604 which provided two-way data link between the viewer 266 and other components of the home subsystem can also be included in the viewer 266.
(9) Also, the viewer 266 may include a cellular transceiver (not shown) for mobile communications.
The viewer 266 of
Security, low power consumption and excellent display technology are desired features of the viewer 266 design. The viewer 266 should be lightweight and portable. The viewer 266 contains a software operating system that allows books to be stored, read and erased and includes the capability to order books and retain them in memory for a predefined period of time determined by the system operator. The software can be configured to allow the book to be read during a period of time (i.e., two weeks) and then automatically erased, read once and erased, or held in memory permanently. Each viewer 266 has a unique key 605. All of the data storage is encrypted with the key 605 for an individual viewer 266 to prevent more than one viewer device 266 accessing the text file or book file.
If the subscriber requests a menu of available books, process block 804 will select a book menu. Process block 808 will open the electronic files which list the books that are available (related to the category of topic of the menu) and display the menu with the names of the available books.
If the subscriber selects a particular book to read, then process block 812 will process the selection and determine the electronic file that contains the specific book. Process block 816 will open the file for that specific book and normally access the first page. (If a pointer has already been set in that books electronic file, the process may default to that printer.) Process block 820 will then determine which page needs to be displayed. Process block 820 will determine whether a next page, previous page or a bookmarked page needs to be displayed. If the pointer for the electronic file is not in the correct location then process block 828 will move the pointer and obtain the previous page of data from the stored file. Otherwise, process block 824 will normally obtain the next page of text from the stored electronic file. Process block 832 will decrypt and decompress the text data and send the data to the video display. The video display will generally have a video display memory associated with it and process block 832 will send the data directly to that video display memory. The circuitry for the display then completes the process of displaying the page of text.
If the subscriber, through the controls 740, requests (from process block 800) that the power be turned off, then the process, 836, of turning the power off will be initiated. Process block 840 saves the pointer in memory to the page number in the book that the viewer 266 is currently reading. Process block 844 closes all the electronic files and signals the power circuitry to shut down the power to the various circuits in the viewer 266. With these examples of basic processes the viewer 266 is able to display book selections and display text from those books.
d. Menu System
It is preferred that the electronic book system have a menu system for selecting features and books from the electronic book system. The operating software and memory required for the menu system is preferably located at the viewer 266. However, it can also be located at the library or the library and the viewer 266 can share the software and memory needed to operate the menu system. Since the menus are usually displayed on the viewer 266 and it is preferred that the viewer 266 be capable of operating in the absence of the library, the basic software and memory to create the menus is more conveniently located at the viewer 266.
The preferred menu system is a system which allows sequencing between menus and provides menu graphics for graphical displays such as on the viewer 266. In a system which uses a set top converter these menus may also be displayed on a television screen. In the simplest embodiment, the menus provide just basic text information for the subscriber to choose from. In more sophisticated embodiments, the menus provide visual displays and icons to assist the subscriber.
An example of an introductory menu 850 is shown on
The "Account Set Up Menu" 862 and further submenu us related to account set up (which provide instructions and account input 864) are shown in
Free previews for books 866 are also provided by submenus (868, 870). Examples of the free preview menus are shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In addition to the specific features and submenus described in
When a book is finally selected for viewing on the system it will appear on the screen as shown in
III. The Billing and Collection System
The billing and collection system utilizes the latest technology in electronic transaction and telephone switching to track orders, authorize deliveries, bill consumers, and credit publishers automatically. The telephone calls initiated by the phone connector are received by the billing and collection system which responds immediately without human intervention by placing the order and charging the consumers credit card account. Data is compiled periodically and publishers are credited for sales of their books. The billing and collection system may also connect with subscribers through two-way cable connections, cellular or other communication means.
It is preferred that the billing and collection system communicate with the operations center to track changes in available books and to provide statistical data to the operations center.
IV. Library and Bookstore System
The electronic book system can be modified to be used at public libraries and bookstores.
The system comprises five components; a converter or video connector 904, a controller 908, a viewer 912, and a catalog printer 916. The software for controlling the system is primarily located in the controller. The converter or video connector 904 is similar to those described above. In this configuration the controller unit 908 monitors the data being transferred to the file server by the converter 904. The controller 908 is preferably provided with a viewing screens and several control buttons. When it is necessary to have a larger screen to perform more sophisticated controlling of the system a viewer may be connected to the controller 908 and the viewer screen and controls may be used.
The controller 908 is only able to download books to the viewer 912 which are authorized to receive books from the particular file server. For security reasons it is not desirable that the public viewer 912 have access to more than one file server. In this way, security can be maintained over the text data for books. It is preferred that the public viewer 912 be limited to receiving one or two books at a time from the controller 908. When the user of the public viewer 912 needs a new or additional book he returns the viewer 912 to the library where he receives a new book from the controller 908.
In order to track the books that are available on the file server, the titles of the available books may be printed on a catalog printer 916. The catalog printer 916 is connected to the library controller 908 and the titles of the books are downloaded to the catalog printer 916. None of the coded text for any of the books can be printed using the controller 908 and catalog printer 916 of this system. In order to maintain security over the data, none of the book data is allowed to be downloaded to the printer. Once a complete printout of available book titles, magazines, or other textual material is complete, a hard copy of the catalog 920 can be maintained at the file server.
The system shown may also be used at bookstores. The bookstores can rent the public viewer 912 to customers with the text for one or two books loaded onto the viewer 912. The viewer 912 may be provided with an automatic timeout sequence. The timeout sequence would erase the textual data for the books after a certain period of time, for example, two weeks. It is expected that after a period of time (perhaps within two weeks) the renter would return the public viewer 912 to the bookstore and receive additional books for viewing. Using this arrangement, it is also possible for the bookstore to (permanently) sell a viewer 912 to a regular customer. The customer then returns to the bookstore from time to time to receive textual data for a book which the customer can then store permanently on his own viewer 912. Various other configurations are possible for bookstores and libraries using the file server and viewer 912 described.
V. Use of Set Top Converter
Existing set top converter boxes such as those made by Scientific Atlanta or General Instruments are presently unequipped to handle the book selection system of the present invention. Although set top converters may be built which include the library functions, hardware modifications are necessary in order to use the book selection system with existing set top converter technology.
A card addition 950 to a set top converter 601 is depicted in
The primary components of the card 950 are a PC chip CPU 952, a VGA graphic controller 954, a video combiner 956, logic circuitry 958, NTSC encoder 960, a receiver 962, demodulator (not shown), and a dialer 611′. The card 950 operates by receiving the data text signal from the cable headend through the coaxial cable. The logic circuitry 958 of the card 950 receives data 964, infrared commands 966, and synchronization signals (not shown) from the set top converter 601. Menu selections made by the viewer 912 on the remote control are received by the set top converter's 601 IR equipment and passed through to the card 950. The card 950 interprets the IR signal and determines the book (or menu) the subscriber has selected. The card 950 modifies the IR command to send the information to the set top converter 601. The modified IR command contains the channel information needed by the set top converter 601. Using the phone line 968 and dialer 611′, the card 950 is able to transmit books ordered information to the cable headend. It is also possible to receive the books over the telephone lines and by-pass the video distribution system.
These commands are passed through the interface linking the set top terminal's microprocessor with the microprocessor of the hardware upgrades. In this way, subscriber inputs, entered through the set top terminal keypad or remote control, can be transferred to any of the hardware upgrades for processing and responses generated therein can then be sent back to the set top terminal for display. In the preferred embodiment the IR commands 966 are transferred from set top terminal 601 to hardware upgrade.
Hardware upgrades may include a microprocessor, interactive software, processing circuitry, bubble memory, and a long-term memory device. In addition to these basic components, the hardware upgrade may make use of an additional telephone modem or CD-ROM device.
The information download hardware upgrade 1001 (shown in
The downloadable information may be text or graphics supplied by the operations center or cable headend. With this upgrade, books may be downloaded and read anywhere with the portable reader. Using this upgrade, books may be downloaded and stored in compressed form for later decompression. The books would be decompressed only at the time of viewing. Important text that the public desires immediate access may made available through this system. Text such as the President's speech, a new law, or a recent abortion decision rendered by the Supreme Court may be made immediately available.
In the preferred embodiment, book ordering information is stored at each set top terminal until it is polled by the cable headend using a polling request message format. An example of a polling request message format consists of six fields, namely: (1) a leading flag at the beginning of the message, (2) an address field, (3) a subscriber region designation, (4) a set top terminal identifier that includes a polling command/response (or P/F) bit, (5) an information field, and (6) a trailing flag at the end of the message. A similar response frame format for information communicated by the set top terminal to the cable headend in response to the polling request may be used.
Data targeted to individual set top terminals is received by the data receiver 617′ according to each set top terminal's specific address or ID. In this way, each addressable set top terminal only receives its own data. The data receiver 617′ may receive set top terminal 601 specific data in the information field of the signal frame described or on a separate data carrier located at a convenient frequency in the incoming spectrum.
Any received data includes information regarding books and menus available for selection. The subscriber may enter a series of commands 1015 using a keypad or remote control in order to choose a channel or program. Upon receipt of such commands, the set top terminal's microprocessor 1013 instructs the tuner to tune to the proper frequency of the channel carrying data and subsequently instructs the processing circuitry 1017 to begin descrambling of this data.
Upon selection of a book, the microprocessor 1013 stores any selection information in local memory (not shown) for later data transmission back to the cable headend. The set top terminal's microprocessor 1013 coordinates all CATV signal reception and also interacts with various upstream data transmission components. Typically, the data transmitter 1011 operates in the return frequency band between 5 and 30 MHz. In an alternative embodiment, the frequency band of 10 to 15 MHz may be used. Regardless, however, of the frequency band used, the data transmitter 1011 sends information to the cable headend in the information field of the response frame described. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a number of variations and combinations of the above-described set top terminal hardware components may be used to accomplish upstream data transmissions.
VI. Books-on-demand System
The electronic book system described may also be configured in a book-on-demand style.
Referring to
In order to support such a demand system, the text delivery and distribution must be conducted on a strong nodal architectured distribution system, such as, a video-on-demand cable or telephone television system, or through use of individual telephone calls on the public telephone system.
The book-on-demand system allows for a greater selection of books to the subscriber and limits the amount of communicated book data that is unnecessary or unneeded. It also provides the book to the subscriber in a much timelier fashion.
In addition to a stronger distribution system, a book-on-demand system requires a distribution point 1020 to have more sophisticated equipment to spool out the textual information. This can be accomplished using file server technology 1024 for storing the books and ATM 1028 or telephone-type switching (not shown) to distribute the textual information. The file server 1024 and distribution technology that can be used in configuring such a book-on-demand system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,875 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,695, cited above.
The library unit 262 can be connected to either a basic premium-type service cable system 1048, a near video-on-demand type cable system (or pay-per-view (PPV) 1052) or a video-on-demand cable system 1044. In connecting with either of these three systems the library 262 may access the cable directly or may access the system through a set top terminal 601′, 601″, or 601′″.
Using the two-way video-on-demand system 1044, a subscriber is able to request a specific book title and receive that text immediately following its request. To accomplish this, the distribution point 1020 transmits a list of available books through the cable delivery system to the library 262. The library 262 displays the list of available books on a menu or similar format. As described earlier, it is preferred that the library 262 use menus which list categories of available books to form its request from the distribution point 1020. After selecting a book the library 262 then sends a request signal on the two-way communication system 1044 back to the distribution point 1020. This request signal can be handled in two ways. Either the library 262 initiates the request or the distribution point 1020 polls the various libraries on to the two-way system 1044. Upon receiving the request for the book title, the text associated with that book title is transmitted to the library 262 using the two-way cable system 1044.
A system controller 1076 provides control over the regional or national book-on-demand system. Books may be packaged into groups to provide feeds to various cable headends. In addition, scheduling and marketing research are conducted at the operations center 250. In order to handle the scheduling and market research, book buy data is received at the operations center 250 through a multiplexer 1082. Book buy information can be provided by the operation center 250 to the billing and collection subsystem.
The operations center 250 is also equipped to insert messages or advertisements into the file server. These messages or advertisements will eventually be received by the subscribers.
The master file server 1072 uses an output multiplexer 1080 and ATM 1028 as well as satellite connections to distribute digital data. In the preferred embodiment, cable headends receive text data on books from the master file server 1080 through the output multiplexer 1028 and an ATM system 1028. After receiving the digital book data, the cable headends store the books in a local file server 1024.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
SUBSCRIBEWe will NOT sell your email address to anybody!
One year manufacturer's warranty on most items. Click for details
Orders received by 12 EST usually ship next business day. Click for details
Return any item in new condition for a refund or exchange. Click for details
Airgun or airsoft gun need fixing? Looking for peace of mind with our 10-for-$10 test or to save time with 20-for-$20 service? Our full service tech and repair shop can help! Click for details
Free ground shipping for orders over $150! Click for details
Shipping restrictions by location Click for details
|Sort by:
|Most Popular
Crosman 0410 Targetfinder Rifle Scope
Add to Cart
Add to Compare
Add to Wishlist
|About this product
CR0410SBlack [PY-A-95]
Starting at $9.95
3.5 (16 reviews)
From: Crosman
The Targetfinder rifle scope, Model 410, is a 4-power scope with turret sight adjustments, focusing...
CheckoutSubtotal (USD):
does not include shipping and tax

subset: commoncrawl


text:
What content is in my work space and my personal space?
If your administrator turns on BlackBerry Balance technology, the device data, apps, and network access are separated so that you have a work space and a personal space.
Open work apps appear with a icon on the home screen.
Depending on the rules set by your administrator, some apps and features might be available in your work space, personal space, or both. The table below describes the default behavior for most apps.
These apps are available only in your work space and display work data.
These apps are available only in your personal space and display personal data.
Depending on the rules set by your administrator, you might have access to work contacts in the Phone, BBM, and text messaging apps.
These apps and features are available in your work space and personal space. Your work and personal data is displayed together.
These apps are available in your work space and personal space. Depending on which space you open an app in, you can access either your work data or personal data.
You can open two instances of these apps at the same time.
Was this information helpful? Send us your comments.


text:
Limited Time - Get a FREE Inner Space Yoga Bolster or Jade Yoga Mat with an Annual Subscription! FREE Bolster or Mat
Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad optimized
Welcome! You've discovered the premium source for streaming online yoga classes + free yoga videos. YogaVibes frees you to take yoga wherever you are, whenever you want so you can get whatever you need.
© 2015 YogaVibes. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service


text:
Want full access?
Current subscriber?Activate
Have an account? Login
DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES Gabriel Hamer, a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M-College Station, takes a closer look at a tissue sample from a sandhill crane provided by hunters in Matagora County.
DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES Veterinarian Miranda Bertram, a grad student at Texas A&M University-College Station, conducts a necropsy on a sandhill crane as part of a research effort to help whooping cranes.
COURTESY PHOTO/ TODD STEELE The sandhill crane is the most abundant crane in North America and possibly the oldest bird species still living, dating back 6 million years.
DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES Dave Phillips of Houston was one of the hunters who volunteered to work as a specimen collector in a research hunt organized by Thunderbird Hunting Club in Jackson County.
DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES Assistant Professor Sarah Hamer, with the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at Texas A&M-College Station, is one of the principal investigators in the sandhill crane study.
DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES Unlike whooping cranes, sandhill cranes are not territorial except during the breeding season. They often roost, fly and feed in large flocks in Texas.
COURTESY PHOTO/TODD STEELE Sandhill cranes were once on the decline, but have rebounded nicely in North America, where the population is estimated at more than 600,000 birds.
COURTESY PHOTO/TODD STEELE Sandhill cranes typically are hunted in crop fields. In Texas, about 5,000 wingshooters claim to chase the wary and tasty game birds.
DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES Each sandhill crane was tagged and weighed. Beaks, legs, and wings were measure to identify the subspecies before necropsies were performed.
DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES Sandhill cranes have adapted well to the expanding agriculture fields along their migration route. Waste grain makes up a large part of their diet.
DAVID SIKES/CALLER-TIMES High over the field we were hunting, this group refused to give our decoys a closer look. They are among the most wary of game birds, nest to the mature snow goose.


text:
Bienvenidos to the Latina/o Faculty & Staff Website
LFSA is committed towards advocating and supporting Latina/o faculty, staff, and student issues at Fresno State.
Did you know?
Latinas/os make up over 1/3 of student enrollment at Fresno State qualifying our university as a Hispanic-serving institution by the US Department of Education.


text:
Quick Links
Shop All Jewelry
BRB10031 In Stock
Celtic knots have been used through the centuries to act as protection, or to declare one's love for another. This Sterling Silver Celtic Knot Bangle is the perfect way to express your feelings of love and interconnection, or simply pride in your heritage. Its simple design in timeless sterling silver means that you will always be in style, especially when you complete your ensemble with our matching Sparkling CZ Celtic Knot Sterling Silver Ring and Silver Celtic Knot Necklace. This is a piece that you will treasure for years to come.
Eve's Addiction.com wants you to be a happy customer. We want you to be completely satisfied with the sterling silver jewelry that you receive from us, as we only sell high quality silver and cubic zirconia cz jewelry. We do understand that you may not like your purchase for some reason.
You may return or exchange your jewelry within 60 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with it. The jewelry must be returned in its original condition for a refund or exchange. Engraved, personalized, photo, monogram, name and initial, chocolate and clearance items are not returnable or exchangeable.


text:
You are a fan of find jobb ? Come to discover the best forums find jobb on the internet and share your experience with a community fan of find jobb . You can also build a forum find jobb and create your online discussion.
Free forum : A fun place to meet other young writers, find writing prompts, and share your story!
free, forum, write, handed, human, beings, place, meet, other, young, writers, #find, writing, prompts, share, your, story, writer, program
Free forum : Discuss, find new anime, role play, and enjoy your favorite anime here.
free, forum, anime, site, discuss, #find, role, play, enjoy, your, favorite, here
The Independent Road is a process developed for the book Better Than Retirement - Redefine Your Relationship with Work by David Ryan and Rich Hessler. Are you ready to step on to The Independent Road to find your unique path to living life as you
better, than, retirement, independent, road, process, developed, book, redefine, your, relationship, with, work, david, ryan, rich, hessler, ready, step
Every shinobi has it's path set out for them. What path that may be only the gods will know. Set out to find your path in this crazy shinobi world.
free, forum, nindo, beginning, every, shinobi, it's, path, them, what, that, only, gods, will, know, #find, your, this, crazy, world
A collection of the greatest RP stories ever told around the digital campfire, written by the members-- for the members. Within, you will find fantastic tales created by individuals just like you.
legends, legend, digital, campfire, stories, wildwing, collection, greatest, ever, told, around, written, members, within, will, #find, fantastic, tales, created, individuals
This forum was developed to find Mabinogi players who show the same interest in Mabinogi Roleplay for the Alexina Server.
Full Metal RP is a non-canon Full Metal Alchemist RP, so come find your alchemy, choose between a selection of races, forge your own destiny and beware the Humonculi
price, your, soul, full, metal, non-canon, alchemist, come, #find, alchemy, choose, between, selection, races, forge, destiny, beware, humonculi
If I can't find a way, I'll make one on my own.
Free forum : Even in the darkest of times, one can always find a silver lining
free, forum, hogwarts:, silver, lining, harry, potter, hogwarts, darkest, times, always, #find
Free forum : A place for Fremont County residents to find some fun. . . Hookups, Swingers, Threesomes, and more.
fremont, connections, hookups, swingers, threesomes, riverton, lander, wyoming, party, dating, relationships, friend, benefits
Find help and support for managing your BreederZOO Pro or Server Dog breeding software database.
A place for duelist to find there potential while participating in our clan tourneys and wars.
immortal, clan, place, duelist, #find, there, potential, while, participating, tourneys, wars
Free forum : This is a site for ALL home fish keepers. If you've a 1 gallon beta tank to 1, 000's of gallons of fish under your care, you'll find someone sharing your passion and interest
freshwater, aquarium, angelfish, cichlids, pleco, discus, plecos, african, cichlids., betta, fishtank, fish, marine, saltwater, tank, lights, metal, halide, light
Welome to the world of Fantasy. Become a human, Vampire, a Were, or perhaps something else....Find your destiny!
world, fantasy, welome, become, human, vampire, were, perhaps, something, else, #find, your, destiny!
A site meticulously put-together by a group of Dragonball enthusiasts, tailored to appeal to every passionate roleplayer. In an endless array of possibilities, here you will find the most credible can
dragonball, roleplay, ultimate, saiyan, frieza, saiyans, original, characters, goku, vegeta, piccolo
Its hard to find parts for toyota coronas, so why not make a forum to support Toyota Coronas, and other oldschool toyotas
corona, toyota, corona's, forum, corolla, oldschool, #find, parts, coronas, make, support, other, toyotas, 18-rc, 18rc, 18rg, 22re, 4age
Welcome on the new website of the new [xxx] Nexuiz Clan. Here you can find all news, all wars ad meetings. How to join, rules and so on. Have fun!
nexuiz, xonotic, apocalyptic, gamerz, website, [xxx], clan, here, #find, news, wars, meetings, join, rules, have, fun!
Help families find missing animals!
animal, recovery, forum, help, families, #find, missing, animals!
The TechAddiction. ca support forum. Meet, support, and learn from other gamers or internet users who are struggling with an online or gaming addiction. Find out what has worked for others & get help.
internet, addiction, video, game, support, message, board, discussion, games, recovery, parents, children, gaming, advice, tips


text:
As you well know, every year we hold a contest to see if there is anyone out there who knows baseball better than self-proclaimed "psycho-fan" Todd McFarlane.
Todd issues this yearly challenge to listeners on his radio show, and we also open it up to all spawn.com users. Before the current MLB season began, we asked you to predict how the 30 MLB teams would finish at the end of the 2005 regular season, in order, by division. Thousands of entries came pouring in, and our crack programming team developed a system to tabulate your picks against Todd's to see who deserves the bragging rights.
Because they tied at 16, two winners are playing it out for this year's Todd's Picks prizes. Paul Stanosheck and Jeff Neely will be going head to head. Their tiebreaker is to predict how many total runs will be scored in all of the games in the World Series. The person who chooses the closest number scores all of the 2005 McFarlane's Sports Picks baseball series -- 11, 12 and 13.
Jeff went with 42 runs and Paul went with 37. So now, we can all just wait with excitement to see who wins! Once the series is over, we will announce the winner right here in the news section.


text:
The theme of the bike is "simply faster," although its development was anything but quick. Rather than make multiple, and very expensive, trips to the wind tunnel to validate concepts and test refinements, Cervélo first built and tested the bike virtually in a complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program. Once they settled on the new bike's shape, engineers built models and validated the design in the tunnel. Cervélo claims that the P5 is faster than its competition, saving about 30 seconds in a 40k time trial, or 1:49 over an Ironman bike leg.
The aerodynamic improvements to the P5's frame represent an accumulation of multiple enhancements. A side-by-side comparison to Cervélo's previous crown jewel, the P4, shows that the new frame has deeper frame tubes in all areas, resulting in a lot less open space inside the bike's front triangle. Cervélo has also created "AeroZones" on the bike. These areas reflect the reality that airflow behaves differently at different parts of the bike, the company said. Air movement around the bike isn't the same at the head tube, where it's relatively undisturbed, as it is at the seat tube, where it's already been disturbed by the rider's pedaling legs, and is about to pass behind the bike. To compensate, the down tube has an airfoil shape with a thin trailing edge while the seat tube has a truncated airfoil shape with a wider trailing edge.
Like Specialized's new Shiv, Cervélo is launching two versions of the P5: the UCI-legal TT version, which will be raced by the Garmin-Barracuda team, and a triathlon model that includes tweaks to make it even faster.


text:
You may also like
Rate Dr. Alison R. Petraske
Dr. Alison R. Petraske's Ratings
I was very unhappy with the care (or lack thereof) that I received, which is why I transferred to another OBGYN midway through my 2nd pregnancy. I do not blame her or her colleagues for my firstborn's premature birth, but when they didn't show any different approach to my 2nd pregnancy given my history, I got very upset. It was I who had to push them to refer to me to a high risk group for additional care (who by the way thought I should have been referred right away, given my history). The worst part was how she made me feel like I was being paranoid and dramatic about any symptoms I mentioned, like my concerns were invalid. Guess what... I ended up having to be on bedrest for 3 months for the 2nd pregnancy because of premature contractions and shortening cervix. Thank God I went with someone else who listened to me and didn't disregard my concerns!!!
Was this rating useful? 1 [[ userState['ratings'][2054825].votes_count ]]
Doctor did not diagnose endometriosis- one of the basic reasons women suffer in pain and bleed heavily. VERY disappointed in my experience here.
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2054824].votes_count ]]
Dr. petraske is fabulous! I recommend all my family and friends to her because she is THAT good. She is the perfect mix of smart, experienced, and accomplished complete with the warm and fuzzy factor. Dr. Petraske delivered my first baby 5 weeks premature via emergency c-section. I felt safe and comforted the minute she walked into the room and felt like I had been seeing her my entire life. My c-section was a breeze, my recovery perfect and my scar is barely there. She followed up with me as if she was my own family member. My baby was delivered safe, sound and healthy. I have been going to her ever since and she is truly AMAZING. She delivered my second baby via c-section as well. Love her.
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2054823].votes_count ]]
Dr. Petraske is a wonderful person and the best OBGYN you could wish for. She's been my doctor for 5 years now and delivered my son. She is very professional and knowledgeable, and has excellent bedside manners. She's also very personable and empathetic.
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2054822].votes_count ]]
I had the world's most horrible situations with several pregnancies. Dr. Petraske gave me difficult results compassionately and stood by me every step of the way. Eventually, she delivered my two children on my terms. I am grateful for having her in my life.
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2054821].votes_count ]]
I was very nervous to deliver my first child and Dr. Petraske put my mind at ease. She is kind and knowledgeable and I felt very lucky to have her deliver my daughter. She is wonderful!
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2054820].votes_count ]]
FYI....I called to make and appt as a new patient and was informed that she has a waiting list for new patients till april 2010. she must be a good doc, but seems very busy.
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2054819].votes_count ]]
I have been seeing Alison Petraske since 1995. My daughter was only 14. She is now 27 and also sees Dr Petraske. We both love Dr Petraske!
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2054818].votes_count ]]
I have been seeing Drs. Petraske, Friedman and Gross for over 10 years. I have 3 children and they were all delivered by Dr.Gross and Petraske. Their bedside manor is fantastic and they really made me feel comfortable during some very difficult times in all 3 pregancies. The nurse staff at Princeton Medical center is also fantastic. I had the same nurses for all 3 children. I would highly recommend not only Dr. Petraske, but her associates and the Medical Center. You will never get better treatment anywhere else!
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2054817].votes_count ]]
Dr. Petraske has been my doctor since I was 15 (I am now 22). She has always remembered me every time I've gone - from how college was going to how my boyfriend was doing. She is always very caring and honestly concerned for her (must be) hundreds of patients. I would not switch doctors for anything!
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2054816].votes_count ]]
Top Hospitals in Plainsboro, NJ
Find a Doctor by Specialty
You may also like
Top Gynecologists (OBGYN)
#1 of 11
#2 of 11
#3 of 11
#4 of 11
#5 of 11


text:
The best funny t-shirts and cool graphic tees!
If you're in the market for some funny shirts for men, you've come to the right place. Our line of hilarious shirts for kids and vintage t shirt for women are our favorites. The rapidly expanding product line here at Crazy Dog T-shits not only includes a massive number of hilarious tshirts, but awesome guys hoodies, flexed tank tops and cute maternity shirts. Kids tees and infant one piece are being added regularly. Each design is silk screened on state-of-the-art equipment in our Rochester, New York warehouse. Chances are that no matter what you may be looking for, we've got the perfect novelty design for you. And if by chance we don't have the print that you want, we can do a custom tee in Rochester, NY for you!
Some of our favorite designs might remind you of your favorite childhood 80's movies and TV shows with our 80s shirts. Others might be a perfect way to get your friends laughing. Create an inside joke with your group of friends. Discover the perfect disguise for Comic Con with one of our fantastic flip up t-shirts. Don't worry, we won't tell them it's you!
We pride ourselves in our new pregnant tshirts. With a nice fashion fit you will love these!. We recently began printing a great fitness line which include racer backs to burnouts.
So if you want a great saint patricks day shirt or one of our novelty cat tees or bacon t's. We have something to fit your budget. With cheap options for the custom printing and our offensive shirt. Some of you will come to us looking for one specific wedding, bachelorette or bachelor party tee, while others may want a nerdy shirt for science class or their geek math teacher! Either way, we'll be happy to hook you up! After recently settling into a 30,000 square foot facility with 25 full-time industry experts, we're able to serve our customers faster, and with higher quality than ever before!
Some of our all time favorites include the world's okayest brother t shirt and sister as well as mom and dad! All the ugly christmas sweaters and the vintage apparel we offer should not have to cost you a fortune, especially if you're shopping for a friend or loved one. A number of our super soft tees are available for a cheap price! We hold sales regularly, so be sure to check back for regular updates. Remember, if you can't find what you're looking for, just ask! Our experienced custom team will be happy to make it for you!


text:
ECE330 - Multiliterate Learners in Early Years and School Environments
Unit details
|2015 unit information
|Enrolment modes:
Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) Warrnambool
|Credit point(s):
|EFTSL value:
|Unit chair:
|M Nicholas
Students must be enrolled in course E330
|Incompatible with:
|Contact hours:
Burwood: 1 x 1 hour Class per week, 1 x 2 hour Seminar per week.
Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool: 1 x 1 hour Class online per week. Students are also required to attend 3 x 3 hour intensives.
Learning experiences are also via CloudDeakin.
This unit is designed to prepare teachers of literacy and English in the information age. Students will examine the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing/creating print, digital and multimodal texts in the early and later years of schooling. Students will research the needs of diverse young literacy learners and contemporary literacy and English teaching practice and will engage with a variety of pedagogical and assessment approaches, and explore a range of literacies encountered by young learners including visual and digital literacies. Reflection on personal learning and performance is a core aspect of the unit.
1. Engagement with a literacy learner, 40%, 1000 words
2. Engagement with a literacy teaching program, 40%, 1000 words
3. Group multimodal presentation, 20%, 15 minutes
Unit Fee Information
|Student Contribution Rate*
|Student Contribution Rate**
|Fee rate - Domestic Students
|Fee rate - International students
* Rate for all CSP students, except for those who commenced Education and Nursing units pre 2010
** Rate for CSP students who commenced Education and Nursing units pre 2010
Please note: Unit fees listed do not apply to Deakin Prime students.


text:
DVD Extra
Is that DVD you've got your eye on really worth the investment? Should you wait a few months until the "Special Edition" hits shelves? DVD Extra lights the way.
Posts filtered on Tag
Final 'Batman' chapter a worthy send-off
After the debacle that was the Joel Schumacher-directed "Batman and Robin," most of us had given up on the film franchise. When director Christopher Nolan rebooted it with "Batman Begins" and followed up with "The Dark Knight," we rejoiced. Now he has finished his trilogy with "The Dark Knight Rises" and we are satisfied. This […] [Read More]


text:
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Researchers aim to reduce hospital readmission for patients in rural Bamberg County
The South Carolina Clinical & Translational Research (SCTR) Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences (NC TraCS) Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are partnering to decrease diabetes prevalence and complications in Bamberg County, S.C. The Bamberg Diabetes Transitional Care Study will use new iPad technology to explore different diabetes interventions for patients transitioning from the hospital to home. The overarching goal of the initiative is to establish a cost-effective and best-practice diabetes-management model that could be used across the U.S. to reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions and improve self-care for this high-risk population.
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in South Carolina, and nearly 15 percent of residents in Bamberg County have the disease (a rate more than 1.5 times the national average). The county's rural nature restricts access to medical care, nutrition counseling and self-management training for chronic illness, making it an ideal program setting. MUSC and UNC-CH will partner with the Bamberg County Diabetes Coalition, the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Voorhees College has served as the local host for the project. Both principal investigators, Sam Cykert, M.D.,UNC-CH professor and associate director of medical education for the NC AHEC program, and Carolyn Jenkins, Dr.PH., MUSC College of Nursing professor, bring decades of experience in working with communities to improve care and health outcomes.
Both MUSC and UNC-CH are home to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) programs. The CTSA program is a consortium of more than 60 academic medical institutions across the country, led by the NIH's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, to accelerate clinical and translational research. These centers are strategically positioned to move the health sciences from discovery to dissemination, and on to patients and communities. CTSAs seek to overcome barriers to this translation by improving efficiency, training the research workforce and sharing successful research methods.
About the SCTR Institute
The South Carolina Clinical & Translational Research Institute (SCTR) of the Medical University of South Carolina is the catalyst for changing the culture of biomedical research, facilitating sharing of resources and expertise, and streamlining research-related processes to bring about large-scale change in the clinical and translational research efforts in South Carolina. The SCTR Institute was established in 2006 in response to the National Institute of Health's Clinical and Translational Science Award Program, funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NIH/NCATS Grant UL1TR000062). For more information, visit sctr.musc.edu.
About MUSC
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 13,000 employees, including approximately 1,500 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $1.7 billion. MUSC operates a 750-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), and a leading Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit www.musc.edu.
About the NC TraCS Institute
The North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences (NC TraCS) Institute, combines the research strengths, resources and opportunities of UNC, partner institution RTI International (RTI) and planning partner North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C, A&T). The mission of NC TraCS is to accelerate clinical and translational research from health science to discovery to dissemination to patients and communities. It seeks to overcome barriers to translation by improving efficiency, training the research workforce and sharing successful research methods. As the integrated home of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program at UNC-CH, NC TraCS is supported through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant UL1TR001111. The CTSA program is led by the NIH's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).
Moultrie News is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not Moultrie News.
If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.
© 2015 Moultrie News an Evening Post Industries company. All Rights Reserved.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Parental Consent Form.


text:
The Active Parenting method--which emphasizes open communication and democratic parenting--has been used by millions of parents to raise confident, cooperative children. This guide provides parents with the skills they need to communicate effectively with their teens, encourage better behavior, use positive discipline techniques and teach responsibility. Addresses today's critical teen issues, including drugs, violence, alcohol and sexuality.Edition/Copyright: 98
27 more offers below.
Filter by: All (27) | New (2) | Like New (1) | Very Good (6) | Good (15) | Acceptable (3)


text:
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - Cal State Northridge track & field wrapped up the 2013 Big West Championships with a third-place finish on the women's side and a fourth-place finish on the men's side Saturday at the Matador Track Complex.
Both CSUN teams made up a lot of ground on the final day of competition as the women scored 95 points for a championship total of 127 while the men tallied 90.5 to give them a total of 115.5. Those totals were enough to move the women into third and the men fourth in the team chase.
The UC Davis women (172.5) and the Long Beach State men (176.5) proved too much to catch however as two teams other than either of the host Matadors won a championship meet at CSUN for the first time since 2003.
The day began with a series of field events as THE MATADOR WOMEN started off strong by taking second and third in both the javelin and triple jump. In the javelin, Mariah Counts tossed a best of 138-10 (42.32) to finish as the runner-up while Marissa Rossi was third in a personal-best 135-10 (41.41). Rossi competed simultaneously in the triple jump where she also placed third just behind teammate Cydney Leath who grabbed second. Both had PR's in the event as Leath jumped 40-6.75 (12.36) while Rossi finished at 40-4.75 (12.31).
The action then began on the track where the Matadors won the 4x100 relay for the sixth time in the last eight years but the first time since 2010. The team of Le'Shel Vines, Hafsatu Kamara, Lexis Lambert and Marie Veale easily won in 44.43 which is a meet and conference record as well as the second fastest time in CSUN history.
Stephanie Hicks opened the individual sprints with fourth place finish in the 100 meter hurdles finishing in a season-best 13.95. The CSUN women continued add points putting pressure on the Aggies for much of the day. In the 100 meters, Vines was second, Kamara was fourth and Chiza Ese was eighth. Vines ran a personal-best 11.56 to grab second, Kamara also clocked a PR of 11.61 while Eze shaved .04 off her season-best with a time of 12.02.
In the 200 meters, Kamara took fourth with a PR of 23.84 while Lambert was sixth with a season-best 24.05 and Vines was seventh in 24.28.
Towards the end of the day, the attention turned to the pole vault runway where the Matadors' Tiana Webberly and UC Davis' Emily Bush staged a battle for the Big West crown. After the two vaulters each cleared 12-11.50 (3.95), Bush then converted at 13-3.50 (4.05) on her first attempt. Webberley then missed on her first two attempts before a big clearance on her final attempt pulled her even and set a new CSUN women's record. The bar then moved to 13-7.50 (4.15) and after Bush missed on three attempts, Webberly came within inches of a huge PR but nicked the bar on her final attempt to finish second in the competition.
In the final field event of the day for the women, the Matadors added to their total as Monique Griffiths finished third with a mark of 160-4 (48.88) while Counts was sixth with a PR of 156-5 (47.69).
In the final track event of the championships, the CSUN women completed their scoring after clocking a time of 3:43.26 to finish fifth.
THE MATADOR MEN also began the day in good shape as Tucker Weathers took third in the hammer throw with a best mark of 183-1 (55.81) while Jose Aviles was just out of the scoring after tossing a season-best of 167-1 (50.93). Moving to the track for the triple jump, the Matador men received scoring performances from both Donovan Toban and Derion Taylor. Toban claimed fourth with a CSUN season-best of 49-7.75 (15.13) while Taylor was sixth with a top jump of 48-2 (14.68).
The men then set their sights on the running events as a FOX Sports Prime Ticket audience watched as CSUN extended its dominance in the 4x100 relay to five consecutive championships and seven titles in the last eight years. The team of Derrick Harris, Carl Horsley, Darquis Rucker and Nicholas DiMartino clocked the second-fastest time in school history with a blistering 40.00 which was over a second faster than second-place Long Beach State.
In a very competitive 1,500 meter race, the Matadors' Hunter Hays ran the fastest time of his career (3:50.87) and was sitting third heading into the homestretch before winding up fifth. In the 110 hurdles, Joshua Hemphill turned in a season-best 14.40 to finish fifth while Kevin Finley was seventh in 14.95. Toban, one of the favorites coming in, pulled up midway through the race.
Khalid Jones carried the CSUN hopes in the 400 meters and ran a solid 47.69, a career-best which was good for fourth place.
After running a blistering second leg in the 4x100 relay, Horsley then took the spotlight in the 100 meters and blew away the field with a time of 10.46 which matched the season-best he ran in Friday's prelims. DiMartino also ran well finishing third in 10.85 while Rucker was sixth in 10.95. Horsley was not done however coming back in the 200 meters and he again won easily this time in a lifetime-best 20.89. By winning the 200, Horsley matched his 100 and 200 meter crowns from 2011 when he was the Big West Freshman of the Year. DiMartino was also third in the 200 clocking a season-best 21.43.
The solid times continued for the men in the 800 meters as Ezekial Glass finished in a lifetime-best 1:52.47 to claim fourth place.
In the final two field events for the men, Taylor came back after his sixth-place finish in the triple jump to finish sixth in the high jump with a top height of 6-3.50 (1.92). In the shot put, Weathers finished sixth with a top effort of 52-2.75 (15.92) while Aviles was eighth at 49-8.50 (15.15).
The men's portion of the meet was capped by the 4x400 relay where the team of Isaiah Cantu, Jones, Kenneth Stone and Horsley finished fourth in a season-best of 3:13.32.


text:
Custom Greenwich Chair
# 04743
Product Description
The Greenwich Chair features traditional styling and is offered in a wide variety of custom fabric options. Carefully crafted of high-quality materials, this chair is sure to remain a part of your decor for years to come. Coordinate your living room decor today with personalized furnishings at an amazing value.
Product Details


text:
CONCORD, N.C. – WKA has teamed with longtime supporter Ultramax Racing Chassis of Greenville, S.C., to offer a special $2,500-To-Win Limited Modified race at this July 19-21 Briggs & Stratton Racing Dirt Summer Nationals at Wheel Crazy Kartway in Johnsonville, S.C.
Since announcing the Briggs Summer Nationals, WKA received a great number of requests to run a Limited Modified event with a respectable purse. WKA announced on Bob's 4cycle.com Tuesday that the event would feature a $500-To-Win show for Limited Modified.
Ultramax's Joe Wright quickly phoned the WKA office and an agreement was reached to offer a big $2,500-To-Win show for the Limited Modifieds, a popular division throughout South Carolina, and particularly the Pee Dee area, where Johnsonville is located.
WKA officials are working to determine rules for the class, which will be announced next week.
The Limited Modified division adds to an already stacked lineup of WKA national dirt racing this July at Wheel Crazy.
The headline class will be Pro Animal, which will race for $5,000 to win and pay back 10 positions.
The Shane Byers Memorial Pro Gold division (12- to 15-year-old Junior Animal) will run for $1,000 to win, while Pro classes will also be offered for Senior Champ, Senior Clone, Junior 2, Junior 1 and a special Animal / Clone combined Pro Super Heavy division.
A case of Briggs & Stratton 4T Synthetic Racing Oil, custom blended by AMSOIL, will be awarded to one driver in every Briggs trophy class.
Wheel Crazy Kartway gates will open Friday, July 19 for pit pass sales and parking. Practice will kick off on-track activity Saturday morning before a full program of qualifying and racing. Festivities will continue into Sunday, which will feature the headline Pro Animal and Pro Gold contests, along with several other classes.
A complete, detailed schedule will be announced in approximately one week. A tire rule, entry blank and other important items will be announced in the coming days, as well.
Wheel Crazy Kartway is located at 170 Victory Lane; Johnsonville, SC 29555. Click here to view a Google Map close-up overhead shot of the facility.


text:
Sep 16 2009
Committed Love Moves a Sponsor to Ecuador
Allen Charles Graham is single, but he understands the meaning of the word "commitment." He started sponsoring children in 1989 when he lived in the United States, working at a TV network. Currently, he lives in Ecuador and is the Training Director at HCJB Global Voice radio station.
"This was something I always wanted to…


text:
Awesome post!!! Been thinking about doing this...but can't find a red back glass with black apple logo... any suggestions anyone?
How to choose the best quality color mod parts for your iPhone 4
Just because Apple never made colored iPhone parts doesn't mean you can't find good ones if you know what you're looking for.
If you have an iPhone 4 and you want to swap out the standard Apple black or white backplate for something more colorful -- like red or blue -- it can be a challenge to find the best, high quality parts. Backplate swaps especially are an easy DIY project, but you want to pay careful attention to the supplier, the materials they're using, the specific model of iPhone 4 you're ordering for (AT&T/GSM is different than Verizon/Sprint/CDMA), and that you have all the tools you need for the job.
Only order iPhone 4 parts from a reputable supplier
As tempting as it can be to order colored parts on eBay or Amazon because of the low price tag, keep in mind that it'll cost you more to replace your iPhone 4 if faulty parts cause something to go wrong. Spending a couple extra bucks for parts that are high quality and backed with a warranty is always your best bet.
Not to say there aren't some reputable sellers on both websites. Just make sure you're reading comments and customer reviews. If you see negative ones that should be a red flag and you should steer away from that seller altogether.
The best place to get colored or replacement parts is from a supplier that specializes in iPhone or iPad repair. I use eTech Parts for almost all my repair needs. They offer a warranty that I can pass down to my clients and are always willing to answer any question I may have regarding the quality of their merchandise.
Note: eTech Parts, like many suppliers, have switched to selling non-logo back plates to avoid issues with infringement. While some suppliers continue to sell color modification kits with the Apple logo, some will sell them without the logo. If the supplier doesn't specify, inquire before ordering. We will probably see a lot of suppliers start to sell blank back plates as this is something Apple has been combatting.
Some suppliers only sell colored parts to businesses and repair shops. If you plan on ordering colored parts from a repair center or online supplier like PXLFIX in the form of a DIY kit, don't be afraid to ask them who they get their parts from and if they back them with a warranty. If they are hesitant to give you that information, I'd probably find somewhere else to order them.
What to look for when buying colored parts
Several websites offer a variety of DIY color kits. There are certain things you're going to want to look for before ordering so you're sure you get the best parts you can.
Backplate checklist
If you are DIY replacing a back panel, you'll want to make sure you pay close attention to the following when buying parts.
- Make sure the back is made of glass and not plastic.
- Order the correct back replacement as GSM and CDMA backs are different. The hinges are placed differently and they are not interchangeable. This goes for both a back and a front assembly.
- Check the screw holes on back replacements and make sure they are assembled from metal. These should ALWAYS be metal, not plastic as shown in the picture above. It's much higher quality and decreases the chance that they will strip over time. The back I've pictured above with plastic screw holes was stripped after removing the screws only 2-3 times.
- Watch out for aluminum or brushed metal backs. They can mess with your reception.
Front assembly checklist
If you're swapping out or repairing an iPhone 4 screen, you'll definitely want to make sure your parts are high quality as you'll be ordering a whole new digitizer and LCD assembly.
- Just as with the back, the brackets "are" different for CDMA and GSM models. Make sure you're ordering the correct part.
- There are brackets that run along both sides of the assembly. These should be made of metal, not plastic. You have to screw these down with washers and plastic is brittle and normally too thick. You'll have issues getting the screen to sit flush.
- Check sensors and make sure they look how they're supposed to. A good guide is that any colored parts should have visible sensors similar to the stock white iPhone 4. If they look different than that, don't buy them.
What to look for after you have your parts
Once you receive your colored replacement parts you'll want to check all of the following before attempting a full color swap or any modification.
Check the sensors and cables on the front digitizer assembly. A good way to gauge the quality of colored parts is to examine the cables and sensors on your stock digitizer assembly to the new parts. Make sure they feel similar in thickness and that the sensors are located in the same spots. It is common that replacement fronts won't come with the plastic front-facing camera ring or the speaker mesh. That's okay. You'll just remove them from your stock assembly and place them on your colored assembly.
Also check the back panel for blemishes on the lens cover. Run your finger over it and make sure it sits flush with the glass backing. This is a common problem with many knock offs. They are either scratched or don't sit flush. This will effect image quality greatly. Most quality parts will come with a plastic protector on the inside and outside of the glass panel to protect the lens.
Even though colored iPhone parts aren't available from Apple doesn't mean you can't find good ones if you know what you're looking for. The ones I order for my clients are just as good as the OEM parts Apple uses in most regards. I just made sure I chose wisely when selecting a supplier.
As long as you do the same, you'll be sporting a colored iPhone that should serve you well for a long time to come. If you're considering a color swap and need detailed walkthroughs on how to replace your front assembly, rear panel, and home button - be sure to check out our guides below (CDMA guides coming soon).
And if you decide it's not a repair you're comfortable performing on your own, you can always contact PXLFIX, or similar online source, about a mail-in color swap.
Additional resources
Have something to say about this story? Leave a comment! Need help with something else? Ask in our forums!
Reader comments
How to choose the best quality color mod parts for your iPhone 4
No, just like you weren't paid by a competitor to ask that.
It's what Ally likes best, so an affiliate account was created. We do that for iTunes, Think Geek, Amazon and others. It's how we keep the lights on.
If you like something else, recommend it.
I hate how you have to come on the comments and lecture ignorant people... Why can't we all just post helpful and educated comments? By the way, I love iMore... Keep up the good work!
Ian Eberle, Senior Writer of 1 Tech Portal
They are my supplier. I order all parts from them when I can. Of course I'll give them the business as I know the quality of their parts and have been using them for a long time
A lot of suppliers will only sell to business accounts. eTech makes colors available for wholesale customers only. If anyone wants to use eTech they'd have to go through me or another one of their business customers. There are places online that sell colors directly but I didn't link them as I can't vouch for their authenticity or build quality.
eTech Parts sell colored backs as indicated in the article but they will not have the Apple logo on them.
Www.ifixdirect.com has done 3 phones for myself and will continue to go to them. Quality parts no plastic all metal. And the return time is 24hrs
Never mind,...i stand corrected..they have them in colors...but DANG...they are 40 bucks?...
But do they have color back plates? No
you get what you pay for. But this article is a little of a tease if etech isn't going to sell to average consumers. HOWEVER, I was on their website and seen the price of $50. It didn't appear as though it was business only customers but I didn't go through the checkout process.
What I am looking to buy is a back panel that looks like a mirror. Haven't seen it anywhere but amazon and there people kept stating that the flash difuser was bad. I'm not sure though.
Jon, I've found most of their stuff to be ok. I've ordered housings and replacement oem parts for all types of phones, and have never really had any issue. I would, however, scrutinize their color/modded pieces. I have noticed that some of those are of poor quality.
I always seek out a review of those types of parts for durability and fit. If a part is going to be bad, it'll be in one of those areas.
Oh--and I too ordered the back for my i4 a while ago. If memory serves correct, it was perfectly fine.
Yes, my back went on without a hitch and looked great. The only bummer is, it then prevented the phone from sitting in my Speck case that I like. I thought the phone seemed thinner with the metal back, but guess not. Anyways...back to original glass back and Speck case. Once I get a scratch or chip in it and give up babying it, I'll put the metal back on.
I'm developing a site site and I was thinking of switching the template.Yours looks pretty decent! You could visit my website and tell me your viewpoint!
Great , i remember seeing somewhere else to do with this. Made me want to do another search in google for more info and came across your blog post. Great post
I am not really sure what TCT stands for and Cisco doesn't really identify it in any of their documentation. However, SEP stands for Selsius Ethernet Phone. Selsius is the company that originally developed some of the first IP telephony gear and was acquired by Cisco in 1998.
Definitely the best quality and largest selection is at iphone4parts.com
Aftermarket custom replacement parts and accessories for all iPhone and iPad models!