Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating a customer premise equipment (CPE) device to determine whether it is being used to perpetuate theft of service (TOS). A computing system may be configured to collect raw data from a customer premise equipment (CPE) device associated with a subscriber account, determine TOS features based on the collected raw data, determine a risk score for the CPE based on the TOS features, determine whether the risk score exceeds a threshold value, and classifying the CPE device as a TOS device in response to determining that the risk score exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: Systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms or apparatus for using provider equipment based resources such as cloud or data center resources to implement various STB functions entirely at the head end, such as changing channels presented via the STB using PE actions only.

Abstract: Systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms or apparatus for using provider equipment based resources such as cloud or data center resources to implement various STB functions entirely at the head end, such as changing channels presented via the STB using PE actions only.

Abstract: A “pause live television” service is implemented, where in one embodiment, a continuously streaming video from a broadcast programming source is copied into a circular buffer. A set top box (“STB”) requests a trick function, such as “pause,” by sending a message to the system, which in this case suspends the present broadcast video in the STB. The system determines an offset and when the user requests resumption of the broadcast video (e.g., “play”), the system uses the offset for that particular STB to determine the appropriate resumption point in the particular buffer to resume streaming of the video for that STB. In various embodiments, the network may begin streaming of the video at the resumption point on another channel and direct the STB to then tune to that channel. Thus, the program appears to have been seamless suspended and resumed using a network based capability.

Abstract: A centralized Content Management System (“CCMS”) facilitates management of packages comprising assets comprising meta-data and associated content of video programs for distribution to various types of service providers and equipment locations therein. The CCMS can receive meta-data and associated content, normalize the meta-data according to various formats based on various rules depending on where the meta-data and contents are to be distributed, and the distribute the content. The CCMS has various capabilities for managing packages, including adapting the meta-data and content for different types of equipment or individual locations based on rules for that service provider, thus providing an automated system reducing error and time in distributing video assets to a number of locations.

Abstract: A centralized Content Management System (“CCMS”) facilitates management of packages comprising assets comprising meta-data and associated content of video programs for distribution to various types of service providers and equipment locations therein. The CCMS can receive meta-data and associated content, normalize the meta-data according to various formats based on various rules depending on where the meta-data and contents are to be distributed, and the distribute the content. The CCMS has various capabilities for managing packages, including adapting the meta-data and content for different types of equipment or individual locations based on rules for that service provider, thus providing an automated system reducing error and time in distributing video assets to a number of locations.

Abstract: A cable system receives a single copy of a video program, a plurality of ads, and meta-data associated with the ads at a receiver. The program is to be broadcasted on the cable system more than once, with different ads associated with each broadcast, which are typically inserted at the beginning, middle, and end of the program. The video program, ads, and meta-data are stored in a database, which are typically retrieved when the first broadcast occurs. At a first broadcast of the video program, an ad-selector processor retrieves the program and selects the ads using the meta-data, which includes ad-specific meta-data associated with each respective ad. Flexibility is afforded in ad selection for the various broadcasts of the program. The selection can be fixed by the program originator, or flexibility can be accommodated allowing the cable service provider in selecting ads for a broadcast.

Abstract: A “pause live television” service is implemented, where in one embodiment, a continuously streaming video from a broadcast programming source is copied into a circular buffer. A set top box (“STB”) requests a trick function, such as “pause,” by sending a message to the system, which in this case suspends the present broadcast video in the STB. The system determines an offset and when the user requests resumption of the broadcast video (e.g., “play”), the system uses the offset for that particular STB to determine the appropriate resumption point in the particular buffer to resume streaming of the video for that STB. In various embodiments, the network may begin streaming of the video at the resumption point on another channel and direct the STB to then tune to that channel. Thus, the program appears to have been seamless suspended and resumed using a network based capability.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an electronic communication such as an email, an instant messaging session, or a chat session that relates to an unsafe behavior directed to or engaged by a user. Instructions are adapted to analyze one or more features of the electronic communication, which is sent or received by the user. Instructions are adapted to categorize the electronic communication as relating to the unsafe behavior based on the analyzed features. A report is generated if the electronic communication is categorized as relating to the unsafe behavior. Instructions are adapted to send the report to a responsible person such as a parent, guardian, or other responsible person of the user. The report informs the responsible person that the electronic communication possibly relates to the unsafe behavior.

Abstract: User interfaces are distributed between a host computer 10 and an intelligent terminal 12 for communication over a telecommunications network 14 requiring minimum bandwidth. Host user interfaces 18 resident in the host computer 10 are distributed as terminal user interface objects 32 to the terminal 12. Terminal user interface objects 32 are directly manipulated on the terminal 12 and communicated on a filtered basis to the host computer 10 by a terminal port controller 34. Messages from the terminal 12 are directed by a host dispatcher 26 to host user interfaces which communicate with the host processor 16. Output messages from the host are routed through host and terminal port controllers 20 and 34, a terminal dispatcher 40 to terminal user interface objects 32.

Abstract: The present invention is a drive unit for an adjustable bed, comprising motor means and a clutch assembly comprising a toothed gear jack drive coupling, a toothed gear drive coupling and means for engaging and disengaging the jack drive coupling and the drive coupling, wherein the drive coupling is driven by the motor means and wherein the jack drive coupling, when engaged with the drive coupling by the clutch assembly, drives a controller shaft of the adjustable bed to raise or lower a section of the bed.

Abstract: An adjustable bed and interchangeable drive unit therefor, which includes a bed frame, a plurality of separately adjustable bed sections pivotally secured to the frame, a corresponding plurality of controller shafts wherein each shaft controls one of the adjustable bed sections, a manual drive unit comprising a plurality of handcranks for individually driving each of the plurality of controller shafts, a powered drive unit comprising at least one electric motor operatively arranged for individually driving each of the controller shafts, and quick disconnect/connect means for interchanging the manual drive unit and the powered drive unit, wherein only one of the drive units is secured to the bed at any one time.

Abstract: A rule acquisition method for expert systems receives input from the expert, one word at a time, and checks each word by determining alternative parses for the partial sentence as so far entered. Feedback is provided to the expert when a word does not conform to a required grammar, this feedback comprising a menu of legal next choices. When the sentence is completed it is translated into the form of a diagnositc rule. An expert system for troubleshooting electronic equipment is disclosed employing rules generated in the aforementioned manner.

Abstract: A locking device to prevent relative movement between relatively movable members such as between relatively movable sliding window and sliding door members, said relatively movable members having openings which can be placed in registration in predetermined positions of said members, said locking device including a body portion having opposite surfaces and a projecting member attached to and extending from one of the opposite surfaces thereof for insertion into cooperative engagement with the registered openings in the relatively movable members to prevent relative movement therebetween, and another portion of the said locking device for preventing movement of the projecting member after it is inserted including a member extending in spaced substantially parallel relationship to the projecting member for engagement with one of the relatively movable members to be locked, said last named member including in one form of the invention an integral angularly related portion of the body portion which cooperatively

Abstract: Locking means to prevent movement between relatively movable members such as between sliding windows or sliding doors, said locking means including a body portion having a flange formed adjacent opposite edges, said flanges being substantially parallel to each other and each of said flanges having a projecting member adapted to be received in a hole provided in one of said relatively movable members when the locking means are positioned to prevent relative movement therebetween.