Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, via a connection to a network having an available digital bandwidth, a first pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the a media recommendation transmitted to a communication device, the first pre-fetch media content item having a first rank. Responsive to a determination of a change in the available digital bandwidth, the transmitting of the first pre-fetch media content item is stopped and a second pre-fetch media content item of media content items included in the media recommendation is transmitted via the connection to the network. The second pre-fetch media content item has a second rank. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example performing, by a wireless communication device comprising a processor, wireless telephony communications via a first wireless interface, transmitting information associated with media-related activities to a server, receiving from the server a media recommendation that is generated according to the information associated with media-related activities, initiating communications with a network via a second wireless interface, downloading a media content item of the media recommendation from a content provider via the second wireless interface, and presenting the media content item at a display. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for predicting video engagement from network measurements for a user device connected to a wireless network. Wireless network measurements are retrieved from a wireless network device in the wireless network. The wireless network measurements are related to the user device of a user. It is determined that the user device is engaged in a video streaming session. A computer classifies the video streaming session as one of a plurality of classes, in which the plurality of classes predict an outcome of the video streaming session for the user device.

Abstract: Techniques for sharing a cellular network connection amongst multiple devices over a local area network are provided that reduce cellular network load during crowded events. In an aspect, a devices is configure to perform operations that include scanning an area for another device that has established a first wireless cellular connection with a cellular network device of a cellular network and that enables an indirect connection of the device to the cellular network device via a direct connection of the device to the other device via a local network device. The operations further include, in response to identifying the other device as a result of the scanning, sending a request to the other device to connect to the other device via the local network device and to receive the indirect connection to the cellular network device.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example performing, by a wireless communication device comprising a processor, wireless telephony communications via a first wireless interface, transmitting information associated with media-related activities to a server, receiving from the server a media recommendation that is generated according to the information associated with media-related activities, initiating communications with a network via a second wireless interface, downloading a media content item of the media recommendation from a content provider via the second wireless interface, and presenting the media content item at a display. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example performing, by a wireless communication device comprising a processor, wireless telephony communications via a first wireless interface, transmitting information associated with media-related activities to a server, receiving from the server a media recommendation that is generated according to the information associated with media-related activities, initiating communications with a network via a second wireless interface, downloading a media content item of the media recommendation from a content provider via the second wireless interface, and presenting the media content item at a display. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a deadline for completion of the transfer of the data content item to the mobile device. A set of locations of the mobile device is determined between the first time and the deadline, a candidate plurality of wireless base stations is identified, based on the forecasted plurality of locations, to wirelessly transfer a portion of the data content item to the mobile device during the time period. A utilization of a wireless base station of the candidate set of wireless base stations is forecasted during the time period, a transfer time is determined within the time period based on the forecasted utilization and the deadline, and the transfer time is provided to the mobile device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a data request to transfer data for a mobile device across a mobile network. The data request occurs within a time interval of a number of time intervals, each having a duration greater than a data transfer time across the mobile network. A volume is determined of the data requested, and compared to a data transfer capacity of the wireless access terminal. A transfer of the data is scheduled within the time interval, responsive to the volume of data requested being less than the data transfer capacity. The transfer of the data is deferred to another time interval, responsive to the volume of data requested being greater than the data transfer capacity, and the deferring of the data to another time includes resubmitting the data request in another time interval of the plurality of time intervals. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a deadline for completion of the transfer of the data content item to the mobile device. A set of locations of the mobile device is determined between the first time and the deadline, a candidate plurality of wireless base stations is identified, based on the forecasted plurality of locations, to wirelessly transfer a portion of the data content item to the mobile device during the time period. A utilization of a wireless base station of the candidate set of wireless base stations is forecasted during the time period, a transfer time is determined within the time period based on the forecasted utilization and the deadline, and the transfer time is provided to the mobile device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for sharing a cellular network connection amongst multiple devices over a local area network are provided that reduce cellular network load during crowded events. In an aspect, a devices is configure to perform operations that include scanning an area for another device that has established a first wireless cellular connection with a cellular network device of a cellular network and that enables an indirect connection of the device to the cellular network device via a direct connection of the device to the other device via a local network device. The operations further include, in response to identifying the other device as a result of the scanning, sending a request to the other device to connect to the other device via the local network device and to receive the indirect connection to the cellular network device.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a deadline for completion of the transfer of the data content item to the mobile device. A set of locations of the mobile device is determined between the first time and the deadline, a candidate plurality of wireless base stations is identified, based on the forecasted plurality of locations, to wirelessly transfer a portion of the data content item to the mobile device during the time period. A utilization of a wireless base station of the candidate set of wireless base stations is forecasted during the time period, a transfer time is determined within the time period based on the forecasted utilization and the deadline, and the transfer time is provided to the mobile device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for sharing a cellular network connection amongst multiple devices over a local area network are provided that reduce cellular network load during crowded events. In an aspect, a devices is configure to perform operations that include scanning an area for another device that has established a first wireless cellular connection with a cellular network device of a cellular network and that enables an indirect connection of the device to the cellular network device via a direct connection of the device to the other device via a local network device. The operations further include, in response to identifying the other device as a result of the scanning, sending a request to the other device to connect to the other device via the local network device and to receive the indirect connection to the cellular network device.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a data request to transfer data for a mobile device across a mobile network. The data request occurs within a time interval of a number of time intervals, each having a duration greater than a data transfer time across the mobile network. A volume is determined of the data requested, and compared to a data transfer capacity of the wireless access terminal. A transfer of the data is scheduled within the time interval, responsive to the volume of data requested being less than the data transfer capacity. The transfer of the data is deferred to another time interval, responsive to the volume of data requested being greater than the data transfer capacity, and the deferring of the data to another time includes resubmitting the data request in another time interval of the plurality of time intervals. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a deadline for completion of the transfer of the data content item to the mobile device. A set of locations of the mobile device is determined between the first time and the deadline, a candidate plurality of wireless base stations is identified, based on the forecasted plurality of locations, to wirelessly transfer a portion of the data content item to the mobile device during the time period. A utilization of a wireless base station of the candidate set of wireless base stations is forecasted during the time period, a transfer time is determined within the time period based on the forecasted utilization and the deadline, and the transfer time is provided to the mobile device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example performing, by a wireless communication device comprising a processor, wireless telephony communications via a first wireless interface, transmitting information associated with media-related activities to a server, receiving from the server a media recommendation that is generated according to the information associated with media-related activities, initiating communications with a network via a second wireless interface, downloading a media content item of the media recommendation from a content provider via the second wireless interface, and presenting the media content item at a display. Other embodiments are disclosed.