Abstract: A controller is adapted for a portable communications device, such as a smartphone, with a user controlled self-erasing option to programmably store data locally only for limited periods of time until it can be uploaded to a cloud device. This allows for improved data storage management on the device including increased storage capacity.

Abstract: A portable communications device is adapted with a controlled self-erasing option to programmably store user content and key data based on a desired limited lifespan for such data. This allows for improved security in the event the device is misplaced or lost as the onboard user data eventually becomes physically destroyed and unreadable to a third party without requiring a remote access destruction capability.

Abstract: An array of programmable non-volatile devices are is adapted such that their logic state is controllably altered over time by quiescent changes, slow controlled changes, scheduled changes, or some combination thereof imposed at a physical level. This allows for improved security and privacy for data to be permanently deleted. In some applications a data refresh and/or automatic backup can be implemented as well.

Abstract: An ephemeral peripheral system includes an ephemeral memory system and controller circuit for securing user data for a smartphone application. Different secure operating modes are provided for customizing user security requirements across end-to-end communications links, including in exchanges of electronic data between smartphone devices.

Abstract: Recommendations are provided to users based on their location within selected commercial establishments as well as their observed preferences expressed during live item sampling. The recommendations can take a number of forms, including electronic promotional offers communicated to the user's portable device.

Abstract: Recommendations are provided to users of social network site for a set of audiovisual items; the sequence of recommendations is optimized to increase an overall expected ratings from such users.

Abstract: An ephemeral peripheral system includes an ephemeral memory system and controller circuit for securing user data for a smartphone application. Different secure operating modes are provided for customizing user security requirements across end-to-end communications links, including in exchanges of electronic data between smartphone devices.

Abstract: Temporal qualities of events described in electronic documents are verified using a variety of techniques, including human based feedback from contributors near a location of the event in question. The invention can be used in environments such as automated news aggregators, search engines, and other electronic systems which compile information having temporal qualities and which includes timely information on events presented on mobile devices with reduced screen sizes.

Abstract: Real-time results for events and topics as published in original sourced electronic documents are presented in response to search queries. The invention can be used in environments such as automated news aggregators, search engines, and other electronic systems which compile information having temporal qualities and which includes timely information on events presented on mobile devices with reduced screen sizes.

Abstract: An ephemeral system includes an ephemeral communications device and associated ephemeral memory system (onboard or peripheral) for securing user data. Different secure operating modes are provided for customizing user security requirements across end-to-end communications links, including in exchanges of electronic data between smartphone devices.

Abstract: Electronic documents are classified and compared according to their temporal qualities. The content of a document relating to an event is analyzed to identify temporal components. These components can be compared with corresponding counterparts in other documents to identify a relative temporal order. The invention can be used in environments such as automated news aggregators, search engines, and other electronic systems which compile information having temporal qualities.

Abstract: Advertising and search is performed using temporal parameters of stories, events, topics and electronic documents. The contents of a document relating to an event/topic is analyzed to identify temporal components. These components can be compared with corresponding counterparts in other documents to identify a relative temporal order, and to help drive an advertising engine or search engine.

Abstract: Items—including gourmet products—are evaluated and rated by participants in a controlled event, which can be coordinated by software locally or at a dedicated website. Event data, including item scores and participant scores can be shared with vendors, merchants and other commercial entities associated with the products. Promotional incentives from such entities for the products (and related products) can then be directly targeted and provided to participants and other members of the public. The participant's activities can also be collected and disseminated to affiliates/friends of the participants through social networking sites, personalized web pages, etc.

Abstract: A content engagement system includes game logic configured to help users and their social contacts to find interesting content. The outputs can be used for optimizing ads, content, search results, etc., on mobile devices, social networking sites and similar domains.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for presenting relevant advertising to user search queries. The ads can be selected by reference to an underlying content presented in organic search results. The ads can be combined and supplemented with conventional keyword/pay for placement type services to improve ad performance. The system can also be used for testing content related ads in advance of their presentation to potential third party partners in an advertising campaign.

Abstract: An audible based electronic challenge system is used to control access to resources by using a test to identify an origin of a voice. The test is based on optimized text sentences selected for their discrimination capability in identifying different speakers.

Abstract: A programmable non-volatile memory device effectuates two different functions (read, erase (re-program)) during a single instruction or command. During a first phase of the command a cell state is determined by a memory controller circuit, and in a second phase of the same command the cell state is re-written. This implementation is useful for applications where it is desirable to permit one time access only of particular data/content.

Abstract: An ephemeral system includes an ephemeral communications device and associated ephemeral memory system (onboard or peripheral) for securing user data. Different secure operating modes are provided for customizing user security requirements across end-to-end communications links, including in exchanges of electronic data between smartphone devices.

Abstract: A document management system monitors proposed recipients for documents and provides recommendations on alterations to the distribution set, such as by adding or removing recipients.

Abstract: An electronic challenge system is used to control access to resources by using a spoken test to identify an origin of a voice. The test is based on a series of questions posed during an interactive dialog session with the entity attempting access.