Abstract: Disclosed example methods to distribute communication of a data stream include, in response to a request received from a first device, assigning a number of communication ports to a stream splitting session via which communication of the data stream is to be distributed among a plurality of devices. Such example methods also include determining a type of the request from among a plurality of possible types. Such example methods further include, when the request corresponds to a first type, providing information to the first device for distribution among the plurality of devices, the information to be used to establish respective data connections via which respective portions of the data stream are to be received by the plurality of devices during the stream splitting session.

Abstract: Network-based content filtering utilizing user-specified parameters is disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to perform network-based content filtering include receiving, at an incoming edge router of a provider network, incoming data to be routed in the provider network to a destination device, and before routing the incoming data in the provider network, determining whether to restrict the routing of the incoming data in the provider network to the destination device based on a parameter associated with the destination device, the parameter being related to a content classification of the incoming data.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for distributing communication of a data stream among multiple devices are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include receiving a request from a first one of a plurality of devices to establish a shared connection to distribute communication of a first data stream among the plurality of devices. Such example methods also include establishing, in response to the request, respective data connections with the plurality of devices based on device capability information obtained from a system providing service for the plurality of devices. Such example methods further include splitting the first data stream into a plurality of partial data streams to be communicated to the plurality of devices via the respective data connections, the partial data streams, when aggregated, forming the first data stream.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to using a remote scanner for mobile transactions. A point of sale (POS) terminal communicates with a remote scanner that is removably coupled to the POS terminal. Logic on the POS terminal generates a request for a transaction information and transmits the request along with a restriction to the remote scanner. Logic on the remote scanner receives the request and the restriction, transmits the request to a mobile device, receives the transaction information while monitoring the restriction, and transmits the transaction information to the POS terminal for processing. The transaction information may be provided subject to the restriction.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to using a remote scanner for mobile transactions. A point of sale (POS) terminal communicates with a remote scanner that is removably coupled to the POS terminal. Logic on the POS terminal generates a request for a transaction information and transmits the request along with a restriction to the remote scanner. Logic on the remote scanner receives the request and the restriction, transmits the request to a mobile device, receives the transaction information while monitoring the restriction, and transmits the transaction information to the POS terminal for processing. The transaction information may be provided subject to the restriction.

Abstract: Provided are methods, apparatus and systems for the sale of digital content over a network. The disclosure herein discusses the recording of a broadcast of a digital data stream by a broadcast receiving device. A listener may select a particular digital data stream to purchase by selecting a content identifier associated with the digital data stream of interest at the recording device. Upon obtaining the selection, a purchase request message is transmitted to an intermediary communication device. The purchase request message includes at least the content identifier. After the transaction is completed at a transaction server, a purchase confirmation message including at least a digital rights management key associated with the digital data stream is returned to and received by the broadcast receiving device. Upon receipt, of the digital rights management key, the recorded digital data stream is released for reproduction.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to using a remote scanner for mobile transactions. A point of sale (POS) terminal communicates with a remote scanner that is removably coupled to the POS terminal. Logic on the POS terminal generates a request for a transaction information and transmits the request along with a restriction to the remote scanner. Logic on the remote scanner receives the request and the restriction, transmits the request to a mobile device, receives the transaction information while monitoring the restriction, and transmits the transaction information to the POS terminal for processing. The transaction information may be provided subject to the restriction.

Abstract: Provided are methods, apparatus and systems for the sale of digital content over a network. The disclosure herein discusses the recording of a broadcast of a digital data stream by a broadcast receiving device. A listener may select a particular digital data stream to purchase by selecting a content identifier associated with the digital data stream of interest at the recording device. Upon obtaining the selection, a purchase request message is transmitted to an intermediary communication device. The purchase request message includes at least the content identifier. After the transaction is completed at a transaction server, a purchase confirmation message including at least a digital rights management key associated with the digital data stream is returned to and received by the broadcast receiving device. Upon receipt, of the digital rights management key, the recorded digital data stream is released for reproduction.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for direct interaction between an individual and a communication network. Captured data is received of the individual in an environment to be analyzed by a network management computer. The data is captured by network sensors. The network management computer determines that the individual is a subscriber to services of the communication network by identifying the subscriber from the data that has been captured. The subscriber is registered with a network carrier that operates and provides the services on the communication network. The data is obtained without assistance from a subscriber owned device providing the data. The data is analyzed to interpret commands when presented by the subscriber via the network sensors. The commands include gesture commands from the subscriber. An action is performed for the subscriber based on the commands.

Abstract: The location of a container and the location of a storage device that stores a particular item are determined. A determination is made that the particular item is placed in the container. The locations of the particular item and the container are tracked as the container moves through a premises. For a purchase-related transaction, a determination is made whether the location of the particular item corresponds to the location of the container. If the location of the particular item corresponds to the location of the container, a cost for the particular item is included in the purchase-related transaction. If not, the cost for the particular item is not included in the purchase-related transaction, and the location of the particular item is accounted for.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for a remotely activated monitoring service. The monitoring service can be executed by a server computer. The server computer can detect an event associated with a user device. The server computer can determine that monitoring of a proximity of the user device is to be initiated based upon the event. The server computer can determine a geographic location of the user device and identify monitoring hardware that is to monitor the proximity of the user device. The server device also can issue a command to the monitoring hardware to initiate monitoring of the proximity of the user device by the monitoring hardware.

Abstract: Disclosed example methods to distribute communication of a data stream include, in response to a request received from a first device, assigning a number of communication ports to a stream splitting session via which communication of the data stream is to be distributed among a plurality of devices. Such example methods also include determining a type of the request from among a plurality of possible types. Such example methods further include, when the request corresponds to a first type, providing information to the first device for distribution among the plurality of devices, the information to be used to establish respective data connections via which respective portions of the data stream are to be received by the plurality of devices during the stream splitting session.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for distributing communication of a data stream among multiple devices are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include receiving a request from a first one of a plurality of devices to establish a shared connection to distribute communication of a first data stream among the plurality of devices. Such example methods also include establishing, in response to the request, respective data connections with the plurality of devices based on device capability information obtained from a system providing service for the plurality of devices. Such example methods further include splitting the first data stream into a plurality of partial data streams to be communicated to the plurality of devices via the respective data connections, the partial data streams, when aggregated, forming the first data stream.

Abstract: Network-based content filtering utilizing user-specified parameters is disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to perform network-based content filtering include receiving, at an incoming edge router of a provider network, incoming data to be routed in the provider network to a destination device, and before routing the incoming data in the provider network, determining whether to restrict the routing of the incoming data in the provider network to the destination device based on a parameter associated with the destination device, the parameter being related to a content classification of the incoming data.

Abstract: The new style sleeping bag provides for a more efficient use of the insulating material and cover, as well as integrating the cushioning pad that is often used separately with a sleeping bag. The new style sleeping bag works the same as the current sleeping bag. It will be lighter because the integration of the cushioning pad and the sleeping cover, as the insulating material that is usually rendered ineffective is eliminated.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to recording a conversation on a portable communications device. This allows the user to press a panic button or a series of buttons on their portable communications device to begin recording the conversation. This conversation may be stored on a memory of the portable communications device or in a network in communication with the portable communications device. With the conversation recorded, there is a record of what was said during the call. This record may later be used if necessary.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to using a remote scanner for mobile transactions. A point of sale (POS) terminal communicates with a remote scanner that is removably coupled to the POS terminal. Logic on the POS terminal generates a request for a transaction information and transmits the request along with a restriction to the remote scanner. Logic on the remote scanner receives the request and the restriction, transmits the request to a mobile device, receives the transaction information while monitoring the restriction, and transmits the transaction information to the POS terminal for processing. The transaction information may be provided subject to the restriction.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to an NFC-enabled security token that is removably coupled to a mobile device. The security token may be provisioned with the information by the mobile device, then decoupled from the mobile device and used to authenticate the user or perform a transaction at a POS terminal equipped with an NFC reader. The security token includes logic for user-controlled restrictions on allowable purchases, such as payment limits, timeouts, vendor identifiers, allowed purchases, and location-based restrictions. The security token is further equipped with “self destruct” security features, such as deactivating itself or erasing any sensitive information upon being unable to contact the mobile device for a specified duration, or being subject to an unauthorized or restricted transaction, until such time as it is re-coupled to the mobile device.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to recording a conversation on a portable communications device. This allows the user to press a panic button or a series of buttons on their portable communications device to begin recording the conversation. This conversation may be stored on a memory of the portable communications device or in a network in communication with the portable communications device. With the conversation recorded, there is a record of what was said during the call. This record may later be used if necessary.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to recording a conversation on a portable communications device. This allows the user to press a panic button or a series of buttons on their portable communications device to begin recording the conversation. This conversation may be stored on a memory of the portable communications device or in a network in communication with the portable communications device. With the conversation recorded, there is a record of what was said during the call. This record may later be used if necessary.