Abstract: A method and system for a content provider to enable the consumption of content by properly entitled consumers (e.g., end-users, clients, customers) within a cloud provider network. A first certificate checkin service (CCS) executed by a processing device deployed in the cloud provider network receives a first set of usage data relating to content of a content provider consumed by a client of the cloud provider network. The first CCS provides the usage data to a communicatively coupled parent CCS. The first CCS provides the parent CCS with a request for entitlement data relating to the cloud provider, and stores the entitlement data received from the parent CCS. The entitlement data may be used by the first CCS to determine if the client is entitled to consume the content.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are provided that facilitate surveying media sources in a media entertainment system. An index component can provide an index of a set of available media sources in the media entertainment system. In addition, a selection component can displays the set of available media sources and receive selection requests for a subset of the available media sources. Further, a preview component can display a sample of media generated by the selected subset of media sources prior to active engagement thereof. Moreover, one or more aspects can be implemented in a vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: A vehicle information system is provided that includes an interface module configured to receive operating data from a vehicle information system. The interface module is also configured to transfer the operating data to a navigation system that is not built-in to the vehicle to facilitate vehicle position determination without using external positioning signals received or processed by the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing digital content entitlements in distributed computer systems. An example method may comprise: receiving, by a processor, a request comprising an identity certificate and a digital content identifier; validating an entitlement of a requestor identified by the identity certificate to consume, over an entitlement period of time, the digital content identified by the digital content identifier; determining that a pre-defined authorization period of time does not exceed the entitlement period of time; and transmitting, to the requestor, a response comprising at least one of: a status code and a content certificate authorizing to consume the digital content for the pre-defined authorization period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data reflecting digital content consumption by computer systems. An example method may comprise: receiving a plurality of digital content consumption data objects, each digital content consumption data object comprising a timestamp and an identifier of a digital content item being consumed by the computer system at the moment of time defined by the timestamp; storing the plurality of digital content consumption data objects in a memory; receiving a request for digital content consumption information for a specified period of time; and retrieving from the memory two or more digital content consumption data objects having timestamps within the specified period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing digital content entitlements in distributed computer systems. An example method may comprise: receiving, by a processor, a request comprising an identity certificate and a digital content identifier; validating an entitlement of a requestor identified by the identity certificate to consume, over an entitlement period of time, the digital content identified by the digital content identifier; determining that a pre-defined authorization period of time does not exceed the entitlement period of time; and transmitting, to the requestor, a response comprising at least one of: a status code and a content certificate authorizing to consume the digital content for the pre-defined authorization period of time.

Abstract: A method and system for a content provider to enable the consumption of content by properly entitled consumers (e.g., end-users, clients, customers) within a cloud provider network. A first certificate checkin service (CCS) executed by a processing device deployed in the cloud provider network receives a first set of usage data relating to content of a content provider consumed by a client of the cloud provider network. The first CCS provides the usage data to a communicatively coupled parent CCS. The first CCS provides the parent CCS with a request for entitlement data relating to the cloud provider, and stores the entitlement data received from the parent CCS. The entitlement data may be used by the first CCS to determine if the client is entitled to consume the content.

Abstract: A battery backup system for use with vehicle telematics electronics includes a phone module configured for operation by the vehicle telematics electronics. The system further includes a battery module configured to provide power to the phone module and a circuit configured to determine that backup power is needed. The circuit causes the battery module to provide the backup power to the phone module for completing a transmission via the phone module. The battery module can provide the backup power to the phone module without providing operating power to the vehicle telematics electronics.

Abstract: A battery backup system for use with vehicle telematics electronics includes a phone module configured for operation by the vehicle telematics electronics. The system further includes a battery module configured to provide power to the phone module and a circuit configured to determine that backup power is needed. The circuit causes the battery module to provide the backup power to the phone module for completing a transmission via the phone module. The battery module can provide the backup power to the phone module without providing operating power to the vehicle telematics electronics.

Abstract: A vehicle information system is provided that includes an interface module configured to receive operating data from a vehicle information system. The interface module is also configured to transfer the operating data to a navigation system that is not built-in to the vehicle to facilitate vehicle position determination without using external positioning signals received or processed by the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are provided that facilitate surveying media sources in a media entertainment system. An index component can provide an index of a set of available media sources in the media entertainment system. In addition, a selection component can displays the set of available media sources and receive selection requests for a subset of the available media sources. Further, a preview component can display a sample of media generated by the selected subset of media sources prior to active engagement thereof. Moreover, one or more aspects can be implemented in a vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: A video display system for a vehicle may comprise a housing coupled to a vehicle interior element and a video screen assembly coupled to the housing and moveable between a stowed position and a non-stowed position. The assembly may comprise a display screen and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a first wireless signal.

Abstract: A display device includes a lifting body, such as a kite or a buoyant object. A vehicle attachment device is provided for securing the device to a stationary object, such as to the bumper, door or window of a parked motor vehicle. A tether secures the lifting body to the vehicle attachment devices. Swivels and releasable tether attachment devices may be provided for attaching the tether to the vehicle attachment devices and for attaching the tether to the lifting body. A plurality of ornaments, such as memorabilia, banners, pennants, logos, decorations, flags, advertisements and/or other indicia are provided for releasable attachment to the tether. Ornament attachment devices are also provided for releasably securing ornaments to the tether at desired positions.

Abstract: A device for helping children overcome nighttime fears includes a housing, a power supply, a switch, a means for emitting light and a faux transmitting member. When activated, the device produces a light to visibly indicate it is operating. The faux transmitter member in combination with the light convinces a child that signals are being emitted to protect the child and repel unwanted creatures. The light may be a flashing LED. The device may further include a light sensor for activation in the dark, a manual adjustment for adjusting the flashing rate of the LED and hanging means for suspending the device from an object.

Abstract: A connector block for connecting a plurality of electrical connectors includes a molded housing having a face. A plurality of female connectors are integrally molded within the face of the housing, each female connector having a well molded into the face of the housing and a receptacle extending from a bottom of the well. A threaded cylindrical bushing is integrally formed within the well around each receptacle. At least one male connector is also integrally molded within the housing.

Abstract: A circuit placed between an alternating current actuated device and a digital logic controller to isolate the digital logic controller from the AC line power and to provide a signal indicative of actuation of the alternating current device.

Abstract: A sensing and control circuit for power line shorts works especially well for sensor or actuator devices controlled through a microcontroller. A power control circuit is placed between a pin of a programmable microcontroller and a sensor or actuator device to act as a short detector and switch to control power to the device. A capacitor in the power control circuit is charged and sensed by a single pin of the microcontroller to regulate a transistor which switches power to the device.