Abstract: A method and system for tracking electronic information includes the steps of: encrypting an electronic file stored on a hardware storage device; attaching or incorporating with the file a standalone executable program that implements a request for a decryption key accompanied by tracking information when an attempt is made to access the file; verifying the tracking information by a central processing unit; if the tracking information is verified as acceptable, providing the decryption key; and if the tracking information is not verified as acceptable, modifying the file to include a record of the failed attempt to access the file and the tracking information, and storing the modified file on the hardware storage device.

Abstract: A method for providing notifications to an individual within a multi-dimensional personal information network includes obtaining itinerary information corresponding to a first individual within a multi-dimensional personal information network. A second individual that is included in a projection of the multi-dimensional personal information network that also includes the first individual is identified. Itinerary information corresponding to the second individual is obtained. One or notifications based on the itinerary information corresponding to the first individual and the itinerary information corresponding to the second individual are provided to the first individual.

Abstract: A system, computer code, and method are provided for automatically managing avail inventory data of media programming streams for a communications network, such as a cable TV network. The computer-implemented method includes the steps of correlating available addressable units of the communications network with the avail inventory data, and generating a proposed price for purchase of at least one avail based on the results of the correlating step.

Abstract: A method and system for the insertion of local signals, including digital media advertisements, into statistically multiplexed streams is presented. The rate control and timing information is computed and is used to specify the insertion time and rate parameters for digital advertisements. In one embodiment, a maximum bit rate over the advertisement duration is specified. The maximum bit rate may be constant or may vary in time, such that high bit rate portions of the advertisement are supported. High bit rate portions of the advertisements in different program streams may be staggered, such that the total bandwidth required does not exceed a maximum, but allowing for high bit rate portions of advertisements. Custom bit rate profiles for advertisements may also be defined, with the profiles being defined at a high granularity or a low granularity.

Abstract: The current invention provides a system for distributing content data to user locations. The content data preferably includes digital video data that is available on demand from a requesting location. A system server stores user accounts and generated customized program schedules for the user account based on user criteria which includes user preferences. Authorized users access their accounts to modify user criteria and to select program transmissions. Preferably, a computer and a television set receive program transmissions from a system network, wherein the computer provides a logical interface between the television set and content data transmitted over the system network.

Abstract: A method of predicting information related to a characteristic of a tropical cyclone includes obtaining a plurality of model tracks corresponding to the tropical cyclone from at least one forecast center. A factor from a set of factors is assigned to each of the plurality of model tracks. A value for at least one characteristic for the tropical cyclone at the intersection of each of the plurality of model tracks with a boundary is predicted. A set of probabilities for the value of the at least one characteristic corresponding to an actual value of the at least one characteristic at the time of intersection of the tropical cyclone with the boundary is calculated.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, advertisement identifiers are stored in a queue in memory in the set top box or elsewhere corresponding to individual subscribers of a television service delivery network. The advertisements are retrieved and displayed in the order dictated by the queue as advertisement avails are detected in the particular channel information stream being watched by that subscriber. Accordingly, the subscriber sees the advertisements regardless of what channel or television program is being watched and sees them in the order dictated by the queue. The invention also is applicable to other information streams including Internet advertising, audio/radio advertising and advertising in electronic program guides.

Abstract: The invention provides a web site with content designed to elicit responses from users that contain keyword dense content for a chosen word or words. Users submit responses to the website and the website displays the responses on a web page. The accumulation of targeted and keyword specific material in natural language as recorded and displayed on the web site attracts search engine spiders and achieve a higher ranking in response to key word searches matching the keyword dense content.

Abstract: Provided are techniques and apparatuses for determining the geographic location of a node on a network. In a representative embodiment, a data packet is received over the network from a second node, the data packet including a network identifier for the second node and a Time-To-Live (TTL) field that has a value, with the value of the TTL field for the data packet indicating a maximum additional number of hops that could have been made by the data packet. A probe packet addressed to the network identifier for the second node is then sent, the probe packet also including a TTL field. The initial value for the TTL field of the probe packet is set based on the value for the TTL field of the data packet.

Abstract: A mobile subscriber can elect to grant permission for the release to a requesting party of information relevant to the mobile subscriber release information. In order to make the decision to provide the information to the requesting party, the mobile subscriber can first determine if the request is being made from a trusted source. If the identity of the requesting party is hidden, the requesting party can be queried to release their identity to be used in conjunction with the permission request to the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: A method of providing signal coverage in a wireless network includes establishing communications between a first wireless access unit and a second wireless access unit. In response to a communications device, the first wireless access unit weighting factor is modified to provide the communications device with optimal signal coverage. The first radiation weighting factor is transmitted to the second wireless access unit, which modifies its own weighting factor to provide the communications device with sufficient signal coverage.

Abstract: A method for generating financial plans for an individual includes requesting and receiving one or more data feeds from an individual's personal information aggregator. One or more financial plans for the individual are generated based on the data contained in the received data feeds.

Abstract: Presenting viewers with an alternative brief version of a recorded advertisement when they choose to fast-forward through or skip (or any other trick play event) the recorded advertisement. The alternative advertisement may be displayed instead of or in conjunction with the recorded advertisement (i.e., fast-forwarding advertisement is displayed in one portion of the screen (i.e., background or portion of a split screen) and the alternative brief version is displayed in another portion). The alternative brief version of the advertisement (trick play advertisement) may be a marketing message that is a static screen presenting a logo or a portion of the recorded advertisement, or may be a condensed version of the actual advertisement. The trick play advertisements may be targeted. An alternate or entirely unrelated advertisement can also be displayed as the trick play advertisement.

Abstract: A method of assigning routes to a plurality of users includes determining a cost for each of a plurality of roadway segments. The cost of a roadway segment is commensurate with the roadway segment's inclusion in one or more existing routes from a start location to a destination location. The method further includes generating a plurality of new routes. Each generated route includes one or more roadway segments. The generated routes are assigned to each of the plurality of users.

Abstract: Method and system for creating one or more advertising avail sections (subavails) and thereupon aggregating the subavails to form one or more groups of subavails. The advertisement opportunities (avails) may be divided into sections (subavails) with each section being directed at a particular target audience (group). The subavails are then aggregated into one or more groups of subavails so that the groups of subavails can be sold to the advertisers. The grouping of subavails is generally based on a correlation wherein the subavails are characterized based on one or more characteristics. The groups of subavails are formed based on one or more shared characteristics. The advertiser has an option to buy a group of subavails (rather than an avail in prior art), whereby the advertiser may reach a targeted group of an audience.

Abstract: A method and system for exciting a dynamic tactile interface having a plurality of electrodes includes identifying an area within an image that is capable of tactile feedback and identifying a first subset of the plurality of electrodes in the dynamic tactile interface that correspond to the plurality of areas. A voltage is applied to each of the electrodes of to the plurality of electrodes to create a desired state for each electrode corresponding to the areas capable of tactile feedback. The dynamic tactile interface can be implemented as part of a viewable display type of device, or as a device without any viewable display.

Abstract: A self-cleaning material is generally described that may include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. A self cleaning layer may be disposed on the first surface of the substrate. A diffraction grating may be formed in an exposed surface of the self cleaning layer, where absorption of light by the self cleaning layer incident on the exposed surface may be enhanced by the diffraction grating in accordance with a blaze condition corresponding to the diffraction grating.

Abstract: A method for vehicular communications and information reporting. First and second wireless Internet connections between respective first and second vehicles and a web-server are provided. First and second event information is transmitted, to the web-server, from the first and second vehicles. The first and second event information relates to the same event in visual range, respectively, of occupants of the first and second vehicles. The web server may transmit, to the first and second vehicles, confirmed event information derived from the first and second event information.

Abstract: A method of aggregating an individual's healthcare information under the individual's control in a personal information aggregator includes receiving a request from a healthcare-related entity to provide the individual's healthcare information. Authorization is received from the individual to receive and store the healthcare information. One or more data feeds containing the individual's healthcare information are received from the healthcare-related entity. At least a portion of the healthcare information contained in the data feeds is stored under the control of the individual.

Abstract: A self-distribution method for distributing information content among network connected devices of a communications network includes receiving a query having a code against a database from a wireless communications device, the code uniquely representing one of an advertising campaign, a product, or a service. The method also includes generating a result set by querying the database with the code, forwarding a link associated with the result set to a user-preferred remote location, the link being sent in an electronic message, wherein activation of the link directs a user to a first version of information content of the result set. A plurality of options to purchase user-preferred items from the first version of information content, the options including at least “purchase now” and “purchase later” features. A reminder message is forwarded to the wireless communications device if a user at the remote location selects the “purchase later” feature.