Abstract: Click-through log mining is described. Raw search click-through log data is processed to generate ordered query keywords, utilizing an algorithm to expand user-submitted keywords to include high frequency user queries, managing the keywords for a keyword expansion file, analyzing the algorithm performance on a bidding criteria, and identifying related phrases with similar page-click behaviors for advertisements.

Abstract: A software-based security agent that hooks into the operating system of a computer device in order to continuously audit the behavior and conduct of the end user of the computer device. The detected actions of the end user can be stored in a queue or log file that can be continuously monitored to detect patterns of behavior that may constitute a policy violation and/or security risk. When a pattern of behavior that may constitute a policy violation and/or security risk is detected, an event may be triggered. A frequency vector string matching algorithm also is disclosed. The frequency vector string matching algorithm may be used to detect the presence or partial presence of subject strings within a target string of alphanumeric characters. The frequency vector string matching algorithm could be used to detect typos in stored computer records or to search for records based on partial information.

Abstract: An ultra thin lighting element including at least one light source. A lightguide element includes one lightguide layer comprising a plurality of discrete fine optic surface relief structures on at least one portion of at least one surface. Each surface relief structure includes basic structural features on the order of about 10 microns or less in height, and on the order of about 10 microns or less in each lateral dimension. The number, arrangement and size of each surface relief structure and height and lateral dimensions of the structural features of the surface relief structures being varied to provide a desired degree of outcoupling modulation of light incoupled into the light guide element.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a highlight view of electronic interactions, such as, emails, instant messages, audio messages and/or video messages is provided. The highlight view can facilitate a user's understanding of the electronic interactions. The electronic interactions can comprise emails associated with conversation threads of a discussion list posted and/or received by a plurality of users. The highlight view system can include, for a given period of time, a list of participants in the discussion list, a list of conversation threads and/or a linear progression of one or more of the conversation threads. The linear progression of one or more conversation threads can include signal word(s), such as, “stated, “asked”, “responded”, “wrapped up”, “disagreed”, “agreed” etc. that facilitate a user's comprehension of the individual e-mails which form the conversation thread. An electronic interactions highlight system can include an input component that receives electronic interactions (e.g.

Abstract: Velocity information can be beneficial to various entities including other vehicles and a central traffic monitoring and routing system. Vehicles with sensors can serve as velocity probes to update speeds that are shared via a more global service. However, individuals may be reluctant to provide location and velocity information given privacy preferences. Local policies about sharing personal data are described that can be harnessed to enhance privacy while minimizing communication costs. The local data-sharing policies allow devices to monitor their own speeds and locations and to employ models and analyses that determine the value of sharing flow information with a larger service in accordance with privacy preferences, and to make local decisions as to when to respond to broadcasted queries for specific information, while minimizing the redundancy of signals from multiple vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed to facilitates programming of a recording device. A client system is operatively coupled with the recording device, which, for example, is programmed and/or configured to record selected audio and/or visual broadcast programming. The client system receives a message, such as in the form of electronic mail (email) or another suitable form, from a remotely located computer. One or more tokens are associated with the message for providing program criteria indicative of selected audio and/or visual programming, which may be employed to program the recording device for recording broadcast programming based on the token.

Abstract: Methods and architectures for automatic filter generation are described. In an embodiment, these filters are generated in order to block inputs which would otherwise disrupt the normal functioning of a program. An initial set of filter conditions is generated by analyzing the path of a program from a point at which a bad input is received to the point at which the malfunctioning of the program is detected and creating conditions on an input which ensure that this path is followed. Having generated the initial set of filter conditions, the set is made less specific by determining which instructions do not influence whether the point of detection of the attack is reached and removing the filter conditions which correspond to these instructions.

Abstract: Concurrent processing of business transaction data uses a time slice-centered scheme to cope with the situation where multiple requests demand a same resource at the same time. The method divides the processing time into multiple time slices, allocates each request to a corresponding time slice, and iteratively processing requests according to their corresponding time slices. The method does not require the requests to be processed one by one, and therefore does not cause a situation where other requests have to wait until the current request has been completely processed. Moreover, if a certain time slice has been allocated multiple requests of a same type, the requests are collectively processed as if they were a single request to reduce the frequencies of resource locking and unlocking, as well as the waiting time in a queue for resource access.

Abstract: Methods of manipulating graphical objects are described. One or more graphical objects are displayed in a fixed orientation with reference to a sensed reference direction. Manipulation is achieved by fixing the orientation or position of a displayed graphical object with reference to an apparatus, such as the display itself or a proxy device, detecting a change in orientation of that apparatus and editing the orientation of the graphical object based on the detected change.

Abstract: A method and a system of associating correlating metadata with data assets, such as video and audio files, so that the files are rendered as a combination presentation are described herein. The system includes a client a media capture device that provides on board storage, network connectivity, preprocessing, preview buffering, file management, and an eventing system. The method includes capturing the media, associating the media with other media via an identifier, and supports associating correlating metadata prior to time of media capture and during media capture on the capture device itself, and after media capture either on a local machine or on an on-line group. When the combination presentation is presented, additional associated advertising and annotations may be provided upon rendering.

Abstract: Techniques to defer an incoming communication and then schedule a follow up communication are disclosed. A communication recipient can defer an incoming communication and schedule a return communication time. The return communication may be manually deferred by a user and/or automatically deferred based at least in part on availability of a user on an appointment calendar.

Abstract: Components within a portable device are arranged around a perimeter of a display component to reduce the height of the portable device. Components such as a battery, a main logic board, a wireless networking interface, and so forth may be distributed around a display component such as an electrophoretic display. Distribution of components around the perimeter of the display component rather than behind the display component reduces the height. Furthermore, the placement of components in the perimeter provides a structure for a user to grip the portable device or for placement of user actuable controls.

Abstract: A modular floor system comprises modular floor panels and zippers that are fabricated in a manufacturing facility and subsequently installed in a facility. By virtue of being fabricated in the manufacturing facility the modular floor is subsequently installed in the sports facility with minimal labor and cost, while providing superior performance.

Abstract: A system and/or method that facilitates analyzing newsgroup clusters. A data reception component receives data relating to a plurality of newsgroups and relays the data to an engine that constructs a weighted graph. The weighted graph represents a subset of the newsgroups as vertices of the graph. The vertices are connected by edges, which represent cross-postings relating to the subset of newsgroups.

Abstract: A system and method that allows for distress or SoS messages from various managed resources to be sent to a reliable location such as a server. The server can gather the distress messages and provide a summary or health status based on the gathered distress messages.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide image compression based on parameter-assisted inpainting. In one implementation of an encoder, an image is partitioned into blocks and the blocks classified as smooth or unsmooth, based on the degree of visual edge content and chromatic variation in each block. Image content of the unsmooth blocks is compressed, while image content of the smooth blocks is summarized by parameters, but not compressed. The parameters, once obtained, may also be compressed. At a decoder, the compressed image content of the unsmooth blocks and the compressed parameters of the smooth blocks are each decompressed. Each smooth block is then reconstructed by inpainting, guided by the parameters in order to impart visual detail from the original image that cannot be implied from the image content of neighboring blocks that have been decoded.

Abstract: Bitstream switching for multiple bit rate video streaming uses a first algorithm to generate multiple encoded bitstreams of a piece of video at different bit rates. A different algorithm is used to generate multiple side bitstreams of the video. Each side stream is generated at respective ones of the different bit rates. The side bitstreams comprise switching frames to switch from a first bitstream encoded with the first algorithm at a first bit rate to a second bitstream encoded with the first algorithm at a different bit rate. At non-bitstream switching points, frames from respective ones of bitstreams generated with the first algorithm are streamed for presentation. At a bitstream switching point, a switching frame from a respective side bitstream is transmitted to a decoder to transition streaming from a first of the respective ones of the bitstreams to a second of the respective ones of the bitstreams.

Abstract: Techniques and systems provide real-time return processing before a retailer receives a returned item, such as during a return process where the retailer (seller) and customer (buyer) are separated from one another (e.g., electronic commerce, etc.). The retailer may collect information about the order and items to be returned from the remotely located customer. The retailer may optionally confirm an identity of the customer such as by verifying the original payment type and/or payment instrument number. The customer may provide collateral in exchange for the real-time return of a refund or an exchange. The retailer may then provide shipping details, calculate the refund (if applicable), and finalize processing. If the retailer does not receive the item in the allotted time for the return (e.g., for ground transport, etc.), then the retailer may charge the customer a value of the item using the collateral.

Abstract: A programming interface for a computer platform can include various functionality. In certain embodiments, the programming interface includes one or more of a first group of services related to re-usable user interface controls, a second group of services related to user interface dialogs and user interface wizards, a third group of services related to extending the user interface functionality, and a fourth group of services related to extending functionality of a desktop of the user interface.

Abstract: A hinged docking platform may include a base having a planar surface configured to support a user while suspended adjacent to an elevated unit. The base may be coupled to an elevated unit via a hinge. The hinge may enable a rotational transition of the base between a substantially vertical orientation of the planar surface as a closed position and a substantially horizontal orientation of the planar surface as an open position. The base may also include a guard rail extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the base where the guard rail protrudes above the base when the base is in the open position. In some aspects, a ladder may be coupled to the base to enable access to the base when the base is oriented in the open position. In further aspects, a biasing component may be coupled between the elevated component and the base to bias the base during the rotational transition between the closed position and the open position.