Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for detecting reversed polarity bootleg ground wiring configurations of an electrical outlet are disclosed. For at least one embodiment, a system in includes a test transmitter and a test receiver. The test receiver being configured to detect a ping generated by the test transmitter and determine whether the ping is received via a proper receptacle of an outlet being tested. The system also includes a test receiver configured to determine is a bootleg ground configuration exists using one of time domain reflectometry and/or a resistance based measurement approach. A method for testing an outlet includes one or both of testing for reversed polarity and bootleg ground configurations.

Abstract: A base station device used with a vehicle includes a first transceiver which communicates with a first network, a second transceiver which communicates with a second network, and a third transceiver which communicates with devices within the vehicle. The base station device also includes a processor and a memory device that cause the base station device to: obtain types of traffic being transmitted or received by the devices within the vehicle, assign first priority values to the types of traffic being transmitted or received by each of the devices within the vehicle, assign second priority values to the devices within the vehicle; assign each of the types of traffic to the first transceiver or the second transceiver based on the first priority values and the second priority values, and redirect traffic to the first transceiver and to the second transceiver.

Abstract: A method of providing a synchronized secondary audio track via a mobile device. The method includes: receiving, at a mobile device, a request from a user to receive a secondary audio track that corresponds with a primary audio track of an audio-visual (AV) program which is presented to the user; receiving the secondary audio track at the mobile device; receiving at the mobile device a playback-control cue; and in response to receiving the playback-control cue, outputting audio data of the secondary audio track so that the audio data is synchronized with the primary audio track.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards remotely generating encoding metadata at a remote content distributor for use by a local user computing device. The remote content distributor receives and encodes content. During or after the encoding process, the remote content distributor generates encoding metadata that indicates how the content was encoded by the remote content distributor. The remote content distributor provides the encoding metadata to the user computer device. The user computing device receives the content and the encoding metadata and encodes the content based on the encoding metadata. The user computing device can then provide the encoded content to another computing device for decoding and presentation to a user.

Abstract: Techniques described herein include a communication and device discovery platform though which Internet of Things (IoT) devices may discover other IoT devices, ascertain device statuses, purposes, and the functions and operations supported by other IoT devices, and collaborate with other IoT devices to request and initiate particular functions and operations. Using the platform and corresponding functionality described herein, an IoT device may announce to another nearby IoT devices its general description, availability, required permissions, as well as a listing and description of functions it may perform. Other authorized IoT devices may make use of the broadcasted functions, using artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and additional techniques that enable independent and decentralized IoT devices to discover the purposes, supported functions and operations, and invoke the functionality of other IoT devices.

Abstract: A computer-implemented and executed method of managing recorded video events is disclosed. The method collects viewer measurement data from presentation devices, the viewer measurement data indicating user viewing behavior associated with playback of recorded video events. The method continues by analyzing the collected viewer measurement data to estimate boundaries between segments of the recorded video events, which results in groups of estimated boundaries corresponding to the recorded video events. Cue files are generated for the recorded video events, the cue files indicating the estimated boundaries corresponding to the recorded video events. The cue files are maintained at a central system for access by the presentation devices.

Abstract: Novel techniques are described for automated physical package delivery with end-to-end package security. For example, a sender can secure contents of a physical package using an electronic lock locked using a lock code. The lock code is encrypted by applying an encryption key to generate an encrypted lock code. The encryption key is generated in accordance with a decryption key associated with the recipient, such that application of the decryption key by the recipient to the encrypted lock code can generate an unlock code to unlock the electronic lock. An intermediary automated package delivery system can provide one or more end-to-end security features, including facilitating key exchange features between the sender and recipient, applying additional sensor tag features, and directing autonomous delivery features.

Abstract: Systems and processes associated with an augmented film crew.

Abstract: A system for coupling a satellite antenna to a mounting structure is provided. The system may include a mounting structure and a satellite antenna. The mounting structure may include a plurality of tabs extending upward, and located at a first elevation. The mounting structure may also define a first plurality of apertures located at a second elevation, where the first elevation is higher than the second elevation. The satellite antenna may define a second plurality of apertures configured to accept the plurality of tabs. The satellite antenna may be supported by the mounting structure upon the plurality of tabs being accepted by the second plurality of apertures. The satellite antenna may also define a third plurality of apertures which may be aligned with the first plurality of apertures upon the plurality of tabs being accepted by the second plurality of apertures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for testing the response of electrical circuits to being flexed. Support members, preferably at least two, are positioned to receive the electrical circuits to be tested. The support members are spaced apart from each other to permit the electrical circuit to be flexed between the two support members. A plunger, having an arcuate front face is positioned between the support members. The plunger is depressed, flexing the electrical circuit a selected amount. After the circuit has been flexed a selected amount, the circuit is tested to determine whether or not it is fully operational after being flexed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for noise cancelation in a listening area include functionality that activates a microphone of the remote control device of a home entertainment system or a microphone of another mobile device to collect a baseline white noise profile of a user's media content listening area, such as the user's family room, living room or other TV viewing space. This baseline white noise profile may be used by the user's set-top box (STB) or other receiving device to generate the corresponding noise canceling audio signal to create a noise-canceling effect and a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience for the user. A plurality of audio data samples from which to select, each representing a different baseline profile of ambient white noise associated with the media content listening area, may be generated and used for different devices that generate white noise.

Abstract: Methods, systems, media devices, and non-transitory, machine-readable media to facilitate asynchronous wireless media transfer are disclosed. A request for video service from a content provider system via a wireless network may be received. A media device may be configured to provide an asynchronous session for subsequent video content transfer. The configuring may utilize a network layer and a transport layer without utilizing a presentation layer and an application layer. Specifications of asynchronous session parameters may be created to define delivery operations with the asynchronous session. An encrypted token, corresponding to the specifications, may be created. Opening of the asynchronous session may be requested by transmitting the encrypted token to the content provider system from the transport layer. At the session layer, the asynchronous session may be started for video content delivery in accordance with the specifications of the asynchronous session parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology may include systems and processes associated with automatically generating supercuts associated with programming content.

Abstract: A method of providing a synchronized secondary audio track via a mobile device. The method includes: receiving, at a mobile device, a request from a user to receive a secondary audio track that corresponds with a primary audio track of an audio-visual (AV) program which is presented to the user; receiving the secondary audio track at the mobile device; receiving at the mobile device a playback-control cue; and in response to receiving the playback-control cue, outputting audio data of the secondary audio track so that the audio data is synchronized with the primary audio track.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor such that the processor is programmed to identify, based on user data a reference time. The processor is further programmed to send, via a human-machine interface included in the mobile device, a message to a user to input a user request to download a media content item prior to the reference time. The processor is further programmed to receive the user request to download the media content item and download the media content item from a media device.

Abstract: A content distribution system includes content receivers that provide a plurality of blockchain databases that store transaction records associated with subscriber requests for content, and a computer system that processes those transaction records and enables authorized content receivers to output requested content.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for predictive pre-buffering of content for a user. Embodiments include a prediction system that can receive trending information from social media sources and other streaming video sources. The prediction system can also receive user viewing history to identify the programs the user has viewed, the genres of the programs the user has viewed, and amount of programming the user consumes. Based on the user's viewing history, the prediction system can identify preferred genres for the user and other preferred content information. Based on the trending programs and the user's preferred genres, the prediction system can predict which of the trending programs that the user may watch. Based on the prediction, the system can pre-buffer some portion of the programs that the system predicted the user may watch in a cache of the device on which the user watches programming.

Abstract: An interaction facilitator system is operable acquire community member dialogue videos generated by community members, wherein each community member dialogue video includes dialogue spoken by the community member that describes their viewpoints and opinions regarding an associated subject media content event. A community member dialogue video is acquired from a community member while the community member plays a uniquely generated geo-activity game wherein the community member completes an activity at each of a plurality of game play locations that lie along a game play route. At the end of play of the geo-activity game, the community member receives an incentive.

Abstract: An Internet Layer end-to-end security connection (an Internet protocol (IP) encrypted tunnel) is established between a television receiving device and each player device on a home local area network (LAN) as part of the initial pairing process between each player device and the television receiving device. Traffic between the television receiving device and the player device is communicated via IP on the LAN, such that data between the two devices is securely encrypted at the Internet Layer, thus reducing potential security issues related to managing security and encryption at the application layer. This results in a secure virtual private network (VPN) between each player device and the television receiving device.