Abstract: A method, software, database and system for predicting the longevity of an individual and for determining an optimal insurance plan for an individual are presented in which an attribute profile of the individual containing genetic and non-genetic attributes is compared against a database containing combinations genetic and non-genetic attributes that are statistically associated with known longevities and optimized insurance plans derived from other individuals.

Abstract: A method and system are presented in which predisposition predictions are generated for an individual with respect to an attribute indicated in a query. The predictions are based on the identification of predisposing attribute combinations within the attribute profile of the individual and statistical results that indicate the strength of association of the identified attribute combinations with the query attribute.

Abstract: A bioinformatics method, software, database and system are presented in which attribute profiles of query-attribute-positive individuals and query-attribute-negative individuals are compared, and combinations of pangenetic and non-pangenetic attributes that occur at a higher frequency in the group of query-attribute-positive individuals are identified and stored to generate a compilation of bioattribute combinations that co-associate with the query attribute (i.e., an attribute of interest).

Abstract: A method and system for predisposition modification are presented in which a set of attributes for selective modification of the attribute profile of an individual are determined to enable the individual to modify their predisposition for acquiring an attribute of interest. The attribute of interest can be input in the form of a query attribute along with a minimum strength of association value which serves as a threshold to ensure that the results will provide at least a minimum degree of statistical certainty that the individual will acquire the attribute of interest upon modifying their attribute profile.

Abstract: A method and system are presented in which attributes of query-attribute-positive individuals and query-attribute-negative individuals are compared in order to identify combinations of attributes that have higher frequencies of occurrence for query-attribute-positive individuals than for query-attribute-negative individuals, and to create a compilation of attribute combinations that co-occur with the query attribute.

Abstract: A method and system for genetic attribute analysis are presented in which non-identical sets of genetic attributes comprising nucleotide sequence are compared to determine whether proteins encoded by those nucleotide sequences are functionally equivalent, and therefore whether genetic information contained in the sets of genetic attributes can be considered to be the same. A determination of equivalence between two sets of genetic attributes can enable the compression of thousands of individual DNA nucleotide attributes into a single categorical genetic attribute, which is useful for methods such as attribute discovery, predisposition prediction and predisposition modification where a reduction in the amount of genomic data can enhance processing efficiency. Sets of genetic attributes are determined to be equivalent based on whether they are able to satisfy one or more equivalence rules.

Abstract: A bioinformatics method, software, database and system for genetic attribute analysis are presented in which non-identical sets of genetic attributes comprising nucleotide sequences are compared to determine whether proteins encoded by those nucleotide sequences are functionally equivalent and, therefore, whether genetic information contained in the sets of genetic attributes can be considered equivalent. Sets of genetic attributes are determined to be equivalent based on whether they are able to satisfy one or more predetermined equivalence rules for comparing non-identical protein-encoding nucleotide sequences. A determination of equivalence between sets of genetic attributes can enable the compression of thousands of individual DNA nucleotide attributes into a single categorical attribute, as well as enable determinations of co-association of attributes, predisposition prediction and predisposition modification of individuals.

Abstract: A method, software, database and system for attribute partner identification and social network based attribute analysis are presented in which attribute profiles associated with individuals can be compared, attribute partners can be identified, groups of individuals can be formed, associations between individuals can be determined, and attribute based information can be analyzed and referenced. Attributes, both genetic and non-genetic, can be analyzed and utilized not only for the basis of comparisons between individuals, but also to form groups based on overlapping genetic and non-genetic attributes.

Abstract: A bioinformatics method, software, database and system for expanding attribute profiles are presented in which primary attributes from an attribute profile of an individual are used to derive secondary attributes that can be added to the individual's attribute profile to generate an expanded attribute profile having a higher strength of association with a query attribute (i.e., an attribute of interest).

Abstract: A bioinformatics method, software, database and system are presented in which combinations of bioattributes comprising pangenetic and non-pangenetic attributes that co-associate with a query attribute (i.e., an attribute of interest) are identified from a database containing attribute combinations and corresponding frequencies of occurrence of each of the attribute combinations for a group of query-attribute-positive individuals and for a group of query-attribute-negative individuals.

Abstract: A method and system for computer based predisposition modification are presented in which the attribute profile of an individual is compared against attribute combinations that are statistically associated with a query attribute. Those attribute combinations which contain attributes that are also present in the individual's attribute profile are tabulated along with their strengths of association for the query attribute, to indicate attribute changes to the attribute profile that can modify the individual's statistical predisposition for association with the query attribute.

Abstract: A bioinformatics method, software, database and system are presented in which attributes that modify an individual's predisposition for association with a query attribute (i.e., an attribute of interest) are identified. A predetermined set of attribute combinations that are statistically associated with the query attribute is used as the basis for identifying those attributes that can be added to or eliminated from the attribute profile of the individual in order to modify the individual's statistical predisposition for association with the query attribute.

Abstract: An Ad Management System (AMS) for managing sales and insertion of targeted advertisements into advertising opportunities (“avails”). The AMS provides advertisers an ability to describe their advertisements (ad characteristics) in terms of target market demographics, required ad bandwidth, ad duration, and other ad specific parameters. The AMS receives the ad characteristics and matches the ads to the avails. The AMS tracks different avails including duration and bandwidth of the avail, and uses a number of schemes to determine if the ad can be placed in the avail. The AMS targets advertisements by correlating subscriber characteristics to the ad characteristics. The subscriber characteristics may be associated with groups of subscribers (e.g. nodes in cable television environments) or to individual subscribers.

Abstract: A subscriber identification system is presented in which EPG related data including scrolling rates, paging rates, information screen viewing times, and manner and frequency of EPG activation are used to identify a subscriber from a group of subscribers. In one instance, the subscriber viewing data is recorded and a signal processing algorithm, such as a Fourier transform, is used to produce a processed version of the EPG related data. The processed version of the EPG related data can be correlated with stored common identifiers of subscriber profiles to determine which subscriber from the group is presently viewing the programming. A neural network or fuzzy logic can be used as the mechanism for identifying the subscriber from clusters of information, which are associated with individual subscribers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the insertion and transport of advertisements in a digital environment, including methods for directing advertisements (ads) at subscribers and substituting advertisements in a program stream with targeted advertisements. The insertion methods are based on synchronous, plesiochronous, or asynchronous techniques. These methods may operate at constant bit rates or at available bit rates. An ad manager is used to select targeted advertisements, and dynamic ad linking is used to substitute an advertisement in a program stream with an alternative targeted advertisement.

Abstract: A subscriber identification system is presented in which subscriber selection data including channel changes, volume changes, and time-of-day viewing information is used to identify a subscriber from a group of subscribers. In one instance, the subscriber viewing data is recorded and a signal processing algorithm such as a Fourier transform is used to produce a processed version of the subscriber selection data. The processed version of the subscriber selection data can be correlated with stored common identifiers of subscriber profiles to determine which subscriber from the group is presently viewing the programming. A neural network or fuzzy logic can be used as the mechanism for identifying the subscriber from clusters of information which are associated with individual subscribers.

Abstract: A targeted advertising system based on subgroups. Different subgroups are formed based on one or more subscriber characteristics, and different targeted advertisements transmitted to the different subgroups. In the Internet-environment, the subgroups are formed by utilizing multicast addresses. In cable-based and satellite-based systems, the subgroups are formed by node configurations. The targeted advertisements may be transmitted simultaneously with programming and inserted locally. An apparatus is presented which receives m program streams, n advertisements, and creates p presentation streams containing targeted advertisements, where p is greater than m.

Abstract: An advertisement selection system is presented in which vectors describing an actual or hypothetical market for a product or desired viewing audience can be determined. An ad characterization vector is transmitted along with a consumer ID. The consumer ID is used to retrieve a consumer characterization vector which is correlated with the ad characterization vector to determine the suitability of the advertisement to the consumer. The consumer characterization vector describes statistical information regarding the demographics and product purchase preferences of a consumer, and is developed from previous purchases or viewing habits. A price for displaying the advertisement can be determined based on the results of the correlation of the ad characterization vector with the consumer characterization vector.

Abstract: A subscriber characterization system is presented in which the subscriber's requests are transmitted to a server which fulfills those requests and performs monitoring of the subscriber requests for subsequent characterization of the subscriber. Monitoring includes maintaining records of the time duration programming is watched, the volume at which the programming is listened to, and any available information regarding the type of programming, including category and sub-category of the programming. The characterization system works across a network to extract textual information related to the programming from closed captioning data, electronic program guides, or other text sources associated with the programming. The extracted information is used to form program characteristics vectors. The programming characteristics vectors can be used in combination with the subscriber selection data to form a subscriber profile.

Abstract: An advertisement auction system is presented in which content/opportunity providers announce to advertisers that they have an opportunity to present an advertisement to a consumer. The advertiser transmits ad characterization information which is correlated with the consumer profile. Based on the results of the correlation, the advertisers place bids for the advertisement opportunity. Upon acceptance of a bid the advertisement is delivered to the consumer. The system can be applied to a variety of media including Internet advertisements, advertisements delivered over cable television systems, and printed materials such as magazines and periodicals. The system allows consumers to receive more targeted advertisements which match their lifestyle and interests, insures advertisers that their ads will be received by the appropriate audience, and allows the content/opportunity provider the ability to maximize revenue for the advertising opportunity.