Abstract: A media system configured to select personalized programming for individual users is disclosed. The programming may include content, advertisements, and/or interactive queries, each of which may be selected based on profiles of the users.

Abstract: A database system is disclosed. The database system includes a matching module configured to query a database for users which have data matching an interest of another user and to selectively grant to one or more of the users access to data of the other user based at least in part on a result of the query and on an access control list.

Abstract: A database system is disclosed. The database system includes a matching module configured to query a database for users which have data matching an interest of another user and to selectively grant to one or more of the users access to data of the other user based at least in part on a result of the query and on an access control list.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely regulating the power consumption of a device are provided. The method comprises sending a message from a remote location and over a wide area data network to a controller locally attached to a device. The method further comprises adjusting, at the controller, the power supplied to the device based on the message.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system of disciplining data input to a multi-contextual and multi-dimensional database is described. A template identifying subject matter specific settings is provided, where the settings comprise a default ontology or taxonomy, a reserved word or phrase list, and restricted value ranges, and where the template includes a template identification and a version. A new record is generated based on the template. Alternatively, a record is generated by copying or inheriting information from an existing record in the database. A unique identification code is assigned to the record including a reference to the template identification and version. A weight is assigned to each record representing a level of diligence used at a time of data entry, where the level of diligence is dependent in part on the default ontology or taxonomy and the reserved word or phrase list.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system of disciplining data input to a multi-contextual and multi-dimensional database is described. A template identifying subject matter specific settings is provided, where the settings comprise a default ontology or taxonomy, a reserved word or phrase list, and restricted value ranges, and where the template includes a template identification and a version. A new record is generated based on the template. Alternatively, a record is generated by copying or inheriting information from an existing record in the database. A unique identification code is assigned to the record including a reference to the template identification and version. A weight is assigned to each record representing a level of diligence used at a time of data entry, where the level of diligence is dependent in part on the default ontology or taxonomy and the reserved word or phrase list.

Abstract: A system and method for processing records in a database. The method includes calculating, by a processor, a source quality for each source in the database based on records associated with the source. The method includes applying, by a processor, user preferences corresponding with a user request to search the database, where the user request comprises a source quality range, and a query expression. The method further includes determining, by a processor, the records in the database that satisfy the user request, where the determined records match the source quality range.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a data cluster of records referring to a same object or phenomenon in a context-rich database are provided. The method comprises assessing each record of the data cluster entered by a source on a predetermined number of parameters to develop a quality score for the source. The method further comprises assessing each field of a record entered by the source on parameters related to quality or performance of the data. The method further comprises storing one or more scores based on the assessments so as to enhance answering requests about a portion of the database.

Abstract: A database system is disclosed. The database system includes a matching module configured to query a database for users which have data matching an interest of another user and to selectively grant to one or more of the users access to data of the other user based at least in part on a result of the query and on an access control list.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely regulating the power consumption of a device are provided. The method comprises sending a message from a remote location and over a wide area data network to a controller locally attached to a device. The method further comprises adjusting, at the controller, the power supplied to the device based on the message.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely regulating the power consumption of a device are provided. The method comprises sending a message from a remote location and over a wide area data network to a controller locally attached to a device. The method further comprises adjusting, at the controller, the power supplied to the device based on the message.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system of disciplining data input to a multi-contextual and multi-dimensional database is described. A template identifying subject matter specific settings is provided, where the settings comprise a default ontology or taxonomy, a reserved word or phrase list, and restricted value ranges, and where the template includes a template identification and a version. A new record is generated based on the template. Alternatively, a record is generated by copying or inheriting information from an existing record in the database. A unique identification code is assigned to the record including a reference to the template identification and version. A weight is assigned to each record representing a level of diligence used at a time of data entry, where the level of diligence is dependent in part on the default ontology or taxonomy and the reserved word or phrase list.

Abstract: Methods and systems for verifying authenticity of a physical object and/or for verifying possession of the object by an individual are described. In one embodiment, the object is registered with a remote processing system. Data representing at least one characteristic of the object is obtained and stored in the remote system and the identity of the individual or entity possessing the object is authenticated. After authenticating the individual, an identifier is collocated (or an existing mechanism is activated or modified to replicate the identifier) with the object, where the identifier uniquely identifies the object and the individual possessing the object. The object and the identity of the individual possessing the object can be authenticated at a future time by sensing the collocated identifier and sending the sensed identifier to the remote system. The remote system can send instructions to an entity wishing to authenticate the object and its association with the individual possessing the object.