Abstract: Efficient processing of user data read requests in a deduplicated data storage system places the metadata for most frequently requested data in data structures and locations in the system hierarchy where the metadata will be most rapidly available. The total amount of such metadata makes storing all of the metadata in high speed memory expensive, and the system and method described uses both the temporal and the spatial characteristics of the user system activity in any epoch to adjust the contents of metadata cache so as to respond to the dynamics of a multi user or multi-application environment where the storage system is not made aware of the time changing mix of operations except by observation of the individual requests. A history record is used to promote metadata from the slow memory to the fast memory, and a process selection may be adjusted based on the address-space activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protocol bridging for a system level modeling simulation (SLMS), such as a SYSTEMC simulation where the components communicate using a TLM2.0 application programming interface (API). The method includes accessing design configuration information describing a first component of the SLMS that uses a first communication protocol and a second component of the SLMS that uses a second communication protocol. Run-time bridging logic is inserted between the first component and the second component based on the design configuration information. The run-time bridging logic is inserted at initialization of the SLMS and configured to bridge the first communication protocol of the first component and the second communication protocol of the second component.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are described for managing distribution of content via broadcast and narrowcast transmissions in a content distribution network. Content may be assigned to broadcast or narrowcast delivery based on viewership information.

Abstract: A method and system for prediction in a telecommunications network are described. Particularly, contact allocation, staff time distribution, and other performance metrics may be determined in a contact center operation environment comprising multiple media types and/or multiple agent skill sets for handling contact types. In an embodiment, models simulating queue behavior are built. Staff count may be altered in order to determine staffing allocations and performance scenarios using the models. Long term and short term predictions may be used to configure the telecommunication network and route communications through the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A single-use compression lancing device includes a bottom housing, a top housing, and a lancet. The lancet is generally within the bottom and top housings. The top housing is configured for slidingly engaging the bottom housing such that manipulation of the top housing relative to the bottom housing causes a sharp tip portion of the lancet to protrude from an opening of the top housing. In one form, at least one arm extending from the lancet interengages a portion of the top housing such that the lancet is retracted within a portion of the bottom housing.

Abstract: A device, system and method are provided to dynamically manage bandwidth for audiovisual communications and content distribution. The device, system and method may include dynamic qualification of content or channels for distribution in accordance with one or more distribution models, such as a broadcast distribution model and a narrowcast distribution model (e.g., a multicast distribution model and/or a unicast distribution model). In some embodiments, the qualification may be based on demand as reflected in requests for, or access to, content from user terminals. In some embodiments, based on changes in demand for content, a requalification of the content in terms of one or more distribution models may take place.

Abstract: Efficient processing of user data read requests in a deduplicated data storage system places the metadata for most frequently requested data in data structures and locations in the system hierarchy where the metadata will be most rapidly available. The total amount of such metadata makes storing all of the metadata in high speed memory expensive, and the system and method described uses both the temporal and the spatial characteristics of the user system activity in any epoch to adjust the contents of metadata cache so as to respond to the dynamics of a multi user or multi-application environment where the storage system is not made aware of the time changing mix of operations except by observation of the individual requests. A history record is used to promote metadata from the slow memory to the fast memory, and a process selection may be adjusted based on the address-space activity.

Abstract: A method of managing a memory system is described, the memory system having a processor with a client interface, a buffer memory, and a storage memory. A LUN (logical unit) is exposed to the client, the LUN having a memory size, and QoS specification. When the processor receives a command from the client to write data to the LUN, determining if the QoS specification includes deduplication and: if the QoS does not include deduplication, processing the command by storing the data in the storage memory and creating metadata uniquely referencing a storage location of the data that is written; or if the QoS includes deduplication, determine if deduplication is possible while meeting a latency value as specified in the QoS specification and performing deduplication.

Abstract: A method of managing a memory system is described, the memory system having a processor with a client interface, a buffer memory, and a storage memory. A LUN (logical unit) is exposed to the client, the LUN having a memory size, and QoS specification. When the processor receives a command from the client to write data to the LUN, determining if the QoS specification includes deduplication and: if the QoS does not include deduplication, processing the command by storing the data in the storage memory and creating metadata uniquely referencing a storage location of the data that is written; or if the QoS includes deduplication, determine if deduplication is possible while meeting a latency value as specified in the QoS specification and performing deduplication.

Abstract: Aspects discussed herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods to determine when a user remains engaged or stops paying attention to a content item. In response, a snapshot of the user's activity and environment may be obtained to ascertain the reason the user stopped paying attention. If the user stopped paying attention as a result of being uninterested in the content item, the system may replace the content item, such as an advertisement, with a different content item to regain the user's attention. Further, demographic information and the user's interests may be updated for use in scheduling future content items.

Abstract: A device, system and method are provided that may allot and manage bandwidth, such as bandwidth associated with broadcast and narrowcast distribution models, in a content distribution network. The device, system and method may include qualification of content or channels for distribution as broadcast content or narrowcast content. In some embodiments, the qualification may be with regard to selection orthogonality.

Abstract: A forecast model processes performance data from a site, e.g., a cable modem termination system (CMTS), to obtain a set of concurrency equations for existing speed tiers that is based on an observed subscriber bandwidth for the site. A new set of concurrency equations is obtained for new speed tiers so that a new subscriber bandwidth can be predicted for the new speed tiers. Based on the new subscriber bandwidth, expected subscriber growth, and changes in data consumption, the site is reconfigured with additional ports based on the forecast. This process can be repeated for the other sites. Sites may be grouped together based on the observed subscriber bandwidth. A new subscriber bandwidth may be predicted for the group with the new speed tiers so that additional ports can be configured for each of the sites in the group.

Abstract: A method for enabling user-customization of a controller design for simulation comprises accessing at least one library of individual simulation component models for controller components. The method further comprises receiving information describing an architecture of a customized controller design corresponding to a controller that controls communications between other parts of a first target system. The method additionally comprises generating a controller simulation model for the customized controller design based on the first architectural information, the controller simulation model including instances of a plurality of the simulation component models.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for generating staffing requirements for deferred work in a contact center environment. Dynamic backlog control is utilized to account for backlog from deferred work in order to produce steady staffing levels throughout planning periods. Optimal backlog is determined to be passed from one interval to the next, by systematically evaluating a number of points, in order to optimize the number of staff and staff time in the contact center environment in order to achieve performance levels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for tailoring related episode content within an episode, thereby improving a user's experience. In response to receiving a request for an episode, several factors may be considered when determining how much of the related episode content to provide. These factors may include information such as whether the user has already viewed a previous episode, the elapsed time since viewing the previous episode and a user preference. Related episode content may be modified to remove portions previously viewed by a user, depending on factors such as the elapsed time and a user preference.

Abstract: A method and system for prediction in a telecommunications network are described. Particularly, contact allocation, staff time distribution, and other performance metrics may be determined in a contact center operation environment comprising multiple media types and/or multiple agent skill sets for handling contact types. In an embodiment, models simulating queue behavior are built. Staff count may be altered in order to determine staffing allocations and performance scenarios using the models. Long term and short term predictions may be used to configure the telecommunication network and route communications through the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A forecast model processes performance data from a site, e.g., a cable modem termination system (CMTS), to obtain a set of concurrency equations for existing speed tiers that is based on an observed subscriber bandwidth for the site. A new set of concurrency equations is obtained for new speed tiers so that a new subscriber bandwidth can be predicted for the new speed tiers. Based on the new subscriber bandwidth, expected subscriber growth, and changes in data consumption, the site is reconfigured with additional ports based on the forecast. This process can be repeated for the other sites. Sites may be grouped together based on the observed subscriber bandwidth. A new subscriber bandwidth may be predicted for the group with the new speed tiers so that additional ports can be configured for each of the sites in the group.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are provided for providing content to a user. In some embodiments the content may be transmitted using a first transmission technique. In some embodiments, when the user “catches up to” the content as it is being received via the first transmission technique, a switch may be made to obtain the content via a second transmission technique, allowing reception of the content via the first transmission technique to be terminated. In some embodiments, a user equipment device may include a buffer that may be used to store the content received via the second transmission technique, which may support earlier termination with respect to receiving content via the first transmission technique. In some embodiments, the buffer may support a rewind operation.

Abstract: A forecast model processes performance data from a site, e.g., a cable modem termination system (CMTS), to obtain a set of concurrency equations for existing speed tiers that is based on an observed subscriber bandwidth for the site. A new set of concurrency equations is obtained for new speed tiers so that a new subscriber bandwidth can be predicted for the new speed tiers. Based on the new subscriber bandwidth, expected subscriber growth, and changes in data consumption, the site is reconfigured with additional ports based on the forecast. This process can be repeated for the other sites. Sites may be grouped together based on the observed subscriber bandwidth. A new subscriber bandwidth may be predicted for the group with the new speed tiers so that additional ports can be configured for each of the sites in the group.

Abstract: Cache management techniques are described for a content distribution network (CDN), for example, a video on demand (VOD) system supporting user requests and delivery of video content. A preferred cache size may be calculated for one or more cache devices in the CDN, for example, based on a maximum cache memory size, a bandwidth availability associated with the CDN, and a title dispersion calculation determined by the user requests within the CDN. After establishing the cache with a set of assets (e.g., video content), an asset replacement algorithm may be executed at one or more cache devices in the CDN. When a determination is made that a new asset should be added to a full cache, a multi-factor comparative analysis may be performed on the assets currently residing in the cache, comparing the popularity and size of assets and combinations of assets, along with other factors to determine which assets should be replaced in the cache device.