Abstract: Methods and systems described herein provide for visualizing content across different time segments of a media asset. Information about content within a particular time segment of a media asset is retrieved. This content information is generated by processing user-generated messages corresponding to the particular time segment. Content descriptors are generated based on the received content information corresponding to the particular time segment. A timeline is generated, independently of presenting a media asset, wherein the timeline visually associates content descriptors with their corresponding time segments of the media asset. When these content descriptors are selected by a user, the user-generated messages corresponding to the content descriptor at the corresponding time segment are displayed to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically obtaining cost-efficient access to a media content collection are provided. A user selection of a media content collection, which consists of a number of media assets, is received. A first price is determined for receiving access to the entire media content collection using a single transaction. For each media asset of the media content collection a set of providers of the media asset are identified, and the lowest price for receiving access to each media asset is determined. The lowest price for receiving access to each media asset of the media content collection is accumulated to determine a second price for receiving access to the media content collection using multiple transactions. The first and the second price are compared, and access to the media content collection is received based on this comparison.

Abstract: A razor handle that provides maximum control when shaving is disclosed. The handle base may have a rectangular prism or tetrahedral frustum shape, with one unique side surface for each of a user's three fingertips. The base naturally stands upright when not in use, thereby keeping the blade from making direct contact with wet surfaces for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality radio frequency identification tags is described. The system uses at least one set of radio frequency identification tags. Each tag is attached to a container and includes several sensors for detecting physical conditions of said container. The system includes at least one autonomous intermediate reader in wireless communication with the frequency identification tags. The intermediate reader includes external wireless communication system, intermediate reader logic controller, and a self-contained rechargeable power supply. The system uses a central status reporting system in communication the intermediate reader.

Abstract: A system, a method and a computer-program product for exchanging communications between user sessions are provided. A first push channel and a first messaging channel on a first application server for connecting a first client to the first application server are established. The first messaging channel communicates with the first push channel, where both channels form a first session corresponding to the first client. A second push channel and a second messaging channel on a second application server for connecting a second client to the second application server are established. The second messaging channel communicates with the second push channel, where both channels form a second session corresponding to the second client. The first and second application servers communicate on a communication network. Messages are exchanged between the first and second messaging channels to form a connection between the first and second clients.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that adjusts modes based on actively determining an engagement level of a user. In such modes both the content presented and the interactions of a user that are recognized may be based on the level of engagement of the user.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality radio frequency identification tags is described. The system uses at least one set of radio frequency identification tags. Each tag is attached to a container and includes several sensors for detecting physical conditions of said container. The system includes at least one autonomous intermediate reader in wireless communication with the frequency identification tags. The intermediate reader includes external wireless communication system, intermediate reader logic controller, and a self-contained rechargeable power supply. The system uses a central status reporting system in communication the intermediate reader.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein provide for visualizing content across different time segments of a media asset. Information about content within a particular time segment of a media asset is retrieved. This content information is generated by processing user-generated messages corresponding to the particular time segment. Content descriptors are generated based on the received content information corresponding to the particular time segment. A timeline is generated, independently of presenting a media asset, wherein the timeline visually associates content descriptors with their corresponding time segments of the media asset. When these content descriptors are selected by a user, the user-generated messages corresponding to the content descriptor at the corresponding time segment are displayed to the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that adjusts modes based on actively determining an engagement level of a user. In such modes both the content presented and the interactions of a user that are recognized may be based on the level of engagement of the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for a media guidance application that automatically corrects overruns during fast-access playback operations. For example, the media guidance application may base overrun corrections on the attentiveness of the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for a media guidance application that automatically corrects overruns during fast-access playback operations. For example, the media guidance application may base overrun corrections on the content of the media asset subject to the fast-access playback operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for presenting information to groups of users using user optical devices that enable each user to view and share media content in a collaborative manner. For example, users using linked user optical devices may perceive a media playlist on a particular wall. The media playlist may then be modified (e.g., media assets may be added and/or removed) based on any of the users contacting the particular wall.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that adjusts modes based on actively determining an engagement level of a user. In such modes both the content presented and the interactions of a user that are recognized may be based on the level of engagement of the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a suitable user input interface type based on a particular user. Specifically, a media guidance application determines a demographic category of a user, and based on that demographic category of the user, automatically selects a user input interface for manipulating media objects that is suitable for the user.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems for gathering gamification data from business applications. Common gamification data that describes a user that accesses a business software environment, and specific gamification data that describes the user and is specific to a particular computer system in the business environment are identified at a user interface of a client device in response to a request from a gamification engine. By executing gamification logic in the user interface, the common gamification data and the specific gamification data are collected at the user interface and provided to the gamification engine. For example, the gamification data can be gathered by monitoring interactions between the user and the client device that is connected to the gamification engine at the user interface, and provided to the gamification engine independent of the business computer system to which the client device is connected.

Abstract: A system, a method and a computer-program product for exchanging communications between user sessions are provided. A first push channel and a first messaging channel on a first application server for connecting a first client to the first application server are established. The first messaging channel communicates with the first push channel, where both channels form a first session corresponding to the first client. A second push channel and a second messaging channel on a second application server for connecting a second client to the second application server are established. The second messaging channel communicates with the second push channel, where both channels form a second session corresponding to the second client. The first and second application servers communicate on a communication network. Messages are exchanged between the first and second messaging channels to form a connection between the first and second clients.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for providing customized descriptive assets related to media assets. In one embodiment, processing circuitry may receive a plurality of descriptive data related to a media asset. Each descriptive data may be associated with one or more characteristics, such as a genre or parental rating. The processing circuitry may then access a user profile and compare the characteristics contained within the profile with the characteristics associated with the descriptive data. Based on this comparison, the processing circuitry may generate a customized descriptive asset using at least a subset of the descriptive data.

Abstract: Techniques for managing content of a virtual workspace include receiving a request from a remote client for client-configuration settings, the remote client associated with a particular user; identifying a set of client-specific attributes associated with the remote client; identifying a set of user-specific attributes associated with the particular user; determining client-configuration settings for the remote client based at least in part on the identified client-specific attributes and the identified user-specific attributes; and transmitting the determined client-configuration settings to the remote client.

Abstract: A facet peer category navigation system enables enhanced navigation of a faceted search system by a facet peer agent enabled enhanced navigation of a faceted search system by identifying a plurality of targets in a database searchable by a faceted search system. A web page configured to run the faceted search system is displayed, and responsive to a display of a target anywhere on the web page and to an activation of a control associated with the target, a list of all peer targets of the target is displayed in a window on the web page.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically obtaining cost-efficient access to a media content collection are provided. A user selection of a media content collection, which consists of a number of media assets, is received. A first price is determined for receiving access to the entire media content collection using a single transaction. For each media asset of the media content collection a set of providers of the media asset are identified, and the lowest price for receiving access to each media asset is determined. The lowest price for receiving access to each media asset of the media content collection is accumulated to determine a second price for receiving access to the media content collection using multiple transactions. The first and the second price are compared, and access to the media content collection is received based on this comparison.