Abstract: A method for generating and maintaining hierarchical tags with community-based ratings is provided. Tags for media streams are organized into a hierarchical format. Users may select tags from the hierarchical tag database that describes a particular multimedia content. If the user is unable to locate a desired tag, the user may submit a new tag. Upon submission of the new tag, a librarian approves the tag before storing and placing the tag in the hierarchical tag database. Users are also able to rate the quality of the association between the tag and the multimedia content. If a tag is rated low, the tag may be removed from the hierarchical tag database. If the tag is rated highly, display of the tag in a list of tags becomes more prominent.

Abstract: A method and system for providing data anonymously is provided. The method involves receiving an encrypted operator match ID by a client device from a first entity, where the encrypted operator match ID is encrypted using a first encryption key; decrypting the encrypted operator match ID using a first decryption key, associated with the first encryption key, by the client device to obtain a decrypted operator match ID; encrypting the decrypted operator match ID using a second encryption key by the client device to obtain a re-encrypted operator match ID; and sending the client device usage information with the re-encrypted operator match ID by the client device to a second entity through an anonymous channel, where the second entity decrypts the re-encrypted operator match ID using a second decryption key, associated with the second encryption key, to obtain the operator match ID.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure multimedia transfer provides an encrypted data transfer system that makes transferring multimedia content from a client to any incompatible system or to a system outside the location of the client very difficult.

Abstract: A communication system and a family of methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. A remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. A user may access the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. A user may access the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. The user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder by using a graphical user interface installed in the front panel of the digital video recorder, or using a similar GUI incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder.

Abstract: A multimedia mobile personalization system provides a remote control that detects a user's electronic tag, e.g. an RFID tag. The remote control notifies a multimedia device of the user's identity. The multimedia devices tailors it operations to the user's preferences stored locally. Multimedia content such as broadcast or recorded television programs, music play lists, and the like could be sorted, displayed, or restricted, depending on the user identifier.

Abstract: In a conditional access system, a headend transmits content to one or more receivers in encrypted transport streams. The system provides a multi-layer security architecture, rendering the system resistant to key replay attacks; if one layer is circumvented, subsequent layers remain intact. A first layer prevents unencrypted keys from being recorded by shielding the unencrypted keys from users and encrypting the path from the receiver's conditional access module to the transport decryption module; a second layer prevents a key recorded on one receiver from being played back to the transport decryption module on a second receiver; a third layer prevents a user from decrypting transport streams without the encryption module by encrypting the stream a second time prior to being passed through any user-accessible memory or processor. Event tables are transmitted with the transport stream, either unencrypted for immediate use or encrypted, to prevent unauthorized use.

Abstract: A communication system and a family of methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. According to this invention, a remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. The user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder by using a graphical user interface installed in the front panel of the digital video recorder in case of local programming, or using a similar GUI which is incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server in case of remote programming. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder.

Abstract: A distributed database management system provides a central database resident on a server that contains database objects. Objects, e.g., program guide data, to be replicated are gathered together into distribution packages called “slices,” that are transmitted to client devices. A slice is a subset of the central database which is relevant to clients within a specific domain, such as a geographic region, or under the footprint of a satellite transmitter. The viewer selects television programs and Web content from displayed sections of the program guide data which are recorded to a storage device. The program guide data are used to determine when to start and end recordings. Client devices periodically connect to the server using a phone line and upload information of interest which is combined with information uploaded from other client devices for statistical, operational, or viewing models.

Abstract: A distributed database management system provides a central database resident on a server that contains database objects. Objects, e.g., program guide data, to be replicated are gathered together into distribution packages called “slices,” that are transmitted to client devices. A slice is a subset of the central database which is relevant to clients within a specific domain, such as a geographic region, or under the footprint of a satellite transmitter. The viewer selects television programs and Web content from displayed sections of the program guide data which are recorded to a storage device. The program guide data are used to determine when to start and end recordings. Client devices periodically connect to the server using a phone line and upload information of interest which is combined with information uploaded from other client devices for statistical, operational, or viewing models.

Abstract: A location-based sales system includes a non geographically based information set with non-geographical based input characteristics that are from online classifieds for goods and services. Further included is a geographically based database with geographically based input attributes sets, wherein each set is associated with each of the online classifieds, each set includes geographic parameters. In addition, a query component based upon a buyer initiated search for the goods or services includes a geographic tag for the buyer. Also included are programs having instructions for executing the buyer initiated search in the information set and outputting a search result that matches the buyer initiated search, plus instructions to map a proximate path as between the buyer geographic tag and each one of the attribute sets associated with the search result group, wherein operationally the buyer can view goods or services search results that include geographic mapping for each specific search result.

Abstract: A proximity alert system includes a non geographically based information set with non-geographical based input characteristics associated with an individual that are from online sources. Further included is a geographically based database with geographically based input that is also associated with the individual that are also from online sources. In addition, a query component based upon a member initiated search for the selected individual includes a geographic tag for each selected individual. Also included are programs having instructions for executing the member initiated search in the non geographical and geographical databases that outputs a search result that matches the member initiated search, plus instructions to map a proximate path as between the member geographic tag and the selected individual geographic tag, wherein operationally the member can view the selected individuals associated information that include geographic mapping between the member and the individual.

Abstract: An archer's hand support structure apparatus and method of use is disclosed to help stabilize an archer's hand during string draw and string release of an archer's bow. The archer's hand support structure apparatus includes an archer's bow that has a handle portion and a rigid member that is affixed to the handle portion, the rigid member is constructed of substantially non-pliant material adapted to encase the archer's hand, the rigid member having a finger aperture portion extending adjacent to an archer's distal hand portion and a wrist aperture portion extending adjacent to an archer's proximal hand portion. The rigid member also includes an expansion slot therethrough disposed substantially adjacent to the wrist aperture portion to temporarily expand the wrist aperture portion for operationally accommodating an archer's fingers communication from the wrist aperture to the finger aperture.

Abstract: A communication system and a family of methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. According to this invention, a remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. The user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder by using a graphical user interface installed in the front panel of the digital video recorder in case of local programming, or using a similar GUI which is incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server in case of remote programming. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder.

Abstract: A cryptographically signed filesystem provides a central database resident on a server that contains database objects. The server creates startup software to be installed in a client system's read only memory. The startup software contains a hash value for a second stage loader. The server also creates software for a bootstrap loader object which typically contains the operating system for a client system and also the bootstrap loader's hash value and a digital signature that is unique to the server. The startup software and objects created by the server are initially installed on a client device at the time of manufacture. The server can update a client's bootstrap loader and root filesystem at any time through the transmission of slices.

Abstract: In a conditional access system, a headend transmits content to one or more receivers in encrypted transport streams. The system provides a multi-layer security architecture, rendering the system resistant to key replay attacks; if one layer is circumvented, subsequent layers remain intact. A first layer prevents unencrypted keys from being recorded by shielding the unencrypted keys from users and encrypting the path from the receiver's conditional access module to the transport decryption module; a second layer prevents a key recorded on one receiver from being played back to the transport decryption module on a second receiver; a third layer prevents a user from decrypting transport streams without the encryption module by encrypting the stream a second time prior to being passed through any user-accessible memory or processor. Event tables are transmitted with the transport stream, either unencrypted for immediate use or encrypted, to prevent unauthorized use.

Abstract: In a conditional access system, a headend transmits content to one or more receivers in encrypted transport streams. The system provides a multi-layer security architecture, rendering the system resistant to key replay attacks; if one layer is circumvented, subsequent layers remain intact. A first layer prevents unencrypted keys from being recorded by shielding the unencrypted keys from users and encrypting the path from the receiver's conditional access module to the transport decryption module; a second layer prevents a key recorded on one receiver from being played back to the transport decryption module on a second receiver; a third layer prevents a user from decrypting transport streams without the encryption module by encrypting the stream a second time prior to being passed through any user-accessible memory or processor. Event tables are transmitted with the transport stream, either unencrypted for immediate use or encrypted, to prevent unauthorized use.

Abstract: A communication system and a family of methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. According to this invention, a remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. The user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder by using a graphical user interface installed in the front panel of the digital video recorder in case of local programming, or using a similar GUI which is incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server in case of remote programming. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder.

Abstract: An archer's hand support structure apparatus and method of use is disclosed to help stabilize an archer's hand during string draw and string release of an archer's bow. The archer's hand support structure apparatus includes a band of flexible material adapted to encase the archer's hand, the band having a first edge portion extending adjacent to an archer's distal hand portion and a second edge portion extending adjacent to an archer's proximal hand portion. The band also includes an aperture therethrough disposed substantially adjacent to the first edge portion for receiving a thumb of the archer's hand. Further included is a stiffener positioned adjacent to the band, the stiffener also extending lengthwise substantially from the band first edge portion to the band second edge portion and the band also includes structure for removably engaging the band from the archer's bow.

Abstract: A communication system and a family of methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. According to this invention, a remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. The user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder by using a graphical user interface installed in the front panel of the digital video recorder in case of local programming, or using a similar GUI which is incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server in case of remote programming. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder.

Abstract: A communication system and a family of methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. According to this invention, a remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. The user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder by using a graphical user interface installed in the front panel of the digital video recorder in case of local programming, or using a similar GUI which is incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server in case of remote programming. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder.