Abstract: A method is provided for transferring a set of data over a network by monitoring the level of actual network bandwidth utilization. The method identifies a maximum monitored level of actual utilization and calculates a size for data blocks to be transferred as a function of the maximum monitored level of utilization. The data blocks represent a segment of a set of data, such as a software update that may be transferred or downloaded over the network without interfering with other network activity.

Abstract: Location-aware methods and systems are described. In one embodiment, a portable computing device determines its location by accessing one or more hierarchical tree structures each of which comprising multiple nodes that represent physical or logical locations, and traversing at least one node on the one or more hierarchical tree structures to ascertain the location. The device then acquires digital data associated with the determined location and that can permit the device to interact with a location environment. The device then enables interaction with the location environment based, at least in part, on the acquired digital data.

Abstract: Distributed caching and download of file. A method is described that includes building a peer list comprising a listing of potential peer servers from among one or more networked computers. The peer list includes no more than a predetermined number of potential peer servers. Potential peer servers in the peer list are queried for a file or portion of a file. A message from a peer server in the peer list is received indicating that the peer server has the file or portion of a file available for download. The computer system downloads the file or portion of a file from the peer server.

Abstract: A system and computer-readable media are provided for transferring data over a network. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a monitoring component, which monitors the level of actual network bandwidth utilization. The system also includes an identification component, which operates to identify a maximum monitored level of actual utilization. A calculating component then calculates a block size of data to transfer as a function of the maximum monitored level of utilization. The block size may be bounded between a maximum threshold value and a minimum threshold value. A receiving component then operates to receive the block size portion of the set of data over the network at one or more intervals.

Abstract: Location-aware methods and systems are described. In one embodiment, a portable computing device determines its location by accessing one or more hierarchical tree structures each of which comprising multiple nodes that represent physical or logical locations, and traversing at least one node on the one or more hierarchical tree structures to ascertain the location. The device then acquires digital data associated with the determined location and that can permit the device to interact with a location environment. The device then enables interaction with the location environment based, at least in part, on the acquired digital data.

Abstract: Context-aware computing systems and methods are described. In particular embodiments, location aware systems and methods are described. In at least some embodiments, hierarchical tree structures are utilized to ascertain a device context or location. The tree structures can be stored on or accessible to mobile computing devices so that the devices can determine their own particular context or location. A computing device can automatically determine its context or location by ascertaining a node on one or more of the tree structures and then traversing the tree structure to ascertain the complete context.

Abstract: A regulation service can deliver software packages to client computer systems while minimizing the overall effect on network (internet or LAN) traffic and/or server loads. In one implementation, the regulation service assigns acceptance rates to different software packages based on any number of different factors. Upon request for a software package, the regulation service can provide the acceptance rate and a refresh rate that differs for each software package. A client computer system can then calculate an access value, and if the access value is within an acceptance rate, the client computer system can access (e.g., download) a corresponding software package. If the access value is outside of the acceptance rate, the client computer system can refresh its requests until it identifies that the acceptance rate has changed, and the calculated value is within the new acceptance rate. Additional implementations include delivering bandwidth management policies to client computer systems.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a context or location service module, implemented in software, determines a vehicle context or a vehicle location based upon information that it receives from various context providers or location providers respectively. Software executing on a vehicle's computer can then cause one or more applications that are associated with a vehicle computer to be modified in a manner that changes their behavior.

Abstract: A system and method by which content, such as a software update, is downloaded in a controlled manner to clients so as to reduce peak demands, by modulating the number of clients that can request (e.g., automatically) to download content. To this end, before any download is requested, each client receives information that the client uses to determine whether to request the content now, or back off and retry the download process later. In one implementation, the information is provided via a download regulation file, comprising acceptance percentage and time window parameters that are occasionally varied based on current network load-related statistics. Clients generate a random number that is evaluated against the acceptance percentage (probability threshold) to determine whether to download or back off. The time window specifies how long downloading clients are allowed to download, or how long backed-off clients need to wait before restarting the regulated download process.

Abstract: A system and computer-readable media are provided for refining network utilization determination and download data block sizes in the transfer of a set of data over a network. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a monitoring component, which obtains a network utilization rate at a plurality of intervals. The system also determines an average of the network utilization rates and calculates a block size of data to transfer during the intervals as a function of the average. The average may be weighted by allocating a higher ratio to the more recently obtained network utilization rate. The calculated block size may be directly proportional to the product of the average, the size of the interval, and network availability. Alternatively, the size of the intervals may be adjusted based on the calculated block size.

Abstract: Context-aware computing systems and methods are described. In particular embodiments, location aware systems and methods are described. In the described embodiments, hierarchical tree structures are utilized to ascertain a device context or location. The tree structures can be stored on or accessible to mobile computing devices so that the devices can determine their own particular context or location. In one embodiment, one of the tree structures comprises a Master World tree structure that contains nodes that represent geographical divisions of the Earth. Another of the tree structures can comprise a so-called Secondary World that contains nodes that represent physical or logical entities that are organization or company specific views of the world. A computing device can automatically determine its context or location by ascertaining a node on one or more of the tree structures and then traversing the tree structure to ascertain the complete context.

Abstract: Context-aware systems and methods, location-aware systems and methods, context-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same, and location-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same are described. In various embodiments, a context or location service module, implemented in software, determines a vehicle context or a vehicle location based upon information that it receives from various context providers or location providers respectively. Software executing on a vehicle's computer can then cause one or more applications that are associated with a vehicle computer to be modified in a manner that changes their behavior. The behavior modification is based on the current context or location of the vehicle and thus provides a context-specific or location-specific user experience. The context or location can be ascertained through the use of one or more hierarchical tree structures that comprises individual nodes. Each node is associated with a context or location.

Abstract: Context-aware and location-aware cellular phones and methods are described. In one embodiment, cellular phones are configured to wirelessly receive information that pertains to their current context or location. The phones then automatically use the information to modify one or more cellular phone behaviors, e.g. by turning the phone off, changing the ringer's pitch, or placing the phone in a vibrate mode. In one particular embodiment, various location types are defined and have associated attributes that define a desired cellular phone behavior. One or more transmitters at a location for which a behavior is desired transmit information that pertains to the location's class type. The cell phones can carry an association of class types and their behaviors so that when the phones receive the class type information, they can automatically adjust their behavior.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable media are provided for managing the transfer of data over a network. In accordance with one method of the invention, the level of actual network bandwidth utilization is monitored. A timestamp indicating when the level of actual network bandwidth utilization was monitored is then provided. In addition, the quantity of data that had passed through the network interface at the time corresponding to the timestamp is determined.

Abstract: Context-aware computing systems and methods are described. In particular embodiments, location aware systems and methods are described. In the described embodiments, hierarchical tree structures can be utilized to ascertain a device context or location.

Abstract: Context-aware computing systems and methods are described. In particular embodiments, location aware systems and methods are described. In the described embodiments, hierarchical tree structures are utilized to ascertain a device context or location. The tree structures can be stored on or accessible to mobile computing devices so that the devices can determine their own particular context or location. In one embodiment, one of the tree structures comprises a Master World tree structure that contains nodes that represent geographical divisions of the Earth. Another of the tree structures can comprise a so-called Secondary World that contains nodes that represent physical or logical entities that are organization or company specific views of the world. A computing device can automatically determine its context or location by ascertaining a node on one or more of the tree structures and then traversing the tree structure to ascertain the complete context.

Abstract: Context-aware and location-aware cellular phones and methods are described. In one embodiment, cellular phones are configured to wirelessly receive information that pertains to their current context or location. The phones then automatically use the information to modify one or more cellular phone behaviors, e.g. by turning the phone off, changing the ringer's pitch, or placing the phone in a vibrate mode. In one particular embodiment, various location types are defined and have associated attributes that define a desired cellular phone behavior. One or more transmitters at a location for which a behavior is desired transmit information that pertains to the location's class type. The cell phones can carry an association of class types and their behaviors so that when the phones receive the class type information, they can automatically adjust their behavior.

Abstract: Context-aware computing systems and methods are described. In some embodiments, hierarchical tree structures are utilized to ascertain a device context. The tree structures can be stored on or accessible to mobile computing devices so that the devices can determine their own particular context. A unique device architecture permits context aware computing and comprises, in at least some embodiments, a context service module, a common interface, and one or more context providers. The context providers provide information, through the common interface, that pertains to the context of a device, and the context service module processes the information to device the device's context.

Abstract: Context aware computing systems and methods are described. In one described embodiment, devices and methods are provided that are context-aware (in one example—location-aware) in that they provide for the application and enforcement of various policies as a function of context. Specifically, various computing devices, through the described methodologies and structures, are able to automatically determine their context. Once context is determined, a collection of policies can be evaluated to provide a resultant set of policies that apply to the given context. The resultant set of policies are then enforced, typically via the device's operating system. Policy enforcement can involve promulgating new settings or state to applications that are executing on or off the device. Advantageously, the devices and methodologies can adapt the resultant set of policies as the device's context changes so that the policies can be dynamically determined and enforced automatically as the device's context changes.

Abstract: Context-aware systems and methods, location-aware systems and methods, context-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same, and location-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same are described. In various embodiments, a context or location service module, implemented in software, determines a vehicle context or a vehicle location based upon information that it receives from various context providers or location providers respectively. Software executing on a vehicle's computer can then cause one or more applications that are associated with a vehicle computer to be modified in a manner that changes their behavior. The behavior modification is based on the current context or location of the vehicle and thus provides a context-specific or location-specific user experience. The context or location can be ascertained through the use of one or more hierarchical tree structures that comprises individual nodes. Each node is associated with a context or location.