Abstract: A remote control unit includes stored user profiles to facilitate and possibly limit access to media content. In some embodiments, a biometric sensor or smart card reader provides user authentication to access stored user profiles. User profiles are associated with content sets that include content selected for potential viewing by the user. The remote control unit is enabled for bidirectional communication with a set-top box or modem that permits access to media content from a bidirectional service provider network.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an automated knowledge management service. A method includes receiving, at a computer processor that implements the knowledge management service, a request for information from a requesting entity. The method also includes generating, by the computer processor, a search query to search for the information across multiple compartmentalized data sources that are non-local to the automated knowledge management service, searching the multiple compartmentalized data sources for the information, and retrieving the information from one of the multiple compartmentalized data sources. The method further includes determining an access channel for transmitting the information, formatting the information to correspond to a format recognized by the access channel, and transmitting formatted information to the requesting entity.

Abstract: A remote control unit includes stored user profiles to facilitate and possibly limit access to media content. In some embodiments, a biometric sensor or smart card reader provides user authentication to access stored user profiles. User profiles are associated with content sets that include content selected for potential viewing by the user. The remote control unit is enabled for bidirectional communication with a set-top box or modem that permits access to media content from a bidirectional service provider network.

Abstract: A centralized rescue network system can receive an emergency alert message from a mobile device and use data from the message and from other sources to determine an appropriate response resource allocation. The centralized rescue network system may also request and receive additional data from the sending mobile device, other mobile devices, and/or other systems. A response message may be sent to the sending mobile device, other devices and/or systems. The centralized rescue network system can send requests to emergency services providers based on its analysis and processing of the emergency alert message and any other data so that the most efficient use is made of emergency resources.

Abstract: A method and system for interactive home monitoring includes detecting a visitor arriving at a premises of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) client by an intercom unit installed at the premises. The intercom unit may be coupled to the MCDN client, which may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a user of the MCDN client. A captured image of the visitor may be used to determine if an identity of the visitor is known or unknown. Based on the identity, a communication channel between the visitor and the user may be established at the intercom unit. The intercom unit may further be configured to provide further information to the visitor based on the visitor identity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing an integrated knowledge management system are provided. A method includes configuring access interfaces between a knowledge management system and each of respective external domains serviced by a service provider entity. The knowledge management system includes a knowledge engine and a source of information that is local to the knowledge management system. The method further includes configuring access interfaces between the knowledge management system and each of respective access channels serviced by the service provider entity. The method further includes receiving a request for information via a knowledge engine from at least one of the access interfaces, searching one or more knowledge bases for the information and providing a response to the request for information based upon the searching.

Abstract: A centralized rescue network system can receive an emergency alert message from a mobile device and use data from the message and from other sources to determine an appropriate response resource allocation. The centralized rescue network system may also request and receive additional data from the sending mobile device, other mobile devices, and/or other systems. A response message may be sent to the sending mobile device, other devices and/or systems. The centralized rescue network system can send requests to emergency services providers based on its analysis and processing of the emergency alert message and any other data so that the most efficient use is made of emergency resources.

Abstract: A supplemental rescue resources system can receive an emergency alert message from a mobile device and use data from the message and other sources to determine and select appropriate supplemental rescue resources, which may include may include any person that has volunteered or is otherwise a participant in the system that is not an on-duty emergency responder. The supplemental rescue resources system may select a supplemental rescue resources based on the location of such resources relative to the location of an incident, and/or the qualifications and/or preferences of such resources. The supplemental rescue resources system may direct resources to the incident and notify emergency services providers of the supplemental resources.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for obtaining ratings using a rating service. A server computer executing a rating service can detect arrival of a user device at a vendor location. The server computer also can detect an interaction with a product offered at the vendor location by the user device. The server computer can determine that a rating for the product is to be requested, and can request the rating from the user device.

Abstract: A remote control unit includes stored user profiles to facilitate and possibly limit access to media content. In some embodiments, a biometric sensor or smart card reader provides user authentication to access stored user profiles. User profiles are associated with content sets that include content selected for potential viewing by the user. The remote control unit is enabled for bidirectional communication with a set-top box or modem that permits access to media content from a bidirectional service provider network.

Abstract: A method and system for interactive home monitoring includes detecting a visitor arriving at a premises of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) client by an intercom unit installed at the premises. The intercom unit may be coupled to the MCDN client, which may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a user of the MCDN client. A captured image of the visitor may be used to determine if an identity of the visitor is known or unknown. Based on the identity, a communication channel between the visitor and the user may be established at the intercom unit. The intercom unit may further be configured to provide further information to the visitor based on the visitor identity.

Abstract: A method and system for interactive home monitoring includes detecting a visitor arriving at a premises of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) client by an intercom unit installed at the premises. The intercom unit may be coupled to the MCDN client, which may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a user of the MCDN client. A captured image of the visitor may be used to determine if an identity of the visitor is known or unknown. Based on the identity, a communication channel between the visitor and the user may be established at the intercom unit. The intercom unit may further be configured to provide further information to the visitor based on the visitor identity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing an integrated knowledge management system are provided. A method includes configuring access interfaces between a knowledge management system and each of respective external domains serviced by a service provider entity. The knowledge management system includes a knowledge engine and a source of information that is local to the knowledge management system. The method further includes configuring access interfaces between the knowledge management system and each of respective access channels serviced by the service provider entity. The method further includes receiving a request for information via a knowledge engine from at least one of the access interfaces, searching one or more knowledge bases for the information and providing a response to the request for information based upon the searching.

Abstract: A disclosed remote control, suitable for use with a set top box or other form of multimedia handling device, includes a processor, a user input device, and a display. The user input device and the display are communicatively coupled to the processor. A communication adapter is configured to place the processor in bi-directional communication with the multimedia handling device. The remote control further includes a storage medium that may include a unique identifier of the user and a user profile indicative of the user's channel preferences and viewing permissions. The storage medium may further include software instructions to synchronize the user profile with a corresponding user profile on the multimedia handling device, receive input from the user via the user input device, the input including commands from the user to manipulate the multimedia handling device, and display output on the display screen in response to the user's commands.