Abstract: A word processing tool is disclosed for checking the substance and not merely the spelling of words provided by a user. The word checker is capable of identifying potentially inappropriate word choices so that unintentional errors are not introduced into electronic text documents. The word checker can be implemented as a stand-alone procedure, or integrated into a conventional spell-checking program.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing electronic advertising which provides content to users based on observing behavior of certain trendsetters within a member population. The trendsetters are determined by studying historical adoption behavior of individuals within the member population, or by reference to known indicia.

Abstract: A delivery mechanism for distributing media items to subscribers uses a timed based benchmark, or a triggering event, in lieu of or in addition to a conventional capacity driven model. In this manner, subscribers can temporarily have access to a number of titles exceeding a quota in some instances, in order to reduce monitoring requirements, or further some promotional interest. In other instances subscribers are consulted in advance before new titles are delivered, to give them an option of selecting their choice or a choice made automatically for them by a recommender system.

Abstract: A network based distribution system is disclosed for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of tides is made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for permitting subscribers to exchange playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable titles, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for automatically exchanging playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The automatic exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable tides, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.

Abstract: A recommender system can be analyzed to determine various performance characteristics of an online content service provider. The recommender system is analyzed using a predetermined policy, to determine if it satisfies such policy, and/or has other measurable intended and/or unintended biases. The policy can include such parameters as whether a particular profile is presented with certain particular types of items by the recommender system. The reliability of search engines can also be tested using a similar approach.

Abstract: A networked computer system is configured to obtain case data from an online web portal dynamically and on-demand. Data acquisition modules can be configured to prefetch cases predicted to be of interest to users by a separate prediction module, and to resolve access control pages on the latter's behalf to reduce latency. The system also can be configured to exploit existing data connections to piggyback and retrieve additional data items likely to be of interest.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of tides is made available to the subscriber based on selection logic which can be specified by the user.

Abstract: An inventory management, and a shipping/returns management system can be analyzed to determine various performance characteristics of an e-commerce operator, such as whether the latter maintains sufficient items to meet demand, whether distribution is occurring in a timely fashion, etc. The systems are analyzed using one or more anonymous proxy accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing electronic advertising which provides content to users based on observing behavior of certain trendsetters within a member population.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing electronic advertising which provides content to users based on observing behavior of certain trendsetters within a member population. The trendsetters are determined by studying historical adoption behavior of individuals within the member population, or by reference to known indicia.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing/influencing a recommender system which provides recommendations to users based on characteristics of certain trendsetters within a member population. The trendsetters are determined by studying historical adoption behavior of a group within the member population, or by reference to known indicia.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring content/link behavior of web pages/web sites over time can be used for, among other things, compiling relevant information, implementing/influencing a search engine, etc. Certain web pages/web sites can be characterized as trendsetters by studying historical adoption behavior of a group within the universe of websites, or by reference to known indicia.

Abstract: A remote monitoring device is integrated as part of a cell phone or personal digital assistant. By sharing computing resources of a communications transceiver, the cost of a monitoring device can be significantly reduced, while still permitting sufficient functionality to effectively observe an area of interest, such as a child's sleeping area. An alert is generated and transmitted to an observer using a separate transceiver when activity at the monitored area (i.e., sound or video activity) meets a specified threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and identifying trendsetters within a member population, such as an online community. The trendsetters can then be used for a number of useful purposes, such as predicting future product/service trends, evaluating advertising techniques, identifying collectible items in an electronic auction, influencing search engines and recommender systems, etc. In a similar fashion, the counterparts to trendsetters, namely, trend rejecters and trend laggards can also be identified and compiled.

Abstract: A remote monitoring device is integrated as part of a cell phone or personal digital assistant. By sharing computing resources of a communications transceiver, the cost of a monitoring device can be significantly reduced, while still permitting sufficient functionality to effectively observe an area of interest, such as a child's sleeping area. An alert is generated and transmitted to an observer using a separate transceiver when activity at the monitored area (i.e., sound or video activity) meets a specified threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and identifying demand for items based on observing behavior of trendsetters within a member population, such as an online community. The trendsetters are determined by studying historical adoption behavior of a group within the member population.

Abstract: A recommender system is analyzed to determine various performance characteristics, such as a learning rate for new items, or a learning rate for new subscriber tastes. Comparisons of different recommenders are presented to assist consumers and marketers in selecting appropriate e-commerce sites for purchasing, advertising, etc.

Abstract: A recommender system is analyzed to determine various performance characteristics, such as a learning rate for new items, or a learning rate for new subscriber tastes. Comparisons of different recommenders are presented to assist consumers and marketers in selecting appropriate e-commerce sites for purchasing, advertising, etc.