Abstract: Techniques for proof-of-viewing (POV) are described herein. In accordance with various embodiments, server(s) used by parties interested in tracking POV register media content items in a blockchain, receive a request to view a media content item of the media content items from a client, generate an intent object indicating the request to view the media content item by the client, and record the intent object in the blockchain. A server for reporting POV receives, from the client, a request for at least a portion of a media content item, where the intent object is embedded in the request, sends at least the portion of the media content item to the client and reports to the blockchain to cause the blockchain to record the intent object and an intent state in the blockchain based on sending at least the portion of the media content item to the client.

Abstract: Techniques for media content view reporting for reward granting are described herein. In accordance with various embodiments, server(s) prepare a media content item embedded with multiple parts of a key, where the key is associated with proof of viewing the media content item at a client device during a playback session. The server(s) cause the client device to decode the media content item to obtain the multiple parts during the playback session. The server(s) also receive an indication of the client device having accumulated a set of the multiple parts as proof of viewing. The client device receives the parts embedded media content item and decodes the media content item during the playback session. The client device also extracts and accumulates the multiple parts. The client device additionally sends an indication indicating having accumulated a set of the multiple parts as proof of viewing.

Abstract: Techniques for media content view reporting for reward granting are described herein. In accordance with various embodiments, server(s) prepare a media content item embedded with multiple parts of a key, where the key is associated with proof of viewing the media content item at a client device during a playback session. The server(s) cause the client device to decode the media content item to obtain the multiple parts during the playback session. The server(s) also receive an indication of the client device having accumulated a set of the multiple parts as proof of viewing. The client device receives the parts embedded media content item and decodes the media content item during the playback session. The client device also extracts and accumulates the multiple parts. The client device additionally sends an indication indicating having accumulated a set of the multiple parts as proof of viewing.

Abstract: A method of personalizing an existing digital player includes incorporating one or more bodily elements characterizing a persona associated with a theme into a digital player holder, and configuring the holder to substantially conceal the player in a frontal view of the persona. This method makes it possible for a digital player user to transform his/her digital player into a fun and entertaining personal statement as well as into a fashion, sport or other accessory.

Abstract: An online social network collects descriptive data about various individuals and allows those individuals to indicate other individuals with whom they have a personal relationship. The descriptive data and the relationship data are integrated and processed to reveal the series of social relationships connecting any two individuals within a social network. A maximum degree of separation setting is provided and set to at least two. The maximum degree of separation setting limits the amount of searching that is carried out when searching for a connection between two individuals in the social network.

Abstract: An online social network collects descriptive data about various individuals and allows those individuals to indicate other individuals with whom they have a personal relationship. The descriptive data and the relationship data are integrated and processed to reveal the series of social relationships connecting any two individuals within a social network. A maximum degree of separation setting is provided and set to at least two. The maximum degree of separation setting limits the amount of searching that is carried out when searching for a connection between two individuals in the social network.

Abstract: A method of inducing content uploads in an online network includes the steps of storing content relating to a first member of the network that is submitted by a second member of the network, receiving approval of the content from the first member, and associating the content with the first member. The uploaded content may comprise an image file containing a photo of the first member and a caption associated with the photo image. The second user uploads the content relating to the first member using a GUI. This GUI is made available to the second user through a hyperlink that appears when a profile page of the first member is accessed if the degree of separation between the first member and the second member is less than or equal to a maximum degree of separation set by the first user.

Abstract: A method of inducing content uploads in an online network includes the steps of storing content relating to a first member of the network that is submitted by a second member of the network, receiving approval of the content from the first member, and associating the content with the first member. The uploaded content may comprise an image file containing a photo of the first member and a caption associated with the photo image. The second user uploads the content relating to the first member using a GUI. This GUI is made available to the second user through a hyperlink that appears when a profile page of the first member is accessed if the degree of separation between the first member and the second member is less than or equal to a maximum degree of separation set by the first user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating, displaying and acting upon relationships in a social network is described. A computer system collects descriptive data about various individuals and allows those individuals to indicate other individuals with whom they have a personal relationship. The descriptive data and the relationship data are integrated and processed to reveal the series of social relationships connecting any two individuals within a social network. The pathways connecting any two individuals can be displayed. Further, the social network itself can be displayed to any number of degrees of separation. A user of the system can determine the optimal relationship path (i.e., contact pathway) to reach desired individuals. A communications tool allows individuals in the system to be introduced (or introduce themselves) and initiate direct communication.