Abstract: Embodiments are provided for causing a playback device to be automatically added to a secure network for rendering media in synchrony with other devices in the secure network. The playback device may, without any input from a user, transmit a first message indicating that the playback device is available to join the network. Upon receiving the first message, a device already in the secure network may transmit to the playback device a second message indicating security parameters for joining the network. The playback device may then join the secure network accordingly. Embodiments are also provided for causing a playback device to be automatically configured, without any input from a user. Another device in the secure network may receive a configuration table indicating setup information for the playback device, and may subsequently transmit the setup information to the playback device and cause the playback device to be configured accordingly.

Abstract: Techniques pertaining to advertising through a digital data network are disclosed. Advertisement information is embedded in multimedia data stream as structured metadata, and transmitted through networks. Multimedia players installed in different locations, or zones, in a data network are configured to receive the stream data, and detect the presence of the embedded metadata. Through a network interface in the player, the metadata information is transmitted to and displayed on a controller. A user input interface in the controller allows a user to response to the displayed metadata and select to obtain the desired information accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a vehicle transport load includes receiving data regarding an inventory of vehicles and data regarding available transports, comparing and analyzing the data, and producing a best profile load. The method may include configuring parameters to further refine the best profile load, deleting and adding vehicles to the best profile load, and outputting the best profile load to a dispatch.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for configuring and profiling digital media devices is provided. The digital media device is monitored for user interaction. Profile data is generated based on the user interaction. The digital media device is automatically configured based on the profile data.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for remotely managing a digital device is provided. One or more digital devices are monitored. At least one matter associated with the one or more digital devices is identified. A resolution to address the at least one matter is generated. The resolution is then distributed from a remote location.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide optimized distribution of jobs for execution among available workers. Categories are established for pairs of jobs based on a precise or estimated distance between each pair of jobs. Values are then assigned to the pairs of jobs and various decisions about job assignment and grouping can be made based upon the assigned value. The systems and methods allow certain job pairs to be excluded from consideration from grouping together, and emphasize which jobs are best suited for pairwise assignment, resulting in reduction of costs and necessary resources.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a vehicle transport load includes receiving data regarding an inventory of vehicles and data regarding available transports, comparing and analyzing the data, and producing a best profile load. The method may include configuring parameters to further refine the best profile load, deleting and adding vehicles to the best profile load, and outputting the best profile load to a dispatch.

Abstract: Cache management strategies are described for retrieving information from a storage medium, such as an optical disc, using a cache memory including multiple cache segments. A first group of cache segments can be devoted to handling the streaming transfer of a first type of information, and a second group of cache segments can be devoted to handling the bulk transfer of a second type of information. A host system can provide hinting information that identifies which group of cache segments that a particular read request targets. A circular wrap-around fill strategy can be used to iteratively supply new information to the cache segments upon cache hits by performing pre-fetching. Various eviction algorithms can be used to select a cache segment for flushing and refilling upon a cache miss, such as a least recently used (LRU) algorithm or a least frequently used (LFU) algorithm.

Abstract: A software tool automatically places files and folders of a software program within segments of a DVD. The segments are defined by security placeholders, and the disposition of the placeholders is initially randomly determined, consistent with predefined rules. The placeholders are included on the disc to hinder unauthorized copying. A developer generally defines the order in which the files and folders are to be laid out, and the software tool automatically places the files and folders, filling successive segments and shifting the placeholders to accommodate files that will not fit in a current segment. However, any movement of the placeholders must be done by the tool and is only permitted if the new disposition of the placeholder is in accord with the predefined rules. A user can manually modify the automated layout, and in response, the files and folders are automatically shifted to accommodate the changes introduced by the user.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a power source delivers power to a networked device over network cabling (e.g., Ethernet cabling) in one of two modes: a low power mode and a high power mode. The power source begins delivering power at a low power level in the low power mode, and switches to a high power level in the high power mode after a communication exchange between the networked device and the power source. A power source delivery system includes circuitry on both the power source and the powered device for communicating information between the devices.

Abstract: A data protection portion includes the file alteration checking portion. One aspect of the file alteration checking portion relates to a media including game content and a data protection portion. In one version, the data protection portion protects the game content from modification by determining whether the game content has been modified. If the game content has been modified, then the installation of the game content within the apparatus fails.