Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting polymorphic notes in a graphical user interface. A polymorphic note manager receives a request to display a plurality of polymorphic notes on a graphical user interface of a device. In response to the request, the polymorphic note manager determines an order of the plurality of polymorphic notes according to either an associated date or, if there is no associated date, a creation date corresponding to each of the plurality of polymorphic notes. The polymorphic note manager then causes, at least in part, actions that result in display of the plurality of polymorphic notes in the graphical user interface according to the determined order.

Abstract: Access is provided for different types of media content provided by disparate publishers, and in formats corresponding to operating characteristics of respective user devices. As consistent with one or more example embodiments herein, media content access is filtered for users requesting access via different user devices, based upon characteristics of the device to which the access is provided, user subscription data and publisher-specific criteria. A user-specific storefront interface is generated for each of a multitude of users, based upon the filtering. Each storefront interface indicates media content that can be displayed at the device to which access is requested, and identifies media content to which the user does and does not have subscription access. The user-specific storefront interfaces are presented at respective user devices, and media content is delivered to each device in response to selections made via the user-specific storefront interfaces.

Abstract: Media content is provided using metric-apportioning. In accordance with one or more embodiments, remote-user interface circuits are authenticated and remote access is provided to different sets of media content via the interface. For each authenticated interface and a time-based period during which the interface accesses the media content, time-stamped usage data that characterizes use of the media content at the interface is communicated therewith. A usage metric characterizing usage of the media content is apportioned based upon the time-stamped usage data and stored weighting factor data for the media content.

Abstract: Media content is provided using thumbnail-based images and respective archives linked thereto. In accordance with one or more embodiments, access is provided to interactive single-page and multi-page thumbnail images, with each thumbnail image being linked to at least one of a plurality of media-content units in respective sets of the media-content units (e.g., to pages within respective articles each having one or more pages, with each page having predefined text and image data in a set layout). Archive data is identified and communicated for each media content unit, responsive to user input data indicating a selection of one of the thumbnail images, and based on availability of the archive data locally at a user device.

Abstract: External-services data are processed for use in a user facility in a manner that enables easy user interface and control. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an arrangement for processing external-services data includes an audio, video, and data signal bussing arrangement adapted to distribute audio, video, and data to designated points in a user facility. A plurality of appliances are communicatively coupled to the bussing arrangement and adapted to receive and process one or more audio, video, and data signals. A user input device is adapted to command a network interface unit (NIU) to process the external-services data for use at a particular one of the plurality of appliances in the user facility. External-services data is delivered over the bussing arrangement and to one or more of the plurality of appliances using the (NIU).

Abstract: A communication link is established with a packet-communications device. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network connection is established between the packet-communications and a server to pass data such as requests and responses, as well as files, media, streaming and other data. The network connection is a tunneled connection, facilitating the communication of data using a particular protocol that may be different from or otherwise incompatible with the data being communicated. The tunnel is divided into two or more logical communications channels, facilitating the multiplexing of data (e.g., request/response pairs) onto a single physical network connection.

Abstract: Data transfer over a network is effected in a manner that facilitates the use of available communications channels and makes possible enhanced data routing control and monitoring. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, data is routed to a remote (e.g., mobile) user device over a packet-communicating network having a plurality of communication links. When the transfer of data to the remote use device is requested or otherwise initiated, a host server selects one of the plurality of communications links available for transferring the data to the remote user device. The host server then uses routing functions (e.g., software) at a registered data source to access and transfer data from the registered data source to the remote user device.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system uses a modular terminal that includes a conventional digital still camera coupled to the input port of the videocommunicator, such as a set top box. There are various features provided by this arrangement, including using the digital still camera to present video information to the videocommunicator with a split screen image representing the still image, a receiver arrangement permitting the digital still camera to fit securely and adjacent to the videocommunicator, and pan/tilt/zoom camera features provided electronically.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting soft reminders (e.g., reminders for notes with no triggering criteria). A reminder manager receives an input, from a user, for specifying a note. The note is not associated with triggering criteria. In response to the request, the reminder manager retrieves contextual information from a device associated with the user, and causes, at least in part, presentation of a reminder of the note based, at least in part, on the contextual information.

Abstract: An approach is provided for exploring connections of a polymorphic note. A polymorphic note manager receives a request to display one or more polymorphic notes connected to a selected polymorphic note. In response to the request, the polymorphic note manager determining the one or more connected polymorphic notes and causes, at least in part, actions that result in display of the selected polymorphic note, the one or more connected polymorphic notes, corresponding connections between the selected polymorphic note and the one or more connection polymorphic notes, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting polymorphic notes in a graphical user interface. A polymorphic note manager receives a request to display a plurality of polymorphic notes on a graphical user interface of a device. In response to the request, the polymorphic note manager determines an order of the plurality of polymorphic notes according to either an associated date or, if there is no associated date, a creation date corresponding to each of the plurality of polymorphic notes.

Abstract: An approach is provided for generating a polymorphic note. A polymorphic note manager receives a request, from a device, to generate a polymorphic note, wherein the polymorphic note includes information of a plurality of application types that is developed over a period of time. The polymorphic note manager then generates the polymorphic note in response to the request and stores the polymorphic note for access by the device.

Abstract: Data transfer between remote and home locations over a network is effected using an electronic token to facilitate access to the data. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network-based server facilitates the generation of a token specifying conditions upon which data access to a registered user's data can be made. When a request for data transfer is received in connection with a token, information in the token is used together with the request to selectively authenticate and serve the request.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system uses a modular terminal that includes a conventional digital still camera coupled to the input port of the videocommunicator, such as a set top box. There are various features provided by this arrangement, including using the digital still camera to present video information to the videocommunicator with a split screen image representing the still image, a receiver arrangement permitting the digital still camera to fit securely and adjacent to the videocommunicator, and pan/tilt/zoom camera features provided electronically.

Abstract: Data transfer to a remote packet-communicating device over a network is effected using a network-based cache to selectively store data. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network-based server facilitates selective, rule-based storage of a registered user's data in a network-based cache. The registered user's data is available via the user's data source coupled to a packet-based network (e.g., via a user's home or business computer coupled to the Internet). The server controls remote access to data stored in the cache as well as data accessible via the registered user's data source. For instance, when a request for data transfer is received from a remote packet-communicating device, the network-based server authenticates the request and, for authenticated requests, facilitates a transfer of the requested data from one or both of a registered user's data source and the cache.

Abstract: A communication link is established with a packet-communications device. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network connection is established between the packet-communications and a server to pass data such as requests and responses, as well as files, media, streaming and other data. The network connection is a tunneled connection, facilitating the communication of data using a particular protocol that may be different from or otherwise incompatible with the data being communicated. The tunnel is divided into two or more logical communications channels, facilitating the multiplexing of data (e.g., request/response pairs) onto a single physical network connection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low-cost, remotely accessible surveillance method and system easily adaptable for personal or small-entity use. In one example embodiment, a request for image data is delivered via a first communications system, such as a telephone system, to a programmable surveillance system. The programmable surveillance system has a camera adapted to capture images that are processed as data by a first computer arrangement. In response to the request from the first communications system, the programmable surveillance system automatically accesses and delivers image data captured by the camera to a second communications system. A second computer arrangement is adapted to communicatively couple with the second communications system and to receive and process data including the image data delivered by the first computer arrangement. The received image data is displayed using the second computer arrangement, facilitating on-demand, remote image monitoring.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, the present invention provides methods and arrangements for using the internet and an internet access appliance to share images, wherein the images are captured, downloaded, and sent to a server. At the server, the images are parsed and posted to a web page. Subsequent communication is automatically sent to individuals selected by the sender to notify them of the posting of new images. The present invention provides an effective and efficient manner in which to share images for business, marketing, and home use.

Abstract: Data transfer over an network is effected in a manner that facilitates the use of available communications channels and makes possible enhanced data routing control and monitoring. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, data is transferred over a network having a plurality of communication links. A home (e.g., data source) node coupled to the network supplies data for transfer on the network. A network-distributed application routing controller is implemented at a host server and at the home node, and is configured for controlling the home node for passing data on the network. A data request from a remote network access appliance, such as a laptop or mobile telephone, is received at the host server. In response to the request, the host server implements the network-distributed application routing controller to transfer data from a home node to the remote network access appliance.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, the present invention is directed to a video communication system having a user-friendly, intuitive-like control for altering the video camera view at a remote terminal. The local terminal includes a display and a movement-responsive sensor arranged to generate a direction signal in response to corresponding movement at the display. At least one of the first and second computer arrangements is configured and arranged to alter data being sent to the display in response to the direction signal from the movement-responsive sensor.