Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling the presentation of electronic media according to a credit-based scheme. “Debit-bearing” media may include video, audio, interactive software, etc. “Credit-bearing” media typically include commercials or banner ads. Other credit factors include cash, prizes, etc. The customer determines how to accumulate credits and how to spend them.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for processing a search request message received over a network includes computing a threshold value in accordance with the search request message and returning at least one search result to a user in response to the search request message, if a rank of the at least one search result at least meets the threshold value.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present method and program for establishing peer-to-peer karma and trust by a first user in a network includes engaging in a transaction with at least a second user in the network, where the engaging includes: sending to the second user an initial transaction envelope including a first set of transaction details, wherein the initial transaction envelope is signed using a private key for the first user, receiving from the second user an appended transaction envelope, the appended transaction envelope including the first set of transaction details and a second set of transaction details, and executing the transaction in accordance with the appended transaction envelope. Feedback is exchanged with the second network user regarding the transaction, where a copy of the feedback is maintained locally by at least one of the first user and the second user.

Abstract: A novel video surveillance system is made up of video and audio compression engine, a storage device and, a video and audio recognition engine. The video recognition engine detects such events as face recognition, motion detection etc, whereas audio recognition engine detects voice and other sound signatures indicating a potential alarm situation, e.g., panic voices such as screaming and yelling, or sounds such as gun shots, explosions. Combined recognition of audio and video signals provides for higher true alarm generation and lower false alarms level of the surveillance system. Additionally, the audio recognition engine provides information for directing video cameras in the direction of interest allowing better capture of an interesting scene.

Abstract: A system for bit-rate stream playout at preset speeds including a regular playout speed and other than the regular playout speed includes multiple streams encoded at a same bit-rate (R) but at a plurality of playout speeds. A selection mechanism is responsive to requests for playout speeds. The selection mechanism selects from among the plurality of streams to service a request.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for processing a search request message received over a network includes computing a threshold value in accordance with the search request message and returning at least one search result to a user in response to the search request message, if a rank of the at least one search result at least meets the threshold value.

Abstract: System for transmitting one or more presentation data streams from a presentation workstation. In response to receiving an input to open a presentation application, operating parameters are obtained for a presentation to provide presentation operating parameters for the presentation. One or more selected presentation data streams are captured based on the obtained presentation operating parameters. Then, the one or more captured presentation data streams are transmitted based on the obtained presentation operating parameters directly from the presentation workstation to one or more viewing devices via a network without utilizing an intervening server.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for processing a search request message received over a network includes computing a threshold value in accordance with the search request message and returning at least one search result to a user in response to the search request message, if a rank of the at least one search result at least meets the threshold value.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for controlling views of plurality of imaging units, where each imaging unit outputs a feed comprising video. A set of parameters are determined, and the set of parameters defines a given selected view of a region able to be visually covered by the plurality of imaging units. The given selected view is one of a plurality of predetermined selected views of the region. Each of the plurality of selected views corresponds to a portion of the region and to one or more of the imaging units able to visually cover the portion of the region. Further, each selected view is defined by a corresponding set of parameters. It is determined which of the one or more feeds correspond to the given selected view, and the one or more feeds that correspond to the given selected view are output.

Abstract: A system and method for permitting an end user to select a media stream and immediately experience the audio and video of that stream, in order to evaluate whether the stream is appropriate to the user's interests and needs. The invention implements a multi-channel receiver that is actively receiving multiple streams, simultaneously. In a preferred aspect, the bandwidth requirements necessary to convey multiple streams, e.g., those communicated on the same network branch, is reduced. Further, the resource requirements of the multi-channel receiver device are reduced for enabling a user to select from among the received multiple streams. A novel user interface is provided that enables fast selection of a pre-acquired stream and, playback of the stream content immediately upon selection.

Abstract: A flexible and efficient mechanism for integrating arbitrary isochronous processing algorithms in general purpose media servers is provided. The disclosed system supports generic graphs of processing modules with for buffer management, distributed stream control, and quality of service management. A data pump component is provided for dynamically creating at least one data path for data retrieved in response to a request, the data path having a plurality of filters for processing the data with one or more processing algorithms. A graph of component then creates a graph for processing data and instructs the data pump to retrieve filters and create the data path in accordance with the graph. By distributing stream control and decoupling resource management from components responsible for processing the media stream, the disclosed system allows these generic graphs to be constructed over multiple, networked systems.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a distributed video-on-demand system of a type wherein at least one node provides blocks of video data to clients and wherein at least some of the blocks of video data are replicated on multiple nodes. Observed response characteristics for other nodes are recorded at least a given one of the nodes which serves a client requesting a replicated block. The given one of the nodes also records response characteristics reported to it by the other nodes. The node from which to fetch the replicated data block is selected based on which nodes include a copy of the replicated data block and based on at least one of the observed response characteristics and the reported response characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining load capacity of a system. Physical components of the system and their interconnection are identified. The physical components are converted into logical components such that at least one logical component is created by grouping a plurality of the physical components and such that a load on the logical component will result in an approximately fixed proportional load on the plurality of physical components. Links between the logical components and a proportion of the load placed on each link between a source and destination pair are determined. A model of the logical components and interconnection of the logical components in is then stored in an electronically accessible data structure formed in a memory. A system and method for determining a path for routing data between a source and a destination pair in a system are also provided.