Abstract: A method and system for identifying tune data from set top boxes associated with televisions, video monitors, or other video playback devices that are likely powered off. In some embodiments, survival curves are constructed that predict a length of time before a video playback device is powered off after a tuning event. The survival curves are used to predict the likelihood that a video playback device is powered off. Viewership estimates made from tune data reported from set top boxes can be adjusted to take account of the video playback devices that are predicted to be powered off.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing television ratings based upon data from consumer-owned set-top boxes. Consumers can decide to share television viewing data with a ratings provider. Consumers also can decide to share viewing data periodically or continuously, and whether they will share their demographic data with the ratings provider. The ratings provider can aggregate all of the data and associated demographic data of consumers sharing viewing data continuously, and compare the aggregated data with the viewing data of consumers sharing viewing data periodically, thereby validating the aggregated data. A ratings provider collecting viewing behavior from set-top boxes owned by service providers, and also from opt-in consumer-owned set-top boxes, can extrapolate from the sample sets viewership behavior attributes of the consumers who own set-top boxes and have elected not to opt-in for data collection.

Abstract: An individually targeted content delivery system and methods which allows content to be delivered to at least one set top box while preserving the privacy of the set top box users. The system and methods of the present invention determine one or more user models for a set top box based on user interactions with the set top box and content to be displayed on the set top box is selected based on the user model. The present invention also allows a set top box to determine when content has been experienced by a set top box user, and to require a set top box user to experience at least one pre-defined content before other content can be viewed.

Abstract: A system and method for using inverse mathematical principles in the analysis of compatible datasets so that correlations and trends within and between said datasets can be uncovered. The present invention is tailored to the analysis of datasets that are extremely large; result from passive, privacy-secure, or anonymous, data collections; and are relatively unbiased. Correlations and trends uncovered by such analysis can be further examined by data mining and prediction portions of the present invention, which uncover and make use of interrelated rules that determine data structures.

Abstract: An individually targeted content delivery system and methods which allows content to be delivered to at least one set top box while preserving the privacy of the set top box users. The system and methods of the present invention determine one or more user models for a set top box based on user interactions with the set top box and content to be displayed on the set top box is selected based on the user model. The present invention also allows a set top box to determine when content has been experienced by a set top box user, and to require a set top box user to experience at least one pre-defined content before other content can be viewed.

Abstract: A bracket for a wall form tightens ties used to secure the wall forms together. The bracket has a cam assembly with an inner member and an outer member axially aligned with each other. The inner and outer members have tapered abutting wedge surfaces. The outer member has a lug for receiving an end of the tie. A key may be inserted into one of the members to rotate it. Rotating one of themembers relative to the other causes the lug to move outward to tighten the tie, or to move inward to release the bracket from the tie.