Abstract: Various techniques are described herein for using smell sensor-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices to detect and identify individual users based a unique scent or smell print. Interconnected networks of such devices may be used in collaboration, along with other devices such as IoT devices and home monitoring system devices, to track user movements and activities. Such smell sensor device also may be used to detect weapons, explosives, narcotics, and other prohibited items that may be concealed and/or not detectable using security cameras. The data received from the smell sensors and smell-based IoT devices may be used, alone or in combination with other security sensors and systems, to perform safety and security screening within homes, airports or other secure areas, or within any public indoor or outdoor location.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) object manufacturing systems and methods are operable to manufacture printed 3D objects corresponding to user-selected physical objects of interest shown in a media content event that have been viewed by a user, wherein at least one 3D printer that is accessible by the user of the media device is operable to manufacture the printed 3D object corresponding to the viewed physical object of interest.

Abstract: Media content recommendation systems and methods are operable to recommend one or more media content events to a user based on identified changes in the user's emotional state during a life event that is experienced by the user.

Abstract: A technique is described for implementing drones as a service. As an example, a drone may receive instructions from one or more network elements, coordinate operations with the one or more network elements, and perform at least one task associated with the instructions. The drone may deliver a container to a first location and perform object recognition to validate an object of a subscriber being delivered to a second location. The drone may measure the weight and dimensions of the object to confirm the object is within operating guidelines. After verifying the object is within operating guidelines, the drone may transport the container containing the object to the second location.

Abstract: Media content event review systems and methods are operable to present member content reviews of a media content event by presenting a plurality of member avatars in a virtual world, wherein the member avatars present audio commentary about a media content event identified in a user request, and wherein the community members who generated the audio commentary about the media content event have an interpersonal relationship with the requesting user.

Abstract: A childhood development system may capture audio and video in a home environment in which a child resides. The captured audio and the captured video may be filtered to remove audio and video corresponding to persons other than the child. Based upon information from the filtered video and the filtered audio, multiple scores can be calculated for the child using multiple trained machine-learning models. The scores can be compared with various stored activity score bundles. An indication of one or more compatible activities mapped to the activity score bundles that best match the child's scores is output.

Abstract: Various techniques are described herein for autonomously registering and/or activating Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, provisioning wireless network access of those devices, and connecting the IoT device to an NB-IoT network with agreed-to terms for network usage. In various embodiments, IoT devices may be configured to negotiate for NB-IoT network access by (i) sharing their data with the NB-IoT network provider, (ii) security storing and using cryptocurrency to obtain NB-IoT network access, and/or (iii) automatically providing the NB-IoT network provider with access to data from other associated IoT devices and/or with payment from a separate payment provider. Individual IoT devices may be preconfigured with negotiation terms for NB-IoT network access, pre-associated with other devices/users, and/or pre-loaded with cryptocurrency in a secure storage.

Abstract: A query session system and method is operable to determine a current location of a consumer conversation acquisition system when the consumer conversation acquisition system is a mobile electronic device or determine a current operation of the consumer conversation acquisition system when the consumer conversation acquisition system is stationary. Stored state information corresponding to the determined location or operation is accessed that identifies one of a receptive state of the consumer, an unreceptive state of the consumer, or optionally an indeterminate state of the consumer. The query session is presented to the consumer when the consumer is the receptive state. A query session presents a series of audible questions to the consumer that pertain to a subject media content event that the consumer has previously consumed. Responses of the consumer to each one of the presented audible questions of the query session are acquired and are saved.

Abstract: Media content event review systems and methods are operable to present member content reviews of a media content event by presenting a plurality of member avatars in a virtual world, wherein the member avatars present audio commentary about a media content event identified in a user request, and wherein the community members who generated the audio commentary about the media content event have an interpersonal relationship with the requesting user.

Abstract: A query session system and method is operable to determine a current location of a consumer conversation acquisition system when the consumer conversation acquisition system is a mobile electronic device or determine a current operation of the consumer conversation acquisition system when the consumer conversation acquisition system is stationary. Stored state information corresponding to the determined location or operation is accessed that identifies one of a receptive state of the consumer, an unreceptive state of the consumer, or optionally an indeterminate state of the consumer. The query session is presented to the consumer when the consumer is the receptive state. A query session presents a series of audible questions to the consumer that pertain to a subject media content event that the consumer has previously consumed. Responses of the consumer to each one of the presented audible questions of the query session are acquired and are saved.

Abstract: Various techniques are described herein for autonomously registering and/or activating Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, provisioning wireless network access of those devices, and connecting the IoT device to an NB-IoT network with agreed-to terms for network usage. In various embodiments, IoT devices may be configured to negotiate for NB-IoT network access by (i) sharing their data with the NB-IoT network provider, (ii) security storing and using cryptocurrency to obtain NB-IoT network access, and/or (iii) automatically providing the NB-IoT network provider with access to data from other associated IoT devices and/or with payment from a separate payment provider. Individual IoT devices may be preconfigured with negotiation terms for NB-IoT network access, pre-associated with other devices/users, and/or pre-loaded with cryptocurrency in a secure storage.

Abstract: Conversation support systems and methods are operable to assist a user to more fully participate in an ongoing conversation. An exemplary embodiment receives a conversation map comprising a serially arranged plurality of conversation segments of audio information each associated with one of a plurality of conversation participants, and that includes dialogue of the ongoing conversation being spoken by the associated conversation participant; determining subject matter of a current portion of the ongoing conversation based on the dialogue; selects conversation support information that pertains to the current conversation subject; and generating a conversation queue that includes information that corresponds to the selected conversation support information, wherein the conversation queue is communicated from the conversational support system to at least one conversation queue output device that presents the conversation support information to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards the interpretation of driver behavior and communication with autonomous vehicles and incentivizing drivers based on the driver's behavior. A computing device that sits on the dashboard of a vehicle includes at least one camera and circuitry. The computing device captures first images of the driver in the vehicle and second images of an area outside the vehicle. The computing device identifies another vehicle based on an analysis of the second images. The computing device determines a driving behavior of the driver based on an analysis of the first images. The computing device determines if the driving behavior satisfies a positive incentive threshold or a negative incentive threshold. The computing device selects and provides a positive or negative incentive to the driver in response to the driving behavior satisfying the positive incentive threshold or the negative incentive threshold, respectively.

Abstract: Conversation support systems and methods are operable to assist a user to more fully participate in an ongoing conversation. An exemplary embodiment receives a conversation map comprising a serially arranged plurality of conversation segments of audio information each associated with one of a plurality of conversation participants, and that includes dialogue of the ongoing conversation being spoken by the associated conversation participant; determining subject matter of a current portion of the ongoing conversation based on the dialogue; selects conversation support information that pertains to the current conversation subject; and generating a conversation queue that includes information that corresponds to the selected conversation support information, wherein the conversation queue is communicated from the conversational support system to at least one conversation queue output device that presents the conversation support information to the user.

Abstract: Media content event review systems and methods are operable to present member content reviews of a media content event by presenting a plurality of member avatars in a virtual world, wherein the member avatars present audio commentary about a media content event identified in a user request, and wherein the community members who generated the audio commentary about the media content event have an interpersonal relationship with the requesting user.

Abstract: An endpoint device outputs frames of test media during a testing procedure. Each frame of test media includes a test pattern. A test module coupled to the endpoint device samples the test pattern and transmits sample data to a media test engine. The media test engine decodes a binary number from the test pattern and then converts the binary number to an integer value that is associated with the corresponding frame. The media test engine then analyzes sequences of these integer values to identify playback errors associated with the endpoint device.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) object manufacturing systems and methods are operable to manufacture printed 3D objects corresponding to user-selected physical objects of interest shown in a media content event that have been viewed by a user, wherein at least one 3D printer that is accessible by the user of the media device is operable to manufacture the printed 3D object corresponding to the viewed physical object of interest.

Abstract: Media content event review systems and methods are operable to present member content reviews of a media content event by presenting a plurality of member avatars in a virtual world, wherein the member avatars present audio commentary about a media content event identified in a user request, and wherein the community members who generated the audio commentary about the media content event have an interpersonal relationship with the requesting user.

Abstract: Media content recommendation systems and methods are operable to recommend one or more media content events to a user based on identified changes in the user's emotional state during a life event that is experienced by the user.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) object manufacturing systems and methods are operable to manufacture printed 3D objects corresponding to user-selected physical objects of interest shown in a media content event that have been viewed by a user, wherein at least one 3D printer that is accessible by the user of the media device is operable to manufacture the printed 3D object corresponding to the viewed physical object of interest.