Abstract: In one embodiment, two or more links, coupled to a first service provider (SP) that charges a price for utilization of services according to a first pricing structure, are combined to form a single virtual combined link. Each of the two or more links of the virtual combined link and one or more other links, coupled to a second SP that charges a price for utilization of services according to a second pricing structure, are monitored to obtain link data. The link data for the two of more links of the virtual combined link is merged to form link data for the virtual combined link. Data distribution among the virtual combined link and the one or more other links is optimized to distribute data among the virtual combined link and the one or more other links in a manner that minimizes cost.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a network device information on paths to a destination node, determining a number of common nodes or links between at least two of the paths, calculating a path diversity index based on the number of common nodes or links, and selecting a route to the destination node based on the path diversity index. An apparatus for calculating path diversity index for use in route selection is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one implementation, a campaign manager sends content including advertising related to an advertising campaign to two or more media formats or media types. A consumer engagement score is derived from the user engagement scores associated with the media formats or media types. The consumer engagement score is compared with a target engagement score to determine whether and how to continue the advertising campaign with the particular consumer or set of consumers. Tracking of the advertising campaign extends across media types such as digital television, mobile devices, and personal computers, and extends across formats such as live content, recorded content, interactive content, text messaging, and others.

Abstract: A method of estimating end-to-end delay performance at an end-to-end delay percentile of interest for a network having two or more network segments includes measuring a delay performance level for each network segment at a corresponding network segment delay percentile and concatenating the measured performance levels by summing to provide an estimate value indicative of end-to-end delay performance. A network segment delay percentile may be selected for each network segment for a particular end-to-end delay percentile of interest, error band, and number of segments. Selection may result in using the same network segment delay percentile for all network segments, or, selecting individual network segment delay percentiles for each network segments, or selecting a first network segment delay percentile for a particular network segment having a largest range of delay relative to the other network segments and selecting a second network segment delay percentile for other segments.

Abstract: An electronic bandage includes (i) bandage material, (ii) a treatment portion supported by the bandage material, the treatment portion being constructed and arranged to provide a treatment, and (iii) a flexible electronic controller supported by the bandage material. The flexible electronic controller combines with the bandage material and the treatment portion to form a conformable bandage which conforms to a treatment surface. The flexible electronic controller is constructed and arranged to dynamically control application of the treatment to the treatment surface while the conformable bandage conforms to the treatment surface. Such a bandage is capable of being packaged as a unitary body which is small, inexpensive and/or disposable.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes (a) querying a viewer for a preference setting for provision of advertisements, (b) receiving from the viewer a response to the query for the preference setting for provision of advertisements, and (c) providing to the viewer an electronic signal, the electronic signal including (i) a first component having a main content portion, and (ii) a second component having advertisements in accordance with the received selection of advertisement preferences. The first component and the second component are distinct. Software and apparatus embodiments are provided as well.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a network device information on paths to a destination node, determining a number of common nodes or links between at least two of the paths, calculating a path diversity index based on the number of common nodes or links, and selecting a route to the destination node based on the path diversity index. An apparatus for calculating path diversity index for use in route selection is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic bandage includes (i) bandage material, (ii) a treatment portion supported by the bandage material, the treatment portion being constructed and arranged to provide a treatment, and (iii) a flexible electronic controller supported by the bandage material. The flexible electronic controller combines with the bandage material and the treatment portion to form a conformable bandage which conforms to a treatment surface. The flexible electronic controller is constructed and arranged to dynamically control application of the treatment to the treatment surface while the conformable bandage conforms to the treatment surface. Such a bandage is capable of being packaged as a unitary body which is small, inexpensive and/or disposable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a plurality of connections couple to a plurality of service providers (SPs) that each provide services at a cost. The cost of the services of each SP is determined according to a tiered pricing structure that includes one or more tiers. Each tier correlates a particular amount of data transferred with the SP to a particular cost. A data collector collects measurement data that indicates an amount of data transferred with each SP. A processor selects a target tier in the tiered pricing structure of each SP based on the measurement data. The processor also generates a momentary target utilization rate (MTUR) for each SP based on the target tier for the SP and the measurement data. The processor then distributes utilization of services among the SPs based on the MTUR and tiered pricing structure of each SP to minimize the cost of the services provided by the SPs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stream processing message data relating to a web service application are described. One system has an input pipe for receiving multiple interrelated session based messages according to an order with which they originate. A processor processes an accumulation of the messages upon reaching a trigger point related to grammar characterizing the messages.

Abstract: A technique performs route optimization of services provided by one or more service providers (SPs) for communication links that are combined in a computer network. According to the novel technique, performance characteristics and statistics (“link data”) for two or more combined links are merged to form link data for a single “virtual combined link.” Route optimization techniques (e.g., priority-based route optimization) may then be applied to one or more virtual combined links based on the combined link data, in addition to link data for zero or more conventional single links (physical or virtual). Illustratively, a route optimization technique may be used in accordance with the present invention to efficiently and accurately minimize costs associated with services provided by a plurality of SPs, wherein each SP charges for utilization of its service based on a tiered pricing structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for suppressing the voice of a user of an audio electronic device, such as a mobile phone, from being heard by an unintended listener. In one arrangement, the invention includes an input microphone, an electronics module, and a suppression speaker. The user speaks into the input microphone, and the electronics module generates an antivoice signal from a voice signal received from the input microphone. The suppression speaker outputs an antivoice output that combines with the voice of the user to form a voice suppression zone next to the speaker. The user thus can carry on his or her conversation in private as long as the unintended listener is within the voice suppression zone. Alternately, the user can avoid distracting other users of similar devices nearby, such as in a crowded office environment with many individuals using telephones at the same time.

Abstract: A technique for efficiently and accurately minimizing costs associated with services provided by a plurality of service providers (SPs) that bill for their services based on a tiered cost structure. Target tiers are generated based on the utilization of the SPs' services and the SPs' cost structures. Utilization of the SPs' services is monitored. A momentary target utilization rate (MTUR) is generated for each SP based on the cumulated utilization of the SP's service and the SP's target tier. Utilization of the SPs' services is distributed based on the generated MTURs in a manner that minimizes cost. If the utilization of the SPs' services indicates the MTURs have been exceeded, new target tiers and MTURs are generated and utilization of the SPs' services is redistributed among the SPs in a manner that minimizes cost.