Abstract: A method and system for a platform wide party system that may be deployed in a multiplayer gaming environment. Players may associate themselves with one or more parties, wherein players within a party may choose to automatically exchange messages associated with changes in state of the players in a gaming environment. The party system exposes an API providing a plurality of function calls that may be integrated seamlessly with game play. A first player may indicate desired notification events to be received from a second player associated with the same party as the first player. Upon detection of a desired notification event on the video game console of the second player, an event notification may be communicated to a video game console of the first player causing an action to be performed on the first player's video game console.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring electronic media information over a public network in such a way as to provide safeguards for inappropriate distribution of copyright or otherwise protected materials are described. The media information is transparently watermarked with a unique ID, such as one generated from X.509 Digital Certificate and public-key cryptography public/private key pairs, such that the information can be identified as belonging to a particular individual. A system and method for monitoring the movement of such watermarked files, positively identifying people who have inappropriately distributed copyright materials over a public network without permission, and taking appropriate enforcement action against such people.

Abstract: A game cartridge includes instructions designed to transform a state-of-the-art game player device into a platform for numerous pay television-related services and offerings. In one aspect the systems and methods described may include the leveraging of emerging state-of-the-art and highly secure game players to create applications targeted toward Pay Television subscribers. The system may generate a log configured to create a user profile based upon previous tendencies of the user. The log may be used to recommend offerings for products or services to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring electronic media information over a public network in such a way as to provide safeguards for inappropriate distribution of copyright or otherwise protected materials are described. The media information is transparently watermarked with a unique ID, such as one generated from X.509 Digital Certificate and public-key cryptography public/private key pairs, such that the information can be identified as belonging to a particular individual. A system and method for monitoring the movement of such watermarked files, positively identifying people who have inappropriately distributed copyright materials over a public network without permission, and taking appropriate enforcement action against such people.

Abstract: A system and method for the distribution of content to subscribers while maintaining the distribution rights associated with the content. Tags identifying aspects and features, including distribution rights, of the content are associated with the content. The tagged content is aggregated into a centralized data center that receives requests from subscribers to access the content. The tags associated with the requested content are evaluated to determine if the subscriber is authorized to access the content before the content is provided to the subscriber.

Abstract: A multi-source bridge content distribution system links multiple content owners with access network operators or content distribution providers leasing space on access networks so that multi-media content can be provided from multiple content owners to consumers through a multi-source bridge or data center. Content files and associated content owner preference settings are provided from a plurality of content sources or providers to the multi-source data center. Files stored at the data center or locally at an access network are provided to subscribers through the local access network Content files are provided if the content owner preference settings are a sufficient match with service provider access network preference settings set up by the service provider using the access network to provide content to subscribers.

Abstract: A video shop access system allows consumers to receive information on title inventories available at local video shops in the consumers' geographical area through their home or wireless media servers. A video shop data center receives title information on inventory available at the local video shops and stores the title information in an inventory data base. On receipt of a request from a consumer's media server, a video shop user interface is provided to the media server and displayed on an associated user display device, the user interface providing a link to the stored title inventories. The consumer can select and order titles through the interface, and orders are forwarded by the data center to the appropriate local video shop, which delivers a physical copy of the title to the requesting consumer.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring the distribution of digital content files, transaction information regarding transfer of a selected digital content file stored at a distribution provider to a distributor is obtained by a transaction monitoring module and analyzed to detect whether the transfer is valid and associated with a valid security device for the transfer. A report is generated if a security breach is detected and is used by a piracy insurance provider to assess risks in connection with a piracy insurance policy issued to the distribution provider. The security device may be an encrypted watermark or digital signature using a digital certificate associated with the distributor to which the file is transferred.

Abstract: Digital content files containing entertainment media such as movies, TV shows, and the like are distributed from at least one content source primarily responsible for the original creation of the media to subscribers over a network system. The content source is connected over at least one content source network to a plurality of distribution partners, and each distribution partner is connected with a selected group of subscribers over an access network. A requested digital content file is distributed from the content source to a subscriber in a network distribution path comprising at least the content source network, the distribution partner associated with the subscriber, and the second network. A profile information package containing subscriber preferences is transmitted from the subscriber to the content source by way of a proxy over the network distribution path, and the profile information package is stored at the content source.

Abstract: A system and method for providing protection of ownership rights of digital content files while also providing distribution of the content files to consumers that are authorized to receive the digital content files. A system and method for preventing or deterring the unauthorized distribution of digital content files. Several possible protection schemes include, for example, proactive protections such as encryption, SSL or VPN technologies, and reactive protections such as watermarking, PKI, piracy watch systems, or legal action management.

Abstract: The current invention describes a software methodology for simulating a virtual machine based upon a platform configuration which specifies in detail the capability of the qualitatively and quantitatively variable features of the hardware and software platforms being simulated. The configuration is used during the execution of the simulator to control the simulation process to faithfully mimic the behavior of a variety of platforms.

Abstract: A method, computer readable medium, and system are provided for generating thematic information correlated with segments for possible inclusion in a program. Thematic information concerning the program is developed. A data structure is generated collecting information identifying a theme and associating a segment with the theme. The data structure is configured to be engaged by a media player to present additional content related to the thematic information in the program.

Abstract: A system and method for providing protection of ownership rights of digital content files while also providing distribution of the content files to consumers that are authorized to receive the digital content files. A system and method for preventing or deterring the unauthorized distribution of digital content files. Several possible protection schemes include, for example, proactive protections such as encryption, SSL or VPN technologies, and reactive protections such as watermarking, PKI, piracy watch systems, or legal action management.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a secure communication network to facilitate consultations between a client and a counselor that limits legal liability to the participants comprising at least one web module, a certificate module, from which a digital certificate is issued to the client once said client contacts the at least one web module, a liability limitation module through which a liability limiting agreement is provided to the client via the at least one web module, a payment module, to which the client communicates a payment method via the at least one web module, a consultant database module, from which the client selects a consultant of choice via the at least one web module, and a consultation module, within which the consultant of choice and the client confer via the at least one web module in a secure environment is described.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring electronic media information over a public network in such a way as to provide safeguards for inappropriate distribution of copyright or otherwise protected materials are described. The media information is transparently watermarked with a unique ID, such as one generated from X.509 Digital Certificate and public-key cryptography public/private key pairs, such that the information can be identified as belonging to a particular individual. A system and method for monitoring the movement of such watermarked files, positively identifying people who have inappropriately distributed copyright materials over a public network without permission, and taking appropriate enforcement action against such people.

Abstract: An answering machine receives and records both voice and email messages. The answering machine includes a telephone line interface, a modem, a processor, memory for storing the processor software and recording the messages, a speaker, a display and a keypad. When the answering machine detects a ring signal on the telephone line to which it is connected, it answers the call. The answering machine plays an outgoing message for the caller to hear and records the caller's incoming voice message. Periodically or at predetermined times, the answering machine may check for email messages by calling a service provider. When the service provider answers the call, the answering machine logs in, downloads and stores at least a portion of email messages that have been received. A user can view the display and review the messages. Voice mail messages are played through the speaker, and email messages are provided on the display.