Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for receiving, by a removable computing device that is electrically connected to a computing system through a physical connection, contact information from a contact list that is assigned to a user account. The user account is associated with a mobile computing device that is in wireless communication with the removable computing device. The removable computing device is configured to physically disconnect from the computing system. The removable computing device provides the computing system with the contact information for presentation by a display of the computing system. The removable computing device receives from the computing system an indication of user input requesting that the mobile computing device initiate communication with a device identified by the contact information.

Abstract: A driver may provide preferred vehicle setting data to a system through a user interface or the system may detect the preferred driver vehicle setting data by communicating with a particular vehicle. The preferred vehicle setting data may be generalized/abstracted so that the data is not specific to any one vehicle. When the driver sits in any vehicle, the system may identify the type of vehicle and translate the abstracted driver vehicle setting data to driver vehicle setting data that is particular to the identified vehicle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for receiving, by a removable computing device that is electrically connected to a computing system through a physical connection, contact information from a contact list that is assigned to a user account. The user account is associated with a mobile computing device that is in wireless communication with the removable computing device. The removable computing device is configured to physically disconnect from the computing system. The removable computing device provides the computing system with the contact information for presentation by a display of the computing system. The removable computing device receives from the computing system an indication of user input requesting that the mobile computing device initiate communication with a device identified by the contact information.

Abstract: Vehicle setting data received from a vehicle is processed according to preferences and rules set forth by the vehicle's driver. The processed vehicle setting data can be shared with various third-parties.

Abstract: Driver vehicle setting values are crowd-sourced from multiple users in an anonymous manner. The crowd-sourced driver vehicle setting values are processed using machine learning to generate one or more vehicle setting recommendations to other users. The recommendations may be for vehicle settings that the user has not yet activated or vehicle setting values that are frequently used for a particular vehicle.

Abstract: In some implementations, user input specifying a character to be included in a search query is received and a determination is made (i) that all identified search results responsive to the search query can be simultaneously provided on a display, (ii) that adding one or more additional characters to the search query up to a maximum number of characters will not reduce the number of search results responsive to the search query to a number greater than zero, or (iii) that the search query includes the maximum number of characters. Search results are provided on the display in response to the determination.

Abstract: A driver may provide preferred vehicle setting data to a system through a user interface or the system may detect the preferred driver vehicle setting data by communicating with a particular vehicle. The preferred vehicle setting data may be generalized/abstracted so that the data is not specific to any one vehicle. When the driver sits in any vehicle, the system may identify the type of vehicle and translate the abstracted driver vehicle setting data to driver vehicle setting data that is particular to the identified vehicle.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for automatically selecting a content provider for delivery of content for consumption by a user. Various selection data such as cost, subscription plan, and so forth are gathered and a weighting profile is applied to generate a total weight by content provider. The total weight by content provider may be used to select one content provider from another for delivery of a particular piece of content.

Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one aspect, a device tuned to a channel for a period of time communicates a request for a portion of a program transmitted prior to the period of time. The device may generate a prompt seeking approval to make the request. A controller receiving the request may cause the portion to be provided from storage in response to the request. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which a device is tuned to a channel and provide a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for automatically selecting a content provider for delivery of content for consumption by a user. Various selection data such as cost, historical delivery bitrate, and so forth are gathered and a weighting profile is applied to generate a total weight by content provider. The total weight by content provider may be used to select one content provider from another for delivery of a particular piece of content.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for trusted social networking. Embodiments of the invention include a trusted social network that adds value by sharing information that is both of interest to a user (e.g., based on needs, preferences, and time and place) and is from trusted sources (e.g., friends). Tips associated with the trusted social network can be created (as well as presented) and viewed through a client program that provides an interface to the trusted social network. In some embodiments, the client program is used to present the user interface and handle interactions with the trusted social network. In other embodiments, web based constructs are used to present the user interface and handle interactions with the trusted social network through a web browser.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides for systems and/or methods for a dynamic range wireless access point to initiate deliberate and/or selective communications with one or more wireless devices over a short range radio path. One embodiment of an access point system comprises a processor that transfers one or more wireless devices to a long range radio path once a transition condition has been met. In another embodiment, an access point system may affect transactions between user/customer's smart devices and a commercial place of business where the access point system and the smart devices initiate communications when the smart devices are deliberately placed within the proximity of the access point antenna and/or the smart devices are brought within the vicinity of the access point antenna such as by passing through the entrance or exit to the place of business.

Abstract: A lock receptacle assembly having a body portion having a first end that includes a bore configured to receive a lock, an end cap removably securable to the first end of the body portion. The end cap having a through bore to allow passage of the lock, such that, when assembled, the lock can lock the end cap and the body portion together. The end cap interlocks with the first end of the body portion so that there is substantially no load on the lock when axial force is applied to the assembly.

Abstract: Example systems and methods of generating artifacts based on genetic and breeding simulation are described. In one implementation, a system for producing artifacts includes a mating module that initiates mating between a first artifact instance and a second artifact instance. Each of the artifact instances has an associated genetic string. A breeder module determines compatibility of the first and second artifact instances and combines the genetic strings of the first and second artifact instances to produce an offspring artifact instance. An artifact instance modeler interprets an offspring genetic string associated with the offspring artifact instance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for user interface operation. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a user interface including one or more graphical elements, wherein display of the user interface is associated with a display configuration, and detecting a user command associated with navigating to one or more previously displayed user interface display configurations. The method may further include storing a user interface configuration for the display configuration, and adjusting display of the user interface based on the user command.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides for systems and/or methods for a dynamic range wireless access point to initiate deliberate and/or selective communications with one or more wireless devices over a short range radio path. One embodiment of an access point system comprises a processor that transfers one or more wireless devices to a long range radio path once a transition condition has been met. In another embodiment, an access point system may affect transactions between user/customer's smart devices and a commercial place of business where the access point system and the smart devices initiate communications when the smart devices are deliberately placed within the proximity of the access point antenna and/or the smart devices are brought within the vicinity of the access point antenna such as by passing through the entrance or exit to the place of business.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for offering product deals to users based on the online behavior and other information of groups of users. This information associated with multiple users within groups and individuals having common interests in products to be purchased online and information associated with a finite set of data elements in the computer application are analyzed to determine a configuration of the data elements such that user access to relevant information and shopping deals is improved. In some embodiments, deals are offered to “swarms” of individuals with common interest and are made active upon acceptance of the deal by a minimum number of buyers. Deals may be automatically generated based on parameters defined by a vendor.

Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for user interface operation. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a user interface including one or more graphical elements, wherein display of the user interface is associated with a display configuration, and detecting a user command associated with navigating to one or more previously displayed user interface display configurations. The method may further include storing a user interface configuration for the display configuration, and adjusting display of the user interface based on the user command.