Abstract: The present invention relates to a processor and a method for processing a data packet, the method including steps of decreasing a value of a first credit parameter when the data packet is admitted to a processor at least partly based on the value of the first credit parameter and a first limit of the first credit parameter, and increasing the value of the first credit parameter, in dependence on a data storage level in a buffer in which the data packet is stored before being admitted to the processor, the value of the first credit parameter not being increased, so as to become larger than a second limit of the first credit parameter, when the buffer is empty.

Abstract: A method for managing the usage of hardware resources by application programs within a computer system is disclosed. A use cost value is set for a device within a computer system. A number of tickets associated with a process is held. Upon execution of the process, the use cost value is compared to the number of tickets held by the process. The process is permitted to use the device based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An elastic scaling cloud-hosted batch application system and method that performs automated elastic scaling of the number of compute instances used to process batch applications in a cloud computing environment. The system and method use automated elastic scaling to minimize job completion time and monetary cost of resources. Embodiments of the system and method use a workload-driven approach to estimate a work volume to be performed. This is based on task arrivals and job execution times. Given the work volume estimate, an adaptive controller dynamically adapts the number of compute instances to minimize the cost and completion time. Embodiments of the system and method also mitigate startup delays by computing a work volume in the near future and gradually starting up additional compute instances before they are needed. Embodiments of the system and method also ensure fairness among batch applications and concurrently executing jobs.

Abstract: An operator graph analysis mechanism analyzes an operator graph corresponding to an application for problems as the application runs, and determines potential reallocations from a reallocation policy. The reallocation policy may specify potential reallocations depending on whether one or more operators in the operator graph are compute bound, memory bound, communication bound, or storage bound. The operator graph analysis mechanism includes a resource reallocation mechanism that can dynamically change allocation of resources in the system at runtime to address problems detected in the operator graph. The operator graph analysis mechanism thus allows an application represented by an operator graph to dynamically evolve over time to optimize its performance at runtime.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for managing a data stream distributed parallel processing service. The apparatus includes a service management unit, a Quality of Service (QoS) monitoring unit, and a scheduling unit. The service management unit registers a plurality of tasks constituting the data stream distributed parallel processing service. The QoS monitoring unit gathers information about the load of the plurality of tasks and information about the load of a plurality of nodes constituting a cluster which provides the data stream distributed parallel processing service. The scheduling unit arranges the plurality of tasks by distributing the plurality of tasks among the plurality of nodes based on the information about the load of the plurality of tasks and the information about the load of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: A technique for resolving deadlocks between an RCU subsystem and an operating system scheduler. An RCU reader manipulates a counter when entering and exiting an RCU read-side critical section. At the entry, the counter is incremented. At the exit, the counter is manipulated differently depending on the counter value. A first counter manipulation path is taken when the counter indicates a task-context RCU reader is exiting an outermost RCU read-side critical section. This path includes condition-based processing that may result in invocation of the operating system scheduler. The first path further includes a deadlock protection operation that manipulates the counter to prevent an intervening RCU reader from taking the same path. The second manipulation path is taken when the counter value indicates a task-context RCU reader is exiting a non-outermost RCU read-side critical section, or an RCU reader is nested within the first path. This path bypasses the condition-based processing.

Abstract: A system and method deterministically switches context in a real-time scheduler to guarantee schedule periodicity. The method includes determining a time slice for each of the plurality of processes. The method includes determining a time slice switch duration between consecutive ones of the time slices. The method includes determining a starting point for each time slice. The method includes generating a schedule as a function of the time slices, the time slice switch durations, and the starting points of the time slices. The schedule includes an order for each of the time slices for a respective one of the plurality of processes. Each of the time slices and each of the time slice switch durations are required to run for their entire duration to guarantee a periodicity of the schedule.

Abstract: A computing platform may include heterogeneous processors (e.g., CPU and a GPU) to support sharing of virtual functions between such processors. In one embodiment, a CPU side vtable pointer used to access a shared object from the CPU 110 may be used to determine a GPU vtable if a GPU-side table exists. In other embodiment, a shared non-coherent region, which may not maintain data consistency, may be created within the shared virtual memory. The CPU and the GPU side data stored within the shared non-coherent region may have a same address as seen from the CPU and the GPU side. However, the contents of the CPU-side data may be different from that of GPU-side data as shared virtual memory may not maintain coherency during the run-time. In one embodiment, the vptr may be modified to point to the CPU vtable and GPU vtable stored in the shared virtual memory.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide language support for CPU-GPU platforms. In one embodiment, code can be flexibly executed on both the CPU and GPU. CPU code can offload a kernel to the GPU. That kernel may in turn call preexisting libraries on the CPU, or make other calls into CPU functions. This allows an application to be built without requiring the entire call chain to be recompiled. Additionally, in one embodiment data may be shared seamlessly between CPU and GPU. This includes sharing objects that may have virtual functions. Embodiments thus ensure the right virtual function gets invoked on the CPU or the GPU if a virtual function is called by either the CPU or GPU.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a sender queue of a sender intermediate layer of a protocol stack and a receiver queue of a receiver intermediate layer of the protocol stack implemented with a sliding window protocol. The method includes receiving a data message or a collection of data messages from a sender messaging layer; tagging the data message or the collection of data messages with a unique identifier; writing the data message or the collection of data messages tagged with the unique identifier as a data window in the sender queue; transmitting a front data window of the sender queue to the receiver queue; receiving a single receipt-acknowledgement message after the receiver transport layer has received all of the front data window; and receiving a commit-acknowledgement message after the receiver messaging layer has read from the receiver intermediate layer all of the front data window.

Abstract: An event logging interface on a computer system is used to record an event when an application hosted by the computer system encounters the event. The event logging interface receives data pertaining to an event from the application. Using the event logging interface, the computer system determines a logical target of the event, and determines one or more physical destinations referenced by the logical target. The data is then dispatched to one of the physical destinations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for providing personal connection alerts. The user desires to have a personal connection with a target person. An indicator for a target is provided by the user. The indicator is often the name of the target, but can also be a picture of the target, or other information. A record for the target is created based on the received indicator. The target record is stored. A variety of additional information regarding the target may be obtained from external or internal sources and also stored in the target record. Then the target record is periodically compared with the user's social sphere of influence, which comprises the user's primary and secondary connections. The comparison includes at least comparing the target with the user's secondary connections. When the target record matches at least one of the user's secondary connections, an alert is provided.

Abstract: A communication device includes a first processing unit that detects a target and receives a first command for activating an interface upon a detection of the target. The communication device also includes a second processing unit that exchanges data with the target through the first processing unit. Further, the communication device includes an interface between the first processing unit and the second processing unit. The first processing unit selects a predetermined interface level from among a plurality of interface levels based on the first command and exchanges data with the second processing unit based on the predetermined interface level.

Abstract: In a data storage system, a fixture communication channel is created for communications between a fixture and another component, where the fixture is a component of a device driver that provides extended input/output functionality with respect to one or more storage devices. A handle identifies the fixture communication channel, and callbacks are registered with a driver handler and reference callback functions of the fixture. Fixture communication messages each include the handle and a message-specific operation code for an operation to be performed by the fixture, and each is conveyed by (1) issuing a fixture-control input/output control command to the handler that includes the handle and message-specific operation code, and (2) at the handler, using the handle and message-specific operation code to select a callback and invoke a corresponding callback function of the fixture.

Abstract: A method of providing position support to a main processor of a computing device is disclosed. The method may include receiving primary position data from a sensor at a sensor controller. The method may also include analyzing, via the sensor controller, the primary position data to determine secondary position data. The method may also include formatting, via the sensor controller, the secondary position data. The method may also include aggregating, via the sensor controller, the formatted position data. The method may also include providing, via a single channel interface between the sensor controller and the main processor, the aggregated position data to an operating system installed on the main processor. The method may also include communicating, via a driver installed on the operating system, the position data to an application installed on the operating system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention perform a method for reading data from, writing data to, powering on, or configuring a block device without the kernel translating a file system operation into a block device operation. This is implemented by a using a core module to couple applications running in user space to a character device through a character device driver, the core module configures the character device to communicate with a block device through a block device driver without the kernel translating a file system command into a block device command.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for efficient runtime modification of device property names in Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) tables. In accordance with one embodiment, a computer system determines whether a device supports a device property, and when the device does not support the device property, a device property name corresponding to the device name is modified in a particular entry of an ACPI table, such that a checksum for that entry remains unchanged. The modified device property name indicates to the computer system that the device does not support the device property.

Abstract: There is provided a method implemented in a data storage system including a plurality of storage nodes connected to each other via a communications network. At least one storage node of the plurality of storage nodes may store a first data item. The data item may be arranged to include a reference to a second data item stored in the data storage system. The method may include providing an identifier of the second data item. The method may also include providing status information about the first data item. The identifier may be used to update the first data item, for example based on the status information. The first data item may be stored at the at least one storage node.

Abstract: A system for printing comprising a plurality of local printer applications operating on a processor, each configured to render a single associated file type for printing. A print through server application operating on the processor and configured to transmit a print job to an external processor for rendering. A system manager operating on the processor and configured to transmit a file to one of the plurality of local printer applications if the file has a file type that is identical to the file type associated with one of the local printer applications, and to transmit the file to the print through server application if the file type of the file does not match any of the file types for the local printer applications.

Abstract: Object data that can be used in a predetermined application is previously stored in the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus makes communication with another unspecified information processing apparatus that is within a predetermined range. When object data that can be used in the predetermined application is received by the communication, an object based on the object data having been received is caused to appear in a virtual space, and when object data that can be used in the predetermined application is not received by the communication an object based on the previously stored object data is caused to appear in the virtual space.

Abstract: A holding mechanism is operable to hold a top medium from a plurality of plate-shaped media accommodated in a stacker in a stacked manner. A transport arm supports the holding mechanism. When the lift mechanism lifts down the transport arm, one of a first elastic pressing force and a second elastic pressing force greater than the first elastic pressing force is selectively applied from the holding mechanism to an upper surface of the top medium.

Abstract: An optical disc drive (ODD) including a tray having a spindle motor, an optical pickup unit, and a transfer motor, may have first and second flat cables. The first flat cable may be connected to the transfer motor, and the second flat cable may have a first terminal part connected to the first flat cable and a second terminal part connected to a circuit board. The circuit board may be arranged at the front of the tray. The second flat cable may include a plurality of signal lines covered by an insulator. One or more exposure parts may be formed in the second flat cable to expose at least one of the plurality of signal lines. An electric actuator of a locking unit may be connected to the one or more of the plurality of signal lines through the one or more exposure parts.

Abstract: An optical disc device includes: a loader body having a guiding recess formed of a linear portion and a sloped portion; a traverse chassis mounted in the loader body and having a protrusion that is guided along the recess; a turntable mounted on the traverse chassis, for mounting the optical disc; and a clamper which clamps the optical disc between the clamper and the turntable when the traverse chassis ascends relative to the loader body to a clamp position, in which when the traverse chassis is at a position lower than the clamp position, the protrusion is guided along the recess, and when the traverse chassis is at the clamp position, the protrusion is positioned inside the sloped portion.

Abstract: There is provided a disk cartridge including a case body in which a plurality of disk-shaped recording media are configured to be able to be received in an axial direction of a central shaft in parallel, and a first shell having a base surface section parallel to a recording surface of the disk-shaped recording medium and a second shell having a basal surface section parallel to the recording surface of the disk-shaped recording medium are coupled and separated through separation and connection in the axial direction, and a presser spring having a section to be attached, which is attached to the case body, and a pressing section configured to come in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the disk-shaped recording medium and to press the disk-shaped recording medium. The presser spring is formed of a resin material.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing advertisements in association with recorded media items. For example, a broadcast media item is stored in a networked storage system in association with an account of a user for later consumption. At least one marker is located in the broadcast media item that identifies a first advertisement in the broadcast media item. One of a plurality of second advertisements is selected that targets the user to replace the first advertisement. The first advertisement is replaced with the selected one of the second advertisements in the broadcast media item.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for identifying computer systems being used by viewers of television programs is presented. An audio signal received from a microphone of a television metering device is monitored, where the audio signal corresponds to audio of a television program presented on the television set and audio tones generated by computer systems of viewers of the television set. The audio signal is analyzed to determine an identifier for the television program being presented on the television set and to identify an audio tone generated by a computer system of a viewer of the television set. An identifier of the computer system associated with the audio tone is determined. An identifier for the television metering device, the identifier for the television program, and the identifier of the computer system is transmitted to a server.

Abstract: An automatic content recognition (ACR) enabled (ACR-enabled) connected TV device may be operable to collect viewing data, utilizing ACR. The viewing data may comprise viewer interaction information and/or content presentation information associated with the ACR-enabled connected TV device and/or a paired device. The ACR-enabled connected TV device may store the collected viewing data in the ACR-enabled connected TV device. The stored viewing data may be communicated to one or more network providers, by the ACR-enabled connected TV device, for determining customized services for the ACR-enabled connected TV device. The viewing data may be used to determine how to manage advertisements associated with the ACR-enabled connected TV device and/or at a network level associated with the one or more network providers. The viewing data may be used to determine user profiles. The viewing data may also be used to determine programming and/or advertisements targeted to the ACR-enabled connected TV device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for selecting presentation content. Presentation content is displayed to an audience, the presentation content includes a plurality of content elements. One or more feedback inputs are received from the audience, each feedback input is associated with one of the content elements. A computer determines an alternative presentation content based on the received feedback inputs, and the alternative presentation content is displayed.

Abstract: An interactive program guide system is provided. The system facilitates recording of programs selected from the program guide. The system handles the recording and viewing of pay programs, parentally-controlled programs, consecutive programs on different television channels, and programs with and without copy protection. Programs may be recorded using combination television videocassette recorder (TV/VCR) units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing packetized content to users via a bandwidth-optimized network. In one embodiment, legacy and IPTV streams are carried over the same switched digital infrastructure, and freely intermixed without regard to their encoding or type. A user's selection for IPTV content is transmitted to an IP proxy (such as a gateway apparatus or a headend server), then on to the switched digital server which causes provision of the requested content back to the proxy for formatting. The formatted content is then delivered to the requesting IP-capable device. The entire carrier class program stream is therefore available as IP-encapsulated content to the IP capable devices (and as legacy content to legacy devices) without any significant modifications to the network infrastructure or bandwidth penalty.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a method and a system. The method includes receiving a first media stream, in a first network device from a remote network device, using a first network protocol. The may method include converting the first media stream in real-time to a second media stream according to a second network protocol and transmitting the second media stream to a user device. The method may include receiving a first trick-mode command according to a first trick-mode protocol from the user device, wherein the first trick-mode command includes rewind, fast forward, or pause. The method may include converting the first trick-mode command into a second trick-mode command according to a second trick-mode protocol and transmitting the second trick-mode command to the remote network device.

Abstract: A method implemented using a programmed hardware computer system comprises: in response to a request to deliver an advertisement received from a TVP or STB (or another entity for the STB), causing a television advertisement to be directed to the STB; storing indicia derived from that direction; and taking an action with respect to an online user interface device (such as a computer, game machine, or mobile phone) associated with the STB, which action is either (i) causing delivery to the online user interface device of an online advertisement targeted based on the presumed viewing of the television advertisement, or (ii) identifying a correlation between the presumed viewing of the television advertisement and subsequent online behavior conducted using the online user interface device that is or has been tracked.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of conducting a transaction. In one aspect, the method includes: displaying a media program on a media display device; indicating, while the media program is being displayed, an item associated with the media program is available for purchase; receiving authentication information of a prospective purchaser of the item; and completing a purchase of the item in response to the authentication information. In another aspect, the method includes: receiving, from a media display device, a user authentication request that contains user login credentials; granting the user authentication request in response to the user login credentials; and sending an authentication permission to the media display device; wherein the receiving and the sending are each performed such that the user login credentials and the authentication permission are sent through one or more intermediate hops without being inspected by any of the intermediate hops.

Abstract: Content is downloaded to a mobile handheld device (MHD) and buffered on the MHD prior to, and during, viewing. Normal wireless bandwidth varies with atmospheric conditions, distance, obstructions in the path, etc. and hence the speed at which a content-buffer (CB) on the MHD is replenished changes. Because this can result in very low quality viewing experience for the user, the capability for alternate content scheduling provided a micro-splicer is used to enable stored alternate content or advertisement insertion during periods of low viewing quality, when the CB does not hold sufficient content during the viewing period. This alternate content insertion allows the CB to be refilled before the user resumes content viewing.

Abstract: An application management server includes: a terminal management table storage unit configured to store terminal device identification data for identifying a terminal device and information indicating whether or not transmission of notification data is necessary while correlating the terminal device identification data with the information; a registration request reception unit configured to receive from the terminal device, a registration request for registering transmission of notification data, and update the terminal management table storage unit based on the registration request; a release request reception unit configured to receive from the terminal device, a release request for releasing transmission of notification data, and update the terminal management table storage unit based on the release request; a via-broadcasting notification transmission unit configured to perform a process of including notification data in a broadcasting signal and transmitting the notification data; and a via-communicatio

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for inserting local ad assets into a video transport stream at the set top box level. The media advertising platform of the present system works in conjunction with existing platforms, such as an advertising decision service and a media platform. The present system further includes a client resident on end user set top boxes. In general, the present system operates by pre-caching advertisements to a set top box or boxes within a household or elsewhere. Each set top box is also assigned to particular groups, based on characteristics of the user of that set top box. Group membership information is also sent to the set top box and stored. The present system sends the set top box a decision matrix based on group memberships to allow the set top box to select and insert an ad asset targeted to the specific set top box.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for managing audience data for advertisement placements is disclosed. A server receives a source signal stream comprising metadata and an advertisement space. The server extracts from the metadata a channel identifier, a private client identifier, and information about an intended audience of interest to advertisers. The server identifies a placement opportunity including an owner of the advertisement space based on the channel identifier. The server purges at least some of the extracted information about the intended audience when the owner of the advertisement space is identified as a national network. The server identifies an amount of information about the intended audience to purge and subsequently to fetch for the national network based on a business arrangement between the national network and a service provider, which the server enforces and enables.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring data packet traffic in a communication network for at least two of a plurality of subscriber devices associated with a subscriber; developing a holistic subscriber profile for the subscriber based on the monitored data packet traffic; selecting advertisement data for a current one of the plurality of subscriber devices based on the holistic subscriber profile and sending the selected advertising data to the current subscriber device. A system is disclosed for performing the method. A data structure is disclosed for use in performing the method.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling brand detection in audiovisual media. The techniques detect a brand exposed within audiovisual media, such as a name or logo for a product or service, and based on this brand, present a brand advertisement or enable selection of an interactive experience that is associated with the brand. By so doing, marketers enable viewers to quickly and easily learn more about the product or service.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for processing a traffic log having an optional-promotion log entry. An example method involves (i) accessing a stored television-broadcasting traffic log, wherein the traffic log includes multiple ordered log entries including at least a first log-entry and a second log-entry; (ii) making a first determination that the first log-entry corresponds to a show-segment video-component (VC) of a live news program; (iii) making a second determination that the second log-entry corresponds to an initial show-segment VC of a show, wherein the show is scheduled to follow the live news program; (iv) identifying, among log entries scheduled between the first log-entry and the second log-entry, a set of optional-promotion log entries, each such optional-promotional log entry having a duration; (v) determining a cumulative duration of the optional-promotion log entries in the identified set; and (vi) providing the determined cumulative-duration to an output device for presentation.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a television schedule guide which includes a detector for determining whether a previously scrambled program is unscrambled. If a previously scrambled program is momentarily unscrambled due to promotional efforts by the program provider, the system will visually distinguish the program on the guide, and a viewer may tune to or record the program from the guide. The view may also subscribe to the program provider through the guide during the promotional period.

Abstract: An in-context interactive television ticker is provided. The ticker is rendered on a display screen that also shows a television program, and presents ticker content that is in-context with subject matter of the television program. The ticker remains rendered and context-sensitive to the subject matter of the currently shown television program, whenever there is a change in the television program, such as when the subject matter of the current television program changes, when a commercial interruption occurs during the television program, or when the television channel is changed. The ticker is interactive in that the viewer can perform various interactive operations with the ticker, including interacting with the ticker to obtain additional information related to an in-context item presented by the ticker.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for providing advertisements with a media program transmitted to a user device are described. The method permits the user to interrupt the playback of the advertisement and continue with the playback of the media program with no further advertisements, or to interrupt the playback of the advertisement to substitute a different version of the advertisement.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for electronic program guide (EPG) sorting and automatic realignment is provided. In example embodiments, a graphical user interface having an EPG including a plurality of rows of thumbnails representing programs is presented on a device of a user. Each row of thumbnails may be navigated independent of other rows. A navigational input is received via a touchscreen of the device. The navigational input indicates an action performed on the graphical user interface that triggers a realignment of programming information presented on the EPG. An updated EPG with the realignment of the programming information indicated by the navigational input is then provided.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories.

Abstract: Arrangements detailed may cause a television channel received via the tuner to be recorded for a period of time to create a channel-specific file. The channel-specific file may include multiple television programs. User input that requests playback of a first television program of the plurality of television programs from the channel-specific file may be received. A front-end adjustment time period for playback of the first television program may be determined. A start time from which playback commences in the channel-specific file may be at least partially based on the front-end adjustment time period and a scheduled start time of the television program.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a request for media content from a set top box of an Internet Protocol Television System, perform a search of one or more storage devices associated with other set top boxes for the media content based at least in part on a user profile associated with the set top box where the other set top boxes are located remotely from the set top box, receive the media content, and adjust a format of the media content prior to delivery to the set top box based at least in part on the user profile. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing supplemental content during a broadcast. The supplemental content is provided by the operation of a interactive application resident on a receiver. The interactive application is initiated through a trigger that is received during a otherwise standard broadcast. The trigger includes an interactive prompt that is to be displayed during a particular portion of the broadcast. The prompt including a means for enabling receipt of a user input. The user input may be a request for further information.

Abstract: A television provider receives content from a plurality of users. The user generated content is aggregated and scheduled for broadcast across a channel of the television provider. The user generated content is then broadcast at the scheduled time for reception by communication devices associated with the television provider.