Abstract: The present technology may identify item category affinities by identifying a plurality of classifications of an item. An accuracy of the plurality of classifications relative to one another for the item may be identified. A category affinity of the item may be determined based on the accuracy of the plurality of classifications relative to one another.

Abstract: Techniques for providing hybrid communications to devices on vehicles include using a selected modulation scheme on a forward link to deliver data (that is intended to be received by an on-board device) onto a vehicle, and using a reverse link in a different frequency band to send reverse data from the vehicle. Based on the reverse data, a subsequent pre-defined modulation scheme for a subsequent forward transmission is selected from a plurality of modulation schemes corresponding to a plurality of performance levels of data delivery. The selections may be based on a current geo-spatial location of the vehicle, a type of data, and/or on one or more other dynamic conditions. The forward data may be multiplexed and/or multicast. Thus, adaptive modulation is achieved in a hybrid communications system in which the forward link and the reverse link to the vehicle are supported by different wireless communication bands.

Abstract: An anonymous location wireless network service for use in a wireless network. The service provides content providers with the location of network users without revealing their identities. The service includes a wireless network having a proxy server, a network communication link to a plurality of web sites, and a wireless communication link to a plurality of handheld devices. The proxy server blocks identity by reading the location and identity information of network devices, generating dummy identifications, relating the dummy identifications to the identity information, storing the relationships in a memory storage, and forwarding the location information and dummy identifications to the global computer network. Upon receiving messages from the global computer network, the proxy server reads the dummy identifications, looks up the related identification information in the memory storage, and forwards the data to the appropriate network devices.

Abstract: Method and apparatuses for broadcasting and receiving media data over a heterogeneous network. A method for receiving media data includes receiving and processing media data broadcast using MMTP packets via a broadcast network. The method also includes, in response to receiving a signaling message associated with the broadcast media data, determining whether broadband media data associated with the broadcast media data is available via a broadband network based on the signaling message. The method includes receiving the broadband media data using DASH via the broadband network. Additionally, the method includes providing the broadband media data in association with the broadcast media data for presentation via a display device.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal including an interactive broadcast service at a transmitter is disclosed. The method comprises generating an parameter table containing metadata about applications and interactive broadcast events targeted to the applications, dividing the parameter table into a plurality of parameter blocks, inserting each of the parameter blocks into each of a plurality of parameter table sections, generating a trigger which is a signaling element to identify signaling and establish timing of playout of the interactive broadcast events, inserting the trigger into a closed caption channel of the broadcast signal, transmitting the broadcast signal including the closed caption channel and a specific channel carrying the plurality of parameter table sections, wherein the trigger includes location information specifying a location of the parameter table in the broadcast signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to implement a technique for using a second display with a content playback device. In one implementation, this feature allows users to easily return to a recently-accessed service when browsing on a second display. The most recent service may appear at the top of the list. Such systems and methods may be particularly advantageous when a user normally only visits a few services in an entire list of available services on a regular basis. The recently-accessed service may be specific to the user account, a user profile within the user account, the second display, or the content playback device. In some implementations, the second display may be a smart phone that can often be found beside the user, a laptop or tablet PC, or the like.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating a signal is disclosed. An aircraft is moved so that an aircraft-based coil is within a selected volume defined by a ground-based coil. A current is modulated in one of the aircraft-based coil and the ground-based coil to generate a magnetic field in the volume. A current generated in the other of the aircraft-based coil and the ground-based coil in response to the generated magnetic field is measured to communicate the signal.

Abstract: A distribution control system includes a generating unit configured to generate image data from content data; a converting unit configured to convert the image data into transmission data; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the transmission data to a plurality of communication terminals; and a creating/selecting unit configured to newly create the converting unit to be assigned to each of the communication terminals or select the converting unit out of converting units already created.

Abstract: A communication network's bandwidth may be managed using bandwidth management (“BWM”) and/or bandwidth aggregation (“BWA”) techniques. For example, packets of traffic may be inspected to identify a video stream and/or video sub-streams. The video sub-streams may be partitioned for transmission. For example, the video sub-streams may be partitioned based on a characteristic and/or policies associated therewith. One or more radio access technologies (“RATs”) may be selected for transmitting the video sub-streams. The one or more RATs may be selected according to one or more policies for managing the bandwidth associated with the video. The video sub-streams may be transmitted via a single RAT or a plurality of aggregated RATs.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting suggestions of media content are provided. In some implementations, the method comprises: determining an item of media content; determining a probability of the item of media content being watched at one or more times based on at least one of: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a group; and a characteristic of the item of media content; creating a user interface which suggests that the item of media content be watched at one or more times based on the determined probability; and presenting the user interface.

Abstract: A personalization enhancement method and system. The method includes retrieving and analyzing digital content associated with a user. Characteristics describing the digital content are tagged and transferred to a profile of said the user. The profile includes additional characteristics generated during previous analysis of data from the digital content and additional digital content associated with the user. User information associated with products, a location, and a time profile is assigned. The profile is analyzed based on selection and interaction of the user with respect to a consumer Website. The profile includes the characteristics and the additional characteristics with respect to products and services of the consumer Website. A presentation color setting and a group of products and services of are determined for presentation to the user. The group of products and services are presented to the user using the presentation color setting.

Abstract: A motion image distribution system includes a server and a user terminal. The server generates a feature quantity table CHT1 representing a data structure of motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates the motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT1. Then, the server transmits the motion image encoded data VDE and the feature quantity table CHT1 to the user terminal. The user terminal generates a feature quantity table CHT2 representing a data structure of the received motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates received motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT2. Then, the user terminal plays back the motion image encoded data VDE and outputs motion image playback information.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems are described that are configured to act on a heading-dependent suitability indicator of a channel through a mobile communication system that can have a defined heading, such as a passenger vehicle or other motor-propelled vehicle. The indicator may also use other determinants such as a latitude and longitude of the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for defining a custom segment in a set of behavioral data are provided. A described method includes receiving a set of behavioral data associated with a plurality of user devices and identifying multiple cohort groups, each of the cohort groups including one or more of the user devices. The behavioral data includes a behavior metric for each of the user devices and the cohort groups are identified based on the behavior metric for each of the user devices. The method further comprises generating a segmentation interface including a graphical visualization of the multiple cohort groups and causing the segmentation interface to be presented via a user interface device. The method further comprises defining a custom segment of the behavioral data based on a user selection of one or more of the multiple cohort groups via the segmentation interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a broadcasting signal transmission device, a broadcasting signal reception device, and a method for transmitting/receiving a broadcasting signal using same.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for conserving bandwidth. A notification is received from a customer's device that indicates media will be recorded/saved to memory. The available bandwidth is compared to required bandwidth to deliver the media to the customer's device. When the required bandwidth exceeds the available bandwidth, then delivery of the media is deferred to a period of lesser demand.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining customer information regarding the user and marketing rules regarding a plurality of store offerings. A number of store offerings from the plurality of store offerings may be identified based on the customer information and the marketing rules. One or more of the identified store offerings may be provided to the user. A user request to purchase a selected one of the provided store offerings may be received. The content or services associated with the selected store offering may be provisioned based on the user request.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for authenticating and using a personal voice profile. The voice profile may be issued by a trusted third party, such as a certification authority. The personal voice profile may include information for generating a digest or digital signature for text messages. A speech synthesis system may speak the text message using the voice characteristics, such as prosodic characteristics, only if the voice profile is authenticated and the text message is valid and free of tampering.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling client recording and storage behavior schedules the recording, storing, and deleting of multimedia content on a client system storage device. The viewer may request that certain content be captured. Capture requests also allow the service to determine content to be recorded by the client system in the same manner that a viewer requests that certain content are recorded but are more powerful than what a viewer can request. Recording requests for a capture request can preempt viewer requests or be entered at the same or lower priority as a viewer request. Capture requests can adjust all aspects of a recording request and affect the capture request itself. Client system operational functionality are also manipulated by the service using capture requests.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a non-intrusive advertisement presentation system subscribing a user to an advertisement service associated with a media content program, detecting a presentation of the media content program together with one or more advertisements associated with the media content program, and providing, in accordance with the advertisement service and in a manner independent of the presentation of the media content program together with the one or more advertisements, advertisement content associated with the one or more advertisements for selective access by the user. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a computer-implemented method and system for providing personalized recommendations for a target user based at least on stored data about the target user. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of feedback data from a plurality of users, wherein the feedback data comprises an indication of a media object, a response obtained from target user related to the feedback data, and at least one demographic data element associated with the target user. A set of personalized recommendations for the target user are identified based at least on stored data about the target user and the feedback data related to the user. The personalized recommendations system identifies media objects to potentially provide to the target user, and selects or filters the identified media objects to form a set of personalized media objects associated with the set of personalized recommendations.

Abstract: One or more network devices receive, from a third-party system, catalog metadata for physical media assets available to order and combine the catalog metadata with catalog entries for digital content to form a unified catalog file. The one or more devices receive, from a user device, a request to view a directory of available video content and send, to the user device, the unified catalog file for presentation to a user. The one or more devices receive, from the user device, a selection of an item in the unified catalog file. The one or more devices provide, to the user device, video content corresponding to the selection when the selection corresponds to one of the catalog entries for digital content and provide, to the third-party system and via a billing gateway, user payment information when the selection corresponds to the catalog metadata for one of the physical media assets.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic generating suggestions for personalized reactions. A suggestion generation module includes a plurality of collector modules, a credentials module, a suggestion analyzer module, a user interface module and a decision tree. The plurality of collector modules collect information accessible by the user and important to the user from other systems such as e-mail systems, SMS/MMS systems, micro blogging systems, social networks or other systems. The information from these collector modules is provided to the suggestion analyzer module. The suggestion analyzer module cooperates with the user interface module and the decision tree to generate suggested reactions or messages for the user to send. The suggested reactions or messages are presented by the user interface module to the user. The user interface module displays the original message, other information about the original message such as others' responses, and action buttons for sending, discarding the suggested message.

Abstract: A transmitting apparatus including a frame generator configured to map data contained in an input stream to at least one signal processing path to generate a frame; an information inserter configured to insert signaling information in a signaling region of the frame; and a transmitter configured to transmit the frame in which the signaling information is inserted, wherein the signaling information comprises information on an input type of each of the at least one input stream and information on a type of data which is mapped to the at least one signal processing path.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media can facilitate digitizing a broadcast transmission and transporting the digitized broadcast transmission along with one or more digitized narrowcast transmissions to a subscriber. In embodiments, a digitized broadcast transmission and one or more digitized narrowcast transmissions can be separately demodulated and the transmissions can be combined at one or more receiving nodes. In embodiments, a digitized broadcast transmission can be combined with one or more digitized narrowcast transmissions. Lossless compression and de-compression techniques can be used to optimally transport digitized broadcast and narrowcast signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for recommending content for users. A user is associated with a user preferred character that is represented in a first network content. A library is referenced to identify a recommended character based at least upon the user preferred character, the recommended character being represented in a second network content, the library associating the preferred character to the recommended character according to a relationship score. A recommendation is sent for presentation of the second network content.

Abstract: A system and method whereby an unregistered, anonymous user at an organization's website makes a submission/inquiry and is able to access a secure response containing private information without pre-registering or establishing an account with the organization. A response to the user is made via an unsecured e-mail notification that provides the user with an HTTPS link to an authentication page. The user then enters his/her user identification, for example, the user email address and password which was associated with the original submission/inquiry. Once the email address and password is authenticated, the secure response message is displayed on the user's web browser in SSL. Each response is provided on a per-submission basis.

Abstract: In one implementation, data associated with user identities is extracted from an electronic social networking platform. Based on the extracted data, at least some of the user identities are classified as fitting one or more of multiple different profiles. A first subset of user identities classified as fitting a first profile is identified. A second subset of user identities classified as fitting a second profile is identified. In addition, values for a particular characteristic associated with user identities identified as belonging to the first subset are identified, and values for the particular characteristic associated with user identities identified as belonging to the second subset are identified. A display then is caused that reflects the identified values for the particular characteristic associated with user identities identified as belonging to the first subset and the identified values for the particular characteristic associated with user identities identified as belonging to the second subset.

Abstract: A recommendation service is provided for recommending computer video game titles to players. The recommendation service offers suggestions for game titles to purchase or rent based on playing usage related parameters for each particular player. A profile is created based on several factors that represents the player's affinity to each factor. Communication and use of player usage data may be strictly conditioned on a player's knowledge and consent.

Abstract: A mobile application is disclosed enabling a first sporting event spectator to efficiently record game actions and a second sporting event spectator to simultaneously record real-time video of the game actions. Using a mobile device having a touch screen, the first user can efficiently, and with limited user interaction, indicate fast paced game actions of players engaged in a sport. Using a separate mobile device, or a video system in communication with a network, the second user can record video of a presently occurring game in which the game actions occur. A system in communication with the first and second users' devices can receive indications of game actions, and receive video of the game, and associate each indicated game action with a portion of the video of the game action. The system may, for example, use these associations to generate an index that enables users to view descriptions of the game actions and jump to corresponding video clips.

Abstract: A method for playing a three-dimensional video is provided, which includes the following steps. A disparity velocity or a disparity acceleration for at least one continuous video in the three-dimensional video is calculated. A visual fatigue estimating value of a viewer is calculated according to the disparity velocity or the disparity acceleration. A subsequent playback of the three-dimensional video is controlled according to the visual fatigue estimating value.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to buffering portions of a digital content item in different orders for different users. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method of providing a buffer ordering for a digital content item. The method includes tracking content access information for each user of a plurality of users, the content access information for each user comprising information regarding how content portions of each of one or more digital content items were accessed by the user. The method further comprises providing a different buffer ordering for a first user of a selected digital content item than for a second user based upon the content access information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding a constant amplitude that is applied to a code division multiplexing communication system are provided. By dividing a data bit into a block unit, the receiving side can easily determine an error, and by reducing power consumption in outdoor wide area communication using a bit string of a small length in a basic unit of an input frame, efficiency can be improved, and thus a physical layer of a ubiquitous sensor network can be optimized.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an interactive, multi-platform video network. In another aspect, the invention provides a dynamic scheduling method.

Abstract: A method may include receiving a user request to view a channel to which the user does not currently subscribe. Customer information regarding the user and marketing rules regarding a plurality of combination offers that include the channel may be obtained. A number of combination offers from the plurality of combination offers may be determined based on the customer information and the marketing rules. One or more of the determined combination offers may be provided to the user. A user request to purchase a selected one of the provided combination offers may be received. The channels included within the selected combination offer may be provisioned based on the user request.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing suggested completions to search results are disclosed which employ locating nodes in a stored ontology, wherein nodes consist of classes or instances of information, that correspond to the at least one search term, retrieving neighbors of located nodes in the stored ontology, and generating suggested completions in a format which separates homonymic terms. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for building ontologies and dynamically expanding ontologies.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for organizing inputs for an online service. It is determined that there are no updated inputs generated on a personalized page hosted on a server corresponding to the online service for a predetermined time period. The inputs may be associated with an acknowledged contact regarding the online service. Inputs previously generated on the personalized page hosted on the server are reorganized in accordance with one of multiple arrangements.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal including an interactive broadcast service at a transmitter is disclosed. The method comprises generating an parameter table containing metadata about applications and interactive broadcast events targeted to the applications, dividing the parameter table into a plurality of parameter blocks, inserting each of the parameter blocks into each of a plurality of parameter table sections, generating a trigger which is a signaling element to identify signaling and establish timing of playout of the interactive broadcast events, inserting the trigger into a closed caption channel of the broadcast signal, transmitting the broadcast signal including the closed caption channel and a specific channel carrying the plurality of parameter table sections, wherein the trigger includes location information specifying a location of the parameter table in the broadcast signal.

Abstract: A method for a client module to provide a channel selection request in a multimedia system begins by receiving an input signal from a client. The method continues by interpreting the input signal to determine type of signal. The method continues, when the type of signal is control information, by determining whether the control information relates to a local command or a system-level command. The method continues, when the control information relates to a system-level command, by processing the control information for conveyance to a multimedia server to produce a control message. The method continues by transmitting the control message to the multimedia server.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for a CPT stream to a client device via an HTTP live streaming (HLS) protocol having a plurality of HLS media files is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating an HLS playlist specifying a plurality HLS media files before generating any of the HLS media files, wherein each of the plurality of HLS media files has a unique name, transmitting the HLS playlist to the client device, after generating the HLS playlist, transcoding the CPT stream into at least a subset of the plurality of HLS media files, and providing at least one of the subset of plurality of HLS media files to the client device, wherein the at least one of the plurality of HLS media files is a client-requested media file selected from the HLS playlist.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a unified catalog of content. The unified catalog of content includes digital content available to order and physical content available to order. The method includes identifying a digital content identifier for each asset of the digital content available to order from the unified catalog. The method also includes identifying a physical content identifier for each asset of the physical content available to order from the unified catalog. An indication of user activity from a user device is received. The method further includes determining one or more content recommendations based on the unified catalog and the indication of user activity. The one or more content recommendations are provided to the user device. A content selection based on the one or more content recommendations is received. The method also includes routing an order for the selected content based on an identifier associated with the selected content.

Abstract: WIFI management interfaces for microwave radio and reset to factory defaults are provided herein. Methods may include transmitting or receiving, on a dedicated management interface antenna of the wireless radio management signals, signals in a dedicated band for controlling operations of the wireless radio, and transmitting or receiving, on at least one additional antenna of the wireless radio management signals, signals that are not used for controlling operations of the wireless radio. The dedicated management interface antenna and the at least one additional antenna being physically separated from one another.

Abstract: A mobile communications device comprising a location sensing system, producing a location output; a memory, storing a set of locations and associated events; a telecommunications device, communicating event and location information between a remote system and said memory; and a processor, processing said location output in conjunction with said stored locations and associated events in said memory, to determine a priority thereof.

Abstract: Provide dare methods, systems and apparatuses for data brokering between hand held wireless devices (WDs) and data rendering devices (DRDs). DRDs in the form of multimedia devices used for rendering data by printing (e.g. to a networked printer) or displaying video data (e.g., televisions, video monitors, and projectors) are provided with data for rendering at the DRD at the request of WDs. DRDs are capable of receiving data data from a network at the request of a WD and/or directly from a WD as the host and then rendering or displaying the data on devices capable of receiving and processing the data. DRD (e.g. printers and multimedia video devices) can also be controlled by the WD during display of the data and to control display of the data.

Abstract: An improved system and method for managing data on a handheld electronic device includes a server that periodically pushes data to a particular handheld electronic device, with the data being stored on the handheld electronic device by way of a routine running in the background whereby such reception and storage is generally transparent to a user. The data can be any type of data and may be data that is desired by the user or that fits a profile or preference of the user. The profile can, for instance, be predetermined and/or can be customized by the user and/or can reflect a preference of the user. The data pushed to the handheld electronic device can also be related in some fashion to a geographic disposition of the handheld electronic device. Such pushing of data and storage is managed by a routine running in the background of the handheld electronic device. The routine enables current data to be maintained on the handheld electronic device for ready access by a user.

Abstract: The image output apparatus includes an output unit that outputs content data indicating video content, and a control unit that controls the output unit to cause the output unit to output image data instead of or together with the content data when the output unit is outputting the content data. The image data is for prompting a user to measure to obtain the body information indicating a body condition of the user using an external apparatus.

Abstract: A business networking system and method for groups of people within a variety of business types to organize themselves into specific and relevant categories in order to maximize the exchange of relevant information and further development of relevant business contacts. The method and system offer tools for registering members and sub-dividing those registered members into smaller relevant groups. The method matches members of similar backgrounds and business experiences and provides communications, messaging and meetings for relevant. The system provides tools to encourage reciprocal relevant communications, both online and in the real world, between members. All activity is tracked and grouped into a plurality of statistics that are then ranked and shared with members. The statistics are used by the TBS system as a scorecard or as punishment in the form of expulsion from the categorized group.

Abstract: Profiling systems and methods of creating and using user interest profiles are described. In some example embodiments, the method includes: creating a topic set which includes topics which are organized in a hierarchical structure which includes a plurality of topic levels including an upper topic level and a lower topic level, each topic in the lower topic level being a subtopic of at least one of the topics in the upper topic level; monitoring interest in a plurality of documents for a user to identify one or more documents-of-interest to the user; and based on the monitored interest for the user, creating an interest profile for the user by determining a measure of topical interest for the user for at least one of the topics at the upper topic level and for a subtopic of that topic, the subtopic being at the lower topic level.

Abstract: A method of selecting an object out of a group of objects. The object may belong to a category. The method may include receiving, object-related information indicative of properties of objects of the category by using network connected databases. The method may further include generating, an extended profile for at least one of the objects based on the received object-related information and object-specific information. The method may additionally include determining, a data structure of weighted keywords based on the natural language input using at least one out of the group consisting of a predefined dictionary, a predefined ontology, predefined system rules, and a predefined regular expression, and selecting, the object out of the group of objects based on a mapping of the extended profile and the data structure of weighted keywords resulting in a preference fit score for the selected object.