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| 20090292584 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTEXT AND COMMUNITY BASED CUSTOMIZATION FOR A USER EXPERIENCE - A system and method for context and community based customization for a user experience is disclosed. The apparatus in an example embodiment includes a user experience customizer to gather context information, automatically produce user experience customization selections based on the context information, collect user activity feedback from a community of users, and use the user activity feedback to adjust the user experience customizer to automatically produce user experience customization selections likely favored by a user based on a correlation of the user activity feedback with the context information. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090307161 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO LEARN AND DEPLOY AN OPTIMAL USER EXPERIENCE IN AN ONLINE SYSTEM - Methods and systems to learn an optimal user experience. The system receives a request over a network from a user. The request includes context information. The system identifies a response to the request is to be utilized to learn whether a first interface component included in a first plurality of interface components is an optimal choice for a first decision. The response includes an interface. The interface includes the first interface component. The system identifies the response to the request is to be utilized based on the context information. Finally, the system communicates the response over the network to the user. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20120215664 | EPURCHASE MODEL - In various example embodiments, a system and associated method to enhance a user experience in an online environment is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request over a network from a user where the request includes keywords to be used in a search for one or more items; the results from the search being displayed in a webpage. A determination is made whether to track metrics related to user activities associated with the results from the search. Based on a determination that the user activities are to be tracked, determining factors based on the tracked metrics related to the user activities, calculating a predictive model using one or more processors based on the determined factors, and displaying an enhanced webpage where components in the enhanced webpage are based on the predictive model. | 08-23-2012 |
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| 20090127437 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING DARK CURRENT AND HOT PIXELS IN CMOS IMAGE SENSORS - Methods and apparatuses for reducing dark current and hot pixels in CMOS image sensors. A pixel apparatus includes a photosensor capable of generating dark current, a floating diffusion region coupled to the photosensor by way of a charge transfer transistor, a rest transistor connected between the floating diffusion region and an array pixel supply voltage. The array supply voltage varies between first and second voltages when sampling pixel signals from the pixel. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20100309351 | IMAGE SENSORS AND COLOR FILTER ARRAYS FOR CHARGE SUMMING AND INTERLACED READOUT MODES - Image sensors and color filter arrays for in-pixel charge summing and interlaced readout modes may be provided. An image sensor that supports charge summing and interlaced readout modes may include an array of pixels with pairs of adjacent green, red, and blue light-sensitive pixels. An image sensor may implement an in-pixel charge summing readout mode in which charges from pairs of pixels are summed onto a common node and then read out from the common node. An image sensor may implement an interlaced readout mode in which image data is read out from alternating rows of the image sensor. An image sensor may use a shared readout scheme in which a group of four pixels is formed from two pairs of commonly-colored pixels. The four pixels may share circuitry such as a reset transistor, a buffer transistor, and a row select transistor and may connect to a single readout line. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20120091317 | IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCLUDING PIXEL ARRAYS WITH REDUCED NUMBERS OF METAL LINES AND CONTROL SIGNALS - This is generally directed to systems and methods for reduced metal lines and control signals in an imaging system. For example, in some embodiments a pixel cell of an imaging system can operate without a row select transistor, and therefore can operate without a row select metal control line. As another example, in some embodiments a pixel cell can share its reset transistor control line with a transfer transistor control line of another pixel cell. In this manner, an imaging system can be created that averages a single metal line per pixel cell. In some embodiments, operation of such reduced-metal line imaging systems can use modified timing schemes of control signals. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092532 | IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A SWITCHABLE IMPEDANCE TO GROUND - This is generally directed to a switchable impedance to ground. In particular, a pixel array can be coupled to and surrounded by a ground ring. The ground ring can be coupled to a switchable impedance to ground. During a correlated double sampling (“CDS”) phase of the pixel array, the switchable impedance can be set to a high resistance value. For example, the switchable impedance can be set to 500 ohms. During an analog-to-digital conversion (“ADC”) readout phase of the pixel array, however, the switchable impedance can be set to a low resistance value. For example, the switchable impedance can be set to 1-10 ohms. Setting the switchable impedance to the high impedance value during the CDS phase can prevent imaging errors such as black hole artifacts. Setting the switchable impedance to the low impedance value during the ADC readout phase can, for example, prevent errors due to ground drift. | 04-19-2012 |
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| 20090006909 | Methods and apparatus for event logging in an information network - Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090249326 | System for Signaling An Application to a Host Device and Method Therefor - An application is signaled to a host device using descriptors incorporated into an application information table. Only applications intended for a certain host device are downloaded to that host device. The descriptors allow the host to identify applications that are addressed to the host based on attributes of the host. When addressing is performed at the level of an application, the application signaling is accomplished using a single application information table and the evaluation of logical parameters against selected host attributes to identify all of the applications addressed to the host. When addressing is performed at the level of a table, multiple tables are evaluated using logical parameters applied to selected host attributes to determine which table is addressed to the host. Addressing conflicts are resolved using priority measures assigned to selected host attributes. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20100074267 | NETWORK ROUTER APPARATUS AND METHOD - An improved network router apparatus and associated network architecture is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the router apparatus is adapted to interface between an external network (such as an HFC/DOCSIS digital network) and a local network created using existing HFC cabling within a premises. The router device provides address translation between the single IP address assigned to the router by the external network and the addresses of the individual nodes or access points on the local network through creation of logical ports assigned to various portions of the available bandwidth of the cable system. The router further distinguishes network protocols from the media content streamed over the HFC network, allowing for the foregoing functionality and replacing any existing cable modem. Methods of initiating the router and assigning addresses are also disclosed, as well as business models for leasing the router equipment and access points. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100146575 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING DISPLAY IN A NETWORKED DEVICE - Methods and apparatus for controlling display elements within a networked device. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the device a digital set-top box (DSTB) with front panel display(s). A downloadable software module is provided that is adapted to discover the front panel display capabilities of the device, and control the display accordingly. This approach allows, inter alia, the cable network operator or other entity to manage the user's experience relating to the front panel display(s) on various types of client devices. The module is also optionally platform-agnostic (i.e., “universal”) so that the aforementioned capabilities are provided largely irrespective of the device hardware/software environment. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100223491 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EVENT LOGGING IN AN INFORMATION NETWORK - Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20110004895 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NETWORK ASSOCIATION OF CONTENT - Methods and apparatus for perform association of stored content downloaded over a network with a unique identification. In one embodiment, the content is stored locally, and the association is performed in a secure manner using network or source-specific information (e.g., the organization identification or “orgID” of the bearer network or MSO). This association is used to ensure that the content stored on the playback device can be accessed for viewing only when the playback device is connected to the same network from which the content was obtained. Use of the orgID allows the content association and protection functionality to be implemented in existing networks with only minor software changes. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20120096113 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EVENT LOGGING IN AN INFORMATION NETWORK - Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120151019 | MEDIA EXTENSION APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USE IN AN INFORMATION NETWORK - Methods and apparatus for extending the capabilities of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using one or more on-demand applications. In one aspect, an improved media handling extension is provided within the device with which the various application(s) can interface to facilitate on-demand interaction between the CPE and the head end or other network entity. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box (DSTB) having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the OCAP/ACAP/MHP mandated Java Media Framework (JMF) APIs. A specially configured application is downloaded to the DSTB and run, the application configuring the paths within the device to provide, inter cilia, media access to the on-demand application(s) according to one or more network specific protocols. Accordingly, the network MSO can also uniquely configure the CPE within its network for on-demand capability according to its own specific protocols from the head-end. Improved client device and head-end configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120311023 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF NETWORK SOFTWARE INTERFACES - Apparatus and methods for improved software programming interface functionality in a network. In one exemplary embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable network with CPE in which network-specific programming interfaces (e.g., APIs) may be downloaded to the CPE, registered, authenticated, stored and executed in a software protocol stack implementing OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) or Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standards. The host device software comprises a “manager” module that registers APIs identified by the OCAP Monitor Application, such that all applications launched thereafter on the device can use these communications APIs, provided they have the appropriate permission(s). This relieves individual applications from having to support details regarding network-specific protocols and APIs. In an alternate embodiment, class and data files associated with the API functionality are downloaded along with an application. The downloaded application registers the API using a modified version of the API using a description file (DF). The DF describes the class and data files provided with the application that are part of the registered API. | 12-06-2012 |
