Showing papers on "Upload published in 2003"

Incentives Build Robustness in Bit-Torrent

Abstract: The BitTorrent file distribution system uses tit-fortat as a method of seeking pareto efficiency. It achieves a higher level of robustness and resource utilization than any currently known cooperative technique. We explain what BitTorrent does, and how economic methods are used to achieve that goal. 1 What BitTorrent Does When a file is made available using HTTP, all upload cost is placed on the hosting machine. With BitTorrent, when multiple people are downloading the same file at the same time, they upload pieces of the file to each other. This redistributes the cost of upload to downloaders, (where it is often not even metered), thus making hosting a file with a potentially unlimited number of downloaders affordable. Researchers have attempted to find practical techniqes to do this before[3]. It has not been previously deployed on a large scale because the logistical and robustness problems are quite difficult. Simply figuring out which peers have what parts of the file and where they should be sent is difficult to do without incurring a huge overhead. In addition, real deployments experience very high churn rates. Peers rarely connect for more than a few hours, and frequently for only a few minutes [4]. Finally, there is a general problem of fairness [1]. The total download rate across all downloaders must, of mathematical necessity, be equal to the total upload rate. The strategy for allocating upload which seems most likely to make peers happy with their download rates is to make each peer’s download rate be proportional to their upload rate. In practice it’s very difficult to keep peer download rates from sometimes dropping to zero by chance, much less make upload and download rates be correlated. We will explain how BitTorrent solves all of these problems well. 1.1 BitTorrent Interface BitTorrent’s interface is almost the simplest possible. Users launch it by clicking on a hyperlink to the file they wish to download, and are given a standard “Save As” dialog, followed by a download progress dialog which is mostly notable for having an upload rate in addition to a download rate. This extreme ease of use has contributed greatly to BitTorrent’s adoption, and may even be more important than, although it certainly complements, the performance and cost redistribution features which are described in this paper.

System and method for filtering data received by a computer system

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for restricting access to data received by a computer over a network by filtering certain data from the data received. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a computer based method for filtering objectionable or target text data from World Wide Web pages which are received by a computer system connected to the Internet. According to the method, if the web page requested by the user contains only a minimum of objectionable or target data, the user may receive a portion of the filtered web page for downloading and viewing on his or her computer. If the web page requested contains a large amount of objectionable or target data, the invention will cause a “forbidden” page to be displayed on the user's computer monitor.

A special-purpose peer-to-peer file sharing system for mobile ad hoc networks

Abstract: Establishing peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing for mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) requires the construction of a search algorithm for transmitting queries and search results as well as the development of a transfer protocol for downloading files matching a query. In this paper, we present a special-purpose system for searching and file transfer tailored to both the characteristics of MANET and the requirements of peer-to-peer file sharing. Our approach is based on an application layer overlay network. As innovative feature, overlay routes are set up on demand by the search algorithm, closely matching network topology and transparently aggregating redundant transfer paths on a per-file basis. The transfer protocol guarantees low transmission overhead and a high fraction of successful downloads by utilizing overlay routes. In a detailed ns-2 simulation study, we show that both the search algorithm and the transfer protocol outperform off-the-shelf approaches based on a P2P file sharing system for the wireline Internet, TCP and a MANET routing protocol.

Module-based interactive television ticker

Abstract: A module-based ticker (600) for an interactive television system comprises one or more modules (1402, 1404,1406) of content that the user can select for presentation. Separate modules of the ticker are selected for sports (1406), news, weather, email (1404), traffic, interactive applications, movies etc. A viewer can also customize the ticker by choosing the shape, location, size, appearance and content of the modules. Three-dimensional modules can scroll ticker information on its surfaces by rotating in the ticker. The content from each of the modules concurrently scroll in the ticker, thereby giving somewhat of an appearance of 'a ticker having many tickers'. The modules can be 'skins' that have preset or customizable layouts, colors, fonts, borders shapes etc. An interactive television service provider can build the skins, and then via upload make the skins accessible to and selectable by viewers for customization.

Mechanism for downloading software components from a remote source for use by a local software application

Abstract: A method and system are provided for downloading software components from a remote source to a software application for providing updates or additions to the application's functionality. All components and files that may be utilized to update or add to functionality available to the application are identified and are assembled on a manifest that may be located on a remote web server accessible by the application. If components of the application should be updated, or corrections or improvements to existing components are available, or new functionality is available that will transform the user's existing application and document into a “smart” application and “smart” document, the application may connect to the web server to download the required components.

Virtual connection of a remote unit to a server

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are provided which allow a remote user to maintain a virtual session with a server. A virtual session allows a remote and possibly mobile user to maintain a virtual presence in an office environment without actually being present. Using the present invention, a remote user can access a central application program such as an Internet service provider, a database system, an inventory system or billing system. Likewise, the remote user can receive calls and other forms of communications as though he or she were present in an office environment. A virtual session does not require a physical connection to be continuously present in order to provide a virtual connectivity. This is especially important for mobile applications where the remote user may incur long distance and/or wireless toll charges. Also, methods are presented to allow a remote unit to rapidly reconnect in a transparent and seamless way without burdening the user with the need to connect and reconnect or to upload and download information. Related methods are provided to allow the virtual session to be established, operated and maintained.

Data processing apparatus, data processing method and program, and data processing system

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus, a data processing method and a program, and a data processing system which are configured to provide an EPG as a user interface that further facilitates decision on whether to view or record a program. By aggregating information uploaded from a user side, statistical data, such as the number of persons who viewed a program during its broadcast time, an audience rating of a program during its broadcast time, or a good impression level representing how the user feels about a program, are calculated, whereby an EPG page is automatically generated in which the statistical data and program guide data that gives guidance on programs are superimposed. The present invention is applicable to, e.g., a broadcasting system that broadcast television broadcasting programs.

Digital downloading jukebox system with central and local music servers

Abstract: A digital downloading jukebox system including a central server and a plurality of remote jukebox devices each provided with a local server that preferably mirrors the central server and enables selected songs to be immediately downloaded to the jukebox for reproduction. The local server and jukebox may also provide, through control of the central server, song download services to other jukebox devices. The jukebox system may also act as a monitoring/management device for other coin operated equipment present in a location where the jukebox is located, thereby enabling the jukebox device to perform updates on other equipment under control of the central server.

Streaming from a server to a client

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for arranging streaming or downloading a streamable file comprising meta-data and media-data over a network between a server and a client at least part of the meta-data of the file is transmitted to the client, the transmitted meta-data comprising at least locations of media-data ranges in the file. The location of the desired media-data part in the file is determined on the basis of the received meta-data. A request is sent to the server informing the server on the media-data range that is to be transferred to the client. The requested media-data range is then transmitted to the client.

Integrated information presentation system with environmental controls

Abstract: An integrated information presentation system that includes environmental controls is described that at least enhances the experience of giving or viewing a presentation. During the giving of a presentation, multiple controls are available in the system which enable the presenter to have direct control of the presentation environment. The system, for example, makes it easier to give presentations, both public and private, using computer-aided text, images, and sounds, yet it is far from just a tool to be used during these events themselves. Using this system, it is possible, for example, for presenters to practice a presentation before actually giving it, to transmit a presentation, either pre-recorded or live, from a remote location(s), to record a presentation for later distribution, to view a pre-recorded or live presentation from a remote location(s), or to upload a video or audio message to a website. This system is also equipped, for example, with a stylus, a remote control, and an interface device to enable a handheld computing device to be used as a remote, or even as the source for presentations themselves. This system includes a combination of, for example, an exemplary integrated information presentation device (also known as a 'PowerPodium'), an Integrated Presentation Environment Assembly with Controls (also known as a 'Presentation Booth'), an information display device system (also known as a 'PDA Device'), a stylus, and a remote control.

Video-on-demand (vod) management system and methods

Abstract: The present invention provides for closed loop multimedia content management systems and methods to ensure accurate and timely delivery of VOD content from multiple content providers (102) using multiple distribution systems. The present invention provides for a method of distributing multimedia content using a VOD management system (110) by receiving a multimedia asset data file and associated metadata from a content provider (102) and/or a MSO (112), tracking the delivery of the multimedia asset data file to a MSO (112), tracking the upload of the multimedia asset data file to a VOD server (125) maintained by the MSO (112), and providing usage reports relating to usage of multimedia asset data files by end users of the MSO (112). Usage reports are prepared by receiving data from the VOD servers (125) regarding the files requested by end users, creating a master reporting database using that data, and generating the usage reports using the data contained in the master reporting database.

Cache server at hotspots for downloading services

Abstract: Remote site downloading of content to a hotspot (15) occurs by way of a cache server (16), which, when networked the hotspot, processes download, order proxies received from remote content provider servers or content user mobile devices. The cache server stores content files downloaded over the Internet (13) from the content provider servers (14) according to the proxies, and delivers content files to the appropriate mobile devices (11) when they sign in at the hotspot. For example, a set top box at a hotspot can receive an instant message which includes a data set, including cookies, from a personal data assistant. There after, the set top box can download a movie from a movie vendor web site which has been previously ordered and paid for by a user using the personal data assistant over a cellular network (12), and then wirelessly transmit the movie to the personal data assistant using Wi-Fi protocol when it arrives at the hotspot and is authenticated.

Automatic organization of images uploaded to a photo-sharing site

Abstract: A method for automatically organizing images uploaded from a computer to a server is disclosed. Aspects of the invention include receiving an upload of image files from the computer on the server, where the upload includes a folder hierarchy defining how the image files are stored on the computer. The images files are then automatically stored and organized on the server, such that the folder hierarchy of the image files is preserved.

Method and apparatus for uploading content from a device to a remote network location

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for uploading content (such as a digital photograph) from a content upload device to a content server over a communications network, and for automatically forwarding the content from the content server to one or more remote destinations. A user of the content upload device may cause the content upload device to upload the content to the content server by initiating a single action, such as pressing a single button on the content upload device, and without providing information identifying the user to the content upload device. Upon receiving the content, the content server may add the content to a queue, referred to as a content outbox, associated with the user. The content server may automatically forward the content in the user's content outbox to one or more remote destinations specified by preferences associated with the user's content outbox.

Apparatus and method for testing and charging a power source with ethernet

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows a battery charger/tester to transmit and receive information from a remote location. Information, such as the result of the charge and testing of the battery, can be relayed via a wire or wirelessly to a remote device, such as a server for storage. Additionally, information such as firmware updates can be relayed to the battery charger/tester for upload.

Remote aircraft manufacturing, monitoring, maintenance and management system

Abstract: An aircraft wireless data communication system includes an aircraft computer/server in communication with a plurality of aircraft systems. Access to the aircraft systems via the computer/server is available in real-time via wireless communication with a ground-based computer system. The ground-based computer system includes a computer that can be accessed from one or more networks of computers. Each authorized computer user on an airline, manufacturer, or supplier network has remote real-time access to the aircraft computer/server. Properly authorized remote users can: perform comparisons between the aircraft actual configuration identity and an aircraft authorized configuration identity; perform system diagnostic testing; view system status and parameters; collaborate with users from local and remote organizations using real-time aircraft data; and upload and download software and data to and from aircraft systems.

Method, system, and program for diagnosing a computer in a network system

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for diagnosing a computer over a network, such as the Internet. A program, such as an applet, is provided that executes on the computer. The program causes the computer to download at least one object from a server over the network. Performance data is determined with respect to downloading the object from the server to the computer over the network in order to diagnose performance problems with the computer. The determined performance data is then transmitted to a diagnostic system over the network.

System and method for browsing on behalf of others

Abstract: A system and method for browsing on behalf of others. A browsing device sends a content request to a content server. The content request includes a request for content and/or resources suitable for execution on the target device, a target device profile and a browser profile. The browser profile is for enabling the server to return information regarding the requested content and/or resources for display by a browsing device. The target device profile is for enabling the server to return downloadable content to the browsing device corresponding to the information regarding the requested content and/or resources in a format suitable for execution on the target device. The browsing device receives the information regarding the requested content and/or resources in the form of Web pages, the Web pages comprising one or more of titles, information regarding the titles, video clips, media shots, screen shots, etc. The browsing device enables a user to select the desired content presented on the Web pages. The content server, after receiving the user selection, sends the selected content to the browsing device in a format based on the profile of the target device. The browsing device uploads the received content to the target device during a subsequent sync.

Efficient download mechanism for devices with limited local storage

Abstract: A method and system for downloading data from a one device to another. First, a device broadcasts a discovery packet that informs servers that data desired. Then servers send offer packets to the device, informing it that they are prepared to download data. The device chooses an offer and sends a start packet. The chosen server may then send the device a selected limit of data packets. The device will send acknowledgements to the server before it has received the server's selected limit. Upon receiving an acknowledgement, the server may again send up to the limit of data packets before again waiting for acknowledgement. For example, if the server is permitted to send a limit of 8 packets, the device may send an acknowledgement every 4 packets. This shortens download time by allowing server and device to operate simultaneously.

Apparatus, system and method for securing digital documents in a digital appliance

Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus and a method to secure protected digital document content from tampering by their user, such as unauthenticated use or use violating a policy of the digital document. The digital document file can be transferred from a network node such as a web site server to a digital appliance, such as a computer, in encrypted form. The digital document file can be resident already on a device, and/or be transferred into a device that is connected to the digital appliance. The device (hereafter a DRM device) can internally store the digital document or part of the document. The DRM device may decrypt the digital document when requested to do so. The device may further format the content for usage, for example, convert text into its graphic bitmap representation. Device formatting can include sending plain text data to the digital appliance. The device may further process degradation to the resulted file, for example, reduce the resolution of the graphic representation. The digital appliance uploads the result of the processing or sections of the result of the processing for user access via the digital appliance.

System and method for disseminating information over a communication network according to predefined consumer profiles

Abstract: A system and method for distributing information to interested users according to predefined preferences over the Internet. The invention provides improved techniques for reaching potential recipients, for simplifying the initial response by interested individuals, and for facilitating the gathering and organizing of information from those individuals. The communication structure includes one or more servers and a plurality of dedicated client-side communication modules (“comm modules”). The servers store multimedia entertainment, advertising, or other information content and as well as profile information for the users of the comm modules. The stored information is organized according to the user profiles and is selectively made available for downloading on demand. The comm modules are preferably made available for installation on the client-side computers by distribution as an adjunct to the information, advertising or entertainment content of a multimedia product such as a CDROM or DVD. Profile information is developed the first time a user goes on line after installing the software. The comm module displays a small icon on the user's desktop which changes state whenever there is new information on the server corresponding to the user's profile. Users may then access the information at their convenience. The comm module includes a mini Web browser programmed for display of full-featured Web pages. It is compatible with operating systems commonly in use, and is runtime configurable and upgradable via server configuration messages. When the user goes online, the comm module connects directly to a routing server at a predetermined Internet address.

Method to synchronize and upload an offloaded network stack connection with a network stack

Abstract: A method to synchronize and upload an offloaded network stack connection between a host network stack and peripheral device is presented. A state object for each layer in the stack is sent to the device that includes state variables that are classified as a constant, a cached variable handled by the host, or a delegated variable handled by the device. State that must be updated by the network stack and the peripheral device is cleanly divided. For example, statistics are tracked by the host, the device, or the host and the device. A statistic tracked by both the host and peripheral device is divided into non-overlapping portions and combined to produce the statistic. Once an upload is initiated, the device achieves a consistent state and hands delegated states to the stack. Each layer in the stack takes control of its delegated state and resources at the device are freed.

GeoNotes: a location-based information system for public spaces

Abstract: The basic idea behind location-based information systems is to connect information pieces to positions in outdoor or indoor space. Through position technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS), GSM positioning, Wireless LAN positioning or Bluetooth positioning, the system keeps track of where a terminal (and its user) is located in space. Via his terminal, the user is allowed to enter/upload information, to which the system automatically allocates a latitude-longitude coordinate. Later, the same user, or some other user, can access that information (again via their wirelessly connected terminals) when they enter the place. Although the digital information is stored on a remote server away from the actual location, the position technology and the mobile terminals give users the impression that information is actually “attached” to the place where the user is. In this way, location-based information systems create user experiences similar to those of Post-its, graffiti and public signs and posters. In both cases, an information space is “superim posed” on indoor/outdoor space.

Method and system for access to electronic images of text based on user ownership of corresponding physical text

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the invention enable users to request access to one or more electronic images of pages in a physical text. When the user is identified and user ownership of the physical text is confirmed, the user is given access to the requested electronic images in accordance with the one or more access rules. Electronic images of pages may be automatically added to a user-personalized library of electronic content for later access. A flag associated with the user and the pages images may be set to indicate confirmed user ownership of the physical text. A user may purchase a physical text itself or purchase an item that the physical text normally accompanies. Electronic page images may be acquired by scanning printed pages of the text or from a user upload. Access to the electronic images of a physical text is based on user ownership of the physical text.

System and method providing multimedia messaging in communication networks

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for a network having multimedia messaging service (MMS) capability allowing downloading of one or more multimedia messages (MMs) from a server to a client. The client (1) and/or the server is capable of generating commands for suspending (S21) and resuming (S23) downloading of the multimedia message. When the client or server generates a command for suspending a current downloading of a multimedia message, the server suspends the downloading of the multimedia message, and a marker is generated for marking the position of suspending the multimedia message. When the client or server generates a command for resuming the suspended downloading of the multimedia message, the server resumes the downloading from the position of suspending marked by the marker. The client when receiving additional subsequent portions of the multimedia message after generating a marker for marking the position of suspending the multimedia message, stores these additional subsequent portions of the multimedia message, generates a new marker pointing to the end of the received additional subsequent portions of the multimedia message, and stores the new marker.

Client device and server device

Abstract: In order to eliminate viewer's waiting time for downloading metadata on a network when enjoying hypermedia by combining videos in viewer's possession and the metadata, a client device holds video data, metadata related to the video data is recorded in a server device; the server device sends the metadata to the client device through the network at the request from the client device; and the client device processes the sent metadata, thus realizing hypermedia together with local video data.

Telecommunications network subscriber experience measurement

Abstract: In a mobile network a packet interface (103) is monitored by a tap (160-163) in a non-intrusive manner Captured transaction data is uploaded to a probe (155-158) linked to one or more taps The probe acts as a slave to a server (159), activating and terminating data capture A coordinator (601) of the probe (155) manages data capture and buffering according to the server The server (150) filters the data according to a subscriber registry (203) and loads data until there are complete protocol descriptions These provide real time subscriber-centered QoS metrics

Remote access authorization of local content

Abstract: Network users are authorized individual access during a log-on session to encrypted content on content media at the user without the necessity of individualizing the content media for the particular user. The content may comprise multimedia data. The content media, which may be mass produced and distributed, includes a computer program which generates a unique configuration identifier upon instantiation of the program to begin a user access session. The program creates a virtual directory structure for the content that is uniquely determined for that session by the configuration identifier. The configuration identifier is uploaded to a remote server which uses the configuration identifier with other information identifying the content media and the user authorize user access. The remote server creates and downloads to a browser of the user an encrypted message containing URLs for accessing the content in the virtual directory structure and containing transformations of a decryption algorithm and decryption keys for the encrypted content. Encrypted multimedia content selected by the user is stored in a temporary file, decrypted in a moving time window, and rendered After rendering, the decrypted portion of the temporary file is scrambled to preclude further access.

Online multimedia presentation builder and presentation player

Abstract: This invention is an online multimedia electronic solution for both building and playing of online presentations. The Presentation Builder is an What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) interface that enables Internet users to upload, design, rotate, resize, create a layout, change fonts, change colors, hyper link, and drag and drop digital assets they supply or that are offered by the server into an online editor environment; captions, known as text and also streaming audio may be added. The Presentation Builder allows users to log out and later return to update changes to their existing presentations and republish the results; the Builder may be accessed from any computer on the Internet. The presentation is then viewed in the Presentation Player (a play-only-mode) without editing capabilities; it can be viewed via a link in email as a realistic looking book (three-dimensional) with the transitional effect of page turning.

Maintaining a sliding view of server based data on a handheld personal computer

Abstract: A handheld client computing system selectively retrieves items, such as email messages, from a server through either a POP transport or an IMAP transport and selectively maintains the items on the client. The retrieval and maintenance is based on predetermined criteria, such as predetermined date, size or keyword information. Initially, the H/PC (handheld personal computer) downloads item identification information from the server on the client/server network and determines which items are not present on the H/PC. Those items located on the server and not on the H/PC are selected for possible downloading to the H/PC. However, before each item is downloaded to the H/PC in its entirety, the H/PC downloads only the header of the selected item. The header information is analyzed to determine whether to download the entire item based on predetermined criteria, such as date information. Once all server-based items are analyzed, and selected items are downloaded, all local copies of items, that do not satisfy the predetermined criteria, are deleted to maintain a sliding or selective view of the server-based items belonging to the client account.