Abstract: A multimedia distribution system or interactive digital television broadcast system (iDTV) comprising several content providers (CP: CP1, CP2) broadcasting channels of video signals to a user (TV, STB) via a content selector (CS). The broadcast system comprises a user behavior analyzer (UBA) with quantitative behavior classifier (E(w)) able to analyze and to classify the quantitative consumption behavior of the user, and with a qualitative behavior classifier (F(x)) having as output classified user behaviors and prediction on future behaviors of the user. The classifiers are coupled to an opportunities selector (G(y)) that also receives information from additional content providers (ACP: ACP1, ACP2, ACP3). Under control of the opportunities selector G(y), additional content, e.g. advertisements, meta-information, iTV applications, trailers, . . . is send to a multimedia data combiner (H(z)) whereby the additional content is published, e.g. by mixing or by an overlay operation on/ over the selected channel.

Abstract: A method for waking up a plurality of sleeping devices. Each sleeping device is coupled to a waking device over a communications network and is adapted to provide a service feature to the waking device upon a request for the service feature from the waking device. The waking device sends a request for service to a network element of the communications network, which is always on. The network element receives the request for service, determines which features are requested by the waking device, and wakes up the sleeping devices that provide these requested features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for waking up a sleeping device. The sleeping device being coupled to a waking device over a communications network. The sleeping device is adapted to provide a service in an awake state, to the waking device at request for service of the waking device. This method, first, comprises the step of sending the request for service by the waking device in direction of the sleeping device. The communications network additionally comprises a Network Element which is always on, and being coupled to the communications network. The method further comprises the steps of the Network Element intercepting the request for service destined to the sleeping device and the step of the Network Element at intercepting of the request for service, generating a request to wake up the sleeping device and determine a substitute service to the waking device until the sleeping device is awake.

Abstract: A terminal device (TD) coupled to a multimedia distribution system (MDS). The terminal device is provided with an interface (IM) having selection buttons associated to sensors (SNS) for allowing a user not only to select multimedia outputs from the multimedia distribution system (MDS), but also for transmitting zapping intentions corresponding to the behavior of the user to a user behavior analyzing device build into the terminal device. The zapping intentions are derived from biometric parameters such as pressure, movement, temperature, heartbeat and/or sweat and are translated by the user behavior analyzing device into behavior parameters that are transmitted to and interpreted by the multimedia distribution system. As feedback, the multimedia distribution system replies with second multimedia outputs with the purpose of orienting or influencing the user in his/her selection choice.

Abstract: A multimedia distribution system or interactive digital television broadcast system (iDTV) comprising several content providers (CP: CP1, CP2) broadcasting channels of video signals to a user (TV, STB) via a content selector (CS). The broadcast system comprises a user behavior analyzer (UBA) with quantitative behavior classifier (E(w)) able to analyze and to classify the quantitative consumption behavior of the user, and with a qualitative behavior classifier (F(x)) having as output classified user behaviors and prediction on future behaviors of the user. The classifiers are coupled to an opportunities selector (G(y)) that also receives information from additional content providers (ACP: ACP1, ACP2, ACP3). Under control of the opportunities selector G(y), additional content, e.g. advertisements, meta-information, iTV applications, trailers, . . . is send to a multimedia data combiner (H(z)) whereby the additional content is published, e.g. by mixing or by an overlay operation on/ over the selected channel.

Abstract: A multimedia telecommunication system with a telecommunication service provider (TSP) to broadcast a multimedia composition signal (CS) from a multimedia content provider (MCP) to a user station (US). The multimedia signal comprises several multimedia signal components such as for instance audio signals (AU), video signals (VD), subtitles data (ST) and/or logo data (LG). The multimedia content provider (MCP) comprises a first signal composer (CP) for combining the multimedia signal components into the multimedia composition signal. The user station is provided with a multimedia recorder (VCR) and a user interface set (TV), generally a television set associated to a Set-Top-Box.

Abstract: An interactive digital television system (iDTV) with a personalization module (PM) for injecting signals towards a small user-groups. The iDTV system comprises a broadcast operator (BO) for sending to subscriber units (SB: SB1-SB3) a downstream digital broadcast stream (BS) received from an interactive digital television provider (ITVP), and also comprising an interaction return channel operator (RCO) for providing interactivity between the subscriber units and the interactive digital television provider by means of a bi-directional interaction return channel (IC). The personalization module (PM) is coupled to the bi-directional interaction return channel (IC) and allows intercommunication between the subscriber units. As a result, a user can escape the limitations of the current linear TV programs and is transformed from a pure spectator into a producer and director of a collective or individual iDTV experience.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for waking up a sleeping device of a plurality of sleeping devices. Each sleeping device of the plurality of sleeping devices being coupled to a waking device over a communications network and is adapted to provide a service feature, in an awake state, to the waking device at request for the service feature from the waking device. The method first comprises the step of the waking device sending the request for service where the service comprises a plurality of service features, to a Network Element of the communications network, which is always on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for waking up a sleeping device. The sleeping device being coupled to a waking device over a communications network. The sleeping device is adapted to provide a service in an awake state, to the waking device at request for service of the waking device. This method, first, comprises the step of sending the request for service by the waking device in direction of the sleeping device. The communications network additionally comprises a Network Element which is always on, and being coupled to the communications network. The method further comprises the steps of the Network Element intercepting the request for service destined to the sleeping device and the step of the Network Element at intercepting of the request for service, generating a request to wake up the sleeping device and determine a substitute service to the waking device until the sleeping device is awake.