Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a data transmission device is provided. The device includes a communication unit for transmitting data to a receiver and transmitting data having a changed characteristic to the receiver, wherein when transmitting the data the device transmits timing information to the receiver indicating a time that the device will begin transmitting the data having a changed characteristic.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a content processing subsystem configured to record at least a subset of a media content program and detect a defective portion of the recorded media content program that failed to be properly recorded. The content processing subsystem is further configured to provide a recording status indicator to an output device for presentation to a user, the recording status indicator identifying the defective portion of the recorded media content program. In certain implementations, the content processing subsystem is further configured to heal at least a subset of the defective portion of the recorded media content program and provide a healing status indicator to the output device for presentation to the user, the healing status indicator identifying the healed portion of the recorded media content program.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing haptic effects with at least one media component in a media transport stream includes identifying a series of video frames containing imaging information and/or a series of audio frames containing sound information in the media transport stream; identifying a series of haptic frames containing force feedback information in the media transport stream; and synchronizing the force feedback information in response to the imaging information and/or sound information.

Abstract: A method and system for display control, a breakaway judging apparatus and a video/audio processing apparatus are provided. The method includes following steps. A display signal source is received and a play content is obtained according to the display signal source. It is judged whether a play time corresponding to the play content is in a breakaway time according to at least one advertising fingerprint, wherein the at least one advertising fingerprint is a characteristic message corresponding to the play content, and the breakaway time is at least one time interval for playing at least one advertisement in the play content. If the play time corresponding to the play content is in the breakaway time, a prompt message is superimposed to the play content.

Abstract: A first media server delivers content for broadcast via a first media channel, and a second media server delivers media content for broadcast via a second media channel. The first media server operates in a synchronized mode, under control of the second media server during some periods of time, and during other periods of time operates in an independent mode. When operating in the synchronized mode, content delivered by the first and second media servers can be synchronized, so that the timing of spot blocks played on the two servers generally coincides. When the first server operates in the independent mode, the timing of spot blocks and other content broadcast on the first media channel are not synchronized under control of the second media server.

Abstract: A system and method for generating goal-based video analytics is disclosed. The system includes a processor, a configurable goal module, a communication module and an analytics module. The configurable goal module receives a video goal definition configurable by a user. The communication module receives first media player state data including data describing viewer interest in video data playable by a media player included on a viewing device. The analytics module associates the video goal definition with the first media player state data and generates video analytics based at least in part on the video goal definition and the first media player state data associated with the video goal definition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set-top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device. The set-top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The user has the option to extend a chosen time slot, in which a show is scheduled to be transferred to the storage device. A dialog box is used when certain types of shows are selected that commonly require timeslot extensions at the end of the show.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a subtitle display method and a subtitle display device, and relate to the field of communications technologies. Category content is presented to a user in an interactive graphic manner, so that the user can select corresponding category content according to the user's preference, and subtitles corresponding to the category content are displayed. The method includes receiving a subtitle file, and parsing a category label of the subtitle file, where the category label includes category content; presenting, on a display device in an interactive graphic manner, the category content for a user to perform selection; and receiving a result of selecting one or more pieces of the category content by the user, and displaying, according to the selection result, subtitles corresponding to the selected category content, therefore classified display of subtitles is implemented.

Abstract: A method of performing time-shift function and television receiver having a tuner and a personal video recorder for storing broadcast programs of at least one channel enables a broadcast program of a currently tuned channel to be continuously and efficiently stored to enable time-shifting, regardless of an interruption by switching channels or changing input sources or even in the case of an inadvertent power-off condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for saving and restoring scenes in a multimedia system with minimal configuration are provided. The techniques of the present invention can allow the states of the components in the multimedia system to be captured in a scene. Once the scene has been saved, the scene can be restored at a later time. A remote control system for recommending scenes by comparing states of components in the current scene with states of components in saved scenes is also provided. The remote control system can also recommend scenes based on usage patterns. Moreover, the remote control system can allow users to designate one or more saved scenes as favorite scenes.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communications system comprise, in one example, inserting advertising in a program stream by a receiving device based, at least in part, on an encrypted segmentation message embedded in the program steam. The at least one segmentation message defines an expanse of the program stream to receive the advertising. At least one embedded decoy message is included in the program stream, as well. In one example the receiving device, which may be a set-top terminal, for example, is coupled to a display device, such as a television, at a user location. A method of operating a receiving device coupled to a display device at a user location is also disclosed, comprising programming the receiving device to record a program and recording the program based, at least in part, on at least one segmentation message in a program stream. Systems are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a monitored display monitors data to be output from a monitored display. The monitored data is analyzed to generate one or more content identifiers. The content identifiers are compared to a set of rules to determine if the monitored data should be blocked from being output or if an alert should be transmitted to a supervisor device. One or more supervisor devices may be used to respond to alerts and may also be used to control the output of the monitored display.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein involve connected states between a mobile device and one or more zones in a network media system and different interactions between the mobile device and the network media system involving the connected states. The connected states may be established between the mobile device and the one or more zones such that further actions taken on media items identified in the playlist on the mobile device may also be taken on corresponding media items in a playback queue associated with the one or more zones. The interface on the mobile device may display various graphical representations to indicate the different interactions involving the connected states, including when a connected state is established, when a connected state is lost, and when a reconnected state is reestablished. The interface may further provide selectable icons to allow a user to navigate among the different media playback options involving the connected states.

Abstract: A system for performing closed captioning enables a caption prepared remotely by a captioner to be repositioned by someone other than the captioner, such as by a program originator. This capability is particularly useful when, for example, the program originator wishes to include a banner in a video but also wishes to avoid having a closed caption interfere with the banner. In one illustrative system, the program originator is a broadcast station that includes a conventional encoder and a broadcast station computer. In one arrangement, control data generated at the station computer is incorporated into the caption data by the station computer. In another arrangement, the control data is sent from the station computer to the captioner computer, which incorporates the control data into the caption data.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for impeding making a useful copy with an optical recording device of video content displayed on a screen, wherein the method comprises displaying the video content on the screen, illuminating with ambience light of an ambience light source the screen, the ambience light comprises light having a wavelength in the visible part of the spectrum, wherein the ambience light is controlled as function of the video content, and wherein the ambience light is intensity modulated with an intensity modulation having an intensity modulation frequency selected from the range of 40 Hz to 00 Hz.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products control external devices during presentation of multimedia content. When a description of the multimedia content is received, the description may include control data for controlling a device. The control data may thus be executed to alter a presentation of the multimedia content.

Abstract: Whether to enable a packet discarding mode is designated and, if an information processing apparatus operates in a power saving mode and the packet discarding mode is enabled, the information processing apparatus determines processing for a received packet based on a proxy response pattern, a WOL pattern, and a discard pattern, and, if the information processing apparatus operates in the power saving mode and the packet discarding mode is disabled, the information processing apparatus determines processing for the received packet based on the proxy response pattern and the WOL pattern without using the discard pattern.

Abstract: A multifunctional display device includes a processor to control display of information during booting of an operating system. The operating system is booted in response to a predetermined signal and displayed the information includes first information corresponding to visual information, and second information indicating that the operating system is currently booting. The operating system is one which controls display of multimedia content.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a number of systems and associated processes for using machine-readable codes to perform a transaction. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for consolidating and replacing various forms of payment (e.g. credit cards, debit cards, and cash) with a single payment system. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for reordering a product provided by a product provider. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for accepting a gift, or gift transaction, associated with a gift card. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for performing an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) transaction using a machine-readable code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concealing data. Frequency information is identified for a number of data object types of a set of data objects in the data using a frequency map. A set of pixel values is assigned to the set of data objects based on the frequency information for use in encrypting the set of data objects to form encrypted data. An image is generated that includes a set of pixels that represents the encrypted data. Each pixel in the set of pixels has a pixel value from the set of pixel values that is assigned to a corresponding data object of the set of data objects.

Abstract: A cable broadcast receiver and a 3D video data processing method thereof are disclosed. The processing method includes receiving a cable broadcast signal including video data and SI, determining whether a 3D video service is provided through a channel by obtaining a 3D service ID from SI, obtaining 3D image format information indicating an image format of 3D video data from SI, and extracting 3D video data from the broadcast signal and decoding the extracted result. The broadcast receiver includes a receiving unit receiving a cable broadcast signal including video data and SI, a control unit determining whether a 3D video service is provided through a channel by obtaining a 3D service ID from the SI, and obtaining 3D image format information indicating an image format of 3D video data from the SI, and a video decoder extracting 3D video data from the broadcast signal, and decoding the extracted result.

Abstract: A program guide system in which an interactive television program guide is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, etc. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times. When data has expired it may be removed from the database.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising obtaining a media stream, determining, based on at least two timing cues, a first location in the media stream, wherein the at least two timing cues are comprised in the following list: a metadata signal associated with the media stream, a silent period in the media stream and a predefined content sequence in the media stream, and inserting a predetermined content item into the media stream starting from or ending in the first location, to at least in part replace content originally in the media stream, wherein in case the metadata signal is comprised in the at least two timing cues, the first location occurs at most a threshold length of time before or after receipt of the metadata signal.

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 or scrambled 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: There is provided a method for detecting modulated light comprising: receiving a set of images acquired by means of a rolling shutter camera having image acquisition settings comprising a frame rate, fframe, and a line rate, fline; identifying in consecutive frames of said images—a pattern governed by the ratio between a modulation frequency, fc, of a modulated light source and the line rate, fline, and—between consecutive frames a spatial shift of said pattern governed by the ratio between said modulation frequency fc, and said frame rate, fframe; and providing based on said pattern and spatial shift thereof, an estimate of the modulated light amplitude from said light source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal and a control method thereof capable of outputting a content. A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an output unit formed to output a content; an analysis unit configured to monitor a time point where the reproduction of the content is paused and analyze the reproduction paused content when the reproduction of the content is paused; and a controller configured to determine a time point where the reproduction of the content is started based on the analysis result of the content when a control command for reproducing the content again is sensed.

Abstract: A content reproducing apparatus includes a reproducing unit configured to reproduce content including audio and video, and a power control unit configured to perform power control of the reproducing unit based on a reproducing position of the content and non-reproduction period information indicating at least one of a period during which reproduction of the audio of the content is unnecessary and a period during which reproduction of the video of the content is unnecessary.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for displaying video and accompanying text data on a display are provided. The method includes receiving media content that includes video and determining whether text data associated with the video is to be presented on the display alongside the video. If associated text data is not to be presented, then the video content is output as normal, with the video content occupying a first area of the display (such as the entire display). If associated text data is to be presented, then the video output is automatically resized such that the video occupies a smaller area of the display, and the associated text data is automatically displayed alongside the video. By allowing for dynamic resizing it is possible to display subtitles or closed captions alongside portions of video content without obscuring the video.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for visual automatic transcription of music played on a musical keyboard instrument. The system receives a video input of the musical instrument being played. A transcribing application detects a keyboard section of a background frame of the video input by detecting a shape of the keyboard and the presence of keys in the shape. The keys are detected in the background image and the positional information and associated musical notes of each key is determined. A difference image is obtained by subtracting the background image from the current frame. A musical note is determined for the pressed key based on the positional information and associated musical notes of the keys in the background image.

Abstract: A closed caption tagging system provides a mechanism for inserting tags into an audio or video television broadcast stream prior to or at the time of transmission. The receiver receives the broadcast stream and detects and processes the tags within the broadcast stream which is stored on a storage device that resides on the receiver. The tags contain command and control information that the receiver translates and acts upon. A one-touch recording option is provided. An icon is displayed to the viewer telling the viewer that an advertised program is available for recording at a future time. The viewer presses a single button on an input device causing the receiver to schedule the program for recording.

Abstract: Viewers use remote controls to generate mute signals based on broadcast programming. Those mute signals are processed into mute messages, which are sent to viewers' television audio controls, which mute and un-mute broadcast audio based on the mute messages. Accurate mute messages are generated based in part on various mute signal statistics derived from mute signal streams. Sending mute signals can result in mute signal point credits, and receiving mute messages can result in mute point debits. Additionally, more accurate mute signals can result in greater mute point credits.

Abstract: Techniques for synthesizing a parameterized haptic track from a multichannel audio signal and embedding the haptic track in a multichannel audio codec bit stream. The haptic track synthesis can occur while encoding the multichannel audio signal as the multichannel audio codec bit stream. The haptic track can be synthesized in a way that allows select parameters of the haptic track to be extracted from the audio signal. The parameters can be adjusted by a user during the encoding process. For example, the parameter adjustments can be made using a authoring/monitoring tool. The parameter adjustments can be recorded as metadata that, along with the haptic track, is included in the codec bit stream. In some aspects the present technology, the adjustable parameters include center frequency, gain, decay rate, and other parameters that allow for modulation of the haptic track during decoding of the codec bit stream.

Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for presenting interactive multimedia programs includes selecting a multimedia program for presentation, the program having one or more segments and a plurality of additional content items, where each of the items is associated with at least one of the segments and is responsive to at least one of a plurality of pre-defined queries for the program. The method also includes receiving at least one user query during presentation of the program, identifying one of the pre-defined queries corresponding to the user query, and retrieving one of the items associated with a current segment of the program and responsive to the identified one of the pre-defined queries.

Abstract: Generation of interactive content. In an embodiment, a representation of candidate object(s) in content of a digital media asset are received. For each of the candidate object(s), feature(s) of the candidate object are compared to corresponding feature(s) of a plurality of reference objects to identify reference object(s) that match the candidate object. For each of the matched candidate object(s), a hotspot package is generated. The hotspot package may comprise a visual overlay which comprises information associated with the reference object(s) matched to the respective candidate object.

Abstract: Generation of interactive content. In an embodiment, a representation of candidate object(s) in content of a digital media asset are received. For each of the candidate object(s), feature(s) of the candidate object are compared to corresponding feature(s) of a plurality of reference objects to identify reference object(s) that match the candidate object. For each of the matched candidate object(s), a hotspot package is generated. The hotspot package may comprise a visual overlay which comprises information associated with the reference object(s) matched to the respective candidate object.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing closed captions are disclosed. For example, a media server may receive a first video stream and first closed caption data associated with the first video stream. The media server may interpret at least one command included in the first closed caption data to generate interpreted closed caption data. The media server may transmit, to a destination device, a second video stream including second closed caption data that is generated based on the interpreted closed caption data.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communications system comprise, in one example, inserting advertising in a program stream by a receiving device based, at least in part, on an encrypted segmentation message embedded in the program steam. The at least one segmentation message defines an expanse of the program stream to receive the advertising. At least one embedded decoy message is included in the program stream, as well. In one example the receiving device, which may be a set-top terminal, for example, is coupled to a display device, such as a television, at a user location. A method of operating a receiving device coupled to a display device at a user location is also disclosed, comprising programming the receiving device to record a program and recording the program based, at least in part, on at least one segmentation message in a program stream. Systems are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: A first instance of a reference video is stored. A primary video and a second instance of the reference video are simultaneously received. At least one quality of experience value that infers a perceptual quality of the primary video as received by a system is generated by comparing the first instance of the reference video to the second instance of the reference video on a pixel-by-pixel, frame-by-frame, basis and determining whether each pixel and each frame contained in the first instance of the reference video are contained in the second instance of the reference video.

Abstract: A first instance of a reference video is stored. A primary video and a second instance of the reference video are simultaneously received. At least one quality of experience value that infers a perceptual quality of the primary video as received by a system is generated by comparing the first instance of the reference video to the second instance of the reference video on a pixel-by-pixel, frame-by-frame, basis and determining whether each pixel and each frame contained in the first instance of the reference video are contained in the second instance of the reference video.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products control external devices during presentation of multimedia content. When a description of the multimedia content is received, the description includes control data for controlling an external device. The control data is stripped therefrom and sent to the external device to alter a presentation of the multimedia content.

Abstract: A method of transmitting and accessing announcement information identifying available services. Services are provided on the network over a plurality of communication channels, such that each channel is associated with at least one service. At least one of the plurality of communication channels is dedicated as an all-announcement channel, which includes a service announcement for each one of the services available on the plurality of communication channels. Redirection information is also present on the plurality of communication channels and is used to redirect the mobile terminal to the all-announcement channel to obtain information concerning the available services.

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: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transmitting event data to a display device, wherein both image sequences for displaying images of an event and supplemental data for the display of additional information relating to the event are transmitted as event data by a transmission device to the named display device. The event data are split and are transmitted over a plurality of transmission channels of differing bandwidth, with at least some of the image sequences being transmitted over at least one transmission channel of higher bandwidth and at least some of the supplemental data being transmitted over at least one transmission channel of lower bandwidth.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for providing media content enhancement. A system for providing enhancement of media content displayed by a presentation unit of the system comprises the presentation unit configured to receive and display the media content, and a content enhancement module stored in a memory of the presentation unit. The presentation unit also includes a processor configured to control the content enhancement module to enhance the media content. A method for use by the content enhancement module comprises reading a context data received by the presentation unit, the context data describing a media content provided for display by the presentation unit, processing the context data to identify the media content, requesting an enhancement data corresponding to the media content, and executing instructions received in the enhancement data to enhance the media content displayed by the presentation unit.

Abstract: Generation of interactive content. In an embodiment, a representation of candidate object(s) in content of a digital media asset are received. For each of the candidate object(s), feature(s) of the candidate object are compared to corresponding feature(s) of a plurality of reference objects to identify reference object(s) that match the candidate object. For each of the matched candidate object(s), a hotspot package is generated. The hotspot package may comprise a visual overlay which comprises information associated with the reference object(s) matched to the respective candidate object.

Abstract: This disclosure details the implementation of methods, systems and computer program products for local DVR scheduling conflict management (hereinafter, “SCM”). SCM systems allow for automatic organization, prioritization, and conflict resolution for multiple scheduled recording specifications. Conflicting scheduled recordings may be re-organized based on single-stage and/or multi-stage conflict resolution procedures. Embodiments of SCM systems may also implement weighted conflict resolution, wherein user preferences and/or prioritizations may be assigned to scheduled recordings and considered in the re-organization of conflicting recordings.

Abstract: Suggestions for content are based on either designation by or a habit of a user. Favored genres of content are determined at different times of day. Should content be requested at a particular time of day for which no favored genre of content is determined, then one of the known favored genres of content is suggested.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: In a program information broadcasting system, it is aimed to minimize time for retrieval of program by viewers in operating an electronic program guide or time for waiting when applying for subscription. As a program information broadcasting system, program elements constituting a broadcasting program are divided into a plurality of items and are turned to data at a center, and a master data 21 of a program information to recognize the program is prepared. From the data constituting the master data, minimal necessary items for preparation of a program table are extracted, and a program basic information 22 is prepared. Said master data and said program basic information are transmitted simultaneously with the broadcasting, and said program basic information is received, reproduced and displayed before receiving of the master data at a receiving terminal unit 31 is completed.