Abstract: A system enables universal remote media control across multiple platforms, devices, and users. A protocol allows a cast controller to have access to media operations and a state(s) associated with media content. The system receives commands from a cast controller, provides the commands to a media player, loads new media content into the media player, based on the commands, and receives state notifications from the media player. Another cast controller can receive the state notifications from the media player and control the media player based on the media operations and state(s) associated with media content.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a social networking platform offering various services, such as, facilitating aggregation and management of a user's interaction on one or more social networking platforms, offering enhanced control over the level of privacy associated with the flow of user data, offering tools to customize the user's exposure to advertisement-related content on the social networking platform(s), integrating features to control aspects of how data/content is presented to and visualized by the user, empowering the user to multicast direct messages to other users without the other users having to meet certain constraints, empowering the user to create and/or join a group based on messaging threads, and the like. One or more of these enhanced services/features are associated with a powerful framework of authentication/permission model for access control.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing media content for continuous watching. A rewind command is received while a first episode of a series is generated for display. In response, and without detecting a further command to skip a portion of an episode, the first episode of the series is rewound. Then, in response to rewinding the first episode to the beginning, title credits of the first episode and end credits of a previous episode of the series are automatically skipped; and the previous episode of the series is automatically rewound.

Abstract: Certain embodiments involve adaptive search results for multimedia search queries to provide dynamic previews. For instance, a computing system receives a search query that includes a keyword. The computing system identifies, based on the search query, a video file having keyframes with content tags that match the search query. The computing system determines matching scores for respective keyframes of the identified video file. The computing system generates a dynamic preview from at least two keyframes having the highest matching scores.

Abstract: Systems and methods to position and play content. The system renders a first content segment to an output device at an accelerated speed for the first content segment. Next, the system receives a request to play the first content segment from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment. Next, the system automatically positions to the beginning of the first content segment based on position information that is associated with the first content segment. Finally, the system renders the first content segment to the output device from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment.

Abstract: Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for identifying emerging viewing patterns for visual media such as still images and videos. Emerging viewing patterns are identified by identifying visual tags for visual media viewed by users, selecting a subset of the tags by applying a taxonomy-based filter, generating pattern candidates from the subset, evaluating consumption metrics for each of the generated patterns, and ranking the generated pattern candidates responsive to the consumption metrics to identify emerging viewing patterns for the users.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for providing media guidance are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer-implemented method for action localization. A non-limiting example of the computer-implemented method includes receiving, by a processor, a video and segmenting, by the processor, the video into a set of video segments. The computer-implemented method classifies, by the processor, each video segment into a class and calculates, by the processor, importance scores for each video segment of a class within the set of video segments. The computer-implemented method determines, by the processor, a winning video segment of the class within the set of video segments based on the importance scores for each video segment within the class, stores, by the processor, the winning video segment from the set of video segments, and removes the winning video segment from the set of video segments.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing media content for continuous watching. A rewind command is received while a first episode of a series is generated for display. In response, and without detecting a further command to skip a portion of an episode, the first episode of the series is rewound. Then, in response to rewinding the first episode to the beginning, title credits of the first episode and end credits of a previous episode of the series are automatically skipped; and the previous episode of the series is automatically rewound.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor with first and second input ports and a memory operably coupled to the processor. The processor can detect streams of media samples at the input ports and determine, in response to the detection of the streams of media samples, a capture start time. The processor can also capture a first frame of a first stream of media samples beginning at the capture start time, and a first frame of a second stream of media samples beginning at a first time subsequent to the capture start time. The processor can also calculate a relative offset time based on the capture start time, the first time, and a rate associated with the second stream of media samples, and store, in the memory, an indication of an association between the captured first frame of the second stream of media samples and the relative offset time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for video display control. An example method includes: determining, by one or more processors, whether a coding frame extracted from a video coding stream is an I Frame; if the coding frame extracted from the video coding stream is an I Frame, acquiring, by the one or more processors, a timestamp of the I Frame and a timestamp of an adjacent coding frame after the I Frame; and controlling, by the one or more processors, display of the I Frame based on the timestamp of the I Frame and the timestamp of the adjacent coding frame after the I Frame.

Abstract: Networked devices are arranged to play content such as audio and video content in synchronization. A synching device receives a packet from an initiating device over a network. The packet may include an identifier of content to play, such as a URI, and an indication of when to play the content. A local clock time to play the content is determined based on a time of a local clock of the first device and the indication of when to play the content. The synching device obtains from a server the content based on the received identifier, and plays the content in synchronization with the initiating device based on a time on the local clock and the local clock time to play the content. In some embodiments, the synching device also adjusts a clock speed of the local clock reference to control rate of playback of the content.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor with first and second input ports and a memory operably coupled to the processor. The processor can detect streams of media samples at the input ports and determine, in response to the detection of the streams of media samples, a capture start time. The processor can also capture a first frame of a first stream of media samples beginning at the capture start time, and a first frame of a second stream of media samples beginning at a first time subsequent to the capture start time. The processor can also calculate a relative offset time based on the capture start time, the first time, and a rate associated with the second stream of media samples, and store, in the memory, an indication of an association between the captured first frame of the second stream of media samples and the relative offset time.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a data processing device, a fingerprint of a media segment to be displayed on a media device and determining, by the data processing device, a number of times the media segment has been displayed on the media device based on the fingerprint. The method further includes determining, by the data processing device, whether the number of times the media segment has been displayed on the media device satisfies a threshold criterion. When the number of times the media segment has been displayed on the media device satisfies the threshold criterion, the method includes identifying, by the data processing device, an overlay content segment to be displayed on the electronic device in lieu of the media segment and instructing, by the data processing device, the media device to display the overlay content segment in lieu of the media segment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for video display control. An example method includes: determining, by one or more processors, whether a coding frame extracted from a video coding stream is an I Frame; if the coding frame extracted from the video coding stream is an I Frame, acquiring, by the one or more processors, a timestamp of the I Frame and a timestamp of an adjacent coding frame after the I Frame; and controlling, by the one or more processors, display of the I Frame based on the timestamp of the I Frame and the timestamp of the adjacent coding frame after the I Frame.

Abstract: A video editing apparatus includes a storing unit, an input unit, a segment selection unit, and a generation unit. The storing unit stores video data along with video attribute information indicating, for each concept, a confidence score that the concept is included in each of segments into which the video data has been divided. The input unit inputs, as preference information, a coefficient of each concept desired to be included in summary information and a coefficient of a superordinate concept of the concept desired to be included in the summary information. The segment selection unit selects, based on the input preference information, at least one segment that matches the preference information, from among plural segments of the stored video data. The generation unit generates, based on video of the at least one selected segment, summary information representing contents of the video.

Abstract: Video and corresponding metadata is accessed. Events of interest within the video are identified based on the corresponding metadata, and best scenes are identified based on the identified events of interest. In one example, best scenes are identified based on the motion values associated with frames or portions of a frame of a video. Motion values are determined for each frame and portions of the video including frames with the most motion are identified as best scenes. Best scenes may also be identified based on the motion profile of a video. The motion profile of a video is a measure of global or local motion within frames throughout the video. For example, best scenes are identified from portion of the video including steady global motion. A video summary can be generated including one or more of the identified best scenes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for time-based image display. In an aspect, a method includes accessing two or more images; obtaining, for each of the images, a timestamp for the image; generating, based on the timestamps for each of the images, a slideshow schedule, the slideshow schedule specifying, for each of two or more time windows, one or more of the images for display during the time window; identifying, based on a current time, a current time window from the two or more time windows; and causing display of the one or more images specified by the slideshow schedule for the current time window.

Abstract: Video clips are generated from a sequence of video data for delivery and playback on demand. Each clip (101, 102, 103) is identified by an event marker (1) and a pre/post event ratio (PPER). The pre/post event ratio determines the relative duration of the clip before and after the element defined by the event marker. In response to a request for video clip data, identified with reference to the event marker (1), the discrete elements (1, 2, 3, 12) of video data making up each clip are allocated to a sequence starting with the element associated with the event marker (1) and following in an order (2, 3, 4, etc) determined by the pre/post event ratio. This allows clips having different durations but having the same PPER to be transmitted to different receivers dependant on channel capacity or reliability.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method determines a macroblock partition to transcode digital data from a first video standard to a second video standard with any spatial resolution. The system includes a processing module and an encoding module. The processing module processes digital data to determine a macroblock partition. The encoding module is coupled to the processing module for encoding the digital data based on the macroblock partition. The system is further coupled to a decoding module for receiving the digital data. The method determines the partition of a macroblock for transcoding digital data with any spatial resolution and without any motion estimation.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a scene clip, and a non-statutory record medium thereof are provided. The system includes media supply equipment, a metadata server, a scene server, and an end device. The media supply equipment is used for providing media data. The metadata server is used for providing scene time information corresponding to playback scenes of the media data. A first end device acquires the media data and the scene time information, and extracts, according to capture time information input when playing the media data, at least one piece of target scene time from each piece of the scene time information. The scene server acquires the media data and the target scene time, and according to an alignment result of the target scene time and each piece of the scene time information, extracts local scene clips from the media data to form a piece of media division data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.

Abstract: The present invention provides a content data recording/reproducing device, comprising a communication unit that engages in communication with an external device, a storage unit that stores content data and additional data related to the content data, a content data extraction unit that selectively extracts the content data from the storage unit based upon condition data received at the communication unit from the external device and the additional data stored in the storage unit and a contents list generation unit that generates a contents list based upon the condition data and additional data corresponding to the content data extracted by the content data extraction unit.

Abstract: A media content management application that allows a user to create and customize a version of media content based on semantic criteria is provided. Based on semantic criteria, the media content management application may use editing/assembly software packages to construct a version of the media content for an intended audience. In addition, the media content management application uses semantic criteria to provide the user with options for optimizing the cost of the version of media content, options for delivering the version of media content, and/or options for delivery mediums to transmit the version of media content.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to video segment identification and organization based on dynamic characterizations. A characteristics component analyzes a video, and determines a set of video characteristics based at least in part on the analysis. The video characteristics include but are not limited to a category, a type, an identity of a person, and/or an identity of an object. A segmenting component segments the video based in part on the set of video characteristics, and an indicator component associates indicators corresponding to respective video characteristics with the corresponding video segments.

Abstract: A display control apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain a number of predetermined scenes in a video, and a display control unit configured to display, on a display unit, a timeline in which an object indicating a position of the predetermined scene in the video is arranged. The display control unit performs control such that in a case where the number of the predetermined scenes included in a predetermined time period of the video is larger than a predetermined number, the predetermined time period is displayed, on the timeline, with a first width, and in a case where the number of the predetermined scenes included in the predetermined time period of the video is smaller than the predetermined number, the predetermined time period is displayed, on the timeline, with a second width different from the first width.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for processing metadata associated with digital video in a multi-state video computer readable medium. The method specifies a set of rules for propagating the metadata between different states in the video computer readable medium. It then propagates the metadata between the states based on the specified set of rules.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a detecting section that detects feature information of at least one AV stream; a recording section that records the AV streams, clip information defining attributes including the detected feature information, and playback-segment data specifying at least one playback segment to a storage medium in accordance with a predetermined data-recording format, the playback-segment data being obtained by setting a playback start point and a playback end point with respect to the AV streams; a playback-segment setting section that sets the playback segments with respect to the AV streams on the basis of detection time point of the feature information; and a data generating section that generates the playback-segment data specifying the playback segments set by the playback-segment setting section.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for enhancing utilization of recorded media content programs are disclosed. An exemplary method includes a media content processing system maintaining data representative of a recorded media content program in a data storage facility, accessing program highlights data for the recorded media content program, the program highlights data specifying a set of one or more select segments of the recorded media content program, and utilizing the program highlights data to access and play back the set of one or more select segments of the recorded media content program for experiencing by a user. In some examples, the end user has control of selection and playback of the set of one or more select segments of the recorded media content program. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods can provide customized exercise sessions and customized videos corresponding to the exercise session. Recorded video content of a person performing a repetitive exercise can be obtained from multiple cameras. Metadata can identify certain decision points in the video tracks. At decision points, a decision can be made about switching to a different video track, e.g., to obtain a customized video with a specified amount of the repetitive motion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for receiving from a user a tag associated with a specific temporal location in video content. The system then aligns the tag associates the tag with the specific temporal location, and if necessary, modifies the video content to be playable directly from that specific temporal location.

Abstract: Multimedia content containing moving pictures and audio is divided into multiple scenes and metadata is generated for each of the scenes obtained as a result of the division. It is possible to generate metadata containing scene structure information metadata that describes the hierarchical structure of the content in addition to scene section information and titles. Also, a name or an identifier of each descriptor contained in the metadata is described as hint information for manipulation of metadata composed of at least one descriptor describing semantic content, a structure, and characteristics of content.

Abstract: A method of generating a sequence of video clips based on metadata is provided herein. The method includes receiving a plurality of multimedia files, wherein each one of the multimedia files is associated with kinematic data related to a capturing of each one of the multimedia files, and a key moment being a time stamp indicated by a user; obtaining a displaying order of the multimedia files; applying a decision function, wherein the decision function receives as an input the plurality of multimedia files, the respective key moments, the displaying order, and the kinematic data and determines as an output, for each one of the multimedia files, a start point and an end point, wherein the start point and end point of each one of the multimedia files are determined, at least partially, on relations between snap shot moments and kinematic data of the plurality of multimedia files.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for real-time media presentation using metadata clips. There is provided a media device for providing one or more media files for a display, the media device including a memory and a processor. The memory includes a plurality of metadata clips, wherein each of the plurality of metadata clips references a referenced source media from the media files, a referenced start position, and a referenced end position. The processor can determine a playlist including some of the plurality of metadata clips for streaming segments of media files as defined by their referenced start and end positions. Flexible behaviors can also be added to enhance playback logic or to enforce access restrictions, and metadata clips and playlists may also be user generated.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for processing metadata associated with digital video in a multi-state video computer readable medium. The method specifies a set of rules for propagating the metadata between different states in the video computer readable medium. It then propagates the metadata between the states based on the specified set of rules.

Abstract: The invention discloses a correction method and system for object linking in video sequences that are captured by a multiple camera surveillance video system. The invention allows a user to select a specific object to track and for trace correction through an interactive user platform. The interactive user platform shows a video sequence captured by the user-selected camera at the selected time; lists of previous and post video sequences related to the user-selected object or video sequences, and lists of object linking results before and after the selected time. The user refers to the linking results, shown in lists of object linking results before and after the selected time to select one of objects for correction in selected frame of selected video sequence. The selection directs the proposed system to correct the trace of the specific object to track. Henceforth, the correct linking results can be automatically generated.

Abstract: Functionality is described for controlling the playback of a recorded media program. The functionality formulates initial playback decisions that govern the playback of the program based on a set of initial assumptions. The functionality then formulates modified playback decisions that define the manner in which the program should actually be played back. The modified playback decisions can be formed based on the playback-related behavior of a population of users who have previously consumed the same program. The functionality makes modifications which affect the playback of the recorded program based on the modified playback decisions, such as by bookmarking or truncating the recorded program.

Abstract: A playback device that secures coexistence of a built-in GUI for a built-in machine created uniquely by the manufacturer and a stereoscopic image created by the contents provider. A subtitle decoder displays a subtitle in a predetermined layout by decoding a subtitle stream. A GUI processing unit draws the built-in GUI. The layout of the subtitle to be displayed is one of: normal layout in which areas for subtitle display are provided both in upper and lower parts of a screen; top arrangement layout in which an area for displaying subtitle is provided only in the upper part of the screen; and bottom arrangement layout in which the area for displaying the subtitle is provided only in the lower part. When the top or bottom arrangement layout is selected as the layout of the subtitle, the GUI processing unit selects the layout of the subtitle as the layout of the built-in GUI.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for editing moving image data of successive frames to which a time code of a same value is made to correspond every first predetermined number of frames, the moving image data being coded on a unit basis of a coding unit which includes a second predetermined number of frames, obtains information regarding the coding unit from management information of the moving image data, determines a candidate of an editing point of the moving image data based on the obtained information and the time code made to correspond to the frames of the moving image data, sets the editing point of the moving image data based on a designated editing point and the determined candidate, and edits the moving image data according to the set editing point.

Abstract: A method of searching for objects of interest within captured video comprising capturing video of a plurality of scenes, storing the video in a plurality of storage elements, and receiving a request to retrieve contiguous video of an object of interest that has moved through at least two scenes of the plurality of scenes.

Abstract: A captured image data management method is disclosed. Coverage direction data are input to a recorder-built-in type image capturing apparatus, and the coverage direction data are recorded to a nonvolatile memory and a record medium. The captured image data are obtained as files. A name of the file recorded on the record medium is automatically assigned based on title information contained in the coverage direction data, and the assigned file name is recorded to the nonvolatile memory and the record medium.

Abstract: Video data pieces are classified into groups according to prescribed rules. A cut number assigned to each of the groups is decided on the basis of the length or lengths of a video data piece or pieces in each of the groups and the number of the video data piece or pieces in each of the groups. A cut or cuts are extracted from the video data piece or pieces in each of the groups. Regarding each of the groups, the number of the extracted cut or cuts is equal to the decided cut number. Digest data is generated from the extracted cuts for all the groups.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for generating a moving image, and an apparatus and a method for reproducing a moving image are provided. The present moving image generating apparatus includes a script parsing unit which analyzes script information, a composer which generates a script to define a moving image, and a storage management unit which includes and stores setting information regarding the moving image in the script. Accordingly, a user may prevent the consumption of unnecessary resources as a moving image defined in a script is generated.

Abstract: In order to provide a recording and reproducing device that allows a user to select and manage arbitrary play lists, a unit of management for managing all registered play list information and an upper management hierarchical level are added. The unit of management is adapted to be handled on the same level with unified information that indicates a reproduction range of all AV data. User-defined unified information is adapted to be handled on the added management hierarchical level. The user-defined unified information is formed to allow arbitrary reproduction ranges contained on a lower hierarchical level to be registered.

Abstract: An image data management device has a data reading unit and a control section. The data reading unit includes a plurality of recording medium insert sections. To the recording medium insert section, a recording medium having recorded photographic image data is connected detachably and data can be read from and written to the recording medium. The control section acquires imaging date/time information included in each photographic image data, classifies the groups of photographic image data recorded in each recording medium of the data reading unit according to the imaging date/time, and moves the photographic image data among the recording media based on the result of classification.

Abstract: A hypervideo summary comprised of multiple levels of related content and appropriate navigational links can be automatically generated from a media file such as a linear video. A number of algorithms and selection criteria can be used to modify how such a summary is generated. Viewers of an automatically-generated hypervideo summary can interactively select the amount of detail displayed for each portion of the summary. This selection can be done by following explicit navigational links, or by changing between media channels that are mapped to the various levels of related content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recording and reproducing methods, recording and reproducing apparatuses, and a recording medium. In conventional techniques, even when recorded program contents are 3D-(stereoscopic view)-corresponding contents or non-3D-corresponding contents, there has been no means to easily distinguish the difference therebetween. Furthermore, there has been a problem that a virtual play list in which 3D contents and non-3D contents are mixed is unintentionally generated. In the present invention, the above described problems are solved by recording a 3D flag in a play list file. Furthermore, upon generation of a virtual play list, the set value of the recorded 3D flag is obtained, and whether 3D contents and non-3D contents are mixed or not is checked, thereby solving the problems.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating custom video files includes storing in a memory area a plurality of data points representative of each of a plurality of predefined human postures and, based on at least a portion of the data points, computing a plurality of action sequences, wherein each action sequence includes at least one of the human postures. The method also includes receiving via an input device a user selection of at least one of the action sequences, generating a recording of the action sequence, and creating a video file including the recording.

Abstract: A device for providing a television sequence has a database interface, a search request receiver, a television sequence rendition module and an output interface. The database interface accesses at least one database, using a search request. The search request receiver is formed to control the database interface so as to acquire at least audio content and at least image content separate therefrom via the database interface for the search request. The television sequence rendition module combines the separate audio content and the image content to generate the television sequence based on the audio content and the image content. The output interface outputs the television sequence to a television sequence distributor.

Abstract: A method of recording an audio visual asset using a predetermined script is disclosed. The audio visual asset may be partitioned into multiple audio visual segments and the audio visual segments may be edited by the application of a naming paradigm and/or a data tagging system. The audio visual segments may then be overlaid with audio visual variables. The audio visual segments may be compiled by uploading the audio visual segments into a multimedia synthesis compiler such that a variable final message compilation may be generated. A user may be messaged by selecting a message type from the variable final message compilation generated from the audio visual segments.