Abstract: A system may present video content with a data scroll on a video display device. The data scroll may include data scroll items that are automatically and consecutively presented on the video display device. Each of the data scroll items may include information associated with a particular topic. The system may receive a selection of a softkey corresponding to one of the data scroll items, retrieve, in response to receiving the selection of the softkey, additional content corresponding to the particular topic associated with the one of the data scroll items, and present the additional content on the video display device.

Abstract: A device, method and timeline user interface for controlling home devices are provided. The method for controlling home devices includes displaying a virtual track on a display unit of a control device, displaying an indicator indicating operation information of a home device connected to the control device through the network along the virtual track, moving the indicator along the virtual track based on a user input; and controlling an operation time of the home device based on the location of the indicator along the virtual track.

Abstract: Methods and systems that identify classic videos. A classic video is a video that consistently receives high viewership over a long period of time. A video hosting server identifies a number of views that a video received for each day during a measurement period. For each day, the video hosting server determines whether the day is a high view day based on the number of views for the day. The video hosting server identifies the video as a classic video responsive to the video having a number of high view days that are above a threshold number of days.

Abstract: A content manager an indication that a branch event is to be included in a video presentation. In conjunction with the branch event, the content manager also receives a selection of a plurality of video segments to be associated with the branch event. Each video segment defines video content to be rendered during playback (e.g., by a rendering application) of the video presentation upon selection of a branch choice corresponding to that video segment. Additionally, the content manager encodes the plurality of video segments and the corresponding branch choices as a branch event in the video presentation.

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: A system implementable using a programmable processor includes a plurality of pre-stored commands for building an inventory of audio, musical, works or audio/visual works, such as music videos. A plurality of works can be collected together in a list for purposes of establishing a play or a presentation sequence. The list can be visually displayed and edited. A plurality of lists can be stored for subsequent retrieval. A selected list can be retrieved and executed. Upon execution, the works of the list are presented sequentially either audibly or visually. The works can be read locally from a source, such as a CD, or can be obtained, via wireless transmission, from a remote inventory. If desired, establishment of a predetermined credit can be a pre-condition to being able to add items to the list for presentation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes displaying multiple content items in a user interface, where each content item has an initial time value. Input is received to modify time values of the multiple content items. Input of a new time value for a content item of the multiple content items is also received. A change amount value is determined based on the difference between an initial time value of the content item and the new time value. For each content item, the initial time value is modified to a different time value by applying the change amount value to the initial time value.

Abstract: The invention describes a creation method of a summary of an audiovisual document respecting both the criteria defined by the user and criteria helping in the understanding of said summary. The document is first split into sequences, each sequence associated with attribute values and a dependence parameter. The user first selects the first sequences either manually, or according to attribute values. Then second sequences are added according to the value of the dependence parameters. These added sequences enable a better understanding of the summary thus created. According to an improvement, the user introduces a maximum duration for the summary, first and/or second sequences are withdrawn from the summary if the duration of the summary thus created exceeds the introduced duration. The invention also relates to an audiovisual device for the creation and viewing of the summary.

Abstract: A portable device includes a touch-screen display configured to allow a user to interface with the portable device, and a user input mechanism configured to enable a note-taking mode. Upon entering the note-taking mode, an electronic keypad is displayed in a first area of the touch-screen display, a note-taking window is provided in a second area of the touch-screen display, and a multimedia window for outputting multimedia information is provided in a third area of the touch-screen display.

Abstract: To improve the art of graphical user interfaces, the present invention introduces a system that displays iconic resource representations having a salient dimension in a manner that provides the user with an indication of where the user is within that resource. The system of the present invention achieves this goal with the use of a novel system of icon label placement for that resource icon. Specifically, the system of the present invention uses the position of a label on an iconic resource representation that extends beyond at least one edge of a window to convey a proportional position within than iconic resource representation. Thus, a user is given an understanding of the current proportional location within an iconic resource representation from where the graphical interface system renders the label on the iconic resource representation.

Abstract: Exemplary user interface enhancements for media content access systems and methods are described herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access system launching a graphical user interface for display, the graphical user interface initially including a graphical representation of a channel guide comprising a grid matrix of channel icons representing a plurality of media content channels through which media content is accessible by the media content access system and a graphical representation of an advertisement displayed together with the channel guide in the graphical user interface, detecting a user navigation event within the channel guide displayed in the graphical user interface, and replacing, in response to the user navigation event, the graphical representation of the advertisement with a graphical representation of content specific to a media content channel within the plurality of media content channels. Corresponding user interfaces, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rapid content switching between pieces of content presented in a plurality of stations using streaming content distribution in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method that receives a timeline that includes several pieces of content. The method receives user input to divide the timeline into hierarchical segments of varying duration. The method defines associations between the pieces of content and at least one hierarchical level of the segments. In some embodiments, the method is performed by a media-editing application and the pieces of content are media clips inserted into the timeline by a user.

Abstract: A method for automatic media population of a style presentation comprises collecting presentation media; positioning the collected presentation media on a storyboard; and selecting a style presentation; wherein the selection of the style presentation results in the automatic population of the style presentation with the presentation media positioned on the storyboard is described herein.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are provided for profiling or analyzing audio data based on an audio parameter. The audio data is divided into audio data into segments. Each segment is characterized by the audio parameter in a defined range. Effects are selected according to the segments meeting criteria for the audio parameter of the effects. A media presentation is authored or generated using the selected effects.

Abstract: A method for playing audio files includes: parsing data frames of an audio file until basic information about file playing that meets the conditions for playing the audio file is obtained; and playing the audio file according to the basic information about file playing. A location and search method for an audio file includes: determining a frame position corresponding to a playing position in search according to a stored mapping between playing positions and frame positions when receiving input information about the playing position in search; and starting playing an audio file from the determined frame position. An apparatus for playing audio files is also disclosed. With the invention, the playing response speed of an audio file is improved to a great extent.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for providing a playlist transport bar. The playlist transport bar provides an overlay which graphically represents assets (e.g., programs) of a playlist in a manner that enables a user to simultaneously ascertain a playback position within the playlist and a particular asset. The playlist transport may include asset regions which each correspond to an asset in a playlist and a position indication region which may provide information relating to a playback position.

Abstract: A method and system for designating and identifying individual programming that is available in a subscriber television system as a pay-per-view event. The identified programming includes programs that are not normally available for viewing by some subscribers or for which a subscriber has not subscribed. The programming can include an individual program, groups of programs, and non-pay-per-view channels. The subscriber can then elect to view the programming as a pay-per-view event.

Abstract: A method for editing the playback speed of a partial sequence of video and a digital device therefor are disclosed. A video editing method includes providing a timeline interface corresponding to a video sequence, receiving a first user input for specifying a first location on the timeline interface and a second user input for specifying a second location on the timeline interface, setting an editing interval between the first location and the second location of the timeline interface, receiving a third user input with respect to the editing interval, adjusting at least one of the thickness and length of the editing interval in response to the third user input, and editing playback attributes of the partial sequence based on the adjusted thickness and length of the editing interval.

Abstract: Optical storage media often contain data structures for a menu suitable for selection of a title, a chapter, a parameter or others. Such menus usually comprise a number of buttons to be displayed, with each button having a state. Possible states of buttons are; e.g., “unselected”, “selected” or “activated”. According to the invention, the menu may contain buttons that can be selected through the keys on the remote control, but that don't have any images or text associated. This allows creating “invisible buttons” that automatically execute commands upon selection. Further, a sound or sound sequence; e.g., melody or click, may be associated to a buttons state, and may be played back when the button enters this state. Such menu data may be stored; e.g., on a Blu-ray disc.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presentation of content through an interface to provide personalized video feeds to a user. The video feeds are harvested from feed items gathered at various Internet sources. Those video feeds are referenced by icons or channels that rotate about, or scroll within, a first carousel. Video feeds are arranged in columns and/or rows that rotate about, or scroll within, a second carousel. Movement in one carousel causes movement in the other in a synchronous manner even though the movement may be at different speeds.

Abstract: An editing apparatus for video data creates a bridge file for connecting a first file and a second file to be edited based on designation of an IN point of the first file, an OUT point of the second file, and connection points of the both files, a frame preceding the connection point of the first file being made an OUT point and a frame following the connection point of the second file being made an IN point, and the bridge file connecting the OUT point and the IN point, records the bridge file into a recording medium recording the first and second files, and creates an editing result file having file system information indicating recording positions: from the IN point to the OUT point in the first file; from the IN point to the OUT point in the second file; and of the bridge file, in the recording medium.

Abstract: A technique for selecting and/or displaying an exact point or a range is provided wherein a slider widget comprising a thumb with a left edge and a right edge lying in proximity to the left and right edges of the thumb is provided such that a user may utilize the widget to display an exact point or a range.

Abstract: A computer readable medium (CRM) storing a media editing application for creating media presentations is described. The application includes a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI has (1) a display area for displaying a composite presentation that the application creates by compositing a plurality of media clips, (2) a composite display area for displaying graphical representations of a set of media clips that are part of the composite presentation, (3) an audition display area for displaying graphical representations of a set of media clips that are candidates for adding to the composite presentation at a particular location, and (4) an audition tool for creating an audition set for a particular location in the composite display area, where the audition set is a user modifiable set of clips, each of which is for individual placement at the particular location for inclusion in the composite presentation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to display (using a 3D graphics application) an overlayed window containing an alternate data representation in a three-dimensional system. A first 3D view of a real world scene (that includes a first set of data layers) is displayed on a display device. The user selects a set of entities that together define an alternate representation of the first 3D view. The alternate representation is a second set of data layers that is different than the first set of data layers. An overlayed window is displayed on top of the first 3D view and displays the alternate representation.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improving media playback and seek time for media files such as encoded audio data. As the media is decoded during playback, frame position information is stored in a frame table. This frame position information may be used for pause/resume functionality, and for seek operations. If a seek operation is to a position not stored in the frame table, the media data is parsed to produce frame position information that is added to the frame table until the seek location is reached. Frame table data may be stored in several different forms, including periodic intervals that may be selected based on the length of the media data, and also contemporaneous data useful for resuming from a pause command.

Abstract: Graphical user interfaces and method for building Boolean queries and viewing search results using search cells, combination cells, toolbar, and menu bar. Search cells are movable within a workspace and contain a text field, facet type designation, advanced button, and hit count. Categories are chosen using a category walker. Combination cells, a Boolean combination of two or more selected search cells, are also movable and contain a combine icon, hit count, and an expression field. The Boolean query is depicted in a folder tree hierarchy, where search folders are shown within combination folders, which are represented as logical AND, OR, or MINUS folder icons. An applet in a browser accesses a server through the Internet.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an input unit to which replay information including a broadcasting section of a replay video and a reference section representing an actual filming time zone, and information for designating a length of a digest are input; a replay importance degree computing unit that obtains the number of replays, an interval between predetermined positions of the replay broadcasting section and the replay reference section, a time length of replay broadcasting, speed of replay broadcasting, the number of cut switches of the replay from the replay information, and computes the importance degree of the replay video on the basis of these items; and a digest creating unit that sets the replay video as a digest candidate, and selects a combination of the digest candidates based on a length condition of the digest and a composite importance degree of the combination of digest candidates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for viewing desired portions of a multimedia presentation. Desired portions of a multimedia presentation are determined. In one embodiment, an editor may determine which portions of the presentation are desired. Alternatively, or additionally, specified criteria may be applied to the presentation to determine the desired portions. An annotation file is then created based upon the determined desired portions of the multimedia presentation. The annotation file contains pointers corresponding to the desired portions of the multimedia presentation. Annotation management software may be use the annotation file to cause a display device to display only desired portions of the presentation. The annotation file may be applied to a broadcast presentation or a recorded program file. In one embodiment the annotation file may contain information related to the desired portions of the multimedia presentation and/or the remainder of the multimedia presentation.

Abstract: In the data structure for managing reproduction of graphic information, graphic information and an indicator associated with the graphic information is stored on the recording medium. The indicator indicates whether the graphic information is for display in response to user request.

Abstract: A user interface and a method are disclosed for viewing digital videos. Responsive to resizing a window, a video region and associated controls are resized so that they remain visible. The video image within the video region is correspondingly resized to maintain the aspect ratio. The location of the video image within the window is independent of scroll events taking place in other regions of the window.

Abstract: Video content, such as broadcast television, may be divided into segments, and each segment may be assigned a distinguishing Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The URL assigned to a segment allows a user to access the segment via the Internet. For example, a television news program may be broken into segments (e.g., each interview on the program might constitute a segment). For each segment, a code may be assigned, and may be appended to the broadcaster's domain name to create a distinct URL for the segment. While the segment is being broadcast, the URL may be displayed with the segment, thereby allowing a viewer to identify the segment and to locate an Internet version of the segment. Entering the URL into a browser may access an Internet version of the broadcast segment to which the URL pertains.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a content display unit for displaying movie content on a display screen, and a bookmark setting unit for setting a bookmark in which a display position where a display subject is displayed on the display screen and a temporal position within the movie content where the display subject is displayed on the display screen are mutually related to each other, to the display subject of the movie content displayed on the display screen by the content display unit.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for providing a playlist transport bar. The playlist transport bar provides an overlay which graphically represents assets (e.g., programs) of a playlist in a manner that enables a user to simultaneously ascertain a playback position within the playlist and a particular asset. The playlist transport may include asset regions which each correspond to an asset in a playlist and a position indication region which may provide information relating to a playback position.

Abstract: Optical storage media often contain data structures for a menu suitable for selection of a title, a chapter, a parameter or others. Such menus usually comprise a number of buttons to be displayed, with each button having a state. Possible states of buttons are e.g. “unselected”, “selected” or “activated”. According to the invention, the menu may contain buttons that can be selected through the keys on the remote control, but that don't have any images or text associated. This allows creating “invisible buttons” that automatically execute commands upon selection. Further, a sound or sound sequence, e.g. melody or click, may be associated to a buttons state, and may be played back when the button enters this state. Such menu data may be stored e.g. on a Blu-ray disc.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes recording means for recording content, playback controlling means for controlling playback of the recorded content, and viewing history generating means for generating viewing history data used for displaying a viewing history of the content that is played back. Information concerning the content, a title identifying the content, and an image relating to the content are displayed in the viewing history.

Abstract: A digital video system comprises a plurality of recorders and a client device. The recorders store digital video from a common source. The client device comprises a screen, an input device, and a processor configured to run a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI comprises a timeline, a selection indicator, availability indicators, and event tags. The timeline is adjustable by user input. The selection indicator is movable on the timeline by user input, and designates a time of interest. The availability indicators indicate aggregate availability statuses of video at each time on the timeline, from the plurality of recorders. The event tags indicate types and times or time ranges of events on the timeline. The client device is configured to receive video availability information from the plurality of recorders, and the processor is configured to update the GUI as the aggregate availability status of video changes.

Abstract: A Video Preview Module, a fast and adaptable software module designed to generate an on-the-fly video storyboard that enhances the online video browsing experience of the user. The VP module is a client-side implementation. This allows the module to be scalable and adaptable in bringing a uniform online video browsing experience over multiple consumer devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a user interface. First, a first input may be received and a currently displayed programming content may be shrunken. Next, the shrunken programming content may be displayed. Then, in response to the received first input and concurrent with the shrunken programming content, a media guide comprising at least three display elements may be displayed. Each one of the three display elements may include a first content element, a second content element, a third content element, a fourth content element, or a fifth content element. The first content element may display available programming channels. The second content element may display programs available on the available programming channels. The third content element may display description information. The fourth content element may display actions that can be taken. The fifth content element may display an advertisement or information relative to one of the actions.

Abstract: A request acknowledging unit in a scenario creation unit of a content creation aiding device acknowledges a user request related to scenario configuration. A displayed image processing unit displays an image on a display device to assist the user to set up a key frame. A key frame interpolation unit inserts a key frame that triggers switching of the display to a link destination image when the display area reaches an area in which a link is set up. A coordinate converting unit represents the key frame using frame parameters in a coordinate system of a post-switching image. A correction unit corrects the key frame by applying, to the key frame set up, correction that is opposite to the correction applied to a frame when the frame is displayed. A scenario file output unit creates an ultimate scenario file and stores the file in a storage device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transferring an interactive walkthrough movie located at a server via a network and displaying the same at a user station, which comprises: (a) a display unit at the user station for displaying movie frames; (b) a control device at the user station for enabling the user to navigate within the movie; (c) a map of the movie describing the links between the individual movie frames and the index of each movie frame, said map also maintains at any given time the present virtual location of the user within the map; and (d) a prediction unit for receiving inputs from said map and from a user control device, and based on said inputs predicting those future frames that may be required for view by the user, and instructing the server to convey said predicted future frames to the user station.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and systems for the indexing and annotation of video content, the retrieval and display of such video content and its annotations, and the conversion and transmission of such video content and associated data. In certain embodiments, the system processes and cross-references video content with data associated with that content and with standard ontologies. Correlating these information sources produces a system of indexing and annotation of the content. In certain embodiments, this indexing and annotation may facilitate the discovery, retrieval, and management of video content, and may facilitate the integration of video content with other media and other systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods of authoring a multimedia file are described. In one method of authoring a multimedia file, a collection of media objects, including a reference media object of indexed temporally-ordered data structures, is accessed. The reference media object is rendered. While the reference media object is being rendered, a media object in the collection is linked to the reference media object with a rendering time synchronized to the rendering of the reference media object. In another multimedia file authoring method, a collection of inter-linked media objects is accessed. Media objects are sequentially rendered in accordance with a sequence of media object links selected by a user while media objects are being rendered. The sequence of selected media object links and synchronization data are stored to enable reproduction of media object rendering experienced by the user.

Abstract: Content transfer involving a gesture is described. In an implementation, a method is implemented by a mobile communications device that includes recognizing a gesture input via a touchscreen of the mobile communications device that is indicative of a direction, the touchscreen including a display of content. One or more other mobile communications devices are located that are positioned, approximately, along the indicated direction of the gesture. A communication is formed to transfer the content to the located one or more other mobile communications devices.

Abstract: A word coinciding with a key word input by speech and a word related to the word are set as retrieval candidate words based on a word dictionary in which words representing formal names and aliases of the formal names are registered in association with a family attribute indicating a familiar relation among the words. Content related to any one of retrieval words selected out of the retrieval candidate words and a word related to the retrieval word is retrieved.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to manage previously recorded programs. In at least one embodiment identifies a plurality of previously recorded programs, categorizes each one of the plurality of previously recorded programs into one of a plurality of recorded program categories, and generates a recorded program category-based graphical user interface (GUI). The recorded program category-based GUI graphically depicts the plurality of recorded program categories and graphically depicts an amount of memory capacity utilized by each of the plurality of recorded program categories based upon an amount of memory capacity utilized by the previously recorded programs.

Abstract: A processing system includes a memory module that stores an electronic program guide (EPG) authoring application. A processing module executes the EPG authoring application including a graphical user interface that responds to input from an end user. The EPG authoring application creates EPG configuration data to configure an EPG application of a client device associated with the end user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a sound characteristic output module configured to analyze audio data in video content data, thereby outputting sound characteristic information indicative of sound characteristics of the audio data. A talk section detection process module detects talk sections in which talks are made by persons, which are included in the video content data, on the basis of the sound characteristic information, and classifies the detected talk sections into a plurality of groups which are associated with different speakers. A display process module displays, on a time bar which is representative of a sequence of the video content data, a plurality of bar areas indicative of positions of the detected talk sections in the sequence of the video content data, in different display modes in association with the groups.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus, medium, and method segmenting video sequences based on a topic. The apparatus may include a start-shot determination unit detecting a plurality of key-frames by using character information from video sequences including a plurality of frames to determine the detected key-frames as start-shots for each topic, and a topic list creation unit creating a topic list by using the start-shots for each topic.

Abstract: A display configured to display a list of videos that can be reproduced on the terminal on a screen of the terminal, an input unit configured to select a specific video from the list of videos, and a controller configured to select a plurality of key frames from image frames of the specific video based on a predetermined selection criterion. Further, the display displays the plurality of key frames of the specific video.