Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a media guidance application (e.g., implemented on a user device) that avoids spoilers in presenting recording prompts relating to a competition by scheduling presentation of notifications according to the user profile.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics are disclosed herein. An example apparatus to identify media includes a memory including computer readable instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to at least determine a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a plurality of time intervals of a monitored media signature, determine a second ratio based on a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the plurality of time intervals of the monitored media signature, generate a monitored media ratio signature based on the first and second ratios, and compare the monitored media ratio signature with a reference ratio signature to identify the media.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics are disclosed herein. An example apparatus to identify media includes a delta calculator to determine a first ratio based on a first time interval and a second time interval of a monitored media signal, and determine a second ratio based on the second time interval and a third time interval of the monitored media signal. The example apparatus also includes a signature generator to generate a monitored media ratio signature based on the first and second ratios. The example signature generator also is to initiate transmission of the monitored media ratio signature to a recipient that is to compare the monitored media ratio signature with a reference ratio signature to identify the media.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to identify and credit media using ratios of media characteristics are disclosed herein. Example methods and apparatus determine a first ratio based on a first combination of time intervals of a monitored media signature, the monitored media signature including a plurality of time intervals, respective ones of the time intervals being between respective adjacent characteristics identified in the media, determine a second ratio based on a second combination of time intervals of the monitored media signature, generate a monitored media ratio signature based on the first and second ratios, and compare the monitored media ratio signature with a reference ratio signature to identify the media.

Abstract: Measuring and tracking user interaction with a television receiver, such as a set top box or cable box. The television receiver may create and display a matrix code that includes temporal information, user identification information, geographic information, and/or a user selection. The matrix code may be captured by a matrix reading device and transmitted to a monitoring entity. Optionally, the matrix reading device may decode the matrix code and transmit associated data to the monitoring entity. The monitoring entity may use the code or data to track and distinguish between user interactions at different points in time.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided, which includes a display panel, and a display driving apparatus mounted on the display panel and driving the display panel, which includes an RF modem having a first tuner for providing a broadcasting signal to the display panel.

Abstract: Disclosed are a social television state synchronization system and method, comprising: a first social television client being set to send a subscription request message to a second social television client; the subscription request message carrying a social television state subscribed by the first social television client; the second social television client being set to, when one or more items in the corresponding subscribed social television state are changed, send a state change notification message to the first social television client according to configuration of the second social television client or according to a service or content provider policy; the first social television client being further set to, according to configuration of the first social television client and the changed social television state carried by the state change notification message, synchronize a current social television state of the first social television client with the changed social television state of the second social

Abstract: Example systems and methods to wirelessly meter audio/visual (A/V) devices are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content from an A/V source device, embeds a video overlay in the wirelessly received media content, and wirelessly transmits the media content and the video overlay to the wireless A/V device. The example method wirelessly receives audience identification information in response to the transmitted video overlay, and wirelessly receives audience behavior information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a user's viewing progress of media in a series are provided. The user may setup a media profile containing a list of program series to be monitored. The interactive media monitoring application may track the user's viewing progress of programs in the program series on the user equipment and update the user's media profile. The user may request and watch programs in the series at the user's leisure while peripheral media content may be filtered to be consistent with the user's viewing progress in the series.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor audio/visual content from various sources are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to monitor a media presentation can include counting zero crossings associated with a plurality of audio samples of an audio signal corresponding to the media presentation, and determining whether the audio signal is muted based on whether a number of zero crossings satisfies a first threshold. Such example methods can also include, when the audio signal is determined to not be muted, determining a source of the media presentation based on whether the audio signal is determined to be compressed.

Abstract: A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service is disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service, the method comprises receiving broadcast signal including first signaling information and second signaling information, identifying an NRT service based on the first signaling information, parsing a Receiver Targeting Descriptor from the second signaling information, determining validity of the NRT service or an NRT content based on a targeting_criterion_type_code included in the Receiver Targeting Descriptor, and downloading the NRT service or the NRT content when a receiver determines the NRT service or the NRT content to be valid.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A method for tracking user behavior includes providing multiple frames from a source to an electronic device, automatically capturing one of the multiple frames viewed on a display device connected to the electronic device based on an event, matching a pattern of the captured frame with a frame template by searching a plurality of frame templates, using the matched frame template to extract information from the captured frame, and storing the extracted information for tracking user behavior.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via the collection of a plurality of tuning records; the latency is then utilize to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these from between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices as required. The latency is determined by taking into account an experimentally or manufacturer-derived device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a current system time (or other response). Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate representations of subscriber interaction with content on a second-by-second basis.

Abstract: A method of selecting a factor for estimating characteristics of viewers who view a same content is disclosed. This method includes: storing a multi-layered hierarchal list of attribute words expressing viewer attributes, each of which is a candidate of the factor; extracting the attribute words from the same content; generating a first vector indicative of frequencies with which the attribute words occur in the same content; for a successively-selected one of the attribute words, successively generating a second vector indicative of frequencies with which the attribute words occur in ones of sets of learned-text information which contain the successively-selected attribute word; calculating a similarity score between the vectors on a per-attribute-word basis; and selecting one of the attribute words as the factor, which is associated with subordinate attribute words on a lower layer, based on a dispersion level of the similarity scores calculated for the subordinate attribute words.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol television system includes a user profile agent, a keyword detection agent, and an information search agent. The user profile agent is in communication with a multimedia device, and generates a user profile based on information received from the multimedia device. The keyword detection agent is in communication with the user profile agent, and searches text associated with a multimedia video stream transmitted to the multimedia device for keywords associated with the user profile. The information search agent is in communication with the keyword detection agent, and connects to an information source associated with the keywords detected by the keyword detection agent, and provides additional information associated with the keywords to the multimedia device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and/or techniques for synchronization of dial testing and audience response utilizing automatic content recognition (ACR) are described. Synchronized dial testing and audience response techniques may utilize a system that is operable to perform ACR and that may implement an abstraction layer. An ACR system may be operable to detect a desired portion (e.g., a frame or scene) of a program that is streaming or communicated over a live network or broadcast feed, to a smart TV for example. Synchronized dial testing and audience response techniques may be employed to initiate an interactive event or application that appears on a smart TV in response to a detected point or portion of a program, such that the content presented by the application is synchronized to the content of the live network or broadcast feed.

Abstract: An audio-visual terminal and a viewing authentication system and control programs therefor are provided. The audio-visual terminal includes a reproducing part for reproducing the audio-visual program, a motion instructing part for instructing, a motion sensor for detecting a response motion of the viewer made by the viewer for transmission to a viewing authenticating principal, a sending part for sending information output from the audio-visual terminal to a viewing authentication system of the viewing authenticating principal, and a coding part for coding information about the response motion of the viewer obtained from a detection result detected by the motion sensor into a signal sendable by the sending part.

Abstract: Systems and methods may include receiving a device identifier that identifies a first device, the first device being capable of causing display of first content at a first display device, and communicating a synchronization request that includes the device identifier via a network. Systems and methods may further include receiving an event message from the first device via the network, the event message identifying the first content the first device is causing display at the first display device, wherein the event message is useable to synchronize second content a second device causes display at a second display device with the first content the first device is causing display at the first display device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to determine source information for media content output by a media rendering device operable to output media content from a plurality of different sources are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises detecting media content output by the a media rendering device, the media content having a media variable associated therewith, detecting a plurality of user commands, detecting a change in the media variable associated with the media content output by the media rendering device, selecting, based on a time limit, a user command from the plurality of detected user commands to use with the detected media variable change to determine source information, and providing the detected media variable change and the selected user command to a processor to determine a source of the media content output by the media rendering device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, obtaining regression coefficients that quantify a relationship between premises feedback and first network and premises performance indicators, obtaining second network performance indicators for the network elements, obtaining second premises performance indicators for the customer premises equipment, and predicting customer complaints by applying the obtained regression coefficients to at least the second network performance indicators and the second premises performance indicators. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to identify exposure to 3D media presentation. An example apparatus includes 3D glasses components to enable presentation of a 3D media presentation. The example apparatus includes 3D glasses to enable viewing of a 3D media presentation. The example apparatus includes a motion sensor carried by the 3D glasses to generate a movement signal. The example apparatus includes a transmitter carried by the 3D glasses to transmit the movement signal.

Abstract: A system measures a frequency with which a user views a television program and identifies the television program as one of the user's favorite programs based on the measured frequency. The system automatically records, without intervention of the user, the one of the user's favorite programs.

Abstract: A method may be for detecting potentially suspicious operation of an electronic device configured to operate in the course of activity sessions. The method may include within the device, a metering, from an initial instant of the number of activity sessions having a duration below a first threshold, and a comparison of this number with a second threshold.

Abstract: Example systems and methods to wirelessly meter audio/visual (A/V) devices are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content from an A/V source device, embeds a video overlay in the wirelessly received media content, and wirelessly transmits the media content and the video overlay to the wireless A/V device. The example method wirelessly receives audience identification information in response to the transmitted video overlay, and wirelessly receives audience behavior information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a content synchronizing method includes: first transmitting when receiving an acquiring request for reference time to determine a timing to synchronize a plurality of pieces of content executed by a plurality of modules with each other from a first module out of the modules, the acquiring request for the reference time to a second module out of the modules; receiving source information indicating an acquisition source of the reference time from the second module; and acquiring reference time information indicating the reference time from the acquisition source indicated by the source information, wherein second transmitting to the first module, together with the reference time information, processing time information indicating processing time from receiving the acquiring request until transmitting the reference time information, the processing time information being used to calculate a time lag between time in the first module and the reference time.

Abstract: A television audience measurement system measures viewing of a television program viewed on digital television located in a statistically selected site by (i) retrieving an audience measurement data packet from a television set in order to identify the television program, (ii) detecting an audio code embedded in the television program in order to identify the television program, (iii) extracting an audio signature from the television program in order to identify the television program, (iv) identifying the television program through use of a software agent, and (v) selecting at least one of the retrieving means, the detecting means, the extracting means, and the software agent in order to identify the television program.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to maintain audience privacy while determining viewing of video-on-demand (VOD) programs are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for associating and synchronizing extrinsic data with video content at particular points of time in the video content. A user interface is rendered that facilitates a selection from extrinsic data items that are associated with a video content feature that is currently being presented to a user. A user selection of one of the extrinsic data items is obtained through the user interface, and a time in the video content feature is determined corresponding to the user selection. The user selection of the one of the extrinsic data items and the time in the video content feature are reported to a server.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor audio/visual content from various sources are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises determining first information based on a video signal corresponding to monitored media content, determining second information based on an audio signal corresponding to the monitored media content, and identifying a selected one of a plurality of media content sources based on a decision tree comprising a plurality of decision nodes, a first decision node of the decision tree corresponding to a first classification decision resulting from processing at least one of the first information or second information, and a second decision node of the decision tree corresponding to a second classification decision resulting from processing at least one of the first information or second information, the second decision node of the decision tree being selected for evaluation based on an outcome of evaluating the first decision node of the decision tree.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus can provide channel scanning. In various examples, a channel scanning module can instruct scanning of multiple channels within a wideband frequency range by assigning channels to one or more demodulators to attempt to lock onto a signal at the assigned channel. In other examples, a channel scanning module can instruct scanning for downstream channels by assigning channels to multiple narrowband tuners and multiple demodulators to attempt to lock onto a signal on the assigned channel.

Abstract: Audibly announcing program channels is provided upon the detection of a channel information display, such as a programming banner or graphical channel representation. In response to the channel information display being detected, data corresponding to the channel information display may be captured and parsed. Once speech data representative of the current program channel has been generated, an audible announcement of the program channel may be made to the user, thereby enabling visually impaired individuals to ascertain the currently selected program channel. In another embodiment, the broadcast network corresponding to the current program channel may also be identified and audibly announced with the current program channel.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

Abstract: A computational recommendation engine is described. In embodiment(s), identifiers of ranked programs can be distributed to television client devices, and then a viewing vector from each of the television client devices can be received where the viewing vectors indicate which of the ranked programs have been displayed for viewing at different ones of the television client devices. A client devices group can be created that includes a subset of the television client devices based on the viewing vectors that are received from respective ones of the television client devices. A ranked program can be determined that has not been displayed for viewing by some of the television client devices in the client devices group, and a recommendation of the ranked program can be communicated to the television client devices in the client devices group that have not had the ranked program displayed for viewing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to maintain audience privacy while determining viewing of video-on-demand (VOD) programs are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A computer readable medium containing instructions that when executed by a computer configure blackout event data indicating at least one event criterion data for selecting client devices subject to the blackout event for restricted content data; configure client devices into a client device group subject to the blackout event in accordance with the event criterion data; configure at least one substitution event data table for the client device group; and send restricted content and the substitution event data table embedded in the restricted content data to each client device in the client device group.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for verifying an occurrence of a blackout event in a data distribution system, the system including but not limited to a processor in data communication with a computer readable medium; and computer program comprising instructions to receive restricted content data at the data distribution system; instructions to receive at the data distribution system, blackout event data indicating at least one criterion for selecting client devices subject to a blackout event for the restricted content data; instructions to place at the data distribution system, client devices into a client device group subject to the blackout event in accordance with the event data criterion; and instructions to correlate at the data distribution system, the blackout event data with the retune activity data to verify the occurrence of the blackout event in the client devices.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for blocking scenes with objectionable content comprises receiving incoming content, namely a scene of a program. Thereafter, using closed captioning information, a determination is made if the scene of the program includes objectionable content, and if so, blocking the scene from being displayed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via the collection of a plurality of tuning records; the latency is then utilize to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these from between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices as required. The latency is determined by taking into account an experimentally or manufacturer-derived device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a current system time (or other response). Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate representations of subscriber interaction with content on a second-by-second basis.

Abstract: A media stream processing method, a communication system, and a relevant device are disclosed, so as to improve the user experience. The method includes the following steps: a first media receiving device receives media streams, where the media streams include a first media stream and a second media stream; and the first media receiving device processes the first media stream quickly and plays the second media stream normally so that media play progress of the first media receiving device is synchronous with media play progress of the second media receiving device, where the second media receiving device is configured to receive multicast media streams, and the first media receiving device and the second media receiving device are in the same multicast group. A communication system and a relevant device are also disclosed herein. In this way, the user experience is improved.

Abstract: A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including an NRT service, the method comprises receiving a broadcast signal including first signaling information and second signaling information, identifying the NRT service based on the first signaling information, parsing the second signaling information to identify an Internet Protocol (IP) address of an NRT service signaling channel, receiving the NRT service signaling channel by accessing the IP address, and downloading a desired NRT service based on the NRT service signaling channel.

Abstract: A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service is disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service, the method comprises receiving broadcast signal including first signaling information and second signaling information, identifying an NRT service based on the first signaling information, parsing a Receiver Targeting Descriptor from the second signaling information, determining validity of the NRT service or an NRT content based on a targeting_criterion_type_code included in the Receiver Targeting Descriptor, and downloading the NRT service or the NRT content when a receiver determines the NRT service or the NRT content to be valid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor audio/visual content from various sources are disclosed. An example method to monitor a media content presentation comprises determining whether an audio signal is muted based on whether a number of zero crossings exceeds a threshold, and based on whether the audio signal is determined to be muted, using the audio signal to at least one of determine a source of the media content presentation or determine a special operating mode of the source of the media content presentation. Another example method to monitor a media content presentation comprises determining the source of the media content presentation based on whether the audio signal is determined to be compressed. Yet another example method to monitor a media content presentation comprises determining the source of the media content presentation based on whether the video signal is determined to be compressed.

Abstract: A method of identifying a target synchronization point pair including a source synchronization point corresponding to a source end and a destination synchronization point corresponding to a destination end is provided. The method includes receiving a source scan-line image corresponding to a first video source from the source end; selecting at least a comparing frame out of the source scan-line image; providing a destination scan-line image corresponding to a second video source at the destination end; and determining the target synchronization point pair by comparing the comparing frame and the destination scan-line image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect an internally generated signal mode of a local media playback device are disclosed. A disclosed method comprises tuning a harmonic frequency of a chrominance signal output by a local media playback device, and determining that the local media playback device is in an internally generated signal mode if the measured harmonic frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying audio/video content using temporal characteristics of a signal are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus and methods receive a signature associated with audio/video content presented at a monitored site, wherein the signature is based on a plurality of time intervals associated with audio features of the audio/video content presented at the monitored site and identify the audio/video content presented at the monitored site based on the received signature.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a tuner tuned to the program and a meter coupled to the tuner and arranged to detect content ancillary information from the program tuned by the tuner. The content ancillary information may be a media link, closed captioning information, or the like. The meter may also be arranged to extract a broadcast signature from the program. A comparator compares the broadcast signature to a reference signature selected from a library of reference signatures based upon the content ancillary information. Broadcast signatures from unknown programs may be clustered at least partially on the basis of the content ancillary information.

Abstract: Broadcast receiving devices usually have access to an electronic program schedule or EPG. Since often the same audio/video program is broadcasted more than once within a short time range on the same channel, or simultaneously on another channel, a method is provided for notifying this fact to the user. According to the invention, a method for automatically extracting data identifying a broadcast A/V program from received broadcast data includes the steps of receiving user input defining a first program, analyzing an EPG, determining broadcast data of the first program, automatically detecting that an identical second program is scheduled for broadcast, and displaying an indication to the user indicating that the second program was detected. If e.g. the same program is broadcasted at different times or channels with different amount of commercial interruptions, the user may select the instance with less commercials for viewing or recording.