Abstract: An exemplary aspect is directed toward one or more solutions that are capable of providing feedback information about OCAP/ACAP/IMS solutions generally related to audience acceptance and satisfaction, and extensions thereto. For example, one exemplary aspect is directed toward information, such as consumer feedback about their viewing choices, being gathered, evaluated and distributed. Even more specifically, an exemplary aspect is directed toward the use of information, such as personalized or customized information and personal preferences contained in an STB combined with an OCAP/ACAP/IMS intelligent personal agent and application(s) to provide advanced interactive and interoperable services to both obtain and distribute feedback about OCAP/ACAP/IMS services.

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 for producing a digital video work to be presented in potentially viewable scenes with the ability to customize the scene sequences presented to individual viewers based upon expressed or imputed viewer preferences, and to the articles on which such work is stored and played. The content of the scene sequences may vary to match viewer preferences while maintaining the overall message of the digital video work.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a survey independent of location and participant schedules is disclosed herein. An exemplary method of the present invention comprises sending a multi-media data file to a plurality of survey participants, receiving reactionary feedback from a plurality of participants via a wide area network, and compiling the reactionary feedback to generate the survey results. Subsequently, a viewer synchronously displays the compiled survey results with the corresponding streamed media from the multi-media data file.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for inserting programs into broadcasted primary programs by a conditional access (CA) module that is inserted into a host device, such as a digital-ready television. The CA module utilizes primary and secondary program map tables and/or primary and secondary packet identifiers. A splicer splices the secondary packet identifiers, which is associated with a secondary program, into the primary packet identifiers, which is associated with a program, such as a broadcasted program. Additionally, the CA module may contain memory that is capable of storing the secondary program's packet identifiers and/or program map table that can be used for insertion into the primary program.

Abstract: A messaging service node sends encoded messages to wireless devices prompting the devices to capture media (e.g., audio and/or image) and send the media file to a network address specified in the message. The service node may be managed by a wireless service provider, and provides this media capture message service for unrelated, independent entities such as insurance companies, health or medial companies, government agencies, etc. The encoded message may take the form of a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, but other formats are possible. The media is preferably captured by a camera or microphone incorporated into the wireless device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for panel surveys. In one aspect, a method include accessing television history data for viewing devices associated with panelists and that describes, for each viewing device, television advertisements that were presented by use of the viewing device; a proper subset of panelists are selected based on the determinations of television advertisements that were presented and television advertisements that were not presented by use of the viewing device associated with the panelists, and for each of the selected panelists, a survey for the panelist is generated, the survey including one or more questions, each of the questions having been selected based on the television advertisements that were presented and television advertisements that were not presented by use of the viewing device associated with the panelist.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides a system and method of interactive technologies to engage remote audiences to distract, confuse, impact, instruct, command, or otherwise positively or negatively affect participants of, for example, television shows, theater shows, or webcasts in real-time. In one example, an audience member could distract or otherwise confuse a participant of the show in real-time by calling a phone number, submitting information online, or text messaging. The participant (and perhaps fellow participants) could hear or view the message from the audience member as it is being submitted or shortly thereafter. In other cases, the call or online submission could trigger another distraction such as a digital display having a moving confusing pattern of some sort. With each additional call or online submission, the moving pattern could get more intense.

Abstract: An apparatus includes unit acquiring comment information items related to video content, each of the comment information items including a comment, and a start time and an end time of the comment, unit dividing the comment into words by morpheme analysis for each of the comment information items, unit acquiring an estimated value of each of the words, the estimated value indicating a degree of importance used when the scenes are extracted, unit adding the acquired estimated value of each of the words for each of the words during a period of time ranging from the start time to the end time of the comment that contains a corresponding word to acquire estimated value distributions of the words, and unit extracting a start time and an end time of one scene and to be extracted from the video content, based on a shape of the estimated value distributions.

Abstract: A method, computer readable medium, and system for advertisement and content distribution are provided. Supplementary content is synchronized with advertisement slots, or commercial intervals, of a program stream and distributed via separate multicast group addresses. The program content is distributed via an alternative multicast group address during commercial intervals. Ports associated with respective users are mapped or otherwise associated with multiple multicast group addresses in a forwarding table thereby allowing distribution of supplementary content, or alternatively the program content, during commercial intervals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for accessing a service offered from a token. The token is coupled with a terminal. The terminal is capable of receiving broadcast messages. The messages are broadcasted from at least one server. According to the invention, the server sends, through the terminal, within the broadcast messages, at least one piece of data intended for the token and executable by the token. The token executes the executable data by triggering an execution of an application embedded at least in part within the token. The invention relates also to a corresponding token and system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a content providing system and method, a content providing apparatus and method, a content receiver and method, a recording medium, and a program that make it possible to provide viewers with transaction contents at low cost. Plural broadcasting apparatuses include trigger contents in program contents and broadcast the program contents to digital television receivers. The broadcasting apparatus broadcasts transaction contents that are displayed when the trigger contents of the plural broadcasting apparatus are turned on by the plural digital television receivers. It is possible to apply the invention to a digital television broadcasting system.

Abstract: Traffic flow data representing traffic conditions on a road system is obtained. A user selects a start geographical location and an end geographical location. An animated flythrough 3D graphical map is then created and displayed beginning at the start geographical location and navigating toward the end geographical location. The traffic flow data is continuously displayed during the flythrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a teaching material having an identification unit and a teaching-material communication system. The teaching material having the identification unit comprises at least one learning unit and at least one identification unit. The teaching-material communication system comprises at least one transmitting end system and at least one receiving end system. The transmitting end system comprises an input module and a transmission module. The receiving end system comprises a receiving module, a second identification process module, and a second communication module. By the at least one transmitting end system and the at least one receiving end system of the teaching-material communication system, at least one transmitter and at least one receiver can communicate with the learning unit of the teaching material having the identification unit.

Abstract: A user preference information data structure which is capable of classifying and setting user's preference information regarding multi-media contents with multiple items to thereby provide users with user's request-based whole or partial multi-media information, and a method for providing multi-media information by using the user preference information data structure. The multiple item user preference information data structure for multi-media contents comprising: single item user preference information for single items related to the multi-media information; and multiple items user preference information for multiple items formed by combining the single items.

Abstract: Method of electronic voting in a questionnaire, comprising: a step of broadcasting an offer of electronic voting service to a plurality of communications terminals; a step of sending, from a voter's communication terminal, a request to a remote server, this request containing information for authenticating a voter; a step of authenticating the voter by comparing the authentication information received with recorded information associated with the voter; when the voter has been authenticated, a step of dispatching to the communication terminal of the voter ticket to participate in the vote; a step of dispatching the vote to the server, the former containing a response to the questionnaire and the ticket to participate in the vote, this method is characterized in that it comprises two steps of anonymization, a first step ensuring anonymization to the ticket to participate sent to the voter by the server, and a second step ensuring anonymization of the communication terminal sending the response to the vote

Abstract: A security module interfaces with a set of infection repair modules. Each repair module can perform a specific repair of an infection. Some of the repair modules utilize context information about the computer, such as the availability of a non-infected backup file. Further, the repairs performed by some repair modules are fine-grained while repairs of other repair modules are coarse-grained. The security module identifies malicious software infecting a computer and generates an infection object for each infection. The security module selectively routes the infection objects to the repair modules. In response, the repair modules provide repair objects representing repairs that the repair modules can perform on the infection. The repair objects have scores describing their thoroughness and complexity. The security module ranks the repair objects based on their scores and selects certain repairs for repairing the malicious software infections.

Abstract: A broadcast data receiver system is provided and a method of operating the system. The system includes a first broadcast data receiver (BDR) (2) located at a first location, typically in a premises. The BDR (2) receives video, audio and/or auxiliary digital data broadcast from a remote location via cable, satellite or terrestrial means. The BDR processes the data and displays the processed data on a display screen (10) and/or audio data via speakers connected thereto. At least a second broadcast data receiver (8) is provided at least a second location typically in the same premises. One of the first and second BDRs (2, 8) is made functional by a signal received from the other of the first and second BDRs, via a telecommunications line (4) provided in the premises and connecting the first and at least second BDRs together, thereby ensuring that both BDRs are connected before operation of the two BDRs can be achieved.

Abstract: With techniques for obtaining digital objects (e.g., songs or video clips) from information providers in data communication networks (e.g., the Internet), the digital objects typically being sent through channels (e.g., Internet radio channels or Internet TV channels), end-users gain several advantages over prior techniques. For example, end-users may easily locate desired digital objects, need not be connected during object capture, can be connected through a low speed connection, need not have a high capacity computer, can receive supplemental information associated with the digital objects, can quickly scan a vast number of digital objects having been sent earlier, need not have storage space for the digital objects available during object capture, can easily navigate through a multitude of digital object channels, can easily obtain objects with a certain desired quality and/or format, can legally obtain digital objects at no cost and can prove that the digital objects were actually obtained legally.

Abstract: A broadcast program processing apparatus that enables a user to acquire evaluation data provided by others who have already watched a broadcast program when the user intends to play back the recorded broadcast program. A broadcast program receiving apparatus records the broadcast program. Before playing back the broadcast program, the broadcast program receiving apparatus acquires the evaluation data concerning the broadcast program provided by others using a cell phone unit. The acquired evaluation data is outputted in connection with the recorded broadcast program. The user can determine whether he or she wants to watch the broadcast program with reference to the evaluations made by others.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring an audience viewership of an online live broadcast are provided. Code information included in live broadcast data is received from the encoding server or the media server, transmission information of the live broadcast data to the client is received from the media server, the transmission information is compensated using the code information, and the audience viewership of the online live broadcast is computed using the compensated transmission information. It is possible to obtain the accurate viewership of an online live broadcast and to obtain the accurate viewership of the online live broadcast even when users erroneously access a web page or intentionally access the web page to increase the number of page views.

Abstract: Provided are an IPTV remote participation broadcasting system for audience participation and a service providing method thereof. The IPTV remote participation broadcasting system includes an IPTV participation support system and an IPTV head end system. The IPTV participation support system obtains an object picture of a broadcasting master and object pictures of a plurality of participation applicants, and combines the obtained object pictures in a content screen of a virtual environment to generate a real-time participation broadcasting picture in which the participation applicants participate directly. The IPTV head end system receives the real-time participation broadcasting picture to transmit live the real-time participation broadcasting picture, in which the broadcasting master and the participation applicants interact in the content screen of the virtual environment, to user terminals of the participation applicants over an IP communication network.

Abstract: Systems provide shared multimedia content to a plurality of members of a collaboration group, request input related to the multimedia content from a portion of the plurality of members, modify the shared multimedia content to include an indication of a portion of the input, and provide the modified shared multimedia content to the plurality of members. The shared multimedia content may include a television program, a movie, or a real-time event. The requested input may include a prediction or a trivia answer related to the shared multimedia content.

Abstract: The information delivery system is configured with a media database 1009 which stores media data, a sequence information database 1008 which stores sequence information for specifying the address of media data to deliver, a scene searcher 1005 which verifies the sequence information according to a request of the controlling media received from client terminal 1000 and retrieves appropriate media data from the media database 1009 starting from a prescribed point based on a result of the verification, and an output unit 1006 which delivers the retrieved media data to the client terminal 1000.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving, at a server of an internet protocol television (IPTV) network, a voting selection from a set-top box device. The voting selection is associated with video content that is received at the set-top box device via the IPTV network. The computer implemented method includes adding the voting selection to a tally of votes related to the video content when a voting status indicates that a previous vote has not been received from the set-top box device. The computer implemented method also includes changing the voting status to indicate that a vote has been received from the set-top box device after adding the voting selection to the tally of votes.

Abstract: A method of interactive broadcasting may include broadcasting audiovisual content for receipt by mobile electronic devices that are present within a communication range of a wireless access point. An information submission mechanism may be made available to the mobile electronic devices over the wireless access point. Users of the mobile electronic devices may submit information using the information submission mechanism to a server. The submitted information may be responsive to a request for user input related to the audiovisual content.

Abstract: An audience response system (ARS) includes an audience response server, an instructor provided with a terminal, and audience members, either individually or in groups, provided with response devices. The instructor may ask open-ended questions, and students may respond with free-text answers. The audience response server then classifies similar answers based on literal or semantic similarity, so that the instructor can see at a glance which answers may be grouped together. The audience response server may also break answers down into discrete concepts, so that the instructor can see if certain groups correctly identified some concepts, even if the answer is not correct in its entirety.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing charitable content or features to a plurality of users in a content-based network. In one embodiment, charitable content is stored and retrieved by a server upon user request in an on-demand fashion. The user is also provided with the ability to make monetary charitable donations via the user's account. Apparatus and methods for delivery of content and/or data to e.g., cellular telephones, e-mail accounts, physical mail addresses, PSTN or VoIP telephones, etc. are also disclosed In one variant, data regarding a user's activities with respect to various types of content (including charitable content) is colleted and used to make charitable content recommendations and/or to provide charitable organizations lists of users who have donated and/or requested information regarding charitable organizations in the past. Business methods implementing various aspects of the above-described aspects are also provided.

Abstract: Divergent storylines for media such as movies are selected using branching techniques. Enhancing the “replay value” of a movie may be accomplished by introducing many logical branches in the action and plot during the movie. Consequently, repeat viewing is encouraged by creating a dynamic viewing environment based on the preferences of the current audience. The audience may be polled prior to each logical branch. Votes are then tallied and the logical branch is selected. Viewers may also indicate preferences regarding the movie rating. Consequently, a movie may be rated for children at one viewing and adults at another. Votes or other viewer feedback may be collected by a variety of methods. The privilege of voting for particular storyline branches or other content choices may be provided for free or purchase. Each time a branch in the storyline appears the viewer may then vote to influence the direction taken by the storyline. Multiple opportunities for voting may appear during the movie.

Abstract: A method of conducting a reality show is created, that allow unlimited numbers of participants in the show and eliminates the limits of broadcasting episodes, using the commercials breaks as a part of the reality show solution.

Abstract: A viewer response method for use with an interactive telecommunications system. The viewer response method includes accumulating a user interaction history of a user of the system, the user interaction history including user interaction information associated with a plurality of user interaction events and providing user-sensible feedback, based at least in part on the user interaction history.

Abstract: A response system and method of retrieving user responses from a plurality of users includes providing a plurality of base units and a plurality of response units, each of the response units adapted to receive a user input selection and to communicate that user input selection with at least one base unit utilizing wireless communication. Personality data is provided for the response units. The personality data facilitates communication with a particular base unit. The personality data of a particular one of the response units is changed in order to change which of the base units that response unit communicates. This allows a response unit to become grouped with a particular base unit at a particular time and become grouped with another base unit at another particular time. The personality data may be obtained from a database.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a shared media resource are disclosed. One embodiment includes an edge device adapted to control the media resource based on content selection votes received from users in the shared space who transmit their votes to the edge device over a wide area communication network. In a particular example, a user can submit a vote via a mobile communication method such as text messaging. In another example, votes can be submitted by interacting with a web page or an email program. In another aspect, the edge device tallies the votes and, based on a configuration setting that defines a voting policy, the edge device controls a content selection of the media resource. In another example, the edge device can also receive input from one more local remote control devices that communicate directly with the edge device such as, for example, a standard infrared remote control unit.

Abstract: A method and system to permit TV viewers to interact with program content broadcast over a subscriber network, such as cable, satellite, internet, or cellular telephone. The details of the ability for the viewer to interact is embedded as data in the program signal. The subscription provider broadcasts a visual indicator as a small icon during programming that informs the viewer that interaction is permitted. The viewer then uses a remote control to purchase products, vote on events, respond to polls, download files, request information, and request callback actions. The TV viewer uses the remote control to send information to a set-top box front-end application, and to iteratively create transactions that are batched and then sent to a back-end core application and database which then handles fulfillment.

Abstract: Methods and systems enable viewers of mobile TV to interact and communicate with one another in real time regarding programs being viewed. Viewers may search other viewers on the mobile TV system. Viewers may invite other viewers to join them in viewing a program or to chat. Viewers may write programs with rating since the broadcast network provider for tallying and broadcast to others. Viewers may set reminders for programs and share those reminders with other viewers. Programs may be hosted by individuals who may control the broadcast stream and communicate with viewers of the program. Viewers may also create ad hoc channels in which they can share their favorite programs with other viewers.

Abstract: Methods and systems enable mobile TV providers to select programs for broadcast based on viewer preference indications or votes. Information regarding candidate programs or content may be broadcast and displayed on mobile devices. A voting user interface may receive viewer preferences or votes and transmit vote information to the mobile TV broadcast network using a unicast network. Received voting information may be tallied to select a program or content for broadcast. Interim vote tallies may be broadcast to mobile devices until a voting session is terminated. Results of the voting session may be broadcasted followed by broadcast of the selected program.

Abstract: A movie selection method and system is provided for selecting a movie for viewing. The method includes displaying a plurality of movie titles over a network, each one of the plurality of movie titles corresponding to a candidate movie. The method further includes receiving at least one vote corresponding to one of the plurality of movie titles, and determining a winning movie based on the at least one vote. The winning movie is to be presented in a movie theater. The method further includes initiating a payment transaction for each user who voted for the winning movie. As a result, the method and system disclosed herein enables users to choose which movies are shown in the movie theater and enables the movie theater to increase profits.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation of interactive radio programming. A moderator of an interactive radio program uses a moderator client to digitize and transmit a radio program with enhanced content to a moderator server through a wide area network. The moderator server uses the digitized radio program and the enhanced content to generate an interactive radio program for transmission to participants in the interactive radio program. The complete interactive radio program is transmitted to participant clients over the wide area network. An audio portion of the interactive radio program may be transmitted over a conventional radio network as well.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and promoting television programming, advertisements, and other content to selected viewers. A display is provided on a remote control device, prompts are provided on the display, and viewer responses to those prompts are monitored, stored in memory, and thereafter processed to reward viewers for responding properly to the prompts. Various methods for promoting such programs are also described.

Abstract: A viewer interaction system and method receives video data from a video source and identifies object content in the received video data. A video signal is generated that represents the video data. That video signal is communicated to a display device which displays a video image representative of the video signal. The system and method monitor user interaction with the displayed video image and selects an interactive activity based on the user's interaction with the displayed video image and the identified object content in the received video data.

Abstract: An automation server interfaces with broadcast scheduling systems of various types to automatically synchronize the behavior of interactive applications relative to various broadcast programs, such as television shows and commercials, so as to maintain the appropriate interactive application for whatever broadcast program is airing. This allows for television shows which have an associated interactive application, but which are segmented by commercials (which may have their own interactive applications) to have their interactive application displayed while the television show in on, but not during commercials, while maintaining any state information that has been created during execution of the interactive application. The automation server includes multiple channel interfaces, each having a translator and an event manager. The translator translates native control signals from the scheduling system into a fixed set of atomic commands which represent the lifecycle behavior of a broadcast program.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for editing the content of a broadcast programming signal to provide a proprietary program signal that has been tailored to the preferences of an individual monitoring the broadcast programming signal. Accordingly, the systems and methods of the invention offer computer-integrated television monitoring.

Abstract: A system and methodology for providing policy driven, user requested advertising is disclosed. Networked users may be provided with selected advertisements to a targeted network access device during a specified broadcast event based on user preferences. The system includes a computing device coupled to at least one communications network and adapted for: receiving user preferences comprising desired advertising content, and specified network access device information for receiving and displaying the advertising thereon. The user preferences are stored in a database and matched to the user preferences with advertising content by at least one advertiser during the specified broadcast event. The advertisements that meet the user preferences are thereafter communicated over at least one communications network to at least one network access device specified in the user selected preferences.

Abstract: A computing device includes a processor and memory. The memory encodes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to create: a first module programmed to allow consumers to push content into a distribution channel and share feedback of broadcasted media by voting and sharing feedback; a second module programmed to automatically suggest adjustment of programming of a media center based on the feedback from the consumers; a third module programmed to identify current demographic information of the consumers that are listening to media and giving feedback, and to automatically suggest adjustment of the programming of the media center based on the demographic information; a fourth module programmed to monitor the consumers' action information, including actions of turning the media on or off, or changing to another media, and automatically suggest adjustment of programming of a media center based on the action information.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus to collect and provide viewer feedback to broadcasts. According to one aspect of the present invention, a rating is generated for a broadcast by a server system. The rating is based at least in part on viewer feedback to the broadcast, and the rating indicates a likelihood of interest in the broadcast for potential subsequent viewers. According to another aspect of the present invention, the rating is provided from the server system to an entertainment system, and the broadcast can be selected for viewing at an entertainment system. In one embodiment, the viewer feedback is received at the entertainment system in response to a feedback questionnaire.

Abstract: A method for assigning attributes to media content. A media content is first displayed on a television, computer, or other display. A communication created by a user while viewing the media content is then received. The communication is then analyzed, and at least a portion of the communication is linked to a portion of the media content. The communication is also analyzed to identify relevant keywords which are then saved as attributes of the media content. The assigned word or phrase can be used to recommend the media content to other viewers or to find the media content in response to a search function. A method for synchronizing communications with time-shifted media content is also disclosed. A media content such as a television program is displayed during a time period other than its original broadcast time. Communications created by users while watching the media content are then received. The received communications are time-stamped so they can be synchronized with the run-time of the media content.

Abstract: A method for assigning attributes to media content. A media content is first displayed on a television, computer, or other display. A communication created by a user while viewing the media content is then received. The communication is then analyzed, and at least a portion of the communication is linked to a portion of the media content. The communication is also analyzed to identify relevant keywords which are then saved as attributes of the media content. The assigned word or phrase can be used to recommend the media content to other viewers or to find the media content in response to a search function. A method for synchronizing communications with time-shifted media content is also disclosed. A media content such as a television program is displayed during a time period other than its original broadcast time. Communications created by users while watching the media content are then received. The received communications are time-stamped so they can be synchronized with the run-time of the media content.

Abstract: An application for making the shared use of a media system (100), including a television (140), more fun while democratizing the decision making process among the users, and involving the users more closely in the television experience. In one aspect, control of the media system is granted to one of the users in a group based on, e.g., personal information of the users (335), a game (340), a vote (345), an arbitrary selection (350), or the first user to respond to a prompt (355). In another aspect, the application automatically initiates a vote (415) in which the users vote for a desired channel, and the application switches the television to the channel that received the most votes (440). In another aspect, users are allotted a balance of commands (500), and the remaining balance of commands is tracked (510) and displayed (515) on the television.

Abstract: A two-way PDA, cell phone and laptop audience participation system providing the ability for real-time audience participation in questions and surveys and for real-time generation and display of results. A plurality of two-way wireless communication devices such as PDAs, cellphones or laptops are provided for use by participants at an event. At least one two-way wireless communication device, such as a wireless tablet, is provided for use by a presenter. Communications are between the presenter and participants are managed by a central server, wireless access points and routers.

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