Abstract: The present invention provides a Set-Top Box, a home gateway, and a method and a system for implementing interaction between the Set-Top Box and the home gateway, and the method comprises: the Set-Top Box transmitting a subscription message to the home gateway by means of a UPnP protocol message; the home gateway receiving and parsing the subscription message, combining a subscription response event according to the parsed subscription information, and then transmitting the subscription response event to the Set-Top Box by means of a UPnP protocol message; and the Set-Top Box triggering a corresponding operation according to a subscription response event message, after receiving the subscription response event message. The flexible coordination between the home gateway and the Set-Top Box can be implemented in accordance with the present invention, which can achieve the purposes of automatic diagnosis and automatic adjustment of services, and improve the user experience effectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software adapted to perform certain operations, can be implemented for providing remotely defined security data to an application extension on a client device. A sequence of instructions and at least one permission indicator associated with the sequence of instructions are received. A first permission indicator is associated with a code extension to a software application adapted to execute at least a portion of the sequence of instructions. The code extension is adapted to perform one or more operations that supplement the operations supported by the software application. An instruction within the sequence of instructions associated with adapted for execution by the code extension and with an activity is identified. The first permission indicator is provided to the code extension. The code extension determines whether performance of the activity is permitted based, at least in part, on the first permission indicator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to allow users to browse services, content items, or the like using the language that is generally most familiar to them, and in particular ones that are not available on an IPTV. Thus, users can browse content offerings on the second display in a language and font set that are personalized to themselves, and they may further send the content item to the IPTV for playback. The disclosed systems and methods provide a way for a group of users to exploit individual “second displays” to view, browse, and navigate content or data service offerings, by service providers, e.g., internet network services, in a preferred language and using preferred fonts, especially one not supported by a content playback device, on behalf of a content playback device, e.g., IPTV, the same having authenticated credentials for playback of such content, and then arrange for a selected content item or items to be played back on the content playback device.

Abstract: To realize a service of data content that can interlock with AV content of programs without providing a band for broadcasting data content in a broadcast band for digital television broadcast, provided is a reception apparatus that receives an audio and/or video (AV) content, the apparatus including: an extraction section to extract trigger information from the AV content, the trigger information being related to an application program that is executed interlocking with a progress of the AV content, the trigger information including a trigger type; and a control section to control one of an activation of the application program, a dispatch of an event of the application program being executed, and an end of the application program being executed in accordance with the trigger type included in the extracted trigger information.

Abstract: A client application, executed on a set-top box with a local network, detects that a media server application, executed on a computing device within the local network, is eligible for a software upgrade. The set-top box provides, based on the detecting, an interactive prompt, on a separate television display, to request authorization for the software upgrade. The set-top box receives user input, via a remote control, authorizing the software upgrade and provides, to the media server application on the computing device, a signal for the media server application to initiate the software upgrade.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern selectively accepting or rejecting content based on ratings identifier information included in the content. Example apparatus and methods facilitate identifying a content fragment (e.g., f-MP4 fragment) to be rejected based on an identifier located in the fragment rather than information located in some external source (e,g., Event Information Table (EIT)). One example method includes identifying a fragment based on a ratings identifier encoded as a universally unique identifier (UUID) in the fragment and then selectively accepting or rejecting the fragment based on the rating. Rather than rely only on a predicted start time, a predicted end time, a predicted source, and a pre determined coarse-grained rating, example apparatus and methods may be better prepared to account for unanticipated start times, ending times, schedule changes, and source changes, and may provide finer grained user control based on ratings carried in content.

Abstract: In a remote diagnostic system, one remote service provider among plural remote service providers is requested by a health care provider (service requester) to diagnose a medical image, and the image is transmitted thereto. Attribute information constituted by at least one of an object region and symptom information of an object in the image is input for the request of diagnosis. The one remote service provider is selected among the plural remote service providers, to transmit the image and the attribute information to the selected remote service provider. It is checked whether the object region or symptom information of the image corresponds to an available specialty of the selected remote service provider by use of a specialty database component. If it is judged in authorization control that the object region or symptom information of the image does not correspond to the available specialty, distribution of the image is rejected.

Abstract: A system for generating passive and anonymous feedback of multimedia content viewed by users is disclosed. The multimedia content may include recorded video content, video-on-demand content, television content, television programs, advertisements, commercials, music, movies, video clips, and other on-demand media content. One or more of the users in a field of view of a capture device connected to the computing device are identified. An engagement level of the users to multimedia content being viewed by the users is determined by tracking movements, gestures, postures and facial expressions performed by the users. A report of the response to viewed multimedia content is generated based on the movements, gestures, postures and facial expressions performed by the users. The report is provided to rating agencies, content providers and advertisers.

Abstract: A channel zapping method is provided. The channel zapping method includes setting a channel group selected from among a plurality of channel groups classified by genre as a target for group zapping, and if a channel zapping command is input, performing channel zapping to a next channel in the channel group to which a current channel belongs, and if a group zapping command is input, performing channel zapping to a channel in another channel group included in the target for group zapping, and the another channel group is a channel group in a highest class or in a sub class which belongs to the highest class in the each genre.

Abstract: A digital television signal for receiving program and system information protocol (PSIP) data, a method for processing the digital television signal, and a digital television receiver are disclosed. The digital television signal used in the digital television receiver in order to receive a program system information protocol (PSIP) data from a broadcast transmitter includes a rating region table containing the PSIP data. Herein, the rating region table includes a global rating value field defining a global rating value which is valid for all graphical rating regions, a rating region field defining a specific graphical rating region to be associated with the rating region table, and at least one local rating value field identifying a local rating value which is valid for the specific graphical rating region only.

Abstract: A method for operating a signal receiver which authorizes controlled access, comprising providing an authentication token device having a predetermined usage limit stored therein, providing a reading device for reading the authentication token device, and for implementing the predetermined usage limit while deauthorizing the authentication token device for use with other reading devices, comprising a signal generator for communicating with a signal receiver through a wireless transmission, receiving the wireless transmission at the signal receiver, to permit access based on the received transmission, and upon exceeding the predetermined usage limit, deauthorizing further access.

Abstract: A device is enabled to display Internet TV by accessing a management server with a secret unique ID and receiving back from the server, assuming the ID is approved, a user token and a service list of content servers with knowledge of the user token. A user can select a content server which causes the device to upload its user token and in response receive a content list from the content server, from which content can be selected for display. Neither list may be modified by the device and the device can access only content on a content list. The service list may be tailored for the geographic location of the device.

Abstract: A management server device (management server) 11 manages a terminal ID, a group ID, and application software so that the terminal ID, the group ID, and the application software are associated with each other and includes a change target selecting section 113 for selecting application software capable of being changed to a state that can be started in a TV device (movement destination terminal) 10a from application software that is currently capable of being started in a movement origin terminal belonging to the same group as that of the TV device (movement destination terminal) 10a, and sending information on the selected application software to the TV device (movement destination terminal) 10a. The TV device (movement destination terminal) 10a includes a terminal information sending section 101 and a change target display section 104 for displaying the information on the application software.

Abstract: Parental controls for entertainment digital media are provided that allow a parent to restrict multiple user's access to entertainment content. One or more updatable rating definition files with dynamic data are used to define rating levels and content descriptors for a regional rating system. Entertainment content definition files define the rating level and content descriptors for entertainment content. User permission settings define a particular user's access rating level and content descriptors. The rating definition file can be used to compare the entertainment content definition file and user permission settings in determining if a user is allowed access to particular entertainment content.

Abstract: A method and system of provisioning a set-top box (STB) with a STB provisioning system are provided which include storing STB profile information in a provisioning datastore, receiving a customer order at a service provisioning system, notifying a billing system of the customer order, and notifying a conditional access system of the customer order. The method and system further include storing information from the customer order in a provisioning datastore, notifying a video device manager about the STB, and delivering a cable operator configuration message from the video device manager to the STB, the configuration message being based on information from the provisioning datastore, thereby provisioning the STB without essential involvement of the conditional access system.

Abstract: Internet TVs and other net ready displays are becoming common place and with it comes the access to an abundance of content. However accessing content on such devices is not always as quick, efficient, or secure. Thus, the present invention is implemented through controllers, server, and providers displaying a user's personalized and subscription content on any internet accessible screen. The invention does so without having to login and share personal data at the screen. All the functionality of the system and login data is managed by the user's personal controllers (i.e. smart phone or other mobile device). The server acts as a middleman in all communications between the controllers and the screens, securely storing authentication information and tokens. External content providers provide content information to the servers for conversion prior to delivery to controllers.

Abstract: A system including but not limited to a computer program comprising instructions that when executed by a server computer, determines a plurality of geographic restriction zones and instructions to determine a plurality of different duration time delays for each of a plurality of geographic restriction zones.

Abstract: A system includes a transport central processing unit of an information appliance device. The transport central processing unit receives a message from a head-end. The transport central processing unit provides access of the message to the security processing unit. A host central processing unit connected with the transport central processing unit is prohibited access to the message.

Abstract: Distributed navigation of broadcast signals is provided through an on-line application connected through a second network connection. A customer receives the broadcast signals through a first network connection, and navigates the broadcast TV content through an on-line application by a browser connected through a second network connection. The present on-line application provides flexible and re-configurable content services, which will need to be customized once for each service provider, but will render consistently on a variety of PC and non-PC client devices. Further, the present on-line application can provide targeted advertising by maintaining an advertising profile for each viewer, determined in part by recording data about the navigating of the content of the broadcast signals, and by recording a plurality of selections of the viewer transmitted to the on-line application. The on-line capability further provides ease for roaming access.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time insertion of services into an IP telephony call session are disclosed. A client initiates a service request message to a second server. The service request message includes the client identity and a requested service available from a second server. The first server determines if the client is authorized to use the requested service. If the client is authorized to use the requested service, the second server delivers the requested service to the client.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for receiving a mobile digital multimedia service and terminal equipment for a mobile digital multimedia service, and the method for receiving the mobile digital multimedia service includes: a receiving device receiving multimedia broadcast data, and if the receiving device judges that a state of the multimedia broadcast data is a scrambling state, descrambling the multimedia broadcast data, and sending descrambled multimedia broadcast data to computer equipment, and the computer equipment receiving the descrambled multimedia broadcast data. The technical scheme of the present invention does not need to send key information needed in descrambling to the computer equipment, so that the security of the key information can be increased; and the receiving device re-encapsulates the multiplex subframe and retains the subframe header part in the multiplex subframe, so as to make the descrambled data code steam entirely retain the original information.

Abstract: A method and system for remote viewing of multimedia content using a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) is configured to duplicate multimedia content displayed on a first MCDN terminal device and route the duplicate multimedia content to a second MCDN terminal device. The MCDN terminal devices may be coupled to a local network at an MCDN client premises. The MCDN terminal devices may also include wireless telephony devices for mobile remote viewing functionality. The method may include transcoding of the multimedia content into a format suitable for the second MCDN terminal device.

Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.

Abstract: In some embodiments a wireless access point receives digital television content. The digital television content is transmitted in a wireless manner over a wireless network of the wireless access point. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: In a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) video communication method and apparatus, first and second VoIP-based terminals store video event indexes and images mapped thereto with respect to state information of a user and terminal, and establish a session using session establishment information defining the video event. The first terminal then transmits a data packet including the video event index, and the second terminal receives the data packet and outputs an image mapped to the video event index of the images stored in advance. Thus, by transmitting and receiving a predefined index alone without transmitting user and terminal states as a real time data-type image, the VoIP video communication method and apparatus prevent unnecessary waste of bandwidth in video communication.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling access to media content are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a viewing request at a set-top box device at a user premises. The method also includes retrieving a permission policy stored at the set-top box device and identifying a wireless device associated with the permission policy. Further, the method includes fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a first relative proximity to the set-top box device, and not fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a second relative proximity to the set-top box device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products modify and/or block content. A program is received, along with a default rating of the program and dynamic ratings of portions of the program. A preference is received from memory to at least one of block and modify the program. When a dynamic rating is missing for a portion of the program, then revert to the default rating and block the portion of the program from presentation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering content are provided. A request for desired content may be received by a content management server from a customer device associated with a customer. The content management server may include one or more computers. Additionally, the content management server may determine whether the customer device is in communication with one or more additional devices associated with the customer. Based at least in part upon the communication determination, the content management server may determine whether the customer device is located within a subscription area for the customer. Based at least in part upon the determination of whether the customer device is located within the subscription area, the content management server may determine access rights to the desired content.

Abstract: A method for performing parental control a channel for building a channel map in an internet protocol television (IPTV) receiver and the IPTV receiver thereof are provided. The method includes receiving a master service information (SI) table including a first element defining location of a virtual channel map table, parsing the first element in the received master SI table, receiving the virtual channel map table including a second element defining location of a virtual channel description table based on the parsed location element, parsing the second element in the received virtual channel map table, receiving the virtual channel description table, which includes a third element indicating a default parental guidance rating of a virtual channel service when present, based on the parsed second element, parsing the third element in the received virtual channel description table, and controlling to allow ratings based on the type of parental guidance system according to the parsed third element.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a mobile device having a controller to present media content provided by an interactive television (iTV) network, select a function during presentation of the media content to store at least a remaining portion of the media content, wherein the function is selected when the presentation of the media content is to be interrupted, store the media content in a memory location of the mobile device, select the function to retrieve the remaining portion of the media content from the memory location, and present the remaining portion of the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing device includes a connection module, determination module, and a setting module. The connection module is configured to connect to Internet. The determination module is configured to determine a start-up trigger for the information processing device based on a start-up instruction to the information processing device. The setting module is configured to switch a state for a voice communication function via the Internet based on the start-up trigger and to set the switched state.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for watching service content of an Internet protocol television. The method includes: receiving a request message requesting playing, on a second network television terminal, service content subscribed by a first network television terminal; obtaining a service profile of a first terminal and an identifier of a second terminal according to the request message; and sending the service content subscribed by the first terminal to the second terminal according to the service profile of the first terminal and the identifier of the second terminal By means of the present invention, a user may implement secure authentication by using a subscribed terminal and instruct an IPTV network side to send related service content to the second terminal according to IPTV subscription information of the first terminal.

Abstract: A method of processing an interactive service and an apparatus includes generating an application parameter table including a first identifier and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier identifies a interactive programming segment which application parameter table pertains to, and wherein the second identifier identifies an application within the scope of application parameter table; generating an activation message file that indicates at least one of activation times of the applications, wherein the activation message file includes a third identifier and activation messages, wherein the third identifier matches the first identifier of application parameter table which contains the applications, wherein the activation message includes a fourth identifier and a start time information, wherein the fourth identifier matches the second identifier of the application in the application parameter table.

Abstract: The invention provides a program managing method for use in a digital television for managing programs by rating region tables (RRTs). The method includes receiving a channel switch signal; switching to a channel according to the channel switch signal; searching whether a local rating region table (RRT) of the channel is stored in the digital television; and playing programs according to the contents of the local rating region table when the local rating region table is stored in the digital television, else creating the local rating region table in the digital television and playing programs according to the contents of the local rating region table.

Abstract: An audio-video display device (AVDD) includes a licensable component providing a licensable function. The licensable function is available to present data on the AVDD without paying a license fee to exploit the licensable function when the AVDD is in a retail demonstration mode, whereas post-vending of the AVDD the licensable function is available to present data on the AVDD only pursuant to a license fee therefor being arranged.

Abstract: A method and system for providing usage information for a set-top box is disclosed. An embodiment is disclosed that receives a request for usage information for a set-top box and the usage information has media content received by the set-top box, queries a database with a query based upon the request and the request has criteria for usage information, and sends a query result for the query.

Abstract: There is disclosed a media file distribution system and method. An asset management and delivery system and method for the distribution of digital files and data is provided. There are two major functions, with sub-functions within each. The system first serves as a fully automated management system for a company involved in video/file distribution, such as in video on demand (VOD) or other digital file industries. The system can ingest, prepare, schedule, transmit, track and report on any aspect of the business chain. Secondly, it also serves as a product for both content providers and recipients to be able to view, manage and run their entire content offering remotely from anywhere through the Internet.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product. The method includes: receiving a display power consumption level indicator; determining, in response to the display power consumption level indicator, whether a program that is sent to a signal converter that is coupled to the display, is being displayed on the display; and transmitting to a remote system, by the signal converter, and in response to the determining, a program viewing indicator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing individualized content controls of media assets are provided. In certain embodiments, a processing device delivers a first media asset to a first user using a first presentation device of an electronic media device. The processing device receives a signal indicative of a second user in proximity to the electronic media device, and, in response, accesses a profile associated with the second user. While continuing to deliver the first media asset, the processing device delivers a second media asset to the second user that satisfies the media access permissions of the second user profile using a second presentation device of the electronic media device. The second media asset may be a modified version of the first media asset.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for provisioning of customer premise equipment (CPE) equipped with a secure microprocessor to receive e.g., digital video content by entering unique identification of the CPE at one or more servers located at the headend or other location of a content-based network. In one embodiment, the CPE comprises a download-enabled (e.g., DCAS) host with embedded cable modem and embedded set-top box functionality, and the provisioning includes enabling DOCSIS functionality of the CPE, assigning an IP address to the CPE and providing the CPE with a client image for the conditional access system chosen by the network operator. In one variant, the network operator can deactivate a provisioned device while connected to the network, as well when disconnected from the network. The network operator can also add, delete or replace conditional access client image in a provisioned device.

Abstract: A digital TV conditional access system having an authentication module, a conditional access front-end module, and a receiver module. The authentication module communicates bidirectionally with and authenticates the receiver module to generate a unique ID number and authentication information, the ID number and the authentication information being recorded to a data base. The conditional access front-end module communicates bidirectionally with the data base, collects information of the receiver module from the data base, encrypts entitlement management message of the receiver module, and transmits the encrypted entitlement management message to the receiver module by an addressing mode. The conditional access front-end module further includes an entitlement control message generator, and the receiver module receives a scrambled program with the help of the ID number and the authentication information.

Abstract: A system includes a network interface, a memory, and a processor. The network interface is configured to communicate, over a network, with a user device associated with a user. The memory is configured to store instructions to be executed by the processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to: receive, from the user device via the one or more network interfaces, a request for content; initiate an upload of the requested content to the user device in response to the request; receive a request for a license key from the user device in response to the initiation of the upload; determine whether the user device is outside a blackout region associated with the content; generate a license key when the one or more processors determine that the user device is outside the blackout region; and send the license key to the user device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for accessing content subscription information from a secure storage of a mobile device, communicating the content subscription information to an authorization service of a content provider with a request to receive content, receiving in the mobile device an authorization from the content provider which includes a time bound identifier corresponding to a time bounded authorization to receive the content during a time bounded window, and receiving and outputting the content from the mobile device during the time bounded window. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is intended to facilitate the transmission of information associated with content being viewed on a public device to a private device. In response to a request from a content reception apparatus, a tablet terminal and a mobile telephone transmit information associated with an action and an application that are coordinatable with the content being displayed to the content reception apparatus. In response to a user operation, the tablet terminal selects a user-specified application from a list of applications displayed on a display of the content reception apparatus and transmits this select information to the content reception apparatus. If a coordination command of an action for coordination with an active application comes from the content reception apparatus, then the mobile telephone executes the received command. The present disclosure is applicable to information processing systems operating the content reception apparatus by using a terminal in wireless communication, for example.

Abstract: A system for managing storage space on an electronic storage medium is provided in which a file format for stored data allows for progressive deletion of low-significance data, for example in a video or audio file, while allowing the remaining portions of the file to be subsequently retrieved. The file format allows for the ready deletion of low-significance data without having to open, edit and subsequently rewrite the data. Furthermore, rules-based algorithms for the deletion of low-significance data allow a user to store and progressively delete such low-significance data in accordance with time parameters, available storage space and the like, without having to delete the full file.

Abstract: An IPTV service provider makes use of a detection that a request for content cannot be fulfilled as a result of content distribution agreements as a trigger to select a roaming partner that is able to serve the requested content. The ITF making the request is redirected to the roaming partner to allow user requests to be served. This improves user experience and provides a potential new revenue source to the service provider.

Abstract: An example method includes linking a guest controller to a media playback system including a zone player with a playback queue. The playback queue includes information identifying media items to be played by the zone player. The media playback system provides the guest controller with a second access more limited than a first access granted to a local controller associated with the media playback system. The example method includes receiving, by the media playback system, a message sent from the guest controller, the message including a media service credential and an identification of a media item to be played by the zone player. The example method includes placing, by the media playback system, information identifying the media item from the guest controller in the playback queue. The example method includes retrieving media for the media item, by the media playback system, using the media service credential.

Abstract: A method for requesting digital content, in which repeatedly digital content is received within a trusted digital world of a user. The digital content is made available for a user to be experienced in his physical world. During the experiencing the content in his physical world, the user's interaction is recorded, and the recorded interaction is processed into a personal profile of the user. The personal profile is stored in the trusted digital world of the user, and at least part of the personal profile is transmitted under the authorization of the user from its trusted digital world to an untrusted digital world when requesting digital contents from that untrusted digital world.

Abstract: In a medical communication method, two or more persons are identified as having a selected medical condition or characteristic. At the residence of each identified person, a video conference-enabling unit (56) is operatively connected with a consumer electronics device (50, 52) disposed in the identified person's residence. A video conference is conducted between at least two of the two or more identified persons using their respective consumer electronics devices (50, 52) and video conference-enabling units (56).