Abstract: A system and method for authenticating users of a data processing platform stores a mapping of a unique user platform identifier to multiple user identity provider identifiers associated with multiple realms for a same user. In some examples, the method includes receiving a request from a client device to establish an access session to perform one or more actions on data of the data processing platform and receiving, from at least one of the first external identity provider of the first realm or the second external identity provider of the second realm, a user identity provider identifier associated with the request. In certain examples, the method includes granting permission to perform the one or more actions on the data of the data processing platform based at least in part on the received user identity provider identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying objects displayed in a media asset are provided. First and second parental control restrictions associated with first and second users within a perceivable range of a user equipment device are retrieved. The first parental control restriction enables access to content associated with a first authorization level and the second parental control restriction enables access to content associated with a second authorization level. A common authorization level that does not violate the first and second parental control restrictions is identified. A media asset that satisfies the common authorization level is presented to the first and second users in a first form. Supplemental content associated with the media asset that violates the second parental control restriction but does not violate the first parental control restriction is selected. The supplemental content is presented in a second form while the media asset is being presented in the first form.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method uses a first list of ranked entities to determine a first ordering of entities in slots of an electronic programming guide. Information is outputted to display at least a portion of the first ordering of entities in slots of the electronic programming guide. The method determines when a refresh of the electronic programming guide should be performed. When it is determined that the refresh should be performed, if a second list of ranked entities is available: the method uses the second list of ranked entities to determine a second ordering of entities in slots of an electronic programming guide and outputs information to display at least a portion of the second ordering of entities in slots of the electronic programming guide to update the electronic programming guide for the refresh.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for presenting user selected scenes. A media guidance application may generate for display a listing for a media asset, wherein a play length of the media asset includes a non-selectable play length portion and a selectable play length portion. The media guidance application may generate for display a first scene option corresponding to a first scene and a second scene option corresponding to a second scene. The media guidance application may receive a user selection of the first or second scene option and incorporate the selected scene into the selectable play length portion of the media asset. The media guidance application may generate for display the media asset with the selected scene incorporated into the selectable play length portion.

Abstract: Method and system of recommending program without individually compiling subscribe profile information. The method and system being suitable for recommending television programs, movies, and any other media, including but not limited to advertisements and music.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling and rewarding collaborative content creation are described. The method comprises, playing back live video provided by an over-the-top (OTT) provider to a user, receiving, from the user, a command to crop and modify a portion of the video comprising a subject, generating user-generated content based on the command, publishing the user-generated content to a plurality of users, determining whether the user-generated content is republished a threshold number of times during a republication period, and in response to determining that the user-generated content is republished the threshold number of times during the republication period, unlocking access to content from the OTT provider for the user that relates to the subject.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method comprising sending a first list of formats associated with media content to a client device via a network, and receiving from the client device a selection of a format from a second list of formats filtered from the first list using filtering criteria. The second list includes formats compatible with the client device. The filtering criteria can be based on performance metrics of the network and on capabilities of the client device. During presentation of the content at the client device in the selected format, transmission of the content item can be dynamically altered in response to a message that the presentation be continued in a different format. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle lift system incorporating one or more lift control modules having an advanced operating platform. The lift control module includes a user interface for receiving user instructions from a user, at least one control module processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium with an advanced operating platform stored thereon. The computer readable medium includes a first application operable executable by the advanced operating platform. The first application directs the control module processor to provide instructions to the vehicle lift to control the vehicle lift based on the user instructions. The computer readable medium further includes a second application executable by the advanced operating platform. The second application directs the control module processor to perform certain steps, with such certain steps not directed to controlling the vehicle lift. Furthermore, the advanced operating platform is configured to execute said first application and said second application simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology for a sensor network, Machine to Machine (M2M) communication, Machine Type Communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure can be used for intelligent services based on the technology (services related to smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, retail business, security, and safety). A method of reproducing content by a virtual reality device is provided. The method includes transmitting parameters related to functions of a user device; receiving interest metadata related to content that matches a set of the transmitted parameters; receiving and decoding the content corresponding to a version that matches the set of transmitted parameters in a unit of at least one tile corresponding to a view area to be displayed in accordance with a user's viewpoint based on the interest metadata; and rendering the decoded tile based on the interest metadata.

Abstract: Secure control of network appliances uses a central hub connected to a plurality of network appliances or multiple hubs in a short-range wireless mesh network. The central hub controls communication with the appliances and also includes a cellular link for communication with a cellular network. Only the central hub can communicate with the Internet via the cellular link. User equipment (UE) contains an application program that works in conjunction with the central hub to control the appliances. Commands generated by the UE are sent either directly to the central hub or via the mesh network. Upon receipt of an authenticated command, the central hub propagates commands via the short-range wireless mesh network to the intended network appliance either directly or via the mesh network.

Abstract: A server-based environment for management of widget programs distributable to remote execution and display devices is provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide a set of tools for operator development of widget programs, operator provisioning of the widget programs and user selection of programs or parameters for the widget programs. Embodiments of the present invention further provide for operator-determined widget program or widget program functionality distribution.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a method of operating the same are provided. The display apparatus includes a display; a memory configured to store at least one instruction; and a processor configured to execute the at least one instruction to: generate an integrated channel list, which includes first channel information that corresponds to an external image providing apparatus connected to the display apparatus and second channel information that corresponds to an application installed in the display apparatus. The first channel information includes information about channels provided by an external image providing apparatus and the second channel information includes information about channels which are provided by an application. In response to an input of selecting one channel from the integrated channel list, the display apparatus controls a source corresponding to the selected channel to provide content obtained from the controlled source.

Abstract: A balanced distribution of IP addresses across nodes of a cluster is performed during distributed IP management, wherein IP addresses are dynamically procured and assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. In one aspect, nodes that participate in distributed IP management can request for IP addresses only if they are determined to be serviceable. A subscription level of a node can be determined based on a maximum number of IP address that can be claimed/owned by the node. As an example, the maximum number of IP address can be evaluated based on a total number of serviceable nodes within the cluster. IP address redistribution can be facilitated to ensure that subscription levels of the nodes are at an optimal level.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for enhancing a linear broadcast of a network television program by automatically displaying alerts over the linear broadcast relating to web content determined to be of interest to the linear broadcast or user. The alert may include a link such that, once actioned upon, web content may be presented to the user in addition to the linear broadcast or in the place of the linear broadcast.

Abstract: A server computer system identifies activity data for an entity. The activity data for the entity relates to one or more online media items. The server computer system compares the activity data to subscriber data for a channel. The subscriber data includes sets of features for subscribers of the channel. The server computer system determines that the entity is a candidate subscriber for the channel when the activity data corresponds to at least one of the plurality of sets of features.

Abstract: An exemplary computer-implementable method includes receiving a call from an application executing on a host computer, the host computer having a collection of graphical user interfaces, and, in response to the call, registering the application whereby the registering comprises providing one or more entry points for the application wherein each entry point corresponds to at least one of the graphical user interfaces of the collection of graphical user interfaces. Various other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for setting a watching level to an audiovisual content which some frames are already annotated with watching levels. Upon the reception of the audiovisual content, frames annotated with watching levels are extracted and displayed in a single view. One of the displayed frames is selected by the user, the watching level of the selected frame being set as watching level to the audiovisual content.

Abstract: A media switch enables a terminal to access content by receiving a content request from a terminal for a first piece of content to be distributed over a cable system, identifying a personal channel within resources available in the cable system to distribute the first piece of content to the terminal, transmitting access information to the terminal to enable the terminal to access the first piece of content through the personal channel, and interfacing with a cable headend to provide the first piece of content on the personal channel.

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 one embodiment, a broadcast transmitter includes: a viewer information memory configured to store viewer information regarding a viewer who signs up for a subscription; a generator configured to generate individual information regarding a conditional access of a content including a first expiration time indicating an expiration time of the individual information and a second expiration time set independently of the first expiration time for each the viewer who signs up for the subscription based on the viewer information; and a transmitter configured to transmit a broadcast signal including the generated individual information.

Abstract: An information providing system, reception apparatus, and methods thereof are provided for providing content data. The method for providing content includes generating the content data. A digital television pre-broadcast signal, including the content data, is generated. At least one portion of the digital television pre-broadcast signal is extracted. The at least one portion of the digital television pre-broadcast signal is packaged into one or more Internet Protocol (IP) data packets. A digital television broadcast signal, including the remainder of the digital television pre-broadcast signal, is generated. The one or more IP data packets is provided via a communication network. The digital television broadcast signal is provided on a predetermined radio frequency (RF) channel.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining content at a mobile device, determining information associated with at least one wireless networking functionality of the mobile device responsive to user input, and providing the content and determined information to at least one server for insertion into a specified application-based information channel. Another method includes receiving, at a server from a mobile device, content for insertion into a specified application-based information channel, receiving, at the server from the mobile device, information associated with at least one wireless network functionality of the mobile device, and integrating the content and the information associated with said at least one wireless network functionality of the mobile device into the specified application-based information channel.

Abstract: A video control system for displaying video products within a current viewing context is designed to receive, via a broadcast communication, a video product and product information for the video product. The product information includes an intended viewing context for the video product. The video control system processes the product information and filters the video product based on a comparison of the intended viewing context and the current viewing context.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method of restricting access to video content. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a request for video content at a set-top box located at a first location, the request received from a remote user device located at a second location. The method also includes initiating recording of the video content at the set-top box when the video content is unrestricted at the first location and when the video content is restricted at the second location. The method also includes, when the video content is unrestricted at the second location, initiating sending the video content to the remote user device.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically changing channels. A user selection of a channel and a time associated with media content is received. The current time is determined. A display is powered on in response to determining the display is off. A display is automatically changed to the channel in response to the current time matching the selected time. The media content received through the channel is displayed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a playlist at a network device from a client device in communication with the network device over a network. In response to receiving the playlist, the method also includes disabling channel changes not associated with the playlist from executing during times indicated in the playlist. The method further includes transmitting a control message from the network device to the client device that requests the client device to tune to a channel conforming to the playlist when the network device receives a channel change request not associated with the playlist from the client device.

Abstract: A method of verifying a blackout event is disclosed that includes receiving blackout event data from an event log database of a video distribution platform at a subscriber event transmission interface (SETI) communicating with an electronic data warehouse (EDW) system. The method also includes creating at least one EDW load-ready file that includes at least a portion of the blackout event data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a television schedule guide which includes a detector for determining whether a previously scrambled program is unscrambled. If a previously scrambled program is momentarily unscrambled due to promotional efforts by the program provider, the system will visually distinguish the program on the guide, and a viewer may tune to or record the program from the guide. The view may also subscribe to the program provider through the guide during the promotional period.

Abstract: Provided are a video display device and a method of operating the same. The video display device request content recognition configuration information to a third party server that is not dependent on any single channel, and receives the content recognition configuration information from the third party server. The video display device extracts a plurality of content recognition configuration information items from the content recognition configuration information and configures the plurality of content recognition configuration information item in the video display device. The video display device obtains contents information of uncompressed content on the basis of the plurality of content recognition configuration information item, obtains an application on the basis of the content information, and executes the application.

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: Variable subscriber identifiers (V-SubIds) for protecting subscriber privacy are generated and managed. In one aspect, an Anonymous Customer Reference Services (ACRS) component generates a V-SubId, which is a short-lived subscriber identifier that is inserted in a request received from a user equipment during request enrichment. Moreover, a different V-SubId can be inserted in subsequent request from the user equipment and thus, cross-site behavior tracking can be mitigated. In one aspect, the V-SubId can be exchanged for a subscriber identifier (SubId) associated with the user equipment, upon query by trusted systems/applications. Further, the V-SubId can be exchanged for a site-specific Anonymous Customer Reference (ACR) upon query by untrusted systems/applications, if user authorization is received. Moreover, the life cycle of the ACR is managed by the ACRS component, based on subscriber input.

Abstract: A system includes a video-on-demand server and an authentication server. The video-on-demand server is configured to provide video-on-demand content through a broadband connection to a set-top box device. The authentication server is in communication with the video-on-demand server. The authentication server is configured to receive a request to allow access to a video-on-demand package that includes the video-on-demand content, to determine if a user is currently authorized to constantly receive a broadcast package that includes a plurality of broadcast channels related to the video-on-demand content, and to authorize a broadcast channel in the broadcast package when not currently authorized to receive the broadcast package.

Abstract: A hybrid tuner, comprising multiple individual tuners having differing capabilities of receiving programs or channels of broadcast audio or video content, can be controlled by periodically determining the capabilities of each individual tuner to receive broadcast channels, storing such information into a guide database and then utilizing such information to select appropriate individual tuners to tune in desired programs. If the tuners that can receive a desired program are already in use, the program they are currently receiving can be switched to a different tuner to free up the tuner that can receive the desired program without interrupting the consumption of the program currently being received. When determining the capabilities of an individual tuner to receive a particular channel, one or more tokens associated with such a channel, and utilized to prevent unauthorized access to such a channel, can be obtained from the guide database and provided to the tuner.

Abstract: The concept of profiling the STB (01) through the Smart Cards (02) as per the service provider specific requirements makes towards interoperability. Smart cards (02) are embedded with greater operator specific intelligence. The scheme used in the present invention mainly focuses on downloading of profiling data from smart card (02) to the STB (01) and pushing CAS implementation fully from STB to Smart card (02).

Abstract: A method for providing parental control via a playlist is disclosed. A playlist is received from a control server. One or more channel change control messages are sent to a client in accordance with a playlist. The one or more channel change control messages include tuning information for tuning to one or more programs or channels at times indicated in the playlist. An apparatus for providing parental control via a playlist is disclosed. The apparatus may be a content delivery system headend. The content delivery system headend system may have a Switched Digital Video (SDV) manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscribers over an access network. The headend may have an input for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions.

Abstract: A method to bind the use of a digital audio/video service data receiver to a network on which at least one services provider broadcasts access controlled and free digital audio/video services streams, the method having the steps: receiving by the receiver a periodic signal transmitted by a conditional access system server via the network, said periodic signal being processed by a run time software embedded in the receiver to check legitimacy of the network; displaying services available on the network only if said run time software recognizes the periodic signal as indicating network legitimacy; and checking operability of the run time software and if necessary taking actions to enforce limitation of using the receiver on the network checked as legitimate. The invention further discloses a receiver bound to a specific network configured to perform the method.

Abstract: A network device receives a unique device identifier (UDID) associated with a mobile device belonging to a user, and content channel subscription information associated with the user, and stores the UDID and the content channel subscription information in a database. The network device receives the UDID and a channel identifier (ID) from a content application executing at the mobile device, and accesses the database with the UDID and the channel ID to verify the user's subscription to a content channel identified by the channel ID. The network device sends, if the user's subscription to the content channel is verified, a channel permission and a timestamp, to the mobile device, such that the mobile device is able to access content at a content provider corresponding to the channel ID prior to an expiration time that is based on the timestamp.

Abstract: Personalized access controls associated with digital media are provided. The system records access controls associated with specific digital media assets in a digital library and creates policy decisions regarding use of the asset based on these settings. Data management for the access controls is also specified, including on an individual and group basis.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) having a controller to join a multicast group having an associated multicast address, wherein the multicast address is associated with a first content type of a plurality of content types, access encoded content associated with the first content type from the multicast address, wherein the encoded content is transmitted by at least one source associated with the multicast group to the multicast address, decode the accessed encoded content, and display the decoded content on a channel mapped to the multicast address. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An information providing system, reception apparatus, and methods thereof are provided for providing content data. The method for providing content includes generating the content data. A digital television pre-broadcast signal, including the content data, is generated. At least one portion of the digital television pre-broadcast signal is extracted. The at least one portion of the digital television pre-broadcast signal is packaged into one or more Internet Protocol (IP) data packets. A digital television broadcast signal, including the remainder of the digital television pre-broadcast signal, is generated. The one or more IP data packets is provided via a communication network. The digital television broadcast signal is provided on a predetermined radio frequency (RF) channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining viewership information are provided. A method of determining viewership information includes determining viewership information from multicast routing table data associated with one or more edge routers of a media content delivery service. Each edge router of the one or more edge routers is adapted to transmit media content streams to multiple devices via a first network. The method also includes sending data related to the viewership information to a requesting device via a second network.

Abstract: The method for media content delivery using on demand assets of a specific content provider includes integrating a user media platform with the specific content provider. This integration is established through a digital locker of the media platform and a coordinator of the specific content provider. Once established, the Digital locker of the media platform shall maintain all rights information for content purchases, in addition to also storing and maintaining those rights with the specific content provider such that purchased content may be available to the user without necessarily requiring intervention by the specific content provider.

Abstract: In a cable television system, a specific carrier is assigned to deliver programming content of a program channel to a service area for a period, defined as a function of viewership of the program channel during that period. For example, the program channel is assigned the specific carrier during the time when it has a generally strong viewership. Otherwise, the program channel is assigned a carrier on an as needed basis, i.e., only when one or more subscribers in the service area request such a program channel. Viewing statistics are generated to identify viewership patterns or viewing habits of the subscribers in the service area with respect to a given program channel. In another embodiment, based on the viewing statistics, popular and unpopular programs, program elements, program lineups, program channels are identified on a temporal and/or regional basis.

Abstract: Subscription and channel management technology, in which a system allows a user to subscribe to a subset of the available channels on a content delivery network and personalize at least one channel. The system identifies a user identity of the user and stores, in a user database, channel subscription information for the user identity based on the subset of channels to which the user subscribed and the user personalization. The system identifies a downloader device associated with the user identity and controls the downloader device based on the channel subscription information stored in the user database.

Abstract: A method for controlling the output of media content, particularly audio content, to a user in relation to an apparatus, such as a set-top-box, having an input, for receiving media content, and an output, for providing the media content to an output device such as a television or other display device. Media content is received at the input and then analysed using a media content recognition unit. The media content recognition unit undertakes the step of identifying portions of the received media content that contain undesired content, such as offensive language. The output of media content to a user is then controlled, based on any identified undesired content, to prevent the output of content when the identified undesired portions are to be output. A corresponding apparatus and computer program are also provided.

Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to transmitting and displaying a channel of a television to a non-subscriber when a subscriber is viewing the channel so that both the non-subscriber and the subscriber can simultaneously view the channel. A channel is displayed to a subscriber of a service offering the channel. A presence status of the subscriber is monitored. The presence status characterizes a subscriber presence for viewing the channel. The presence status is displayed to one or more contacts of the subscriber, including the non-subscriber. The channel can be simultaneously displayed to the subscriber and the contacts of the subscriber for as long as the subscriber views the channel until a predetermined period of time. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the method and system according to the present invention provide a system and method for controlling access to audiovisual content such as television shows, video-on-demand services or streaming video which can be delivered by cable, satellite, wired or wireless networks, cell phones, the Internet, etc. More particularly, the present invention provides a capability to define certain criteria which can be used to restrict access to content based on combinations of various parameters including, but not limited to, time of day, day of the week, type of content, source of content, content display device, etc. These criteria may also be provided by data storage arrangements or a network, and access restrictions specified by such criteria can be associated with a plurality of display devices.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for transferring a received media object to remote devices in accordance to attributes in a user profile. The profile information additionally determinates the versions of the media object that are available to such remote devices and whether the media object may be stored in such remote devices.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and a method of restricting harmful information thereof are provided. The mobile communication terminal includes a data judgment module which judges whether to restrict digital content by comparing content information included in a packet of the digital content with viewing restriction information; and a control unit which controls whether to display the digital content in accordance with a result of the judgment of the data judgment module. The method includes receiving digital content that is transmitted in a unit of a packet; judging whether viewing of the digital content is permitted by comparing content information included in the packet with viewing restriction information; and preventing a display of the digital content if it is judged that the viewing of the digital content is not permitted.