Abstract: Digital video signature apparatus and methods for use with video program identification systems are disclosed. The example apparatus and methods generate a signature associated with a video program. An example system includes a frame scanner to scan video frames associated with the video program. The frame scanner is to select a video frame based on a number of intra-coded macro blocks within the video frame. The example system also includes an intra-coded macro block extractor to extract intra-coded macro blocks from the video frame and a scaled image extractor to extract a scaled image from the intra-coded macro blocks. A signature generator is also included in the example system to calculate a plurality of centroids associated with video frame based on the scaled image and to form the signature based on the plurality of centroids.

Abstract: Architecture for the delivery of IP-based messages from wired and/or wireless devices to a television system. The means for delivery can be via an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) technology. The message is processed through a messaging system that obtains a mapping of a message address to an IPTV address, and routes the message to an IPTV network for delivery the desired television system for presentation. Messaging can be via SMS (short message service) for textual content, MMS (multimedia messaging service) for multimedia content, or other messaging technologies, such as instant messaging, an e-mail, for example. Optionally, the message from the user device can include a request for confirmation of delivery of the message to the television. The confirmation can then be routed back over an IP data network to the user device and presented to the user.

Abstract: In a targeted advertising system focused advertisements or alternate content is pre-stored on a handheld device, inserted into a multimedia stream at predefined times and points in the content stream for a predefined interval, otherwise referred to as a spot. A micro-splicer, instantiated on a handheld device, enables alternate content rendering, instead of the original program content, at available advertisement spots during program content viewing. The micro-splicer uses metadata to identify the correct alternate content and display it in the correct spot. The micro-splicer also enables switching the display back to the multimedia program content after the end of the alternate content. User viewing and interaction with the alternate content is ensured by instructing the micro-splicer to switch back to multimedia program content only after receipt of predefined user feedback.

Abstract: A method and system whereby conventional television advertisements (i.e., those delivered to viewers while they watch television programming) can be delivered in conjunction with and correlated with advertisements that are presented to viewers in the Interactive Program Guide (IPG). Moreover, the invention described herein provides for delivering highly targeted ads to viewers in both conventional programming avails and in the IPG, and for linking the targeted ads in these two media to provide for enhanced and highly effective advertising campaigns.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects, a consumer device obtains advertisement event data indicating a time when an advertisement is to be presented, and maintains the advertisement event data in a log. Advertisement data corresponding to the advertisement event data is presented at the indicated time if the advertisement event data corresponds to a subscriber group of which the consumer device is a member, otherwise the advertisement data is not presented. In accordance with one or more other aspects, program event data and advertisement event data are both obtained. Electronic program guide data is generated including both the program data and the advertisement event data, and is sent to one or more consumer devices.

Abstract: Techniques for delivering and receiving emergency broadcast alert messages using Short Message Service (SMS) are described, In one design, a broadcast alert message for an emergency alert may be sent in an SMS broadcast message, e.g., by mapping at least one field of the broadcast alert message to corresponding Held(s) of the SMS broadcast message and mapping remaining Fields of the broadcast alert message to a data Field of the SMS broadcast message. The SMS broadcast message may include a website URI link, broadcast reception information, location information for an emergency event, etc. The SMS broadcast message may be carried in a system broadcast message sent to wireless devices. A wireless device may receive the system broadcast message, extract the SMS broadcast message, and obtain the broadcast alert message. The wireless device may detect for duplicate broadcast messages based on a hash digest generated for each broadcast message.

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

Abstract: A mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device comprises a radio receiver, an application that selects a message, and an output device to present the message. The radio receiver receives the message broadcast in a television spectrum band. The application, when executed on the mobile electronic device, selects the message for presentation on the mobile electronic device based on at least one of a location of the mobile electronic, a history based user profile associated with the mobile electronic device, and a selection criteria input into the mobile electronic device. The output device then presents the message.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for processing an emergency alert message (e.g., a national warning system message e.g., an Emergency Alert System (EAS) message). The methods may comprise a digital media server receiving the message. The digital media server may notify client devices (that are connected to that server via a residential Local Area Network) that it has received such a message. The client devices notified may be those that have requested (e.g., to the digital media server) that they are notified if the digital media server receives such a message. The digital media server may convert the message from being in a first format to being in a second format. The digital media server may acquire, and provide for use by the client device, information that may be used a client device to ascertain whether the message is a new, an updated, or a duplicate message.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for bypassing an emergency alert break-in for a recorded event. For example, in one embodiment, a set top box is disclosed that includes a memory component for storing computer executable instructions; a communication interface for receiving media content data from a cable service provider; a decoder module for decoding the received media content data; an emergency alert break-in monitoring module for identifying an emergency alert break-in from the received data; a digital video recorder controller module for determining whether the identified emergency alert break-in affects a recording of a program on a recorded channel; and an emergency alert break-in bypass module for bypassing the identified emergency alert break-in for enabling the digital video recorder controller module to record the program without the identified emergency alert break-in.

Abstract: A visual display system for a set-top box is includes a source of event data, a light emitting diode display adapted to display event data to a user in a standby mode of operation ,and a main processor configured to receive event data and control the light emitting diode display in response to the received event data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe a method of generating an enhanced audio stream. The enhanced audio stream is generated from live audio received and accompanies a live video broadcast. This live audio is buffered and combined with a visual description of the live video broadcast. Together these form an enhanced audio stream. The visual description is entered by a visual describer while they are viewing a an instantaneously updated visual buffer size display. The visual buffer size display is calibrated to a pre-set maximum buffer size, and shows the pre-set maximum buffer size and the current buffer size in a visual manner. Further, live audio from the buffer that is inserted into the enhanced audio stream is compressed in time.

Abstract: Providing emergency alert system (EAS) alerts to IP-based devices inside and outside a home is contemplated. The EAS alerts may be provided through television signals for output on one or more televisions and simultaneously to Internet-Protocol (IP)-based devices such as tablets, game consoles, cellular phones, mobile computer, IP-STBs, televisions with IP connectivity or non-television dependent devices.

Abstract: A user interaction request is received during playback of video content. The user interaction request can be received independent of any indication from the video content that user interaction is possible. In response to receiving the interaction request, one or more menus are displayed allowing the user to select one or more reaction options and to select whether the selected one or more reaction options are to be communicated to another user or to a content provider.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for efficiently and flexibly providing emergency alert data (e.g., EAS messages) to subscribers of a content-based network, such as for example Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a server performing real-time receipt and encapsulation of the EAS data (which may comprise audio, video, and/or text), transport of the EAS data to client devices over the network, and use of one or more applications running on the client devices to decode and display/present the EAS data in a manner which effectively guarantees that it will be perceived by the viewer. In one variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to authenticate clients and receive and display at least portion of the EAS data via a separate transport process. Server and client-side apparatus adapted for EAS data receipt, decoding and display are also disclosed.

Abstract: A live performance is monitored by analyzing an input data stream comprising real-time updates related to the live performance. Different sets of excitement levels, excitement curves, alerts and teasers are generated based on the analysis and reported to a plurality of subscribers using any of a variety of mobile communication and/or computing devices.

Abstract: For a location-based broadcast messaging service, a broadcast server receives a broadcast request from a business application server. The broadcast request includes a message, at least one identifier for target mobile devices, and an identifier for a location. The broadcast server sends a location query including the identifier for the location to location agents associated with the target mobile devices. In response to receiving the location query, each location agent determines whether the location of the associated mobile device is within or otherwise satisfies a requirement related to the identified location. If the location of the device is within the identified location or satisfies the requirement, the location agent sends a query response to the broadcast server and receives, from the broadcast server, the message included in the broadcast request. The broadcast request can include a time-period identifier, such that the location agent determines the device location during the time-period.

Abstract: A system and method for sending an emergency communication from a set-top box. A user and location of the user is associated with the set-top box. An indicator of an emergency is received through the set-top box. The user and the location associated with the set-top box are determined in response to receiving the indicator. A database returns the user and the location utilizing an identifier of the set-top box. An emergency communication is sent indicating the location through a media network in communication with the set-top box.

Abstract: An alert generation method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor, alert data indicating filters for specified alert types associated with possible future events. The computer processor receives monitor definition data and media generated audio/video data; compares the alert data to the media generated audio/video data; determines a first alert type matches first audio/video data of the media generated audio/video data; and determines that the first audio/video data comprises a primary event. The computer processor broadcasts the primary event.

Abstract: A video and digital multimedia aggregator includes a content decoder, coder (codec) and formatter. The codec formatter receives coding and formatting requests that characterize input source content and desired output target content. Data conveyed about the source and target content may include parameters such as physical and/or logical addresses, coding and compression parameters, format descriptions, content size, description of auxiliary services, and other metadata elements that may be required for coding and formatting.

Abstract: A computerized process for REAL TIME AUTOMATED UNOBTRUSIVE ANCILLIARY INFORMATION INSERTION INTO A VIDEO is described that requires no manual operations by the Source advertising business entity. A USER who has access to any computer hardware device chooses his Selected Video but sees on his Monitor that Selected Video with an Advertising Segment or a User clickable Logo inserted at some position in the video that does not distract from the dynamic content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical integration system for disaster emergency broadcasting communication, including: sensor units which detect surrounding temperatures and strains and are separately located from each other; a broadcasting communication integration unit for transmitting an integrated broadcasting communication optical signal by multiplexing a received broadcasting signal and a received communication signal as optical signals having different wavelengths; reception units which receive the optical signal transmitted from the broadcasting communication integration unit, demultiplex the received optical signal according to each wavelength, transmit the separated broadcasting signal and the separated communication signal to a corresponding peripheral terminal, and transmit the information detected through the sensor units to the broadcasting communication integration unit; and a management server for determining a disaster state from the information which is detected through the sensor unit

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver and a method of controlling data for an emergency alert system (EAS) in a digital broadcast receiver are provided. The method includes receiving a digital broadcast signal including an emergency alert table including a uniform resource identifier (URI) descriptor, detecting a URI address included in the URI descriptor, accessing the URI address, receiving additional emergency alert information from the URI address, and performing control to display the additional emergency alert information on a screen of the digital broadcast receiver.

Abstract: An IPTV and a method of processing emergency alert system (EAS) data in an IPTV are provided. The method includes receiving the EAS data, processing an EAS message based on the received EAS data, and sending response information (RI) data to a server.

Abstract: Advertising parameters and associated television advertisements are received from advertisers. The television advertisements can be designated as pending approval. An automated approval process and a television provider approval process can be utilized to approve or disapprove of the television advertisements pending approval. Approved television advertisements can be provided to the television provider, e.g., by a download process over a network.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller operable to monitor for emergency messages over a broadcast network and over the Internet, obtain an emergency message based on the monitoring where the emergency message comprises text data, audio data, schedule data and location data and where the text and audio data correspond to a plurality of languages, generate an alert message comprising the schedule data, the location data and at least a portion of the plurality of languages of the text and audio data, and multicast the alert message over an Internet Protocol Television network to a plurality of set top boxes, wherein each of the set top boxes presents a text alert that is synchronized with an audio alert based on the multicast alert message when the location data corresponds with a location of the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Geographical locations can be encoded in alert messages and the encoded geographical locations can be processed are disclosed. Emergency alerts can be received from an emergency provider or governmental agency comprising a geographical code. The code can be evaluated to determine a geographical location by determining a primary location, such as a state or region, and a secondary location such as a county. This information can be used to determine the devices within a wireless network that should receive the alert message.

Abstract: A contextual advertising system and method receives video data and multiple advertisements associated with the video data. The system and method identify object content in the received video data and generates a video signal representing the video data. The video signal is communicated to a display device which displays a video image. User interaction with the displayed video image is monitored by the system and method. An advertisement is selected from the multiple received advertisements for display to the user. The advertisement is selected based on the user interaction with the displayed video image and the identified object content in the video data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering emergency alert system message content to customer premise devices without requiring them to tune to an emergency message channel and having to encode information into frames of regular program content being delivered to customer premise devices, e.g., set top boxes, are described. An emergency management server receives emergency alert messages from a federal government system and generates emergency alert control messages which are sent to one or more switching devices located at one or more regional hubsites/headends to which the emergency alert message applies. The emergency alert control message instructs the switching device to output an emergency alert content stream in place of a standard program. The switching device outputs the emergency content message stream in place of the standard program content to, e.g., a QAM modulator, which modulates the content stream on the frequency being used to deliver the standard program content being replaced.

Abstract: An early warning system is provided. The early warning system includes a plurality of sensors, a server, and an information appliance device. The sensors produce status information. The server produces event information according to the status information of the sensors, transforms the event information into a first multimedia signal, and transmits the first multimedia signal to the information appliance device through a computer network. The information appliance device is connected to a display device, wherein the information appliance device transforms the first multimedia signal into a second multimedia signal capable of displaying through the display device. The disclosure further provides an early warning server, an early warning method, and a computer program product for report information.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system for authorization-dependent access to multimedia contents. A first terminal produces a first request for a multimedia content for an output of the multimedia content via the first terminal. A first authorization information item is used to check that the output of the multimedia content is authorized. The first terminal produces a second request for an output of the multimedia content via a second terminal. A check is carried out to determine whether to output a first security note via the first terminal. The output of the multimedia content takes place via the second terminal if the first security note is not to be output, or an input of a confirming acknowledgement for the first security note is identified by the first terminal.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a method for processing data in the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a digital television (DTV) located in one independent space among a plurality of independent spaces physically separated from one another is disclosed. The DTV includes an access point (AP) card. The method includes receiving emergency alert information and independent space identification (ID) information from a management server, comparing independent space ID information pre-stored in the DTV with the received independent space ID information, parsing the emergency alert information when the pre-stored independent space ID information is identical to the received independent space ID information, and switching an operation mode of the DTV from a power-off mode to a wake mode on the basis of the parsed emergency alert information, and displaying the emergency alert message.

Abstract: In a server apparatus delivering emergency information to a client, a delivery settings management section manages delivery settings of the emergency information for each of registered clients. When an input receives an emergency information item, a client identifying section refers to the delivery settings managed by the delivery settings management section, and identifies, among the registered clients, the client to which the emergency information item received by the input is to be delivered. A transmitter sends the emergency information item to the client identified by the client identifying section.

Abstract: Alternate digital content is inserted into mobile devices with a method and apparatus that comprises an alternate content scheduler, an alternate content reporter, and a micro-splicer. The alternate content scheduler further comprises a mobile network interface for interaction with a mobile data and broadcast network, a micro-splicer interface for interfacing with a micro-splicer, a rulebook that is shared with the network which provides the rules for alternate content scheduling, a preference provisioning module comprising an alternate content scheduler library for storing user or network preferences, a scheduler for providing tight synchronization between original program content and alternate content, and a metric recording interface to an alternate content reporter. The micro-splicer works in tandem with the alternate content scheduler to render synchronized display of alternate multimedia content on the mobile device.

Abstract: A method for displaying interactive advertisements on a television having a controller connected thereto and configured for receiving input from a viewer of the television is disclosed. The controller has a receiver operable to receive advertisements and a processor operable to modify the advertisements. The method generally comprises requesting action by the viewer of the television, modifying an advertisement based on the action of the viewer, and displaying the modified advertisement on the television.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for caching broadcast segments provided by a broadcaster. Included are: obtaining signaling of particular program segments from the broadcaster using non-real-time data casting, obtaining an ATSC broadcast stream from the broadcaster, saving the particular program element segments to a high-priority broadcast cache and, tuning to a broadcast and saving program elements to a low-priority network cache. Also included are determining if the playback segment has an associated URL and allowing clients to obtain playback elements using a Web access method or a media distribution protocol if so. Otherwise, obtaining playback elements through only a media distribution method such as DLNA. In either case the obtained and cached elements are then reconstructed into a single coherent stream for continuous play.

Abstract: A system and method for providing Emergency Alert System (EAS) notifications over Internet Protocol (IP) delivery platforms, including a proxy server coupled to an emergency alert system receiver, a subscriber management database coupled to the proxy server, and an instant messaging server coupled to the proxy server and to the subscriber management server.

Abstract: An alert generation method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor, alert data indicating filters for specified alert types associated with possible future events. The computer processor receives monitor definition data and media generated audio/video data; compares the alert data to the media generated audio/video data; determines a first alert type matches first audio/video data of the media generated audio/video data; and determines that the first audio/video data comprises a primary event. The computer processor broadcasts the primary event.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller operable to monitor for emergency messages over a broadcast network and over the Internet, obtain an emergency message based on the monitoring where the emergency message comprises text data, audio data, schedule data and location data and where the text and audio data correspond to a plurality of languages, generate an alert message comprising the schedule data, the location data and at least a portion of the plurality of languages of the text and audio data, and multicast the alert message over an Internet Protocol Television network to a plurality of set top boxes, wherein each of the set top boxes presents a text alert that is synchronized with an audio alert based on the multicast alert message when the location data corresponds with a location of the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A television receiver includes a broadcast reception unit that receives broadcast signals from broadcasting stations, a judgment unit that judges whether or not an emergency alert broadcast signal is included in the broadcast signal received by the broadcast reception unit, a display unit that, when the judgment unit judges that the emergency alert broadcast signal is included in the broadcast signal, displays emergency alert information based on the emergency alert broadcast signal, an information transmission unit that, when the judgment unit judges that the emergency alert broadcast signal is included in the broadcast signal, wirelessly transmits to other television receivers an alert issuance information signal indicating that a broadcasting station is broadcasting an emergency alert, an information reception unit that wirelessly receives the alert issuance information signal from other television receivers, and a control unit.

Abstract: A network system provides delivery of customized target content, such as advertising, to individual users. A profile is produced at a home client user having parameters with values associated with the home client user, such as geographic and demographic infonnation. The receiver software at the home client matches the spot content flame for each spot content to the profile of the user to select those spot content units which have a match. These selected spot content units are stored at the home user and are blended into the media stream at the locations of the spot markers to produce an information data stream for the user that is customized for that user. A spot auditor at the home client measures the type and quantity of play back of the spot content received by the home user and this is reported to the spot content provider for measurement of the effectiveness in the distribution of the spot content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses, systems and methods for distributing public information. For example, some embodiments of the invention provide methods for determining an appropriate set of addresses to which to distribute an alert. One such exemplary method comprises maintaining a directory of alert gateways. The directory can comprise a plurality of directory entries, and each directory entry can be associated with a particular alert gateway. Each directory entry can also comprise at least one gateway characteristic associated with that alert gateway. In some cases, a gateway characteristic can include information to enable the alert distribution device to determine whether a given alert should be transmitted to the alert gateway.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a scheduling order per category is disclosed. A scheduling order can be designated for the delivery and playback of multimedia content (e.g., music, news, other audio, advertising, etc) with respect to particular slots within the scheduling order. The broadcast day is divided into dayparts according to specific time slots. The dayparts are assigned with specific daypart categories wherein multimedia is scheduled. The scheduling order can be configured to include a slotted by daypart scheduling technique to control the scheduling order for the eventual airplay of the multimedia content over a radio station or network of associated radio stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting emergency messages is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device, of a communication system, having a controller element to send a selection of types of emergency alert messages to be transmitted to one or more associates of a subscriber corresponding to the communication device; and receive an emergency alert message of a public emergency alert system for a zone of coverage, wherein the subscriber is in the zone of coverage and wherein the emergency alert message is transmitted to one or more associate communication devices of each of the one or more associates according to the selection of types of emergency alert messages to be transmitted. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A geocast alerting system employs wireless geocast transmissions to deliver customized alerting messages to particular geographic areas. Geocast alerting regions and sub-regions can be defined within the system. Upon notice of the occurrence of an emergent situation, one or more geographic areas that may potentially be affected by the emergent situation are determined. The potentially effected geographic regions are compared with geocast alerting regions and sub-regions corresponding to particular geographic areas. Target alerting regions that should receive alerting messages are identified based on the comparison. The content of alerting messages can be tailored for each target alerting region. The content of alerting messages can contain distinct portions of content, each portion tailored based upon one or more conditions related to communications devices within the target alerting region.

Abstract: A system for dynamically transmitting network alert system (NAS) information from a television network to an affiliate station using information embedded in an HDTV signal includes a program data server configured to provide network alert system (NAS) data, a network video programming source configured to provide network video programming, a data inserter configured to insert the NAS data into vertical ancillary (VANC) space of a high definition television (HDTV) signal to develop a combined network video programming and NAS data signal, and a transmission facility configured to transmit the combined network video programming and NAS data signal.

Abstract: A monitoring center notifies emergency broadcast request information specifying its broadcast area to a prescribed emergency broadcast processing apparatus when any sensor detects an abnormality and determines that an emergency broadcast is needed. When acquiring the emergency broadcast request information transmitted from a plurality of monitoring centers, the processing apparatus grasps contents specified in the request information to notify information necessary for the emergency broadcast to a broadcast station covering an objective area. When a request instruction for the emergency broadcast is issued, the broadcast station arranges contents of emergency information in free areas in a broadcast format, arranges control information to start receivers in the objective area and also automatically select a channel at a defined position in the broadcast format to create an emergency broadcast signal and multiplexes it with a normal broadcast signal to broadcast it.

Abstract: A database and communications server allow for composure of an emergency disaster plan that is tailored to the demographic and geographic information provided by a subscriber to the disclosed system. In the event of an emergency, relevant portions of a family disaster plan are communicated to a subscriber and the family members of the subscriber. Each subscribing family member may communicate with the database, which in turn automatically distributes the message to all family members. After the disaster has ended, insurance information is relayed to the subscriber, and the subscriber's insurance companies are notified.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and recognizing audio broadcasts is described. The system includes a plurality of geographically distributed monitoring stations, each of the monitoring stations receiving unknown audio data from a plurality of audio broadcasts. A recognition system receives the unknown audio data from the plurality of monitoring stations and compares the unknown audio data against a database of signature files. The database of signature files, or index sets, corresponds to a library of known audio files, such that the recognition system is able to identify known audio files in the unknown audio stream as a result of the comparison.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus acquires and transmits content identification information stored in the storage unit to the other apparatus, determines whether the information processing apparatus has received the content analysis results from the other apparatus and if it is determined that the content analysis result acquisition unit has received the content analysis results from the other apparatus, causes the storage unit to store the content analysis results and if it is determined that the information processing apparatus has not received the content analysis results from the other apparatus, perform processing to obtain content analysis results by analyzing the content data stored in the storage unit to cause the storage unit to store the content analysis results by associating with the content data stored in the storage unit and also perform processing to transmit the content analysis results to the other apparatus.