Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processing system that receives data related to an advertisement; the data includes a notice that the advertisement is to be presented at equipment of an end user. The system also analyzes the data by a rules engine using predetermined rules, including analyzing a context of the data and communicating with an external software component via an application programming interface (API). The system also sends a request by the rules engine to a rendering manager to initiate rendering of the advertisement, and renders the advertisement using an integrated software development kit (SDK) that is external to the rules engine. New ad experiences can thus be created based on a new event or on integration of a new rendering component (such as an SDK), rather than creating a new rules engine, ad decision manager, or operations API. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A generative media pipeline automatically creates a personalized media program that is customized to reflect the specific viewing preferences of at least one individual user. The generative media pipeline obtains user data indicating the viewing preferences associated with the user and optionally the viewing context of the user. A recommendation service within the generative media pipeline provides a set of content options that includes various types of media content corresponding to the viewing preferences. A recipe service within the generative media pipeline obtains a recipe that defines the logical structure of the personalized media program. The recipe service populates the recipe by executing one or more video processing functions with some or all media content included in the content options. The recipe service thereby generates a logically structured and polished personalized media program that is individually tailored to reflect the specific preferences of the user.

Abstract: Time-based events and other metadata that can be added to a media stream to enable downstream systems to enhance the viewing experience are disclosed. The events are given time attributes that establish their location in the media stream so that regardless of where the playhead is located within the media stream, the events that are active at that point in time can be identified and synchronized with the playhead. In addition, a master clock can be used to update a stream timeline associated with the media stream to account for differences between the expected and actual duration of advertisements inserted into the media stream.

Abstract: A chat server includes an image data selection unit selecting, when one piece of chat data generated with a chat data processor is designated in a chat terminal device, one piece of image data from pieces of image data stored in a storage unit on the basis of evaluation points set for tag ranges corresponding to the designated chat data, and transmitting the selected image data from a server side communication unit to the chat terminal device.

Abstract: Systems, devices and processes are provided to facilitate the streaming of commercial content in a video streaming system. Various embodiments facilitate the improved delivery of commercial content in a video streaming system by providing the ability to shift content to allow multiple relatively short commercials to be replaced with one or more longer commercials. As an example, a program channel is monitored to detect commercial content that has a first timespan. This commercial content is replaced with replacement commercial content that has a different timespan. The timing of the video stream is then adjusted to compensate for the difference in the timespan. For example, by monitoring the program channel to detect later commercial content that also has a timespan less than a threshold amount and then skipping this later detected commercial content.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for data segmentation using machine learning. A data segmentation system prioritizes parameters used for segmenting data into predetermined categories. For example, the data segmentation system uses linear regression to determine signal strength values for the individual parameters. The signal strength values can be used to automatically select a set of parameters for segmenting data, determine weights for the parameters and/or determine threshold segmentation values.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for data quality delta analysis on a dataset. The method provides a set of data quality rules for the dataset. At least one delta rule of a set of data quality rules is defined as relevant for delta analysis of at least part of the dataset, the delta rule being a delta analysis quality rule. Data changes on the dataset are tracked. In response to determining that a number of modified records of the at least part of the dataset is higher than a predefined insert modification threshold, a data quality score may be determined for said modified records using the delta rule.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying content based on event monitoring are disclosed herein. Control circuitry plays a delayed portion of a live content stream via a primary display window. The control circuitry detects an event in the live content stream and plays the event via a secondary display window overlaid upon the primary display window. The control circuitry determines whether to modify an aspect of a secondary display window based on the event and modifies the aspect of the secondary display window based on a result of the determining.

Abstract: An adaptive link is generated for delivering a device platform-specific and personalized digital pass. When the adaptive link is activated by an end user, a network request is sent from an end-user device to a digital pass management system. The network request may include header information that identifies the device platform of the end-user device. The digital pass management system extracts query string parameters included in the adaptive link. Based on the parameters, a personalized data set in a specific data format such as JSON is generated. A template that is compatible to the device platform is selected. A digital pass that is compatible with the device platform is generated and delivered based on the requirements of the end-user device. In some cases, the adaptive link may include location information such as latitude and longitude coordinates. The digital pass generated may also be location specific.

Abstract: A method, system, or device to determine when media content has been displayed. The method can include receiving a unique identifier (UID) and fingerprint for a media segment. The method can also include determining a media segment ID for the media segment, generating and submitting a query for the media segment ID in a record database, determining that the media segment ID is not stored in the record database, and identifying an overlay content segment ID. The method can include generating and submitting for the overlay content segment ID in the record database, determining it is not stored in an entry, sending the overlay content segment to the electronic device, and receiving a notification from the electronic device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and insertion of content targeted to a particular audience within a content-based network, such as a cable television or satellite network. In one embodiment of the invention, audience qualities are identified and distributed to an advertisement decision maker, which uses the information to fulfill advertisement placement opportunities. Qualifiers about an existing or projected audience are classified utilizing an algorithm for qualifier weight and variance in order to determine the proximity any given qualifier may be to a target audience for an advertisement. Subscriber privacy and anonymity is also optionally maintained via e.g., hashing or encrypting data relating to the CPE and/or subscriber, thus ensuring that audience data is not traceable to a specific user account. Business methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing content via multiple display devices. First content is transmitted to a second computing device for rendering on a first display device. A current state of the first content rendered on the first display device is determined. A directive is sent to a third computing device to render second content that is synchronized to be relevant to the current state of the first content on a second display device corresponding to the third computing device. The second content comprises a list of cast members currently on screen in the first content.

Abstract: The disclosed technology teaches streamlining use of Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) 130 framework for delivery of addressable advertising, via a campaign management delegate system that carries out a method that includes receiving an ad management service placement request from a broadcast cable provider for ad insertion into a program and conducting real time bidding for ad insertion during the program. The disclosed method also includes accepting new content provided by a successful bidder, after receiving the placement request and automatically formatting the new content, and uploading the new content to the broadcast cable provider in time for playback with content that prompted the placement request. The method includes responding to the placement request with a placement response that includes a VMAP as reference to the new content. New content can also be uploaded to a CIS managed by the cable provider or provided on behalf of the provider.

Abstract: A telecommunication system can include a control device and a network gateway. The control device can determine cache-update instructions by operating trained computational models. The network gateway can receive cache-update instructions from the control device and transmit corresponding items of content to network terminals. In some examples, the network terminals can receive the items of content and store them in respective content caches at the at the network terminals. In some examples, the control device can determine respective content scores for at least two items of content; cluster the at least two items of content based at least in part on usage data associated with the network terminals to determine respective cluster labels for the at least two items of content; and determine the cache-update instructions based at least in part on the content scores, the cluster labels, and network-resource information.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes a content-presentation device determining first and second intervals during which presentation of received content is modifiable, and transmitting first and second requests for first and second supplemental content. A link to content in a playlist may be received, the playlist including first supplemental content followed immediately by second supplemental content. The link may be used to retrieve the first supplemental content, which may be presented in a first modification operation during the first interval. Before completing the first modification operation, the content-presentation device may use the link to start retrieving the second supplemental content for a second modification operation scheduled immediately following the first modification operation, and may determine that while less than a threshold portion of the first modification operation remains incomplete, retrieval of the second supplemental content is also incomplete.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying primary content without any overlaid secondary content, and instead transmitting the secondary content to the viewer as a message through another communication channel. For example, a news banner is removed from display on a viewer's television, and the text of the news banner is encapsulated in a message sent to the viewer's primary social media account. In this manner, the viewer may watch the primary content uninterrupted by the secondary content, and is thus presented with fewer distractions and a potentially more enjoyable viewing experience.

Abstract: A system including a digital component request server that receives digital component requests for a supplemental digital component that will be presented in an additional multicast stream that is different to a multicast stream that is delivering content; a digital component distribution server that i) selects supplemental digital components to distribute over the additional multicast streams, the supplemental digital components being selected for one of the additional multicast streams being different to the supplemental digital component selected for each of the other additional multicast streams, and that ii) assigns one group of a plurality of groups of the multiple client devices to a respective one of the additional multicast streams; and an instruction generation server that generates instructions for the multiple client devices to tune to the respective additional multicast streams assigned to the group of multiple client devices that includes the different client device that submitted the request.

Abstract: A control application of a media playback system controls playback of media content by a media playback system. The application receives, from a media streaming service, a page object that identifies (i) a page format identifier, (ii) page content data, (iii) a set of page elements, and (iv) a respective element format identifier for each page element of the set of page elements. The application determines a first set of formatting rules using the page format identifier and displays a corresponding page that includes the page content data formatted using the first set of formatting rules. The application asynchronously receives media content data identifying media content available for streaming. Based on a respective element format identifier of the page element associated with the media content data, the application determines a second set of formatting rules, which the application uses to update the displayed page to display the media content data.

Abstract: An information displaying method includes: obtaining, for each of users, usage history information items on one or more appliances used by the user; calculating a utilization characteristic based on a usage history information item on a predetermined appliance among the one or more appliances used by a predetermined user among the users, the utilization characteristic being of the predetermined user using the predetermined appliance, and the usage history information item on the obtained predetermined appliance; obtaining, for each of the user, a post information item posted by the user; and displaying, in association with each other, (i) a utilization characteristic information item on the utilization characteristic calculated in the calculating and (ii) the post information item posted by the predetermined user, the utilization characteristic being of the predetermined user using the predetermined appliance, and the post information item being obtained in the obtaining of a post information item.

Abstract: Streaming media systems, such as HTTP Live Streaming, can provide a low latency service by including, within a playlist, a URI that identifies a future media segment that will become available after the playlist is completed. Client devices can receive the playlist and can make two separate blocking requests for an updated playlist and for the future media segment. This approach allows the use of HTTP 1.1 to request and receive playlists and media segments and allows the use of two different servers to provide the playlist in the future media segment.

Abstract: Described is a system for characterizing communication devices by device type. The system obtains device information for a variety of communication device types, each device type associated with a user account of a bidirectional network. The communication device types are analyzed to perform regional and temporal device characterization, behavioral and feature device characterization, and device homophily analysis on the bidirectional network. The analysis is then used for targeted regional marketing.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed to transmit electronic information to a user of a step-top box. The system includes a database that stores user registration and product information data. A set-top box is also provided that communicates with a remote controller with a touch screen and a server broadcasts the product information data to a plurality of set-top boxes for display on touch screens of remote controller communicating with the set-top boxes, respectively, without the product information being designated for a specific user of one set-top box. The server also transmits updated product information data that replaces a portion of the original product information data. Furthermore, a processor compares data relating to a transaction request from a user of one set-top box with user registration data stored in the database to identify the user, and that generates customized transaction data that is transmitted to the identified user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to present supplemental media on a second screen are disclosed. An example method includes establishing a connection between a digital media device and a computing device based on information identifying the computing device and, in response to establishing the connection, receiving, at the computing device, a first notification from the digital media device including a location of supplemental media; accessing the supplemental media; and in response to accessing the supplemental media, sending a second notification that the supplemental media has been accessed, the second notification to enable media skipping on the digital media device.

Abstract: A portable device includes solid-state memory, an Ethernet and/or wireless network connection, and an HDMI. The portable device receives content guide data from a first server and displays a content guide on a display. In response to a user's selection of a content item, the portable device requests the content item over the Internet from a second server. The portable device receives the content item, stores the content item in solid-state memory, generates display signals that represent the content item, and sends the display signals to a display. The second server may match the content item with relevant advertisements based on keywords associated with the content item and the advertisements. The second server may send selected advertisement URLs to the portable device. Using the URLs, the portable device may obtain the advertisements over the Internet and cause the display to display the advertisements in conjunction with the content item.

Abstract: A method for recommending a content by an electronic device is disclosed. The method for recommending a content by an electronic device includes the steps of recommending a content on the basis of a viewing history, calculating recommendation hit ratios of the recommended content according to days of the week and times of the day on the basis of the selection frequency of the recommended content, and storing the same, and based on a specific event occurring, calculating a recommendation hit ratio of a content corresponding to the day and time when the specific event occurred, and based on the calculated recommendation hit ratio satisfying a predetermined condition, directly providing the content.

Abstract: A method, system, or device to determine when media content has been displayed. The method can include receiving a unique identifier (UID) and fingerprint for a media segment. The method can also include determining a media segment ID for the media segment, generating and submitting a query for the media segment ID in a record database, determining that the media segment ID is not stored in the record database, and identifying an overlay content segment ID. The method can include generating and submitting for the overlay content segment ID in the record database, determining it is not stored in an entry, sending the overlay content segment to the electronic device, and receiving a notification from the electronic device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for estimating the peak bit rate for content and specifying the BANDWIDTH tag value for HLS content. This disclosure also describes techniques by which live content and VOD content can be stitched together in a way that harmonizes the different requirements for the BANDWIDTH tag for the different types of content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing multichannel video programming or content through a terrestrial fiber network of a telecommunications network. One or more high-quality content feeds may be provided to one or more replicator devices of the telecommunications network over a communication line. The replicator devices of the network then deliver one or more replicated content streams generated from the content feeds to any number of customers or receivers of the content also connected to the network. The replicators may be configured to, among other things, provide content streams according to a specific schedule, provide alternative content streams for particular customers or in response to particular events, or operate in conjunction with data analyzers for assessing the quality of the content stream or the reliability of the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A processing system including at least one processor may collect a first set of time series features relating to requests for a content item at a content distribution node in a communication network, generate a first prediction model based upon the first set of time series features to predict levels of demand for the content item at the content distribution node at future time periods, identify, via the first prediction model, a first time period of the future time periods when a predicted level of demand for the content item exceeds a threshold level of demand, identify a second time period of the future time periods when a predicted level of utilization of the communication network is below a threshold level of utilization, the second time period being prior to the first time period, and transfer the content item to the content distribution node in the second time period.

Abstract: In order to enable efficient utilization of an available bandwidth by properly estimating the available bandwidth under conditions in which the available bandwidth significantly changes upon occurrence of communication path switching, an available bandwidth estimation is performed by estimating a current available bandwidth based on historical communication state information i.e.

Abstract: Methods and systems for circumventing content blocking systems are disclosed. Example implementations include detecting the presence of an existing blocker that disrupts a first content-type and circumventing the blocker, such that a circumvented first content-type is presented to a user. The method can also include determining that the blocker has adjusted to block the circumvented content, in which case, the method can include disrupting presentation of a second content-type.

Abstract: Techniques are described for expanding and/or improving the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 television protocol in robustly delivering the next generation broadcast television services. An empty x-link period is provided at the end of an MPD to alert a newly tuning in receiver to obtain and insert a replacement ad in the period.

Abstract: A system including a digital component request server that receives digital component requests for a supplemental digital component that will be presented in an additional multicast stream that is different to a multicast stream that is delivering content; a digital component distribution server that i) selects supplemental digital components to distribute over the additional multicast streams, the supplemental digital components being selected for one of the additional multicast streams being different to the supplemental digital component selected for each of the other additional multicast streams, and that ii) assigns one group of a plurality of groups of the multiple client devices to a respective one of the additional multicast streams; and an instruction generation server that generates instructions for the multiple client devices to tune to the respective additional multicast streams assigned to the group of multiple client devices that includes the different client device that submitted the request.

Abstract: A method of classifying a product placement in a video using rule sets is disclosed. Each rule of the rule set includes a value and one or more defining rule elements. An attribute rule set is created with attribute values and attribute elements that define levels of audio visual prominence of a product in the video. An integration rule set is created with integration values and integration elements where the integration elements define levels of integration of the product with video continuity. The video is partitioned at product scene changes to create product blocks. For each product block, an attribute value is selected based on the attribute elements and an integration value is selected based on the integration elements. An impact parameter for the video is derived as a function of the selected attribute values and integration value.

Abstract: A method includes sending, from a portable computing device to a media device, first data indicating media content provided to a display device when a particular local area network was not accessible to the portable computing device. The media device generates or updates a user profile based on the first data and causes a first media content item to be recorded based on the user profile. The method includes receiving, from the media device via the particular local area network, a notification identifying the first media content item and a storage size associated with the first media content item. The method also includes, in response to determining that a pre-cache memory does not have available capacity to store the first media content item based on the storage size, deleting a second media content item from the pre-cache memory and storing the first media content item at the pre-cache memory.

Abstract: An apparatus caused to: in respect of video imagery of an event at which one or more commenting users are present and have submitted comments, a location of the or each of the one or more commenting users visible in the video imagery; based on a current view of the video imagery provided for display to a user and at least one comment having location information associated therewith indicative of one or more of (i) the location, at the time of making the comment, of the commenting user who submitted the comment at the event, (ii) a location, at the event, specified by the commenting user who submitted the comment at the event; provide for display of the comment overlaid over the current view of the video imagery, the comment displayed in the current view of the video imagery at a position that corresponds to the location information.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a control circuit that controls access to content and determines an operation mode of the electronic apparatus, and a monitoring circuit that monitors the access to the content, acquires content access information, and generates a table. The control circuit causes each of the content access information acquired by the monitoring circuit and the table generated by the monitoring circuit to be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium of the electronic apparatus. The monitoring circuit can update the content access parameters as additional content access information is acquired, and when the control circuit determines that the electronic apparatus is in an active mode, the control circuit can refer to the table and select, when access parameters of the active mode match the updated content access parameters, a current content to be output from the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: An individual having a plurality of first features and a second characteristic is identified. A plurality of second features associated with a second characteristic is determined. For each first feature among the plurality of first features, a respective probability distribution indicating, for each respective second feature, a probability that a person having the respective second feature has the first feature, is determined, thereby generating a plurality of probability distributions. A probabilistic classifier is used to combine the plurality of probability distributions, thereby generating a merged probability distribution. A Monte Carlo method is used to generate a prediction set based on the merged probability distribution, the prediction set including a plurality of prediction values for the second characteristic of the individual, each respective prediction value being associated with one of the plurality of second features. The prediction set is stored in a memory.

Abstract: A content provider may receive an indication for supplemental content to be output to a target audience, determine a first content item to be viewed by the target audience based on one or more characteristics of the target audience, and may send an indication for the supplemental content to be output at a time associated with the output of the first content item. The content provider may determine a quantity of devices which output the supplemental content for a first time and may determine that this quantity of devices is below a target quantity of devices to output the supplemental content for the first time during a particular time period. The content provider may determine a second content item to be viewed by the target audience and may send an indication for the supplemental content to be output at a time associated with output of the second content item.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are provided for identifying a video segment displayed on a screen of a remote television system, and providing an option to switch to an alternative or related version of the video program that includes the video segment. For example, video segments displayed on a screen of a television system can be identified, and contextually-targeted content or contextually-related alternative content can be provided to a television system based on the identification of a video segment. The alternative or related version of the video program can include the currently displayed program in an on-demand format that can be viewed off-line and can be started over from a beginning portion of the program.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for distributing online content (e.g., news articles, blog posts, and the like) to a social media provider at a point in time determined based on topic maturity. One or more metrics are obtained from each of a plurality of social media providers. The metrics relate to a topic associated with a document for publishing on the social media providers. A measure is determined for each of the social media providers. The measure indicates when to publish the document on the social media provider based on the metrics associated with that provider. Upon determining that the measure exceeds a threshold for at least one of the social media providers, the document is published to the social media provider.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods and systems for implementing a direct-to-air management and audit platform for dynamic advertising content. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, there is a system to implement direct-to-air management and audit platform for dynamic advertising content, wherein the system comprises: an interface to one or more advertisers; an interface to one or more traffic manager systems; an interface to one or more broadcast stations; and auditing means for tracking and reporting compliance of advertising content by the one or more broadcast stations pursuant to specifications for the performance of the advertising content as established by the one or more traffic managers. Other related embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for determining personalized timing for generating for display advertisements to users. Rather than an expert determining time segments of a media asset most suitable for presenting advertisements to users, the most suitable time segments in a media asset for presenting advertisements to users may be customized based on a user's profile information and/or the user's level of engagement in a media asset. The media guidance application may parse a media asset into multiple time segments and determine one or more time segments associated with metadata that matches content characteristics preferred by the user. One or more advertisements may be presented to the user in these time segments determined by the media guidance application instead of the time segments determined by the expert.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for causing to be provided reminders during consumption of a content item. The system detects subjects and the associations among them that are referenced in the content item and generates metadata with information about the associations. The metadata is used to determine, during later content item consumption, if at least one criterion for providing a reminder of the association is satisfied. For example, a criterion that at least two months must pass before a reminder is given regarding the relationship between characters in a video game is satisfied when a video game player has not been shown information about the relationship in three months. Accordingly, the system causes to be displayed the reminder of the association when the at least criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: Messaging communications systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example system includes a beacon architecture including a server; and a plurality of beacons arranged around an environment, the server being configured to sense a real-time center of gravity of a communication device from any of the plurality of beacons receiving communications from the communication device, the real-time center of gravity being a location of the communication device within the environment, transmit a notification to the communication device, the notification including a link to content based on the real-time center of gravity, and transmit the content to the communication device based on a selection of the link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to broadcasting/multicasting of media content over a communication network using shared bandwidth available from peer-to-peer networking. The system includes a plurality of broadcast devices, a plurality of receiving devices, a plurality of databases, and a control center. The control center provides a number of services, including but not limited to channel control, ad insertion, conditional access, program guide services, and the like. Media content, which can be television, radio, and other data, is received from various content providers and converted into digital data packets, having a suitable format for transmission. Each receiving device will request the relevant packets, decode the received packets, and display or present the media content contained in the packets via an associated device. Packets may be received directly from the broadcast devices or from peers/receiving devices on the network.

Abstract: A media content packaging and distribution system that controls distribution of a channel to be viewed on a plurality of user-computing devices associated with a plurality of specific subscriber accounts, receives a plurality of user-preferences from at least one of the plurality of user-computing devices over one or more communication mediums, and generate a plurality of customized media feeds of a media feed of the channel, based on at least the received plurality of user-preferences. The generated plurality of customized media feeds represents a plurality of user-specific versions of the channel. The plurality of customized media feeds is communicated over the one or more communication mediums to be viewed on the plurality of user-computing devices. The media feed corresponds to at least one of a live media feed, or a stored media feed, and the plurality of user-computing devices is associated with one or more regions.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure aim to improve upon methods and systems for the incorporation of additional material into source video data. In particular, the method of the present disclosure may use a pre-existing corpus of source video data to produce, test and refine a prediction model for enabling the prediction of the characteristics of placement opportunities. The model may be created using video analysis techniques which obtain metadata regarding placement opportunities and also through the identification of categorical characteristics relating to the source video which may be provided as metadata with the source video, or obtaining through image processing techniques described below. Using the model, the method and system may then be used to create a prediction of insertion zone characteristics for projects for which source video is not yet available, but for which information corresponding to the identified categorical characteristics is known.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein to detect access of a predefined resource by a target account. Responsive to the detected access of the predefined resource, a sender account is determined for a persistent message to be received by the target account. The persistent message is sent from the sender account to the target account.

Abstract: A system and method relate to interleaved video game play associated with a web-based or device-resident program application selected via a client device. Upon execution of the program application, a game server is linked to the client, wherein a first set of executable iterations/portions of the original application are interleaved with a second set of iterations/portions comprising specified gameplay objects programmed to interact with dynamic text objects. At least for the second set, text strings are obtained in association with a first text source. The dynamically applied text objects are generated via a first set of rules associated at least with the selected application. Further based on the obtained text strings, the interleaved gameplay involves interacting with the gameplay objects via a second set of rules associated with the selected program application. The first text source may be an advertisement selected from campaigns associated with an ad server.