Abstract: Systems and methods for providing metadata-selected advertisements are provided. These systems and methods may receive metadata and other media, select an object, read metadata attached to or associated with the selected object, select an advertisement based on the metadata, and display the selected advertisement. In addition, monitoring, collecting, and recording of predefined data concerning metadata selected advertisements may be provided. The invention also provides a receiver for receiving signals and/or data (e.g., programs, advertisements, program guides, metadata, etc.) and a processor for accepting a user's input signal, selecting an object, reading metadata attached to or associated with a selected object, selecting an advertisement, and displaying the selected advertisement.

Abstract: In one example, a user interface is provided for interactively displaying data. The interactive user interface includes: an interactive display window that displays data indicating a schedule of events, wherein the data is displayed according to a first display format; and a highlight selection item that reformats a subset of the displayed data to visually distinguish the subset from the displayed data.

Abstract: VISUAL IMAGE MARKETING (VIM) is a system whereby the visual image on a film or television program is utilized to market that specific product. In VIM, film.backslash.television is combined with computer technology to provide real-time or delayed access to product data. Viewers identify a product or object displayed in a video, television show or movie and by merely pointing and clicking on the object to obtain marketing and other data.

Abstract: An iTV user interface includes a navigable menu area through which a user can select from among a variety of services and a content display area in which formatted data associated with a selected menu service are displayed to the user. The formatted data is displayed in a rotating or ticker fashion having both a passive mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence independent of any selection operations by a television viewer, and active mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence that depends on selection operations by the television viewer. Advertisements and/or promotions may be interspersed among the content items. The navigable menu area and the content display area may be displayed to the viewer at the same time as television programming is displayed on the television.

Abstract: There is provided a preview distribution technique capable of realizing a flexible preview distribution between a distribution side and a user side. According to the technique, preview meta data describing reference destination information to the preview-constituting data of a plurality of types constituting the content preview is transmitted to a reception terminal. The reception terminal acquires the preview-constituting data by using the reference destination information described in the preview meta data and generates/reproduces the preview. Thus, when modifying the preview, the reception terminal can reproduce the preview after the modification, by acquiring only the data constituting the preview of the modified part, thereby easily modifying the data constituting the preview. That is, it is possible to perform a flexible preview distribution.

Abstract: The method and system for TV user profile data prediction and modeling allows accurate and narrowly focused behavioral clustering. A client-side system classifies television consumers into representative user profiles. The profiles target individual user advertising and program preference category groups. A contextual behavioral profiling system determines the user's monitor behavior and content preferences, and the system may be continually updated with user information. A behavioral model database is queried by various system modules. The programming, including targeted advertising for television and interactive television is based on the profile data prediction, modeling and preference determination. The system is enabled to present a complete program sequence to the viewer based on the preference determination and stored programming.

Abstract: An interactive television system with programming-related links is provided. The system may include user television equipment on which interactive program guide and non-program-guide applications may be implemented. Information that is displayed in a display screen for a non-program-guide application may be related to programming. A display screen or overlay for programming that is related to the information may be displayed when a user selects the displayed information. The display or overlay for the programming may include advertisements, video, graphics, options, or programming descriptions. The display screen or overlay may have been displayed by the program guide application.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to determine impressions using distributed demographic information are disclosed. A disclosed example method to monitor media exposure involves receiving, at a first internet domain, a first request from a client computer, the first request indicative of access to the media at the client computer. The example method also involves determining if the client computer is known. If the client computer is not known, a response is sent from the first internet domain to the client computer, the response to instruct the client computer to send a second request to a second internet domain, the second request to be indicative of access to the media at the client computer. If the client computer is known, an impression of the media is logged.

Abstract: The method, system and computer program product generate online interactive maps linking tracked objects (in a live or pre-recorded video sequence) to multimedia content in real time. Specifically, an object tracking and link generation (OTLG) utility allows a user to access multimedia content by clicking on moving (or still) objects within the frames of a video (or image) sequence. The OTLG utility identifies and stores a clear image(s) of an object or of multiple objects to be tracked and initiates a mechanism to track the identified objects over a sequence of video or image frames. The OTLG utility utilizes the results of the tracking mechanism to generate, for each video frame, an interactive map frame with interactive links placed in the map frame at a location corresponding to the object's tracked location in each video frame.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for using search queries related to television programs. A server receives a user's search query from an electronic device. The server then determines, in accordance with the search query and television program related information for television programs available at a location associated with the electronic device during a specific time window, a television program currently being displayed in proximity to the electronic device, wherein the television program related information includes program descriptions for a plurality of television programs being broadcast for the associated location.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may receive, at a server, user profile data associated with one or more set top boxes via a network. The system and method may then search for and select local advertisement content based on at least the user profile data. Further, the system and method may transmit, to the one or more set top boxes, the selected local advertisement content.

Abstract: An EPG database for a home entertainment system includes files that contain information about television programs retrievable by time and channel. The files are linked to each other so information about, a future television program can be obtained by accessing a file about a current television program. A current television program displayed on the screen of a home entertainment system includes an announcement or advertisement of a future television program. The availability of an electronic program guide function (e.g., record, watch, details, display time, display channel, display by theme, and Internet connection) is signaled during, before, or after the announcement. A command is issued to invoke the EPG function. The information about the future television program is retrieved from the file about the current television program in fee database. The EPG function is executed with the retrieved information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a multimedia content over a network is provided. The multimedia content comprises a standard-content part and a customized-content part. The customized-content part comprises one or more multimedia components. The method comprises the steps of selecting one or more of the multimedia components based on a predetermined set of preferences to obtain a multimedia component set comprising one or more multimedia components. The method further comprises customizing dynamically one or more of the multimedia components belonging to the multimedia component set based on the predetermined set of preferences. Thereafter, the method integrates the multimedia components to obtain the customized-content part. Further, the customized-content part is associated with the multimedia content and the multimedia content is displayed with the customized-content part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing advertising information on a second user viewing device relating to a media program viewed on a first user viewing device. Upon determining that the media program is being presented via the first user viewing device, an ad programming signal is transmitted to the second user viewing device so as to present on the second user viewing device at least one first advertisement relating to content of the media program.

Abstract: Systems and methods of interacting with a virtual space, in which a mobile device is used to electronically capture image data of a real-world object, the image data is used to identify information related to the real-world object, and the information is used to interact with software to control at least one of: (a) an aspect of an electronic game; and (b) a second device local to the mobile device. Contemplated systems and methods can be used to gaming, in which the image data can be used to identify a name of the real-world object, to classify the real-world object, identify the real-world object as a player in the game, to identify the real-world object as a goal object or as having some other value in the game, to use the image data to identify the real-world object as a goal object in the game.

Abstract: An advertisement storage and filtering system for selectively identifying targeted advertisements to be stored in the memory of the STB. This storing of the selected advertisements can be accomplished in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the advertisements, in real-time and as they are received at the STB, are processed by the STB and only those advertisements with the appropriate characteristics are stored on the hard drive (HD). This may require some buffering of the advertisements in the STB memory as the STB processes and determines whether or not to store the advertisement. The information required to determine whether or not to store the advertisement could also be sent in advance, e.g., as a data service in an advertisement channel. Alternatively, the STB may store incoming advertisements in a memory temporarily and subsequently determine whether or not to retain the stored advertisements.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of interactive advertising service are provided. The method includes: receiving first advertising contents from a broadcasting advertisement platform; displaying broadcasting according to the first advertising contents on the overall screen together with at least one second advertisement contents interactive indicator indicating that the first advertising contents are linked with second advertising contents; receiving indicated information triggering at least one second advertising contents interactive indicator from an input device; receiving the second advertising contents indicated by the at least one second advertising contents interactive indicator from the broadcasting advertisement platform; and displaying broadcasting according to the second advertisement contents.

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: A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.

Abstract: A video receiver receives a compound transport stream (TS) comprising 3D program video streams and spliced advertising streams. The received one or more 3D program video streams are extracted and decoded. Targeted advertising streams are extracted from the received advertising streams according to user criteria. Targeted advertising graphic objects of the extracted or replaced targeted advertising streams are spliced into the decoded 3D program video streams. The decoded 3D program video with the spliced targeted advertising graphic objects is presented in a 2D video. The extracted or replaced targeted advertising streams are processed to generate the targeted advertising graphic objects to be spliced based on focal point of view. The generated targeted advertising graphic objects are located according to associated scene graph information. The decoded 3D program video streams and the spliced targeted advertising graphic objects are converted into a 2D video for display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for message-based advertising in a wireless communications network are described. A digital message is contained in a data packet set in transit from a terminal of a sender to a terminal of a recipient. At least one of the terminals is implemented as a mobile telephone. The digital message is received through a network connection. A processor determines a context for the digital message and matches the message context to content of advertisements stored in an advertisement database in order to identify at least one relevant advertisement. The data packet set is transmitted to the terminal of the recipient. A processor retrieves the relevant advertisement(s) from the advertisement database and generates a confirmation message containing a delivery status of the data packet set. The confirmation message includes the relevant advertisement and is transmitted to the terminal of the sender.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system for synchronizing an advertisement stream on a mobile device with the contents of a video source that includes audio data. In one example, the method includes receiving a mobile device identifier of a mobile device of the at least one user; receiving a television event identifier from the television platform, wherein the television event identifier is associated with a television event included in the television program content; selecting marketing information associated with the television event based on the television event identifier, wherein the television event identifier and the mobile device identifier are usable by the network server to determine that the television program content is provided to the at least one user associated with the mobile device; and transmitting a message that includes the marketing information from the network server to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to offer businesses to advertise using commercials over streaming video contents to interact with interested consumers on a real time basis are disclosed. Specifically, users who request a video session from the network may be exposed to commercial content while viewing the video content via a television monitor. The present method enables advertisers to display hyperlinks of their web sites to allow users to click on these hyperlinks using a pointer device to activate a web session. The web session would allow users to order products and services or obtain more information from the advertiser.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a t-commerce platform, which is linked to the content from a video signal that the user is currently watching. At some point during the broadcast of the content, a close-up of the product is shown. Simultaneous with this, a VBI-based trigger is added to the video signal of the broadcast. This trigger causes the television, a set-top box, or a similar device to capture in a memory, a “freeze-frame” of the image being shown. This action is transparent to the user while the video being displayed on the television is continuing normally. If the user chooses to perform an interactive “buy” transaction the saved image data is used as part of the interactive screen display.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a user interface. First, a first input may be received and a currently displayed programming content may be shrunken. Next, the shrunken programming content may be displayed. Then, in response to the received first input and concurrent with the shrunken programming content, a media guide comprising at least three display elements may be displayed. At least one of the three display elements may be customized for a user. Each one of the three display elements may include a first content element, a second content element, a third content element, a fourth content element, or a fifth content element. The first content element may display available programming channels. The second content element may display programs available on the available programming channels. The third content element may display description information. The fourth content element may display actions that can be taken.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for acquiring electronic service guide (ESG) information of a mobile phone TV, including: after encapsulating the ESG information into a multimedia message, the network side sends the multimedia message to a mobile phone TV terminal. The present invention also provides a system for acquiring the ESG information of a mobile phone TV, and the system is used for sending a multimedia message to a mobile phone TV terminal after encapsulating the ESG information into the multimedia message. The present invention also provides a mobile phone TV terminal, which is used for receiving the multimedia message from the multimedia message center and acquiring the ESG information from the multimedia message. The method for acquiring the ESG information as provided in the present invention allows the terminal to be able to quickly acquire the ESG information in real time by sending the ESG information via the multimedia message, thereby enhancing user experience.

Abstract: A closed caption tagging system provides a mechanism for inserting tags into an audio or video television broadcast stream prior to or at the time of transmission. The tags contain command and control information that the receiver translates and acts upon. The receiver receives the broadcast stream and detects and processes the tags within the broadcast stream which is stored on a storage device that resides on the receiver. Program material from the broadcast stream is played back to the viewer from the storage device. Tags indicate the start and end points of a program segment. Program segments such as commercials are automatically replaced by the receiver with new program segments that are selected based on various criteria.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying an electronic program schedule guide is provided. The system has areas for displaying program schedule information. In addition, the system also has areas that may be used for advertising programs, products or services. In another embodiment, the system has areas for displaying messages to the user.

Abstract: A device including a module to receive a stream including an insertion content item and first timecodes, a module to record the stream, a module to receive a live stream including a timeslot and second and third timecodes, a clock to provide a clock reading updated based on at least some of the third timecodes, a module to retrieve the recorded stream so that the insertion content item can be at least partially rendered during at least part of the timeslot, a module to calculate a desired timecode of the first timecodes from which to start rendering the recorded stream for output at real-time speed based one of the first timecodes, second timecodes, and third timecodes or the clock reading, and a module to render the recorded stream for output at real-time speed from the desired timecode. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of media content and a system and method for presenting a user-selectable option to permit a user to change a setting for an advertising experience during presentation of such an advertising experience.

Abstract: A method for generating a favorite channel list, where a device for generating the favorite channel list includes a receiver and a processor, is disclosed. The method includes receiving a signal of a first channel of a television signal by the receiver; clearing channels stored in the favorite channel list by the processor before the receiver receives the television signal according to the television signal; and adding the first channel to the favorite channel list by the processor when the signal of the first channel is switched from a first program to an advertisement.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying data related to a content displayed through a set top box includes a second screen device generating a content information request signal requesting data corresponding to the content, communicates the content information request signal to the set top box. The set top box communicates a content information signal to the second screen device comprising a content identifier. The second screen device generates a request for related data signal corresponding to the content using the content identifier, communicates the request for related data signal through a network, receives aggregated related content data corresponding to the content from a data services center and displays the aggregated related content data.

Abstract: A wireless communications device provides users with opportunities to access interactive media guidance or other applications and to control interactive media guidance applications running on user equipment. The wireless communications device may have a touch-sensitive screen with controls that are coordinated with the features of the interactive media guidance or other applications. The wireless communications device may function as a remote controller for user equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying an electronic program schedule guide is provided. The system has areas for displaying program schedule information. In addition, the system also has areas that may be used for advertising programs, products or services. In another embodiment, the system has areas for displaying messages to the user.

Abstract: An enhanced electronic program guide (EPG) capable of displaying DBS program information and NTSC program information seamlessly and in real-time on a display device is accomplished, in one form, by a wide-band data link between a DBS receiver adapted to receive a DBS broadcast data stream and an internet set-top unit, the internet set-top unit adapted to receive NTSC audio/video signals and internet data/information. In another form, the DBS receiver is controlled by the internet set-top box. Supplemental information transmittable on the DBS data stream may also be displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A set top box includes a processor configured to detect a commercial and analyze the commercial to identify an advertised video content. The processor is further configured to search an electronic programming guide for availability of the video content and record the video content in response to a user input.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box that can have a controller element to present at a media device content information received over a broadband connection. The content information can be associated with at least one satellite service presented to the media device over satellite signals disassociated with the broadband connection. The content information can also be received responsive to a request for said content information. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing information to a first client device (e.g., a tablet computer) for presentation on that device. The information may be related to multimedia content (e.g., a television program) that may be presented using a second client device (e.g., a television). Firstly, an activity level for a portion of the multimedia content is determined. Using the activity level, an amount of the information is assigned to that portion of the multimedia content. The amount of the information assigned is dependent on that determined activity level. The assigned information is then provided for use by (e.g., for display on) the first client device.

Abstract: A system for system administrator to distribute and manage multiple content feeds and supplemental content using an on-screen interactive interface includes: (a) various multimedia sources configured to provide multiple content feeds and supplemental contents, (b) a multimedia server configured to integrate multiple content feeds and supplemental contents over a network, (c) a computer communicatively coupled to the network configured for the system administrator to manage the schedule and the source of the multimedia sources, and (d) a multimedia control platform for various viewers to manage, access, and select the multiple content feeds and supplemental contents from the multimedia server through an on-screen interactive interface, and to display selected contents in various end user devices.

Abstract: A request to display a portion of a full-screen content overlay options menu of a multiple media player device is detected by the multiple media player device that represents less than all of the full-screen content overlay options menu. A media type of content media currently accessed by the multiple media player device is determined. A current setting status of an available adjustment of the multiple media player device associated with the portion of the full-screen content overlay options menu based upon the determined media type of content media currently accessed by the multiple media player device is determined. A first graphical menu pane of the full-screen content overlay options menu, including the current setting status of the available adjustment, is displayed over full-screen content on a display. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A user interface for interactive television services is represented as a visual overlay that provides a viewer with knowledge of a library of available content relating to a currently tuned to television channel and navigation options for selecting desired portions of the available content from the library, the available content being designated according to business rules specified by a provider of the interactive television services. The visual overlay may be displayed over full-screen or embedded television programming, which may be broadcast television programming or on-demand television programming.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems for monitoring advertisements. A system for monitoring advertisements in a broadcast television channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a sound level monitor for monitoring an audio level of a first broadcast television channel, a data tagger, coupled to the sound level monitor, for tagging a start and an end of an advertisement segment within the first broadcast television channel, and a receiver, wherein when the receiver is first tuned to the first broadcast channel and then tuned to a second broadcast channel, an on-screen display is displayed on a monitor displaying the second broadcast channel, the OSD being displayed when the end of the advertisement segment within the first broadcast channel occurs.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatuses for dynamic integration and presentation of advertising content and media content. A server computing device receives a request for media content from a remote computing device. The server computing device provides, in response to the request, an interactive advertising unit which includes a first content layer with the requested media content and a media player, a second content layer with the advertising content, wherein the advertising content includes a virtual representation of an advertised product, and an integration module which displays the requested media content in the media player, displays the advertising content in the second content layer, wherein the virtual representation provides at least a portion of the functionality provided by the advertised product on which the virtual representation is based, and receives input associated with the functionality provided by the virtual representation from the remote computing device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a t-commerce platform, which is linked to the content from a video signal that the user is currently watching. At some point during the broadcast of the content, a close-up of the product is shown. Simultaneous with this, a VBI-based trigger is added to the video signal of the broadcast. This trigger causes the television, a set-top box, or a similar device to capture in a memory, a “freeze-frame” of the image being shown. This action is transparent to the user while the video being displayed on the television is continuing normally. If the user chooses to perform an interactive “buy” transaction the saved image data is used as part of the interactive screen display.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for indexing a digital scene in digital media. The digital media is stored in memory and a uniform resource locator is assigned to a digital scene within the digital media. The uniform resource locator uniquely identifies a resource from which the digital scene may be retrieved, and the uniform resource locator also uniquely identifies the digital scene from other scenes in the digital media. When a query is received for the uniform resource locator, then the digital scene is retrieved from the memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide information to a user in response to usage of an electronic program guide provided by an appliance coupled to a display. Usage of the electronic program guide is observed from within the appliance, and any triggering events in the usage of the electronic program guide are identified. An instruction is then executed in response to the triggering event to thereby provide the information on the display. Information provided may include a graphic display, a video clip, a highlight of any portion of the electronic program guide, or other information as appropriate.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to receive from a media communication system metadata describing one or more marketable items depicted in a media program supplied by the media communication system, present images of the media program at a media presentation device without highlighting the one or more marketable items, present an icon at least at one of a remote controller managing operations of the media processor or the media presentation device to indicate a presence of the one or more marketable items in one or more of the images presented at the media presentation device, detect a selection of the icon, and highlight the one or more marketable items. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing augmented broadcast content, and the method includes receiving, from a broadcast content provider, broadcast content and augmentation region information required to composite augmented content to an augmentation region in the broadcast content; receiving, from a user input device, selection information necessary to select one out of a plurality of augmented content providers; generating an augmented content request message based on the augmentation region information, and transmitting the augmentation content request message to an augmented content provider selected based on the selection information; receiving the augmented content from the augmented content provider; and compositing the augmented content to the augmentation region in the broadcast content by using the augmentation region information.