Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying viewing characteristics of an audience of a content channel. A method includes receiving an identification of a channel of interest having a plurality of first videos and being associated with a first channel owner in a network-based media sharing platform that provides a plurality of watch sessions to a plurality of users. The plurality of watch sessions comprises a subset of watch sessions that each include a first watched video from the channel of interest and one or more of a plurality of second watched videos from a plurality of additional channels, each of the plurality of additional channels associated with one of a plurality of second channel owners.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing subscriptions. A media guidance application obtaining viewing patterns of a subscriber and determining a first and second media package of interest to the subscriber. A first and second release schedule are obtained related to media content in the first and second media packages. The media guidance application predicts a first viewing impact of the first subscription and a second viewing impact of the second subscription, for the upcoming time period, wherein the viewing impact indicates a total predicted amount of time spent viewing the media packages in the upcoming time period. An available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period is also determined. The media guidance application generates a subscription recommendation for the upcoming time period based on the first viewing impact, second viewing impact, and available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for automatically detecting and correcting image quality based on a set of quality standards. In some examples, a plurality of quality parameters of an image are determined based on receiving an image. It is then determined that at least one of the plurality of quality parameters is below a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be based on a required quality standard for images. In response to determining that the at least one of the plurality of quality parameters is below the predetermined threshold, feature of the image is adjusted such that the at least one of the plurality of quality parameters is at or above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing user generated and curated video content streaming on-demand to facilitate and incentivize digital competition are provided. Information regarding challenges to be electronically displayed at a platform are associated with tags, and video clips uploaded in response which are associated with the tags of the challenge. The video clips are formatted and made available for electronic interaction by fans at the platform. Certain of said video clips are selected for incorporation into highlight reels. Advertising is inserted into the highlight reels and payments are disbursed to content generators associated with the video clips in the highlight reels for which payment is received.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and systems for automatically determining a resource layout. An example embodiment begins by obtaining data indicating a position and a task performed by each resource of a plurality of resources. Then, for each resource of the plurality, a respective zone on a plane of interest occupied by the resource is automatically determined using the obtained data indicating the position and the task performed by the resource. In turn, determined zones of two or more resources of the plurality of resources are automatically combined into a combined zone based upon criteria and a file, e.g., a CAD/CAM file, indicating a layout of the plurality of resources on the plane of interest is automatically created based upon the determined zones and the combined zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods to facilitate quality control of benefit items created for subscribers of a membership platform are described herein. Exemplary implementations may: obtain subscribership information; obtain quality control information; effectuate presentation of a reward fulfillment user interface; obtain input information; calculate levels of quality of digital assets; determine sets of subscribership criteria that correspond to the calculated levels of quality; authorize fulfillment of physical benefit items; and/or perform other operations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to incorporate saturation effects into marketing mix models are disclosed. An example apparatus includes means for converting adstock data associated with an advertising campaign into effective reached realized (ERR) data based on a first saturation curve, the adstock data corresponding to adstocked gross rating points generated from marketing mix input data. The apparatus further including means for performing regression analysis to: identify the first saturation curve from among a plurality of plausible curves based on a fit of different ones of the plurality of plausible curves to the marketing mix input data, the first saturation curve to define a relationship indicative of saturation effects of the advertising campaign on a target audience of the advertising campaign; and determine an impact of the advertising campaign on sales during a period of interest based on a regression analysis of the ERR data relative to sales data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing subscriptions. A media guidance application obtaining viewing patterns of a subscriber and determining a first and second media package of interest to the subscriber. A first and second release schedule are obtained related to media content in the first and second media packages. The media guidance application predicts a first viewing impact of the first subscription and a second viewing impact of the second subscription, for the upcoming time period, wherein the viewing impact indicates a total predicted amount of time spent viewing the media packages in the upcoming time period. An available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period is also determined. The media guidance application generates a subscription recommendation for the upcoming time period based on the first viewing impact, second viewing impact, and available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period.

Abstract: A method for displaying a digital object identifier (DOI) is provided. The method includes receiving, by a server, a display instruction sent by a first device, wherein the display instruction is sent to the server after the first device receives a scan instruction to scan the DOI; determining a second device associated with the first device; and sending the display instruction to the second device, wherein the second device displays the DOI after receiving the display instruction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for load balancing of payment requests among payment gateways by an e-commerce platform. The method may include detecting an anticipated load event and identifying a first payment gateway to be impacted by the anticipated load event, wherein a merchant account is associated with the first payment gateway. The platform may then identify, based on merchant parameters associated with the merchant account, a second payment gateway and, during the anticipated load event, transmit at least some payment requests first to the second payment gateway instead of to the first payment gateway.

Abstract: A data transfer system includes a management server 1 for managing user information, browsing setting information that defines a user who can browse data, and transfer setting information that designates a transfer destination of the data, a data transfer apparatus 2 for setting, for the data, browsing authorization that allows only a specific user to browse the content of the data, based on the user information and the browsing setting information, and transferring the data for which the browsing authorization is set to the designated transfer destination based on the transfer setting information, and a data browsing apparatus 3 for determining whether or not a user has the browsing authorization that is set for the data, based on the user information, the browsing setting information, and the transfer setting information, and presenting the content of the data to the user if the user has the browsing authorization.

Abstract: A method including while receiving a live digital audio stream from one or more remote servers and outputting the live digital audio stream via a speaker of a client device, receiving the updated content schedule from the one or more remote servers, generating and displaying a real-time programming guide user-interface including the updated content schedule, the real-time programming guide user-interface including at least one content segment component corresponding to at least one of the content segment data in the updated content schedule, and, in response to a content selection command at the at least one content segment component, transmitting a content segment digital audio signal request to the one or more remote servers for a prior portion of the live digital audio stream corresponding to the content segment data; and, in response to receiving the prior portion of the live digital audio stream, ceasing outputting the live digital audio stream and outputting the prior portion of the live digital audio s

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a subscription to a plurality of content providers and the irretrievably referring users to an interface of the content provider to directly consume media programs provided by the content providers is disclosed. The method irretrievably passes users to content providers so that the user can view media programs from those content providers using the content provider's application, while providing a central source for users to locate media programs available from a plurality of content providers and to subscribe for access to such media programs. This construct permits content providers to retain control over the user viewing experience and to encourage the user to view further media programs from the same content provider.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transmitting a broadcast signal. The method for transmitting a broadcast signal according to the present invention proposes a system capable of supporting future broadcast services in an environment supporting future hybrid broadcast using terrestrial broadcast networks and the Internet. In addition, the present invention proposes efficient signaling methods capable of covering terrestrial broadcast networks and the Internet in an environment supporting future hybrid broadcast.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing subscriptions. A media guidance application obtaining viewing patterns of a subscriber and determining a first and second media package of interest to the subscriber. A first and second release schedule are obtained related to media content in the first and second media packages. The media guidance application predicts a first viewing impact of the first subscription and a second viewing impact of the second subscription, for the upcoming time period, wherein the viewing impact indicates a total predicted amount of time spent viewing the media packages in the upcoming time period. An available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period is also determined. The media guidance application generates a subscription recommendation for the upcoming time period based on the first viewing impact, second viewing impact, and available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for enabling users to create and manage their own channels to stream digital content or media for viewing, sharing, downloading, etc., by others. Users who create the channels are designated as editors and accorded a status that allows them to invite contributing publishers or authors to supplement their channels with additional digital content or media for viewing, listening, sharing, downloading, etc. The editors and the publishers or authors who contribute to a particular channel receive payments that are computed based on determining the extent of either viewing, listening, sharing, downloading, etc., of the digital content, by users, or determining the total playback time of the digital content for users and computing a viewing score. The systems and methods provide analytics relating to the content to the editors or the platform providers as desired.

Abstract: A user interface that facilitates the selection and purchase of an item may be presented on a display. The user interface includes a presentation section and one or more other sections, such as a title section, buy section, alternate image section, package art section, review section, rating section, or other section. The presentation section may extend a full-width of a display or window available for display, while maintaining a desired aspect ratio. Video, slideshows, or other visual information may be played within the presentation section. One or more sections may overlay the presentation section. For example, at least a portion of the buy section may overlay at least a portion of the presentation section.

Abstract: Implementations are disclosed for scoring and categorizing a video channel. A method includes identifying a first group of multimedia content items arranged in a sequential order by a curator to be played by a plurality of user devices in the sequential order; receiving category identifiers associated with a plurality of multimedia content items in the first group; and generating, for the first group, a first category score corresponding to a first category and a second category score corresponding to a second category.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure and method of forming is provided. A die is place on a substrate and encased in molding compound. A redistribution layer is formed overlying the die and the substrate is removed. One or more surface mounted devices and/or packages are connected to the redistribution layer on an opposite side of the redistribution layer from the die. The redistribution layer is connected to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: Systems, methods, software and apparatus that enable dynamic audio transducer control include obtaining attribute information relating to multiple communication nodes that are communication node group members. A group management system or other computing system receives attribute information from two or more of the communication nodes and determines settings for one or more audio transducers (e.g., speakers and microphones) in the group's communication nodes based on the attribute information. An audio transducer command is transmitted to or imposed on one or more of the nodes. Attribute information can include node attributes and/or changes to attributes. Audio transducer commands transmitted or otherwise imposed on nodes can include muting and unmuting commands, as well as setting volume levels and other audio settings associated with a node's operation.

Abstract: A method for providing a user interface tailored by subscription state for a channel of a content sharing platform is disclosed. The method includes determining a subscription state of a user that is accessing a page of a channel of a content sharing platform. The method further include when the subscription state of the user is a non-subscriber of the channel, providing a non-subscriber user interface on the page of the channel, the non-subscriber user interface comprising a non-subscriber content item. The method also includes when the subscription state of the user is a subscriber of the channel, providing a subscriber user interface on the page of the channel, the subscriber user interface comprising one or more content items from the channel that are tailored to the user and to the channel.

Abstract: Resource and power savings in internal data transfer in enhanced multimedia broadcast-multicast service (eMBMS) is disclosed herein which may include receiving, by a modem processor of a mobile device, data packets of a data object from a broadcast-multicast service. The modem processor may buffer the received data packets without forwarding the buffered data packets to an application processor associated with the modem processor. The modem processor may also determine an end of a segment of the data object. The segment may indicate a period during which the data object is scheduled to be received by the modem processor. The modem processor may forward, in a single data burst, the buffered data packets to the application processor before the end of the segment.

Abstract: A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed in which a group of people are able to replicate the physical world experience of going with a group of friends to pick a movie, watch the movie together, and provide commentary on the movie itself in the virtual world on a virtual couch while each user is sitting in different physical locations. Additionally, the virtual representation of the destination that the group of people are watching the movie together in can be themed to allow users to watch movies in different locations pivoting on special events or by the users choice.

Abstract: A user interface may be provided. A display of one or more levels of control for controlling video playback in the user interface may be provided in response to a first input from a directional controller along a first axis of the directional controller. Each level of control may include at least one control option that is different from control options at another level of control. A focus within a current level of control of the one or more levels of control may be set. The focus may be moved to another control option within the current level of control in response to a second input from the directional controller along a second axis of the directional controller.

Abstract: A method of and system for enabling a distributed entertainment system over a computing device is described herein. When implementing a distributed entertainment system wherein the entertainment system is directly correlated to live events or televised programs, there are a number of issues that must be addressed such as differing timing and channels of television programs and separate state laws. Furthermore, there are a plethora of varying computing device models possibly requiring model-specific software. An “Activity Client” is provided to handle such concerns. Furthermore, since time is of the essence for activities based on live or televised events, it is necessary to ensure a computing device is able to receive the necessary updates for the program before the event begins. By providing only the needed components instead of entire data packages, the present invention is able to much more efficiently prepare users' computing devices in time.

Abstract: The configuration of television receivers in a content distribution network. The configuration may include selectively enabling or disabling access by a particular television receiver to a particular cloud computing service. The enabling or disabling may be implemented by user-interaction with a guide that lists cloud computing services each configured to provide particular applications and services over a data network.

Abstract: A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due.

Abstract: A method includes providing identifying information for a customer premises communication device to a provider network, wherein the customer premises communication device is a node of a customer premises network. The method may further include registering a communication channel between the customer premises communication device and the provider network. In addition, the method may include receiving at least one service alert message from the provider network using the communication channel. The type of service alert message is selected based on the customer premises communication device.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of controlling access to content to be viewed on a viewing device, the method comprising: selecting desired content to be viewed on the viewing device; displaying auxiliary content which is required to be viewed while preventing display of the desired content on the viewing device; after displaying the auxiliary content, displaying at least one user engagement element defining an expected user activity; detecting if a user has engaged with the user engagement element in accordance with the expected user activity and if so, displaying the desired content on the viewing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing interactive contents for a smart TV, which allows a seller to directly upload contents such that vivid contents can be easily provided.

Abstract: A content service providing apparatus includes: when an image display apparatus wishes to play or replay a content selected by a user, a communication interface configured to receive a request for replaying the content from the image display apparatus; an authority manager configured to identify details of an account for paying for the playing or replaying of the content based on the received request, and, when there is a shortfall in money for paying, to receive a confirmation on whether it is possible to make up for the shortfall from a sibling service providing apparatus, which gives an authority to play or replay the content regardless of the shortfall; and when it is possible to make up for the shortfall, a controller configured to control the communication interface to provide the content to the image display apparatus based on the authority.

Abstract: A client-side component in a real-time bidding (RTB) system for video advertisements configures the client device to, in response to a request for a video advertisement sent by the client device to the real-time bidding system, receive a first set of information associated with the video advertisement, parse the received first set of information to obtain the video advertisement and associated pixel firing information, provide the video advertisement to a video player on the client device, and fire a first pixel upon occurrence of a first predefined event associated with the video advertisement.

Abstract: Aspects herein describe at least a new method, system, and computer readable storage media for recognizing the content of the audio. A computing device determines whether the content comprises a product and/or service, correlates the product and/or service with one or more promotional deals provided by an organization such as a financial institution, generates a subset of the one or more promotional deals based on the correlation, and transmits the subset to a multimedia viewing device such as a television. The subset of the one or more promotional deals may be viewed by a viewer. The one or more promotional deals are displayed on a portion of the screen of the television for viewing by the viewer. The viewer may make a purchase decision based on the one or more promotional deals displayed.

Abstract: A method of disseminating a digital wallet to a target device is described. The method comprises searching, with a searching device, on a local network for the target device, and pushing the digital wallet to the target device.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of conducting a transaction. In one aspect, the method includes: displaying a media program on a media display device; indicating, while the media program is being displayed, an item associated with the media program is available for purchase; receiving authentication information of a prospective purchaser of the item; and completing a purchase of the item in response to the authentication information. In another aspect, the method includes: receiving, from a media display device, a user authentication request that contains user login credentials; granting the user authentication request in response to the user login credentials; and sending an authentication permission to the media display device; wherein the receiving and the sending are each performed such that the user login credentials and the authentication permission are sent through one or more intermediate hops without being inspected by any of the intermediate hops.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for data tagging in the field of computer technologies. In this method, a user terminal acquires tag data, obtains information about services and functions associated with the tag data, then interacts with target servers to exchange service and function information, and fulfills appropriate services and functions to complete the business application. The disclosed data tagging method and system allow user terminal to interact with directly target servers that are associated with relevant services and functions, which allows functions to be realized in distributed target servers, which simplifies the implementations of tag data, reducing the cost to setting servers. The disclosed data tagging methods allow more extensive applications of data tagging, improved user experiences, simplified processes, and lower costs.

Abstract: Credential data are obtained by a remote control from a credential-bearing device through a near-field communication (NFC) data exchange. The credential data are transmitted by the remote control and are received by an extended connectivity device through its wireless communication interface. A transaction is conducted with a network-connected service through the wireless communication interface of the extended connectivity device using the received credential data.

Abstract: Internet user passwords are securely managed. A formation component can enable a user to create a master account on a web server, the master account comprising a master username and password. An access component can enable the user to access a plurality of password protected websites from a web browser or non-browser software application resident on the user's computing device when the user logs into the master account by entering the valid master username and password. A selection component can log the user into a website of the plurality of password protected websites when the user selects a hyperlink associated with the website, selects a linked image associated with the website, or selects the website from a pulldown list contained in a toolbar of a web browser. A display component can open a web browser or tab associated with the website.

Abstract: A purchase code, such as a web address indicating a webpage of a product at a merchant's website, may be embedded into a video advertisement by steganography. The video advertisement embedding the purchase code may be displayed to consumers on televisions or on display kiosks installed at a merchant's storefront. A consumer, who is viewing the video advertisement and is interested in purchasing the product being advertised, may point a mobile device with a camera, e.g., a smart phone, to scan the video advertisement with the camera. The mobile device may decode the video advertisement to capture the purchase code embedded in the video advertisement. The purchase code may automatically direct the mobile device to visit the product web page at the merchant's web site. Thus, the consumer may purchase the product immediately at the merchant's web site.

Abstract: A mobile content distribution system in an airplane, a train, or a bus is capable of receiving wireless broadcast channels from a wireless service provider. The system offers a user purchase of wireless services including one or more broadcast channels provided by the wireless service provider, receives information indicative of a route from an originating location to a destination location, and determines if the content distribution system is authorized to receive services from the wireless service provider according to the information; and if the content distribution system is not authorized to receive services from the wireless service provider according to the information, the system provide a refund to the user. If the system is within an authorized area, the system determines if the system is authorized to provide full service from the wireless service provider according to the information and if the system is not authorized to provide full service, the system provides a partial refund to the user.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: A method for providing content to a viewer commences by first downloading, in response to viewer selection, at least one piece of content having multiple episodes, with each episode having a scheduled play out date. Thereafter, an actual play out date for each episode of the at least one piece of content is established based on viewer input such that the actual play out date for each episode does not occur earlier than the scheduled play out date. Lastly, the viewer will be billed upon the actual play out of each episode in an amount dependent on how long the actual play out date is delayed from the scheduled play out date.

Abstract: A content platform that includes subscribable paid channels is provided. The content platform receives, via a user interface, a request of an end user to subscribe to a paid channel. The paid channel is one of a plurality of channels of the content platform and has dynamically changed content. The content platform requests, via the user interface, end user information that includes payment information of the end user. The content platform receives the end user information and creates a subscription to the paid channel for the end user based on the end user information. The content platform provides, via the user interface, access to the content of the paid channel to the end user at substantially the same time as creating the subscription for the end user.

Abstract: A contents receiving system including: a content receiver; and a portable terminal storing ID information with which its user can be distinguished from other users of other portable terminals, the content receiver including: a receiving unit capable of receiving content and subsidiary content from at least one of a broadcast wave and a network; an output unit capable of outputting, as audio video content, a video and/or audio of the content received by the receiving unit; a transmission unit capable of transmitting the subsidiary content to the portable terminal, the transmission unit enabling information on a payment transaction corresponding to an ID information of the portable terminal to be transmitted to the portable terminal individually, the portable terminal including: a second transmission unit capable of receiving the subsidiary content and the information on the payment transaction transmitted from the transmission unit of the content receiver; and a processing unit for performing a processing rega

Abstract: A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due.

Abstract: A method for providing a content service to a subscriber terminal (MS) from a first server, i.e. content server (CS). The provision of the content service from the content server to the subscriber terminal is controlled by a second server, i.e. proxy (CBP). The control comprises the following steps: 1) determining (5-4 to 5-10, 706) a billing address for the content service by means of the proxy (CBP); 2) under the control of the content billing proxy, providing (5-48) a content service corresponding to a service request from the content server (CS) to the subscriber terminal (MS); and 3) generating (5-46) billing information (CDR) related to the content service.

Abstract: Associating each of a plurality of identifiers with a respective one of a plurality of media streams and prompting a concurrent presentation of each of the plurality of identifiers and at least one image from each of the associated media streams in a display of a programming menu.