Abstract: Systems and methods for management of non-linear content presentation and experience are provided. At least one stream may be evaluated in real-time to detect when an event occurs within the evaluated stream. A priority score may be assigned to the detected event, wherein the priority score is updated in real-time. An offer may be generated to a user device regarding the detected event, wherein the user device is not playing the evaluated stream. An acceptance may be received from the user device. The evaluated stream to the user device, wherein the evaluated stream is provided at a point prior to the detected event.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for recording a portion of content of a sports game. A request to record the portion of the content, which specifies game clock time criteria, is received by user equipment. During transmission of the content, frames of the content including a game progress graphic are analyzed to determine time values representing progress points of the sports game. In response to determining that a first time value representing a first progress point of the sports game matches the game clock time criteria of the request, the user equipment begins to record the portion of the content. In response to determining that a second time value does not match the game clock time criteria of the request, the user equipment stops the recording of the portion of the content and stores the recorded portion of the content.

Abstract: An exemplary system can generate an alert to a caregiver or other concerned parties when a usage pattern of a multimedia device differs by a preset amount. The multimedia device can record typical usage of the device and determine a pattern. The pattern is compared with real-time usage to determine when a different pattern is being done and if it is outside a preset amount generate an alert to a caregiver. This allows for non-intrusive monitoring of individuals that use the multimedia device on a regular basis.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing content, such as a movie, with dialogue including a quotation that was input. For example, using a voice search a viewer may input a quotation famous from a movie to find the original fil and related content. The methods and systems use a quotation engine in a digital device to receive an input including the quotation and access a plurality of content items that include dialogue. The quotation engine identifies a subset of content items that include dialogue similar to the input quotation. The quotation engine accesses metadata of each of the subset of content, ranks the subset based on predetermined criteria and the metadata, and provides the ranked subset of the plurality of content items for consumption. The quotation engine may use a graphical user interface to identify the earliest release, trending content, or the program best known for the quote.

Abstract: A method of controlling delivery of video programs from video distribution equipment to video receiver devices includes receiving messages at the video distribution equipment from a mobile terminal operated by a user. The messages contain user defined identifiers that are associated with equipment identifiers of different ones of the video receiver devices. The user defined identifiers are stored associated with the equipment identifiers in a subscriber account. Delivery of video programs from the video distribution equipment to the video receiver devices is controlled in response to commands received from the mobile terminal which request delivery of identified video programs to identified ones of the user defined identifiers. Related video distribution equipment and mobile terminals are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for viewing missed media content. A media content stream is received at a user device. A first timestamp is logged, in response to determining a first failure in the receiving of the content stream, indicating when the first failure in the receiving of the content stream to the user device occurred. A second timestamp is logged, in response to determining a first restoration of the receiving of the content stream, indicating when the first restoration in the receiving of the content stream to the user device occurred. A first recorded portion of the media content stream is retrieved. The first recorded portion has a start point corresponding to the first timestamp and an end point corresponding to the second timestamp.

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: Devices and methods are provided for generating reminder notifications pertaining to time-sensitive media content. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of establishing whether time-sensitive media content is desirably viewed by an end user of the media receiver. If establishing that time-sensitive media content is desirably viewed by the end user, it is further determined whether a reminder notification should be generated for the time-sensitive media content at a specified time relative to a change in availability of the time-sensitive media content from a media content provider. If further determining that a reminder notification should be generated for the time-sensitive media content, the reminder notification is generated at the specified time; e.g., the media receiver may generate the reminder notification itself or transmit instructions to a user-carried electronic device to generate the notification reminder.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for supplemental content for use by a content-presentation device in performing a content-modification operation relative to a modifiable content-segment that the content-presentation device is scheduled to receive. The method also includes determining that the modifiable content-segment comprises a promotional advertisement for a content series. The method also includes identifying content that the promotional advertisement spoils from the content series. The method also includes based on historical content consumption data associated with the content-presentation device, determining that the content-presentation device has presented less than a predefined threshold amount of the identified content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for scheduling a season recording. A series is provided to a user device, the series having a plurality of sequential seasons, and each season having a plurality of episodes. A request for recording the series is received from the user. In response, a last episode of the series watched by the user is identified. A relevant season of the plurality of seasons is then determined, such that the relevant season precedes another season of the plurality of seasons and includes the last episode watched by the user. Then, episodes of the relevant season that follow the last episode watched by the user are scheduled for recording, such that episodes of a season that precedes the relevant season are not scheduled for recording.

Abstract: A user receiving device includes a proximity circuit configured to repeatedly detect a proximity of a first mobile device relative to the user receiving device. An interruption circuit is configured to, based on the detection of a first mobile device, generate an interrupt signal to interrupt a program or a video being played out on a display when the proximity is less than a predetermined range and ceasing to generate the interrupt signal when the proximity is greater than the predetermined range. A control circuit is configured to, when the interrupt signal is no longer generated, resume playing the program or video on the display.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for displaying a guide for media content available on a user device. An illustrative method includes retrieving media content guide data for a plurality of channels, identifying a first media content item that is not available for retrieval from a content source, in response to identifying the first media content item, identifying a second media content item that is related to the first media content item and is available for retrieval from the content source, retrieving, from the content source, the second media content item, and generating for display a media content guide interface for the plurality of channels, wherein an identifier of the second media content item is displayed in a timeslot for the first media content item.

Abstract: One embodiment sets forth technique for computing a similarity score between two digital items is computed based on interaction histories associated with global users and interaction histories associated with local users. Global counts indicating the number of interactions associated with each unique pair of digital items are weighted based on a mixing rate. The weighted global counts are then combined with local counts to compute total counts. An effective interaction probability indicating the likelihood of a user interacting with one digital item in the pair of digital items after interacting with the other digital item in the pair is computed based on the total counts. The effective interaction probability is then corrected for noise, resulting in a similarity score indicating the similarity between the pair of digital items.

Abstract: Various arrangements of a local cloud system for providing television services are presented. A facility cloud host system may have a content service provider interface that is used to receive live television channel streams from a television content service provider. The local cloud system may have a transcoder that transcodes the live television channels into a format to be transmitted locally to client devices. The local cloud system may have a property management system interface through which temporary user information is imported for accounts linked to the client devices. The local cloud system may provide digital video recorder (DVR) services for the accounts mapped to the client devices.

Abstract: A storage controller of a network controlled content recording system that uses a combination of network and local storage determines to record content for a user. The storage controller performs an evaluation to determine whether to store the content in network or local storage. The evaluation may include evaluating a set of rules and/or characteristics of the user, characteristics of the content, characteristics of a request to record the content, and so on. The storage controller then arranges for the content to be recorded accordingly. Subsequently, the storage controller may reevaluate storage locations and direct transfer accordingly. This reevaluation may include determining that various characteristics related to the user, the content, and so on have changed and that transfer is appropriate due to that change.

Abstract: A server includes a storage unit, a determination unit, and a notification unit. The storage unit stores content identification information and interrupted spot information in association with user identification information in a case where the viewing of a content during live distribution is interrupted in a first terminal logged in using the user identification information. The determination unit determines whether or not the content identification information and/or the interrupted spot information that are associated with the user identification information are stored in the storage unit in a case where the server is accessed from a second terminal logged in using the user identification information after the viewing is interrupted. In a case where such information is stored in the storage unit, the notification unit notifies the second terminal that the viewing of the content can be restarted from a viewing interrupted spot by time shift reproduction.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol television system includes a set-top box that receives requests to display video streams being transmitted to a household. In response to the request, the set-top box provides a list of the video streams to a display device. The list includes options to terminate transmission of one or more of the streams. This allows a user to determine which video streams should be transmitted when bandwidth limitations are reached.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including: a broadcast receiver capable of receiving a broadcast signal; and a controller configured to obtain at least information used to control an operation of an application, the application using a broadcast signal received by the broadcast receiver and an application information table describing information indicating a type of the application, and to control the operation of the application by the type based on the obtained application information table.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for switching streams in response to detecting a start trigger are presented. A program's start trigger indicating that the program is upcoming may be detected on a first stream, and in response to detecting the start trigger on the first stream, a second stream containing the program may be switched to. The program may be a video program. Segment triggers may be detected and may be used to selectively record and/or delete segments of the program according to a priority scheme. Multiple start triggers may be detected at decreasing time intervals. The existence of a recording conflict may be determined based on a program's start trigger and a user may be alerted of the recording conflict.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide application is provided that queries a user regarding the user's interest in television programs and suggests television programs to the user based on the user's responses. The interactive television program guide application identifies a television program that is potentially of interest to the user. The interactive television program guide application then queries the user regarding the user's interest using questions that are formulated based on attributes associated with the identified television program. Using the user's responses to the questions, the interactive television program guide application identifies and suggests one or more television programs to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for scheduling a season recording. A series is provided to a user device, the series having a plurality of sequential seasons, and each season having a plurality of episodes. A request for recording the series is received from the user. In response, a last episode of the series watched by the user is identified. A relevant season of the plurality of seasons is then determined, such that the relevant season precedes another season of the plurality of seasons and includes the last episode watched by the user. Then, episodes of the relevant season that follow the last episode watched by the user are scheduled for recording, such that episodes of a season that precedes the relevant season are not scheduled for recording.

Abstract: A process that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, selecting a media content item and constructing a tout message based on the media content item. Information associated with the media content item is included within the tout message, which includes a selectable link. The selectable link includes instructions for directing equipment of a subscriber to access the media content item without the subscriber providing additional input. A group of communication devices associated with the subscriber is identified, and the tout message is transmitted to a communication device of the group. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, observing a plurality of objects viewed through a smart lens, wherein the plurality of objects are in a frame of an image viewed by the smart lens, determining an identification for an object of the plurality of objects, assigning tag information for the object based on the identification, storing the tag information for the object and the frame in which the object was observed, receiving a recall request for the object, retrieving the tag information for the object and the frame responsive to the receiving the recall request, and displaying the tag information and the frame. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Goods/service recommendation that includes: accessing a consumer's computerized calendar to retrieve consumer calendar data and identifying an event in the calendar data; removing calendar data that is restricted data; determining first key words of the event representative of the event; identifying a target from the event; determining second key words of the target being descriptive of the target; determining third key words of the calendar data being descriptive of the consumer; combining the first, second and third key words; determining similarities and relationships between the target and the consumer to find groups of key words that form the strongest similarities and relationships; identifying the group of key words as having the strongest similarities and relationships between the target and the consumer; using the group of key words having the strongest similarities to identify a recommendation for providing a goods/service to the target; and providing the recommendation to the consumer.

Abstract: A television set is capable of receiving both broadcast program from television station and corresponding digital file of the same contents from a server station through internet. The television set keeps information of time limit for the server station to surely provide the file. The television set automatically downloads the file when the time limit comes close or the time limit information is failed to be kept. The television set keeps URL for the moving image program enjoyed upon turning-off of the television set until the next turning-on for instantly enjoying the moving image content provided at the URL. User who turning-on the television set or changing the channel with any program not in mind to feel interest in the program on display by chance can enjoy the program from the beginning by means of downloading corresponding digital file of the same contents through internet by an automatic link.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a targeted advertising system that harnesses an expansive device footprint to create targeted advertisements based on household demographics and characteristics about persons in the households. The targeted advertising system uses device identifiers and longitude/latitude data to map devices to households. After associating devices with a household, the targeted advertising system leverages a wide-array of data assets to create an enormous panel of households, devices, persons, locations, and demographic information for use creating high-precisions, targeted advertising campaigns. This greatly enhanced device footprint creates the opportunity for highly accurate ad targeting across a far greater amount of devices and a larger footprint at any time and place.

Abstract: Embodiments of this application provide a method performed at a virtual reality (VR) device for displaying a bullet screen. The method includes: rendering a virtual three-dimensional space scene using the VR device; displaying a frame in the virtual three-dimensional space scene; defining a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position having different visual depths in the three-dimensional space scene; displaying a first bullet screen at at least one of the first position and the second position in the three-dimensional space scene. Accordingly, the embodiments of this application further provide an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a first status message from a first recording device. The first status message includes a first recording identifier. The method further includes determining to initiate a second recording on a particular recording device based, at least in part, on the first status message and configuration settings. In addition, the method includes initiating a second recording on the particular recording device. Furthermore, the method includes creating a second recording identifier. The method also includes storing information related to the first recording identifier and the second recording identifier in a metadata file. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a second status message for receipt by other recording devices. The second status message includes the second recording identifier.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that provides for obtaining, by a server comprising a processor, network parameter data from an eNodeB of a wireless network. The server can determine a predicted bandwidth for a group of end user devices in a coverage area of the eNodeB according to the network parameter data. The server can receive, from an end user device of the group of end user devices, a request for the predicted bandwidth. The server can provide the predicted bandwidth to the end user device. The providing of the predicted bandwidth enables the end user device to provide a video chunk request to a content server that is based on a selected chunk delivery schedule and facilitates streaming of video content to the end user device from the content server. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods related to a cloud-enabled network-based digital video recorder. In some embodiments, a request to record an asset may be received from a client device. An asset record associated with the request may be created. A first record event for generation of a manifest file may be created. A second record event for entitlement validation of an asset may be created. A third record event for quality control for the asset may be created based at least in part on the asset record. A manifest file associated with the asset may be generated based at least in part on the asset record.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for scheduling a season recording. A series is provided to a user device, the series having a plurality of sequential seasons, and each season having a plurality of episodes. A request for recording the series is received from the user. In response, a last episode of the series watched by the user is identified. A relevant season of the plurality of seasons is then determined, such that the relevant season precedes another season of the plurality of seasons and includes the last episode watched by the user. Then, episodes of the relevant season that follow the last episode watched by the user are scheduled for recording, such that episodes of a season that precedes the relevant season are not scheduled for recording.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol television system includes a set-top box that receives requests to display video streams being transmitted to a household. In response to the request, the set-top box provides a list of the video streams to a display device. The list includes options to terminate transmission of one or more of the streams. This allows a user to determine which video streams should be transmitted when bandwidth limitations are reached.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mobile device at a headend includes the mobile device communicating a request for content to the headend. The headend requests geographic coordinate location data from the mobile device and, when geographic coordinate data is available, determines a first geographic region associated with the mobile device in response to the geographic coordinate location data. When geographic coordinate data is not available from the mobile device, the headend extracts an IP address from the request and determines a second geographic region based on the IP address and a confidence level. When the confidence level is below a threshold, the headend determines a third geographic region based on subscriber data for the mobile device. The headend controls the mobile device in response to one of the first geographic region, the second geographic region and the third geographic region.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for generating reminder notifications pertaining to time-sensitive media content. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of establishing whether time-sensitive media content is desirably viewed by an end user of the media receiver. If establishing that time-sensitive media content is desirably viewed by the end user, it is further determined whether a reminder notification should be generated for the time-sensitive media content at a specified time relative to a change in availability of the time-sensitive media content from a media content provider. If further determining that a reminder notification should be generated for the time-sensitive media content, the reminder notification is generated at the specified time; e.g., the media receiver may generate the reminder notification itself or transmit instructions to a user-carried electronic device to generate the notification reminder.

Abstract: Notifying a user about a previous conversation includes based on an analysis of the previous conversation between a first user and second user determining a characterization between the first user and the second user, in response to the first user selecting, via a user device, an option to open a subsequent conversation with the second user, notifying the first user via an alert as to the characterization of the previous conversation that the first user had with the second user before reengaging the second user in a subsequent conversation, and based on an analysis of the subsequent conversation between the first user and the second user, updating the characterization to a current characterization in a database.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide application is provided that queries a user regarding the user's interest in television programs and suggests television programs to the user based on the user's responses. The interactive television program guide application identifies a television program that is potentially of interest to the user. The interactive television program guide application then queries the user regarding the user's interest using questions that are formulated based on attributes associated with the identified television program. Using the user's responses to the questions, the interactive television program guide application identifies and suggests one or more television programs to the user.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a stream of time-series data. The time-series data was generated by a data generating device. The stream of time-series data is machine-read to generate index marks. The index marks are for insertion into the stream of time-series data. The index marks indicate events represented by the stream of time-series data. The stream of time series data, including the index marks, is divided into chunks for asynchronous transmission to at least one mobile device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products insert markers into recorded media modules. A pair of reference points is received that marks a position and another position in a recorded media module. A copy of the recorded media module is retrieved from memory. Portions of the copy of the recorded media module occurring before the position, and occurring after the another position, are discarded. The copy of the recorded media module occurring between the position and the another position is then presented to a user.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol television system includes a set-top box that receives requests to display video streams being transmitted to a household. In response to the request, the set-top box provides a list of the video streams to a display device. The list includes options to terminate transmission of one or more of the streams. This allows a user to determine which video streams should be transmitted when bandwidth limitations are reached.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to device control and multiple input event handling. In one embodiment, a process includes detecting a plurality of input commands for control of a display device, determining a multiple input event based on the plurality of input commands, and determining a multiple input control function for the display device based on the multiple input event. The multiple input control function is determined based on input type of the multiple input event and a function of the input type of the multiple input event. The process can also includes controlling operation of the display device based on the multiple input control function, wherein controlling includes modifying display device operation from a control function associated with the plurality of input commands to a multiple input event control function.

Abstract: A system (and method) automatically extends a scheduled recording of a live event past its scheduled end time. The system include includes a content interface to receive program content. The system also includes a user interface to permit a user to schedule a user-selected program content for recording. The user-selected program content has a scheduled start time and a scheduled end time. A program content analyzer may detect a pattern in the user-selected program content. A recording unit may record the user-selected program content and automatically extend the recording past the scheduled end time based on whether the pattern is detected.

Abstract: A method and system for micro-cloud computing is described. An application serving node, which is a specifically configured piece of customer premises equipment such as a set-top box, is the server for a micro-cloud network. Various user devices that form part of the micro-cloud network, such as television sets and smart phones, communicate with the application serving node. The application serving node is configured with software that allows various heterogeneous types of data to be obtained and streamed to the user devices in multiple ways. The application serving node performs much of the processing necessary for such content streaming itself and thus represents an edge-based network architecture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a server for controlling smart devices based on a predefined scenario mode. The method include: acquiring a status parameter collected by at least one first smart device bound to a user account; determining, according to the status parameter, whether to trigger a predefined scenario mode, the predefined scenario mode representing an operation mode for controlling actions of at least one second smart device bound to the user account according to the status parameter collected by the at least one first smart device; and sending a control instruction to the at least one second smart device, if it is determined to trigger the predefined scenario mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information providing system for providing information on content recording. The system includes: a network communicating unit for communication via a network; and an information distributing unit for distributing the information on content recording via the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to retrieve at least a portion of a missed media content event. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a failed recording of at least a portion of a media content event of interest; transmits a notification of the detected occurrence of the failed recording of the at least the portion of the media content event of interest from a media device to a replacement content device; and receives, at the media device, at least a portion of missed media content corresponding to at least the portion of the media content event of interest that failed to record.

Abstract: A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a safety check in emergency situations includes: storing a plurality of account profiles, each including a primary account number, account details, and sets of communication data; receiving a transaction message including a specific primary account number and an indication that an associated individual is safe; identifying a specific account profile that includes the specific primary account number; and transmitting a safety notification including the account details stored in the specific account profile the indication of the associated individual's safety for at least one of the sets of communication data stored in the specific account profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to manage timers that control recording of media content. An exemplary embodiment compares a retrieved stale timer criteria with a retrieved timer attribute; determines whether the timer is stale based on the comparison of the retrieved timer attribute and the stale timer criteria, wherein the timer is determined to be stale when the media content event identified by the timer will not be recorded because the media content event identified by the timer is not scheduled to be broadcast at a future date; and then automatically deletes the timer in response to determining that the timer is stale.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving from a communication system media content with metadata, recording the media content, detecting in the metadata a description of the media content correlating with a preference profile, presenting a first prompt requesting an acceptance or rejection of the media content, presenting a second prompt requesting a selection from a plurality of communication devices to direct in whole or in part the media content thereto, detecting the selection from the plurality of communication devices, and transmitting in whole or in part the media content to the selected communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of digital video recorders are polled to extract data indicative of recordings scheduled thereon. The polling is carried out over a video content network by a component at a node in the video content network that is remote from the plurality of digital video recorders. At least a portion of the data is used to obtain a prediction of future switched digital video channel usage for the video content network. At least one network management activity is carried out on the video content network in response to the prediction of future switched digital video channel usage for the video content network.