Abstract: Architecture for dynamically tracking information about a first-time or inactive user to a website and expeditiously presenting targeted content back to the user to maintain the user interest in the website. A visceral connection is created with the user based on immediately relevant content and functionality, and without requiring user-entered profile information about the user. Based on a few pieces of browsing information collected while at the website an action-oriented initial scenario is provided that is interesting to the user, and gets the user invested in the content (e.g., product) as a whole. Services can be recommended to users in the context of a social application or an online service provider, for example. The architecture also facilitates the up-selling, cross-selling of services, features, and products, for example, to users based on the current user browsing activity.

Abstract: A method, performed at a computer system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs executed by the one or more processors, includes receiving respective first set-top box (STB) information from a first plurality of STBs. The first STB information received from a respective STB in the first plurality of STBs includes tuning information for the respective STB in the first plurality of STBs, and power status information for a respective display device coupled to the respective STB in the first plurality of STBs. The method also includes filtering the power status information, and determining a viewership metric for the first plurality of STBs based on the tuning information and the filtered power status information in the first STB information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating user and time-based content interaction. Sampling data received from a user device is compared to time-based content. The comparison is carried out, optionally without relying on watermark matching, to determine whether a match exists between the sampling data and the time-based content. Information relating to the sampling data may be transmitted to the user if the identification engine determines that the match exists.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing remote access to interactive media guidance applications are provided. In particular, the systems and methods for providing remote access to interactive media guidance applications provided herein generally relate to enhancing remote access capabilities by providing algorithms and techniques for managing and correcting disparities that may be found between program listings data used by the interactive media guidance application and the remote access server.

Abstract: System, apparatus and method for determining semantic information from audio, where incoming audio is sampled and processed to extract audio features, including temporal, spectral, harmonic and rhythmic features. The extracted audio features are compared to stored audio templates that include ranges and/or values for certain features and are tagged for specific ranges and/or values. Extracted audio features that are most similar to one or more templates from the comparison are identified according to the tagged information. The tags are used to determine the semantic audio data that includes genre, instrumentation, style, acoustical dynamics, and emotive descriptor for the audio signal.

Abstract: A video-on-demand (VOD) service provider is configured to select advertising to provide with video-on-demand content, the advertising selected at least in part according to at least one of content metadata, ad schedules, or subscriber profile information, and to signal when the advertising is unavailable. The VOD service provider is configured to identify ad break points for the video-on-demand content to generate a playlist identifying the video-on-demand content and when the video-on-demand content is to be provided, and identifying content corresponding to selected advertising and when the content corresponding to the selected advertising is to be provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying, creating and distributing audience qualities and other information to an advertisement management system and/or an advertisement decision maker. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus of the invention provide a technique for classifying data collected about an audience, and creating and grouping qualifiers to those classifications. The invention further includes methods and apparatus for managing an advertising inventory via a management system. The inventory is defined in one variant by predicted or known secondary content insertion opportunities, and a particular audience of the primary content associated with the insertion opportunity. 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.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture determine compliance with usage guidelines of an audience measurement system. Initially, location information associated with an audience member is obtained. It is then determined whether the audience member is in compliance with the usage guidelines based on the location information. Media monitoring information corresponding to the location information is then tagged as non-compliant if the audience member is not in compliance with the usage guidelines.

Abstract: A system for distributing shared content to an Internet user, includes a data store comprising a computer readable medium storing a program of instructions for performing the distribution of shared content to the Internet user; a processor that executes the program of instructions; a frame management unit to receive a container from a trusted third party source; a data aggregation unit to retrieve information about the Internet user from a plurality of data providers and to aggregate the retrieved information; a vector creation unit to create a vector based on the aggregated retrieved information; a measurement ping generation unit to generate a measurement ping to a measurement server; and a communication unit to communicate the vector to an online shared content network and to receive shared content displayed via the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides group performance monitoring systems and methods. In one exemplary embodiment, a group monitoring device includes a display configured to display, during an athletic activity, a plurality of individual performance metrics relating to a plurality of individuals engaged in the athletic activity, each individual performance metric relating to one of the plurality of individuals; and an input to manipulate the display.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, detecting at a mobile communication device a presence of a set-top box communicatively coupled to a display device, negotiating a transfer of operational control of the display device from the detected set top box to the mobile communication device, receiving a media stream at the mobile communication device by way of wireless communication with a media source, and transmitting a selected media program from the mobile communication device to the display device by way of a wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the detected set-top box for presentation at the display device without decoding of the selected media program being performed by the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure are disclosed. An example implementation includes accessing a meter identifier and first audio received from a wearable bracelet meter, the meter identifier uniquely associated with the wearable bracelet meter. Whether the first audio substantially matches second audio received at a second meter is determined. In response to determining that the first audio and the second audio substantially match, the meter identifier associated with the wearable bracelet meter and at least one of the first audio or the second audio are stored.

Abstract: A system and method may include monitoring content being displayed at a display device to generate monitoring data that includes a program identifier, communicating the monitoring data to a server, the server determining which programs to include in an on-demand lineup based on the monitoring data and generating an on-demand lineup message to identify on-demand programs included in the on-demand lineup, and receiving the on-demand lineup message from the server.

Abstract: A method includes, in response to determining that a distribution capacity of a network device exceeds a first distribution capacity threshold and that the distribution capacity of the network device does not exceed a second distribution capacity threshold, determining, at the network device, whether a data source satisfies a popularity criteria. The method includes, in response to determining that the data source satisfies the popularity criteria, sending, from the network device, data associated with the data source to a user device.

Abstract: A scheduled broadcast time is retrieved for a program that is to be delivered in advance of the scheduled broadcast time, wherein the scheduled broadcast time is associated with a program content identifier for the program. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, a pre-cast channel is selected on a network by selecting a dedicated pre-cast channel. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, a signal is sent for placing a viewer program storage device into a pre-cast mode, such that viewing of the pre-cast channel is disabled. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, the program is delivered to the viewer program storage device over the pre-cast channel, wherein the delivered program is associated with the program content identifier and a time stamp for disabling playback of the delivered program until arrival of the scheduled broadcast time.

Abstract: In a video delivery context, collection and analysis of viewing data can provide insight into viewer interaction with video and the Internet. The viewing data can be transmitted in a controlled manner to a data repository. The system can selectively target specific viewers/households to obtain viewing data, which can be combined with demographics, anonymized, and encrypted. Embodiments enable precision selection of media opportunities, by determining detailed characteristics associated with broadcasts including movement of audiences and specific viewer behavior, such as visits to websites on the Internet. The effective yield of broadcasts, including promotional spots and advertisements, can be determined and predicted based on concrete data at a level of detail down to individual viewers. Accordingly, embodiments enable improvement of the effectiveness and return on investment for programming, promotional spots, and advertisements.

Abstract: A method for recommending videos is presented. The method includes generating a cross-usage matrix based upon a data of video sessions for a plurality of videos, generating a temporal matrix based upon release dates of the plurality of videos, generating a cross-temporal matrix based upon the cross-usage matrix and the temporal matrix, computing a global video rank corresponding to each of the plurality of videos based upon the cross-temporal matrix, generating a similarity score corresponding to each pair of videos in the plurality of videos based upon meta-data of the plurality of videos, and generating a local video rank corresponding to each of the plurality of videos relative to another video in the plurality of videos based upon the generated cross-usage matrix, the computed global video rank and the generated similarity score.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided for creating a personalized visualization of broadcasting stations that enables a user to quickly identify broadcasting stations that are in line with his or her tastes or preferences. Broadcasting stations may be plotted at specific locations within a personalized visualization based on the categories in which media objects broadcast by those broadcasting stations fall. This location may be continuously updated as the broadcasting stations continue to broadcast additional media objects falling within different categories. A user may similarly be plotted, and continuously updated, within the personalized visualization based on the categories in which media objects reproduced by the user fall. By viewing the personalized visualization, the user may be able to identify which of the broadcasting stations monitored are broadcasting media objects that are most in line with the media objects he or she has been reproducing.

Abstract: A method of determining demand for multimedia content in a multimedia provider network includes receiving a content demand statistics (CDS) request from a client application where the request identifies a subscriber set. Responsive to the CDS request, selected CDS data is retrieved from a CDS subsystem. The CDS data is indicative of demand for multimedia content among subscribers in the subscriber set. The retrieved CDS data is delivered to the client application. The selected data may be selected from past data, present data, and future data. The CDS request indicates a set of buddy subscribers and the messaging server retrieves CDS data associated with the buddy subscribers. A security subsystem may be accessed and to determine, prior to retrieving CDS data for a particular buddy subscriber, whether the particular buddy subscriber has authorized the requesting subscriber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a broadcast transmitter includes: a viewer information memory configured to store viewer information regarding a viewer who signs up for a subscription; a generator configured to generate individual information regarding a conditional access of a content including a first expiration time indicating an expiration time of the individual information and a second expiration time set independently of the first expiration time for each the viewer who signs up for the subscription based on the viewer information; and a transmitter configured to transmit a broadcast signal including the generated individual information.

Abstract: A consumer electronics (CE) device receives a form along with AV content that includes information fields pertaining for entrance of information regarding the CE device and/or at least one user thereof. Information entered to the form is then transmitted back to the provider of the form for use to subsequently provide to the CE device advertisements, notifications of device and/or software updates, and other AV content targeted to the CE device and/or its user based on the information entered to the form.

Abstract: A data source may be configured to provide usage data including subscriber identifiers and associated information indicative of subscriber device locations and usage. A data warehouse server may be configured to perform operations including: decrypting subscriber identifiers included in usage data received from the data source using a two-way rolling key groups algorithm; re-encrypting the subscriber identifiers decrypted from the usage data to create secure encrypted identifiers using a one-way secured encryption algorithm; and correlating the subscriber identifiers in the decrypted usage data with the corresponding re-encrypted identifiers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for monitoring user interest in a video as it is being played and autonomously selecting a section of the video for replaying based on an identified user interest in the section. A monitoring component monitors user interaction with a video being streamed to one or more devices as the video is played at the one or more devices. An identification component further determines level of user interest based on the monitored user interaction and identifies a section of the video associated with the level of user interest in response to the level of user interest being above a predetermined threshold. Then a replay component streams the section of the video to the one or more devices again at least in response to the identification of the section.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a video network analyzer processes the packet data to generate network and media session data relating to the distribution of video content via the data distribution network in at least one media session, wherein the network and media session data includes at least one session metric, location data, protocol identification data, video encoding parameter data, and audio encoding parameter data. An analytics database stores the network and media session data for generation of report data.

Abstract: A method, system and computer control logic to provide personalization of a viewer's usage of an Internet TV platform. The method includes tracking a viewer's interactive usage pattern of the TV platform; generating viewer usage data based on the tracking; analyzing the viewer usage data on a substantially real-time basis; and personalizing the viewer's usage of the TV platform on a based on an analysis the viewer usage data.

Abstract: A method for acquisition of audience rating data of digital television. The method includes: 1) collecting audience information by an acquisition system of audience rating data of digital television, the audience information including individual identification of audiences and individual attribute information corresponding to the individual identification; 2) monitoring data acquisition signals by the acquisition system, collecting appropriate individual identification and individual rating information according to the instructions of the data acquisition signals; and 3) inquiring the individual attribute information of the audiences according to the individual identification, and combining the collected individual rating information and corresponding individual attribute information thereof as a set of original audience rating data for analysis.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and verifying the unauthorized use of media content using a telecommunication reception device which, in one embodiment, comprises interrupting a user's use of or access to media content; informing the user that the interruption can be eliminated after the user verifies his or her information through an electronic device; detecting the user's location based on the user's use of the electronic device; verifying whether user's location is within area where the use of the media content is permitted; verifying whether the user is authorized by the content owner to receive the media content and allowing the user to resume the use of media content once the user passes the verification.

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: In a data acquisition system a sensor module includes a motion sensor and a communication controller. The motion sensor and communication controller are prepared in a form factor adapted to be received within, or otherwise readily used with, the user appliance. A data signal produced by the motion sensor is adaptable for compliance validation.

Abstract: Example systems, methods and machine readable media are disclosed. An example system includes a synchronizer to time shift first response data gathered from a subject exposed to media a first amount to align the first response data with second response data simultaneously gathered from the subject to form aligned data. The first response data is associated with a first component of the media, and the second response data is associated with a second component of media. The example system also includes an analyzer to determine an effectiveness of the media based on the aligned data.

Abstract: A monitoring device (1) comprising a basic set of audience research data retrieval units (7, 9) which are compatible with a broad range of AV appliances reproducing AV contents like TV sets (3). The data retrieval units are a audio watermark retrieval unit (9) and an audio signal sampling unit (7). For easy adaptation to particular AV installation, the monitoring device (1) is provided with internal and external connectors so that specialized modules can be integrated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed including but not limited to monitoring penetration data on an advertising server processor wherein the penetration data indicates frequency, quantity, duration and data volume of data correlated with advertising data that has been sent from a first end user device to a second end user device. A computer program and a system are disclose for monitoring penetration data on an advertising server processor wherein the penetration data indicates frequency, quantity, duration and data volume of data correlated with advertising data that has been sent from a first end user device to a second end user device.

Abstract: A data analyzer engine receives content consumption feedback associated with multiple subscribers in a cable network environment. In accordance with one embodiment, the data analyzer engine provides notification of popularly consumed content. In accordance with another embodiment, the data analyzer engine generates control information to control content consumption by one or more devices in the cable network environment.

Abstract: A data analyzer engine receives feedback associated with delivery of content (such as streaming content) to multiple subscriber domains in a cable network environment. The data analyzer engine analyzes the feedback to identify attributes of current content consumption by playback devices operated in the subscriber domains. Based on the analyzed feedback, the data analyzer engine produces control information specifying data flow control rates in which the playback devices are assigned to retrieve content over a shared communication link in the cable network environment. Accordingly, data flow rates in a network environment (such as a subscriber domain) can be controlled to promote fairness and optimal use of available bandwidth amongst multiple playback devices sharing a respective communication link.

Abstract: A data analyzer engine can be configured to receive feedback indicating different content currently consumed by subscribers in a cable network environment. The data analyzer engine analyzes the feedback to identify most popular consumed content amongst the different content and produces a content guide to include multiple selectable channels from which content is available for retrieval over a shared communication link in the cable network environment. The content guide can include one or more selectable viewing options to view a rendition of content being identified as more or most popular. Each of one or more playback devices or other suitable resources retrieves and initiates display of the content guide on a display screen. Accordingly, a subscriber can view different available content options as well as an identification of content that is currently the most popular consumed content amongst viewers.

Abstract: Embodiments related to delivering a video stream to a requesting viewer are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a video stream is delivered by receiving a request for the video stream from a requesting device, the request including the requesting viewer's identity, assembling a list of selected video content items for display to the requesting viewer, the selected video items being selected from a plurality of video items based on the identity of the requesting viewer and a viewing interest profile comprising the requesting viewer's viewing interests, and sending the video stream for display, the video stream including one or more of the selected video items.

Abstract: A media system replaces content in a first sequence of media content. The media system presents the first sequence of media content to an end-user and generates a fingerprint of the sequence of media content. The fingerprint is for comparison with a plurality of reference fingerprints so as to identify the first sequence of media content and determine a reference position within the first sequence of media content. The media system sends a request for a replacement sequence of content to a content replacement system, and receives replacement media content selected based on the identified first sequence of media content. The media system presents the replacement media content to the end-user instead of the first sequence of media content. Presenting the replacement media content begins at a position in the first sequence of media content that is determined based on the reference position.

Abstract: Example systems and methods to wirelessly meter audio/visual (A/V) devices are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content from an A/V source device, embeds a video overlay in the wirelessly received media content, and wirelessly transmits the media content and the video overlay to the wireless A/V device. The example method wirelessly receives audience identification information in response to the transmitted video overlay, and wirelessly receives audience behavior information.

Abstract: During the display of video content to a viewing audience, a system receives feedback information from the viewing audience concerning the displayed video content. At a later time and based on the feedback, the system substitutes portions of a downloaded data stream with different content.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for supplementing media assets in order to compensate for a particular disability of a user. Specifically, a media guidance application determines whether or not a user can comprehend a media asset based on the particular disability of the user. Upon determining that the user cannot comprehend the media asset, the media guidance application supplements the media asset with supplemental data, which compensates for the particular disability of the user.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying tune data from set top boxes associated with televisions, video monitors, or other video playback devices that are likely powered off. In some embodiments, survival curves are constructed that predict a length of time before a video playback device is powered off after a tuning event. The survival curves are used to predict the likelihood that a video playback device is powered off. Viewership estimates made from tune data reported from set top boxes can be adjusted to take account of the video playback devices that are predicted to be powered off.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collection, validation, analysis, and automated error correction of data regarding user interaction with content. In one embodiment, statistical methods are used to arrive at expected values for the collected data. The data is compared to the expected value and must meet one or more acceptance criteria (e.g., be within a prescribed range) to be considered valid. The prescribed range is determined by the network operator, or a computer program adapted to generate this value. The invention enables a network operator to assess a large volume of data without requiring significant amounts of manual monitoring and/or error correction. The ability to collect, validate and analyze data across multiple platforms is also provided. Still further, an automated system capable of learning evaluation and error correction patterns is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service is disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service, the method comprises receiving broadcast signal including first signaling information and second signaling information, identifying an NRT service based on the first signaling information, parsing a Receiver Targeting Descriptor from the second signaling information, determining validity of the NRT service or an NRT content based on a targeting_criterion_type_code included in the Receiver Targeting Descriptor, and downloading the NRT service or the NRT content when a receiver determines the NRT service or the NRT content to be valid.

Abstract: A system may receive a first list of users of a provider network. For each of the first list of users, the system may obtain data pertaining to the user's categories of interest from a social media system; infer video programs based on the data; infer a list of one or more video channels based on the video programs; score the one or more video channels; rank the list of one or more video channels based on the scores; and recommend the ranked list of one or more video channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing digital service signals includes a receiving module configured to receive contents having watermarks, where the watermarks are inserted in audio or video frames of the contents, the watermarks carry channel information related to the contents, and content information having URL information for additional data of the contents. An extracting module is configured to extract the watermarks from the audio or video frames, and an obtaining module is configured to obtain the additional data over an IP(Internet Protocol) network using the extracted watermarks.

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: The invention discloses a method for controlling digital film play-count and a system thereof, wherein a play-count parameter is added into a KDM file where a key delivery message used for controlling film play is embedded, detecting the play-count parameter for a playing film, setting RSA key abstracts of an FDM packager of all authorized contracting film producers, safely importing the KDM and play-count into a security module, detecting the play-count parameter for a playing film. The film is not permitted to play unless existing play-count is less than the authorized play-count in the FDM. The invention fulfills the requirements and demands for controlling the distribution and playback of digital films in the second-tier market using technologies such as the authorized play-count and a method to charge on the basis of play-count.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering targeted content to a subscriber coupled to a service provider network. Network application data generated by the subscriber is received and processed by a network application element deployed in the service provider network associated with a network identifier of the subscriber's computing device. The network application data is generated from user interaction with a server coupled to the service provider network or through a public communication network. The network application data is converted to web events associated with the network identifier. The web events are filtered to remove irrelevant data from received web events. A subscriber profile can then be generated base upon the filtered web events associated with the subscriber. Targeted content can then be delivered to the subscriber based upon the subscriber's profile.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for estimating demographic compositions of television audiences. In an aspect, audience demographics are estimated from viewing device log records and household demographic data describing demographic segments to which members of the households belong.