Abstract: A system and method for estimating a set of landmarks for a large image ensemble employs only a small number of manually labeled images from the ensemble and avoids labor-intensive and error-prone object detection, tracking and alignment learning task limitations associated with manual image labeling techniques. A semi-supervised least squares congealing approach is employed to minimize an objective function defined on both labeled and unlabeled images. A shape model is learned on-line to constrain the landmark configuration. A partitioning strategy allows coarse-to-fine landmark estimation.

Abstract: A media content sharing system includes multiple broadcast operation centers that together are configured to automatically acquire and distribute media content among one another based upon the media content needs and inventories of each participating broadcast operation center. The media sharing system architecture eliminates any single-point of system failure such that an inventory of media content corresponding to a particular broadcast operation center remains available to broadcast operation centers remaining on the media content sharing system subsequent to failure of the particular broadcast operation center.

Abstract: A method and system are provided which allow for the standardization of object-oriented metadata for units of supplemental data and the improved association of video assets with objects. By defining such a standard, metadata can be added that addresses the lack of creative control and flexibility for authors of supplemental content and interactive elements. The system provided generates objects and a separate object track which is associated with specific assets in the audio/video tracks of produced content. According to one embodiment, the system provided may be implemented to include a central object database. Each object record may include an object's unique identification, a description of the object, and additional production details. Objects may be defined in local and central databases prior to and even during production. By defining a standard for supplemental and interactive data as objects, common objects may be referenced more efficiently, and the objects themselves may be represented (e.g.

Abstract: An interactive system and method allow for broadcast of basic content data along with data that define graphical inserts that can be played with or super-imposed on screens of the decoded broadcast. Coordinated pages or screens may be transmitted to audience secondary devices, such as smart phones, tablet computers, and so forth. Audience members may participate in an interactive experience by selecting options provided on the secondary devices. Audience responses are received, aggregated, and rules applied in accordance with the desired experience. The graphical indicia are altered during the broadcast, and optionally during or just following a period for audience feedback.

Abstract: A lighting system comprises a flexible support, such as a pair of fabric or web-like strips, and a plurality of tubular light sources supported by the flexible support. The flexible support may be hung from a support structure, and the tubular light sources will hang generally parallel to one another. Each tubular light source may include a plurality of LED chips, and power supply or conversion circuitry may also be disposed in the tubular light sources. Power cabling extends to the light sources, and may be adapted to provide pass-through power to other, similar assemblies to form a modular system. The assemblies may be easily deployed and repacked for storage and movement. The system is suitable for large area lighting, particularly with panels used for theater, television, and film sets, or with displays, trade show installations, and so forth.

Abstract: The broadcast of content over a unidirectional broadcast channel is adjusted by analysis of data received from receivers of the content via a bidirectional data exchange channel. The broadcast may be altered in signal, signal strength, signal direction, encoding, and so forth. The receivers may communicate the data over any suitable network, such as the Internet. The data may include past, current and planned selections of content, as well as geographic and demographic information, when available.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a source of a copied work that in one embodiment includes obtaining at least some portions of a reference work, collecting at least some portions of the suspect work, matching the suspect work with the reference work, wherein the matching includes temporally aligning one or more frames of the reference work and the suspect work, spatially aligning frames of the reference work and the suspect work, and detecting forensic marks in the suspect work by spatiotemporal matching with the reference work.

Abstract: An event trigger data string is formulated and added to digital content for distribution to an audience via broadcast, satellite, cable or any other technology. The event trigger data string includes identification of an event source, identification of an operation to be performed, and a payload. A controller reads the data string and outputs a command to an appropriate event source for alteration of a digital content stream based upon the identified operation. The payload may, for example, identify an advertisement or notice to be spliced into or out of the digital content stream. Such event trigger data strings may be added to many different digital content streams, and a router or switching component may distribute the streams to systems that disseminate them to the audience. The technique enables interaction with different event sources, and allows command of multiple different operations by these event sources.

Abstract: Broadcasts over designated bands of the radiofrequency spectrum allow for flexible use of the spectrum as well as for the receipt of return signals from receivers. To obtain return signals, information indicating one or more return channels and/or one or more return time windows may be sent with the broadcast transmission. The broadcast transmission may be made over UHF bands, with the return signals being made over VHF bands. Spectrum may be utilized more efficiently by transmitting one or more beacon signals that define parameters for the broadcast transmission. Receivers may be adapted to decode the data of the beacon signals and rapidly tune to the broadcast transmission.

Abstract: Primary digital content played on a media device, such as a television, handheld device, smart phone, computer, or other device, is sampled and data is derived from the sample for identification of the primary digital content. Automatic content recognition is performed to determine the primary digital content. The time of the sample may also be determined. Supplementary digital content is then selected and transmitted to the media device, or to another device, based upon the identified primary digital content. The supplementary digital content may be adapted in layout, type, length, or other manners, based upon the platform and/or configuration of the media device or any other device to which the supplementary digital content is transmitted.

Abstract: A system is described that implements symmetrical object profiles across one or more objects, wherein an object profile is influenced by other object profiles with which it interacts. In particular, the system includes a configuration for a first object profile that is associated with a first object, wherein the first object profile comprises a set of attributes having a first set of valuations. The system includes a configuration for a second object profile that is associated with a second object, wherein the second object profile comprises said set of attributes having a second set of valuations. The system includes a profile updater for managing the first object profile and the second object profile, wherein in a transaction involving the first and second objects, corresponding object profiles are updated based on valuations in the first and second set of valuations.

Abstract: Compact event code messages are generated by sources, which may include human users, system components or any other sources. The event code messages include an event type, a source type, and a date. The messages are initially processed based on this information. The messages also include payload data that is not considered during initial processing, rendering initial processing fast and efficient. The messages may then be listed or queued and further processed by specialize event handlers, which may consider the payload data and may draw upon other resources. The system components, including the event handlers may be increased or decreased as needed and dynamically as messages are received and processed. New events, rules for event processing, event handlers and other system components may be added at any time to expend the number and types of events that can be handled, and the particular handling performed on them.

Abstract: A digital file is associated with a security attribute in which identification data for a physical key is stored. The digital file content is encrypted, and may not be decrypted by a receiving computer unless a removable physical key that can be associated with the receiving computer includes identification data which matches the identification data stored in the file's security attribute. The digital content encrypted in the file may be compressed, and a portion of the security attribute may also be encrypted. When a portion of the security attribute is encrypted, the receiving computer may decrypt only the encrypted portion of the security attribute unless the identification data of the security attribute matches the identification data of a physical key physically or wirelessly coupled to the receiving computer. Improved security and reduction of pirating of the digital content are therefore provided.

Abstract: An optical article for playback in a player includes a first file comprising a first control logic; and a second file comprising a second control logic. The first file is configured to direct the player to play a first content data stored on the optical article, when the first control logic is read by the player. The player is directed to read the second file if the player cannot read the first file. The second file is configured to direct the player to play a second content data stored on the article when the second control logic is read by the player. The optical article includes a mark containing an optical state change material disposed on at least a portion of the first file, wherein the mark is in one of a first optical state or a second optical state, and wherein the first control logic can be read only when the mark is in the second optical state.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to a digital file includes: associating digital content with a header, the header including data identifying a permitted access identity corresponding to a physical key removable from a reading computer. The method also includes encrypting the header and the digital content, the header being susceptible to decryption separate from the content by a key interface.

Abstract: The acceleration of peer-to-peer downloads of content files wherein a tracker performs a condition based peer selection that is dynamically adjustable. A further feature relates to the use of enhanced message scheme for communications. One embodiment is a system in a swarm having at least one origin seed capable of at least initially storing the content files with at least one tracker maintaining a list of peers wherein the tracker uses at least one dynamically adjusting peer selection algorithm to generate a condition based peer-list and provides the condition based peer-list to a requesting peer.

Abstract: A method for scheduling broadcast commercials includes receiving a plurality of scheduling criteria, and automatically scheduling a plurality of commercials based on the received criteria.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a set of landmarks for a large image ensemble employs only a small number of manually labeled images from the ensemble and avoids labor-intensive and error-prone object detection, tracking and alignment learning task limitations associated with manual image labeling techniques. A semi-supervised least squares congealing approach is employed to minimize an objective function defined on both labeled and unlabeled images. A shape model is learned on-line to constrain the landmark configuration. A partitioning strategy allows coarse-to-fine landmark estimation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for analyzing 3D digital content to determine whether a watermark is detectable. The watermark may exist in 2D content that is converted to 3D, and in such cases, the survivability of the watermark to the conversion process is evaluated. An anticipated location of the watermark in left and right 3D images may be determined, and the detectability based upon the anticipated location. A report may indicate whether the watermark survived the conversion in one or both images, or neither. The process may be performed for single frames, sequences of single frames, or entire files containing many image frames. Watermark placement may also be proposed for locations in 2D content, 3D content, or both. Watermarks may similarly be placed in the content.

Abstract: A digital file is associated with a header in which identification data for a physical key is stored. The digital file content is encrypted, and may not be decrypted by a receiving computer unless a removable physical key that can be associated with the receiving computer includes identification data which matches the identification data stored in the file header. The digital content encrypted in the file may be compressed, and the header may also be encrypted. When the header is encrypted, the receiving computer may decrypt only the header unless the identification data of the header matches the identification data for a removable physical key. Improved security and reduction of pirating of the digital content are therefore provided.