Abstract: Generation of browsing hierarchies. A hierarchical tree structure is generated. The hierarchical tree structure has nodes that correspond to at least one query. Content stored in the content source is browsed by sequentially executing queries corresponding to nodes of the hierarchical tree structure, in accordance with a hierarchy of the hierarchical tree structure.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing a user interface for content browsing and selection in a content system. Embodiments include: gathering available content information related to particular items of content from at least one source of a plurality of content sources; processing the content information to provide a digital representation of a content item in an animated content grid; receiving a selection of the content item, the selection being in response to a user action performed on the digital representation corresponding to the content item; and displaying an expanded dimension of information associated with the selected content item in response to receiving the selection of the content item, the expanded dimension of information including at least one user-selectable display object to obtain an additional level of detailed information related to the selected content item.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing a user interface for content browsing and selection in a content system. Embodiments include: gathering available content information related to particular items of content from at least one source of a plurality of content sources; processing the content information to provide a digital representation of a content item; receiving a selection of the content item, the selection being in response to a user action performed on the digital representation corresponding to the content item; and displaying an expanded dimension of information associated with the selected content item in response to receiving the selection of the content item, the expanded dimension of information including at least one user-selectable command option to obtain an additional level of detailed information related to the selected content item.

Abstract: Information corresponding to a user may be received from a third-party data source. A program may be identified using the information received from the third-party data source. Then, it may be determined whether the identified program is scheduled to be broadcast by a first media content source within a pre-determined time period. If the identified program is scheduled to be broadcast by the first media content source within the pre-determined time period, an opportunity may be provided to perform an action on the program.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allowing a user to obtain media content listings associated with a particular geographical location. The media content listings may be selected automatically according to, for example, media consumption data that tracks media content accessed by other users. The media content listings may be those that are associated with the most popular media content accessed in the geographic location by users who are not from that geographic location (e.g., they may be visiting from the same geographic location in which the current user is currently located or resides).

Abstract: A program may be selected from a list of programs that is presented to the user. It may be determined whether the selected program is scheduled to be broadcast by a first media content source within a certain pre-determined time period. If the selected program is scheduled to be broadcast by the first media content source within the pre-determined time period, then the user may be provided with an opportunity to perform a certain action on the program. On the other hand, if the selected program is not scheduled to be broadcast within the pre-determined time period, the user may be provided with an opportunity to access the program from a third-party media content source.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for recognizing when a user of an interactive application is frustrated and for responding to the user's frustration by changing an interaction mode. In response to detecting a frustration pattern in a user signal, an interaction mode of the application may be adjusted. Adjusting an interaction mode may include adjusting the presentation of any one or more interactive application elements (for example, available options, valid user commands, display characteristics and items presented to the user).

Abstract: An interactive television program guide method and system is provided in which a viewer may direct a media guidance application to display program listings independent of scheduled broadcast time. Selectable options are presented to viewer on the screen, allowing the user to select a subset of content providers and view associated listings. The media guidance application removes duplicate listings from the listings display, in accordance with the viewer's preference. Listings may be displayed in a variety of arrangements, including alphabetical order by title, by genre, or by day scheduled for broadcast. Listings can also be sorted according to several criteria and displayed for further convenience to the viewer. The viewer may specify a broadcast time interval to further narrow the subset of listings that are displayed. Additional options displayed on the screen allow the viewer to re-sort listings on the display screen.

Abstract: Information corresponding to a user may be received from a first widget operating on the user equipment. The received information may be made accessible to a second widget operating on that user equipment. The received information may then be used to customize a manner in which the second widget provides content to the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method providing a user interface for content browsing and selection in a content system.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for recognizing when a user of an interactive application is frustrated and for responding to the user's frustration by changing an interaction mode. Signals arising from motion sensors included in user equipment are monitored for patterns indicative of user frustration. In response to detecting a frustration pattern in a motion sensor signal, an interactive application display is changed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allowing a user to obtain a listing of points of interest and associated media content listings based on the user's current geographic location. The user's current geographic location may be determined using, for example, a GPS transceiver incorporated in the user's user access device. Information may then be communicated from a remote server to the user access device that identifies points of interest associated with the geographic location as well as media content listings associated with the points of interest.

Abstract: A substantially real-time status of an athletic competition may be accessed while it is being broadcast to a user on user equipment. An upcoming event of a pre-determined type in the athletic competition may be detected based on the accessed real-time status. A wagering opportunity may be generated based on the type of the event, where the wagering opportunity may related to an outcome of the upcoming event. The wagering opportunity may be presented to the user via the user equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a search based on a snapshot image captured from media content presented to a user. The snapshot image contains features of the media content that the user wishes to target for the search. A search system recognizes features of the snapshot image and creates a search query based on the snapshot image. The search query is used to identify features of the snapshot image, and search results related to the identified features are presented to the user. Supplemental data or user input received with the snapshot image may be used in analyzing and identifying features of the snapshot image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing parental control features are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Log entries associated with a set of media assets are retrieved from a log data store. Each log entry defines an attempt to access a media asset and includes information identifying the media asset. The log entries may be presented on a display screen and a user selection of a log entry may be received. In response to the user selection, parental control settings assigned to the media asset associated with the selected log entry may be determined. A user may be allowed to modify the parental control settings assigned to the media asset associated with the selected log entry, and the modified parental control settings may be stored in a parental control data store.

Abstract: Systems and methods for streaming media content on a user device from a wireless network of set-top cells. Set-top cells with overlapping wireless transmission ranges create a network within which a user may roam and receive continuous streaming media content. A user device may connect with a set-top cell in the network to access media content. When the user leaves the wireless transmission range of the set-top cell, a seamless handoff occurs to a second set-top cell, and the user receives continuous streaming media content. The streaming media content is uninterrupted as long as the user remains within wireless transmission range of at least one set-top cell in the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for streaming media content on a user device from a wireless network of set-top cells. Set-top cells with overlapping wireless transmission ranges create a network within which a user may roam and receive continuous streaming media content. Each user device and set-top cell in the network is associated with a media account for a user. A user device may be associated with a media account for a user and may be authorized to access media content from the network of set-top cells. The user may use the user device to access media content from a set-top cell in the network associated with a media account for a different user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for locally managing incoming telephony communication events on a user equipment display. In one embodiment, a user equipment device may include an input/output interface, a notification module, and a display device. The input/output interface may be configured to receive an indication of a communication event directed to a user telephony device over a short-range wireless connection. The notification module may be configured to generate a notification message in response to receiving the indication of a communication event. The indication of the communication event may include sender information, which may be included in the notification message. The display device may be configured to display the notification message so that it overlays a currently displayed video program.

Abstract: A processor retrieves, from a database, an identifier of a first media item rated by a target user, user identifiers of users having provided media item ratings for the first media item, and the media item ratings provided by the users, correspondingly. Each of the media item ratings is randomized, resulting in randomized media item ratings. A user identifier corresponding to a maximum of the randomized media item ratings is selected from the user identifiers. Additional media item ratings associated with the selected user identifier are retrieved from the database. Each of the additional media item ratings are randomized, resulting in additional randomized media item ratings. An identifier of a recommended media item corresponding to a maximum of the randomized media item ratings and the additional randomized media item ratings is selected. Metadata associated with the recommended media item is transmitted to a user device over a network.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system and method is provided. Time separators are displayed within lists of program listings to allow users to more easily view the program listings. On-screen arrows have their display characteristics changed according to user actions. Similar program listings are displayed only once when using search program listings. Users are provided with an opportunity to view channel information before setting channels as favorites. Information from local information services is provided in program guide display screens that are configurable by a main facility. Users are provided with an opportunity to centrally lock and unlock programs, and to bypass locks when desired.