Abstract: A sequence of intensity measures is determined corresponding to each of a sequence of video frames. Such can be used for selection of videos according to user preferences and for providing highlights from a video sequence. Low level video characteristics are used which may be related to arousal and valence affects conveyed to a viewer while watching the video recording.

Abstract: A method and system characterizes (220) individual news stories and identifies (230) a common news story among a variety of stories based on this characterization. A composite story is created (240-280) for the common news story, preferably using a structure that is based on a common structure of the different versions of the story. The selection of video segments (110) from the different versions of the story for inclusion in the composite story is based on determined rankings (260, 270) of the video and audio content of the video segments (110).

Abstract: A system and method augments a recorded lecture (110) based on the importance of the material and/or based on a student's needs. The importance of each segment of the lecture material (110) is based at least in part on questions from prior exams (120), and the student's needs are based at least in part on the student's performance (130) on prior exams. The method (410-440) of presenting the augmented material to the student may also be customized based on the student's learning style.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining a sequence of intensity measures corresponding to each of a sequence of video frames, the method being used particularly but not exclusively for selection of videos according to user preferences and for providing highlights from a video sequence.