Abstract: Mechanisms for restricting playback functionality of a media device in response to detecting unauthorized content are provided, the mechanisms being configured to: determine whether a piece of media content on a media device is unauthorized content known to be obtained through an authorized channel; and in response to determining that the piece of media content is unauthorized content: cause the media device to present a warning to a user to remove the unauthorized content; and change a setting on the media device by sending instructions to a hardware processor of the media device so that decryption of an authenticity token is inhibited for all media content on the media device, wherein the media content on the media device includes a plurality of pieces of media content.

Abstract: Mechanisms for restricting playback functionality of a media device in response to detecting unauthorized content are provided, the mechanisms being configured to: determine whether a piece of media content on a media device is unauthorized content known to be obtained through an authorized channel; and in response to determining that the piece of media content is unauthorized content: cause the media device to present a warning to a user to remove the unauthorized content; and change a setting on the media device by sending instructions to a hardware processor of the media device so that decryption of an authenticity token is inhibited for all media content on the media device, wherein the media content on the media device includes a plurality of pieces of media content.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for indicating digital media content quality to a user are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, methods of indicating digital media content quality to a user are provided, the methods comprising: receiving a request for authenticated media content; receiving a device identification associated with a media device; comparing the device identification to a registered device identification using a hardware processor; and upon determining that the device identification matches the registered device identification, causing an authenticity token associated with the authenticated media content to be transmitted to the media device.

Abstract: Systems for coordinating the presentation of media with an event are provided, the systems comprising: at least one processor that: receives media characteristic data associated with an event and target media; identifies presentation media as being target media based on the media characteristic data; determines a timing of a presentation of the presentation media; and presents the presentation media with the event according to the timing. Similar methods, and computer readable media containing instructions that perform such methods, are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for coordinating the presentation of media with an event are provided, the systems comprising: at least one processor that: receives media characteristic data associated with an event and target media; identifies presentation media as being target media based on the media characteristic data; determines a timing of a presentation of the presentation media; and presents the presentation media with the event according to the timing. Similar methods, and computer readable media containing instructions that perform such methods, are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for coordinating the presentation of media with an event are provided, the systems comprising: at least one processor that: receives media characteristic data associated with an event and target media; identifies presentation media as being target media based on the media characteristic data; determines a timing of a presentation of the presentation media; and presents the presentation media with the event according to the timing. Similar methods, and computer readable media containing instructions that perform such methods, are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure details the implementation of an apparatus, method, and system for an integrated data security layer (IDSL). In one aspect, the IDSL enables entities wishing to control users' data access, whether they are content owners, corporate system administrators, or concerned parents wishing to prevent ill-gotten data to work across their systems, to manage the access of content. The IDSL provides the ability to curb such unwanted access of data. The IDSL has the ability to obtain content information, policy rules regarding the content, and unique identifiers for the content from content providers and/or their proxies. Further, the IDSL has the ability to provide such information to IDSL clients. Such clients employ the obtained information to analyze and control access to the content.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for providing secure content information are provided. In some embodiments, systems for providing secure content information are provided, the systems comprising: a processor that creates a payload, creates a validation value, securely stores the validation value in association with a content distribution, and stores the payload in association with the content distribution. In some embodiments, systems for providing secure content information are provided, the systems comprising: a processor that receives a payload associated with a content distribution, creates a first validation value for the payload, recovers a second validation value associated with the content distribution, compares the first validation value and the second validation value, and determines if the payload has been tampered with.

Abstract: The present invention customizes a network connection to customer premises equipment using a calibration signal. A network signal processor emits a tag signal indicating that a signal processing platform is in use. Customer premises equipment (CPE) issues a calibration signal to the network signal processor based on detection of the tag signal. The customer premises equipment outputs the calibration signal to the network signal processor which measures the signal loss, adjusts the gain mapping and issues a calibration signal to the customer premises equipment. The customer premises equipment then estimates spectral shaping based on the calibration signal from the network signal processor and equalizes the receive path so that the signal processing platform is detected and implemented. Embodiments of the present invention are illustrative of a more general concept of the use of CPE as an agent in telephone network maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention customizes a network connection to customer premises equipment using a calibration signal. A network signal processor emits a tag signal indicating that a signal processing platform is in use. Customer premises equipment (CPE) issues a calibration signal to the network signal processor based on detection of the tag signal. The customer premises equipment outputs the calibration signal to the network signal processor which measures the signal loss, adjusts the gain mapping and issues a calibration signal to the customer premises equipment. The customer premises equipment then estimates spectral shaping based on the calibration signal from the network signal processor and equalizes the receive path so that the signal processing platform is detected and implemented. Embodiments of the present invention are illustrative of a more general concept of the use of CPE as an agent in telephone network maintenance.

Abstract: A cordless telephone provides for increased features available at a portable unit that have heretofore been available only at a base unit which combines a cordless telephone fixed station and telephone answering device. The cordless telephone includes a call screening feature which allows a user at the portable unit to monitor incoming messages received over telephone lines as they are being recorded at the telephone answering device without the user having to configure the portable unit in any way during actual receipt of the message. A built-in loudspeaker is incorporated into the portable unit so that the user may easily listen to the incoming messages. Once receipt of the incoming message is completed, amplifier circuitry driving the loudspeaker is turned off. The cordless telephone also includes a caller-ID feature which informs the user at the portable unit of the identity of a preidentified calling party before the call is answered.

Abstract: The present invention customizes a network connection to customer premises equipment using a calibration signal. A network signal processor emits a tag signal indicating that a signal processing platform is in use. Customer premises equipment (CPE) issues a calibration signal to the network signal processor based on detection of the tag signal. The customer premises equipment outputs the calibration signal to the network signal processor which measures the signal loss, adjusts the gain mapping and issues a calibration signal to the customer premises equipment. The customer premises equipment then estimates spectral shaping based on the calibration signal from the network signal processor and equalizes the receive path so that the signal processing platform is detected and implemented. Embodiments of the present invention are illustrative of a more general concept of the use of CPE as an agent in telephone network maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a video system such as a video game system through recognition of a visual pattern, or key. For example, the presence and identity of the key may enable and select certain features of the video system. The key may suitably consist of a locator mark and a selector mark, the presence of the locator mark identifying the presence of a key, and the selector mark identifying the particular key present. A key recognition system detects the presence of the locator mark and identifies the selector mark. The locator mark is preferably of a distinctive color, readily distinguishable from background objects. The selector mark may be chosen from a limited set of colors, and the color of the selector mark may then be identified to identify the key being used. In another aspect, the locator mark is located in a particular position within the selector mark and is then used by the key detector to scale a rectangle about the selector mark.

Abstract: A system for creating still image or video collections for guests of amusement parks and the like a) identifies individuals by a unique tag assigned to the individual, b) automatically records the images of the individuals while they are at various attractions, c) collects the images over a communications network, d) arranges the images in a collection, and e) presents a personal set of collected images to the guest. In one embodiment of the invention, cameras are located throughout an amusement park. Each guest is associated with a unique identifier. This identifier may be contained within a readable tag, e.g., a card, badge or pendant. Tag readers identify guest when they are at a particular location and provide identification and location information to a control system. A communications network is used to interconnect the cameras, tag readers, control system and image recording devices. The control system controls the recording and storage of the appropriate image(s) associated with that guest.

Abstract: A telephone set automatically transmits a paging message to notify a user that a call from a selected caller has been received. In one embodiment, the telephone set transmits the paging message to a service bureau which formats and relays the paging message to the user's messaging device.

Abstract: The present invention is a smart tray for an in-home audio player adapted to play pre-recorded music stored on a semiconductor music chip storage medium. Music chips are loaded into the smart tray which holds a predetermined number of chips and is inserted as part of the audio player. Each tray will have a low cost, low power microprocessor on board to handle routing and accessing of the music from an individual chip on the tray. For instance, the tray level microprocessor will be able to cue up a next song selection while a digital signal processor (DSP) within a base portion of the audio player finishes decoding the current selection. The smart tray minimizes music selection search times and allows the DSP to focus on processing the encoded music from the chips thereby minimizing housekeeping activities performed by the DSP and increasing efficiency. The smart tray allows for active music selections by the user so that the user can select a particular artist, song, music style, etc.

Abstract: A system for creating still image or video collections for guests of amusement parks and the like a) identifies individuals by a unique tag assigned to the individual, b) automatically records the images of the individuals while they are at various attractions, c) collects the images over a communications network, d) arranges the images in a collection, and e) presents a personal set of collected images to the guest. For example, cameras may be located throughout an amusement park. Each guest is associated with a unique identifier. This identifier may be contained within a readable tag, e.g., a card, badge or pendant. Tag readers identify guest when they are at a particular location and provide identification and location information to a control system. A communications network is used to interconnect the cameras, tag readers, control system and image recording devices. The control system controls the recording and storage of the appropriate image(s) associated with that guest.

Abstract: An interactive communication system includes a portable unit of a cordless telephone for providing wireless telephone communications and integrating telephone functions and control of remotely operated devices, such as television sets, video cassette recorders and cable converters. The portable unit advantageously provides controlling information to a remotely operated device in response to voice and data communications occurring over the telephone network.