Abstract: An adaptive environment system comprises a recording device for recording a video which is analyzed by a processor and indexed according to features of the video. The video is segmented into at least visual, audio, and textual components, which can be analyzed by the processor. The processor then creates an index file of the features analyzed and stores the video along with the index file on a storage device. The video can then be search according to the index file and a portion of the video identified by the search returned to a display for viewing. In addition, the adaptive environment system may comprise a processing system connectable to a network wherein the network comprises one or more interconnected sensors.

Abstract: An information retrieval system and method are provided. Content from various sources, such as television, radio and/or Internet, are analyzed for the purpose of determining whether the content matches a predefined user profile, which corresponds to a manually or automatically created personalized information source. The personalized information source is then automatically created to permit access to the information in audio, video and/or textual form. In this manner, the universe of searchable media content can be narrowed to only those programs of interest to the user. Information retrieval can be accomplished through a PDA, radio, computer, MP3 player, television and the like. Thus, the universe of media content sources is narrowed to a personalized set.