Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products that automatically categorize and/or assign ratings to content (video and audio content) uploaded by individuals who want to broadcast the content to others via a communications network, such as an IPTV network, are provided. When an individual uploads content to a network, a network service automatically extracts an audio stream from the uploaded content. Words in the extracted audio stream are identified. For each identified word, a preexisting library of selected words is queried to determine if a match exists between words in the library and words in the extracted audio stream. The selected words in the library are associated with a particular content category or content rating. If a match exists between an identified word and a word in the library, the uploaded content is assigned a content category and/or rating associated with the matched word.

Abstract: This disclosure relates system(s) and method(s) for overlaying functionalities, text, annotations, and/or features on video advertisements and content videos.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented to facilitate caching of programming from broadcast and/or content streaming services to a user device for local playback. In addition, metadata can be provided to guide the user in selecting, caching, or playing the cachable content. In some exemplary embodiments, a receiver or other user device can automatically select the programming to be cached based on a user's historical topic interest and listening history. In some exemplary embodiments, the metadata can also include DRM information that can limit the ability of a user to playback the content, so as to comply, if necessary, with operative legal requirements related to usage of the content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a Tap-Weight Computer (TWC) calculates a Tap-Weight Vector (TWV). The TWV is coupled to a register in each of a plurality of adaptive filter modules. Each such adaptive filter module includes several adaptive filters that each include a tapped delay line. The input to the tapped delay line of each such adaptive filter is one of a plurality of potential interfering signals. The TWV controls the weighting of the outputs from the taps off the delay line. The weighted outputs from each tapped delay line are then subtracted from a received signal which potentially includes interference from the potential interfering signals. The TWC is multiplexed to each of the plurality of adaptive filters so that each adaptive filter is loaded with a TWV calculated by the TWC to reduce the amount of interference contributed by a particular potential interfering signal coupled to an input to that particular adaptive filter.

Abstract: A receiver includes a plurality of input paths for receiving and processing a plurality of input RF signals. The input paths isolate one or more portions of corresponding ones of the received input RF signals, and combine the isolated portions of the corresponding ones of the received input RF signals onto one or more output signals. A bandwidth of the isolated portions of the corresponding ones of the received input RF signals and a bandwidth of the output signals are variable. The isolated portions of the corresponding ones of the received plurality of input RF signals are extracted and utilized to generate the output signals. The portions of the corresponding ones of the received plurality of input RF signals may be mapped into one or more channel slots in the time domain. The channel slots may be assigned in the frequency domain to one or more frequency bins.

Abstract: A method for transmitting and receiving data using a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) performed by a source device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include connecting to a sink device through the HDMI; receiving Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) information from the sink device; parsing the received EDID information, and determining an operating parameter; and transmitting a message instructing to execute a video mute function to the sink device.

Abstract: A method for transmitting and receiving data of a source device using HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) is disclosed. A method for transmitting and receiving data of a source device using HDMI according to the present invention comprises requesting for reading out EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) to a sink device when the sink device is connected; receiving from the sink device EDID including power delivery support information of the sink device; transmitting required power characteristic information of the source device; and receiving power according to the required power characteristic information.

Abstract: A set-top box with enhanced content and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wireless transceiver is located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a television input, television output, a processor, and memory. The set-top box may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. The set-top box receives trajectory data from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, which represents motion-based commands provided by a user. The set-top box evaluates the trajectory data and sends a command signal to the television.

Abstract: A source device and a method of transmitting content are provided. The source device includes a controller configured to check a version of a content protection method supported by a sink device from the repeater, to encrypt the content based on a version of the content protection method applied to the content, and to set a value of type information of the content protection method based on the version of the content protection method applied to the content and the version of the content protection method supported by the sink device, and a communicator including communication circuitry configured to transmit the encrypted content and the type information of the content protection method to the repeater, wherein the type information of the content protection method for determining whether the content received from the source device is output to the sink device from the repeater, based on the version of the content protection method supported by the sink device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system and computer-readable medium are disclosed for, in one aspect, determining when a trigger, such as an application trigger, should be generated. In some embodiments, the application trigger may be generated when a frame included in a feed (e.g., a content feed) matches a specified or indicated frame. In some embodiments, a comparison between the feed and the specified or indicated frame may be based on one or more tolerances or thresholds. In some embodiments, the feed may be split and content (e.g., video) obtained via the split may be combined (e.g., multiplexed) with a trigger. The combined content and trigger may be transmitted to one or more devices, such as one or more user devices.

Abstract: Providing enhanced video content includes processing at least one video feed through at least one spatiotemporal pattern recognition algorithm that uses machine learning to develop an understanding of a plurality of events and to determine at least one event type for each of the plurality of events. The event type includes an entry in a relationship library detailing a relationship between two visible features. Extracting and indexing a plurality of video cuts from the video feed is performed based on the at least one event type determined by the understanding that corresponds to an event in the plurality of events detectable in the video cuts. Lastly, automatically and under computer control, an enhanced video content data structure is generated using the extracted plurality of video cuts based on the indexing of the extracted plurality of video cuts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying related videos based on elements tagged in the videos are presented. In an aspect, a system includes an identification component configured to identify tagged elements in a video, a matching component configured to identify other videos that include one or more of the tagged elements, and a recommendation component configured to recommend the other videos for viewing based on a current or past request to play the video.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television system having a controller to create a template defining a format of presentation of an webpage or HTML page using an iTV or IPTV application system, receive a request for the page from a subscriber of the iTV or IPTV system. The system can access application system subscriber data for the subscriber and a presentation of the page is dynamically adapted according to the application system subscriber data. In one alternative at, the page can be dynamically adapted by changing in content or by changing a look and feel of an HTML page or webpage. In another alternative, the webpage or HTML page can be dynamically adapted by modifying graphic user interface elements based on the application system subscriber data. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a media sharing system that provides shared experiencing of licensed media content such as movies. The system includes a web server that communicates with multiple client devices over the internet whereby a user's multiple social contacts can participate in a synchronized stream of licensed media content such as movies. The system is able to schedule the multi-user experiencing of the licensed media content and further synchronize the streaming of the licensed content so the participating users receiving the media streams in a substantially synchronized manner. The system still further provides for social content interaction amongst the multiple recipients so that the multiple users can interact in a time-contextual manner consistent with the substantially synchronized receipt of the licensed media content.

Abstract: A video-on-demand (VOD) content delivery system has a VOD Application Server which manages a database of templates for presentation of video content elements of different selected types categorized in hierarchical order. A web-based Content Management System receives content uploaded online in file formats with metadata for title and topical area, and automatically converts it into video data format compatible with the VOD content delivery system indexed by title and topical area. A User Interface for the system delivers listings data to the viewer's TV indexed by title and topical area specified by the uploaded metadata.

Abstract: Systems and processes that incorporate teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, identifying an action initiated by equipment of a first user of a number of users, during a presentation of a media program, and generating, responsive to the identifying of the action, an overlay comprising a symbol indicative of the action and situated in relation to the presentation of the media program. The overlay is presented, together with the media program, at a display of a second user of the plurality of users, wherein the symbol is selectable by the equipment of the second user. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for decoding a service guide which includes additional syntax elements for said service guide is provided. These new elements enable the system to provide users with further information regarding the languages of audio components and caption components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for transceiving a broadcast signal for viewing environment adjustment. A method for transmitting a broadcast signal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: encoding video data and signaling information including metadata regarding the production environment of the video data; generating a broadcast signal comprising the encoded video data and signaling information; and transmitting the generated broadcast signal.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a media stream at a media device and converting, at the media device, the media stream into data packets. The method includes initiating, with the media device, end-to-end connections between the media device and a receiving device via a plurality of cellular network and determining, at the media device, a quality of service factor for each cellular network of the plurality of cellular networks. The method includes selecting, at the media device, a single cellular network of the plurality of cellular networks based on the quality of service factor for each cellular network of the plurality of cellular networks. The method also includes transmitting the data packets from the media device via the single cellular network to the receiving device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for alerting a user that the user will be unable to view a broadcast program based on an estimated time of arrival of the user to a media consumption device, and responsively providing the user with an option to record the broadcast program. These systems and methods are performed at least by identifying a plurality of broadcast programs that are indicated on a profile of a user, receiving an estimated time of arrival of the user to a location of a media consumption device, responsively determining whether the user will be unable to view a broadcast program of the plurality of broadcast programs, responsively providing the user with an option to record the broadcast program, and responsively causing the broadcast program to be recorded.

Abstract: A method of controlling a device that provides content is provided. The method includes receiving a control signal for controlling at least one item of content provided by the device; in response to receiving the control signal, capturing, at preset intervals, a screen of the device on which content is displayed; in response to the captured screen corresponding to a template screen, extracting content information from a preset area of the captured screen; and identifying the content displayed on the screen of the device, based on the extracted content information.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for creating an end media file and/or selectively displaying advertisements during playback of media. Beneficially, such a system, method, and computer program product would create unique interactive marketing capabilities for a media provider and enhance the media content viewing experience for a viewer. The viewer selects from an eclectic assortment of at least one advertisement content before or while viewing playback of a selected media content. The media provider can view and analyze at least one viewership data that is related to the viewer and the media content for marketing purposes.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that provide dynamic creative optimization for video advertisements. In certain embodiments, a content creation system receives a request for a video advertisement from a remote computing system. The request represents attributes of a specific recipient. To generate the video advertisement, the content creation system accesses a collection of assets, such as templates and video elements, from which video content can be generated. The content creation system selects a subset of assets from the collection and combines some or all of the selected subset of assets into a composite content file. The content creation system generates (or causes another system to generate) the requested electronic video advertisement or other video content from the composite content file. The content creation system provides the generated video advertisement or other video content in response to the request that was received from the remote computing system.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering targeted advertisements into a QAM or IP stream that provides accurate synchronization. The method includes synchronizing the internal content of a IP stream delivering video with an advertisement (ad) stream by providing content information in the IP stream and the network stream, the content information including positional information and/or referential information, wherein the positional information is inserted at key locations identified with a PTS value, and wherein the referential information refers to a position in the IP stream or the ad stream, the referential information including either a PTS value or a frame count.

Abstract: A system for a machine component includes at least one local transmitter/receiver. At least one device is associated with a component and configured to communicate with the at least one local transmitter/receiver through wireless signals. Shielding surrounds both the local transmitter and the device for containing the wireless signals proximate to the component. A remote processing unit is disposed outside of the shielding in communication with the local transmitter/receiver. A control system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system of a machine is provided. The system having: a network of a plurality of sensing/control/identification devices distributed throughout the machine, at least one of the plurality of sensing/control/identification devices associated with at least one sub-system component of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals; shielding surrounding at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the at least one sub-system component; and a remote processing unit operable to communicate with the network of the sensing/control/identification devices through the electromagnetic signals, wherein the at least one of the plurality of sensing/control/identification devices has internal memory independent of the remote processing unit, the internal memory having historical data corresponding to the least one sub-system component.

Abstract: An ultra-low pressure monitoring system can include an embedded server comprising a base radio and memory. In some embodiments, the embedded server is communicatively coupled to a third-party database. The system can include a first monitoring device comprising a first ultra-low pressure sensor and a first radio communicatively coupled to the base radio. The embedded server can be remotely located with respect to the first monitoring device whereby the embedded server receives first pressure data from the first monitoring device.

Abstract: An infrastructure and methods for the analysis of flow in pipe systems. In a preferred form, the infrastructure and methods account for energy status of a sensor device and wear cost functions. The infrastructure comprises a controller and a plurality of sensor devices coupled to the pipe system to collect measurements related to one or more of the following: vibration, magnetic field, fluid pressure, temperature, humidity, chemical composition of the fluid, fluid flow or fluid throughput. The controller has access to a database containing one or both of—(i) current energy status of a sensor device and/or (ii) a cost allocation relating to use of a sensor device and assigns workloads using energy status and/or cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring concrete maturity and other parameters of in-place concrete are disclosed. The systems and methods involve the use of cellular and/or Bluetooth communications. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve the use of a cellular match-cure box.

Abstract: A method for uploading data of a cell panel monitoring system and a cell panel monitoring system are provided. The method includes: collecting parameter information of each string of photovoltaic cells in each of a plurality of cell panels of a photovoltaic system; modulating the parameter information into a pulse carrier signal; and loading the pulse carrier signal to a busbar of the photovoltaic system, where the busbar is connected in series with each of the cell panels; where parameter information of the cell panels is obtained by a server of the photovoltaic system through demodulation on receiving the pulse carrier signal, data uploaded in a preset time difference AT is determined as valid data, remaining data is discarded, and the server is connected in series in the busbar. A cell panel monitoring system is further provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for bias control in an optical switch fabric include monitoring optical power at outputs of a plurality of switch elements in an N×N switch fabric that has N inputs, N outputs, and M?2 stages. A bias control of a first of the plurality of switch elements is adjusted. It is determined whether the optical power at the outputs of the first switch element after bias control adjustment conform more closely to a predetermined criterion relative to the monitored optical power at the outputs of the first switch element prior to adjustment. The adjusting and determining steps are repeated for each of the remainder of the plurality of switch elements.

Abstract: Speaker protection systems can be configured to protect audio speakers from falls. In some embodiments, systems include a bottom cap coupled to a bottom portion of the speaker device. Systems can also include a top cap coupled to a top portion of the speaker device. The top cap can cover part of a top surface of the speaker device such that the top cap is configured to resist downward dislodgement of the top cylindrical cap. The top cap can be rotatably coupled to the bottom cap. Embodiments can enable variable shock absorption with resistance to deformation that increases as the magnitude of the deformation increases. This approach can maximize odds of speakers “surviving” falls from substantial heights.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein the apparatus comprises: a covering portion configured to cover at least part of an electronic device; and an audio transducer; and a flexible portion comprising at least one conductive trace wherein the flexible portion is configured to connect the audio transducer to the covering portion and the at least one conductive trace is configured to electrically connect the audio transducer to circuitry within the electronic device.

Abstract: A headphone includes a pair of right and left headphone units, a resilient band formed substantially into a U shape to be mounted on a human head, and a pair of arm members. The device has a padded Lycra like band with Bluetooth infused speakers that are placed around the crown of the head and over the ears. The headphone device will stay in place at all times and eliminates possible slippage.

Abstract: A cable assembly for electronic devices such as cellular telephones and music devices is disclosed. The cable assembly can comprise either one or two earpieces, each of which is configured to be received into the concha of a user's ear. The earpiece(s) can be configured so as to be held in place by at least one anatomical structure of the concha. A speaker can be in acoustic communication with each earpiece. A cable can be configured to communicate a signal representative of sound from the electronic device to each earpiece. A microphone can be permanently attached or removably attachable to the cable to facilitate use with a cellular telephone. The cable assembly can facilitate hands free operation of a cellular telephone and can facilitate listening to a music device. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A headphone system including a first earpiece, a second earpiece, and a coupler. The headphone system receives a wireless signal having audio content from an external audio source and reproduces at least a portion of the audio content using the first and second earpieces. The first earpiece includes a power source connector to be removably connected to an external power source, a first energy storage device coupled to receive power from the power source connector, and a first power transfer device coupled to receive power from the power source connector. The second earpiece includes a second power transfer device for receiving power from the first power transfer device and a second energy storage device coupled to receive power from the second power transfer device. The coupler is to hold the first and second earpieces together with the first and second power transfer devices in a power transfer configuration.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a resiliently deformable and flexible in-ear sound device having stretchable electronic circuitry. The in-ear sound device may be configured in a variety of ways, including, but in no way limited to a smart earplug, a flexible personal sound amplification product, a personal music player, a “walkie-talkie” and the like.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to techniques (300) and apparatuses (100, 500) for implementing a flexible transducer for soft-tissue audio production. These techniques (300) and apparatuses (100, 500) enable an audio-production device (102) having a flexible transducer (116, 402) conformed to a person's pinna to create audio within the person's external ear canal.

Abstract: An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. In one example, the earpiece can have a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A lobe can be formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. An extension can extend from the earpiece and can be configured to extend into the ear canal. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection. The extension can enhance communication of desired sound, e.g., from a two-way radio, to an eardrum while mitigating communication of undesirable ambient noise to the eardrum. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device has a standard female audio connector that is capable of receiving four-pole male connectors and three-pole male connectors and implements: means (CTRL, VCC, S1) for selectively transmitting a DC power supply signal via a first pin (DP1) of said connector; means (CTRL, ANC) for selectively activating a cancellation mechanism for ambient noise from digital audio signals that are intended to be received, via the first pin, in a manner superimposed on said DC power supply signal; means (CTRL, MIF) for selectively transmitting via a second pin of said connector, in a manner superimposed on said audio signals, a timing clock that is intended for digital microphones (DML, DMR) or other sensors; means (CTRL) for configuring itself vis-à-vis the DC power supply signal, the ambient noise cancellation mechanism and the timing clock, according to a determined type of listening device that is effectively connected via said connector.

Abstract: An improved in-ear monitor that incorporates high frequency balanced armature driver tuning, both low frequency dynamic driver and balanced armature driver tuning, mid range and high range frequency balanced armature driver tuning. It also utilizes a spout that has a series of stanchions or stanchions and resonator box cavities for the simplified connection and disconnection of sound tubes and resonator boxes.

Abstract: A damper and a speaker apparatus includes the damper, which suppresses damage to an oscillatory system from an excessive input signal, enabling an efficiency increase of the speaker apparatus. As a damper has a planar surface, undue deformation of the oscillatory system due to an excessive input signal is suppressed, and damage to the oscillatory system can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the deformation of a corrugation portion by a normal input signal is hardly prevented, a reduction in sound pressure of the speaker apparatus with respect to an input signal is suppressed, enabling an increase in efficiency. Furthermore, the planar surface is extended at a height in a thickness direction different from that of an attachment portion. Thus, rising portions are deformed when a voice coil bobbin is oscillated, enabling suppression of rupture of the damper in the vicinity of a boundary between the planar surface and the attachment portion.

Abstract: An earbud includes a housing that includes a driver assembly positioned within the housing forming a front volume in front of the driver and a back volume behind the driver. An acoustic insert is positioned behind the driver assembly and attached to an interior surface of the housing such that it forms a bass channel that is routed from the back volume to a vent in the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a headphone device including zones to separate different frequency ranges for enhancing and improving sound quality. The headphone device includes more than one cavities and second auxiliary holes. The second auxiliary holes are configured for most bass or low-frequency to enter a second cavity through the second auxiliary holes and to have a better frequency division effect and to improve the audio quality of the headphone device.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer includes a driver, a diaphragm 13 driven to vibrate by the driver and emitting sound, a baffle 22 holding the driver and the diaphragm 13, first openings 25 extending through the baffle 22, an acoustic resistor 23 disposed on the back side of the baffle 22, and second openings 26 extending from the front side to the back side of the acoustic resistor 23. The baffle 22 is provided on the back side of the diaphragm 13. The first openings 25 are provided in the baffle 22. The second openings 26 are each disposed above one of the first openings 25 in the acoustic resistor 23. The electroacoustic transducer exhibits an excellent frequency response even if a sufficient volume of a space is not provided on the back side of the diaphragm 13.

Abstract: A multi-way speaker array is disclosed that includes rings of transducers of different types. The rings of transducers may encircle the cabinet of the speaker array such that the speaker array is rotationally symmetric. The distance between rings of transducers may be based on a logarithmic scale. By separating rings of transducers using logarithmic spacing, denser transducer spacing at short wavelengths is achieved while limiting the number of transducers needed for longer wavelengths by spacing them in larger and larger logarithmic increments. Transducers with overlapping frequency ranges may be used in the speaker array to avoid initial dips or shortfalls in directivity for corresponding beam patterns.

Abstract: A multi-way speaker array is disclosed that includes rings of transducers of different types. The rings of transducers may encircle the cabinet of the speaker array such that the speaker array is rotationally symmetric. The distance between rings of transducers may be based on a logarithmic scale. By separating rings of transducers using logarithmic spacing, denser transducer spacing at short wavelengths is achieved while limiting the number of transducers needed for longer wavelengths by spacing them in larger and larger logarithmic increments. Transducers with overlapping frequency ranges may be used in the speaker array to avoid initial dips or shortfalls in directivity for corresponding beam patterns.

Abstract: A wireless audio system includes microphone devices that are established as part of a wireless communication network. A common radio signal is selected by the microphone devices from radio signals available in the environment. Respective sampling clocks are derived by the microphone devices based on the common radio signal. Audio signals are recorded by the microphone devices based on the respective sampling clocks that were derived. Related sampling microphone methods, devices and systems are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring an electric current generated by an acoustic amplifier in order to actuate an acoustic speaker comprising: a resistor (1) positioned in series between the amplifier and the speaker; a voltage-to-current converter (3), the inputs of which are connected to the terminals of the resistor (1), and which proportionally converts the difference in voltage across the terminals of the shunt to a signal current; a first current mirror (7), the input of which is connected to the output of the voltage-to-current converter (3) and the output of which is connected to a current-to-voltage converter (5); a constant bias current generator (9) connected to an input of the voltage-to-current converter (3) and the output of which is connected to the current-to-voltage converter (5) via a second current mirror (11), and capable of generating a bias current such that the device operates in linear mode and without saturation regardless of the electric current generated by th

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for filtering an audio signal are disclosed. The apparatus includes an analysis filter bank, a high frequency reconstructor or a parametric stereo processor, and a synthesis filter bank. The analysis filterbank receives real-valued time domain input audio samples and generates complex valued subband samples. The high frequency reconstructor or parametric stereo processor modifies at least some of the complex valued subband samples. The synthesis filter bank receives the modified complex valued subband samples and generates time domain output audio samples. The analysis filter bank comprises analysis filters that are complex exponential modulated versions of a prototype filter.