Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging using a plurality of light sources is provided. An imaging device comprises a housing, a lens within the housing, a plurality of light source sets attached or integrated into the housing, a two-dimensional pixelated detector within the housing in optical communication with the lens, memory and a controller. Each respective light source set comprises a plurality of lights uniformly radially distributed about the lens. A first light source set in the plurality sets emits light substantially limited to a first spectral range. A second light source set in the plurality of sets emits light substantially limited to a second spectral range other than the first range. At least one program non-transiently stored in the memory and executable by the controller sequentially and independently fired each light source set while collecting light using the pixelated detector. An imaging device can be integrated with a mobile device.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed herein for excluding consumed content from a content presentation. Specifically, fingerprints for each unique media asset included in a compilation of media content consumed by a user may be obtained and stored in a user's profile. Fingerprints for each unique media asset included in another compilation of media content may be generated and compared with fingerprints stored in the user's profile to determine which of the unique media assets in the other compilation have been consumed by the user. The second compilation may be presented to the user without the unique media assets that were consumed.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method for controlling the sound of the electronic apparatus are provided. The electronic apparatus includes: a display configured to display content; a speaker configured to output sound; a communicator configured to receive information from an external remote control device; and a controller configured to control the display, the speaker, and the communicator, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to the communicator receiving first control information from the remote control device while the display displays first content and the speaker outputs a first sound corresponding to the first content, control the display to display second content and control the speaker to continuously output the first sound.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, providing a first media program of a group of media programs for presentation at a media device. A first request for content information related to a second media program is received from a mobile device during the presentation of the first media program. A second request for the content information, responsive to the first request, is transmitted to a media system via a communication network. The content information is provided to the mobile device concurrently with the presentation of the first media program. The first media program is buffered at a digital video recorder while providing the content information, and the digital video recorder is directed to record the second media program in response to receiving a selection from the mobile device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining television content that a particular user is currently watching on a television and determining, using one or more sensors, an attention level for the particular user. The attention level indicates an amount of attention paid by the particular user to the television content. The method further includes generating an attention profile for the television content by aggregating the particular user's attention level for the television content with stored information associated with a plurality of other users about the television content. The attention profile indicates a number of users who paid attention to the television content. The method further includes determining digital content available on a social-networking system that is related to the television content and providing a comparison of the number of users who paid attention to the television content with engagement on the social-networking system with the related digital content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a logically organized electronic program guide separated into categories. Each category has a theme. Inside each theme-based category there is a listing of television programming. In this way, the subscriber can locate a desired theme and then determine a desired program from the list in the category.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for generating a description file about a video sequence at a server device for a client device, to retrieve a video segment and containing a region of interest. The method comprising for each video segment, determining a time interval during which the detected region of interest is spatially included in a same frame region in the video sequence; and generating a description file comprising spatial information describing the frame region and temporal information describing a duration at least equal to the determined time interval.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reproducing multimedia content are provided. Content selected through user input unit is reproduced, and if it is requested that part of the reproduced content be registered as content of interest, metadata about the part of the reproduced content is generated and stored using metadata about the reproduced content. The generated metadata is generated and stored as metadata of interest about the content of interest according to input of a user input unit.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an image reception unit that receives image data from an external device, a display unit that displays an image related to the image data, a setting changing unit that changes, in accordance with an instruction determined in advance, a setting determined in advance, an image determination unit that determines whether or not a prescribed pattern determined in advance is included in the image related to the image data, a storage unit that holds the instruction in association with the prescribed pattern in advance, and a control unit that, when the image determination unit determines that the prescribed pattern is included in the image related to the image data, causes the setting changing unit to change the setting in accordance with the instruction associated with the prescribed pattern.

Abstract: Techniques for use in determining redress measures for a television (TV) service outage based on impact analysis are described. A TV service outage may be associated with a TV system apparatus including a TV user interface (UI). In one illustrative example, one or more subscribers impacted by the TV service outage are determined. An impact score is determined for each one of the subscribers. A redress measure for each one of the subscribers is then determined in accordance with their corresponding impact scores. An impacted subscriber and/or an impact score may be determined based at least in part on subscriber TV usage data or subscriber TV UI usage data.

Abstract: An electronic device and an operating method thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a plurality of cameras, and a processor configured to activate the plurality of cameras, receive camera images that are output from the activated cameras, display at least one of the camera images, sense a camera switch request, and display a camera image different from the displayed camera image, in response to the sensed camera switch request.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus is provided. The broadcast receiving apparatus may include a display, a storage configured to store a broadcast channel list and a CP channel list in which at least one of CP channels where content information provided by a content provider is mapped to is sequentially arranged, a communicator configured to communicate with a server providing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information, an input interface configured to receive a user command and a processor configured to, in response to the user command being inputted, display an EPG UI including the broadcast channel list on the display, and the processor inserts a content advertisement including the CP channel information between broadcast channels included in a first page of the EPG UI and displays the content advertisement.

Abstract: A display device includes a primary display area which comprises a first display area and a second display area which is unique from the first display area, a control unit configured to display an image in the primary display area, an image signal generating unit configured to generate display data based on externally input image data for a single image. The image signal generating unit comprises a memory which stores display-position information indicating a display location of a first image displayed in the primary display area. The display data comprises first and second display data to be displayed in the first display area and the second display area, respectively. The first display data is generated based on the externally input single image data and the display-position information. The control unit is configured to cause a first image to be displayed in the first display area based on the first display data.

Abstract: Provided is a method of displaying and controlling a plurality of sub-screens on a display apparatus. A plurality of sub-screens of a preset number are displayed on a screen of the display apparatus, and the sub-screens are respectively bound to different input devices, and a control instruction sent from the input devices to the display apparatus independently controls only a sub-screen bound to a particular input device, and does not affect other sub-screens that are not bound to the particular input device. A user of a display may use various services at the same time via the plurality of independent sub-screens displayed on the screen of the display apparatus, and a plurality of users may share a large screen of the display apparatus and view respectively desired content at the same time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application to determine that a user has switched away from a source transmitting a media asset with which the user was engaged and detect, while the user is switched away from the source, that secondary content transmitted by the source during a break of playback of the media asset relates to the media asset. In response to detecting that the secondary content relates to the media asset, the media guidance application may access a database to determine whether the secondary content specifically corresponds to the media asset, and, in response to determining that the secondary content specifically corresponds to the media asset, the media guidance application may generate for display the secondary content to the user.

Abstract: A broadcasting signal receiving apparatus includes an input receiver configured to receive a user's input selecting a channel among a plurality of channels; a first tuner configured to tune to the channel selected by the user's input and receive a broadcast signal of the tuned channel; and a controller configured to control the first tuner to tune to a first channel and receive a broadcast signal of the first channel when a user makes the first input, and to control the first tuner to tune to a second channel and receive a broadcast signal of the second channel when a user makes a second input within a predetermined period of time after receiving the first input, wherein the first channel corresponds to the first input, and the second channel corresponds to a combination of the first input and the second input.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a media guidance application that may enhance viewer experience. The media guidance application may tune to a first program with a first tuner and generate for display the first program on a display area of a display device, determine other programs of interest being broadcast, and simultaneously with the generating for display of the first program, use the second tuner to tune to and generate for display the other programs of interest being broadcast. The second tuner cycles between the additional programs of interest to periodically update the segments of the additional programs of interest generated for display.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for displaying video from a plurality of video streams on a display. It includes an input interface for receiving video data from a plurality of video streams and transferring the video data to a frame controller in communication with a television display. The frame controller causes the video data from each of the plurality of different video streams to be displayed in a separate frame on the television display, and each frame occupying an area of the television display separate from an area occupied by any other frame. A system for displaying video from a plurality of video stream using the correct aspect ratio and resolution is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aiding user content navigation are described. An exemplary system may include an electronic device configured to receive audiovisual content and/or user inputs. The electronic device may additionally include one or more outputs coupled with a display device. The electronic device may further include one or more processors as well as memory, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause them to perform one or more navigation functions to receive a channel change command to adjust from a first channel to a second channel. The one or more processors may further be caused to determine that the second channel is presenting advertising content instead of program content, and determine that a third channel is presenting program content. The one or more processors may further be caused to adjust the output to the third channel.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate minimization of multimedia content currently being shown on a display in response to a mute command. In a first embodiment, a receiver is configured to provide multimedia content to an entertainment system and obtain commands from a control device. A user presses the control device's mute button and a mute command is transmitted from the control device to the receiver and the entertainment system. In response to the mute command, the entertainment system turns off its own audio and the receiver minimizes multimedia content currently being provided by the receiver to the entertainment system. In a second embodiment, the mute command is transmitted from the control device to the receiver. In response to the mute command, the receiver mutes and minimizes multimedia content currently being provided by the receiver to the entertainment system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for automatically recording and generating for display a catch-up video in a PIP window. If a user viewing a media program on a user equipment is detected to be distracted, the user equipment automatically begins recording the program. When the user is detected to no longer be distracted, the user equipment begins to display the recorded catch-up video in a PIP window. The playback rate of the catch-up video may be faster than the rate of the live video to allow the user to catch up quickly. The playback rate and size of the PIP window may be varied depending on the duration, remaining duration, and content of the catch-up video.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a display control apparatus, a display controlling method, and a program may allow a provider subjectively to control the manner in which to display pictures using of a plurality of video streams. A transmission device generates video streams used for picture display of a single program. The video streams are multiplexed into a multiplexed stream to which compose information is added. The multiplexed information together with the added compose information is supplied to a reception device. The compose information includes information designating the video streams for displaying pictures in various positions on a screen. The reception device decodes the video streams included in the multiplexed stream. The pictures from the decoded video streams are displayed on the screen in accordance with information included in the compose information. This information can be applied to apparatuses handling a plurality of video streams.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method plays, on an interface, a media program in a media player operating in a first mode. A position change of the media player on the interface is determined while the media program is being played in the media player to cause the media player to move to an out of bounds position. The method detects the media player moving to the out of bounds position and upon detecting, automatically performs switching from the first mode to a second mode based on the media player moving to the out of bounds position where the second mode restricts movement of the media player. Also, the method transfers the media player to a new position that is not in the out of bounds position where the media player continues to play the media program in the new position.

Abstract: A multimedia mobile personalization system provides a remote control that detects a user's electronic tag, e.g. an RFID tag. The remote control notifies a multimedia device of the user's identity. The multimedia devices tailors it operations to the user's preferences stored locally. Multimedia content such as broadcast or recorded television programs, music play lists, and the like could be sorted, displayed, or restricted, depending on the user identifier.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of displaying and/or recording multiple pictures in a picture (PIP) on the same display of a digital display device are disclosed. The PIPs can show objects from the main field view of the display device, such as a front camera lens, as well as objects from a different field of view, such as a back camera lens. The PIPs can further track the objects that are being displayed.

Abstract: An exemplary computer-implemented television service system detects, while a media content processing device is presenting a user interface view associated with a television service within a display screen in communication with the media content processing device, an input command provided by a user of the media content processing device and representative of a request for customer support. In response, the system identifies a context within which the input command is provided by the user, selects, based on the identified context, customer support content provided by the television service and associated with the user interface view being presented within the display screen, and directs the media content processing device to present the customer support content within the user interface view. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application to determine that a user has switched away from a source transmitting a media asset with which the user was engaged and detect, while the user is switched away from the source, that secondary content transmitted by the source during a break of playback of the media asset relates to the media asset. In response to detecting that the secondary content relates to the media asset, the media guidance application may access a database to determine whether the secondary content specifically corresponds to the media asset, and, in response to determining that the secondary content specifically corresponds to the media asset, the media guidance application may generate for display the secondary content to the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of category-based predefined channel lists. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a predefined channel list that includes multiple channels that carry related programming. The channel list includes an associated category and indicators of the multiple channels, the multiple channels each carrying at least some programming in the associated category. The EPG manager presents to a user at least some of the multiple channels in an electronic program guide. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: There is provided a display device including a signal receiving unit for receiving a video signal from an external device via a transmission path through a plurality of channels using a differential signal, an information receiving unit for receiving program information from the external device using a bidirectional communication path including predetermined lines of the transmission path, an image display unit for displaying images on image display elements based on the video signal received by the signal receiving unit, and a program information display unit for displaying the program information on the image display elements based on the program information received by the information receiving unit.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for extendable field of view rendering. A method is provided for receiving media data including a plurality of video frames. The method also includes determining, with a processor, video frames corresponding to camera motion and determining speed and duration of the camera motion. The method also includes determining at least one frame extension based on the video frames corresponding to camera motion, determining a frame extension offset based on the camera motion, and generating an extended field of view metadata based on the frame extensions and frame extension offsets.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and apparatus for communicating electronic service guide information in a satellite television system are provided. A satellite communication system may receive a signal via an interface to a satellite dish, and receive data from a network via a second interface (e.g., an interface to a LAN or a WAN, such as the Internet). The satellite communication system may be operable to channelize the received satellite signal into a plurality of channels, wherein a first channel of the plurality of channels carries electronic service guide (ESG) data. The satellite communication system may select which of the plurality of channels to input to a demodulator based, at least in part, on whether ESG data is available via the second interface. A second channel carrying media data may be input to the demodulator while the ESG data is available via the second interface.

Abstract: An operation-mode conversion apparatus for an image display compound device includes a power-state detector which detects a power state of the compound device, an operation-mode determination unit which determines a present operation mode of the compound device, and an operation-mode controller which converts the operation mode of the compound device based on the power state, the present operation mode, and whether one of an optical storage medium and a movable memory is detected by the compound device, in response to a user input signal, regardless of the preset operation mode.

Abstract: An image output apparatus includes an input image acquiring unit, a target attribute value acquiring unit that acquires at least one target attribute value, which is an original attribute value of a subject contained in an input image, an attribute value acquiring unit that acquires at least one attribute value of the subject contained in an output image formed using the input image, a difference information acquiring unit that acquires at least one piece of difference information indicating a difference between the at least one target attribute value acquired by the target attribute value acquiring unit and the at least one attribute value acquired by the attribute value acquiring unit, and an image output unit that, in a case where the at least one piece of difference information does not satisfy a predetermined condition, changes an output mode of the output image formed using the input image, and performs output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing and displaying an enhanced program guide may include a method including identifying each channel viewed by a user over a period of time at an electronic device. The method may include storing data associated with each channel viewed, and may include producing a list of each channel viewed with the electronic device. The produced list may be ordered from most watched channel to least watched channel. The method may also include receiving a command at the electronic device to display an electronic program guide, and may still include incorporating at least a portion of the list into the electronic program guide at the electronic device for display.

Abstract: A display controller, video signal transmitting method and system thereof are provided. The display controller includes a processing circuit; a transmitting channel, coupled to the processing circuit; a receiving channel, coupled to the processing circuit; and a clock generator, that generates an internal clock signal and an external clock signal. Upon receiving a video signal, the processing circuit processes a first partial pixel data of the video signal to output a first display control signal. The transmitting channel converts a second partial pixel data of the video signal to a partial video signal having a multiple data rate according to the internal clock signal to be outputted.

Abstract: A method of controlling a digital television, the method includes displaying content or application being executed on a display screen of the digital television, receiving a first signal requesting a menu to be displayed, and displaying the requested menu, overlaid on the display screen, wherein the menu includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part displays at least one menu item corresponding to previously displayed content or previously executed application, and wherein the second part displays at least one menu item corresponding to content or an application executable in the digital television.

Abstract: An approach for streaming audio feeds independently from visual feeds is provided. The approach includes processing programming information associated with one or more first devices proximate a user to determine one or more programs presented by the one or more first devices. The approach also includes presenting a user interface to the user for selecting from among the one or more programs. In addition, the approach includes determining an input from the user for selecting at least one of the one or more programs. The approach further includes streaming an audio feed of the at least one of the one or more programs to a second device associated with the user.

Abstract: Provided is an operating method of a TV. The method includes: receiving a multi screen enter command according to a user input; transmitting a multi screen request signal to a server in response to the multi screen enter command; receiving a multi screen response signal corresponding to the multi screen request signal transmitted through a first channel from the server; entering a multi screen mode according to multi screen information included in the multi screen response signal; and storing the multi screen information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a subtitling format encompassing elements of enhanced syntax and semantic to provide improved animation capabilities. The disclosed elements improve subtitle performance without stressing the available subtitle bitrate. This will become essential for authoring content of high-end HDTV subtitles in pre-recorded format, which can be broadcast or stored on high capacity optical media, e.g. the Blue-ray Disc. Embodiments of the invention include abilities for improved authoring possibilities for the content production to animate subtitles. For subtitles that are separate from AV material, a method includes using one or more superimposed subtitle layers, and displaying only a selected part of the transferred subtitles at a time. Further, colors of a selected part of the displayed subtitles may be modified, e.g. highlighted.

Abstract: A system may include an interface, memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory. The interface may be configured to receive a signal that may include one or more user-selected frames of video content. The processor may execute the instructions to identify a market-relevant video object in the one or more frames. The processor may also facilitate storing in the memory, market-relevant information associated with the market-relevant video object. The processor may also execute the instructions to compare the stored market-relevant information to stored advertisement information and determine ad request criteria and/or advertisement for distribution to a user based on the comparison.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus which comprises a receiver which receives primary image content; a communicator which communicates with at least one supply source which supplies related image content of the primary image content; a signal processor which processes and outputs the primary image content; and a controller which controls the communicator to request the supply source to supply the related image content, and controls the signal processor to process and play the related image content supplied from the supply source in response to the request if a user selects a key to play the related image content of the primary image content while the primary image content received by the receiver is processed by the signal processor.

Abstract: Various arrangements are presented for handling broadcast television commercials. A television receiver may receive, from a television service provider, metadata that indicates a commencement of a television commercial break and an expected duration. Based on the metadata, the television receiver may initiate a countdown timer such that the countdown timer is based on the expected duration of the television commercial break and counts down.

Abstract: A viewer-selectable audio display region is associated with certain pixels of a video feed visible to the viewer of the video. Directional microphones provide audio signals for specific audio sources within a three-dimensional (3-D) video recording space. The recorded video signal is augmented with the audio signals and identified sound sources. The sound sources are mapped to pixels on the display. When the viewer selects the pixels, one or more audio recordings are: (i) played; (ii) amplified; (iii) mixed; and/or (iv) otherwise processed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gateway having a controller operable to receive media content from first and second service providers where the first and second service providers deliver the media content to the gateway using different transport protocols, provide the media content from the gateway to a plurality of display devices without utilizing a set top box, receive a request for a service associated with a third service provider where the request is received at the gateway, receive an application resource bundle at the gateway to implement the requested service where the application resource bundle is received from a server associated with one of the first, second and third service providers, and implement the service without identifying the third service provider. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing information about a service provider by using an electronic device displaying contents is described. Information corresponding to first service providers which are able to provide a service to a specific electronic device regardless of a location of the specific electronic device is displayed. The information corresponding to the first service providers is displayed enabled. Information corresponding to second service providers which are able to provide a service to a specific electronic device in a certain region is displayed. The information corresponding to the second service providers is displayed disabled. Regional information of the electronic device is set based on regional information received through a user interface unit or location information obtained by a location information module. The set regional information is transmitted to a server.

Abstract: The content processing device includes a first converter for performing first conversion processing of converting frame rates of the first content and the second content, which are moving images, so that the frame rates become equal to each other, a synthesizer for performing screen synthesis for displaying side by side the conversion results on the same screen, a second converter for performing a second conversion processing of converting the frame rate of the synthesis result to a frame rate higher than the frame rate before being converted, a storage unit for temporarily storing the frames required for the first conversion processing and the second conversion processing, and a controller for calculating a ratio of storage capacities of the storage unit to be assigned to the first conversion processing and the second conversion processing according to attributes related to motion amounts of moving images.

Abstract: An audio encoding device and an audio decoding device are described herein. The audio encoding device may examine a set of audio channels/channel groups representing a piece of sound program content and produce a set of ducking values to associate with one of the channels/channel groups. During playback of the piece of sound program content, the ducking values may be applied to all other channels/channel groups. Application of these ducking values may cause (1) the reduction in dynamic range of ducked channels/channel groups and/or (2) movement of channels/channel groups in the sound field. This ducking may improve intelligibility of audio in the non-ducked channel/channel group. For instance, a narration channel/channel group may be more clearly heard by listeners through the use of selective ducking of other channels/channel groups during playback.

Abstract: A video decoding apparatus capable of controlling presentation of sub-pictures includes a first decoder, a second decoder, a first scaler, a second scaler and a combiner. The first decoder and the second decoder respectively decode a digital audio/video signal to generate a decoded video and a decoded sub-picture. In accordance with an output picture size, the decoded video size, the decoded sub-picture size and a sub-picture aspect ratio, the first scaler and the second scaler generate a first scaling factor and a second scaling factor. The combiner combines the decoded video and the decoded sub-picture according to the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor and outputs the combination thereof. A video decoding method and a digital audio/video playback system capable of controlling presentation of sub-pictures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image transmission system for reserving and transmitting an image to be broadcast is provided. The image transmission system includes: an uploading unit for inputting reservation request information for reservation of image transmission and uploading an image; and a server for storing the reservation request information and the image and transmitting the image to one or more recipients' display devices according to the reservation request information.

Abstract: An image transmission system for reserving and transmitting an image to be broadcast is provided. The image transmission system includes: an uploading unit for inputting reservation request information for reservation of image transmission and uploading an image; and a server for storing the reservation request information and the image and transmitting the image to one or more recipients' display devices according to the reservation request information.