Abstract: ABD-ROM 100 and a local storage 200 contain dynamic scenarios (programs) such as a Java application and a Movie Object. A dynamic scenario reads profile information from PSR 31 of the playback apparatus and judges whether or not the playback apparatus is an audio-only type. If it is judged that the playback apparatus is not the audio-only type, an interactive screen is displayed to perform a control to play back a digital stream according to an operation made onto the interactive screen. If it is judged that the playback apparatus is the audio-only type, a control is performed to play back a digital stream according to an operation that is made without use of the interactive screen.

Abstract: A system, method, and service of managing data comprises establishing a computerized user profile guideline corresponding to selected television programming interests of a user; instructing a processor to manage data based on the computerized user profile guideline, wherein the data is received from a television programming broadcaster; and managing access to specified television programming when the computerized user profile guideline corresponding to the selected television programming interests of the user is satisfied. The process of managing access may comprise alerting the user with information pertaining to the specified television programming.

Abstract: Embodiments may be disclosed herein that provide systems, devices, and methods of processing a program stream, the program stream comprising a video and an audio stream.

Abstract: For a large capacity recording medium, a user interface having high flexibility and enriched representation is accomplished. A flag that represents whether a play item has a multiple angle structure of which the play item is reproduced with a plurality of angles is described. In addition, a flag that represents whether the beginning of each decode unit is an angle switchable point is described. In a seamless multiple angle structure, the current angle can be switched without need to increase the number of interleave units. In a nonseamless multiple angle structure, with the flag, in a predetermined region on the rear end side of each angle, the current angle is prohibited from being switched. Thus, when a play item exits from the multiple angle, discontinuity in the reproduction can be prevented. In addition, with a flag that represents whether a sub play item should be reproduced not in synchronization with a main path, the sub play item of only audio data can be used as a BGM.

Abstract: A computer conversation system comprising: at least one server including a processor and memory and configured for communication with a plurality of user computers which each comprise a display; a video recording application configured to record video or receive recorded video from some, and preferably all, of the individual computers of the plurality of user computers; wherein the at least one server is configured to send a sequence of recorded videos to the plurality of users, the sequence of recorded videos based on the videos recorded or received from the individual computers and optionally the system is configured to send a file to the plurality of user computers which results in each of the plurality of computers displaying on the display an array of visual indicators in a set order, wherein each of a plurality of the visual indicators corresponds to at least one recorded video to be sent by the server, and the set order of the array corresponds to the order of at least part of the sequence of recorded

Abstract: An audio and/or video generation apparatus which is arranged in operation to generate audio and/or video signals representative of an audio and/or video source, the audio and/or video generation apparatus comprising a recording unit which records the audio and/or video signals on a recording medium, wherein the audio and/or video generation apparatus is arranged to receive metadata associated with the audio and/or video signals generated by a data processor, the recording unit records the metadata on the recording medium with the audio and/or video signals. The data processor receives signals representative of the time codes of the recorded audio/video signals, and the metadata includes time code data representative of the in and out points of a take of the audio/video signals generated by the data processor. The metadata also includes unique identification code for identifying the audio/video signals. The unique identification code is a UMID or the like.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a control unit configured to store in a recording medium a piece of attribute information specified by a user input from among a plurality of sequential pieces of the attribute information in association with a predetermined time period of a content stored in the recording medium.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording a moving image file including a first area to store moving image data and a second area to store meta data constructed by one or more tracks into a recording medium generates a first track, stores first position information into the first track and stores the first track into the second area to be recorded into the recording medium, generates a second track when a size of moving image file reaches a threshold value, generates second position information which can represent a larger value than the first position information, stores the second position information into the second track, stores the first and second tracks into the second area to be recorded into the recording medium.

Abstract: A slide show display system with BGM includes at least one content provision device that stores at least one of image content and music content, a playback device that plays back the image content and the music content, and an information processing device that controls the playback device to display a slide show with BGM. The information processing device includes a content information notification portion that transmits information on the image content and the music content that will be played back to the playback device, as well as a playback request portion that makes a playback request to the playback device to play back the content. The playback device includes a content acquisition portion that acquires the content from the at least one content provision device and a content playback portion that plays back the content in response to the playback request from the information processing device.

Abstract: A formatter 2s13 is provided and, when a code sequence which matches a part (‘00’) of the head of a predetermined code sequence detected by a start code prefix detection unit 2s3, is detected, the start code prefix detection unit 2s3 detects the residual part (‘00’, ‘00’, ‘01’, ‘E0’) of the detected predetermined code sequence to detect a pattern of (‘00’, ‘00’, ‘00’), and the formatter 2s13 outputs one (‘00’). After the boundary of packets is defined, amongst data which are not transferred to a decoding buffer 2s9, data corresponding to code sequences other than the code sequence (‘00’, ‘00’, ‘01’, ‘E0’) indicating the packet boundary are output to the decoding buffer 2s9. Therefore, when separating a coded and multiplexed signal, control of an input buffer reading control circuit 2s4 is simplified, and thereby the hardware scale is reduced, resulting in an inexpensive apparatus for reproducing a digital code sequence.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes the following elements. A playback-position feature value extracting unit extracts, as a playback-position feature value, a feature value at a playback position from an image being played back. A synchronizing unit synchronizes the playback-position feature value with a feature value on a data recording medium on which setting information for processing the image is recorded in association with a feature value of the image. A control unit controls a time width used for synchronization between the feature value on the data recording medium with the playback-position feature value. A reading unit reads, when the playback-position feature value is synchronized with the feature value on the data recording medium, the setting information recorded on the data recording medium in association with the playback-position feature value. A reflecting unit reflects, based on the read setting information, the process in the image being played back.

Abstract: A system, method, and web-based application platform enabling a television viewer to utilize an Internet device to request a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server to stream a selected video to the viewer's Set Top Box (STB). An Internet Protocol (IP) connection is established between the Internet device and an application executing at a web site, and an Internet device identifier is passed to the application. The application communicates with the VOD server to obtain a listing of available videos, and provides the listing to the Internet device. When the viewer selects a video, the application accesses an equipment-mapping table, which associates the Internet device identifier with an STB identifier. The application then sends the STB identifier and a request for the selected video to the VOD server, which delivers the video to the STB over a television delivery system.

Abstract: Computer-implemented techniques for viewing a recorded presentation are described. The techniques include receiving by one or more computers a request from a user to view a recorded presentation, retrieving, by one or more computing systems, a segment of the recorded presentation that is comprised of plural segments and information specifying times of occurrences of trigger events associated with corresponding segments in the recorded presentation, retrieving by the one or more computers private information of the user relevant to a first segment of the recorded presentation based on a first trigger event, generating, by the one or more computing systems, a re-cast first segment of the recorded presentation, with the re-cast first segment including the private information of the user, and sending by the one or more computing systems, the re-cast segment to a computing device associated with the user.

Abstract: A device may estimate a probability that each video recording, of a group of video recordings, will be played back at the device during a time interval. The group of video recordings may include video recordings stored locally at the device and video recording stored at a remote location. The device may also determine whether to transfer a video recording to the remote location or retrieve a video recording from the remote location based on the estimated probabilities.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that synchronize media streams using time signal(s) from an independent time source. An independent time source is a time source that is independent from (i.e., that is not connected to) an asynchronous data network via which the media streams are transferred. In accordance with the techniques described herein, media server(s) transfer the media streams to client(s) via an asynchronous data network. The independent time source provides the time signal(s) to the media server(s) and/or the client(s). If the time signal(s) are provided to the media server(s), the media server(s) may provide timing information that is based on the timing signal(s) to the client(s). The client(s) use the timing information from the media server(s) and/or the timing signal(s) from the timing source to synchronize the media streams.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is provided. The data processing apparatus includes a plurality of ports, a memory, a determining unit, and a processing unit. The plurality of ports are configured to input and output video data. The memory is configured to store the video data when the video data is recorded onto a recording medium and when the video data is played back from a recording medium. The determining unit is configured to determine whether video data, for which a video data playback request designating one of the plurality of ports has been issued, is stored in the memory, using data identification information for identifying video data and usage management information. The processing unit is configured to have the video data stored in the memory outputted from the designated port, when the determining unit determines that the video data is stored.

Abstract: During video audio recording, key frames are temporarily stored from the video audio stream to be recorded, and metadata is later generated from the temporarily stored key frames. Even if a CPU or system configuration of a relatively low performance is used, metadata generation can be carried out in parallel with the video recording operation.

Abstract: An end device that collects content playback information of a user may be provided. The end device including: a storage to store content and a table including playback information of the content in a predetermined local storage address; a control unit to retrieve content, selected by the user, from the storage, to load a storage address of the selected content, and to transmit the storage address to a decoder; and the decoder to store the storage address in the table, to change playback information of the selected content, and to decode the selected content based on the storage address.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for network-based storage of requested content are provided. A request for a content item may be received by a content storage device from a customer. Portions of the content item may be extracted from the content item. The content storage device may store the extracted portions of the content item specific to the customer. Additionally, the remainder of the content item may be stored by the content storage device separately from the stored extracted portion. The content item may be reconstructed for the customer using the extracted portions of the content item specific to the customer and the remainder of the content item.

Abstract: A playback apparatus loaded with a data recording medium including image data includes a first determining unit configured to determine whether a user stopped playing back the image data, a storage control unit configured to control a storage process so that a first set of information indicating a position where the playback of the image data was stopped is stored when the first determining unit determines that the user stopped playback of the image data, and a display control unit configured to control a screen to display a list of thumbnail images with an icon superposed on a thumbnail image corresponding to the image data stopped on the basis of the first set of information when the first determining unit determines that the user stopped playback of the image data, the icon indicating that playback of the image data is resumed from the position where the playback of the image data was stopped.

Abstract: A sound signal control device includes a change determining unit to determine a change of a reproduction speed of input data containing a moving picture signal and a sound signal; a changeover detecting unit to detect, as a changeover timing, a period in which a degree of coincidence of a moving picture is equal to or larger than a predetermined value when the change determining unit determines the change to a different reproduction speed during the reproduction; a reproducing unit to reproduce a sound and the moving picture based on the input data and, when the change determining unit determines the change of the reproduction speed, changing over the reproduction speed at the changeover timing; and a sound control unit to mute a sound output based on the sound signal at the changeover timing.

Abstract: An image recording/reproducing apparatus capable of achieving data transfer with ease. The recording area of a recording medium is divided into at least one sub area including multiple types of file systems for management. A sub area to be accessed to external device is determined among the at least one sub area. A file system to be accessed to the external device is determined among the multiple types of file systems. The determining of the file system is performed by selecting the file system to be accessed among the file systems included in the determined sub area.

Abstract: A method of recording an audio visual asset using a predetermined script is disclosed. The audio visual asset may be partitioned into multiple audio visual segments and the audio visual segments may be edited by the application of a naming paradigm and/or a data tagging system. The audio visual segments may then be overlaid with audio visual variables. The audio visual segments may be compiled by uploading the audio visual segments into a multimedia synthesis compiler such that a variable final message compilation may be generated. A user may be messaged by selecting a message type from the variable final message compilation generated from the audio visual segments.

Abstract: An information processing system is disclosed. The information processing system includes: a recording/playback apparatus; and a playback terminal. The recording/playback apparatus includes an output unit, a management unit, and a playback unit. The playback terminal includes a playback unit, a generating unit, and an output unit.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is disclosed that records information data and file system information for managing a file containing the information data in accordance with a predetermined file system to a recording medium having a plurality of blocks including an alternative block for a detect block. The data recorded in the recording medium is managed in accordance with the predetermined file system. The recording apparatus sets a threshold based on the size of the file system information, and if the alternative block remaining amount in the recording medium is less than or equal to the threshold, recording of the information data to the recording medium is inhibited.

Abstract: A digital cinema management device includes a control unit that manages schedules of contents exhibited by playback devices and controls a representation of a management window for performing the schedule management, in which the control unit determines an urgent level in accordance with the number of days left until an exhibition day when the requirements for exhibiting contents with the playback devices in accordance with an exhibition schedule are not satisfied and switches the properties of the representation on the management window in accordance with the determined urgent level.

Abstract: A recording system includes a transmission apparatus and a recording apparatus. The transmission apparatus includes a storage unit that stores content data, a generating unit that generates recording destination information, and a transmission control unit that transmits the recording destination information and the content data. The recording apparatus includes a first recording unit that records content data, a second recording unit that records content data at a lower recording speed, and a recording control unit that controls the first and second recording units. The transmission control unit continuously transmits a plurality of pieces of recording destination information and content data. The recording control unit records, when the recording destination is a recording medium, the content data and the recording destination information in the first recording unit, and records the content data on the recording medium based on the recording destination information.

Abstract: A computer (2) is used to prepare a script (4) of prompts for a media capture device (6) such as a cell phone or a self interview kit. Discrete prompts of the script arc displayed. A camera (14) then captures video clips or other assets with each video clip corresponding to one or more displayed prompt. A clip storage module (18) stores each recorded video clip in a storage unit (20) so as to be related to its corresponding discrete prompts. The clip to prompt relationship provided by the storage module (18) facilitates the editing of the clips into a sequence to produce a complete video presentation or movie. The final video sequence compilation can be performed automatically using the script to define the order of each clip. The automatically edited video sequence may be ordered non-sequentially with respect to the order of the presentation of the discrete prompts.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes receiving video data propagating in a network environment; maintaining the video data in a buffer having a predetermined size; generating meta-information associated with the video data; and receiving a recording request from an end user participating in a video session associated with a video data. The recording request triggers the video data to be recorded in the network environment remote from the end user.

Abstract: When multi-frame rate contents including many high frame-rate portions are played back in a video player, a playback can be easily selected by showing to a user a playback time in respective playback modes of a normal playback and a slow playback. The video player includes a rate analysis unit for calculating playback time in the respective playback modes by analyzing a frame rate of multi-frame rate contents, and thumbnail images of multi-frame rate contents and playback time in the respective playback modes are listed and displayed as display units in a pair with respect to a plurality of contents.

Abstract: A media content recording system in a subscriber television system includes a memory for storing logic, a buffer space for buffering a plurality of media content instances, and a processor configured with the logic to designate as permanent a media content instance among the plurality of media content instances in the buffer space that is requested by a user for permanent recording.

Abstract: Processing video for utilization in second language learning is described herein. A video file includes spoken words in a source language, subtitles in the source language, and subtitles in a native language of an end user (a target language). The subtitles in the source language are synchronized with the spoken words in the video, and the subtitles in the source language are mapped to the subtitles in the target language. Both sets of subtitles are displayed simultaneously as the video is played by the end user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a picture-in-picture overlay video system for superimposing real time video onto a prerecorded video image onto a viewing screen. The present invention is used for exercise and sports instruction by enabling the user to view a real time video image superimposed on a viewing screen showing a prerecorded instructional video and allowing for comparison of the users form in comparison to that of the instructor on the prerecorded video. The merged images can also be saved for future evaluation.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for reproducing contents data recorded on a disc-shaped recording medium is disclosed, the apparatus comprising inputting means for inputting a non-real time stream and a real time stream reproduced from the recording medium, storing means for storing the program code that has been input by the inputting means; image data storing means for storing the image data that has been input by the inputting means; first combining means for combining decoded moving picture data and decoded subtitle data; and second combining means for combining the decoded image data and the combined data of the decoded moving picture and the decoded subtitle data in accordance with the program code stored in the code storing means.

Abstract: A video map comprising a first plurality of segment definitions defining video segments within a video, the defining being responsive to at least one presentation of the video less in length than the length of the video; a first segment definition that defines a first video segment within the video and is associated with an actual identity of a locale depicted within the first video segment, the actual identity of the locale being different than a locale identity as represented in the video; a second segment definition that defines a second video segment within the video and is associated with an identification of a cinematic technique depicted within the second video segment; and a third segment definition that defines a third video segment within the video and is associated with an explanation of a depiction within the third video segment.

Abstract: A method of video operations includes generating derivative byproducts related to encoded video captured of a scene, initializing a first operation based on the encoded video, and initializing a second operation different from the first operation based on the derivative byproducts.

Abstract: A distributed storage system able to support real-time recording of streaming data shall be provided. Therefore, on the basis of Material Exchange Format (MXF) formatted files a data stream is packed into at least a first MXF formatted file and a second formatted MXF file. First connection data are inserted into the first MXF formatted file, wherein this first connection data points to the second MXF formatted file. Furthermore, second connection data are inserted into the second MXF formatted file, wherein the second connection data points to the first MXF formatted file. These connection data inserted as metadata into the MXF formatted files enable both seamless real-time stream recording and stream-able data playback.

Abstract: One of a video source device and a video sink device may: (a) deactivate a video processing function at the one device and send a command for causing the other of the video source device and the video sink device to activate the video processing function; (b) activate the video processing function at the one device and send a command for causing the other device to deactivate the video processing function; and (c) based on user input indicating whether (a) or (b) resulted in a preferred video image, effect (a) or (b). The one device may receive an indication of video processing functions of which the other device is capable, such that (a), (b) and (c) may be performed for each indicated video processing function of which the one device is also capable. A user interface including at least one selectable control for indicating whether a video image resulting from (a) or (b) is preferred may be displayed.

Abstract: A method for propagating user-provided foreground-background constraint information for a first video frame to subsequent frames allows extraction of moving foreground objects with minimal user interaction. Video matting is performed wherein constraints derived from user input with respect to a first frame are propagated to subsequent frames using the estimated alpha matte of each frame. The matte of a frame is processed in order to arrive at a rough foreground-background segmentation which is then used for estimating the matte of the next frame. At each frame, the propagated constraints are used by an image matting method for estimating the corresponding matte which is in turn used for propagating the constraints to the next frame, and so on.

Abstract: A process and facility supports recipient-specific customization of mass-duplicated tapes. Video from a master tape is passed through a VBI encoder whose output feeds two or more overlay units, each associated with a tape recorder. Recipient-specific watermarking instructions and address information for each tape are fed to the VBI encoder where they are encoded into the VBI of the video. Each overlay unit reads the VBI and decodes the address, and if relevant for that unit, applies the overlays to the video, which is recorded by its associated recording deck. Optionally, each tape and overlay unit includes a barcode that is scanned into a database where associations between tapes and the overlays are stored. Alternatively, high-density barcode labels that include the overlay instructions are printed and applied to tapes. The barcodes are scanned into the overlay units and applied following the receipt of a timecode or other trigger.

Abstract: A system for automatically relating the changing information posted on an electronic display 10a, in regard to some ongoing event, to the recorded information, such as video, captured and corresponding to that same ongoing event. Posted information is remotely detected using master camera 50a that is aligned to capture images 12 of electronic display 10a during the event. Current images 12c are subtracted from base image 12b to yield difference image 12fr revealing one or more areas of potential electronic display 10a changes that are pre-calibrated into cells, such as game clock 12-1, which are further calibrated into characters, such as 12-1-1 for the “tens” digit through 12-1-4 for the “hundredths” digit. Using pattern matching algorithms well understood in the art, all changes to any character and therefore any cell are automatically detected and translated into digital information relatable by time to any recordings of the event, such as a video stream.

Abstract: A playback display device including: a display unit; a data storage unit which stores data representing a travel route and a plurality of pieces of image data each associated with an image capturing place; a movement display control unit which displays a mark moving on a map displayed on the display unit based on the data representing the travel route; and an image playback unit which displays image data when, while the movement display control unit displays the mark moving on the map, a displayed position of the mark matches a corresponding position of the image capturing place associated with the image data.

Abstract: An acquisition unit reads content including at least, (a) an image signal of an image frame defined by first and second directions, (b) first and second sizes showing sizes in the first and second directions, and (c) an aspect ratio of the second direction to the first direction. An inspection unit inspects whether the content includes a display area specification. A determination unit calculates a third size by multiplying the first size by the aspect ratio and determines a display area of the image frame based on an entire range in the first direction and a range of the third size from a predetermined position in the image frame in the second direction, when the display area specification is not included in the content. A controller performs control so that the display area of the image frame is displayed and a part other than the display area is not displayed.

Abstract: A computer readable medium is provided. The computer readable medium has recorded an information processing program for causing a computer to execute a function including: a still image extraction mechanism; a sound detection mechanism; a moving image editing point setting mechanism; a moving image editing point determination mechanism; a sound editing point setting mechanism; a text extraction mechanism for converting a voice sound into a text and extracting the text; a still image selection mechanism for selecting a still image outputted at a moving image editing point; and a combination mechanism for combining the text extracted by the text extraction mechanism into the still image.

Abstract: A media-rendering apparatus for real-time streaming of audio/video (AV) data to a media-player having one or more input direct-access-storage-device (DASD) interfaces, the apparatus including a real-time AV data source unit, an input frame buffer operatively coupled with the real-time AV data unit, an AV real-time encoder, an encoded-frames buffer, a power source, a storage-device content emulator and a DASD interface device for communicating with the media-player. Preferably, power is provided through the DASD interface device.

Abstract: A method for forming a video summary for a digital video having a time sequence of video frames, comprising using a processor to perform the steps of: determining a set of key video frames for the digital video; ranking the key video frames responsive to a predefined criterion; forming key video snippets corresponding to one or more highest-ranked key video frames according to a predefined set of criteria, including a criterion which specifies the total time duration for the video summary and a criterion which specifies the minimum time duration for each of the key video snippets; assembling the key video snippets to form a video summary; and storing a representation of the video summary in a processor-accessible memory.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is provided. The recording apparatus divides a material including video and/or audio information and records divided materials onto a plurality of recording media. The recording apparatus includes a control unit configured to divide the material into a plurality of divided materials and to prepare, for each of the divided materials, reproduction procedure information including recording information for the divided materials; an interface configured to attach the plurality of recording media; and a recording device configured to record the divided materials and the reproduction procedure information including recording information for the divided materials onto separate recording media for the respective divided materials.

Abstract: Upon receiving a first instruction by an instruction receiving unit, a power supply control unit causes a first power supply unit to supply power to a first acquisition unit, and controls a second power supply unit so that power is not supplied to a second acquisition unit. A reproduction unit reproduces a first content acquired by the first acquisition unit. When a predetermined condition is met during a reproduction period in which the reproduction unit is reproducing the first content, the power supply control unit causes a second power supply unit to supply power to the second acquisition unit during the reproduction period. When the instruction receiving unit receives a second instruction, the reproduction unit reproduces a second content acquired by the second acquisition unit, and the power supply control unit causes the first power supply unit to stop the supplying of power to the first acquisition unit.

Abstract: A method for determining key video frames for a digital video having a time sequence of video frames, comprising using a processor to perform the steps of: analyzing the digital video to determine an importance value as a function of time; forming a warped time representation by temporal relocation of the video frames responsive to the importance value as a function of time; subdividing the warped time digital video sequence representation into a set of equal intervals; selecting a key video frame for each interval by analyzing the video frames within each interval; and storing an indication of the key video frames in a processor-accessible memory.

Abstract: A video decompression system and method are disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the video decompression system comprises a memory with logic, and a processor configured with the logic to receive a compressed video stream that includes frame pictures and detect a scan mode indicator in the compressed video stream, wherein the scan mode indicator indicates whether a progressive scan format was used during the creation of the frame pictures.