Abstract: Image data file systems and methods are operable to generate image data files for a plurality of images having a common image data array, and are operable to generate images from the image data files. An exemplary embodiment stores a common image data array into a master image data file, wherein the stored common image data array corresponds to an image data array of a first image of the plurality of images; and generates a soft link image data file based upon a second image of the plurality of images, wherein an image data array of the second image is the same as the common image data array, and wherein a soft link in the soft link image data file identifies a location of the stored common image data array.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing and displaying enhanced banners and other objects on a communication device. The banner file may comprise ancillary data, such as calendar appointment details, other event details, or contact details, embedded within the file itself, or comprised in an envelope wrapping the banner file. When the banner is displayed on the communication device, the user may invoke a context menu to create an event, such as a calendar event, on the device using the embedded ancillary data. In other embodiments, the communication device uses geolocation services to determine whether the user is likely to be in attendance at an event, and if not, to issue alerts or initiate a further action, such as initiating recording of a television program the user is about to miss, over the network. In other embodiments, the banner file's ancillary data includes recommendation data, identifying a banner as being recommended by a contact of the user's.

Abstract: A system and method provide a soundtrack recommendation service for recommending one or more soundtrack for a video (i.e., a probe video). A feature extractor of the recommendation service extracts a set of content features of the probe video and generates a set of semantic features represented by a signature vector of the probe video. A video search module of the recommendation service is configured to search for a number of video candidates, each of which is semantically similar to the probe video and has an associated soundtrack. A video outlier identification module of the recommendation service identifies video candidates having an atypical use of their soundtracks and ranks the video candidates based on the typicality of their soundtrack usage. A soundtrack recommendation module selects the soundtracks of the top ranked video candidates as the soundtrack recommendations to the probe video.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for processing metadata associated with digital video in a multi-state video computer readable medium. The method specifies a set of rules for propagating the metadata between different states in the video computer readable medium. It then propagates the metadata between the states based on the specified set of rules.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating in-video objects for a video file include identifying a number of segments of the video file, creating a metadata file containing attributes of the segment for each of the segments, and creating a table of contents for the video content, the table of contents including visual representations of each of the segments.

Abstract: A method of generating media content is described which comprises capturing still or moving image content items at a capture device and uploading the captured image content items and image content metadata indicating a time of capture of each of the image content items to a network. A playback log indicating playback times of audio content items listened to by the user of the capture device is stored. One or more of the captured image content items is correlated with one or more portions of the playback log based on the time of capture indicated by the metadata relating to the one or more captured content items and the playback times indicated by the playback log. A media output is generated as a collection of a plurality of the captured image content items stored at the network accompanied by audio content related to the portion of the playback log which is correlated with the captured image content items in the collection.

Abstract: The video bookmark feature allows a user to tag an item or segment of interest within audio/video content being watched. Each tag, or bookmark, can contain within it metadata associated with the content captured by the receiver at the time the bookmark was recorded; further information can be derived via interaction over the Internet with a service provider. Applications supported by video bookmarks include telescoping ads, capturing screen shots for later review or printing, and retrieving more information about any arbitrary subject being viewed, whether it is a scene in a program, an advertisement, or other associated information about the subject. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A video image reproducing apparatus reads out sub-content information related to sub-content to be reproduced, from a recording medium, obtains attribute information indicative of the features of the sub-content, on the basis of the sub-content information, and controls each reproduction procedure of the main content and the sub-content on the basis of the attribute information, so that the main content and the sub-content are reproduced in coordination with the features of the sub-content.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retrieving information for managing video data involving link information associating metadata with the video data. A metadata indicator is used to indicate that metadata exists in a stream with the linking information. Link information also associates the metadata with location information to identify where additional information on the video data, which is described by the metadata, may be found. Using the method or apparatus, a single metadata unit is able to be associated with a plurality of video data units, or a plurality of metadata units are able to be associated with a single video data unit, in order to provide more information on the video data.

Abstract: Techniques described herein enable parents to establish a child-protective “kids zone” on a DVR. According to one technique, a DVR receives, from a parent, identities of DVD content items that the parent does not want children to view. The DVR maps the identities to a kids zone. During times that the DVR is set to operate in the kids zone operational mode, the DVR prevents itself from presenting any content from DVDs that are associated with the identities. At other times, during which the DVR is not set to operate in the kids zone operational mode, the DVR may allow itself to present DVD content that are associated with the identities.

Abstract: A multimedia system is disclosed, having a multimedia playback device and a multimedia information display device. The multimedia playback device is used to provide the multimedia content received from a multimedia transmission device. The multimedia information display device has a display device, a wireless communication device, and a signal processing device for cooperating with the multimedia playback device. The wireless communication device of the multimedia information display device receives the multimedia information. The signal processing device configures the display device to display the multimedia information pertinent to the multimedia content played on the multimedia playback device.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus which records data in a recording medium including: a recording section which records data in the recording medium; a detecting section which detects continuous or fragmented free areas in minimum allocation unit of the recording medium; and a recording control section which controls the recording section so that the recording section sequentially records data in the continuous free areas of the recording medium detected by the detecting section, and at the time point when the recording is completed, the recording section moves an end portion of the recorded data to the fragmented free areas of the recording medium detected by the detecting section so as to be recorded.

Abstract: A system for playing a film on a portable media player, the portable media player comprising a central processor, a GPS module to determine a location of the portable media player within a geographic area, and a storage having stored therein film data of the film for playing on the portable media player, as well as location data of a plurality of locations in a geographic area; the film data comprising at least one preliminary scene to be played first, and a plurality of subsequent scenes, each of the subsequent scenes being linked to both the preliminary scene and one of the locations. A corresponding portable media player, film and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for summary collection and playing of scenes and a recording medium thereof are provided. The system includes media supply equipment, a scene description server, a scene server, and an end device. The media supply equipment supplies media data. The scene description server supplies scene description information of a scene segment corresponding to the media data, where each piece of scene description information records a playing content of the scene segment corresponding thereto. The scene server obtains the media data and a summary collect command supplied by the end device, and retrieves a plurality of partial scene segments from the media data according to an analysis result of the summary collect command and the playing content recorded by each piece of scene description information, so as to form media summary data and output the media summary data to the end device.

Abstract: A scene segment playing system, a scene segment playing method and a recording medium thereof are provided. The system includes media supply equipment, a description generating server, a scene server, and an end device. The media supply equipment is used for supplying media data. Upon receiving the media data, the scene server supplies scene description data corresponding to the media data. The scene server acquires the media data and interval information supplied by the end device, and retrieves scene segment data from the media data according to a comparison result of the interval information and the scene description data, and outputs the scene segment data to the end device for playing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for displaying auxiliary information associated with a multimedia program. Specifically, the present invention is directed to receiving program signals, acquiring auxiliary information (e.g. closed captioning information) from the program signals, associating time information with the auxiliary information, storing the auxiliary information in a file associated with program content, using the auxiliary information file and program content to determine candidate program portions for customization of the auxiliary information, and displaying customized auxiliary information with the program content in accordance with user selections (see FIG. 1). Using the present invention, users with differing abilities and/or preferences related to display of caption text may customize display of the caption information transmitted with television programs.

Abstract: A start position and an end position of a sliding operation along a direction in which the main subject moves in the video image is detected respectively as a first position and a second position. It is controlled so as to play a video image over a range between the first position and the second position. The video image constituted with the plurality of images starting with the first image and ending with the second image is played along a forward direction if the first image with the main subject at the first position precedes the second image with the main subject at the second position, and the video image constituted with the plurality of images starting with the first image and ending with the second image is played along a reverse direction if the first image follows the second image.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and machine readable medium for variable video production, distribution and presentation are disclosed. An example composer to author a variable video includes a labeler to tag each of a plurality of scenes with at least one vector based on the content of the respective scenes. In addition, the example composer includes a receiver to define relevance data to be obtained from intended viewers of respective versions of the variable video. A mapper is also included to chart a sequence of two or more of the scenes, at least one of the scenes being a variable scene. The variable scene includes content selected based on the vector and the respective relevance data to form respective versions of the variable video. The example composer further includes a publisher to publish the variable video as a single file for creating the respective versions of the variable video.

Abstract: A playback apparatus has a platform 1410 that is a program execution environment of an application 1400. When the platform 1410 initiates the application 1400, a graphics information transmission unit 1403, which corresponds to an API function, obtains graphics information and stores the graphics information in a graphics information storage unit 1413. A graphics information control unit 1414 selects graphics information to be rendered, based on a stream event obtained by a stream event reception unit 1416 and the graphics information stored in the graphics information storage unit 1413. The graphics information control unit 1414 has a graphics rendition unit 1415 render the selected graphics with a video playback timing relating to the stream event.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retrieving information for managing video data involving link information associating metadata with the video data. A metadata indicator is used to indicate that metadata exists in a stream with the linking information. Link information also associates the metadata with location information to identify where additional information on the video data, which is described by the metadata, may be found. Using the method or apparatus, a single metadata unit is able to be associated with a plurality of video data units, or a plurality of metadata units are able to be associated with a single video data unit, in order to provide more information on the video data.

Abstract: Implementing a web browser in a BD platform, including: receiving a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) page of a web browser; converting the HTML page including user interface (UI) widgets into graphical elements including HAVi widgets; and displaying the HTML page in the BD platform. Keywords include HAVi, Widgets, and BD platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods to modify playout/playback include responding to a trick mode request (e.g., fast forward, rewind). First, the system generates a transmission that includes primary content and a secondary information identifier. Next, the system communicates the transmission to a receiving device that stores the transmission in a local storage device. Next, the receiving device retrieves the transmission from the local storage device and utilizes the secondary information identifier to associate the primary content with a secondary content. Next, the receiving device to renders the secondary content, instead of the primary content, to an output device, at the receiving device, responsive to receipt of a request to render the primary content to the output device at an accelerated speed of the primary content.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video reproducing apparatus includes a video data generating device generating reproduction control video data for displaying a reproduction control image of video contents in a constant cycle on an occasion of reproducing the video contents; and an update cycle adjusting device making an update cycle in which the reproduction control video data is updated longer than the constant cycle, within a range in which all the reproduction control images which should be displayed by the reproduction control video data are displayed.

Abstract: A method of displaying a timeline of recorded video comprising the steps of dividing the recorded video into timespans, providing a thumbnail and a timestamp for each timespan that has recorded video, providing a gap and a timestamp between thumbnails for each timespan in which there is no recorded video, displaying a first timeline containing the provided thumbnails and timestamps and the provided gaps and timestamps having an uncompressed format, receiving user input requesting that the first timeline be compressed, removing the gaps and their respective timestamps from the first timeline and moving the thumbnails and their timestamps located on either side of the gaps so that the thumbnails on either side of the gaps are adjacent to provide a compressed timeline, and displaying the compressed timeline.

Abstract: A data recording device is provided to record and redistribute stream data such as TV programs without imposing loads proportional to the number of users. Stream data of a distributed program is collated by a recording range judging section 4 with data already recorded of a stream data recording section 6 and, based on results from the collation, only newly distributed data is appended to the stream data recording section. Recording demand information representing a range of stream data of a program that a user makes a request for recording is recorded in a range recording section 5 and a user identifier to identify the user is recorded in a manner to be associated with the above recording demand range information. Stream data only in a range corresponding to the above recording demand range information of the user recorded by the above demand range recording processing is read out by a redistributing section 7 from the stream data recording section 6 and is redistributed to the user.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retrieving information for managing video data involving link information associating metadata with the video data. A metadata indicator is used to indicate that metadata exists in a stream with the linking information. Link information also associates the metadata with location information to identify where additional information on the video data, which is described by the metadata, may be found. Using the method or apparatus, a single metadata unit is able to be associated with a plurality of video data units, or a plurality of metadata units are able to be associated with a single video data unit, in order to provide more information on the video data.

Abstract: A comment creating-displaying device includes: a comment storing unit that stores comment information in which a comment character string representing a character string displayed during reproduction of video captured during movement and a comment coordinate value representing coordinate information of a capture location at which the comment character string is displayed are associated with each other; a first acquisition unit that acquires positioning data that is information including the video, positioning time representing time when the capture location of the video is positioned, and a positioning point representing coordinate information of the capture location of the video; a reproduction control unit that controls reproduction of the acquired video; and a second acquisition unit that acquires the comment character string, which has a distance from the positioning point of the positioning data corresponding to the reproduction time of the video.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for enriching audio/video recordings using annotation data provided by attendees of a presentation, in which annotations from attendees are received by a server which merges and synchronizes the annotation data, performs text data mining to identify key messages and temporal segments of the audio/video data, and constructs an enriched audio/video recording including audio and/or video data as well as segment data and key message data for ease of user navigation.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for automatic static summarization of videos. For example, a method of creating a static summary of a video comprises the following steps. Shots in the video are detected, wherein the detected shots are frames of the video having a correlation. The detected shots are clustered into clusters based on similarity. The clusters of shots are ranked. At least a portion of the shots are selected based on cluster ranking for inclusion in the static summary. The static summary is generated by combining thumbnail images of the selected shots. Prior to the ranking step, the method may further comprise detecting a presence of slides in any of the shots, and the ranking of a given shot is based in part on whether the shot is a slide. By way of example, such static summaries can be shared in emails and in calendar applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for an abstract model interpreter that defines an abstract model to represent an interactive video. The abstract model is defined independent of any export format. An interface for the abstract model is created to concurrently manage interpreting the abstract model according to a plurality of different export formats. For example, the abstract model interpreter can map a feature of the interactive video, which is described in the abstract model, to a corresponding feature supported by an export format. The interface is thereby utilized to interpret the abstract model to create a formatted interactive video, which is a version of the abstract model compliant with an export format from the plurality of different export formats. The interface further provides an edit capability that allows a user to modify how the feature of the interactive video is to be supported by any of the different export formats.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for capturing one or more image frames of a real-time streaming video using a wrapper module configured to function with a video player. The wrapper module is in electronic communication with a server. The method includes receiving, by the wrapper module, during streaming of the video by the video player, an indication from a user of a current viewing location in the video to initiate image capturing. The method includes capturing, by the wrapper module, one or more image frames from the video based on the indication of the current viewing location. The method also includes transmitting, by the wrapper module, the one or more captured image frames to the server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a GPS and/or video data communication system, a data communication method, and devices for use in a GPS and/or video data communication system, in particular to a data communication method comprising the following steps: (a) providing image data (9; 19) recorded by a video camera (2); and (b) integrating additional image data (7a, 7b; 8; 15) into the image data recorded by the video camera (2). Alternatively or additionally, the data communication method can comprise the following step: integrating data obtained by a measuring device (4) or produced therefrom into the image data recorded by the video camera (2).

Abstract: Speed of commercial playing is detected and used for determining whether program information can be played.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a scene information output apparatus includes a communicator, a reproducer, and an output module. The communicator is configured to transmit to a server identification data regarding content includes a plurality of scenes, and receive from the server a plurality of items regarding scene information corresponding to the plurality of scenes. The reproducer is configured to reproduce the content. The output module is configured to output a first item of scene information corresponding to a first scene being reproduced among the plurality of scenes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, a playback device, a playback method, and a recording medium, which enable the same information to be added to pictures corresponding to a basic stream and an extended stream to be used for display of a 3D image. At the time of encoding, Picture Timing SEI to be added to each picture of a Base view video stream, and Picture Timing SEI to be added to each picture of a Dependent view video stream are generated so that a Picture Timing SEI set to be added to the corresponding pictures represents the same content. The present invention can be applied to a playback device compatible with the BD-ROM standard.

Abstract: A method for editing timed and annotated data includes acquiring a multimedia data stream; performing a decoding operation upon the multimedia data stream, wherein the decoded data stream comprises a textual data stream; synchronizing the multimedia data stream and the decoded data stream by performing a time stamping operation upon the data streams; editing the decoded data stream; and realigning the time stamp data of the edited decoded data stream in order to synchronize the edited decoded data with the multimedia data stream.

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: A method and system for controlling a playback experience for one or more videos is disclosed. Actions are specified in control documents for the one or more videos. The actions specify start time and duration for each action, optional introductory or confirmation messages or interface controls, optional gestures, and/or intents that are triggered by the actions. The various control documents are compiled into a single control document that includes a link to the one or more videos and the actions various. Multiple parties can control the playback experience with multiple control documents to provide a multi-layered control experience.

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 reproducing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes an input section; an operation input section; a first storage section; and a control section.

Abstract: A method for annotating general objects contained in video content is provided. The method sends video data to a client device and receives a first annotation from the client device defining a boundary around a portion of a first frame of the video data. Then, the first annotation is tracked through multiple frames of the video content. Other annotations determined to be associated with annotation that match the first annotation within a threshold are determined where the other annotations are received from other client devices and located in the first frame or other frames from the first frame. The method combines the other annotations and the first annotation into an object track and associates a tag with the object track. The tag is input by at least one of the client devices.

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 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: Embodiments of methods for multimedia annotation with sensor data (referred to herein as Sensor-rich video) includes acquisition, management, storage, indexing, transmission, search, and display of video, images, or sound, that has been recorded in conjunction with additional sensor information (such as, but not limited to, global positioning system information (latitude, longitude, altitude), compass directions, WiFi fingerprints, ambient lighting conditions, etc.). The collection of sensor information is acquired on a continuous basis during recording. For example, the GPS information may be continuously acquired from a corresponding sensor at every second during the recording of a video. Therefore, the acquisition apparatus generates a continuous stream of video frames and a continuous stream of sensor meta-data values. The two streams are correlated in that every video frame is associated with a set of sensor values. Note that the sampling frequency (i.e.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a playback experience for one or more videos is disclosed. Actions are specified in control documents for the one or more videos. The actions specify start time and duration for each action, optional introductory or confirmation messages or interface controls, optional gestures, and/or intents that are triggered by the actions. The various control documents are compiled into a single control document that includes a link to the one or more videos and the actions various. Multiple parties can control the playback experience with multiple control documents to provide a multi-layered control experience.

Abstract: A fact checking system verifies the correctness of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with one or more sources. The fact checking system automatically monitors, processes, fact checks information and indicates a status of the information.

Abstract: A bytecode processing unit provided in a playback device is platform unit 20 that reads and runs a bytecode application recorded on read-only medium 105. The playback device includes: playback control unit 10 for controlling AV playback of digital streams; and machine unique function control unit 33 for performing machine unique functions unique to the playback device, to perform a control onto a content. APIs used by the bytecode application include API for playback control function, and API for socket communication. When the bytecode application requests playback control unit 10 to control the playback, it calls the playback control API to can instruct playback control unit 10 to execute the process. When the bytecode application requests execution of a machine unique function of the playback device, it instructs a machine unique function control unit to perform the process via a function call by the socket communication API.

Abstract: The medium has script files including additional information about moving picture data, e.g., scene descriptive text and introduction of characters, etc. In addition, information linking each script file with a section of moving picture data to be presented with contents of the script file is included in a link data file or is contained in a filename of the script file. In reproduction of the recording medium, a script file linked with presently reproduced moving picture data section is determined and searched for based on the link data file or every filename of the script files, and contents of the found script file are presented together with the presently reproduced moving picture data. Furthermore, previously presented additional information is removed depending on data or filename of the found script file.

Abstract: This invention relates to a karaoke CD format and a device for controlling audio signals utilizing the karaoke CD format which provides a user with selective reproduction of the voice of a player. The karaoke CD format includes a CD format divided into video sectors and audio sectors. The audio sectors are further divided into a part for recording accompaniment sound and playing sound at the same time and a part for recording accompaniment sound only. There is provided record coding information for distinguishing the parts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a karaoke CD format and a device for controlling audio signals utilizing the karaoke CD format which provides a user with selective reproduction of the voice of a player. The karaoke CD format includes a CD format divided into video sectors and audio sectors. The audio sectors are further divided into a part for recording accompaniment sound and playing sound at the same time and a part for recording accompaniment sound only. There is provided record coding information for distinguishing the parts.