Abstract: A method modifies how content is broadcast based on the tone and format of the content. One or more processors retrieve a set of rules that describe a tone and format for proposed content that is to be broadcast to an intended target, and determine whether the proposed content conforms to the set of rules. In response to determining that the proposed content does not conform to the set of rules, the processor(s) modify how the proposed content is broadcast to the intended target. The processor(s) generate an enriched content of the modified content by applying, to the modified content, content metatags that describe a content of the modified content, and then analyze the enriched content to calculate a trustworthiness index (TI) for the enriched content. The processors further modify how content is broadcast to the intended target based on the TI of the enriched content.

Abstract: A recording device includes a tuner, a memory, and a controller. The tuner receives broadcast programs. The memory records the broadcast programs via a plurality of recording paths between the tuner and the memory. The controller uses at least two of the recording paths to record a plurality of consecutive broadcast programs on a predetermined channel in the memory. An output of the tuner is inputted to the at least two of the recording paths.

Abstract: This invention prevents a collation database from becoming bulky and shortening the delay time needed from person detection to registration in the collation database. An information processing apparatus comprises an acquiring unit which acquires a video, a detecting unit which detects a whole body or a part of a person from at least one frame of the acquired video, a tracking unit which tracks the whole body or the part of the person detected, and a registering unit which registers, in a database, a feature amount extracted from the whole body or the part of the person tracked during a first period from a timing of a start of tracking of the whole body or the part of the person by the tracking unit to a timing before an end of the tracking by the tracking unit.

Abstract: A method adjusts a broadcasting system according to properties of content being broadcast. One or more processors receive a proposed content that is designed to be a component of an electronic broadcast by a broadcast system. The processor(s) determine a broadcast analysis pattern (BAP) for the proposed content, where the BAP describes the proposed content and an intended target of the electronic broadcast. The processor(s) retrieve a set of rules that describe a tone and format for particular content that is broadcast to the intended target, and determine whether the proposed content conforms to the set of rules. In response to determining that the proposed content does not conform to the set of rules, the processor(s) adjust the broadcasting system, where adjusting the broadcasting system modifies how content is broadcast to the intended target.

Abstract: A handset or other end device in a local service domain receives video service notifications. The video service notifications can provide information to a user of the end device about a video service (e.g., a television program or a movie) available within a local network. The video service notification can include a request for a response to the notification, with the request having a corresponding URI or other type of link to cause a desired action (e.g., to commence recording or playing content associated with a particular video service). A mobile device configurable for direct communication in a wide area wireless network can join a local service domain and receive services through a gateway of that local service domain.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for coordinating playing of media streams. In one aspect, an access by a media player to a presentation device to play a media stream is detected. Additionally, presentation focus information is accessed for determining whether the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Further, it is determine, based on the presentation focus information, that the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Still further, in response to determining the media player has presentation focus, it is indicated that the media player is allowed to play the media stream via the presentation device.

Abstract: This invention prevents a collation database from becoming bulky and shortening the delay time needed from person detection to registration in the collation database. An information processing apparatus comprises an acquiring unit which acquires a video, a detecting unit which detects a whole body or a part of a person from at least one frame of the acquired video, a tracking unit which tracks the whole body or the part of the person detected, and a registering unit which registers, in a database, a feature amount extracted from the whole body or the part of the person tracked during a first period from a timing of a start of tracking of the whole body or the part of the person by the tracking unit to a timing before an end of the tracking by the tracking unit.

Abstract: [Problem] To efficiently and effectively exchange information on medical image data. [Solution] A video image extracted from a DICOM file is uploaded from an upload terminal (6) to a server (2). A medical personnel accesses medical image data from a viewing terminal (8a) and plays the video image provided by the server. The user inputs a comment, into which link destination information to the medical image data is incorporated (inserted), via a comment input field on a medical image viewing screen.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for determining a foundational media item based at least upon an activity associated with a user. A related media item is identified based upon pre-defined relational metadata associated with the foundational media item. A recommendation is generated for the related media item that authorizes a presentation of the related media item through a user interface generated in a computing device.

Abstract: User defined controls for media censorship may define values for content of the media for a user. Controls can be specific to nudity in the media, sexuality of the media, language offensiveness of the media, and/or violence in the media. When a user requests a media instance, a default version can be checked for default artifacts that violate the controls. Replacement artifacts can be created for each violating default artifact. Modified media can be created that replaces the default artifacts with the replacement ones. The modified media can be provided to the user in response to the user request.

Abstract: An information storage medium on which a plurality of titles are recorded, and a reproducing apparatus and method thereof. The information storage medium includes a plurality of titles which are reproduced as motion pictures and a plurality of units of attribute information that correspond to the titles and indicate whether a user can control a title to be reproduced. Therefore, efficient navigation can be ensured and the titles can be reproduced as a manufacturer of the information storage medium has planned.

Abstract: Personalized access controls associated with digital media are provided. The system records access controls associated with specific digital media assets in a digital library and creates policy decisions regarding use of the asset based on these settings. Data management for the access controls is also specified, including on an individual and group basis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing advance content alerts during playback of a media item. In one embodiment, upcoming content in the media item is analyzed based on a received advance content alert configuration. Content is detected that substantially satisfies the received advanced content alert configuration. An advance content alert is generated for the upcoming content based upon the detection of the upcoming content that substantially satisfies the received advanced content alert configuration. The advance content alert is provided prior to playback of the upcoming content. Providing the advance content alert can be providing the advance content alert prior to playback of the upcoming content to a mobile device providing the advanced content alert configuration. Providing the advance content alert can be inserting the advance content alert into the media item during playback such that the advance content alert is presented prior to playback of the upcoming content.

Abstract: A media monitoring system that allows a monitoring device to control the media content that can be downloaded by a monitored device. The monitoring device reviews requests for media content from the monitored device and makes a decision whether to allow the monitored device access to the media content. Authorization may occur interactively or automatically using media settings associated with the monitored device. The monitored device is prevented from accessing media content until the media content is authorized. The media monitoring system may operate in a wired and/or wireless network.

Abstract: The recording medium has a data structure for managing reproduction of data recorded on the recording medium. A navigation area stores at least one navigation file, and the navigation file includes at least one navigation command group. At least one navigation command group includes at least one navigation command for managing reproduction of at least video data recorded on the recording medium.

Abstract: Provided is a receiving apparatus, including: a stream receiver unit configured to receive a broadcast transport stream; a partial-transport-stream recorder configured to create a partial transport stream from the received broadcast transport stream, and to record the partial transport stream in a recording medium; an event generating section configured to generate an event, the event relating to the received broadcast transport stream; and a private-descriptor inserting section configured to create a private descriptor, the private descriptor being information on the generated event, and to insert the private descriptor in a section of the partial transport stream.

Abstract: An identity of a person proximate to a display device is determined by an identity profile controller. The identity profile controller determines whether a configured viewing profile exists for the person. Upon determining that the configured viewing profile exists for the person, the identity profile controller instructs a bezel display controller to display a profile identifier associated with the configured viewing profile via a two-dimensional light-emitting diode (LED) array located within a bezel of the display device outside of the display area of the display. The identity profile controller automatically adjusts display device settings for the display device based upon the configured viewing profile. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A multimedia file playback method and apparatus where the multimedia file playback method includes: recognizing a face of a viewer to determine an age type of the viewer, where the age type includes an adult type and a juvenile type; obtaining information about a position and length of a sensitive clip in the multimedia file if the determined age type includes a juvenile type; and playing the multimedia file in which the sensitive clip is hidden to the viewer according to the information about the position and length of the sensitive clip in the multimedia file. The multimedia file playback method and apparatus can prevent inappropriate videos, images, and other information from adversely affecting juveniles.

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: Systems and methods are operable to enforce parental controls at a mobile media device. An exemplary embodiment establishes a communication link between the mobile media device and a local media device, receives parental control setting information from the local media device at the mobile media device, receives at least one media content event and rating information associated with the received media content event at the mobile media device, compares at the mobile media device the rating information associated with the received at least one media content event with the parental control setting information received from the local media device, and prevents presentation of the at least one media content event by the mobile media device if the rating information associated with the received media content event violates the parental control setting information.

Abstract: Techniques for recommending recording and/or downloading suggestions to a DVR user are provided. According to one technique, a list of suggestions is received from a recommending entity. Each of the suggestions identifies either to-be-broadcasted content or downloadable content. The entity is mapped to the list, thereby establishing an entity-to-list mapping. Data, which indicates a user's selection of a list, is received. The user's DVR is mapped to the selected list, thereby establishing a DVR-to-list mapping. Based on this mapping, one or more candidate items are automatically selected from among a set of items. Identities of the candidate items are sent to the DVR. The recommending entity does not own or operate the DVR.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reproducing a moving image according to a parental level are provided. In the method, a video frame stream is digital-processed, so that frames are detected. Whether a parental level is set in each detected frame is determined. When the parental level is set, a frame sequence number of a frame to be reproduced next is determined using a next frame sequence number set in the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device. The set top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The user has the option to extend a chosen time slot, in which a show is scheduled to be transferred to the storage device. The time slot may be extended before the show, after the show, or both.

Abstract: Techniques for real-time DVR usage and reporting enable using instant message protocol in a DVR environment to obtain real-time DVR usage data and to report data reflecting such usage in real-time. An example of DVR usage data comprises data reflecting that a viewer is viewing a video program which is R-rated. Another example of DVR usage data comprises a viewer entering a password, such as a kids zone password, to exit kids zone operational mode.

Abstract: A home multimedia net-work (10, 100) having display devices (121-12n) at multiple locations, can afford a user the ability to pause the play-back of previously recorded content at one location and later resume content playback at another location. To prevent the resumption of playback of content inappropriate for certain locations (e.g., a child's bedroom), the home multimedia network advantageously affords the user the ability to restrict selected locations from resuming playback by establishing a list of permissible locations able to receive paused previously recorded content.

Abstract: A system biometrically authenticates a user that intends to use an entertainment device. The system obtains, based on the biometric authentication, one or more quotas associated with an amount of time that the user may use the entertainment device, and controls the user's use of the entertainment device based on the one or more quotas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to play video content on a frame-by-frame basis according to frame level ratings are provided. A video encoder can be configured to encode a video program with a corresponding rating for each frame of a plurality of frames of the video program based on the content of the frame. A playback device can be configured to play the encoded video program on the video playback device based on frame level ratings of the video program set by a user.

Abstract: Provided is a content playback apparatus that generates a GUI corresponding to various pieces of restriction information to restrict playback of a content when displaying the GUI for causing a user to select a content to be played back, and that can respond to a new piece of restriction information. The content playback apparatus generates content lists for the various pieces of restriction, and generates a GUI which can display each content list for each piece of restriction information by switching. When a content to which the new piece of restriction information has been attached is added, setting information for the new piece of restriction information is obtained from a content distribution server and the like by referring to an ID attached to the content, or an ID of the restriction information having been attached to the content, and a content list for the newly obtained restriction information is generated and displayed.

Abstract: An application that is capable of monitoring Internet or network traffic and performing recordings of computer video output based on one or more violations of network activity policies. The recording application can be installed on the computer to be recorded or another computer or server that is connected through the network to the computer to be recorded. The monitoring application contains a configuration interface that allows a user to set thresholds for certain types of network policy violations. When the one or more violations are detected, the recording application will begin recording video of the computer's video activity. The application can be configured to include settings such as the length of the recording. In a typical environment, the application is a hardware appliance that is capable of monitoring web activity and network traffic and can connect to the computer over the network in order to perform the recording.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device. The set top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The user has the option to extend a chosen time slot, in which a show is scheduled to be transferred to the storage device. The time slot may be extended before the show, after the show, or both.

Abstract: Provided is a receiving apparatus, including: a stream receiver unit configured to receive a broadcast transport stream; a partial-transport-stream recorder configured to create a partial transport stream from the received broadcast transport stream, and to record the partial transport stream in a recording medium; an event generating section configured to generate an event, the event relating to the received broadcast transport stream; and a private-descriptor inserting section configured to create a private descriptor, the private descriptor being information on the generated event, and to insert the private descriptor in a section of the partial transport stream.

Abstract: The present invention is a BD-ROM having AVClips and PlayList information pieces, which are playback paths for the AVClips, recorded thereon. In addition, the BD-ROM also has multiple playback paths and dynamic scenarios recorded thereon. The dynamic scenarios instruct a playback device to play a digital stream using the playback paths. The dynamic scenarios include selection procedures (IF-statement blocks) which cause the playback device to compare a constant and a register-stored value indicating a user's age set on the playback device, (PSR(13)), and to select a playback path from among the multiple playback paths according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A method, digital video display and digital video recording (DVR) device/system and computer program provide a mechanism for controlling an amount of differing types of media viewed by users. A number of time quotas are set for various media types and/or programs and viewing or recording of video media is monitored to determine whether any of the quotas has been exceeded. If a quota is exceeded, the viewing or recording can be immediately halted, or a warning or alert can be issued. If an absolute limit is exceeded after an alert is issue, further viewing or recording can be halted.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and systems provide for the registry and authorization of media on a media player. The method involves maintaining a registry of registered media. Media to be played by the media player is compared to the maintained registry of registered media. If media is registered, authorization it then required to play the registered media.

Abstract: A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a WIFI or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e.g., a P2P protocol. All downloads are governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria.

Abstract: Personalized access controls associated with digital media are provided. The system records access controls associated with specific digital media assets in a digital library and creates policy decisions regarding use of the asset based on these settings. Data management for the access controls is also specified, including on an individual and group basis.

Abstract: Recorded on the recording medium (BD-ROM) is an AV stream that is obtained by multiplexing a video stream and one or more audio streams. MOVIE objects are scenarios showing playback procedures of video data described using playback device-oriented commands. In addition to the MOVIE objects, enhanced-mode scenarios (Java and WebPage objects) are also recorded on the recording medium. These enhanced-mode scenarios, each of which is described in the Java language or a markup language, show control procedures with respect to playback devices. The Java and WebPage objects are capable of taking over register setting values set by MOVIE objects, and extracting parts of video data played by MOVIE objects.

Abstract: An interactive program guide system is provided. The system facilitates recording of programs selected from the program guide. The system handles the recording and viewing of pay programs, parentally-controlled programs, consecutive programs on different television channels, and programs with and without copy protection. Programs may be recorded using combination television videocassette recorder (TV/VCR) units.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for blocking scenes with objectionable content comprises receiving incoming content, namely a scene of a program. Thereafter, using closed captioning information, a determination is made if the scene of the program includes objectionable content, and if so, blocking the scene from being displayed.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a panel television device with built-in disc loader capable of constantly detecting a mounted state of a disc while alleviating the process of the television section. The panel television device with built-in disc loader has a disc loader section arranged with a disc sensor which state changes according to the detection of the presence of the disc inside, and a sub-microcomputer for performing a disc detecting process based on the state of the disc sensor; and has a television section arranged with a main microcomputer for performing the disc detecting process based on the state of the disc sensor; where drive power is constantly supplied to the disc sensor and the main microcomputer; and the disc detecting process is performed by the sub-microcomputer when the power of the disc loader section is turned ON, and the disc detecting process is performed by the main microcomputer when the power of the disc loader section is turned OFF.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a television schedule system with a user interface which allows a user to control access to television programs by time, rating, content, and/or channel. Furthermore, the user may set a limit on pay-per-view (PPV) spending to limit the purchase of PPV programs.

Abstract: A media player configured with a first removable memory reader, such as a DVD drive, and a second removable memory reader, such as a flash memory reader, adapted to communicate with a removable memory containing filter data. The media player is configured to allow filtered playback of a multimedia presentation, such as a movie. Filtered playback causes certain portions of the multimedia presentation to be skipped, muted, blurred, cropped, or otherwise modified to eliminate or reduce potentially objectionable scenes, language, or other content. The second memory reader provides a convenient medium for the loading of filter information, whether data files, executable program code, or the like, to local memory of the media player to employ during filtered playback. Alternatively, the filters may be accessed from the removable storage media during playback rather than loading to local memory.

Abstract: A playback instruction data generator determines, for each type of exceptional and special playback, a portion of target content with specific details to be played back in exceptional and special playback of the target content, on the basis of a playback rule for the category of the target content, among playback rules defined for each category of content and for each type of exceptional and special playback, and generates playback instruction data in which portion-to-be-played information indicating that portion is associated with identification information identifying the target content. A data extracting unit extracts, from content specified by a user, a portion of the content with specific details indicated by the portion-to-be-played information for the type of exceptional and special playback specified by the user, the portion-to-be-played information being included in the playback instruction data and being associated with the identification information for the content specified by the user.

Abstract: A combination apparatus incorporating a hard disk drive and an optical disc drive (audio-visual recording and reproducing apparatus) stores one or more keywords inputted as a result of user operation in a memory and monitors whether or not a closed caption signal contains any of the keywords. When the closed caption signal contains at least one of the keywords, output of images and audio corresponding to this closed caption signal and subsequent images and audio is stopped. A blue background may be outputted during stopping of outputting. The stopping of outputting may be released after a predetermined period elapses. When at least one of the keywords is contained in a closed caption signal during recording, images corresponding to the closed caption signal are subjected to mosaic processing and are recorded.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver (3) provides independent viewing of live or recorded programmes to primary and secondary locations (42a, 42b), which may share a common planner showing information on programmes selected for recording. The receiver (3) applies rules to govern the use of tuners to prevent conflicts between the two locations. Global settings may be altered only at the primary location (42a), while local settings may be applied independently at either location. Pay per view and day pass functions may be shared between locations.