Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating a playlist of series assets and systems and methods for grouping assets of a playlist in clusters are provided. In one embodiment, series assets may automatically be included into a playlist for that series. In another embodiment, an interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters based on one or more user selected parameters or may group assets in cluster based on automatically determined parameters. In yet another embodiment, the interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters and display at least one identifier in connection with each cluster to indicate a basis for forming the cluster. The identifier may be a key word or catch phrase that succinctly identifies a trait or characteristic of assets in a particular cluster associated with the identifier.

Abstract: A method and a vehicle occupant management system enhances the traveling experience depending on the occupants in a vehicle. The system includes a sensor configured to detect at least a first occupant in a vehicle; a memory configured to manage data and a processing circuitry. The a processing circuitry is configured to cause the vehicle occupant management system to detect by the sensor, at least a first occupant in the vehicle; identify the at least first occupant using identification data of the at least first occupant; associate the at least first occupant with an unique identity and storing the association in the memory; identify a data session in the vehicle; and associate the data session with the unique identity of the at least first occupant.

Abstract: Improved technical functionality is provided to dynamically select and seamlessly play advertisements immediately before playing of a recorded program upon selection of the recorded program for playing, or upon other detected events and conditions associated with the set-top-box (STB) or user. In some embodiments, this is performed by using metadata which may be delivered to and stored on a digital video recorder (DVR) prior to recording the program, providing a technical solution to enable opportunities for additional advertisement impressions. Playing of the advertisement may also or instead occur upon the recorded program finishing playing. Thus, the technical solution provides the additional opportunity for the content creator and/or the satellite television or cable service provider to sell advertising spots in addition to those already sold for breaks within the recorded program.

Abstract: Devices, systems and processes for providing geo-located and content-to-comment synchronized user circles are described. For at least one embodiment, a system for facilitating a geo-location based user circle may include a hub configured to facilitate a sharing of comments between a first user and a second user via a user circle. The first user and the second user may be selected for participation in the user circle based upon a circleID associated each of a first user device and a second user device. A first user device, communicatively coupled to the hub, may be configured to facilitate a capture of the comments provided by the first user. A second user device, communicatively coupled to the hub, may be configured to facilitate a presentation of the comments to the second user. And, a second device geoID may be used to indicate a location of the second user device.

Abstract: This application provides a mode configuration method and a mode configuration system, The system includes: a first terminal device, a second terminal device and a server. The first terminal device is a large screen display. A user can perform personalized settings of first terminal device the by using the second terminal device. The second terminal device is different from the first terminal device, and is generally a device that is convenient for the user to carry and operate and can provide the user with a diversity of options for personalized setting.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application that facilitates presenting, to a user, media assets that match a search expression by generating for display media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets that are scheduled for transmission to a plurality of users during a specific time interval. The media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets that match the search expression are distinguished from media asset identifiers that correspond to media assets that do not match the search expression. Furthermore, media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets that match the search expression are distinguished from each other based on an attribute of each media asset that matches the search expression.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a process of displaying video streams with specified event receives video streams. The video streams are sequenced based on a specified arrangement role to from a video stream queue. By analyzing each video streams, whether each video stream includes a specified event is determined. If each video stream without the specified event, the video streams are outputted based on the video stream queue. If the video stream includes the specified event, the video stream with the specified event is adjusted to be priority in the video stream queue, and the video streams are outputted based on the updated video stream queue. The video streams with the specified event can be prioritized processed and focus. A video stream processing apparatus and a computer readable storage medium applying the method are also provided.

Abstract: Access control to a digital event is disclosed. An access request to access a digital event is received from a first device. The access request may include an event identifier and a password. The event identifier may comprise a unique uniform resource locator associated with an electronic ticket for the digital event. It is determined that a second device is currently accessing the digital event, wherein the second device was previously authorized to access the digital event based on the unique uniform resource locator associated with the electronic ticket for the digital event. The first device is caused to receive a digital media stream associated with the digital event and the second device is caused to stop receiving the digital media stream associated with the digital event.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates generally to display technology, including but not limited to methods and systems for providing knowledge-based media content recommendations, displaying a unified user interface with content-based media recommendations, mixing multiple media content items to be displayed on a focus area, and/or casting controlled media content associated with a network-connected television device. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to displaying a unified user interface having tabbed interfaces in which upcoming media content items from multiple content providers can be displayed in one of the tabbed interfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for indicating an amount of available storage space. To this end, the systems and methods monitor storage space associated with a media storage device to determine whether an amount of storage space available is less than a threshold. In response to determining the amount of storage space available is less than the threshold, the systems and methods enter a deletion mode. Systems and methods monitor user interactions between a user and a user device after entering the deletion mode. Systems and methods further generate for display a notification at an appropriate time, based on the monitored user interactions, to indicate the amount of storage space available to the user.

Abstract: A programming access device such as, for example, a cable or satellite set top box (STB), a digital video recorder (DVR), a personal computer, and/or a digital media receiver automatically optimizes an order of content choices presented in a content listing, such as a program guide display, favorite channel display, and/or a recording listing display based on the past viewing and/or recording history of a current user.

Abstract: A creator establishes a media program including a plurality of media files or content in accordance with a broadcast plan. Mixing systems establish connections with a mobile device of the creator, and with sources of the audio files or content, either manually or automatically in response to instructions of the creator. Broadcast systems establish connections with computer devices of listeners and a mixing system. Conference systems establish connections with the mobile device of the creator and a mixing system. The connections established may be one-way or two-way channels. The media program may include live or previously recorded audio content including words or sounds of the creator, as well as advertisements, music, news, sports, weather, or other programming. The media program may also include live or previously recorded interviews or other conversations with guests, including but not limited to one or more listeners.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for intelligent routing of notifications related to media programming. In one aspect, a smart television (TV) can be implemented to track a user's TV watching behavior, and anticipate programming based on that behavior. In some other aspects, the smart TV can be implemented to detect a user's presence, and based on that detection, can automatically change the TV channel to media programming analyzed to be desirable to the user. In some further aspects, the smart TV can be implemented to transmit notification instructions to electronic devices within a network in an attempt to alert the user to upcoming media programming. Additionally, the smart TV can be implemented to transmit detection instructions to the electronic devices within the network, whereby the electronic devices attempt to detect a user's presence through voice or facial recognition.

Abstract: Described herein is an interactive printed publication comprising a plurality of content segments printed thereon and a plurality of machine readable codes printed thereon. Each of the plurality of machine readable codes is associated with and positioned adjacent at least one of the plurality of content segments and each of the plurality of machine readable codes containing data being extractable by a computing device when being read thereby for initiating communication between the computing device and a computing system.

Abstract: A method for the automatic triggering of a direct delayed mode by a decoder unit, includes reading, by a reading system of the decoder unit, into a favourites memory of the decoder unit, a favourite programmes recording list, a favourite programme recording including at least a start time and a broadcast channel identifier, filtering the favourite programmes recordings list according to a temporal criterion for selecting recordings which correspond to favourite programmes which commence less than a predetermined first period after a current date, for each selected recording, allocating direct delayed mode resources, these resources including at least one receiver and a delayed mode memory for triggering a direct delayed mode.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a receiver apparatus, a transmitter apparatus, and a data processing method that are configured to execute an operation related with viewing history in a desired operation mode. The receiver apparatus receives broadcast waves of digital broadcasting transmitted from the transmitter apparatus via a transmission path, acquires control information for controlling the recording or the transmission of viewing history information related with the viewing history of content transmitted by broadcast waves, and, on the basis of the acquired control information, controls the recording or the transmission of viewing history information. The present technology is applicable to a television receiver compliant with an IP transmission scheme, for example.

Abstract: A method, system and non-transitory computer readable media for dynamically configuring device settings. The equipment device (e.g., set-to box, TV or the like) stores in a memory a plurality of settings profiles, wherein each settings profile is a structured data set related to a wearable computing device including at least a device identifier associated with the related wearable computing device and one or more device settings. The equipment device detects a wearable computing device, wherein detecting the wearable computing device includes identifying a specific device identifier associated with the detected wearable computing device. A querying module of the equipment device executes a query on the memory to identify a specific settings profile where the included device identifier corresponds to the specific device identifier. The equipment device adjusts the device settings based on the one or more device settings included in the identified specific settings profile.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods are described for selectively obscuring a rendering of a media stream. In one implementation, the method includes receiving a request to render the media stream. The media stream is accessed through a first media source. A content identifier is identified for an event within the requested media stream. Based upon the content identifier, it may be discovered that the event is accessible through at least one second media source. The rendering of the requested media stream may then be obscured and a notification provided to a user that the event within the requested media stream is accessible through at least one second media source.

Abstract: A switch fabric is disclosed that includes a serial communications interface and a parallel communications interface. The serial communications interface is configured for connecting a plurality of slave devices to a master device in parallel to transmit information between the plurality of slave devices and the master device, and the parallel communications interface is configured for separately connecting the plurality of slave devices to the master device to transmit information between the plurality of slave devices and the master device, and to transmit information between individual ones of the plurality of slave devices. The parallel communications interface may comprise a dedicated parallel communications channel for each one of the plurality of slave devices. The serial communications interface may comprise a multidrop bus, and the parallel communications interface may comprise a cross switch.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, at a broadcast image processor, from a single broadcast event, a plurality of camera feeds, wherein the camera feeds each comprise an image of the single broadcast event from a different angle, providing, by the broadcast image processor, a summary of the plurality of camera feeds to a media processor, receiving, by the broadcast image processor, a request to select a requested angle from among the plurality of camera feeds from the media processor, and creating, by the broadcast image processor, a custom view from the plurality of camera feeds according to the request for the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, embodiments that comprise provisioning a target user profile and obtaining viewing history data. Further embodiments include generating a group of control rules according to the target user profile and training a machine learning application according to the viewing history data and the group of control rules. Additional embodiments include receiving a first indication that a first media content is to be presented to a target user. Also, embodiments include determining by the machine learning application, that the first media content does not conform to the group of control rules and providing a first notification that the first media content does not conform to the group of control rules. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A home automation system and method are disclosed for configuring a device state including but not limited to receiving an input from the client device at the server, configuring the device state in the database at the server in accordance with the input, and sending the configured device state from the server to the client device.

Abstract: A method for access control to a digital event is disclosed. The method may include receiving, from a first client device, a request to purchase an electronic ticket for a digital event. The method may further include sending an event identifier to the first client device. The method may also include receiving an access request to access the digital event, wherein the access request includes the event identifier and a password. The method may include identifying a second client device that is currently accessing the digital event. The method may further include sending a message to the second client device indicative of the access request received from the first client device. The method may include receiving authorization from the second client device to initiate a transfer of access to the digital event from the second client device to the first client device.

Abstract: A method for applying a shortcut to a streaming multimedia channel is described. The method includes receiving a request from an application of a portable device to generate an auto access identifier (ID) to a media channel that is currently being rendered on a main display. The request is associated with a user account and used by a streaming interface to facilitate rendering of the media channel. The method further includes identifying the media channel currently being rendered and user login data used to access the user account. The method includes generating control data for the auto access ID. The auto access ID is usable to instruct the streaming interface to return to the media channel at a later point in time. The method includes sending the auto access ID, by the streaming interface, to the application of the portable device.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes a shooting unit configured to capture a moving picture including video data and audio data of a subject at a certain location; a receiver configured to receive video data of a moving picture of the subject without audio data of the moving picture; a layer generator configured to generate a first layer and at least one second layer to reproduce and display on the screen a plurality of pieces of video data including the video data captured by the shooting unit and at least one piece of video data received by the receiver; a display controller configured to reproduce and display the first layer and the at least one second layer to be overlaid with each other on one screen through hierarchical combining.

Abstract: A video distribution method is a video distribution method to be performed by a server that distributes a plurality of videos captured by a plurality of users from different viewpoints to a terminal apparatus. The video distribution method includes distributing, from a server to a terminal apparatus, a first video that is one of a plurality of videos captured by a plurality of users from different viewpoints and that is requested by the terminal apparatus, selecting a second video that is one of the plurality of videos and that is likely to be next requested next time by the terminal apparatus, and starting transmission of the second video to the terminal apparatus during distribution of the first video to the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving content from at least one source, processing the content to identify an object in the content, assigning an identifier to the object based on the processing, permitting viewer selection of the object identifier, and providing additional information for presentation to a viewer of the content responsive to viewer selection of the object identifier. The content in some embodiments comprises live video from at least one live video source. For example, the content may comprise at least a portion of a panoramic video comprising a combination of multiple live videos from respective ones of a plurality of video sources. The panoramic video may be digitally cropped and scaled before a resulting version of the content is provided for presentation to the viewer. A plurality of different digitally cropped and scaled versions of the content from the panoramic video can be generated and made available to the viewer.

Abstract: A computing device plays at least one first video content segment. The video content segment may be a portion of an interactive video content sequence including multiple segments that may each be selected during play of one or more of the other segments. The computing device determines one or more second video content segments that are associated with the first video content segment. Such determination may be made by analyzing information describing an interactive video content sequence of which the video content segment is a part. The computing device attempts to load one or more second video content segments. In this way, play of the video content segments may reduce and/or avoid delays in changing the video content being played.

Abstract: In response to a first request for query received from a user device over a network, a search identifier (ID) identifying a search transaction is generated. A search engine performs a search within a content database based on one or more keywords, generating a set of content items. For at least one of the content items, an encoder encodes the search ID and a content ID identifying the content item into a machine-readable code and attaches the machine-readable code to the content item. A search result page is generated by incorporating the set of content items, where at least one of the content items in the search result includes a machine-readable code having the search ID and its content ID encoded therein. The search result page is transmitted to the user device over the network.

Abstract: A device may determine media content to be prescheduled for recording without receiving a request to record the media content and based on a quantity of users expected to record the media content. The device may determine a digital video recorder (DVR) device, for which the media content is to be prescheduled for recording, without receiving a user request to record the media content using the DVR device. The device may provide an instruction to cause the DVR device to record the media content.

Abstract: Methods and systems are discussed herein for a media guidance application that automatically determines (e.g., without querying a user) whether or not to perform a playback operation (e.g., rewinding, returning to a previous chapter, continuing to play, etc.) on a media asset based on the amount of content that was missed by a user. For example, if a user missed only a small portion of content (e.g., was outside of a viewing area of the media asset for a short period of time), the media guidance application may determine that the media asset does not need to be rewound. However, if a user missed a large portion of content (e.g., was outside of a viewing area of the media asset for an extended period of time), the media guidance application may determine that the media asset does need to be rewound.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving content from at least one source, processing the content to identify an object in the content, assigning an identifier to the object based on the processing, permitting viewer selection of the object identifier, and providing additional information for presentation to a viewer of the content responsive to viewer selection of the object identifier. The content in some embodiments comprises live video from at least one live video source. For example, the content may comprise at least a portion of a panoramic video comprising a combination of multiple live videos from respective ones of a plurality of video sources. The panoramic video may be digitally cropped and scaled before a resulting version of the content is provided for presentation to the viewer. A plurality of different digitally cropped and scaled versions of the content from the panoramic video can be generated and made available to the viewer.

Abstract: A system and method for resuming content playback after content playback in an in-vehicle infotainment system includes a mobile device and the in-vehicle infotainment system in communication with the mobile device. The in-vehicle infotainment system displays content and communicates a content position signal to the mobile device. When the mobile device and the in-vehicle infotainment system disconnect, the mobile device displays a screen display in response to disconnecting. The screen display corresponds to resuming future playback. The mobile device communicates a resume future playback signal indicative of resuming future playback to a set top box. The resume future playback signal comprising a content identifier, the content position identifier and a user identifier. The set top box displays content at the set top box based on the content identifier, the content position identifier and the user identifier.

Abstract: A system and method for providing emergency broadcast interruption is provided for a vehicle. The system and method include monitoring one or more radio broadcast transmissions, detecting for emergency alert messages on the one or more radio broadcast transmissions, recording the one or more emergency alert messages from the one or more radio broadcast transmissions in which the one or more emergency alert messages are detected, and enabling immediate playing of the one or more emergency alert messages.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for switching streams in response to detecting a start trigger are presented. A program's start trigger indicating that the program is upcoming may be detected on a first stream, and in response to detecting the start trigger on the first stream, a second stream containing the program may be switched to. The program may be a video program. Segment triggers may be detected and may be used to selectively record and/or delete segments of the program according to a priority scheme. Multiple start triggers may be detected at decreasing time intervals. The existence of a recording conflict may be determined based on a program's start trigger and a user may be alerted of the recording conflict.

Abstract: A system for reducing energy consumption of a device and a method therefor. An apparatus for providing power to a controlled device includes a memory, a power controller, and a processor. The processor receives switching data from the memory. The switching data may include at least one on time and at least one off time. The processor generates a connect command or a disconnect command from the switching data and issues the command to the power controller. The power controller connects a power source interface to a power output interface. A power source is also connected to the power source interface. The power output interface is connected to a power input of the controlled device. The power controller connects the power output interface to the power source interface in response to a connect command and disconnects the power output interface from the power source interface in response to the disconnect command.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to capture an image, and transmit the image to a system. The system can be operable to determine that the image corresponds to a media program, identify metadata associated with the media program, and transmit the metadata to a set-top box operable to display program information according to the metadata. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for a touchscreen device. The method includes presenting a program guide. The program guide includes a cell associated with a content item. The cell is selected in response to a first user input. The method also includes determining, in response to a second user input, a number of content occurrences of the content item to record based on a length of the second user input. The second user input includes a rightward movement. Additionally, the method includes scheduling the content item to be recorded for the number of content occurrences.

Abstract: A content provider transmits instructions to a content receiver to record multiple instances of content. The instances of content are included in the same frequency band of a broadcast transmitted by the content provider via a first communication link and scrambled utilizing the same control word. The content provider determines to supplement the multiple instances of content and transmits an instruction to record a supplemental instance of content from a second content provider via a second communication link. The content receiver receives the instructions and accordingly receives, descrambles, and stores the multiple instances of content and the supplemental instance of content. In some implementations, the first communication link may be a satellite communication link and the second communication link may be a different type of communication link such as a terrestrial broadcast communication link and/or an Internet protocol communication link.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for recording time offset for video recording devices and services including receiving a request to record a program, wherein the program is associated with show schedule information including a start time and a channel identifier, determining that the channel identifier is associated with at least one offset value, calculating an offset start time based at least in part on the start time and the offset value, and storing a scheduled record time for the program using the offset value.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Abstract: A flexible video-on-demand viewing period is varied depending on whether the customer has completed viewing the entire program, allowing the viewing period to be extended if the customer has not completed viewing the entire program. The approach better assures the customer that they will have the opportunity to complete viewing the entire program, compared to a fixed rental period, while assuring program copyright owners that the utility of the rental is limited, fundamentally as intended, preserving the future value of the asset. The approach also enables viewers to retain bookmarks as needed for content that is not naturally tied to a rental period, such as subscription video-on-demand, without unnecessarily enlarging their list of active rentals.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Abstract: A television receiver including a tuner and one or more processors may be presented. The television receiver may be configured to tune the tuner to a television channel. The television receiver may be configured to create and store an omnibus channel file containing a plurality of television programs broadcast consecutively on the television channel over a period of time. The television receiver may be configured to, after a predefined period of time, select the omnibus channel file for deletion. The television receiver may be configured to determine a television program to receive extended storage. The television receiver may be configured to store a portion of the omnibus channel file as an individual program file, wherein the portion of the omnibus channel file corresponds to the television program. The television receiver may be configured to, after storing the portion of the omnibus channel file, delete the omnibus channel file.

Abstract: Techniques described herein enable searching for multimedia content and for downloading or scheduling the recording of the multimedia content. The multimedia content may have been previously stored on one or more databases. The client device may download or schedule the recording of multimedia content in one step, for example, in one touch. When desired multimedia content is not available, the multimedia content is added to the client device's wish list. When the client device's does not have a wish list, the client device's wish list may be created on the spot. During the scheduling of the recording, a tag associated with the multimedia content is checked to determine whether the multimedia content is live or delayed. When the tag indicates the multimedia content is live or delayed, the client device prompts with a suggestion to add extra time to the end of the recording of the multimedia content.

Abstract: A media recording device automatically records selected broadcast programs according to categories specified by the user, without requiring the user to specify in advance which programs are to be recorded. The recorded programs are then presented to the user for selection, and the selected programs may be played back immediately or saved for later playback. Each broadcast program may be allocated a priority, and the device may decide which programs to record or delete according to their relative priority. For each broadcast program, a corresponding visibility period may be specified, during which the program can be selected for playback and is not deleted. There may be a delay between the broadcast of the program and the beginning of its visibility period. An expiry time may be specified for each program, after which the program is deleted. There may be a delay between the end of the visibility period and the expiry time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus for sending received contents to a recording apparatus and for getting the recording apparatus to record the contents in accordance with preset recording reservations, the receiving apparatus including: a recording ready time information acquisition section configured to acquire from the recording apparatus information about a recording ready time; a continuous recording determination section configured to determine whether two chronologically successive broadcast contents are reserved for recording based on the preset recording reservations; and an end time setting section configured such that if the two chronologically successive broadcast contents are found reserved for recording, then the end time setting section sets the time at which to end processing for recording the earlier of the two contents based on a broadcast start time of the latter of the two contents and on the acquired information about the recording ready time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for detecting users within a range of a media device. A detection region may be defined that is within the range of the media device and smaller than the range. The detection region may be stored. It may be determined whether a user is within the detection region. The media device may be activated and settings associated with the user may be applied when a user is within the detection region. In some embodiments, settings associated with a user may be compared to provided media content when the user is within the detection region. The content may change when the settings conflict with the media content. Reminders may be provided to or directed to a plurality of users within the range of the media device.

Abstract: A method of playing back, by an electronic device, a recorded program having a first commercial inserted therein is disclosed. The method comprises steps of if a date of playing back the recorded program is less than a date associated with the recorded program, playing back the recorded program including the first commercial; and if the date of playing back the recorded program is more than the associated date, replacing the first commercial in the recorded program with a second commercial and playing back the recorded program including the second commercial.