Abstract: A method and system for generating playlists for content items is provided. Generating a playlist involves monitoring user interaction with one or more content items as user-content interactions, determining a context associated with one or more user-content interactions, and generating a playlist of the content items based on the user-content interactions and the associated context.

Abstract: A server computer system generates, for data stored in a transmission source server, index information including a data identification number, a data type, information for the data such as copyright information and an address of a server whereat the data are stored, and transmits only the index information to a hand-held information terminal carried by the owner of the transmission source server, thereby, a data transfer is requested for transferring, to a transmission destination server, data indicating the index information from the hand-held information terminal to the transmission destination server in accordance with the index information held by the hand-held information terminal and an address of the transmission destination server.

Abstract: A method for matching media objects includes receiving a plurality of reference objects, and computing respective reference feature vectors (104, 106) of one or more of the reference image frames (86, 88) in each of the reference objects. Upon receiving a query object, a respective query feature vector (110) of at least one of the query image frames is computed. The reference feature vectors are searched to find one or more candidate objects among the reference objects, such that a respective reference feature vector of one of the reference image frames in each of the one or more candidate objects matches the query feature vector. At least one additional reference image frame is compared to at least one additional query image frame in order to determine that one of the candidate objects is a match for the query object.

Abstract: A system for increasing user interaction with a digital video library. In response to receiving a question by an interactive digital video library server from a user regarding course material being presented from a digital video library, it is determined whether the question is in an audio format. In response to determining that the question is in an audio format, the question is converted into a text format. The course material is searched in a time sliced video index database for an answer to the question using keywords found in the text format of the question. Also, other course materials similar to the course material are searched in a video knowledge base. A weight is assigned to each search result hit found in the course material and the other course materials. Search result hits are outputted in a priority order according to assigned weight and user preference.

Abstract: An information storage medium for storing metadata supporting multiple languages and a method of processing the metadata are provided. The information storage medium is provided to store contents, and at least one metadata file in which information regarding the contents is recorded in at least one language. The metadata file comprises a plurality of language files in which a plurality of versions of the information regarding the contents written in a plurality of languages are provided, and the languages are identified by the names of the respective language files. The names of the language files may include a language identifier according to an ISO 639-2 standard. The information may also include download information regarding a plurality of downloadable metadata files that are downloadable from other storage media.

Abstract: Systems (and corresponding methodologies) that annotate experience data in real-time are provided. The real-time annotated experience data can be employed in accordance with augmented reality systems which are capable of overlaying virtual data upon real-world data. The system employs ‘smart-tags’ that are capable of identifying data that relates to and/or is associated with the real-world scenarios and situations.

Abstract: Provided is a multiple information retrieval apparatus and method using a language chain to provide directly executable multiple information when a search result regarding a query word is provided. The retrieval apparatus includes: an I/O display window inputting query words; a search button which approves the input query words over the Internet; a search engine database containing information about the query words; a search query word information source having information which sets the query words as a title; a language chain which connects the grouped words with at least one connector; a parsing key for selecting the grouped words, and an image or video display window which can display images or videos using a web-browser. Accordingly, the retrieval apparatus provides multiple domains regarding query words, indices of electronic publishing materials and home page lists.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training scoring models. One method includes storing data identifying a plurality of positive and a plurality of negative training images for a query. The method further includes selecting a first image from either the positive group of images or the negative group of images, and applying a scoring model to the first image. The method further includes selecting a plurality of candidate images from the other group of images, applying the scoring model to each of the candidate images, and then selecting a second image from the candidate images according to scores for the images. The method further includes determining that the scores for the first image and the second image fail to satisfy a criterion, updating the scoring model, and storing the updated scoring model.

Abstract: This content provision system includes a creation unit for associating the first content data and the second content data, assigning a common content ID to the first content data and the second content data, and creating management information of all content data configured from the first content data and the second content data based on the attribute information of content data, an analysis unit for analyzing hobby information of a user based on reference information for deciding hobby information of a user, a search unit for searching content data that coincides with the analyzed hobby information of a user based on the management information of all content data, and a provision unit for providing to a user content information that coincides with hobby information of a user based on the searched content data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying one or more media items played within a geographic area selected by a user. In one embodiment, a media service tracks play histories for a number of users registered with the media service, where each play history identifies media items played by the corresponding user as well as the locations at which at least a subset of the media items were played by the corresponding user. The media service enables a requesting user to select or otherwise define one or more geographic areas of interest. Then, based on the play histories, the media service identifies one or more media items played within the one or more geographic areas of interest. The media service then provides data reflecting the one or more media items played within the one or more geographic areas of interest to a device of the requesting user.

Abstract: An information storage medium for storing metadata supporting multiple languages and a method of processing the metadata are provided. The information storage medium is provided to store contents, and at least one metadata file in which information regarding the contents is recorded in at least one language. The metadata file comprises a plurality of language files in which a plurality of versions of the information regarding the contents written in a plurality of languages are provided, and the languages are identified by the names of the respective language files. The names of the language files may include a language identifier according to an ISO 639-2 standard. The information may also include download information regarding a plurality of downloadable metadata files that are downloadable from other storage media.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture for providing list of a plurality of media programs responsive to a user search query is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of accepting an general search query from a user computer, identifying a synonym for the general search query, identifying a category for the general search query according to the identified synonym, performing a categorical search of a media program database using the identified synonym and the identified category to obtain a search result, and transmitting the search result to the user computer for presentation on a display communicatively coupled to the user computer.

Abstract: A system and method may include receiving a non-linear content identifier request. The system and method may further include identifying linear content metadata associated with the non-linear content identifier request, the linear content metadata representing at least one metadata keyword. The system and method also may include identifying a relationship between the at least one metadata keyword and at least one non-linear content keyword.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for receiving a data stream of multi-dimensional items, collecting a sample of the data stream having a predetermined number of items and dividing the sample into a plurality of subsamples, each subsample corresponding to a single dimension of each of the predetermined number of items. A query is then executed on a particular item in at least two of the subsamples to generate data for the corresponding subsample. This data is combined into a single value.

Abstract: A method of providing content to users, with a tool incorporated in a website, includes searching a content database; selecting content from the database; and printing the selected content in book form. A system for providing content includes a content tool; and a service module. The content tool is incorporated in a website and is in communication with the service module. The content tool and service module allow visitors to the website to search, select and customize content located in a database accessible to the service module. The content tool and service module allow the visitors to order a copy of the content.

Abstract: A multimedia player application is adapted to process multimedia data of one or more multimedia files (e.g. MPEG-4 files) to produce multimedia output data at an audio/video output device. A file allocation table (FAT) system is adapted to manage storage of these multimedia files. An interface process is adapted to maintain a current address pointer for a current position in a multimedia file being played, a backward seek address pointer for a preceding position in the multimedia file between the current position and the beginning of the multimedia file, and an index table address pointer for an index table of the multimedia file. The current and backward seek address pointers are regularly updated while the multimedia file is being played, and the backward seek address pointer is updated as a function of the current address pointer. Advantageously, backward seek times for backward seeks in the multimedia file are reduced.

Abstract: Provided are arrangements for downloading resources and managing downloaded resources. A file is requested from a HTTP server, the file associated with an original URI. The file is downloaded and assigned a handle. The file is then stored in a storage location such as a file cache or in a persistent storage location. Upon command of an advanced content playlist or sequence, the file is called by calling the handle of the file. The storing of the file may include storing the file in a location where the file is subject to an automatic removal operation. The file may be an image file or any other type of file, especially multimedia files. The automatic removal operation may occur upon a quitting or restarting of the application. If another request is made for another file, the prior downloaded file may be replaced.

Abstract: In a content delivery method in a P2P network 20, a content publishing node divides a publish content according to a situation of each downstream node adjacent thereto, and causes each downstream node to hold a divided content, and a content downloading node simultaneously downloads in parallel the divided contents from the plurality of downstream nodes. When a plurality of pieces of tag information on a plurality of divided contents of a same content is received form a downstream node, the plurality of pieces of tag information are merged to be distributed in upstream nodes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes receiving a request to transmit a first multimedia file. The first multimedia file is associated with a first file descriptor. The method includes automatically generating a first generated content descriptor by analyzing the first multimedia file using a first set of analysis parameters. The method also includes comparing the first generated content descriptor to the first file descriptor and determining a first score based on a deviation of the first generated content descriptor from the first file descriptor.

Abstract: A process for creating a melded visual image to accompany a delivery of digital content. The melded image including at least a digital image associated with the digital content and a first placement image. The first placement image selected for delivery with the digital image in accordance with the execution of one or more rules concerning the digital content or the end user receiving the digital content. The melded image may contain constituent parts that have been altered such as changing the aspect ratio or transparency so that the digital image and the placement image can be displayed on a display screen associated with at least one class of player device that may play the digital content. The placement image may be part of an advertising campaign.

Abstract: A system and method for storing received real-time media streams into a multimedia container file. Media content is recorded into a file according to a file format that provides instructions for constructing the media packets. At least one received media packet is represented in the file using the instructions for constructing media packets. The at least one received media packet in the file is also associated with an indication that it may contain errors.

Abstract: A method for selecting a method for categorizing a collection of content data files from among a plurality of categorization methods, the method comprising the steps of identifying a collection of content data files, each content data file comprising image or audio data, determining a number of groups (G1) of content data files that will be generated when a first categorization method is applied to the collection of content data files; and designating a range of representations (R) that can be presented on the display, each representing a group of content data files. A first categorization method is selected when the number of groups G is within the range of representations (R); and a different categorization method is selected when the number of groups (G1) is not within range (R).

Abstract: A system and a method for receiving live human feedback of an image provided using a mobile device equipped with a camera. The method includes capturing an image with the mobile device equipped with a camera, inputting a text query, where the text query corresponds with the image, transmitting the image and the text query to a server, determining at least one client user to send the image and the text query to, sending the image and the text query from the server to the at least one client user, reviewing the image and the text query, formulating at least one text response relating to the image and the text query, accepting the at least one text response from the at least one client user, and outputting the at least one text response to a user.

Abstract: Annotations for a multimedia repository facilitate an efficient indexing, searching, and retrieval of the content from the multimedia repository. These annotations are an effective description of the content and it is very useful to have systems that automatically analyze the content to generate the annotations. A multimedia content, comprising video, audio, and textual data, is organized at shot level, scene level, segment level, multi-segment level, and full-length level. The multimedia content annotation is a providing of computer processable description of the multimedia content. Due to the multilevel organization of a multimedia content, it is required to provide annotations at various levels as well. A system and method for annotation aggregation uses the annotation at a lower level to arrive at an annotation at the next higher level. Such multilevel annotations are very useful in applications such as targeted content delivery.

Abstract: System, apparatus, method, and article for techniques to associate media data with related information. A mobile computing device includes a media manager module. The media manager module processes a media file including metadata. The media manager module retrieves a first content from a metadata field in the metadata. The media manager module retrieves a second content from a field in an application file associated with an application client. The media manager module compares the first and second contents and determines whether the first and second contents are associated. If the first and second contents are associated, the media manager module retrieves the second content and inserts the second content in a second metadata field of the media file.

Abstract: A method of communicating on a mobile communication terminal. The method includes inputting category information identifying a category of contents, providing a list of content information on a server corresponding to the input category information, wherein a content information indicates a portion of a content that the mobile communication terminal can connect to, selecting at least one of the list of content information, and connecting to the content corresponding to said at least one of the selected content information.

Abstract: A recording medium has a hierarchical directory structure. In the directory structure, a ROOT/BDMV directory and a MoDESTxx/BDMV directory are located below a root directory. The ROOT/BDMV directory contains a BD-J application that constitutes a FirstPlayback title. The BD-J application is a program to be first executed by a playback device upon loading of the recording medium to a playback device. When executed, the BD-J application causes the playback device to display a menu for receiving a user operation of selecting the BDMV directory and executes a root change function. The root change function is to cause the playback device to recognize the selected MoDESTxx directory as a virtual root directory.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying publication data in a publication system are described. An example embodiment includes receiving proposed publication data and accessing a success measurement associated with past publications within a publication system. The success measurement may indicate a measurement of success associated with the past publications. An example system and method may generate modification data to be used to modify the proposed publication data. The modification data may be based on the success measurement and proposed publication data.

Abstract: A system for supplying network content to a device. The system includes a first interface for communicating with a network content source for retrieving the network content. The system also includes a second interface for communicating with the device for delivering processed network content to the device. The system includes an agent framework operatively connected to the first interface and the second interface and which operates a plurality of autonomous agents including a content retrieval agent, a content personalization agent, and a content delivery agent. The content retrieval agent is for retrieving the network content from the network content source via the first interface. The content personalization agent is for processing the network content thereby producing the processed network content. The content delivery agent is for delivering the processed network content to the device via the second interface.

Abstract: A particular method includes searching a database associated with a content provider. The database includes content items available from the content provider as well as content items that are not available from the content provider. The database is searched based on a search query received from a set-top box to generate a list of content items. The list of content items includes at least one entry corresponding to a particular content item that is unavailable and includes a feedback control. The method further includes receiving a request that the content provider make the particular content item available and automatically determining to acquire rights to provide access to the particular content item based at least in part on the request.

Abstract: A system and method to protect uniquely extended metadata by others, while maintaining compatibility of metadata. An information processing apparatus determines if items included in entered metadata are defined in advance, and reproduces only items that are included in the metadata and determined as defined in advance, and rewrites or transfers the entered metadata when the metadata is rewritten or transferred.

Abstract: A method for non-text-based identification of a selected item of stored music. The first broad portion of the method focuses on building a music identification database. That process requires capturing a tag of the selected musical item, and processing the tag to develop reference key to the same. Then the tag is stored, together with the reference key and an association to the stored music. The database is built by collecting a multiplicity of tags. The second broad portion of the method is retrieving a desired item of stored music from the database. That process calls for capturing a query tag from a user, and processing the query tag to develop a query key to the same. The query tag is compared to reference keys stored in the database to identify the desired item of stored music.

Abstract: A data accessing method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing system from a first user, a first user profile comprising user preference data associated with the first user. The computing system receives and stores Webcast data associated with a Webcast that has been broadcasted for an entity. The Webcast data comprises audio/video data. The computing system receives from the first user, a first request for access to the first Webcast data. The computing system associates the user preference data with a first set of specified portions of the audio/video data. The computing system retrieves a first portion of audio/video data of the first set of specified portions of the audio/video data. The computing system presents the first portion of audio/video data to the first user.

Abstract: Example collaborative filtering techniques provide improved recommendation prediction accuracy by capitalizing on the advantages of both neighborhood and latent factor approaches. One example collaborative filtering technique is based on an optimization framework that allows smooth integration of a neighborhood model with latent factor models, and which provides for the inclusion of implicit user feedback. A disclosed example Singular Value Decomposition (SVD)-based latent factor model facilitates the explanation or disclosure of the reasoning behind recommendations. Another example collaborative filtering model integrates neighborhood modeling and SVD-based latent factor modeling into a single modeling framework. These collaborative filtering techniques can be advantageously deployed in, for example, a multimedia content distribution system of a networked service provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing digital assets in a distributed computing environment are described. Meta-data for the digital assets is stored separately from the digital assets. Meta-data for some of the digital assets is copied and stored at a central location. Meta-data for the digital assets is generated by clients of the system. A method for determining a set of policy attributes to be applied to a digital assets includes: receiving, at a client, a first asset identification tag corresponding to a digital asset and comprising one or more policies associated with the digital asset; associating a second asset identification tag with the digital asset; identifying, by the client a predetermined flag in the first asset identification tag; and deactivating, by the client responsive to the identified tag and the association of the second asset identification tag, the one or more policies associated with the first asset identification tag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically classifying files on a mobile communication terminal are provided. The inventive method and apparatus enable the files to be automatically classified and copied into a desired storage folder on the mobile communication terminal. An exemplary method for automatically classifying files on a mobile communication terminal includes receiving a command to copy a selected file, determining an attribute of the selected file, determining a storage folder in which to store the file according to the attribute of the file and copying and storing the file in the determined storage folder. The method and apparatus enable files that a user desires to copy from an external device to the user's mobile communication terminal to be automatically classified according to their attributes and be stored in storage folders corresponding to the attributes, thus minimizing the inconvenience of individually designating a storage folder for each file whenever the files are copied.

Abstract: Contextual information is received, and a chosen event is identified based at least upon an analysis of the contextual information. A set of media assets is then identified based at least upon an analysis of the identified event. At least some of the contextual information is associated in a processor-accessible memory system with the chosen event, at least one asset in the set of media assets, or both the chosen event and at least one asset in the set of media assets. By using an event to identify media assets to which contextual information is associated, fewer and more relevant media assets may be retrieved and annotated as compared to conventional techniques.

Abstract: A karaoke home entertainment center for streamlining karaoke show; reduce stress, problems and time pressure on the KJ & to prevent piracy. The inventive device includes Ultimate Karaoke Book, Karaoke Rental Systems, ProPlayer, Karaoke Shoppe Download Center, Karaoke Burning Station, Downloadable Karaoke CD+G Player, Video Library Pro, DRM and Licensing encryption engine, Pre-manufactured CD DRM. The Book eliminates the majority of KJ typing when creating or updating their book. Book with minimal player forms the Karaoke Rental System. ProPlayer incorporates super encryption Dongle or soft encryption, which permits “back-up” copy but can only be used with the original dongle. Karaoke Shoppe Download Center consists of basic computer system that can access our on-line database or come pre-loaded with encrypted songs. Karaoke burning Station Kiosk is either counter-top or stand-alone kiosks that can contain and deliver cds.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for accessing and organizing data items, including items of digital media, such as digital images, video stream, audio stream, text documents and the like. An object model defines a plurality of data object classes, including a media object class for representing items of digital media and a tag object class for representing categories of digital media. A request for one or more data items specifies a search condition. A collection of one or more data objects instantiated from the data object classes is generated, whereby the data objects in the collection represent data items satisfying the search condition. An iterator configured to sequentially access the data items represented by the data objects in the collection of data objects is generated and used to sequentially access the data items.

Abstract: A discovery interface presents aggregated discovery data in a discovery interface through which a user may select between television content and Internet Protocol content. In one implementation, the discovery interface includes a television channel region associated with a television channel that lists television programs. The discovery interface further includes an Internet Protocol content region associated with the television channel that lists Internet Protocol content based on user navigation within the television channel region.

Abstract: A list of media, such as image media, is dynamically generated and provided to a user. The dynamically generated media playlist may be associated with a user's “favorite pictures,” “favorite music” or some other type of media. Each of the “favorite media” features may be associated with playlist criteria, which is used to dynamically construct a query for media files to include on the playlist. The criteria may specify several requirements for including media in the dynamically created playlist, for example user rating, recently added media, and other criteria. The query is sent to a database, which returns a playlist of media. The returned playlist is provided to a media center, which retrieves and provides the listed media to a user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring the display of items in a network-based merchandising environment are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention identifies items within a catalog of items, computes a browse relevance score for each item, and configures the display of a Web page such that items with the highest browse relevance score are prominently displayed. In at least one embodiment, browse data, such as category fit data, popularity data, newness data, etc., are used to compute the browse relevance score for each item.

Abstract: A method includes receiving characteristic information pertaining to respective portions of content from each of a plurality of users. Aggregate characteristic information is updated based on the received characteristic information. The aggregate characteristic information is communicated to a user to assist the user in navigation of the content.

Abstract: System, method, and multi-level object data structure thereof for browsing a multi-media data, the method for browsing a multimedia data using a multilevel object data structure including the steps of (1) receiving multimedia information and multiple supplementary information on each object in the multimedia information on the same time, (2) separating the multimedia information and the multiple supplementary information, (3) displaying the multimedia information, and (4) browsing/searching supplementary information related to a particular object from the multiple supplementary information, and displaying the supplementary information when a user requests for browsing/searching the supplementary information related to the particular object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting search results based on relevancy in an interactive media guidance application are disclosed. After performing a user-initiated or automatic search for media content, the interactive media guidance application determines which of the hits are most relevant to the user. The guidance application then displays, or visually identifies, the relevant items. Some embodiments employ using different display arrangements based on the number of relevant items. Some embodiments display the relevant items in recommendation lists or hot lists.

Abstract: A method for distributing a digital motion picture to multiple theaters in a region via terrestrial wireless communication. The motion picture is divided into chunks, and the chunks are transmitted to particular initial seed theaters in the region. To facilitate the initial seeding, downlink bandwidth on various wireless links is dynamically increased. Once the initial seeding is complete, the downlink bandwidth is decreased and is preferably equalized substantially with uplink bandwidth. The theaters in the region are then directed to begin peer-to-peer sharing of the chunks with each other, possibly through use of BitTorrent or other cooperative downloading process from the initial seed theaters. Ultimately, all of the theaters in the region thereby obtain all of the chunks of the motion picture and can conveniently present the motion picture to audiences.

Abstract: Grouping media files via playlists on a computer-readable medium. One or more media files are selected according to a grouping criterion to define one or more playlists from the media files. A folder is associated with the playlists and stores values identifying each of the playlists associated with the folder along with references to each of the playlists.

Abstract: The present invention provides a media file management system and method for a home media center, which enable media files such as images or photos, music and movies included in a variety of information appliances to be conveniently edited on a screen of a display apparatus connected to a home media center. A search window in which media files to be searched are displayed or an edit window in which a media file to be edited is displayed are created. Then, if a user selects a file edit command for a media file displayed in the search window, the selected file edit command is executed and results of the execution of the file edit command are displayed in the edit window.

Abstract: Extensible reconfigurable media appliance for security and entertainment captures images digitally for storage. Digital effects and filters are applied to incoming video stream on-the-fly or to video data stored in memory. Digital effects and filters are dynamically stored, modified, updated or deleted, providing extensible reconfigurable effects studio. Digital media appliance communicates wirelessly with other media appliances, computers, security systems, video storage, email, chat, cellular services or PDAs to provide seamless integration of captured video stream.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a plurality of resource fragments from a audio-visual resource that is encoded using a hierarchical addressing model for the class of resources of which the audio-visual resource is a member is disclosed. The method comprises inputting a URI reference (1407) comprising a Universal Resource Identifier (1401) and a complex fragment identifier (1402) comprising a plurality of audio-visual resource specific location steps. Thereafter the method comprises a step of locating the audio-visual resource using the Universal Resource Name, and establishing (2023) a logical representation (2040) of the structure of the audio-visual resource. Then the method iteratively evaluates the fragment identifier location steps (1110) against the logical representation (2040) to resolve the complex fragment identifier (1402) into a set of explicit fragment references (1406) configured to explicitly address each of the plurality of resource fragments.