Abstract: A system and method for creating and displaying a timeline presentation. A timeline presentation enables a presenter to provide a dynamic and animated display of a timeline and associated information. Events may be added to a timeline by providing information about an event (e.g., date, time, and description) and associating the event with the timeline. Events may be associated with a multimedia file and visually represented using a variety of treatments. Events may be associated with an absolute point in time, a period of time, or a time relative to another event. A timeline may also include annotations, which provide information that may not necessarily be associated with a particular event. A timeline presentation dynamically displays events, annotations, and nested timelines in a pre-determined sequence. The disclosed system also allows a presenter to markup a timeline presentation to draw a viewer's attention to certain features of the timeline.

Abstract: Embedded Media Barcode Links (EMBL), are optimally blended iconic barcode marks printed on paper documents that signify the existence of media associated with that part of the document. EMBLs are used for media retrieval with a camera phone. Users take a picture of an EMBL-signified document patch using a cell phone, and the media associated with the EMBL-signified document location is displayed on the phone. Unlike traditional bar code which requires an exclusive space, EMBLs are optimally blended with contents and thus have less interference with the original document layout and can be moved closer to a media associated location. Unlike Embedded Media Makers (EMM) which requires underlying document features for the marker identification, EMBL has no requirement to underlying features. Moreover, EMBL can take the advantage of users' knowledge to traditional barcode. Retrieval of media associated with an EMBL is based on the barcode identification of the captured EMBL.

Abstract: An information handling apparatus, in which metadata is generated in respect of a current information item by reference to an ensemble of information items having associated metadata, the metadata having corresponding indicator data representing a degree of trust associated with that metadata, comprises a detector for detecting one or more predetermined properties of the current information item, a detector for detecting a subset of information items from the ensemble of information items, the subset being those which have the one or more predetermined properties most similar to those of the current information item, associating logic arranged to associate with the current information item metadata from one or more of the subset of information items such that the metadata associated with the current information item is allocated indicator data representing a low degree of trust in the association of that metadata and the current information item, and a detector for detecting user interaction with the apparatu

Abstract: A method for editing multimedia includes the following steps. First, use a client-side device to establish communication with a serve-side device, wherein the client-side device includes a plug-in and shows a user interface with a plurality of layers and a timeline. Next, send a plurality of multimedia files from the client-side device to the serve-side device, wherein the serve-side device includes a database, a media framework, and at least a storefront unit. Next, use the media framework to split the multimedia files respectively into the layers. Next, use the media framework to make the multimedia files synchronized on the timeline to form a digital multimedia creation. Then, save the digital multimedia creation in the database. After saving the digital multimedia creation, use the storefront unit to publish the digital multimedia creation to a consumer-side device.

Abstract: Video, stills, panorama, sound and all forms of media as Rich Media in a Multimedia Vehicle Repository (MVR) file editable with a Rich Media Content description file. The Rich Media Content description file enables users to specify a vocabulary that defines the media elements and relations among the media elements thereby permitting the users to easily create and edit the Rich Media Content and compose various raw or compressed Rich Media components using any text editor. A multimedia authoring server side processor accepts the raw formatted Rich Media Content along with description text file in XML format and outputs the Rich Media, text and graphic components as an edited MVR file in accordance with user's design for execution on a multimedia player.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided which include a media content presenter, a media content cross-reference scanner, and a media content cross-reference presentation generator. The media content presenter presents media content. The media content cross-reference scanner scans media content presented by the media content presenter to gather, from the media content, cross-reference identifiers referencing other media content. The media content cross-reference presentation generator generates a set of presentation fields representing the gathered cross-reference identifiers.

Abstract: A method of creating interactive points to provide for an interactive educational content based on at least one of live and prerecorded digital multimedia content that includes recording an original source multimedia content to a server and receiving a separate source multimedia content by at least one third-party. An interactive point is created within the original source multimedia content and the interactive point includes a reference to a uniform resource locator stored in the server and is linked to the separate source multimedia content. When the interactive point is selected, the original source multimedia content is altered to include the separate source multimedia content which is transmitted to the user device. An indication is received from the user device corresponding to the user interaction and a response is determined based upon the received indication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to image displays and signage, and more particularly, to displays of custom or arbitrary shape. Such shaped displays include channel letter displays, logo or design displays, multiple displays in an assembly, multiple display modules, curved or round displays, or other arbitrary shaped or unusual aspect ratio displays. The present invention further relates to software, apparatus, and methods for a translation table which maps graphical data from an initial shape to an arbitrary shape for use on such displays.

Abstract: A method and system for automated accessibility checking of Web pages. The method includes the step of accessing a Web page using a parser to generate data corresponding to the components of the Web page. The data is analyzed using an analysis engine to determine compliance of the components of the Web page with a set of accessibility standards. The results of the analysis performed by the analysis engine are subsequently stored. The results are then provided to indicate a degree of compliance with the set of accessibility standards. The method for automated accessibility checking can be implemented as a hosted application residing on a network connected server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, processor-readable medium and signals for building a presentation by receiving user input identifying multimedia content to be included in a presentation and copying multimedia content identified by such user-input from a multimedia source to memory, for access by a presentation application. Copying may involve copying multimedia content from an application while the application is using the multimedia content. There is also provided a method, apparatus, processor-readable medium and signals for providing a presentation by identifying multimedia content previously identified by a user as to be included in the presentation and accessing and presenting at least some of the multimedia content previously identified by the user.

Abstract: In the present invention, a method and apparatus are provided for reproducing multimedia files, wherein the selection probability of the multimedia files is adjusted according to a user's preference and a multimedia file is randomly selected and played according to the selection probability. The selection probability of the multimedia files is adjusted according to the user's preference; a user can listen to undesired multimedia files less frequently than other multimedia files even when the multimedia files are randomly selected.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus, including: a communication section to communicate with an external device; a document storage section to store a document file including a content portion and a menu information portion, wherein a content is stored in the content portion and menu information of executable processing for the content is stored in the menu information portion; and a menu display control section to control the communication section so as to transmit the menu information of an accessed document file to the external device, when an access request for the document file is received from external device via the communication section.

Abstract: A projector including: a communication section; a storage section which stores initial projection target data, updated projection target data, layout data and others; an update request reception section which receives an update request from PC via the communication section, and sequentially writes update request data indicating details of the update request into the storage section; an update section which updates the updated projection target data based on the update request data; a web information generation section which causes the communication section to transmit web information to PC based on the updated projection target data and the layout data; an image generation section which generates an image based on the updated projection target data; and a projection section which projects the image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for adaptive media playback based on destination. The method for adaptive media playback comprises determining one or more destinations, collecting media content that is relevant to or describes the one or more destinations, assembling the media content into a program, and outputting the program. In various embodiments, media content may be advertising, consumer-generated, based on real-time events, based on a schedule, or assembled to fit within an estimated available time. Media content may be assembled using an adaptation engine that selects a plurality of media segments that fit in the estimated available time, orders the plurality of media segments, alters at least one of the plurality of media segments to fit the estimated available time, if necessary, and creates a playlist of selected media content containing the plurality of media segments.

Abstract: A method of creating a photo book based on a user-selected, predefined theme is disclosed. During creation of the photo book, design options such as styles, layouts, and design elements are adjusted dynamically based on the selected theme.

Abstract: A system and method are described for an online memories and greeting service. For example, a system according to one embodiment comprises at least one memory for storing program code and at least one processor for processing the program code to perform the operations of: receiving new photos, audio recordings, video, photo stories, and/or messages from a user; reading metadata associated with the new photos, audio recordings, video, photo stories, and/or messages; automatically arranging the new photos, audio recordings, video, photo stories, and/or messages into a new compilation on behalf of the user based on the metadata; and transmitting an electronic communication to notify the user and/or a friend of the user of the new compilation, the electronic communication including a preview of the compilation.

Abstract: An audio photograph data storage system stores a printed image and a plurality of audio segments associated with the printed image. The audio segments are arranged in a plurality of audio layers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for correlating connections between users and links between articles to identify search and/or ad spamming are disclosed. Social networks can be used to identify connections between users for correlation with links between articles, which can be identified through searches of article contents and/or back tracing accesses to articles. One disclosed method comprises identifying first associations between a plurality of users in a network of associated users; identifying second associations between one or more users and one or more articles; identifying third associations between at least some of the articles or between some of the users and access to some of the articles; and determining at least one of the third associations is correlated with one or more of the first associations.

Abstract: A process for creating a media sequence, for example video or audio, and an associated device includes the stages of: obtaining a selection of media files; regrouping the chosen media files into a plurality of groups according to at least one coherence criterion; selecting, for each group of media files assembled in this way, a media motif among a plurality of predefined media motifs, the chosen media motif being able to define a media rendering for the set of media files of the group; and assembling the media motifs selected in this way and their associated media files in such a way as to form at least one definition of the media sequence. The process can relate to automated video editing as implemented on Web servers.

Abstract: A system and method for searching real estate properties, a system and method for estimating the size of an area, and a system and method for associating an image with information relevant to the image is disclosed. A system for searching real estate properties comprises a data storage unit configured to store map information, additional relevant georeferenced information and information about real estate properties, including information identifying the locations of the real estate properties; and a display unit configured to receive a search request from a user, communicate with the data storage unit, and provide search results to the user, including a map showing locations of real estate properties, in response to the search request, the display unit being further configured to displaying a user interface with which the user may associate information, personal to the user, with a particular real estate property.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a content display for presenting content. The electronic device also includes a control display for enabling selection of a portion of the content. The content includes a plurality of items. The control display also enables a plurality of respective batch operations to be performed on the items.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, transmitting and receiving a video email. A user records a video for incorporation into a video email. The user logs into a video server and uses a video creation interface to record a video and define an email message in which to embed the video. The video may be stored on the video server and the message contents are passed to a messaging server. The messaging server downloads one or more frames of the recorded video and creates a still image using the one or more frames. The messaging server embeds the image into an email and includes the message contents to create a video email. The messaging server sends the video email to a recipient. The recipient receives the email and clicks on the one or more images. The recipient's computer launches a web browser that automatically plays the video from the video server.

Abstract: A device control system including at least one device operable by the system, at least one processor, software executing on the at least one processor for receiving message data and determining a corresponding XML document type, software executing on the at least one processor for generating a XML document based on the XML document type, the XML document including the message data, software executing on the processor for packetizing the XML document, and two or more communication components, each communication component including an XML parser for parsing the XML document and extracting the message data.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for creating video poetry using text based related media. There is provided a method for creating a video poetry media, the method comprising receiving an ordered list of text phrases selected from a defined plurality of text phrases, presenting a plurality of video clips, wherein each of the plurality of video clips is associated with one or more of the ordered list of text phrases, receiving an ordered list of video clips selected from the plurality of video clips, and generating the video poetry media using the ordered list of video clips. In this manner, the barrier of entry for creating video poetry media is reduced, encouraging increased user participation and the creation of the “viral” effect by sharing video poetry online. Positive publicity for associated brands and media properties and additional channels for commercial promotions are thereby provided.

Abstract: An inspection information processing apparatus, comprising: an inspection data input unit which receives inspection data containing drawing information of an inspection target; and an inspection sheet creation unit which sets, on a portable information processing apparatus, an inspection image and an inspection result corresponding to the inspection target, and sets the drawing information contained in the inspection data received by the inspection data input unit to a predetermined output template, to thereby create an inspection sheet, the predetermined output template having a format which enables the set inspection image and the set inspection result corresponding to the inspection target and the drawing information to be mutually referred to.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, processor-readable medium and signals for building a presentation by receiving user input identifying multimedia content to be included in a presentation and copying multimedia content identified by such user-input from a multimedia source to memory, for access by a presentation application. Copying may involve copying multimedia content from an application while the application is using the multimedia content. There is also provided a method, apparatus, processor-readable medium and signals for providing a presentation by identifying multimedia content previously identified by a user as to be included in the presentation and accessing and presenting at least some of the multimedia content previously identified by the user.

Abstract: Technology for creating slideshows is described. In various embodiments, the technology receives from a first client computing device, a request to create a slideshow; receives from the first client computing device an indication of a location of two or more content elements; retrieves from the indicated location the two or more content elements; identifies geographical locations associated with each of the retrieved two or more content elements; creates a slideshow containing the retrieved two or more content elements and at least one transition; and transmits a pointer to the created slideshow.

Abstract: When a new broker is connected to a network, a loop detection message is sent over the new connection created by the new broker. The loop detection message includes topics. At each receiving broker, topics that cannot be propagated to a neighbor broker are removed. If the loop detect message contains no topics, the loop detect message is not propagated further. If the loop detection message returns to the new broker, a loop is detected.

Abstract: An indexing system and method for allowing a viewer to control the mode of delivery of program material. By mapping from time to data position, data delivery can begin at any selected time in the program material. The indexing method also provides for controlling data delivery to begin at the beginning of a frame of data. A synchronizing method is provided to minimize a time offset between audio and video data, particularly in environments using groups of pictures.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically creating individualized, multi-media messages and to deliver the messages to specific target groups or individual viewers. A message, story, or advertisement is assembled on demand, based upon rules applied to each viewer's profile and a library of media segments. The framework for the final personalized message is a story or message template designed for a campaign. A set of viewer profiles is assembled from designated databases for each of the targeted entities. A collection of media segments is also created or selected and then made available to produce the final personalized message at assembly time. Specific media segments are selected and merged according to the message template and information about the viewer derived from each viewer's profile. The information from the viewer profile is interpreted by a rule system to determine which of several potential media segments to select for use in the personalized message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method, and computer readable medium for creating a video clip. In one embodiment, a method, comprising creating a copy of a still image by a first module, the copy of the still image comprising reduced dimensions of the still image, creating a new still image from a selected area of the still image, automatically ordering the new still image and the copy of the still image, creating an audio file by at least one of a second module and a third module, creating a timeline, by the first module, related to the ordered images and the created audio file, and rendering the timeline into a video clip by a fourth module, wherein the timeline includes a length of the audio file, a length of the video clip, the ordered images, a display time of each of the ordered images, transition identifiers, transition lengths.

Abstract: An approach to handling dynamic information selection based on associated is presented. A user configures a plurality of endnotes in order to assign one of the endnotes to a recipient address. Each endnote may include signature text (e.g., name, phone number, etc.), as well as images, web page links, and/or animation, which add to the aesthetics and personalization of a constructed email message. When a user creates an email message that includes one or more email recipient addresses, an endnote manager analyzes each email recipient address and automatically selects one of the configured endnotes based on the email recipient's assigned endnote category. In addition, a user may configure the endnote manager to select an endnote to include in an email messages based upon the time at which the email is created.

Abstract: The present invention relates to image displays and signage, and more particularly, to displays of custom or arbitrary shape. Such shaped displays include channel letter displays, logo or design displays, multiple displays in an assembly, multiple display modules, curved or round displays, or other arbitrary shaped or unusual aspect ratio displays. The present invention further relates to software, apparatus, and methods for a translation table which maps graphical data from an initial shape to an arbitrary shape for use on such displays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of publishing and distributing information on a network. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for identifying multiple published entities each having electronic-based content of interest for a user, selecting portions of the e-content based on user preferences, aggregating the portions of e-content into a virtual compilation of e-content (e.g., virtual book) in a manner such that the portions of e-content appear to originate from the compilation and not the original source. The present invention is particularly advantageous in the travel guide industry where now portions of several larger travel guides can be aggregated together to provide mobile device users information tailored to a mobile device user's actual, exact, approximate, or anticipated location and optionally further refined in combination with the user's personal preferences.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides a streamlined view of an online resume, profile, or other computer-generated document representing an individual and to tailor it to a particular reader. The streamlining occurs through the use of tabs or other sectioned areas in the document so that the reader of the document can find important information about the individual more quickly. Information in the document may be prioritized according to rules set by the reader, the document owner, or pre-defined rules.

Abstract: Analyzing data sequences, such as video and audio segments, and extracting metadata from the data sequences for providing information related to events of the data sequences. The metadata extracted is used for making editing decisions, such as for an audio-visual production comprised of a collection of video and audio segments. The metadata identifies events of importance in the video and audio segments, which may then be applied to the editing process. A user interface including the extracted metadata in a timeline format facilitates editing the audio-visual production.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, computer program products, and combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for enabling web content (as well as other objects) to be loaded on mobile devices (as well as other types of devices), and for users of mobile devices to operate with such web content on their mobile devices in an interactive manner while in an off-line mode.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus communicates with a document management server and a client apparatus. The image processing apparatus receives document entity data and document property information required for determining accessibility to the document entity data stores the received document entity data in a storage unit. The image processing apparatus transmits document property information to the document management server and requests the document management server to perform document registration. The image processing apparatus sends, to the document management server, an inquiry about accessibility to the stored document entity data, if the document entity data is requested by the client apparatus, based on information obtained from the client apparatus. The image processing apparatus controls transmission of the requested document entity data to the client apparatus based on an obtained inquiry result received from the document management server.

Abstract: A meeting data conversion application executed in a PC successively obtains the first and last images and an image immediately before reduction of display content, among a plurality of images arranged in chronological order. Among the obtained images, an image immediately before reduction of display content by a prescribed amount or more and the last image are registered as delimiting images. Among the obtained images, the images from the image immediately after the delimiting image to the next delimiting image are processed as one image group.

Abstract: A presentation content management and creation system (10) comprises a database (30) of sorted media components coupled to be in communication with a controller (50) for scheduling and rendering media components selected from the database into a real time media presentation. At least one output device (14) is coupled to be in communication with the controller for outputting the real time media presentation and the controller renders the selected media components as the real time presentation is being communicated to the at least one output device.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for generating a printable representation of multimedia information that can be printed on a paper medium to provide a paper-based interface for the multimedia information. According to the teachings of the present invention, the paper document generated by printing the printable representation on a paper medium also provides an interface for accessing or retrieving multimedia information in electronic form. The paper document may thus be used as an indexing and retrieval tool for retrieving multimedia information.

Abstract: Asynchronous message delivery to a media player is defined wherein the message provides instructions to change the SMIL (or XML) based play list dynamically at runtime without creation or provision of any entirely new play list. This play list modification does not result in a visible, distracting transition as would normally occur during an instruction to reload the SMIL play list. Changes to the media presentation occur without the visually disruptive page reload.

Abstract: Previously published content is played back by identifying a previous time in which the previously published content was previously published and automatically adding an indication of the previous time in which the content was previously published, while playing back the previously published content. The indication may include a timestamp of the previous time, ambience and/or historical context of the previous time, an electronic program guide for the previous time, a current events guide for the previous time and/or archived content for the previous time that is related to the user of the content. Related systems, methods, computer program products and content playback devices are described.

Abstract: A system and method for processing attachments to messages sent to a mobile device is described herein. Embodiments described herein apply to encrypted messages comprising multiple message parts, in which different encryption keys (e.g. session keys) have been used to encrypt the different message parts. In at least one example embodiment, the encrypted session keys for every message content part comprising an attachment is received at the mobile device. In one embodiment, all of the encrypted session keys are stored together in a main message header. The mobile device may then decrypt the encrypted session key associated with a user requested attachment, and transmits the decrypted session key to one or more remote servers in an attachment request for use in decrypting the requested attachment. Data associated with the requested attachment, in decrypted form, is returned to the mobile device.

Abstract: A system for creating variable dimension digital documents. The system includes a computer processor and a computer readable medium operably connected to the computer processor and having at least one software module installed on the computer readable medium and containing instructions for operating the computer processor to perform a process. The process includes the steps of receiving a user defined goal for creating a variable dimension digital document, wherein the user defined goal includes at least one recipient, determining at least one document template based upon the user defined goal, determining a plurality of digital assets to include in the variable dimension digital document based upon the document template and the user defined goal, creating a plurality of data files representing the potential variable dimension digital documents, and producing a results set including the potential variable dimension digital documents.

Abstract: A rich interactive narrative (RIN) authoring system and method for creating and generating RIN documents in a graphical and visual manner. RIN documents are documents that contain multimedia content and combine narrative with interactive exploration. Embodiments of the RIN authoring system and method facilitate the creation of RIN documents without the need for the author to program or write code. Embodiments of the system and method provide a user interface for an author to select an experience stream, and place the experience stream on a timeline to indicate a desired location in time when the experience stream should appear in the RIN document. The author can define keyframes in the experience stream and edit those keyframes to define a trajectory between multiple keyframes in the RIN document. Embodiments of the system and method also allow the preview the RIN document in a preview window.

Abstract: An information processing method that includes the steps of determining a primary document having at least one definition of at least one secondary document related to the primary document, and creating a secondary document, the content of which automatically depends on the content of the primary document. In some embodiments, the primary document is associated with a time interval, and outside the time interval, the partially automatic creation of a secondary document is not authorized. In some embodiments, the content of the primary document defines the rights for the creation of a secondary document, and the process of creating a secondary document includes the step of checking the rights defined for the secondary document by the content of the primary document, and if the rights are not granted, the partially automatic creation of a secondary document is not authorized.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating, editing, sharing and distributing high-quality, media-rich web-based communications. The communications are created in a layered fashion that integrates user-selected text, colors, background patterns, images, sound, music, video, or other media. The systems and methods are used to generate, edit, broadcast, and track electronic presentations, brochures, advertisements (such as banner advertisements on highly trafficked media websites), announcements, and interactive web pages, without the need for the user to understand complex programming languages.

Abstract: The computer-assisted rich interactive narrative generation technique described herein employs a Rich Interactive Narratives (RIN) data model to provide for the computer-assisted creation of rich interactive experiences called RINs. A RIN is a narrative that runs like a movie with a sequence of scenes that follow one after another. A user can stop the narrative, explore the environment associated with the current scene (or other scenes if desired), and then resume the narrative where it left off. The technique allows for the automatic and dynamic generation of RINs using very little input from a user—say, for example, a search query—whereupon the technique automatically generates a RIN. An author/user can guide the process of narrative creation by having portions of the creation process automatically performed by the computer-implemented technique and portions guided and assisted by one or more authors/users.

Abstract: A timeline source is described. In an implementation, a method includes examining a plurality of nodes within a media timeline, where at least two of the nodes reference respective media. The media timeline is for exposure over an API. The media timeline is divided into one or more presentations. Each presentation describes rendering of the media for a particular interval of time.