Abstract: Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.

Abstract: Various aspects described or referenced herein are directed to different methods, systems, and computer program products relating to multi-media management and streaming techniques implemented over a computer network. In one embodiment, a Multi-Media Management and Streaming (MMMS) System may be configured or designed to provide online users with “location based” streaming radio functionality. Users from different geographic locations may access a variety of MMMS System GUIs to access information relating to one or more artists/bands, songs, venues, and/or events such as live music performances. Users may also access a variety of MMMS System GUIs to search for, create, and/or share customized streaming radio stations which may be configured to identify, present information relating to, and/or play/stream music associated with one or more artists/bands, songs, venues, and/or events.

Abstract: A system renders a graphical representation of a timeline of a first video in a graphical user interface. The system receives a notification during playback of the first video at a first location in the first video. The notification indicates a request to playback the first video at a second location in the first video. The system determines that a second video is renderable during the first video between the first location and the second location. The system determines a viewing status associated with the user. The viewing status indicates whether the second video has been previously rendered for a user account on a client machine, and determines whether the user may view the first video at a second location in the first video, based on the viewing status associated with the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing messaging are described. In an illustrative embodiment, widget code is transmitted from a server to a user terminal, wherein the widget code, when executed is configured to display a playlist. A message management system receives from the widget a user request to transmit at least one selected video from the video playlist to a recipient and user text to be transmitted to the recipient in conjunction with the selected video. The transmission of the video message and the user text to the recipient is initiated.

Abstract: A method of reproducing interactive graphics data including menu data, the method including receiving a reproduction command of the interactive graphics data during reproduction of AV data, and changing a reproducing state of the AV data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video display apparatus includes a selection module, a Web information analysis module, a screen generation module, a transmission module, a reception module, and an alteration module. The selection module is configured to select a partial area of a Web page. The Web information analysis module is configured to analyze first Web information which specifies the partial area. The screen generation module is configured to generate a screen for displaying page information of the partial area, based on the first Web information. The transmission module is configured to transmit the first Web information to an external apparatus.

Abstract: Various aspects disclosed herein are directed to different techniques for: analyzing webpage content, and identifying references to artist names. When a match is identified, the web page may be dynamically and automatically modified to causes display of a “play” button next to the matched artist name displayed on the webpage. When the play button is selected by a user, this may cause a streaming media player to open at the user's system and begin playing streamed music relating to the matched artist.

Abstract: Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for customizing photo presentations. One particular method comprises receiving by the media display system, a plurality of photos depicting individuals and displaying one or more controls for specifying an action to one or more selected individuals. The method further comprises receiving a selection of one or more individuals, generating an action list according to the selection, and customizing the photo presentation comprising photos from among the received plurality of photos according to the action list and according to the analyzed facial regions.

Abstract: A system and method dynamically presenting video content based on a visually-defined scripting editor that defines a user presentation context (UPC) based on audio/video content, user query/responses, and one or more asynchronous event triggers (AETs) is disclosed. The system incorporates a graphical user interface (GUI) based scripting editor operating on a host computer system (HCS) that enables visual definition of an interconnected video script network (VSN) that may include synchronously displayed content, decision-based content, and/or content dictated by the AETs. The VSN is converted to a video script dataset (VSD) by the HCS and then transmitted over a computer communication network (CCN) to a mobile user device (MUD) that executes the VSD in a user interface context (UIC) that may include the MUD, other devices such as a video display unit (VDU), and/or external data sourcing devices that may constitute the sources for the AETs.

Abstract: A method for creating a riff gift for a recipient includes receiving a video riff from an artist. The method includes coding and embedding the video riff into a database. The method further includes choosing a selected video riff. Additionally, the method includes embedding the selected video riff into an e-card such that it is ready to be sent to the recipient.

Abstract: Devices and musical systems with video-imaging, such as video-karaoke systems which can be used by a large number of users simultaneously comprise a unified network such as the Internet, or another form of data-exchange network connected to at least one server and to a plurality of client user devices. Each client user device comprises means of inputting, processing, and outputting an audio stream connected to a microphone and to playback devices, means of processing and outputting a video stream connected to a display, a control unit in the form of a user interface. At least one server comprises an audio-data selection module, a video-data selection module, a memory device for storing audio and video data, a unit for the selection and design of a virtual image of the user and a unit for the selection and design of an interior of a virtual cafe visualizing karaoke system for each user.

Abstract: If a web page contains a moving image object, an information processing apparatus generates drawing data of the moving image object in a raster format and creates captured data by incorporating the generated drawing data of the moving image object into drawing data of the web page generated in a vector format.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to display video content. A cursor associated with the relative position of the video content is provided. A new cursor position associated with a request for a new relative position of the video content is received. A thumbnail image of the video content corresponding to the new relative position is displayed. The thumbnail image is then transitioned to a full display image.

Abstract: A social networking system enables cable television viewers to watch television programs as a virtual group, each watching within his/her own home, while simultaneously communicating with one another, for example, via voice and/or video chat. The system enables a viewer to find friends, or other like-minded viewers not acquainted with the viewer, for virtual communal viewing parties. The system can enable participants in a viewing party to synchronize viewing sessions enabling each participant to share in a common viewing experience. The system can also enable a system operator to recognize communal viewing groups and enable more effective advertisement targeting.

Abstract: The method of providing audiovisual content to a client device configured to be coupled to a display. The method detects a selection of a graphical element corresponding to a video content item. In response to detecting the selection of the graphical element, a transmission mode is determined. The transmission mode is a function of: (i) one or more decoding capabilities of the client device; (ii) a video encoding format of the video content item; (ii) whether the video content item should be displayed in a full screen or a partial screen format; and (iv) whether the client device is capable of overlaying image data into a video stream. Next, audiovisual data that includes the video content item is prepared for transmission according to the determined transmission mode. Finally, the prepared audiovisual data is transmitted from the server toward the client device, according to the determined transmission mode, for display on the display.

Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems include displaying a selection graphical user interface (GUI) for selecting a level of access for accessing content from a plurality of graduated levels of access for accessing the content, the plurality of graduated levels of access for accessing the content being for accessing the content with varying amounts of latencies and for varying amounts of corresponding fees, receiving a selection of the level of access for accessing the content from the plurality of graduated levels of access to the content; and providing access to the content in accordance with the selected level of access. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

Abstract: A user interface is displayed in a handheld device, and is used to control an electronic device electrically connected to the handheld device. The user interface includes at least one function selection region, an execution region, and a display region. The execution region is surrounded by the function selection region, and is electrically connected to the function selection region. The execution region is used to execute a function of the function selection region, and is used to send a comment corresponding to the execution region to the electronic device. When the function selection region is selected, the display region displays first information corresponding to the function selection region. When the execution region is pressed, the display region displays second information fed back from the electronic device to the handheld device in accordance with the comment.

Abstract: A method of controlling a mobile terminal, and which includes displaying an application screen of an executing application and a corresponding keypad on a display of the mobile terminal; modifying, via a controller of the mobile terminal, the keypad into a new keypad arrangement; displaying, via the controller, a display window in a vacant space created by the modification of the keypad, wherein a function of the display window is automatically selected based on a type of the executing application; and inputting text on the displayed application screen through the display window and modified keypad.

Abstract: An interactive method, terminal device and system for communicating multimedia information are disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. A sending terminal is configured to pop up a multimedia recording window at a preset location on a current conversation interface after a multimedia recording function is initiated, display the captured video information in the multimedia recording window, and send the multimedia information which is encoded in the current conversation interface after the recording of the multimedia information is finished. According to the present disclosure, a multimedia recording window and a multimedia player window are provided on a current conversation interface to implement the recording and playing of multimedia information, so that a smooth and continuous multimedia communication can be achieved with limited resources such as network bandwidth. Moreover, the transmission rate of information may be increased.

Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems include displaying a selection graphical user interface (GUI) for selecting a level of access for accessing content from a plurality of graduated levels of access for accessing the content, the plurality of graduated levels of access for accessing the content being for accessing the content with varying amounts of latencies and for varying amounts of corresponding fees, receiving a selection of the level of access for accessing the content from the plurality of graduated levels of access to the content; and providing access to the content in accordance with the selected level of access. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

Abstract: A geographical information system (GIS) is described that enables querying, analysis and visualization of real-time streaming data pertaining to at least one moving object or entity (e.g., vehicles, people, sensors, weather phenomena, etc.) in conjunction with relatively static multi-temporal geospatial data. An application programming interface is provided to present the GIS functionality for handling dynamically moving objects or entities to clients.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for controlling security systems. One of the methods includes receiving, at a mobile device, an input to present camera video content; presenting, in a user interface, a first array of video content, wherein the respective video content is associated with a first security system location; receiving a user input to present a second array of video content, wherein the respective video content is associated with a second security system location, and wherein the user input comprises a touch input; and presenting, in the user interface, the second array of video content.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for operation of a video enhancement service, and more particularly to systems and methods that provide a web-based video enhancement platform. In an embodiment, the system includes a video enhancement operating system and a webserver coupled to a public network and accessible to one or more users. The video enhancement platform includes a database that stores user profile data associated with the one or more users. The platform is configured to receive source information of a video, retrieve the video, convert the video to a predetermined format, receive one or more requests to make one or more enhancements to the video, enhance the video according to the one or more requests, and combine the video into a self-contained file comprising a rendering engine and the enhancement for saving and sharing.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus control method that detects a gesture to provide a preview is provided. The method includes displaying a thumb-nail of video contents on a touch screen, detecting a rubbing gesture on the thumb-nail of the video contents displayed on the touch screen, and displaying the preview of the video contents on the touch screen when the rubbing gesture is detected.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes creating a video record of user interactions with a computer program, and displaying a control area configured to receive a rewind user command and an advance user command. In response to receiving the rewind user command, the computer program reverts to a first state that is prior to at least one of the recorded user interactions. In response to receiving the advance user command, the computer program progresses to a second state that is between the first state and a last-known state of the computer program.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the present invention may include one or more processors, memory that receives instructions from the one or more processors according to a clock operating at a frequency, one or more programs stored in the memory, with instructions to: define a layer, wherein the layer comprises one or more effects; associate media content with the layer; aggregate the layer with one or more other layers; and, assemble the aggregated layers.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a content-list creating unit for selecting, on the basis of a predetermined subject, contents out of recorded program contents, information contents concerning receivable program contents, contents acquired from an outside, and contents stored in the information processing apparatus in advance to thereby create a content list; a content-list selecting unit for selecting out of plural content lists created by the content-list creating unit, on the basis of at least one of contents of the content lists and a situation during user operation, plural content lists to be displayed; and a display control unit for causing a predetermined display unit to display the plural content lists selected by the content-list selecting unit.

Abstract: Display screen sharing system that shares common screen among a plurality of terminals comprises transmission side terminal that has operation right for common screen; and reception side terminal that does not have operation right for common screen. Reception side terminal comprises display area detection unit that acquires display area information indicating area of common screen displayed at reception side terminal itself, and supplies display area information to transmission side terminal. Transmission side terminal comprises common display area frame control unit that determines common display area based on display area information supplied from reception side terminal, and displays common display area on screen at transmission side terminal itself.

Abstract: A media player user interface on behalf of a user associated with a user account is generated that has a social network module that includes music updates associated with other users to which the user is linked. Media player actions associated with the user occurring in the media player user interface are also captured, updates are generated and provided to social network modules in a media player user interface associated with other linked users.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing access to content are disclosed. The method is performed at least in part at a client computer system having a processor and memory. The method includes executing a host application associated with a first party. In some implementations, the host application is a media player. The method further includes initiating a secure communication channel between the host application and a server associated with the first party. The method further includes executing a supplemental application associated with a second party. The method further includes accessing, with the supplemental application, content licensed to the first party, wherein the licensed content is accessible to the supplemental application via the secure communication channel subject to terms of a licensing agreement. In some implementations, the content is media content, such as music, movies, and the like.

Abstract: A request to display a portion of a full-screen content overlay options menu of a multiple media player device is detected by the multiple media player device that represents less than all of the full-screen content overlay options menu. A media type of content media currently accessed by the multiple media player device is determined. A current setting status of an available adjustment of the multiple media player device associated with the portion of the full-screen content overlay options menu based upon the determined media type of content media currently accessed by the multiple media player device is determined. A first graphical menu pane of the full-screen content overlay options menu, including the current setting status of the available adjustment, is displayed over full-screen content on a display. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tiled video display is shown on a screen of a display device. The tiled video display includes a plurality of video tiles that each show video content of a different video stream. The video tiles are arranged on the screen according to a tiling layout. A user interface (UI) is shown on a touch sensitive screen of a wireless mobile device separate from the display device. The UI includes a plurality of UI tiles that each correspond to a respective video tile of the tiled video display. The UI tiles are arranged on the virtual display screen according to the tiling layout of the video tiles. In response to a gesture over at least a portion of a particular one of the UI tiles on the touch sensitive screen, a modification is made to both the particular UI tile and a correspond video tile.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention are directed to, among other things, systems, computer readable media, methods and any other means for using a handheld device to present information to a user. The handheld device and server(s) can be configured to differentiate among inexpensive and expensive information. For example, the handheld device can be configured to present media listings that represent media stored on the server(s). Each media listing can include text (inexpensive information) and thumbnails (expensive information). While the user scrolls through the media listings, the new listings can only include text. Once the scrolling stops, the missing thumbnails can be downloaded and integrated into their corresponding listings. In response to a listing being selected, the corresponding media file can be downloaded and/or played back to the user by the handheld device.

Abstract: The present invention enables real-time video commenting by viewers of media content on a web site. The media content may be video, audio, text, still images or other types of media content. When a content viewer indicates a desire to provide a real-time video comment, a content server causes a video input device at the content viewer's location to be activated. The content viewer's video comment is captured by the video input device and transmitted to the content server, where it is stored and associated with the video being commented upon. When the original video is subsequently presented to content viewers, indicia of the video comment such as a thumbnail or description of the comment is also presented, thus inviting content viewers to view the video comment in addition to the original video.

Abstract: A method for targeted advertising is disclosed. The method includes accessing at least one piece of demographic information associated with a user of a portable device, selecting an advertisement to be delivered to the user based at least in part on the demographic information, and initiating communication of a version of the advertisement configured for presentation at the portable device.

Abstract: A number of adjacent regions in input video and a corresponding number of adjacent regions in output video are defined. The adjacent regions are defined so that they span the path of motion of a subject as it moves across a scene in the input and output video. For each region, a plurality of sequential region frames defining video within the region are captured. For each region, playback of the captured plurality of sequential region frames is provided in a substantially continuous loop. The playback of the captured plurality of sequential frames defining video within each region is positioned in the output video adjacent the playback of the captured plurality of sequential frames defining video within an adjacent region in the output video so that the combined effect of the adjacent regions of played-back video is to provide output video that spans the scene.

Abstract: A portable digital television (DTV) comprises a processor, a channel and volume changing button arrangement, and a navigational button arrangement. Either or both button arrangements can be used in at least a bi-modal operation. In a first mode of operation, the button arrangements provide their normal functions, and in the second mode of operation, the button arrangements provide an interactive application interface to the user. Preferably, one of the two button arrangements is selected for the bi-modal operation. The selected button arrangement is associated with at least an optical element for lighting the button arrangement. The controller operates the optical element such that the selected button arrangement has one color in one mode of operation and has a different color in the other mode of operation.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to interact with a social networking structure for an internet website on a video device connected to a network enabled host device is provided. The present disclosure provides for accessing an internet site in response to a user input, the user input initiated while outputting a program to a display (402), retrieving content from the internet site based on at least one characteristic associated with the program (410), and outputting the retrieved content in an overlay or user interface (700) on the display simultaneous with the program (412). The user interface (700) provides the ability to access multiple profiles for determining whose content or message to display, and also includes a rotating carousel message display system, with a current message (702) surrounded above and below by a previous message (706) and a next message (714) in the display queue in a different size or font.

Abstract: A computing device comprising storage for at least one media file comprising plurality of images associated with one or more timestamps and a display for a media file user interface comprising at least one adjustable numeric time display. The at least one adjustable numeric time display is adapted to receive a time associated with the one or more timestamps and is further adapted to display at least one of the plurality of images associated with the time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for navigating a media program is disclosed. Viewing data for segments of the media program are monitored and used to compile statistics that are presented to the user in a histogram, so that popular portions of the media program can be identified and navigated to. One embodiment includes a searchable transcript of the media program that is synchronized with the histogram.

Abstract: The display control device detects a pressing down of a one-shot media button arranged in a remote controller, receives a report on the detection of the pressing down of the one-shot media button and specifies a window associated with any one of moving picture reproducing applications, and changes the front-back order of the window so that the specified window is displayed on the frontmost surface on a display.

Abstract: A client device having at least one user configurable setting is detected by a user interface device. The user interface device and the client device are in electronic communication with each other. Setting signals identifying user configurable settings of the client device are received at the user interface device. A user interface, based on the setting signals, is formulated at the user interface device. Configuration of the user interface is controlled by the user interface device rather than the client device. User input may be received at the user interface device in view of the user interface. In response to receipt of this input, a control signal is transmitted to the client device to alter at least one user configurable setting of the client device. The user interface device may thus be utilized to view and alter configuration settings for one or more client devices.

Abstract: A system and method for using information codes for recording television programs. Information codes may be published in magazines, newspapers, and the like, much like VCR Plus+™ codes. When a user desires to record one or more television programs based on information codes, the user selects an appropriate command button on his or her input device, and enters the information code that identifies a desired filter category (e.g. an actor filter represented as “01”) followed by a desired filter identifier (e.g. Richard Gere represented as “1234”). A processor receiving the user input searches an electronic program guide database for programs matching the filter information. The identified programs are then stored in a record memory for recording at an appropriate time. The identified programs may be further displayed for verification prior to storage in the record memory. Programs recommended to the viewers may also be identified via information codes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embedding a media program with a randomly user selected thumbnail is disclosed. The user can scan a media program to identify one of a plurality of media program frames, select the frame of interest, then designate it as the thumbnail to use in connection with the embedded media program.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments that facilitate sending input commands to an application over a network that may have variable latency characteristics. Multiple input commands are obtained from a client over the network. It is determined whether a delay before one of the input commands is necessary to preserve the meaning of the input command. The input command is provided to an application executed in a hosted environment in one or more computing devices after the delay when the delay is determined to be necessary.

Abstract: Performance analysis for combining remote audience responses is described. In one example, a performance is presented to a plurality of viewer devices through a remote network connection. An audience response received from each of the plurality of viewer devices through the remote network connection during the presentation of the performance. The received audience responses are combined into a single media stream and the combined media stream is sent to each of the plurality of viewer devices during the performance.

Abstract: Providing a method for organizing portions of videos called video previews. The video previews may be associated with a playable group (e.g., one or more other videos that play simultaneously), a video channel (e.g., a collection of videos), or in a particular order for a viewer to browse. Each video channel or video in a channel can provide short, playable video preview that users can use to better decide whether to watch the full video or video channel.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes a group creation unit and a group adjustment unit. The group creation unit automatically creates a frame group that includes multiple frames that are a portion of the video and have undergone position adjustment with respect to one another such that the target object images overlap one another. The group adjustment unit receives, from a user, a designation of a group adjustment amount that is a position adjustment amount for the frame group, and performs position adjustment on the frames included in the frame group in accordance with the group adjustment amount. Note that automatically creating the frame group here means that rather than receiving a designation of a position adjustment amount from the user, the image processing apparatus automatically creates a frame group in accordance with a predetermined algorithm.

Abstract: Providing a method for browsing portions of videos called video previews. The video previews may be associated with a link or predefined duration of a full video, such that the video preview is generated from a portion of the full video and viewed by a user. The video previews are configured to play a series of images associated with images from the portion of the full video when the video preview is activated.