Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting media items in a display environment. A plurality of media items are selected. Instances of each of the selected media items are generated. The instances of the selected media items can be scaled and concurrently transitioned through a display environment along one or more paths.

Abstract: User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a first display area for display representations of documents matching a search query, the first display area configured to display content of the documents which can have a plurality of different types of content including at least one of text-based content and a folder, and displaying a second display area for selecting a selected document to be displayed in the first display area. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, user interface and computer program product for detecting a video clip in a mobile communication device, generating video chapter thumbnails from the video clip, providing the video chapter thumbnails in a video player user interface of the mobile communication device, and wherein selection of a video chapter thumbnail will enable a playback from a corresponding video clip chapter.

Abstract: Creating a relational database table that identifies at least one application as belonging to a logical group. All components that belong to the logical group are listed and a unique schema name is created for each component by combining a logical schema name of each component with a designated system name for the component. Each component co-exists in a single database instance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for navigating a media program via a searchable transcript of the dialog of the media program is disclosed. In one embodiment, a textural transcript of the dialog is generated, wherein the textural transcript comprising a plurality of portions wherein each portion is associated with a segment of the media program, a command is accepted to display the transcript and in response to that command, user interface data is transmitted to the client computer for presentation in a user interface, wherein the user interface comprising a concurrently presented media program player and the textural transcript.

Abstract: A method, computer system and computer readable medium regarding an extensible master-slave user interface with distinct interaction models is presented. A slave region is displayed in a Graphical User Interface (GUI), the slave region displaying a current state. A master region is displayed in the GUI, the master region displaying a previous state. When a user selects content in the slave region then the master region is removed from the GUI, a new master region is displayed in the GUI, the new master region containing a view of contents of the slave region, the slave region is removed from the GUI and the content selected by the user is displayed in a new slave region in the GUI.

Abstract: Exemplary trick play advertising systems and methods are described herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access system detecting a command to execute a trick play function on a media content program, accessing a splash screen advertisement in response to the detected command, and providing the splash screen advertisement for display during an execution of the trick play function. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a content display unit for displaying movie content on a display screen, and a bookmark setting unit for setting a bookmark in which a display position where a display subject is displayed on the display screen and a temporal position within the movie content where the display subject is displayed on the display screen are mutually related to each other, to the display subject of the movie content displayed on the display screen by the content display unit.

Abstract: A data model and player platform for playing rich interactive narratives (RINs) is presented. Together, they enable a very broad class of rich interactive applications in a device independent way that is also platform technology proof and can be extended to new kinds of interactive visualization technologies. The RIN data model includes a narrative having a prescribed sequence of scenes, where each scene is made up of one or more RIN segments. Each of the RIN segments includes one or more experience streams (or references thereto), and at least one screenplay. Each experience stream includes data that enables a user employing a RIN player to traverse a particular environment created by an arbitrary media type. In addition, each screenplay includes data to orchestrate when each experience stream starts and stops during the playing of the RIN and to specify how experience streams share display screen space or audio playback configuration.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating dialog between a user and a media equipment device are provided. Videos of a user selected actor may be retrieved. An opener video of the selected actor may be displayed and based on a verbal response received from the user, a clip of a media asset associated with the selected actor may be retrieved. User reactions to the displayed clip may be monitored and subsequent videos of the actor and clips may be provided based on the user reactions. Clips of a media asset that matches preferences of the user may be retrieved. A clip associated with a mid level rank may be displayed. When the user reacts positively to the clip a clip associated with a low class level rank may be retrieved next otherwise a high class level rank clip may be retrieved next.

Abstract: A media system is provided. The media system may include a media player, an input, and a processor. The media player may have a scrub bar and a playhead. The scrub bar may be operable to represent a time line of a media recording that is being played back and the playhead may indicate a portion of the media recording that is being played back. The input may be operable to receive user behavior. The processor may be operable to dynamically adjust a speed of playback of the media recording based on the user behavior.

Abstract: A graphical user interface, system and method are described controlling a video stream. For example, a data processing apparatus according to one embodiment has a memory for storing program code and a processor for processing the program code to generate a graphical user interface (“GUI”) comprising: a plurality of video thumbnails arranged in a pattern, each of the video thumbnails rendering a compressed version of a real-time video of a particular movie, television series, game, or other type of video content; and a selection graphic highlighting a currently-selected video thumbnail, the thumbnails moving within the GUI in relation to the selection graphic in response to user input from an input device.

Abstract: A telephone includes logic to enable the telephone and a structured voice interaction system to exchange navigation information and commands via a data channel connection between the telephone and the structured voice interaction system, the navigation information coordinated with voice prompts and one or more navigation commands exchanged via a voice channel connection. The telephone stores representations of one or more navigation commands provided from the telephone to the structured voice interaction system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for designating a memory region for receiving image frames from an image frame server, the image frames are from a first sequence of image frames. Each image frame in the first sequence of image frames is associated with a time position on a first timeline. A needed image frame is selected, the needed image frame associated with a second time position on a second timeline. The second time position is mapped on the second timeline to a first time position on the first timeline. The image frame server is requested to provide an image frame from the first sequence of image frames at the first time position on the first timeline.

Abstract: A computer program product includes machine readable instructions for providing enhanced video output by: receiving footage including likeness information in a plurality of modalities; demultiplexing the plurality of modalities to provide information for each modality; comparing information from at least two of the modalities for determining a correlation in the likeness information; using the correlation, obtaining semantic information for association with the likeness; and combining the semantic information with the likeness information for providing the enhanced video output. A system for implementing the computer program product includes resources for receiving the footage.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for allowing a user to quickly determine parts of a media item in which the user will be interested. In the methods and systems described, a timeline is provided for the media item and semantic icons are used as media landmarks along the timeline. The semantic icons are related to the content or a description of the content at the location in the media item corresponding to the semantic icon's location on the timeline. The semantic icons, in addition to providing some immediate contextual information at a glance, also allow a user access to annotations of the media item. Semantic icons can represent tags, users who have created or modified annotations for the segment of the media item, or other relevant information. The semantic icons may also be used to determine a relative level of interest in different parts of the media item both with respect to the user and with respect to other users.

Abstract: An interactive video within a content hosting website may appear to be a complete GUI. The interactive video may include both a static wrapper UI with interactive features including buttons, links to internal and external information, and dynamically updated text, and a video portion within the wrapper. The interactive video may be a single, annotated video file that includes dynamic links to periodically updated and dynamically updated information. For example, when the interactive video is an apartment finding service, if a community updates information within a database, the corresponding text information within the annotated areas of the interactive video may automatically update and replace the old information on the video.

Abstract: A regular edition video of a video title is split into shots or scenes with time codes, and provided information, which is the semantic evaluation of the story, is added to the respective scenes to organize the scene score. Necessary scenes for each purpose are extracted on the basis of the scene score and a threshold value (process Pr14). Video characteristic evaluation information is added for each shot constituting each of the extracted scenes so as to organize the shot score (process Pr16). Optimum shots for each of the extracted scenes are selected on the basis of a predetermined rule suitable for the purpose (process Pr16). The optimum shots are sequentially cut out from the regular edition video (process Pr21), thus automatically organizing a preview video suitable for the purpose (process Pr22).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for automatically generating video data based on still image data. Certain aspects of the video may also be configured to correspond to audio features identified within associated audio data.

Abstract: A browseable narrative having an architecture that enables browsing, so that a user may progress from a point to any other point in the narrative in a manner determined by the user. The browseable narrative includes a scene or scenes without any predefined beginning, middle, or end which can be displayed in a non-linear manner. The narrative also includes links which interrupt the display of one scene and initiate the display of another. Maps may also exist in the narrative.

Abstract: A clip editing method using double time axis and an assistant display mode includes: generating a first trim-bar interface with a first time axis, specifying a first media clip through the first trim-bar interface by using a three-point control method, generating a second trim-bar interface with a second time axis based on the duration of the first media clip by using an equal-proportion mechanism, the duration of the second time axis being the same as the duration of the first media clip, the display ratio of the first media clip being resized, generating a second media clip through the second trim-bar interface by using the three-point control method, and providing editing operations for the second media clip.

Abstract: In-context paint stroke characteristic adjustment, in which a first user input selecting a path of a paint stroke rendered on a display is received, an anchor point on the path is defined based on the first user input, and a characteristic adjustment control is rendered adjacent to the anchor point. A second user input is received via the characteristic adjustment control, and a characteristic of the paint stroke is adjusted at the anchor point based on the second user input.

Abstract: A method of distributing video data comprising defining a plurality of programme elements, each programme element comprising a video clip taken from said video data. Each programme element is allocated to one of a predetermined plurality of classes, each class having an associated icon. Data representing a plurality of icons is transmitted to a receiver, each icon representing a class to which a respective one of said plurality of programme elements is allocated. User selection data indicative of a user selection of at least one icon is received, and data associated with the or each programme element associated with the user selection data is transmitted to the receiver. A method for generating video data, and a method for presenting video data are also disclosed.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a method and system for interactive engagement of a media file having a default display. The method and system includes generating a visual landscape of the media file, the visual landscape including a visual display viewable by the default display of the media file and a plurality of peripheral displays of viewable areas outside of the default display. The method and system further includes activating an interactive display of the media file inside the visual landscape, the multi-view display including the ability to view the default display and the peripheral displays, as well as receiving a user input directing a point of view adjustment of the interactive display. And, the method and system includes generating an adjusted display of the interactive display based on the user input, the adjusted display presenting either: a portion of the visual display and a portion of the peripheral display; or a peripheral display.

Abstract: Ads are placed in a movie using a graphical interface that enables selecting of the ads from a set of ads, selecting frames of the movie for the ad, and selecting locations in the frames for the ads. Each of the ad and the movie can be a still image, a full motion video, an audio, a graphic or a combination thereof. An executable command may also be a part of the ad that is inserted, the command being selected for execution by a viewer of the ad when the movie is played to the viewer.

Abstract: An interface screen used for the correlation between video data and reference picture data includes: a screen 70 for displaying the video data reproduced by a video player; and a screen 73 for displaying a reference picture to be correlated with. When an operator enters an instruction to the operation portion 74 while reproduction video, the data for a reference picture displayed on the screen is correlated with a corresponding reproduction time position of the video data.

Abstract: An audio and video editing system is disclosed. The editing system uses a displayable object document that comprises: (i) a verbal transcript of an audio recording (e.g., a stored version of a recorded interview, etc.), and (ii) one or more hyperlinks into one or more video recordings, where each video recording is a stored version of a video recording (e.g., of a participant in a interview, etc.). Each hyperlink in the object document associates a portion of the stored video recording with a hyperlink caption in the object document. Each time code that appears in the object document is a hyperlink caption that points to a different portion of the video recording. A user can access a desired portion of the video recording by selecting the associated hyperlink caption in the object document.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for the analysis of graphics applications. For instance, an apparatus may include a graphics application program interface (API), a graphics engine, and a graphics analysis tool. The graphics analysis tool may receive multiple draw calls issued to the graphics API, and arrange the draw calls into multiple sequences, each sequence corresponding to a particular render target. From this information various analysis tasks may be performed. For instance, overdraw images may be generated. Such overdraw images may be enhanced to improve their dynamic range. Also, pixel histories may be generated based on corresponding pixel selections. The effect of draw calls on selected pixels may also be determined. Further, such tasks may be performed on a per render target basis.

Abstract: The sharing of video editing techniques is performed by receiving a project description file, thumbnail graphics, and a location identifier at a first server, wherein the project description file is generated during editing of multimedia content by the user, and wherein the thumbnail graphics represent multimedia editing objects incorporated into the edited multimedia content. The edited multimedia content is retrieved from a second server based on the location identifier. The edited multimedia content is synchronized with the thumbnail graphics and multimedia editing objects specified by the project description file. The synchronized edited multimedia content, thumbnail graphics, and multimedia editing objects are displayed.

Abstract: A contents display control system includes: a media type determination unit configured to determine a media type of selected media contents; a contents display parameter adjustment unit operating to generate at least one adjustment value for at least one display parameter of the selected media contents; and a contents display processor configured to control display of the selected media contents in the background when graphical user interface is present in the foreground, the contents display processor controlling the display by appropriately adjusting the at least one display parameter of the selected media contents with the at least one adjustment value for the determined media type.

Abstract: A system including a video stream and a data stream. The system synchronizes the data stream to different portions of the video stream.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed in which a group of people are able to replicate the physical world experience of going with a group of friends to pick a movie, watch the movie together, and provide commentary on the movie itself in the virtual world on a virtual couch while each user is sitting in different physical locations. Additionally, the virtual representation of the destination that the group of people are watching the movie together in can be themed to allow users to watch movies in different locations pivoting on special events or by the users choice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling special windows in a display comprises a window manager in an operating system that is called by application programs to create special windows. The window manager embeds static key signals including encoded special window information, such as the coordinates of a window area to be specially processed, into a video RAM. An existing video interface scans the video RAM and transmits display information, including the key signals, to the display. The present invention further comprises a window decoder in the display, that detects the key signals, extracts the encoded special window information, and controls display circuitry performing the desired special processing. The key signal encoding scheme does not create visually discernible display aberrations that could distract the user or interfere with normal window management.

Abstract: A system for processing a visual capture operation as described. The system receives an indication of a visual capture operation performed from a rendered document. The indication specifies both a text sequence capture as part of the capture operation and a supplemental marking captured as part of the capture operation. The system determines an action to perform in response to receiving the indication, based both upon the text sequence specified in the indication and the supplemental markings specified by the indication.

Abstract: A computer readable medium storing a media editing application for creating media presentations is described. The application includes a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI has (1) a composite display area for displaying graphical representations of a set of media clips that are part of the composite presentation and (2) a navigation tool including several selectable navigation markers associated with several navigable locations in the composite presentation. The selection of a navigation marker causes the composite display area to present the navigable location in the composite presentation that is associated with the selected navigation marker.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method that provides a first display area for displaying a video presentation. The video presentation includes several video clips, each of which includes a particular sequence of consecutive video pictures. The method provides a navigation tool for navigating the video presentation. The navigation tool includes a display of a representative video picture from each video clip in the video presentation. The entire navigation tool is for display at one time in a second display area. In some embodiments the representative video picture for a particular video clip is the first video picture, a particular number of video pictures from the start of the video clip, etc. Some embodiments also provide a third display area for displaying thumbnail images representing a subset of the video clips in the video presentation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described that allows edited media to be recorded to a sequential storage device. An edited time based stream of information of a source media is displayed. The edited time based stream is transferred to a sequential storage device to be recorded using an icon where the icon represents a function to be performed on the storage device.

Abstract: A media navigation system provides a user interface for navigating and interacting with streamed media objects, including video. The system may employ media markers representing time locations within a media file in addition to images or other representations derived from the media object. The system displays a tile layout representing a sequence of the media at an interval comprising a set of sub intervals corresponding to the tiles, and enables a user to click on the tiles to navigate to a next set of tiles which correspond to a different interval, and which replace the currently displayed tiles on the display. Navigation can include zooming in (smaller interval), zooming out (larger interval) and “panning” (preceding or succeeding interval) at arbitrary intervals. Individual tiles may also include visual indicators of relative importance or activity such as the number of comments associated with a sub interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronic methods and apparatus for interactively authoring, sharing and analyzing digital video content. Methods for authoring include displaying visual data, defining each traversal as a time-based sequence of frames and annotating and storing a record of the traversal and its associated audio records. Defining the traversal includes interactively panning the visual data by positioning an overlay window relative to the visual data and zooming in or out by resizing the overlay window. In alternative embodiments, the visual data may be displayed in a rectangular layout or a cylindrical layout. The methods are practiced using an integrated graphical interface, including an overview region displaying the visual data, a detail region displaying current data within the overlay window, and a worksheet region displaying a list of previously stored annotated traversal records.

Abstract: A movie data indexing apparatus of the present invention comprises a movie data scene character data input processing unit, a movie data genre decision processing unit, a formatted phrase keyword dictionary input processing unit for inputting a formatted phrase keyword dictionary inherent to the determined movie data genre, a movie data information input processing unit, a movie data inherent dictionary generation processing unit for generating a dictionary inherent to the movie data, a scene character string coding processing unit for encoding a character string for a scene of the movie data, a proposal keyword dictionary for formatted phrase input processing unit for inputting a dictionary prescribing keywords, and a scene indexing processing unit for performing indexing to a scene of the movie data on the basis of the scene character string coded data, the movie data inherent dictionary and the proposal keyword dictionary for formatted phrase.

Abstract: A television Widget movement method involves providing access to a plurality of Widget programs to a television Widget host processor; receiving a dedicated command from a remote controller that activates the plurality of Widget programs, wherein the Widget programs, when in a Display mode, display Widget representations on a display; receiving a command from the remote controller that establishes one of the plurality of displayed Widget programs as the Widget program that is currently in focus; and receiving a command from the remote controller that places the Widget program that is currently in focus in a Move Mode, wherein the Widget representation can be moved about the display while in Move Mode. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for controlling playback of digital media. In one aspect, while playback of the media content is progressing as normal a snapshot such as a thumbnail is displayed to show the user a representation of the media content that is associated with a seek location. In another aspect, the functionality of a transport key is temporarily modified. The temporary modification allows the user to seek to a desired location very accurately and may result in fewer input keys being selected. Moreover, because the modification is temporary a great deal of flexibility is provided.

Abstract: A content presentation environment enables a primary content source to be presented to a user, along with supplemental content that may relate to the primary content or, may be completely unrelated (such as an advertisement). As the primary content is presented, supplemental content is either automatically presented or made available for selection by a user. In addition, a user may select and add additional supplemental content to be associated with or incorporated into the presentation environment.

Abstract: A graphical interface for presenting the relationship between a primary content item and multiple supplemental content items. A progression bar corresponding to the rendering or playback of the primary content is provided to show the progression through the primary content. A series of graphic elements, each corresponding to a supplemental content item are associated with a position along the progression bar. As a cursor moves across the progression bar indicating progressing through the primary content, supplemental content associated with the cursors position becomes available for viewing. Graphical enhancements of the graphic elements provide indicators that the supplemental content items are becoming relevant and available for viewing.

Abstract: There is provided a video playback device for providing an interactive environment on a display in response to a user input. The video playback device comprises (1) a memory to store a plurality of images forming a plurality of viewpoints of the interactive environment; a plurality of transition sequences, wherein each of the plurality of transition sequences provides a video transition from one image to another image; and a linking structure linking the plurality of images with the plurality of transition sequences; (2) a processor to determine a direction of movement based on the user input; select a next one of the plurality of transition sequences and a next one of the plurality of images based on the direction of movement and the linking structure; and display the next one of the plurality of transition sequences and the next one of the plurality of images on the display.

Abstract: Playing a media file can include receiving input from a user identifying a playback location associated with a media file; downloading media content corresponding to the identified playback location from the media file; displaying a status bar to the user on a display device; and presenting a download indicator associated with the status bar showing an amount of downloaded media content, wherein the downloaded media content comprises a contiguous portion of the media file that includes the identified playback location. Further, playing the media file can include receiving additional input from a user identifying a new playback location associated with a media file; downloading media content corresponding to the new playback location; and presenting a new download indicator associated with the status bar showing an amount of downloaded media content, wherein the downloaded media content comprises a contiguous portion of the media file that includes the new playback location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a button map for implementing remote control functions for a standard input/output device in a video playback system is described. One embodiment is directed to a method which includes first adding a button that is currently selected along with its neighboring selectable buttons to a button map, iteratively adding a new selectable button not in the button map and then adding all neighboring selectable buttons for the new button to the button map. Finally, the method includes selecting one of the buttons in the button map using a standard input/output device.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates management and navigation of various data objects by making use of a unique time-line based navigation tool. In particular, objects can organized into a plurality of bands based on their respective subject matter. Each band can be created to designate a particular topic. Objects are organized within the appropriate bands based in part on a time parameter such as a time or date that the object was created, for example. The navigation tool allows a user to navigate or browse through the bands and objects according to a desired time parameter or range of time. Zooming and other browsing options are available to the user to view objects of interest at varying levels of detail. The objects are represented as ASCII thumbnails that are operational. Thus, the content of any object can be modified directly via the thumbnail.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to control a three-dimensional scene view. A three-dimensional (3D) scene having one or more three-dimensional objects is displayed. A 3D representation of a coordinate system of the scene is displayed. The 3D representation contains a current viewpoint, one or more faces, one or more edges, and one or more corners with each face, edge, and corner representing a corresponding viewpoint of the scene. The 3D representation is manipulated. A new current viewpoint of the 3D representation is displayed based on the manipulation. The scene is then reoriented corresponding to the new current viewpoint based on the manipulation of the 3D representation.