Vcr-like Function Patents (Class 725/102)
  • Patent number: 7849487
    Abstract: A digital video playback architecture utilizes review speed adjustment markers to enable viewer recognition of an event in a video program during fast advance of the video, either in a fast-forward advance mode or a rewind advance mode. A review speed adjustment marker gives the viewer time to recognize, or otherwise ascertain, an event in the video and stop the fast advance to review the video content, or other information, associated with the review speed adjustment marker at a normal playback speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Shannon B. Vosseller
  • Patent number: 7826494
    Abstract: Presented herein are system(s) and method(s) for handling audio jitters. In one embodiment; there is presented a method for decoding an audio signal. The method comprises receiving a portion of the audio signal, the portions of the audio signal associated with a time stamp; comparing the time stamp associated with the portion of the audio signals to a reference time; generating another portion of the audio signal, if the time stamp is later than the time reference by over a certain margin or error; and dewindowing the another portion with a previously played portion of the audio signal, thereby resulting in a an another dewindowed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Arul Thangaraj
  • Patent number: 7821533
    Abstract: A method for locking communication between at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them; and locking the ICDs to send wireless data exclusively to that DIR and/or ICD; and/or the DIR and/or ICD locking itself for exclusive communication with the locked ICDs, thereby providing a secure surveillance system for a target environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Smartvue Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Renkis
  • Patent number: 7814522
    Abstract: A system for automatically pausing a video program in response to detection of the occurrence of a audio communications event or triggering event. In response to an incoming phone call, message, web page, or other communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the audio communications event. The system also buffers the video programming while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of the video programming. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user's access to the audio communications event, in order to pause the video program. The audio (voice) portion of a phone call or voice mail message is converted to text for display to a recipient of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc
    Inventor: Michael L. Asmussen
  • Patent number: 7810121
    Abstract: A resident application and a second application are provided in a set-top terminal to receive a TV broadcast service and network personal video recorder (NPVR) service, respectively. The resident application is suspended in favor of the second application when a user changes from a broadcast channel to an NPVR enabled channel, and vice versa. In an embodiment where a digital video recorder (DVR) set-top terminal is used, a DVR server therein provides trick mode functions (pause, rewind and fast-forward) before an NPVR session, e.g., a Look Back session, is established. In another embodiment, during an NPVR session the DVR server plays back recorded programming content downloaded from a communications network, and provides trick mode functions as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Time Warner Interactive Video Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Vipul B. Patel, John W. Callahan
  • Patent number: 7809849
    Abstract: According to the invention, a method for receiving a program by a user location is disclosed. The program is sent from a content provider. In one step, at least a first segment of each of a first number of programs sent from the content provider before any user request for any of the first number of programs is recorded. The user request for one of the first number of programs is detected. At least a second segment of each of a second number of programs sent from the content provider is also recorded if the user request is not detected before a stagger period expires. The one of the first number of programs is recorded if the user request is detected before the stagger period expires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Starz Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: John J. Sie, John C. Beyler, Martin F. Sabraw
  • Patent number: 7739715
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described that support variable play speed control for media streams. The variable play speed control for media streams discussed herein provides an end-to-end solution for media stream delivery, playback, and user interface that enables end users and software developers to dynamically control the playback speed of media streams without losing the ability to comprehend the media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Li-Wei He, Adil Sherwani, Patrick N. Nelson, Richard William Saunders, Jonathan M. Cain, Anders E. Klemets
  • Patent number: 7716707
    Abstract: In-program content telescoping can enable a subscriber to telescope into content that is specially associated with a broadcast program. The selectable content is stored as video-on-demand (VOD) assets that are related to particular portions of broadcast programs. In a described implementation, content providers created association linkages between broadcast programs and the VOD assets. Each association links a VOD asset to a broadcast program and a specific trigger location within the associated broadcast program. The association linkage may be include in VOD asset metadata and in trigger information. In a described operation, a client device detects trigger information in a media transport stream. In response to a request, the client receives asset representation indicators for the VOD assets that are associated with the upcoming trigger location. Upon arrival of the trigger location in the media transport stream, the client displays the asset representation indicators for consideration by the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: David L. de Heer
  • Patent number: 7685619
    Abstract: A system, method, and user interface for displaying electronic program guide (EPG) and personal video recorder (PVR) information as navigable three-dimensional images is described. In one embodiment, a three dimensional image is formed in which EPG data is presented on one surface of a three dimensional image and PVR data is presented on at least one other surface of the three-dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventor: William Samuel Herz
  • Patent number: 7676142
    Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that can advantageously alter a playback rate of a multimedia presentation, such as a video clip. One embodiment of the invention permits a multimedia presentation to be sped up or slowed down with a controlled change in pitch of the sped up or slowed down audio. In one embodiment, this controlled change in the pitch permits the sped up or slowed down audio to retain a same sounding pitch as at normal playback speeds. In one embodiment, a duration is specified and playback of the video clip is advantageously sped to complete playback within the specified duration. In another embodiment, a finish by a time is specified, and the playback of the video clip is advantageously sped to complete playback by the specified time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Corel Inc.
    Inventor: Andy Chao Hung
  • Patent number: 7669219
    Abstract: A synchronized media experience is described. A media server identifies a group of two or more remote media entertainment systems through which user-controlled play of media content may be presented. The server generates and transmits one or more synchronization commands to the remote media entertainment systems to synchronize presentation of a particular media content through the two or more remote media entertainment systems. A control command entered by a user of one of the remote media entertainment systems may be communicated to each of the two or more remote media entertainment systems to enable synchronized, user controlled presentation of the particular media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Thomas Scott, III
  • Patent number: 7634785
    Abstract: DVR-based targeted advertising is described. In an embodiment, a targeted advertisement system includes a DVR, an advertisement data store, and an advertisement manager. The DVR records media content, maintains the recorded media content for on-demand viewing, and provides the recorded media content for viewing when requested. The advertisement manager designates advertisement region(s) in the recorded media content as the media content is being recorded, where an advertisement region includes a first boundary and a second boundary to designate the advertisement region in the media content. The advertisement manager monitors a first data stream of the recorded media content when it is rendered for viewing to detect that a playback position of the first data stream has crossed an advertisement region boundary, and to initiate that an advertisement obtained from the advertisement data store be provided as a second data stream to render the advertisement for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey R Smith
  • Patent number: 7620294
    Abstract: Replaying a compressed digital video stream in fast-forward and reverse modes at varied playback rates. An index of intercoded frames, those frames not dependant on other frames for generation, is stored. The index includes the size of interceded frames and their storage location. When a specified playback rate is requested, the interceded frames are retrieved using the index. The intercoded frames then have one or more intracoded frames, frames that reference other frames for generation, placed between them to generate a frame sequence. The intracoded frames are “blank,” meaning they contain only information from their associated intercoded frame. By inserting “blank” frames specified playback rates and bit rates are generated. The index of interceded frames may also be accessed to generate playback in reverse mode, which conserves memory resources of associated systems by generating the reverse playback stream in an iterative manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dustin L. Green, Peter J. Barrett
  • Patent number: 7610605
    Abstract: A data distribution system includes a server apparatus and a decoding terminal. In the server apparatus, the access unit information of data to be transmitted is read from a data storage unit in accordance with a trick play request. The access unit information is converted for a trick play in a data conversion unit. The data to be transmitted is converted in a multiplexing unit into trick play data in accordance with the access unit information having been converted. Then, the trick play data is transmitted from the server apparatus to the decoding terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Negishi, Hideki Koyanagi, Yoichi Yagasaki
  • Patent number: 7607157
    Abstract: A video signal receiver receives a plurality of video channels simultaneously carrying, offset by a transmission interval, a single video program, selects one channel from which to obtain the program for display to a user, and achieves a pause function in the display of the transmitted video program by temporarily storing a segment of the video program equal to the length of the transmission interval and obtaining the remainder of the program at a later time from the same or another channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Inoue, Yukio Kubota, Toshimichi Nagashima, Akira Shimazu, Keiji Kanota
  • Patent number: 7603414
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for enabling a plurality of users engaged in real-time voice communications over a wireless communications link to collaboratively select one or more musical media files and to jointly listen to the collaboratively selected musical media in approximate synchronicity as a mutually perceivable background musical stream. The background musical stream is audibly output to each of the plurality of users in audio combination with the exchanged real-time voice communications such that the exchanged voice communications is intelligible to each user along with the background musical stream. Each user is situated proximal to a portable communication device that enables the real-time voice communications, the collaborative selection of musical media, and the audio combination of voice communications and musical media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Outland Research, LLC
    Inventor: Louis B. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7603026
    Abstract: This invention provides an information processing method and apparatus, which can set all extent sizes of data divisionally recorded on a disk to be equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit, and can guarantee continuous reproduction of the divisionally recorded data. Of data divisionally recorded on a recording medium (5), data which corresponds to an end portion of that data and cannot be recorded as a recording area equal to or larger than a minimum recording unit specified in the recording medium (5) due to the presence of a recording area (6) of another data, that has already been recorded on the recording medium (5), is re-recorded on a recording area equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit. At this time, new data is generated by combining data less than the minimum recording unit, and data recorded in another recording area, and the new data is re-recorded on a new recording area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ikuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7594004
    Abstract: A system, computer product and method for monitoring and disseminating data form a plurality of electronic devices via the Internet is provided. The plurality of electronic devices, or further electronic devices connected to the plurality of electronic devices, generate signal data. A computer product of the present invention is loaded on the electronic devices such that the signal data is collected via the Internet at a remote web server. The web server stores this data in a database such that a client can monitor its signal data by means of the web server, via the Internet. The present invention also permits the client to disseminate the signal data, including signal data meeting alarm parameters, based on business rules established by the client. A method for deploying the system of the present invention across a plurality of electronic devices, including electronic devices across a plurality of locations is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Silverthorne, Jon Russell, Victoria Elbaz
  • Patent number: 7593326
    Abstract: A method for managing bandwidth for transmitting the content of a video to users requesting the content. The total time duration T of the video is divided into N consecutive sessions. A unicast or multicast connection in normal play mode may be created for each session only at discrete times separated by a time increment ?T equal to T/N. An overall bandwidth B is established for transmitting the content of the video to the users. The overall bandwidth B is divided into a first part B1 and a second part B2. The first part B1 is allocated to a normal play mode of the video during the N sessions such that B1=N*R, where R is the bit transmission rate of the video. The second part B2 is allocated to unicast sessions dedicated to implementation of at least one non-normal streaming mode of the video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Collet, Francois-Xavier Drouet, Stephane Charles Michel Marie Lebrun, Gerard Marmigere
  • Patent number: 7580416
    Abstract: A method for processing a data stream including receiving a transport stream (TS), storing at least a portion of the TS, the at least a portion of the TS having a beginning and including a plurality of TS packets, determining, from among the plurality of TS packets, at least one TS packet including a candidate access point, storing in an index store a byte offset of the candidate access point; and storing in the index store a plurality of indications of byte offset, each byte offset being associated with an arrival time of a received TS packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: NDS Limited
    Inventors: Ezra Darshan, Moshe Shlissel, Reuven Wachtfogel
  • Patent number: 7570867
    Abstract: Replaying a compressed digital video stream in fast-forward and reverse modes at varied playback rates. An index of intercoded frames, those frames not dependant on other frames for generation, is stored. The index includes the size of intercoded frames and their storage location. When a specified playback rate is requested, the intercoded frames are retrieved using the index. The intercoded frames then have one or more intracoded frames, frames that reference other frames for generation, placed between them to generate a frame sequence. The intracoded frames are “blank,” meaning they contain only information from their associated intercoded frame. By inserting “blank” frames specified playback rates and bit rates are generated. The index of intercoded frames may also be accessed to generate playback in reverse mode, which conserves memory resources of associated systems by generating the reverse playback stream in an iterative manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Peter T. Barrett, Dustin L. Green
  • Publication number: 20090144781
    Abstract: An audio-on-demand communication system provides real-time playback of audio data transferred via telephone lines or other communication links. One or more audio servers include memory banks which store compressed audio data. At the request of a user at a subscriber PC, an audio server transmits the compressed audio data over the communication link to the subscriber PC. The subscriber PC receives and decompresses the transmitted audio data in less than real-time using only the processing power of the CPU within the subscriber PC. According to one aspect of the present invention, high quality audio data compressed according to lossless compression techniques is transmitted together with normal quality audio data. According to another aspect of the present invention, metadata, or extra data, such as text, captions, still images, etc., is transmitted with audio data and is simultaneously displayed with corresponding audio data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: REALNETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert D. Glaser, Mark O'Brien, Thomas B. Boutell, Randy Glen Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7529277
    Abstract: A separating device and method and a signal receiving device and method are presented. The separating device and method receive plural data streams and then separate and extract at least a portion of data from the received data streams. The signal receiving device and method receive plural data streams and then select, separate and extract at least a portion of the data from the data streams. Then the signal receiving device and method apply signal processing to the portion of the data that has been selected, separated and extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsushi Noda, Hiroshi Adachi, Yosuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7530090
    Abstract: A system (100) has a collection of programs on a central storage device (112). The system (100) supplies a particular program to a plurality of client terminals (104, 106) in a near-video-on-demand fashion using a redundant broadcast schedule. The users of the client terminals have a maximum waiting time until the client terminal can present the start of the program. An individual client terminal (104) may offer a shorter maximum waiting time to its user by prerecording a fraction of the program that is broadcast as part of the broadcast schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Henricus Maria Korst
  • Patent number: 7519982
    Abstract: Techniques to efficiently deliver interactive program guide (IPG). In one aspect, if an IPG page is requested by a viewer and not already transmitted, only the guide portion for the requested page is sent instead of the entire page. The requested page includes a guide portion that is specific to the requested page and a background portion that is common for a number of pages. The background portion can be continually broadcasted by the head-end. The requesting terminal is thus able to regenerate the requested page based on the demand-casted guide portion (i.e., transmitted upon request) and the continually broadcasted background portion. Alternatively, the entire requested page can be transmitted. In another aspect, instead of sending the requested guide portion continually, the guide portion is sent a limited number of times (e.g., only once, upon receiving the request).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Donald F. Gordon, Sadik Bayrakeri, John P. Comito, Jeremy S. Edmonds
  • Patent number: 7512322
    Abstract: A recording medium, method, and apparatus for reproducing text subtitle streams are disclosed. A microcomputer initially reads a set of PlayItems and a SubPlayItem included in a PlayList which is recorded on a recording medium, and it further reads synchronization information included in the SubPlayItem. Each PlayItem is configured to reproduce at least one main AV stream, and the SubPlayItem is configured to reproduce a text subtitle stream. The synchronization information indicates a presentation start time of the SubPlayItem on a global time axis of the PlayList. When the PlayList is randomly accessed at a random access time on the global time axis, the microcomputer calculates a corresponding access time on a time axis of the SubPlayItem. Then a text subtitle decoder decodes for presentation a dialog presentation segment with the closest dialog start time after the corresponding access time on the axis of the SubPlayItem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kang Soo Seo, Byung Jin Kim, Jea Yong Yoo
  • Patent number: 7493644
    Abstract: This present invention includes a method and an apparatus for receiving motion video, a method and a system for transmitting motion video, and software to implement the methods and to program the system and the apparatus. The method for receiving motion video includes receiving motion video data at a wireless from a motion video server via a wireless interface, displaying the motion video on a video display on the wireless terminal, and transmitting to the motion video server via the wireless interface display control commands to alter the presentation characteristics of received motion video. If for instance the display control command instructs the motion video server to increase the speed of the motion depicted in the video presentation, the motion video server may filter out any audio data and reduce the number of video image frames transmitted to the wireless terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Erkki Tanskanen
  • Patent number: 7484656
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for correlating a cost of receiving media to a user's exposure to advertising. A media display system including a media recorder detects and reports that a media display system user has skipped over an advertising program without watching or listening to the advertising program. A fee is calculated and charged to the user in lieu of the user's watching or listening to the advertising program. Alternatively, a user may subscribe to a service that allows the user to skip over some or all advertising programs displayed on the media display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Gordon McLean, Daniel James Winarski
  • Publication number: 20080307472
    Abstract: A moving image viewing apparatus or system automatically records on memory all available broadcast programs simultaneously on air even if power switch off. A list of the broadcast programs simultaneously on air is displayed for selection with the power switch on. The system retrieves the selected broadcast program from the memory during the preceding part of the same broadcast program is being recorded. Such an incomplete broadcast program as recorded on the way or given up in midstream is disposed not to be retrieved. The system allows the memory to automatically overwrite the recorded broadcast program with a new one after the recorded broadcast program has been retrieved to the end. Also unselected broadcast program is allowed to be automatically overwritten with a new one after the on air of the broadcast program is over. The overwriting can be inhibited if a user wants to save the broadcast program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Masahide Tanaka, Tohru Matsui
  • Patent number: 7367061
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and a storage medium for storing and securely transmitting digital media data in a networked system are provided. The method includes determining an amount of memory for storing the digital media data. The method further includes querying a plurality of network computers to determine an amount of available memory in a plurality of memory storage devices associated with the plurality of network computers. The method further includes receiving the digital media data and partitioning the digital media data into a plurality of digital media data sets. The method further includes encrypting the plurality of digital media data sets into a plurality of encrypted digital media data sets using at least one encryption key value. The method further includes storing the plurality of encrypted digital media data sets in at least two of the plurality of memory storage devices associated with the plurality of network computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Tischer
  • Patent number: 7349976
    Abstract: An audio-on-demand communication system provides real-time playback of audio data transferred via telephone lines or other communication links. One or more audio servers include memory banks which store compressed audio data. At the request of a user at a subscriber PC, an audio server transmits the compressed audio data over the communication link to the subscriber PC. The subscriber PC receives and decompresses the transmitted audio data in less than real-time using only the processing power of the CPU within the subscriber PC. According to one aspect of the present invention, high quality audio data compressed according to lossless compression techniques is transmitted together with normal quality audio data. According to another aspect of the present invention, metadata, or extra data, such as text, captions, still images, etc., is transmitted with audio data and is simultaneously displayed with corresponding audio data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventors: Robert D. Glaser, Mark O'Brien, Thomas B. Boutell, Randy Glen Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20080060028
    Abstract: A remote control device for controlling a media renderer is provided, the remote control device includes a wireless personal area network module and a wireless local area network module. The wireless personal area network module includes a receiving module and a determining module. The receiving module receives a packet from the media renderer. The determining module determines whether the remote control device roams according to the packet. The wireless local area network module includes a control module. The control module controls another media renderer to play from a paused position according to the paused information when the remote control device roams. An automatic switching method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Chou Chiang
  • Publication number: 20080060027
    Abstract: A method for managing time-shifting includes buffering a first program using a first tuner while broadcasting the first program on a first channel, and buffering a second program using a second tuner while broadcasting the second program on a second channel after switching from the first channel to the second channel. If the first program has been broadcast longer than a predetermined period of time before switching channels, the method buffers the first program using the first tuner while broadcasting the second program on the second channel. If the first program has not been broadcast longer than the predetermined period of time before switching channels, the method stops buffering the first program while broadcasting the second program on the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Hsing-Yuan Yang
  • Publication number: 20080022330
    Abstract: Multi-DVR content management is described. In an embodiment, television-based client devices are each a node of a multi-DVR system where the nodes are implemented for communication with each other. A recording node of the multi-DVR system records media content with a recording media when initiated by a television-based client device at a node of the multi-DVR system. A media content reference is mapped in a content map to the recording media to associate the recorded media content with the television-based client device. The recorded media content can then be rendered from the recording media at a different television-based client device at a node of the multi-DVR system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Peter T. Barrett
  • Patent number: 7313808
    Abstract: A program distribution system includes a plurality of set-top boxes that receive broadcast programming and segmentation data from content and information providers. The segmentation information indicates portions of programs that are to be included in skimmed or condensed versions of the received programming, and is produced using manual or automated methods. Automated methods include the use of ancillary production data to detect the most important parts of a program. A user interface allows a user to control time scale modification and skimming during playback, and also allows the user to easily browse to different points within the current program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anoop Gupta, Li-Wei He, Francis C. Li, Yong Rui
  • Publication number: 20070288971
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed for slowing display of digital video that include receiving in a video display device a digital video stream for display, identifying by the video display device a digital video clip of the digital video stream, the digital video clip comprising consecutive frames characterized by a same digital video text for display, pausing on the display at least one frame of the digital video clip for a pause period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Brian J. Cragun, Paul R. Day
  • Patent number: 7308003
    Abstract: A multimedia packet re-multiplexer system having a plurality of multimedia sources, each multimedia source sending incoming multimedia packets, each packet having a header which includes a packet identifier (PID) to determine the packet type. The system includes an interface multiplexer (mux) for periodically scanning the multimedia sources for the incoming packets. The system also includes a main storage device for storing each incoming packet, a secondary storage device having a cut-through mechanism for storing the header of each incoming packet, an input classifier for selecting a process for each packet stored in the main storage device, in accordance with the corresponding header from the secondary storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Scopus Network Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Eitan Lev, Nir Drang
  • Patent number: 7308476
    Abstract: A method for conferencing may include monitoring a status of participants in a conference and recording the conference in response to at least one participant being disconnected or exiting the conference. Another embodiment of the present invention may also include transmitting a re-invite signal to any participant that is disconnected or exits the conference in response to the participant being reconnectable or transmitting a request to rejoin the conference. A further embodiment of the present invention may include replaying a recording of the conference from a disconnect or exit time to a present time for each participant, that is involuntarily disconnected or exits the conference and communicates an indication of an intent to return, in response to a rejoining participant rejoining the conference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Durga D. Mannaru, Vivekanand Vellanki
  • Publication number: 20070271578
    Abstract: A system for providing pre-paid access to digital streaming media tracks a number of credits associated with each subscriber. The system measures subscriber use of a digital media stream by embedding frame indicators in the stream at periodic intervals. Each frame indicator includes a URL or other response address. The frame indicators may be inserted, for example, in an RTP header of the digital media stream. Subscriber devices, upon receiving frame indicators, send responses to the response address. With each response received from a subscriber device, the system decrements the number of credits available to the subscriber. The system may stop delivering the media stream to a subscriber who runs out of credits, until that subscriber purchases more credits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Balaji S. Thenthiruperai, Kevin E. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7293278
    Abstract: A content distribution network includes a central content management system that acquires digital assets for distribution over the network to on-demand serving locations for on-demand delivery to customers. A digital asset includes a package of files. The files are processed prior to distribution from the central content management system to provide trick mode support. The content distribution network distributes the processed files from the central content management system to the serving locations. A method includes breaking up the digital asset at the central content management system into chunks, utilizing a pipelined distribution process between the central content management system and the serving locations for the digital asset chunks, and re-assembling the digital asset chunks at the serving locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Walter F. Michel
  • Patent number: 7293279
    Abstract: A system for automatically pausing a video program in response to detection of the occurrence of a audio communications event or triggering event. In response to an incoming phone call, message, web page, or other communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the audio communications event. The system also buffers the video programming while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of the video programming. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user's access to the audio communications event, in order to pause the video program. The audio (voice) portion of a phone call or voice mail message is converted to text for display to a recipient of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sedna Patent Services, LLC
    Inventor: Michael L. Asmussen
  • Publication number: 20070204310
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically inserting advertisements into source video content playback streams are described. In one aspect, the systems and methods communicate a source video content playback stream to a video player to present source video to a user. During playback of the source video, and in response to receipt of a request from the user to navigate portions of the source video (e.g., a user command to fast forward the source video, rewind the source video, or other action), the systems and methods dynamically define a video advertisement clip insertion point (e.g., and insertion point based on a current playback position). The systems and methods then insert a contextually relevant and/or targeted video advertisement clip into the playback stream for presentation to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Xian-Sheng Hua, Wei Lai, Wei-Ying Ma, Shipeng Li
  • Publication number: 20070180461
    Abstract: A method and system for providing interactive media content are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving an integrated video content. The integrated video content comprises an identification tag. The identification tag is extracted from the integrated video content. Content information associated with the integrated video content is accessed based on the identification tag. The content information and the integrated video content are then rendered to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Antony A. Hilton
  • Publication number: 20070180480
    Abstract: A method for managing the applications related to data broadcasting, a class/interface structure for controlling the same, and a broadcasting receiver for controlling the class/interface receiver can prevent data broadcast-associated application from conflicting with a Native application. The method comprising the steps of: pausing an application associated with a cable mode if a current input mode is not in cable mode; and controlling a broadcast receiver by using an application that is native to the broadcast receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Tae-Jin Park, Jin Wook Kwon, Sang Hoon Cha
  • Patent number: 7246367
    Abstract: The invention relates to the synchronized playback of video and/or audio recordings in terminals of a communications network. A server stores recordings including timing markers, each of which indicates an internal position within the recording. The system comprises groups of user terminals, at least one channel being assigned to each group. A recording is transmitted to the terminals belonging to the same group and stored there. In response to a start command, the playback of the recording is started at each terminal. Status information indicating at least the playback position of the recording is maintained, and the playback is controlled by transmitting new status information to the terminals of the group. The playback status is changed at each terminal according to said new status information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jukka-Pekka Iivonen
  • Patent number: 7243364
    Abstract: An interactive entertainment network system has a video-on-demand (VOD) application which allows viewers to create their own customized lists of preferred video content programs, such as movies, games, TV shows, and so forth. Viewers are permitted to select criteria for grouping various video content programs into manageable sets. Lists of programs are provided in one or more scrollable lists, the scrolling rates of which are programmable. Once grouped, previews for the set of programs are displayed. The VOD application allows the viewers to browse the previews at their own rate, skipping forward to the next preview or backward to the previous preview. During this automated browsing, the VOD application enables the viewer to add any of the programs of interest to a customized list. The viewer can retrieve the customized list at any time. If the viewer orders a program from the customized list, the program remains available to the viewer for a rental period (which is adjustable).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew W. Dunn, Daniel J. Shoff
  • Publication number: 20070157265
    Abstract: A content distribution apparatus includes a receiving section, a correction section, an evaluation section and a summary generation section. The receiving section receives plural pieces of watching information of target content information and stores the received watching information. Each of the watching information includes information indicating a reproduction start position from which it was started to reproduce the target content information. The correction section corrects each of the reproduction start positions to any of a plurality of predetermined positions. The evaluation section generates evaluation information of each corrected reproduction start position based on the corrected reproduction start position and the stored watching information. The summary generation section extracts a part of the target content information based on the generated evaluation information of the respective corrected reproduction start positions to generate summary information of the target content information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD
    Inventor: Atsushi Maekawa
  • Patent number: 7240359
    Abstract: A method is provided for distributing programming. A first set of programs is transmitted in real time according to a schedule of programming. A second set of programs is stored on a server, with at least one of the first set of programs having a counterpart in the second set of programs. A request from a user for program control over one of the programs in the first set of programs is detected. A determination whether the requested program has a counterpart program stored on the server is made. If so, the counterpart program form the server is played under the control of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Starz Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: John J. Sie, Ganesh Basawapatna, Martin F. Sabraw, Gregory R. Deprez
  • Patent number: 7228559
    Abstract: A method is provided for distributing programming. A first set of programs is transmitted in real time according to a schedule of programming. A second set of programs is stored on a server, each of which is configured to be played for a user under the user's control. At least one of the first set of programs has a counterpart in the second set of programs. A notification signal is transmitted to distinguish at least one of the second set of programs on the server from programs not on the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Starz Encore Group LLC
    Inventors: John J. Sie, Ganesh Basawapatna, Martin F. Sabraw, Gregory R. Deprez
  • Patent number: 7127735
    Abstract: A video-on-demand (VOD) system and method which efficiently enables a user to resume viewing of a video program from an interrupted position is disclosed. The present invention allows the user to resume viewing of a video program even if the user requests a resumption of the interrupted video program several times or through different video servers. Particularly, the video viewing characteristic information of a user terminal is not managed by a video server of the VOD system, but is managed by the user terminal. Accordingly, when a user interrupts viewing of a video program, the video server transmits to the user terminal user profile information which includes the characteristic information related to the viewing of the video program. Thereafter, if the user requests resumption of the interrupted video program using the user profile information, the video server re-transmits the video program from the interrupted position of the video program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Soo Lee, Hyeon Jun Kim