Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and updating user availability based upon presence and television viewing behavior are described herein. In one embodiment, a presence system is used to detect a user's presence to update the user's availability status. The availability status is then used to update a contact list, voicemail message, and/or busy message. In further embodiments, user preferences are used in combination with presence data to update the user's availability status. In still further embodiments, a user's television viewing behavior is used in combination with the presence data, user preferences, or both to update the user's availability status. Alternative embodiments provide systems and methods in accordance with the present invention for other interactive devices.

Abstract: A service distribution apparatus and method are provided. The service distribution apparatus includes a service module that provides a plurality of separable services; a storage module that stores group information of service reproduction apparatuses which reproduce the services, and a service control module that distributes requested services to different service reproduction apparatuses, respectively, based on the group information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet television stream using mobile device location information. In one aspect, the methods and systems seamlessly select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet television stream using mobile device location information and program break markers. In another aspect, the methods and systems select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet television stream using mobile device trajectory information. In yet another aspect, the methods and systems select using mobile device location information cohabitation content for sharing a display screen on a mobile device with program content in an Internet television stream.

Abstract: A system comprising at least one processor, at least one sensor electronically connected to the at least one processor, at least one means for electronically connecting at least one broadcasting device to the system, wherein the at least one means for electronically connecting at least one broadcasting device is electronically connected to the at least one processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor and operative to use the at least one sensor to determine how many persons or the identity of a person that is capable of perceiving a content broadcasted through at least one broadcasting device electronically connected to the system.

Abstract: The AUDIENCE ATMOSPHERICS MONITORING PLATFORM APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS (“ATMOS”) transforms TV program schedule listing information and user channel selection via ATMOS components, into TV audience viewing data and ad effects data. A system is disclosed, comprising: a memory; a processor disposed in communication with said memory, and configured to issue a plurality of processing instructions stored in the memory, wherein the processor issues instructions for: receiving, from the user mobile device, an atmospherics data package indicating user instant activity status; obtaining an atmospherics data artifact from the atmospherics data package; extracting user instant activities information based on analysis of the atmospherics data artifact; generating a user viewing status indication based on the user instant activities information; and incorporating the user viewing status indication into viewer measurement data of the user selected channel.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more remote sensors includes wirelessly communicating with the sensors, monitoring operation of each one of the sensors, and causing any one of the sensors that is operating in an unauthorized manner to be disabled. In one embodiment, the sensors can include micro-mechanical structure supporting electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry is capable of monitoring at least one performance parameter of the sensor, comparing the monitored parameter to a preset limit, and disabling the sensor if the preset performance limit is exceeded.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for processing media highlights. A first method includes displaying a real-time media event to a user, and, upon receiving a first indication from the user at a first time, generating a highlight of the real-time media event based on the first time, the highlight being associated with a portion of the real-time media event at the first time, and associating, in a highlight database, the highlight with an individual profile of the user. The highlight can include parameters for media content and/or duration. The highlight duration can be based on an analysis of content of the real-time media event. Highlights can be assigned to specific highlight categories. Other aspects disclosed herein apply to playback of media highlights during playback of a recorded media event, and managing stored highlights.

Abstract: An application for a television has a detector capable of determining the identity and/or presence of at least one viewer in a viewing area of the television. In response to viewers entering and leaving the viewing area of the television, the television adjusts its operation based upon settings for the currently present viewers (e.g., enables channels, content, etc).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for providing a service using a portable terminal in communication with a television (TV) includes analyzing an image inputted from a camera to determine the number of users, collect user information from a terminal, and determine a type of a service to be provided based on the number of users and the collected user information.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to a controller apparatus for controlling an electronic device by sensing and processing a user's interactions with an object and, particularly, for controlling and interacting with a media guidance application implemented on an interactive user equipment device. The controller apparatus may include a platform, a liquid container, and a stirring rod. The platform may include sensors of various kinds for detecting a user's interactions with any one of the components of the user interface system. The controller apparatus may also include sensors for sensing environmental conditions and use the sensed conditions to interact with the media guidance application or any other applications or electronic devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for session synchronization between multiple devices connected to a server system.

Abstract: Embodiments related to providing video items to a plurality of viewers in a video viewing environment are provided. In one embodiment, the video item is provided by determining identities for each of the viewers from data received from video viewing environment sensors, obtaining the video item based on those identities, and sending the video item for display.

Abstract: Embodiments related to identifying and displaying portions of video content taken from longer video content are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a portion of a video item is provided by receiving, for a video item, an emotional response profile for each viewer of a plurality of viewers, each emotional response profile comprising a temporal correlation of a particular viewer's emotional response to the video item when viewed by the particular viewer. The method further comprises selecting, using the emotional response profiles, a first portion of the video item judged to be more emotionally stimulating than a second portion of the video item, and sending the first portion of the video item to another computing device in response to a request for the first portion of the video item without sending the second portion of the video item.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for conserving bandwidth. If a presence of a multimedia device is detected, then a stream of data is delivered to the multimedia device. If the presence of the multimedia device is not detected, then the stream of data is degraded to conserve bandwidth.

Abstract: Embodiments are described that enable remote and interactive access, navigation, and analysis of reactions from viewers to a media instance. The reactions include physiological responses, survey results, verbatim feedback, event-based metadata, and derived statistics for indicators of success and failure from the viewers. The reactions are aggregated, and an interface enables remote access and navigation of the media instance, aggregated physiological responses synchronized with the media instance, survey results, and/or verbatim feedback related to the media instance. This enables users to interactively divide, dissect, parse, and analyze the reactions as they prefer. This automation provides an automated process enabling non-experts to understand complex physiological data, and to organize presentation of complex data according to their needs so as to present conclusions as appropriate to the media instance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for creating summaries of multimedia documents, the device comprising a storage means and means enabling a user to view a multimedia document. According to the invention, the device comprises means of automatically weighting multimedia documents stored in the storage means according to the frequency with which the different stored documents are viewed by said user, means of creating a summary of the multimedia documents stored on the storage means according to the weighting assigned to each multimedia document.

Abstract: Embodiments are described that enable remote and interactive access, navigation, and analysis of reactions from viewers to a media instance. The reactions include physiological responses, survey results, verbatim feedback, event-based metadata, and derived statistics for indicators of success and failure from the viewers. The reactions are aggregated, and an interface enables remote access and navigation of the media instance, aggregated physiological responses synchronized with the media instance, survey results, and/or verbatim feedback related to the media instance. This enables users to interactively divide, dissect, parse, and analyze the reactions as they prefer. This automation provides an automated process enabling non-experts to understand complex physiological data, and to organize presentation of complex data according to their needs so as to present conclusions as appropriate to the media instance.

Abstract: Exemplary targeted advertising systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes a media content presentation system presenting a media content program comprising an advertisement break, detecting an ambient action performed by a user during the presentation of the media content program, selecting an advertisement associated with the detected ambient action, and presenting the selected advertisement during the advertisement break. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method and device for providing communications with an in-home system at a residence of a user are provided.

Abstract: Dynamic television audience measurement systems (AMS) and methods are disclosed. The system comprises a central level AMS sub-system, a local node level AMS sub-system, a plurality of client level AMS sub-systems, and a plurality of display devices, each monitored by a client level AMS sub-system. The central level AMS sub-system receives panel definitions from panel requestors and transmits the panel definitions to and receives a merged viewership report from the local node level AMS sub-system. The local node level AMS sub-system receives panel definitions from and transmits the merged viewership report to the central level AMS sub-system, transmits the panel definitions to and receives viewership reports from the plurality of client level AMS sub-systems, and merges the viewership reports into the merged viewership report. Each client level AMS sub-systems receives panel definitions from and transmits the viewership report to the local node level AMS sub-system and compiles the viewership report.

Abstract: A method of detecting missing devices in a home entertainment system using a wireless home entertainment hub includes obtaining a registration of at least one device that includes a source device. An instruction is received from a user to present program content from the source device. A set of one or more sink devices missing from the home entertainment system for a presentation of the program content based on an assessment by the wireless home entertainment hub of presentation capabilities of the home entertainment system using the at least one device registered with the wireless home entertainment hub is determined. The set of one or more sink devices is presented to the user.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that can communicate with plural content viewing apparatuses includes a group registering unit that registers users of the content viewing apparatuses in groups, a sharing-level setting unit that sets sharing level information representing an information sharing level among users belonging to an identical group, a viewing-information receiving unit that receives viewing information of the users, a user-viewing-content managing unit that manages a user viewing content database, a discriminating unit that discriminates, when a viewing information request of another user is received, the other users belonging to a group identical with a group to which the user of the content viewing apparatus at the request source belongs, an information extracting unit that extracts viewing information of the discriminated other users from the user viewing content database, and a viewing-information transmitting unit that transmits the viewing information to the content viewing apparatus at t

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor advertisement exposure are disclosed. An example method includes determining via a meter that a media content segment was presented at a media content presentation device and determining via an activity monitor different than the meter that a computing resource related to the media content segment was accessed by outputting an indication of an association between the computing resource access and the media content presentation after the presentation of the media content segment.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a content provider subsystem providing media content over a closed media network and an open network. At least a subset of the media content provided over the closed media network is provided over the open network. The system further includes a user access subsystem communicatively connected to the closed media network and the open network. The user access subsystem is configured to access the media content over the closed media network and the open network and to process and provide at least a component of the accessed media content for presentation to a user. The user access subsystem includes a content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the closed media network and an expansion content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the open network.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that includes an interface that receives first content transmitted from a content distribution apparatus to the information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus in synchronization. The information processing apparatus also includes a processor that controls a reproduction state of the first content at the information processing apparatus, and controls the interface to transmit reproduction state information corresponding to the reproduction state to the content distribution apparatus. The content distribution apparatus controls transmission of second content to the another information processing apparatus based on the received reproduction state information.

Abstract: A system for providing audio/video content to a user is disclosed. The system includes a set-top box device configured to provide audio/video content to a presentation device, and at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the set-top box device, the at least one sensor configured to provide sensor data to the set-top box device. The system also includes a sensor data processing module configured to process the sensor data to determine a probable activity type for the user, and a controller coupled to the sensor data processing module. The controller is configured to select particular audio/video content for playback at the presentation device, where the particular audio/video content is influenced by the probable activity type. Related operating methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to collect audience information associated with a media presentation are described herein. In an example method includes counting a first number of individuals proximate to a media presentation device, counting a second number of signals received from one or more portable devices, each of which is associated with a respective one of one or more monitored individuals, comparing the first number of individuals to the second number of signals, and determining a third number of unidentified ones of the individuals proximate to the media presentation device based on the comparison of the first number of individuals to the second number of signals.

Abstract: Advertising is tailored based on usage patterns of a portable electronic device are provided including determining if a portable electronic device has entered an area associated with a local area network (LAN). A link is established between the portable electronic device and the LAN if it is determined that the portable electronic device has entered the area associated with the LAN. User services are established between the portable electronic device and a remote server using the established link based on a user profile associated with the portable electronic device. Devices associated with the remote server communicatively coupled to the LAN are controlled using the portable electronic device. Actions and/or behaviors of a user are tracked based on use of the portable electronic device. Advertisements are displayed and/or played on at least one of the controlled devices based on the tracked user actions and/or behaviors.

Abstract: A multiple audio/video data stream simulation method and system. A computing system receives first audio and/or video data streams. The first audio and/or video data streams include data associated with a first person and a second person. The computing system monitors the first audio and/or video data streams. The computing system identifies emotional attributes comprised by the first audio and/or video data streams. The computing system generates second audio and/or video data streams associated with the first audio and/or video data streams. The second audio and/or video data streams include the first audio and/or video data streams data without the emotional attributes. The computing system stores the second audio and/or video data streams.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a channel change event are disclosed. capturing a television audio signal having first, second, and third portions, the first portion occurring earlier in time than the second portion and the second portion occurring earlier in time than the third portion, identifying at least one of a first muted audio condition or a first transient audio condition in the second portion of the television audio signal, and identifying a channel change event in response to: 1) identifying the at least one of the first muted audio condition or the first transient audio condition, 2) failing to identify a second muted audio condition or a second transient audio condition in the first and third portions of the television audio signal, and 3) determining that a time domain length of the second portion of the television audio signal is greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including a communication unit for receiving, from an external device, degree-of-attention information including information on a degree of attention, for each part of first content, calculated based on a state of viewing of a user, and a priority information generation unit for generating, using the degree-of-attention information, priority information including information on a priority for viewing for each part of second content. The communication unit transmits the priority information to the external device.

Abstract: Analysis of mental states is provided to enable data analysis pertaining to videos. A video is embedded within a web-enabled interface which enables collecting mental state data. This web-enabled interface is then distributed and information on mental states is collected. Data is captured from viewers of the video where the data includes facial information and/or physiological data. Facial and physiological information may be gathered for a group of viewers. In some embodiments, demographics information is collected and used as a criterion for visualization of affect responses to videos.

Abstract: Analysis of mental states is provided to enable data analysis pertaining to video recommendation based on affect. Video response may be evaluated based on viewing and sampling various videos. Data is captured for viewers of a video where the data includes facial information and/or physiological data. Facial and physiological information may be gathered for a group of viewers. In some embodiments, demographics information is collected and used as a criterion for visualization of affect responses to videos. In some embodiments, data captured from an individual viewer or group of viewers is used to rank videos.

Abstract: A technique for providing a reward as an incentive for a monitored person to be an audience member of at least one program being performed by reproduction equipment. A programming signal is provided for broadcasting the program with a programming signal source. The programming signal is encoded with discrete code signals, such that a preset number of the code signals occur within a given period of time, to produce an output signal, and the output signal is then broadcast. The broadcast output signal is received at a site where the monitored person is located, and the code signals therein are detected. The detected code signals are recognized only if a signal manually-actuated by the monitored person is received within a predetermined time period. The number of the code signals recognized while the monitored person is an audience member of the at least one program is determined, and the number of recognized code signals is compared with predetermined reward issuance criteria.

Abstract: User occupancy is monitored within a space in which a video display of a content rendering system is viewable. The user occupancy can be monitored based on physical user attributes. At least one of audio rendering and video rendering by the content rendering system is adjusted based on the monitored user occupancy.

Abstract: Video signal relative to an imaged audience and audio signal according to voices from the audience are generated in an input unit. A characteristic amount detection unit detects information on a movement amount, movement periodicity, a volume, voice periodicity of the audience, and a frequency component of voices from the audience based on the video signal or the audio signal. An estimation unit estimates an audience state based on the detected result. An output unit outputs the estimated result of the audience state. The audience state can be easily estimated without observing the audience state by a person.

Abstract: A device and method is presented that analyzes a user's television viewing behavior and, in response to a single action by the user, immediately presents the next highest ranked video content for that user on the television display. One embodiment provides a single button on a remote control that initiates this method. The ranked video content is based upon user identification and monitoring past user interaction with the television. Programming viewed by a user is compared against currently available programming to create a ranked list of recommended programming for the user. The preferred embodiment monitors and suggests programming that is provided on multichannel video programming such as over-the-air, cable, and satellite television programming, as well as material that is available for streaming over the Internet.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment there is provided a computer program executable on a computing platform to at least in part analyze data at least in part obtained from one or more data sources of an Internet-protocol television (IPTV) network, wherein the data provided by the data sources includes set-top-box data, subscriber data, demographic data, content server data and network usage data. In another embodiment, the computer program at least in part correlates video provisioning information obtained from the data sources, individual subscriber channel viewing information, subscriber data and demographic data to provide informative views of data. The provisioning information may include information such as what programs or television (TV) commercials are shown on each channel during different time periods and the TV or video-on-demand program category information.

Abstract: A method of delivering event notifications includes receiving data from a network-based calendar system at a notification system. The data indicates that a notification related to a calendar-based event is to be sent to a subscriber. The method also includes receiving presence information related to the subscriber from a presence system. The presence information indicates whether the subscriber is present at one or more of a plurality of subscriber devices. The plurality of subscriber devices includes a set-top box device. Further, the method includes sending an event notification related to the calendar-based event to the set-top box device when the presence information indicates that the subscriber is present at the set-top box device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention create a novel system for rating an event in a media based on the strength of the emotions viewers feel towards the event. The viewer's responses to the media can be measured and calculated via physiological sensors. The metric for rating the strength of the media is created based on the mathematical coherence of change (up or down) of all pertinent physiological responses across multiple viewers. Such rating offers an objective ability to compare the strengths of events of the media, as there is a strong correlation between high coherence of physiological responses (all viewers feel the same thing at the same time) and strong ratings of emotionality, engagement, likeability, success in the marketplace/on screen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cataloging and recognizing gestures are disclosed. A gesture may be detected using sample motion data. An energy value and a baseline value may be computed. The baseline value may be updated if the energy value is below a calm energy threshold. The sample motion data may be adjusted based on the updated baseline value. A local variance may be calculated over a predetermined number of samples. Sample motion data values may be recorded if the local variance exceeds a threshold. Sample motion data recording may stop if a local variance scalar value falls below a drop threshold. Input Gestures may be recognized by computing a total variance for sample values in an Input Gesture; calculating a figure of merit using sample values from the Input Gesture and one or more Catalog Gestures; and determining whether the Input Gesture matches a Catalog Gesture from the figure of merit.

Abstract: A television system with face recognition, a multimedia reproducing system and a reproducing system control method thereof are disclosed. The multimedia reproducing system comprises a multimedia module, a storage module, an image capture module and a face recognition module. The storage module stores a user's facial feature parameter and watch rate. The face recognition module detects a face image from an image captured by the image capture module, and recognizes the user corresponding to the face image according to the facial feature parameters stored in the storage module. The multimedia module filters the multimedia contents according to the corresponding user's watch rate.

Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a content processing device for facilitating the analysis of audience ratings data for content. In one embodiment, content is received from a source. Then, the content is encoded into a target format to enable insertion of a first number of markers in the content, each of the first number of markers indexing a time period of the content. Thereafter, a content records database that includes the audience ratings data corresponding to the content are accessed. The audience ratings data are then associated with the first number of markers. The audience ratings data are displayed during playback of the content.

Abstract: The use of an image capture device with a IPTV Set Top Box allows for the STB to detect a plurality of viewers, and to then provide access conditions that are appropriate to the detected viewers. In cases where a viewer has not been profiled this may include creating a profile for the user, while in cases where a plurality of users are detected, a set of access rights and permissions determined in accordance with the plurality of users can be provided.

Abstract: A unique recording system and method that facilitates recording live meetings, discussions or conversations whereby such recordings are available for immediate or near immediate playback is provided. As a result, a user who has momentarily become distracted or inattentive during the meeting can quickly re-listen to what was missed or misunderstood in order to readily catch up to the current discussion. The current discussion can continue to be recorded during playback of any previously recorded data. User behavior can be monitored to estimate when the user has started to become inattentive and likely segments or time points of the recordings can be suggested for playback. One or more portions of the recordings can be filtered or selected for playback so that any desired content can be eliminated or skipped in the playback version.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems for monitoring advertisements. A system for monitoring advertisements in a broadcast television channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a sound level monitor for monitoring an audio level of a first broadcast television channel, a data tagger, coupled to the sound level monitor, for tagging a start and an end of an advertisement segment within the first broadcast television channel, and a receiver, wherein when the receiver is first tuned to the first broadcast channel and then tuned to a second broadcast channel, an on-screen display is displayed on a monitor displaying the second broadcast channel, the OSD being displayed when the end of the advertisement segment within the first broadcast channel occurs.

Abstract: A method and system for generating time synchronized data streams based on a viewer's interaction with a multimedia content stream is provided. A viewer's interactions with a multimedia content stream being viewed by the viewer are recorded. The viewer's interactions include comments provided by the viewer, while viewing the multimedia content stream. Comments include text messages, audio messages, video feeds, gestures or facial expressions provided by the viewer. A time synchronized commented data stream is generated based on the viewer's interactions. The time synchronized commented data stream includes the viewer's interactions time stamped relative to a virtual start time at which the multimedia content stream is rendered to the viewer. One or more time synchronized data streams are rendered to the viewer, via an audiovisual device, while the viewer views a multimedia content stream.

Abstract: A multimedia system comprises a content obtaining module arranged to obtain a plurality of available content items for viewing or recording at a selected time, a storage module arranged to store viewing history information for content items that have previously been viewed, the viewing history information being stored in association with at least one time slot, a content rating module arranged to determine a rating for each of the available content items based on the viewing history information for one or more of the time slots that correspond to the selected time and a content recommendation module arranged to generate recommended content items based on the rating. The content rating module is arranged to update the rating for one or more of the recommended content items based on viewing interest information relating to a current viewing session.

Abstract: When an electronic book is activated, a video image obtaining section starts taking face images of a user. Next, an analysis section analyzes the face images of the user taken by the video image obtaining section, thereby inferring a physiological condition of a user. Then, a display control section adjusts, in units of predetermined time periods, a display state of a screen, such as brightness and contrast, in accordance with the physiological condition.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided an audio signal processor. The processor includes: a person position detector configured to detect each position of one or more persons present in a specific space; a grouping module configured to allocate the detected persons to one or more groups, wherein the number of the groups is less than a given number; a plurality of directionality controllers configured to control directionality of a microphone array; and a directionality setting module configured to set directionality of each of the groups in a corresponding one of the directionality controllers.