Abstract: A method and system for rating programs, the method including, receiving a sample of viewing logs from a plurality of set top boxes (STBs), determining, from the sample of viewing logs, at least groups of viewers sharing similar interests, and groups of programs sharing similar audience, computing time dynamics of rating distribution for the groups of viewers and the groups of programs, and incorporating at least one of the following into broadcast metadata the time dynamics of rating distributions of the groups of viewers for each of the groups of programs, rating distributions of the groups of viewers for each of the groups of programs marginalized by time, rating distributions of the groups of viewers for each program marginalized by time, relative sizes of each group of viewers, and a mapping of each program to groups of programs, thereby making the broadcast metadata available to the plurality of STBs for use in computing ratings. Related systems and methods are described.

Abstract: An anonymous aggregated data collection system aggregates media access information in an anonymous data collection component without associating the media access information with any one particular client device. The anonymous data collection component further prevents a network operator, content provider, or third party from correlating the media access information obtained from a client device with any one particular subscriber by comparing a unique identifier of the client device with corresponding subscription account and subscriber personal identification information.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for determining a bid value for placing an advertisement onto advertising space available through an electronic marketplace. A method is used for calculating the option value of maintaining the advertisement in the advertising space during one or more periods of time. The option value may be based on expected profits and the estimated future value of maintaining the advertisement. The option value may then be used to calculate the bid price for placing the advertisement.

Abstract: Fantasy sports contests based on segments of a single sports event. A segment or subevent may be a portion of a single sports event. The users choose a roster of selections to form an fantasy sports contest team roster. Fantasy points are awarded to the user for the real-life performance of the selections on the fantasy sports contest team roster according to rules of the fantasy sports contest. In one embodiment, the user is presented with bonus questions asking for predictions on the outcome of real-life action during a subevent of the a televised competition. Fantasy points may be awarded to users making correct predictions. The bonus questions may supplement fantasy scoring from the users' team rosters, or may be presented as a stand alone interactive sports contest.

Abstract: TV settings such as brightness can be established by sending from a TV signals from an ambient light sensor to a network server, with the network server establishing settings such as brightness in response for a program being played on the TV.

Abstract: A system for intelligently determining replay locations in a multimedia content stream based on identifying events in the multimedia content stream is provided. In one embodiment, events in the multimedia content stream are identified by analyzing information in the multimedia content stream, in real time. In another embodiment, events in the multimedia content stream are identified by analyzing the viewing behavior and an emotional response from users viewing the multimedia content, in real time. One or more replay locations in the multimedia content stream are determined based on the events identified in the multimedia content stream. The multimedia content stream with the replay locations are displayed to a user via a user interface in the user's processing device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enforce a power off state of an audience measurement device during shipping of the device are disclosed herein. An example portable audience measurement device includes a housing, a media detector in the housing to collect media exposure data, and a packaging sensor to receive an audio signal. A packaging detector generates a frequency spectrum of the detected audio signal, determines an energy of a first frequency associated with the generated frequency spectrum, determines an energy of a second frequency higher than the first frequency and associated with the generated frequency spectrum, and compares the difference between the energy of the first frequency and the second frequency to a muffling threshold to determine whether the device is located within a package.

Abstract: A method of selecting a factor for estimating characteristics of viewers who view a same content is disclosed. This method includes: storing a multi-layered hierarchal list of attribute words expressing viewer attributes, each of which is a candidate of the factor; extracting the attribute words from the same content; generating a first vector indicative of frequencies with which the attribute words occur in the same content; for a successively-selected one of the attribute words, successively generating a second vector indicative of frequencies with which the attribute words occur in ones of sets of learned-text information which contain the successively-selected attribute word; calculating a similarity score between the vectors on a per-attribute-word basis; and selecting one of the attribute words as the factor, which is associated with subordinate attribute words on a lower layer, based on a dispersion level of the similarity scores calculated for the subordinate attribute words.

Abstract: A system for generating a customized advertisement for a user is provided. Multimedia content associated with a current broadcast is received and displayed. The multimedia content may include recorded video content, video-on-demand content, television content, television programs, advertisements, commercials, music, movies, video clips, and other on-demand media content. One or more users are identified in a field of view of a capture device connected to a computing device. User-specific information related to a user is tracked. An emotional response of a user to the multimedia content viewed by the user is tracked. A targeted advertisement is provided to a user based on the multimedia content viewed by the user, the user's identification information and the user's emotional response. The targeted advertisement is automatically customized based on the user-specific information related to the user to generate a customized advertisement for the user.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for providing a service or content based on emotional information. A service receiving apparatus extracts and analyzes emotional information of a received service or content to use the corresponding service or content according to an environment that is set.

Abstract: A system and method for tagging audiovisual content based on biometric data of a user of an electronic device. One or more sensors are included in a headset worn by a user during reproduction of audiovisual content. The sensors output biometric data based on physical movement of a user in response to the audiovisual content. A biometric measuring function monitors, measures, records and/or forwards the biometric data. A tagging function analyzes the biometric data and tags the audiovisual content upon making a determination that at least a portion of the biometric data is representative of a user reaction to the audiovisual content. The AV content may be categorized in accordance with the tag.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a system and method to provide smart media selection to a set of one or more individuals at a location associated with a display device of a receiver system is provided. In example embodiments, an indication of a presence change at the location is received. User specific information associated with the set of the one or more individuals identified as being at the location is accessed. A recommendation playlist based on the user specific information is generated.

Abstract: This document describes tools capable of updating media-location data for media-playing entities. These tools allow a developer of an application to use data binding to update media-location data for the media-playing entities without the need to write custom code.

Abstract: A method of socially-based station navigation can include receiving station selection information from each of a plurality of mobile nodes within a mobile ad-hoc network, wherein station selection information comprises, for each mobile node, a station to which the mobile node is tuned. The method can include identifying each station from the received station selection information for each mobile node and determining a measure of popularity for each station according to a number of mobile nodes, from the plurality of mobile nodes, tuned to the station. A list specifying at least one of the stations and the measure of popularity of each station on the list can be output.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for determining a physical presence setting. First information is received indicating whether a physical token of a user is detected with respect to a device associated with the user. The physical presence setting for the user with respect to the device is determined in accordance with the first information.

Abstract: A file distribution method and system for distributing media files to authorized recipients. The method and system exploit the advantages of peer-to-peer file distribution protocols, such as BitTorrent, while maintaining security and control over the file distribution. A server farm containing a plurality of servers is placed behind the security of a distribution system, preventing unauthorized client devices from accessing the media files stored on the server farm. Media files are fragmented and stored on each of the plurality of servers within the server farm. Each server on the server farm features at least one IP address and each server is pre-seeded with a complete copy of the fragmented media file. Fragments are distributed to requesting authorized clients in accordance with a peer-to-peer file distribution protocol.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for user authentication required for conducting online financial institution transactions. The disclosed embodiments leverage the capabilities of platforms other than conventional personal computers and laptops, such as gaming consoles and wireless devices. Unique intrinsic user activities, such as controller motions or activities, built-in hardware signatures or other input data associated with a gaming console are used as the authentication mechanism, so as to provide a higher degree of security in the overall authentication process by lessening the likelihood of password replication or interception during network communication.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing and measuring multiple sources of data over a communications network (18) so as to ascertain information or usage of one or more resources, such as resource servers (2). A data collection and processing means (20) collects and processes the data sources which are forwarded to a reporting server (34) as a combined data source made available to interested parties.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a method running on a processor for decoding user response to marketing media, the method comprising: defining calibration stimuli that produce at least one expected response; defining data features for assessing one or more states of a plurality of users using at least one of the calibration stimuli and the at least one expected response; identifying a set of data features based on a first correlation between the set of data features and the at least one expected response; and iteratively reducing the set of data features based upon an amount of variation explained by the reduced set of data features and a second correlation between the reduced set of data features and the at least one expected response.

Abstract: When the user of a receiving apparatus presses a notice button provided for a remote controller to indicate the preference concerning the person or thing appearing on the screen of the program being viewed, the corresponding signal is transmitted to the receiving section of a set-top box. A view-log storage section stores an input operation command (including the signal indicating that the notice button has been pressed) together with the receiving time thereof as a view log. A view-information generating section reads the view log, generates a view-information packet, and outputs it to a bidirectional communication section. The bidirectional communication section transmits the view-information packet input from the view-information generating section to a broadcasting apparatus through a bidirectional communication network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for conserving bandwidth. A user's bandwidth consumption is monitored and compared to a threshold value. When the user's bandwidth consumption equals or exceeds the threshold value, then behavior is incentivized that reduces the user's bandwidth consumption.

Abstract: A system and a suitable method for distribution of picture objects which are stored with assigned picture object information in a picture object database. In a media center of the system, user identification data are received which are transmitted to the media center by communications terminals via a communications network. In the media center user interests profiles are defined which, assigned to the received user identification data, are stored in a user interests database. On the basis of the correlation of particular user interests profiles with picture object information, picture objects are selected and transmitted via the communications network to the respective communications terminal from which the received user identification data were transmitted. The current direction of view of a user of the communications terminal is determined and transmitted to the media center, where picture objects which are viewed by the user are identified based thereon.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for motivating a user to watch a television channel for a predetermined period of time and enabling access to a media asset related to a program provided on the channel. A tuner is tuned to a transmission channel and a program is received concurrently with a portion of a media asset. The viewing behavior is monitored to determine whether the user tunes to a different transmission channel before a predetermined time period elapses. When the user tunes to a different transmission channel before the predetermined time period elapses, access to the media asset is prevented. When the user stays tuned to the particular transmission channel for the predetermined time period, access to the media asset is enabled. The media asset may be transmitted to a portable user device, such as a mobile phone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: An audience measurement system determines the likelihood that an audience member is in the audience of a receiver during a particular day part. If the audience member is not likely to be in the audience of the receiver during that day part, the audience member is prompted to enter an audience member identification. On the other hand, if the audience member is likely to be in the audience of the receiver during that day part, prompting of the audience member to enter an audience member identification is suppressed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, system, method, and storage medium for crowd game are disclosed. A series of missions forming a crowd game are outputted to a display device, each mission specifying a task for spectators of an event. A result for a mission is determined on the basis of participation and/or reaction by the spectators for the task. A total result for the crowd game is determined on the basis of the results for the missions.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that involve detecting and tracking groups of people associated with a user device (e.g., people watching television), and customizing the experience to the group. Various features may be employed. Such features may include classification of individuals, identification of commonly occurring groupings of people, and identification of the presence of group outsiders. Based on the presence of such individuals, groups, and/or outsiders, delivery of information to the user device may be controlled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine audience viewing of recorded programs are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises displaying a previously recorded program on a display, determining a possible original broadcast time corresponding to the previously recorded program, determining program identifying information corresponding to the previously recorded program, and processing the possible original broadcast time information and the program identifying information to compare the previously recorded program with a known broadcast program.

Abstract: Default media services are provided to a multi-user multimedia device over a communications network responsive to identification of the multi-user multimedia device. Additional media services are provided to the multi-user multimedia device over the communications network responsive to obtaining confirmation that a particular one of a group of users of the multi-user multimedia device is currently using the multi-user multimedia device. Demographic information for the particular one of the group of users and device information for the multi-user multimedia device may be provided to an advertiser over the network in real-time, for example, so that advertising may be targeted accordingly. Related methods, systems, and devices are also discussed.

Abstract: In an automatic, computer-implemented method, a selected television advertisement is presented automatically in association with a television program or channel. A relationship is identified between an online user profile and the television program or channel, and the television advertisement is selected based at least in part on information from the online user profile. The selected television advertisement is presented, in association with the television program or channel that is identified as being related to the online user profile, via a set-top box having a corresponding set-top box identifier that is associated with the online user profile.

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: Profiling a television viewer by monitoring and processing, locally at a television viewing environment, the viewer's interactivity (e.g., via a remote control unit) with the television viewing environment. Generating one or more profiles for each viewer based on one or more of the multitude of interactions of each viewer and on, in general, the viewing habits and preferences of the viewer. Automatically and reliably, detecting or inferring at a particular time, which specific individual or individuals, are actually interacting with the TV in household comprising more than one individual. Such viewer identification and profile generation can be used to facilitate the delivery of targeted content, including targeted advertising.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for controlling modes of audio devices according to user selectable features are disclosed. The system can receive a user selection for an alternate mode for audio device. A monitor can monitor audio levels in a physical area and the system can automatically switch an audio device from a current mode to the alternate mode when the monitored audio level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The alternate mode can provide a higher audio level or volume than the current mode. The alternate mode can also be a closed caption mode, a record mode, and a transcript mode to name a few. Thus, when the ambient sound level reaches a predetermined level many audio devices can change modes based on user configured instructions.

Abstract: A mental and physical condition analyzer analyzes the mental and physical condition of a user based upon measurement data transmitted in association with a delivery request from a terminal and related to the mental and physical of the user of the terminal. A content selector selects content adapted to the mental and physical condition of the user. An output unit outputs the content selected by the content selector.

Abstract: Portable audience measurement architectures and methods for portable audience measurement are disclosed. A disclosed system contains a plurality of portable measurement devices configured to collect audience measurement data from media devices, a plurality of data collection servers configured to collect audience measurement data from the plurality of portable measurement devices, and a central data processing server. A portable measurement device establishes a communication link with a data collection server in a peer-to-peer manner and transfers the collected audience measurement data to the data collection server. Because the portable measurement device is not dedicated to a particular local data collection server, the portable measurement device periodically or a periodically broadcasts a message attempting to find a data collection server with which to establish a communication link.

Abstract: A system for structuring usage history for audiovisual materials.

Abstract: Data usage of a messaging application is mitigated based on a location of the application on the display screen or a mode of a device. If the location of the application is in the foreground of the display, presence update information of a contact is periodically received or requested. If the application is in the background of the display longer than a predetermined interval, the presence update information of the contact is stopped. In some embodiments, if the device is in an OFF or a SUSPEND mode, contact presence updates are not received. When the device is in an ON mode or state, the presence updates are received or requested from a server or presence agent.

Abstract: A system for generating information on viewer emotional response to content is disclosed. The system may include a viewer response input unit configured to capture local data representing at least one of local viewer audio or local viewer video of a local viewer's response to content data, the content data representing at least one of content audio or content video. The system may also include a viewer emotion analysis unit configured to generate local viewer emotion information indicative of an emotional response of the local viewer to the content data, based on the local data.

Abstract: System and method for automatically rating the content of video media based on video operations performed on a media device and in reference to a plurality of rating rules are provided. Usage of the media device is continuously monitored and user actions with respect to operating the video media on the media device are automatically logged. Each rating rule includes a device usage pattern with respect to operating videos on the media device and a rating action indicating adjustments to content ratings of the videos based upon characteristics described by the device usage pattern that are inferred from the recorded user inputted video control operations. When the device usage pattern of a rating rule is inferred from one or more user actions operating a piece of video media directly on the media device, the content rating of the piece of video media is adjusted based on the rating rule.

Abstract: A favorites list of program channels which a cable TV user likely prefers is generated automatically from which the user may select a program channel to watch. Each program channel in the favorites list is identified based on a measure of the duration in which the program channel is continuously tuned to. In an embodiment, this measure varies nonlinearly with such a duration. The favorites list may further comprise sublists of program channels which may correspond to different periods of a day, week, etc. The favorites list may be generated from programs watched on multiple viewing devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display system and a method of a display system including a display device configured to provide visual output in a direction, and a camera associated with the display, the camera image collector being pointed in the direction of the visual output, the camera configured to collect facial data. A processor is provided to correlate facial data with content data so that the display will display specific content while the camera collects the facial data. A user's mobile communication device can detect the display system and transmit facial data to the display system. When a user is positioned so that the camera of the system can collect facial data of the user's face, the system can push specific content based upon facial recognition of the user correlated with the user's preferences or other criteria. A determination as to content to display is based upon facial recognition.

Abstract: A method of interactive television providing for generating, transforming or displaying video information taking into account individual peculiarities of the user's eye and individual peculiarities of a group of viewer's eyes. The method provides simultaneously all or, at least, two operations from the above operations of formation, conversion and transmission of video signal and display of video information perceptible on the screen of information display facilities for one and/or a group of users or an unrestricted group of users. This is accomplished by one or a combination of various video editing and transmission adjustment techniques.

Abstract: An automation server interfaces with broadcast scheduling systems of various types to automatically synchronize the behavior of interactive applications relative to various broadcast programs, such as television shows and commercials, so as to maintain the appropriate interactive application for whatever broadcast program is airing. This allows for television shows which have an associated interactive application, but which are segmented by commercials (which may have their own interactive applications) to have their interactive application displayed while the television show in on, but not during commercials, while maintaining any state information that has been created during execution of the interactive application. The automation server includes multiple channel interfaces, each having a translator and an event manager. The translator translates native control signals from the scheduling system into a fixed set of atomic commands which represent the lifecycle behavior of a broadcast program.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing data from a plurality of entertainment devices are provided. The method may include: receiving user interaction information, said user interaction information comprising information regarding user interaction with an advertisement displayed on an entertainment device, said entertainment device being configured to perform entertainment content; and associating the user interaction information with venue information regarding a venue in which the entertainment device is located.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for indirect illumination in electronic media rating systems are disclosed. A disclosed example method to detect an audience member includes reflecting non-visible light off of a room surface to indirectly illuminate a first portion of the room, receiving reflections of the indirect illumination, processing the received reflections to determine whether an audience member is present in the illuminated portion of the room, and when the audience member is not detected, adjusting a source of the non-visible light to illuminate a second portion of the room.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for implicitly determining user response to media content. User response may include satisfaction, interest, and engagement levels. User response is determined implicitly by measuring channel switching, channel switching frequency, duration of viewing time, content duration, etc. in a linear or non-linear manner. In one example, the viewing duration evaluated with the media content duration to generate an interest factor. A relative interest factor for the media content is generated by referencing interest factors for the user for other pieces of media content for the user. User responses can be analyzed to determine user attention span, make content recommendations, deliver selected versions of content, customize advertising for a user, etc.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving system incorporating an echo canceling means automatically initiates recording of the broadcast and also controls the sound volume by taking into account the viewer's movements and ambient conditions, by using echo canceling means of the type used in hand-free telephones. The broadcast receiving system includes a broadcast receiving unit for receiving a broadcast in the form of either digital or analog signals; an echo canceling unit; and a determining unit for monitoring the amount of residual echoes in the echo canceling unit, determining whether the amount of residual echoes has exceeded a predetermined value, and instructing a storage unit to store the broadcast if the amount of residual echoes is found to have exceeded the predetermined value.

Abstract: Internet-based software and associated database provide group analysis overlay to monitor client-server web traffic and provide direct marketing to client group. Client car, patient, office or school sensor and interface provides overlay attribute for database comparison to classify usage pattern, location, timing, or family for targeted messaging for enhanced service from server source. Database group registry tracks client classification and provides adaptive context mapping according to set attribute relative to targeted on-line transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing user profiles in an interactive television system. An interactive television system includes a broadcast station, a set-top box, and a remote mobile or fixed unit. The system is configured to create and/or update a user profile in response to an access made in a first access mode. In response to detecting a user access in a second access mode, the system accesses the user profile, selects data based at least in part on the user profile, and transmits the data to the user.

Abstract: Display device ON/OFF detection methods and apparatus are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein to determine whether a presentation device is ON or OFF comprises determining a plurality of metrics based on monitoring at least one output of the presentation device, wherein each metric in the plurality of metrics comprises a decision indicating an operating state of the presentation device, and combining the plurality of metrics to determine whether the presentation device is one of ON or OFF, wherein combining the plurality of metrics comprises at least one of weighting the plurality of metrics or determining a majority vote of the plurality of metrics.