Abstract: A system and corresponding methods for automating the execution, measurement, and optimization of in-store promotional digital media campaigns are provided. In one embodiment, a method in a computing system for deploying content to digital signage networks includes receiving from a user a marketing campaign goal and at least one optimization constraint suitable for generating a playlist. The method also includes generating a playlist designed to maximize a learning opportunity to achieve the marketing campaign goal. The method further includes provisioning the playlist to a point of presence on the digital signage network.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods for automating the execution, measurement, and optimization of in-store promotional digital media campaigns are provided. In one embodiment, a method in a computing system for deploying content to digital signage networks includes receiving from a user a marketing campaign goal and at least one optimization constraint suitable for generating a playlist. The method also includes generating a playlist designed to maximize a learning opportunity to achieve the marketing campaign goal. The method further includes provisioning the playlist to a point of presence on the digital signage network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring use patterns or services available information in video distribution networks. A network termination unit receives the video content through a port, demodulates and decodes the signals to produce display signals. The display signals are displayed on a viewing device connected to the network termination unit and the network termination unit monitors the use patterns and/or services available information of the viewing device. The unit then formats the use patterns or services available information into use pattern network packets and transmits them. A content analyzer receives use pattern packet from a network termination unit and decode them to access the data. The content analyzer then analyzes the use patterns and/or services available information and characterizes the unit. The characterization of the unit is then used to target content to that unit.

Abstract: An interactive television system tailoring delivery of interactive content. The system includes a request processing engine accepting user interactions with an interactive television (ITV) application. A user profiling engine associates the user interactions with an individual profile or profile group. The profile group defines events that may be triggered upon receipt of certain user interactions. A trigger/event engine monitors, in real-time, whether the user interactions correspond to any of the defined events. If an event is to be triggered, an action engine transmits an ITV command associated with the event to an encoder. The encoder performs a real-time of encoding of the ITV command for providing viewers with a dynamic ITV experience. The ITV experience provided to the viewers may also be customized based on the profile information obtained for each individual viewer.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for creating a virtual community network for incentivized multimedia content viewing is provided. A first viewer receives the multimedia content for viewing on a client device from a server provided in a networked environment. The first viewer refers the multimedia content to one or more second viewers in the networked environment for viewing and further referrals. The server controls access to the multimedia content and confirms viewing of the multimedia content by the first viewer, the second viewers, and nth viewers from further referrals using a random challenge. The server generates response reports based on viewing of the multimedia content. The server credits the first viewer, the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc. with one or more items of value based on referring of the multimedia content, multimedia content view confirmation, and/or registration of the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc, with the server.

Abstract: The present invention is relative with a reproducing apparatus and a receiving apparatus for affording the impression or evaluation in line with the intention of a content supplier to the audience. The reproducing apparatus reproduces an optical disc (1) in which the contents and the estimated evaluation values are recorded at the outset. The estimated evaluation values recorded on the optical disc (1) have been set by the content supplier based on estimated impression or evaluation by the audience on the content. As the reproducing apparatus reproduces the content, the apparatus measures the reaction of the audience by a reaction value inputting unit (61), calculates the impression or evaluation by the audience for the content by a recognition evaluation value calculating unit (63) and compares the recognized evaluation values to the estimated evaluation values read out from the optical disc (1) in a control evaluation value calculating unit (53).

Abstract: A method included a receiving a request that includes information that defines a service type and information that can identify the request for this service type, wherein the request is required in order to initiate a flow over an extended channel; checking whether the extended channel can support the flow of the requested service type; and responding to the request, wherein the response includes information of the service type and information on whether the external channel can support the flow of the requested service type.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus receives a broadcast program in a manner convenient for users depending on the content of the broadcast program. A tuner selects a broadcast program that matches the preference of users of respective rooms in a building in which the receiving apparatus is installed on the basis of preference information stored in a memory. Sensors disposed in the respective rooms detect whether the users are present in the respective rooms. A controller controls selectors so as to select displays and speakers located in rooms in which users are present so that the users in the respective rooms can view and/or listen to the program. The receiving apparatus may be applied to a television set or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for indirect illumination in electronic media rating systems are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes reflecting infrared light off of a room ceiling to indirectly illuminate the audience member, receiving reflections of the indirect illumination off of the audience member, blocking visible light prior to receiving the reflections of the indirect illumination off of the audience member, and processing the received reflections to detect the audience member.

Abstract: The invention records real-time radio and television listener data utilizing automated, interactive questions and radio and television broadcast audio segments recorded by telephone, including wireless cell phones. Telephone users are asked to hold their phone in the direction of any broadcast audio they are hearing or listening to. Streaming program audio directly from radio and television broadcasts is matched to the program audio recorded from telephone users using computer audio matching technology. When an audio match is made, recorded data will automatically populate an alpha/numeric database creating a record including fields for identifying the radio or TV station, time of recording, the phone user's 10 digit telephone number and demographic information on the listener. Demographics may be obtained prior to the call or by automated interactive questioning, during a call, with the phone user responding to questions verbally or by pushing appropriate keys on the telephone keypad.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for determining a chance that a user is present at a current time while a client device is tuned to a channel by monitoring a user input to the client device and determining a time when the user provides the user input. At the time when the user provides the user input, the chance is assigned an initial value. After that, the chance varies over time according to a first function. The chance that the user is present at the current time is then determined using the initial value and the first function. As a result, a chance of a user being present while a client device plays out media segments may be determined without incurring the costs of providing additional hardware and without requiring the user to register and unregister.

Abstract: Provided is a view quality judging device capable of accurately judging the view quality without posing a load on a viewer. The view quality judging device is used in view quality data generation device (100), which includes an expected feeling value information generation unit (300) for acquiring expected feeling value information indicating feeling expected to be generated in a viewer who vies a content; a feeling information generation unit (200) for acquiring feeling information indicating the feeling generated in the viewer upon viewing the content; and a view quality data generation unit (400) for judging the view quality of the content by comparing the expected feeling value information to the feeling information.

Abstract: A video on request (“VOR”) system is disclosed. The VOR system includes a producer having a location device for providing location data and a video recording device. The VOR system also includes an information exchange having a producer database configured to store a producer profile having current location and status of the producer. The current location and status are continually updated based on the location data. The VOR system also includes a viewer having access to the information exchange to search the producer database for available producers within a predetermined range of a desired location. Upon finding the available producer at the desired location, the viewer requests an information segment to be produced by the producer from the desired location. The producer thereafter records the information segment and transmits the information segment to the viewer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a channel change event are disclosed. The disclosed methods and apparatus detect a channel change event by monitoring an audio signal of an information presentation device such as a television system. The monitored audio signal is tested for certain characteristics indicative of a channel change event. In some information presentation devices, changing channels produces an audible “pop” sound. In other information presentation devices, the “pop” sound produced by changing channels is muted by the information presentation device. Once a channel change event is detected, an audience measurement system may automatically determine what program is on the information presentation device. Alternatively, an audience member may be prompted to manually enter what program is on the information presentation device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a sight line detecting unit configured to detect a sight line of a viewer who is viewing content data and output sight line information which is a result of the detection, a viewing condition estimating unit configured to estimate a viewing condition of the viewer based on the output sight line information and visual attention information relating to the content data, and a content suggesting unit configured to make various suggestions with respect to the content data for the viewer based on the estimated viewing condition.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box having a controller to present media content at a presentation device as directed by a user, monitor the media content consumed by the user, detect a first behavioral pattern based on the media content consumed by the user, transmit the detected first behavioral pattern to a communication device of the user, receive from the communication device a second behavioral pattern, and identify media content correlating to the second behavioral pattern. The communication device can be adapted to adjust communication operations according to the detected first behavioral pattern. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for using location information to manage spillover in an audience monitoring system are disclosed. In particular, the example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture detect spillover to generate media monitoring information. Initially, a first sensor located in a first location and a second sensor located in a second location receive a portable metering device signal. First location information is associated with receiving the portable metering device signal via the first sensor and second location information is associated with receiving the portable metering device signal via the second sensor. Media monitoring information is generated based on one of the first location information or the second location information.

Abstract: A method of directing a viewer's attention in an image display to enhance the perceived image quality and thus the viewer's preference of the image is disclosed. An image with an area of interest (AOI) is provided. The AOI is briefly displayed for a first time period. Subsequently, the image is normally displayed in its entirety for a second time period that is longer than the first time period. As a result, the viewer's attention is involuntarily directed to the AOI in a subliminal manner.

Abstract: A stream reproducing device performing automatic viewing of a non-viewed period of a stream. The stream reproducing device comprises a camera a person detecting unit detecting the viewer based on the output of the camera, a viewing information generating unit generating viewing information based on the person detecting unit, and a reproduction control unit receiving supply of a stream, to control reproduction of the stream. The person detecting unit detects each of the viewers by classifying based on the output of the camera. The viewing information generating unit generates the viewing information for each of the viewers based on the detection result of each of the viewers. The viewing information generated by the viewing information generating unit is related to a time stamp of the stream to identify a non-viewed period, for which each viewer does not view the reproduced result of the stream.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for use in connection with delivering content that is targeted to users of a broadcast network. In order to select content that is targeted to users of the broadcast network, signals are received from a plurality of customer premise equipment devices (CPEs) of the network users via a broadcast network interface. Based on the received signals, broadcast assets (e.g., programming, advertisements etc.) are selected from a collection of available asset options. Accordingly, at least a portion of the selected assets are inserted into a content stream of the broadcast network. Once the content stream is broadcast over a broadcast network interface, at least a portion of the selected assets area available for receipt by at least a portion of the CPEs. The CPEs generate reports regarding assets delivered such that asset providers can be billed based on guaranteed targeted impressions.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the operation of a television using a cable broadcasting network is disclosed. The presence of a viewer in front of the television is sensed, presence information is then transmitted to a cable broadcasting service center via the cable broadcasting network, a control signal is sent to the television adapted to receive same, and regular cable programming is suspended. The present invention allows the cable broadcasting company to provided additional services to the cable subscriber to retain and attract additional customers. These additional services may be tailored to the specific needs of the cable subscriber, thus a higher quality cable service is provided.

Abstract: A device and a method for playing audio-video content (205) during which loss of attention of a user (192) is detected. Loss of attention of the user generates at least one attention loss marker (255) that is stored in an attention loss storage unit (210). The user may revert playback to a point in time corresponding to the attention loss marker using a user interface unit (190). By storing markers corresponding to points of attention loss by the user and requiring explicit user input, the attention loss detector may detect attention loss with an accuracy lower than would otherwise be the case. Optionally, storing of the attention loss markers may be made conditional upon a content analysis unit (420), such as a commercial block detector. An attention loss marker indication (260) may be made visible to the user to indicate that at least one attention loss marker has been detected.

Abstract: There is provided a technique which, in the case where the operation has not occurred in a manner as expected by the user, determines from which standpoint the operation was not as expected, and makes a response that is closer to the expectation. An information processing system according to the present invention includes: a reaction section for executing a first process based on a request from a user; an output section for outputting a result of a process; a signal detection section for measuring a signal concerning an event-related potential of electroencephalograms of the user; an analysis section for identifying a positive peak in the event-related potential and determining whether an elapsed time since the result is output and until the peak appears is closer to a first reference time or a second reference time; and a reaction modifying section for determining a second process in accordance with the determination result.

Abstract: In certain implementations consistent with the present invention, a method for monitoring a television system viewer's status involves monitoring a field of view encompassing a viewer environment using a camera sensitive to light in the infrared (IR) spectrum; identifying a pair of bright spots in the IR spectrum that are spaced by a spacing consistent with spacing of a pair of human eyes; monitoring at least one characteristic of the spots to ascertain a status of a television system viewer; and at the television system, taking an action that affects an operational characteristic of the television system on the basis of the ascertained status of the television system viewer. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes: a first managing part for managing first data about preferences of a user; a second managing part for managing second data about information; a retrieving part for retrieving the second data about the information used by the user; and an updating part for updating the first data by use of the second data retrieved by the retrieving part. If the second data are found to exist within the first data, then the updating part updates the first data using the second data; if the second data are not found to exist within the first data, then the updating part adds the second data to the first data.

Abstract: A collection of digital media is stored at a source device and transferred to a target device. A subset of the collection may be transferred based on a priority related to a points assigned by a user's rating of particular digital media and on rules based on particular user actions.

Abstract: A security system and method for detecting the presence of one or more persons in a location, by: directing a light source in the direction of the location; detecting reflections of the light source from the location by a light detector in order to form an image representing the one or more persons' eyes; and analyzing the image received on the light detector to identify and count the number of eyes on the image. Preferably, the analyzed information is then communicated to a remote facility for further processing. Appropriate action to take based on the analyzed information includes issuing an alert, turning on an alarm system, sending a message to one or more predetermined persons and/or machines.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring an audience by: directing a light source in the direction of the audience; detecting reflections of the light source from the audience by a light detector in order to form an image representing the audience eyes; and analyzing the image received on the light detector to identify and count the number of eyes on the image. Preferably, the analyzed information is communicated to a remote facility. The light source can be in the visible spectrum, infrared (IR) spectrum or even ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. The reflected light from the retina or cornea is then captured by a light detector.

Abstract: Viewers of a multimedia program are monitored to detect responses. Time data is stored with the responses and compared to responses from other viewers at the same time in the multimedia program. A viewer type is determined based on the responses. Further multimedia programs may be offered to the viewer based on the viewer type. Transducers and sensors placed within a viewing area may include, without limitation, audio sensors, video sensors, motion sensors, subdermal sensors, and biometric sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system for confirming that a viewer viewed multimedia content on a client device. A multimedia content owner uploads multimedia content on a server. The client device receives the multimedia content from the server and plays the multimedia content on a display screen of the client device. A random challenge is presented to the viewer by overlaying the random challenge on the multimedia content. A response for the presented random challenge is invoked from the viewer. A correct or partially correct response from the viewer confirms that the multimedia content has been viewed by the viewer. A response report is generated based on the response from the viewer. The viewer is credited with an item of value and the multimedia content owner is debited a fee, if the response report confirms the multimedia content was viewed by the viewer.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer programs provided for metering and accounting in a commercial e-services infrastructure address the requirement for handling composite services in which higher-level services are built using simpler underlying services, each of which may be autonomously owned and operated. Metering records for each service underlying a composite service are correlated by a process associated with the composite service, and then sent to an accounting service where they can be aggregated. The correlation is performed in a distributed manner with correlated usage data provided on a per-request basis. Accounting services can take account of the usage and charges associated with the underlying services to provide accounting and billing on a per-request basis or per customer-provider pair for a billing period.

Abstract: A decoder performance management portion manages performance of a plurality of decoders provided in an AV stream reproducing apparatus. A display portion changes, in accordance with an instruction from the user, an output state of an image display frame on a screen of an output portion, and notifies it to a decoder management portion. The decoder management portion controls a decoder switching portion so that decoders used for decoding AV streams acquired by a communication portion (106) and a TV receiving portion are switched as appropriate, based on the notification from the display changing portion.

Abstract: In a conventional content transmission system, there has been a problem that it takes a long time from when a user, who tries to start viewing and listening of content, issues a command to a receiver by using a remote controller or the like until when the user can actually view and listen to the content from content viewing and listening equipment (content starting time). To this end, a content transmission system according to the present invention has a transmitter and a receiver including a human sensor and has a configuration that the state of the receiver is changed corresponding to a detection result of the human sensor so as to reduce the content starting time and power consumption.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing system, comprising: a viewing apparatus equipped with a content reproduction unit that reproduces content containing video data or audio data; a radio communication apparatus equipped with a storage unit in which user data correlated to a user to whom said radio communication apparatus belongs are stored and a data transmitting unit that transmits viewer data that include part of or all of said user data stored in said storage unit; and an information processing apparatus equipped with an analyzing unit that analyzes, based upon the user data, a viewership effect of the content reproduced by said viewing apparatus and a content distribution unit that distributes content data to be used to reproduce the content to said viewing apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques are described for generating statistics that reflect the consumption of media resources, such as television program resources. The techniques involve polling a group of devices identified in a random sample list or a custom sample list to collect event data describing the consumption of resources by the devices. Lower-bound and upper-bound thresholds are applied to remove or modify event data that may not accurately reflect the legitimate consumption of resources. Varying probability weights can also be assigned to events to reflect their likelihood of representing the legitimate consumption of resources. Based on such filtered event data, for a given device, a computation technique computes the percentage of time that the user has consumed a particular resource relative to a total amount of time in a time segment. Similar percentages are computed for other devices and other time segments to provide plural percentage values.

Abstract: A new paradigm of watching television allows watching programs and watching ads and maintaining a score that is based on the times of watching the programs and the ads. The paradigm can be carried out by increasing the value of a variable when programs are watched and decreasing the value of the variable when ads are watched. The user can also buy ad credits, or can receive them as an incentive to buy a product.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting and presenting media on a network to tune an environment to the tastes of the users within that environment, thus improving the experience of that location. A physical location of a media presentation device is received over a network. The physical location of a plurality of end users are identified via the network, wherein each of plurality of users associated are with a plurality of media files stored on the network. A least one of the end users that are within a defined proximity to the media presentation device are identified. At least one media file associated with the end users that are within a defined proximity to the media presentation device are identified and transmitted over the network to the media presentation device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for indirect illumination in electronic media rating systems are disclosed. A disclosed electronic media rating system comprises an audience image detection system and a non-visible light source to provide indirect illumination of an audience member.

Abstract: Portable multi-purpose audience measurement systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example method to monitor a media presentation device disclosed herein comprises sensing a media content signal output by the media presentation device using a portable device separate from the media presentation device, the portable device supporting media metering functionality and native functionality, attempting to detect a code encoded in the sensed media content signal using the portable device, and generating a signature from the sensed media content signal using the portable device when the portable device is electrically coupled to an external power supply or the portable device has at least a threshold amount of local battery power, but not generating the signature when the portable device is not electrically coupled to the external power supply and the portable device does not have at least the threshold amount of local battery power.

Abstract: An approach is provided for extending social networking to television viewing. A community of a plurality of users is created, wherein each user is logged in a device configured to present audio-video content. Presence information of one of the users in the community is determined and transmitted to a corresponding device of another one of the users.

Abstract: A device may track one or more viewers, and determine, for each of the one or more viewers, a location of the viewer in accordance with the tracking. In addition, the device may determine, for each of the one or more viewers, a stereoscopic image that is to be viewed at the location, the stereoscopic image consisting of a right-eye image and a left-eye image. Further, the device may control display settings of a display to provide, via the display, each of the one or more viewers with the stereoscopic image associated with the viewer.

Abstract: In a wide area communications network such as the Internet, a public server and an associated database store and make available to a private server personal information relating to an individuals emotional or some other mental or physical state. The private server includes functionality to interpret the personal information it receives or gathers from the public server in order to identify at least one reaction instruction which can be used by a multimedia communications device to convey to a user the state of an individual by generating a human perceivable reaction which can be playing multimedia content in combination with movement if the multimedia communications device is a robot.

Abstract: A system that enables communication and collaboration among individuals using rich media environments. A system according to the present techniques includes a set of rich media environments each having a corresponding arrangement of sensing and rendering components for sensing of and rendering to a corresponding set of individuals. A system according to the present techniques includes an interest thread detector that uses the sensing and rendering components to detect formation of multiple communication interactions among the individuals and that creates an interest thread for each detected communication interaction and further includes a communication provider that for each interest thread captures a set of media data from a corresponding subset of the sensing components and that combines the captured media data in response to the activities of the corresponding individuals and that communicates the combined media data to a corresponding subset of the rendering components.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling advertisements in a television service network environment. An ad scheduler prepares an ad insertion schedule based on channel change statistical information and avail time information. The scheduler evaluates the statistical information, time durations between adjacent avails in a presentation stream, and the relatedness of market segments assigned to a plurality of advertisements. It schedules the ads into presentation stream groups based on this evaluation. The statistical ad scheduling allows the system to eliminate “forced” switching between multiple presentation streams, whereby system wears and malfunctions can be decreased.

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: 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 novel approach enables an event-based framework for evaluating a media instance based on key events of the media instance. First, physiological responses are derived and aggregated from the physiological data of viewers of the media instance. The key events in the media instance can then be identified, wherein such key events drive and determine the viewers' responses to the media instance. Causal relationship between the viewers' responses to the key events and their surveyed feelings about the media instance can further be established to identify why and what might have caused the viewers to feel the way they do.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable the correlation between a media instance and physiological responses of human subjects to the media instance. While the subject is watching and/or listening to the media instance, physiological responses are derived from the physiological data collected from the subject. Additionally, audio and/or video signals of the media instance are collected. Program-identifying information is detected in the collected signals to identify the exact segment of the media instance that the subject is listening to and/or watching. The identified segment of the media instance is then correlated with the one or more physiological responses of the subject.

Abstract: A novel approach enables a new type of sensing—“in persona” sensing, for large scale testing of a media instance via distributed collection and centralized processing of physiological data from each of a large number of viewers in his/her own setting. The physiological data can first be collected from each of the viewers fitted with one or more physiological sensors locally at the place where he/she is watching the media instance. The data collected from the viewers at these distributed locations can then all be transmitted to a centralized location for processing, aggregation, storage, and analysis.

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.