Abstract: The invention discloses a method performed at a server computer for location-based media data delivering. The method includes receiving first geolocation data that identify a first geolocation of a first client device, identifying a plurality of second client devices as located within a predetermined range of the first geolocation according to their respective second geolocation data, and in response to the identifying, retrieving media file log data that record information concerning a plurality of media files that have been transmitted to the plurality of second client devices. The method further includes in response to a media content request received from the first client device for requesting interested media data: identifying, among the retrieved media file log data, one or more media files as being associated with the interested media data, and transmitting information of at least one identified media file and the interested media data to the first client device.

Abstract: A system for providing voice audio to an operator. The system includes: one or more audio inputs for receiving at least two received voice audio signals; a processing unit, a digital to analog converter, and a loudspeaker. The processing unit is connected to the one or more audio inputs, and configured to: adjust the pitch of a first voice audio signal of the at least two received voice audio signals to form a first adjusted voice audio signal; and combine the first adjusted voice audio signal with at least one other received voice audio signal or adjusted voice audio signal to form a composite audio signal. The pitch in the audio allows the listener to disambiguate one or more speakers or conveys to the listener attributes such as urgency or location information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing, transmitting and processing data for generating ratings relating to multimedia programming based on passively obtained user cues are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A service configured to or for reminding a television viewer what or which particular programming they were watching prior to surfing other programming when a commercial break occurs during the particular programming. An option may be made available to the television viewer prior to the end of the commercial break that allows the television viewer to return to watching the particular programming, so that the television viewer does not unintentionally miss any content associated with the particular programming.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for monitoring speakers within an audio playback system (e.g., movie theater) environment. In typical embodiments, the monitoring method assumes that initial characteristics of the speakers (e.g., a room response for each of the speakers) have been determined at an initial time, and relies on one or more microphones positioned in the environment to perform a status check on each of the speakers to identify whether a change to at least one characteristic of any of the speakers has occurred since the initial time. In other embodiments, the method processes data indicative of output of a microphone to monitor audience reaction to an audiovisual program. Other aspects include a system configured (e.g., programmed) to perform any embodiment of the inventive method, and a computer readable medium (e.g., a disc) which stores code for implementing any embodiment of the inventive method.

Abstract: A method for real time digital instant messaging includes monitoring a condition of a wireless headset, estimating a potential for the user to receive and immediately respond to a real time digital message, such as an instant communications or a VoIP message, and then selectively directing a real time digital message, when received, to the user via the headset when the estimated potential indicates that the user is reasonably likely to immediately respond to the real time digital message. A sensor in the headset may be used to determine if a recent action of the user was don the headset by putting it on, doff the headset by taking it off, dock the headset by placing it in a charging station, move while wearing the headset, leave the headset on a desktop or other surface or carry the headset.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining that media content being viewed by a user comprises a plurality of entities, accessing information indicative of the plurality of entities, and querying a social graph of the social-networking system for social content associated with each of the plurality of entities and one or more other users of the social-networking system. The social graph includes user nodes that are each associated with a particular user of the social-networking system. The method further includes providing at least a portion of the queried social content from the social graph for display along with the information on a display device of the user.

Abstract: Techniques for obtaining a reaction of an individual to content and outputting the reaction of the individual with the content are described herein. The techniques may include obtaining the reaction of the individual as the content is displayed to the individual. The reaction may be obtained by capturing a video of the individual. The reaction of the individual and the content may be output at a same time to another individual. These techniques may also include obtaining the reaction of another individual as the content and the reaction of the individual are output to another individual.

Abstract: A method of mirroring primary media content from a portable computing device to a network of audiovisual (AV) units and handing over the mirroring among the network of AV units is provided with a predetermined value index and an operational visual range for the network of AV units. The signal strength between the portable computing device and an arbitrary unit of the network of AV units and the geospatial location of the portable computing device is measured when calculating a value index. The value index and the predetermined value index are used in generating a client identification (ID) for the portable computing device. The client ID is used to minor the primary media content on the arbitrary unit. Moreover, the client ID is also used to handover mirroring among the network of AV units.

Abstract: An indoor position system, includes a plurality of anchor stations each configured to transmit a radio frequency signal and an acoustic signal. A mobile station includes a radio frequency receiver configured to receive a radio frequency signal from at least one of the plurality of anchor stations and an acoustic receiver configured to receive an acoustic signal from at least one of the plurality of anchor stations. A processing unit is configured to determine position information of the mobile unit based upon the received radio frequency signal and acoustic signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine demographic attributes of pedestrians in a retail environment are presented. In some examples, media content is selected for presentation to one or more pedestrians based on the determined demographic attributes. In a further example, the media content is interactive, and a response is received from the pedestrian indicating recognition of the interactive media content and an identity of the pedestrian. In some examples, the demographic attributes of a group of pedestrians passing a particular location are aggregated to determine a demographic profile of a pedestrian traffic flow. In some other examples, demographic attributes of pedestrians are derived from biometric responses to a media presentation. Based on the location and duration of visual attention to the media presentation, a demographic attribute of the pedestrian is determined.

Abstract: A system for measuring user engagement of content comprises an electronic device for playing a piece of content, at least one sensor for capturing data relating to environment context and user activity during playback of the piece of content, and an engagement measurement application for measuring user engagement of the piece of content. The engagement measurement application measures user engagement of the piece of content based on data captured by the sensors.

Abstract: An information providing apparatus includes: an inputter that obtains log information and personal information corresponding thereto; a tentative ID giver that gives each tentative ID to the personal information at each predetermined timing; a first storage that stores correspondence-relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between the personal information and the each tentative ID; a receiver that receives a request for outputting information including a requested tentative ID identified by a current tentative ID given and the one past timing when the requested ID was given; an information processor that determines, in accordance with the request, link-relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between the requested tentative ID and the current tentative ID; a second storage that stores the determined link-relationship information; and an outputter that outputs first information including the requested tentative ID or second information indicating that first-in

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for providing peripheral device management. For example, a method is provided that includes receiving, from a user device, a request to access at least one peripheral device, the request comprising information regarding the user device. The method may further include determining, based at least in part on at least one compliance rule and the information regarding the user device, whether to grant the request, and, in an instance in which it is determined to grant the request, causing access to the at least one peripheral device by the user device to be facilitated.

Abstract: A method of operating a non-volatile memory device includes setting a search region defined by a start read voltage and an end read voltage, determining whether the search region belongs to a reference region, changing the search region when it is determined that the search region does not belong to the reference region, and searching for a new read voltage based on the search region, when it is determined that the search region belongs to the reference region.

Abstract: In an exemplary method, a media service personalization system directs a media service access device to operate in accordance with a shared mode of operation when user interaction with the media service access device is by way of a shared user input device and directs the media service access device to operate in accordance with a personal mode of operation when user interaction with the media service access device is by way of a personal device specific to a user. In certain examples, the media service personalization system may switch between directing the media service access device to operate in accordance with the shared mode of operation and directing the media service access device to operate in accordance with the personal mode of operation based on a status of a remote control session between the personal device and the shared media service access device.

Abstract: A system and method for early media buffering using prediction of user behavior. In accordance with an embodiment, a client device user interface displays a plurality of media options, each of which is associated with a corresponding media content, for example a media channel or video stream, that can be received from a media server system for playing at the device, or at a controlled device. While the user interacts with the user interface, media content associated with regions of the interface can be buffered in preparation for selection and subsequent playing. The client device can include a user interaction sensor, for example a motion, hand/proximity, or heat sensor, which detects when a user is about to interact with the device. The media server system can be triggered to buffer media content associated with one or more neighboring media options on the user interface, in preparation for selection and playing.

Abstract: A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.

Abstract: A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.

Abstract: A method of joint generation of a mosaic of scenes. The method comprises selecting by each of a plurality of users one of a plurality of characters which are imaged in a plurality of media content items, alternately selecting by the plurality of users a plurality of expression indications, each the expression indication is selected during another of a plurality of user interactions which are held alternately with the plurality of users using a plurality of client terminals, sequentially selecting a plurality of scenes which are extracted from the plurality of media content items, each the scene is selected in another of the plurality of user interactions according to a respective the expression indication and images a respective character from the plurality of characters, and automatically generating a scene mosaic which comprises the plurality of scenes.

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: A method for multi-person and multi-device content personalization is described. The method includes receiving via a wireless network interface a first user identifier advertised by a portable client device; determining that the signal strength of the portable client device at the wireless network interface is greater than a threshold value; and selecting content items in a sequence based on consumption statistics of content associated with a second user identifier on the media device and consumption statistics of content associated with the first user identifier, wherein consumption statistics include records indicating one or more interactions with the content items of a plurality of content items by one or more users associated with user identifiers.

Abstract: A method, system API and computer product for adapting reverse data channel (RDC) utilization by selectively restricting the reporting of statistics data from client devices using a client-side filter adapted in response to configuration data from a file or other source file.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to count people in an audience are disclosed. An example method includes analyzing location information collected by a portable device indicative of a location of the portable device. The method also includes analyzing proximity information collected by the portable device indicative of when a person is near the portable device. The example method further includes generating presence information based on (1) the location information and (2) the proximity information, the presence information being indicative of whether the person is present in a media exposure environment associated with a media presentation device.

Abstract: Power management methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for audience measurement meters are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include obtaining presentation device state data representing an activation state of a media presentation device that is to present received media and is monitored by an audience measurement meter, the presentation device state data including time information. Such disclosed example methods also include determining whether to fault audience measurement data reported by the audience measurement meter based on the presentation device state data and power outage information determined from the audience measurement data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that adjusts modes based on actively determining an engagement level of a user. In such modes both the content presented and the interactions of a user that are recognized may be based on the level of engagement of the user.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a server, channel change request data from a media device. The channel change request data specifies a requested channel that is associated with a plurality of multimedia streams. Each multimedia stream of the plurality of multimedia streams has a corresponding content format. The method includes determining, at the server, an available bandwidth of a service to a premises associated with the media device. The method includes selecting, at the server, a particular content format based on the available bandwidth and a multimedia stream of the plurality of multimedia streams that has the particular content format. The method also includes sending an identification of the multimedia stream from the server to the media device.

Abstract: A subscribability is calculated for a channel on the web. One or more activity metrics related to the subscribability of a plurality of channels viewable over the Internet are identified. For each of the plurality of channels, an activity measure associated with the channel is obtained for each of the one or more activity metrics. For each of the plurality of channels, a subscribability score for the channel is calculated based on the one or more activity measures associated with the channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a social hierarchy for a user from a plurality of contacts includes, for each contact, tracking communications occurring between the user and the contact; determining, from the tracked communications, a rate of change for communications between the user and the contact; and identifying, based on the rate of change, a position in the social hierarchy for the contact. Another method and apparatus includes tracking communications occurring between the user and a contact in the plurality of contacts, wherein tracking a communication comprises identifying a method of communication and a time the communication occurred; determining, from the tracked communications, that repeated communication attempts were made between the user and the contact; and identifying, based on the repeated communication attempts, a position in the social hierarchy for the contact.

Abstract: The likelihood of consumption of a linear content stream may be determined. Information that includes data indicative of user interaction with a client device may be received. The information may correspond to a period during which the client device received linear content. The likelihood of consumption may be determined for that period based on the received information.

Abstract: A system includes a viewer sensor that generates sensor data for sensing one or more viewers of a video display device. A viewer analysis module analyzes the sensor data to generate viewer data. A selection module selects selected content based on the viewer data and generates selected content data based on the selected content for display to the viewer or viewers via the video display device or via a mobile device associated with the viewer or viewers.

Abstract: An audience measurement or personalized recommendation system may be actively trained for each panel member for a training period, during which the presence of each member is recorded while content is displayed. Panel members may carry or wear portable devices with wireless transmitters which may be detected by the measurement system. For example, each panel member may wear a wristband including a wireless transmitter broadcasting an identification code, and a measurement device may include a wireless receiver to receive broadcast identification codes and determine that the corresponding one or more panel members are present during display of content. An inference engine may create personalized profiles of each panel participant during the training period. After the training period, panel participants may stop carrying or wearing the devices, and the inference engine may determine, based on the profiles, which participants are likely present when content is being viewed.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards online content classification that includes training a machine learning system. A batch of data items may be randomly selected from unlabeled test data. The batch of data items may be communicated to a client computer enabling a user to label each data item based on the contents of each data item. These labeled data items may be employed to train the machine learning system. While a classification result score is less than a threshold value, iteration may be performed to train the machine learning system. For each iteration another batch of data items may be selected from the unlabeled test data. This batch of data items may be classified using the machine learning system. The batch of classified data items may be communicated back to the client computer to be labeled by the user.

Abstract: A positioning network comprises an array of signal sources that transmit signals with unique characteristics that are detectable in signals captured through a sensor on a mobile device, such as a microphone of a mobile phone handset. Through signal processing of the captured signal, the positioning system distinguishes these characteristics to identify distinct sources and their corresponding coordinates. A position calculator takes these coordinates together with other attributes derived from the received signals from distinct sources, such as time of arrival or signal strength, to calculate coordinates of the mobile device. A layered protocol is used to introduce distinguishing characteristics in the source signals. This approach enables the use of low cost components to integrate a positioning network on equipment used for other functions, such as audio playback equipment at shopping malls and other venues where location based services are desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a representation of a video media asset for inclusion in a media asset listing for the video media asset is considered. User emotional responses that occur while the video media asset is presented to the user are monitored using a processor. A user emotional response selection criterion is retrieved from a storage device, and based on the retrieved user emotional response selection criterion, one of the monitored user emotional responses is selected. An identification is made of the portion of the video media asset presented to the user when the selected one of the user emotional response occurred, and a representation of the identified portion is generated for the video media asset for inclusion in a media asset listing for the video media asset.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling one or more devices using a computing device, such as a wearable computing device, are disclosed. Using a sensor associated with a wearable computing device, one or more inputs are generated at the wearable computing device. As one example, the sensor can be an image capture device, and the inputs can be one or more images from a point of view of a person associated with the computing device. As another example, the sensor can be a motion sensor, and the input can be locations and/or orientations, and a gaze direction can be determined. The computing device can determine an object of interest based on the inputs. A control signal can be generated for the object of interest. The control signal can be transmitted from the computing device.

Abstract: A broadcast communication system is presented which includes a broadcast communication transmitter, a broadcast communication receiver, and an information processor. The broadcast communication receiver is configured to receive programming from the broadcast communication transmitter. The receiver is also configured to generate information relating to the operation of the broadcast communicate receiver. In addition, the receiver is configured to connect to the information processor and transfer the information thereto during a time period in accordance with user input accepted by the receiver. The information processor is configured to receive and process the information.

Abstract: A system configured to manage the distribution of content to one or more cooperating media/substrates in beverage dispensing environments, wherein the system receives data representative of environment conditions for one or more cooperating media/substrates adapted to display digital content, where the media/substrates may be located in beverage environments (e.g., bar/restaurants, hotels, or event venues), and where the system compares the received data representative of environment conditions regarding the purchase of a beverage with selection criteria to identify content for distribution to the media/substrates such that the selected content is distributed to the one or more cooperating media/substrates.

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 TV audience survey system for determining the TV viewing activities of a plurality of individuals in a household includes a master device and multiple tags, each tag assigned to an individual. After an individual logs into the system and starts watching the TV, the master device communicates with the corresponding tag repeatedly to accumulate data representing the individual's TV viewing activities. Such data can be used to determine when the individual stops watching the TV for an extended period of time without logging out of the system and when the household member remains watching the TV after logging or being logged out of the system. The master device then reports the accumulated data to a remote server, which uses the data to determine whether the individual complies with the logging protocol defined by the TV audience survey system and update the TV viewership data associated with this household.

Abstract: A system for detecting and responding to an intruding camera. The system includes an electronic media display device having a screen configured to display content, a sensor, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to obtain information from the sensor, analyze the information to determine a presence of a camera, and edit any displayed content in response to the presence of the camera.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for a media guidance application that selects a control scheme based on a number of user input types that are distinguishable based on brain activity monitored by a user device. For example, if the media guidance application determines that only two different user input types may be based on brain activity, the media guidance application will select a control scheme that only requires two different functions to select any available media guidance application operations.

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: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a user interface for presenting a media reaction. The techniques receive media reactions of a person to a media program, such as the person laughing at one point of a comedy show, then smiling at another point, and then departing at a third point. The techniques may present these and other media reactions in a user interface through which a user may interact.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture determine compliance with usage guidelines of an audience measurement system. Initially, location information associated with an audience member is obtained. It is then determined whether the audience member is in compliance with the usage guidelines based on the location information. Media monitoring information corresponding to the location information is then tagged as non-compliant if the audience member is not in compliance with the usage guidelines.

Abstract: A device may detect a commercial break for a channel. The channel may be provided for output to a user. The device may determine another channel to provide based on detecting the commercial break for the channel. The other channel may not be associated with a commercial break. The device may provide the other channel for output to the user. The device may monitor the channel to detect that the commercial break for the channel has ended. The device may provide the channel for output to the user based on detecting that that the commercial break for the channel has ended.

Abstract: Systems and methods for changing TV operating mode in accordance with number of viewers present. In some implementations, a method includes: obtaining a total number of viewers of a connected TV, the connected TV having a plurality of operating modes and the total number is one or more; in accordance with a determination that the total number of viewers is within a first predefined range of a plurality of predefined ranges; placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a first operating mode unrelated to media content being displayed on the connected TV; and in accordance with a determination that the total number of viewers is within a second predefined range of the plurality of predefined ranges: placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a second operating mode unrelated to the media content, the second operating mode is different from the first operating mode.

Abstract: A data processing system includes components for providing a pleasant user experience. Those components may include a family interaction engine that provides a family channel. The family interaction engine may provide for creation of a user group. The family channel may present content of interest to multiple users in the user group. When a user is detected near the data processing system, the family interaction engine may automatically present content of interest to that user. When used for presenting media content, the data processing system may also cause supplemental data to automatically be presented, wherein the supplemental data is relevant to the media content and to a predetermined interest of the user. The data processing system may also provide a ranked list of applications for potential activation by the user. The applications may be ordered based on the current context. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of controlling access to content to be viewed on a viewing device, the method comprising: selecting desired content to be viewed on the viewing device; displaying auxiliary content which is required to be viewed while preventing display of the desired content on the viewing device; after displaying the auxiliary content, displaying at least one user engagement element defining an expected user activity; detecting if a user has engaged with the user engagement element in accordance with the expected user activity and if so, displaying the desired content on the viewing device.

Abstract: An automatic content recognition (ACR)-enabled connected TV device may be associated with a paired device and the paired device may comprise a browser. The ACR-enabled connected TV device may be operable to enable, utilizing an ACR system, the browser to display, within a section of a browser window, interactive content related to certain content being presented by the ACR-enabled connected TV device. The ACR-enabled connected TV device may be operable to enable, utilizing the ACR system, a viewer to interact with the interactive content. The section of the browser window may be changed dynamically. The certain content may comprise an advertisement of a particular product and the interactive content may comprise a link to a website and/or other information related to the particular product. The certain content may comprise a program associated with a network and the interactive content may comprise information on polling questions related to the program.