Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method capable of preventing its user from viewing an image in an improper viewing position. The display apparatus includes: an imaging unit that captures a moving image in a predetermined range with respect to an image display direction; an image analyzer that analyzes the moving image captured by the imaging unit, and calculates a position of a target that should be guided to a proper viewing position; and a display controller that causes a display unit to perform display to guide the target to the proper viewing position when the target position calculated by the image analyzer is at an improper viewing position.

Abstract: A progressive video streaming apparatus and method based on a visual perception are provided, and the progressive video streaming apparatus may include a gaze detector to detect gaze information including at least one of a location of a focus and a viewing angle of a user, a video playback quality determiner to determine video playback quality layers, based on the detected gaze information, a progressive streaming receiver to request video data and receive the video data, using a visual perception priority based on the detected gaze information, and a visual perception-based player to play back the received video data, by controlling an interactive delay to be reduced below a selected criterion, while reducing a visually recognized quality change in the received video data below another selected criterion.

Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for managing power use during operation of an electronic device capable of processing and/or playback of audio and/or video (AV) content. In some instances, the disclosed techniques/architecture can be used, for example: (1) to stop decoding and/or rendering of AV content upon detecting that a user wishes to stop or is otherwise unable to consume (e.g., hear/listen to or otherwise utilize) such AV content; and/or (2) to continue/re-enable decoding and/or rendering of AV content upon detecting that a user wishes or is otherwise able to continue/resume consumption thereof. In some cases, use of the disclosed techniques/architecture may reduce central processing unit (CPU) cycles, audio digital signal processing (DSP), rendering hardware usage, etc., and/or otherwise make more efficient use of battery charge, and thus may realize an improvement in battery life, for example, for a mobile/battery-operated device capable of AV processing and/or playback.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content monitoring, trend estimation of media content, and/or recommendation generation for media content. In some embodiments, media content—including, without limitation, movies, television programs, music, video games, and/or the like—may be presented to a user(s) via a content recommendation device (“CRD”), and information regarding such presented media content may be monitored and sent to a server for analysis. The user(s) (as well as the user(s)'s reactions) may be monitored, and such monitored data may also be sent to the server for analysis. The server might generate (and present to the user(s)) recommendations of one or more media content based at least in part on each of one or more of the monitored media content, the monitored user(s), information regarding media content presented to other users via other CRDs, trend information for a plurality of media content, and/or the like.

Abstract: A content playback apparatus (100) includes: a viewing target content obtaining unit (20) obtaining the viewing target content; a viewer detecting unit (10) detecting a first viewer who views the viewing target content played back by the content playback apparatus; a viewer content selecting unit (204) selecting, from among viewer contents, a viewer content having a matching degree higher than a predetermined threshold, the matching degree indicating an amount of common points between the first viewer detected by the viewer detecting unit and a second viewer who views a same content as the viewing target content under temporally or spatially a different condition, and each of the viewer contents including information of video or sound of the second viewer; and a content playback unit (30) playing back the viewing target content obtained by the viewing target content obtaining unit and the viewer content selected by the viewer content selecting unit.

Abstract: A content providing program causing a computer to execute content provision processing including, acquiring a first viewing situation of a first viewer viewing a provided content in association with time when the content is provided; registering, on the basis of the first viewing situation, as feedback desirable content, missed content in a time segment in which the first viewer is likely to have failed to view the content; estimating, on the basis of the first viewing situation of the first viewer, a state in which the first viewer is enabled to view the content; and providing the first viewer with the feedback desirable content in a time segment in which estimation is made that the first viewer is in a viewable state.

Abstract: A method and arrangements at a multimedia distribution network for estimating a present user constellation of a household are suggested. A sequence of textual descriptors that are associated with a multimedia sequence that is presently provided to the household is monitored. By acquiring a set of parameters of a statistical model that is based on textual descriptors that have previously been provided to the household, and by estimating a present user constellation by correlating the sequence of textual descriptors with the parameters of the statistical model, the estimated information may be used for customization of content that is provided to the household.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device are disclosed herein. An example portable audience measurement device including a housing; a media detector in the housing to collect media exposure data; a hinge having an arm to rotate in response to an applied, the arm to secure the housing to an object associated with a person; a rotation sensor to detect a magnitude of rotation of the arm relative to the housing; and a detector to compare the magnitude of rotation of the arm to a threshold angle to determine whether the device is being carried by the person.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms are described herein for facilitating the detection of user responses to media content. According to various embodiments, movement data associated with a presentation of a media content item may be received from a client device. The received movement data may then be compared with movement calibration information to create media content response data that indicates a user response to the media content item. The movement calibration information may correlate movement data with user responses to the presented media content item.

Abstract: Techniques are presented herein for delivering multimedia content to members of an audience. At a content delivery device, an activation event is detected that causes the content delivery device to operate in a first mode to detect a presence of one or more of members of an audience in a viewing area. A number of members of the audience in the viewing area is determined. The content delivery device switches to a second mode to initiate a payment request event. The payment request event requests payment for the multimedia content based on the number of members of the audience. A determination is made as to whether an appropriate payment has been received based on the number of members of the audience. When the appropriate payment has been received, the content delivery device switches to a third mode to deliver the multimedia content to the members of the audience in the viewing area.

Abstract: There is provided an online broadcasting system for providing virtual co-presence to broadcast audiences. The online broadcasting system may comprise a plurality of user terminals, a user reaction processing server and a broadcast server configured to transmit broadcast program data to the user terminals. The user terminals may be configured to: display a broadcast program based on the broadcast program data; receive individual user reaction data from a user input interface; and transmit the received individual user reaction data to the broadcast server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing remote access to interactive media guidance applications are provided. In particular, the systems and methods for providing remote access to interactive media guidance applications provided herein generally relate to enhancing remote access capabilities by providing algorithms and techniques for managing and correcting disparities that may be found between program listings data used by the interactive media guidance application and the remote access server.

Abstract: An audio-visual terminal and a viewing authentication system and control programs therefor are provided. The audio-visual terminal includes a reproducing part for reproducing the audio-visual program, a motion instructing part for instructing, a motion sensor for detecting a response motion of the viewer made by the viewer for transmission to a viewing authenticating principal, a sending part for sending information output from the audio-visual terminal to a viewing authentication system of the viewing authenticating principal, and a coding part for coding information about the response motion of the viewer obtained from a detection result detected by the motion sensor into a signal sendable by the sending part.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for inferring a demographic composition of a television audience of a television program. In one aspect, a method extrapolates television audience demographics from rated programs to unrated programs by attributing demographics of rated programs to unrated programs when the rated and unrated program are related by demographically rated channel tunes.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include offering a user an incentive for viewing advertising content, delivering the advertising content to the user, monitoring the delivery of the advertising content to the user and awarding the user the offered incentive upon successful completion of delivery of the advertising content to the user. Systems and methods can further include maintaining a database of incentives awarded to the user for subsequent redemption by the user. Systems and methods can further include offering the user an opportunity to identify advertising content preferences, storing those advertising content preferences in a database and using the advertising content preferences to filter the advertising content identified to the user when the user is offered an incentive for viewing advertising content.

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: The subject matter described herein relates to transmitting and displaying a channel of a television to a non-subscriber when a subscriber is viewing the channel so that both the non-subscriber and the subscriber can simultaneously view the channel. A channel is displayed to a subscriber of a service offering the channel. A presence status of the subscriber is monitored. The presence status characterizes a subscriber presence for viewing the channel. The presence status is displayed to one or more contacts of the subscriber, including the non-subscriber. The channel can be simultaneously displayed to the subscriber and the contacts of the subscriber for as long as the subscriber views the channel until a predetermined period of time. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect user attentiveness to handheld computing devices are disclosed. An example method includes detecting a change of a handheld computing device from a first starting spatial condition to a first ending spatial condition, wherein the first starting spatial condition and the first ending spatial condition are angular orientations of the handheld computing device relative to a reference; and querying an index associating a plurality of spatial condition changes with respective likelihoods indicative of user attentiveness to determine if the index includes an entry having the first starting spatial condition and the first ending spatial condition of the detected change.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device, including a controller to: transmit a client program having a graphical user interface to a media device operating in an interactive television network, wherein the client program presents a symbolic overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate commentary with the media content received at the media device; and conduct searches for one of consumer products or consumer services associated with the media content based on the commentary regarding the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for reporting a percentage of an advertisement played by a smart appliance is disclosed. The server receives data from a smart appliance. The server detects a marker in the data corresponding to a segment of an advertisement of a session played by the smart appliance. The server maps the marker to a percentage played of the advertisement in the session by the smart appliance. The server reports the percentage played of the advertisement in the session by the smart appliance to at least one tracking element.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying tune data from set top boxes associated with televisions, video monitors, or other video playback devices that are likely powered off. In some embodiments, survival curves are constructed that predict a length of time before a video playback device is powered off after a tuning event. The survival curves are used to predict the likelihood that a video playback device is powered off. Viewership estimates made from tune data reported from set top boxes can be adjusted to take account of the video playback devices that are predicted to be powered off.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and systems to quantify and understand the behavior and consumption patterns of audiences with respect to Internet video and rich media applications. In operation, an end user video player or a rich media application (such as an interactive advertisement built with Flash or other method) is instrumented to capture data. The data is collected by a service provider and made available for viewing by customers of a video experience and rich media behavior measurement service.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, articles, and methods are described including operations for selectively adjusting picture quality features of a display based at least in part on whether a user can perceive a loss in video quality and/or on power supply data.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing data being displayed on at least one monitor screen based on monitoring user's attention in relation to the monitor screen. In one embodiment, upon detecting that the user's attention is leaving at least a portion of a screen, the system may alert the user of such an event. Alternatively, the system could alert the user upon detecting a triggering condition while the user's attention is away from the at least a portion of the screen. The step of alerting the user may include modifying at least a portion of a display on a monitor not being viewed by the user. Additionally, the system may initiate preparation of a report including any data not being viewed by a user during the time period when the user is not viewing a portion of the monitor.

Abstract: A conversation is facilitated that ascertains the emotional state of a user in order to recommend media content such as a movie, film, video, digital book, or other media content for enjoyment. Based on the emotional stated ascertained, media content is recommended as selections, in which a user can select via a user device to receive the recommended media content. A set of measures are further generated for one or more users to rate media content based on an emotion caused by the media content. The measures include emoticons, a text message, and/or a multiple choice selection, for example, by which the user can used to communicate the emotion caused by the media content. A tagging component tags the media content with the measure at one or more segments of the content based on the measure received from users.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing broadband content based upon passive presence detection of users are provided. A user device in proximity to a customer premise device may be detected. The customer premise device may be configured to output programming content received from a service provider. An identifier of the detected user device may be determined. Based at least in part on the identifier, an identity of a user may be determined. Based at least in part on the identity of the user, content that is output by the customer premise device may be customized.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: importance calculation means configured to calculate an experience importance degree of content for a user based the basis of a relationship among a reaction analysis result obtained by performing predetermined analysis on a reaction (attitude) of the user to the content at the time when the user experiences the content, an environment analysis result obtained by performing predetermined analysis on an external environment of the user at the time when the user experiences the content, a signal analysis result obtained by performing predetermined analysis on a video signal or voice signal of the content, and a language analysis result obtained by performing predetermined language analysis on language information described about the content; and determination means configured to, if the experience importance degree of the content calculated by the importance calculation means is high, determine the content as recommendation content to be recommended to the user.

Abstract: A television includes an image capturing unit to capture images in front of the television. Faces in the captured images are recognized to generate a face recognition result. When a condition for switching television programs is determined to be met according to the face recognition result, one or more program tables are searched to find a currently aired television program that is suitable for the current audience. The television is switched to a channel playing the found television program.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to determine the number of people in an area. An example method includes collecting media identification information corresponding to media presented at a location, responding to a received request to register a mobile device with a base station by storing device identification information for the mobile device at the base station, timestamping the device identification information, determining a number of mobile devices located in an area based on the stored device identification information, and identifying a number of persons exposed to the media based on the media identification information and the device identification information.

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

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: importance calculation means configured to calculate an experience importance degree of content for a user based the basis of a relationship among a reaction analysis result obtained by performing predetermined analysis on a reaction (attitude) of the user to the content at the time when the user experiences the content, an environment analysis result obtained by performing predetermined analysis on an external environment of the user at the time when the user experiences the content, a signal analysis result obtained by performing predetermined analysis on a video signal or voice signal of the content, and a language analysis result obtained by performing predetermined language analysis on language information described about the content; and determination means configured to, if the experience importance degree of the content calculated by the importance calculation means is high, determine the content as recommendation content to be recommended to the user.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer system for controlling the delivery of data and audio/video content. The method delivers primary content to the subscriber device for viewing by a subscriber. The method also delivers secondary content to the companion device for viewing by the subscriber in parallel with the subscriber viewing the primary content, where the secondary content relates to the primary content. The method extracts attention estimation features from the primary content, and monitors the companion device to determine an interaction measurement for the subscriber viewing the secondary content on the companion device. The method calculates an attention measurement for the subscriber viewing the primary content based on the attention estimation features, and the interaction measurement, and controls the delivery of the secondary content to the companion device based on the attention measurement.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to collect one or more temporal actions initiated by each of a plurality of users while presenting a media program to said plurality of users, generate one or more symbolic overlays according to the one or more temporal actions collected for each user, and combine the presentation of the media program with a presentation of the one or more symbolic overlays. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a tangible computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to receive from a media processor a time-sensitive code embedded in a video stream received and presented by the media processor at a presentation device, retrieve collateral information associated with a scene of the video stream according to the time-sensitive code, and transmit the collateral information to a mobile communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A total variance may be computed for sample values in an input gesture including a plurality of sample values of sample motion data from one or more sensors associated with a control device. The motion data may be related to movement of a control device. A figure of merit may be calculated using the sample values in the gesture, the total variance for the sample values in the input gesture, and sample values in one or more catalog gestures. The figure of merit measures how well the samples in the input gesture match samples in the catalog gesture. Whether an input gesture matches one of the one or more catalog gesture may be determined based on the figure of merit. A state of the system may be changed if it is determined that the input gesture matches the one of the one or more catalog gestures.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for live event augmentation are provided. A central server computer system detects intelligent beverage containers at an event. The beverage containers include an integrated electronic display. Extrinsic data is received during the course of the event that is used to generate a message. The message is transmitted to the beverage containers at the event to update the electronic display. The extrinsic data may be related to the event or to an activity occurring separate from the event. The electronic display of the beverage containers may be changed periodically during the event. The beverage containers may be divided into one or more groups based on information stored in a user account associated with each beverage container. Different messages can be sent to the different groups to display different information on the beverage containers of each group.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms are described herein for facilitating the detection of user responses to media content. According to various embodiments, movement data transmitted from a first client machine may be received. The movement data may be associated with a presentation of a media content item. The movement data may be detected at a sensor located at the first client machine. The received movement data may be compared with movement calibration information to create media content response data. The movement calibration information may correlate movement data with a plurality of user responses to the presented media content item. The media content response data may indicate one or more of the plurality of user responses. The media content reaction data may be stored on a storage medium.

Abstract: System and methods are presented for providing a user with a private viewing experience. In some embodiments, a private viewing system detects that the user is present at a media device that is displaying media content to the user, and then detects that a second user is outside of the viewing area of the media device. The private viewing system then determines a likelihood value related to the likelihood that the second user will enter the viewing area of the media device during a time period in the future. A first indication is then generated, based on the determined likelihood value, and presented to the user at the media device indicating that the second user is likely to enter the viewing area of the media device during the time period in the future.

Abstract: A user interaction request is received during playback of video content. The user interaction request can be received independent of any indication from the video content that user interaction is possible. In response to receiving the interaction request, one or more menus are displayed allowing the user to select one or more reaction options and to select whether the selected one or more reaction options are to be communicated to another user or to a content provider.

Abstract: An object is to provide an apparatus that accurately estimates an association between content and a user who performed an operation on the content. The apparatus includes: a first association information generation unit that generates first association information in which content information subjected to an operation and a user who performed the operation are associated; a learning unit that generates learnt information for associating a given user with content likely to be operated by the given user by using the first association information; an estimation unit that estimates a user by using unidentified content information for which the user cannot be identified and the learnt information; and a second association information generation unit that generates second association information in which the unidentified content information and the estimated user are associated.

Abstract: A video reproducing apparatus includes a decoding unit performing decoding of coded video signals of multiple viewpoints, a load detecting unit detecting a process load on the decoding unit, and a control unit controlling the decoding unit in accordance with the detected process load and reducing a load of the decoding from a viewpoint with a low degree of priority.

Abstract: Techniques for recommending media are described. A character preference function comprising a plurality of preference coefficients is accessed. A first character model comprises a first set of attribute values for the plurality of attributes of a primary character. A second character model comprises a second set of attribute values for the plurality of attributes of a secondary character. The primary and secondary characters are associated with first and second predetermined salience values, respectively. A first character rating is calculated using the plurality of preference coefficients and the first set of attribute values. A second character rating of the secondary character is calculated using the plurality of preference coefficients with the second set of attribute values. A media rating is calculated based on the first and second salience values and the first and second character ratings. Media is recommended to a user based on the media rating.

Abstract: The broadcast of content over a unidirectional broadcast channel is adjusted by analysis of data received from receivers of the content via a bidirectional data exchange channel. The broadcast may be altered in signal, signal strength, signal direction, encoding, and so forth. The receivers may communicate the data over any suitable network, such as the Internet. The data may include past, current and planned selections of content, as well as geographic and demographic information, when available.

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: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, identifying a first user initiating control of a media processor device, determining a startup media program according to one or more startup media preferences associated with the identified first user and one or more characteristics corresponding to the first user initiating control, and transmitting to a display device the startup media program derived from a media stream. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A content delivery system that works in a broadcast and linear content environment causing real time display of received linear content. The system limits the display of the linear content by determining a time to automatically change the display of the linear content based upon program guide information and other factors, unless a signal is or has been received from a user indicating further interest in the content.

Abstract: An information processing section that outputs video images with settings based on variables respectively provided to individual display sections of a plurality of display sections is included, and a video image is output to any display section from this information processing section. A setting of the video image output to the any display section is changed, and a response of a viewer at that time is obtained by a response obtaining device. Then, in accordance with the response information of the viewer obtained by this response obtaining device, a display section in which a setting of the video image is to be changed and the setting of the video image are determined by a stimulus response estimation section, and information of the display section in which the setting of the video image is to be changed and a variable based on the setting of the video image are output to the information processing section.

Abstract: Sensing interfaces associated with a home entertainment system are used to automate a system response to events which occur in a viewing area associated with the home entertainment system. Data derived from such sensing interfaces may also be used to enhance the response readiness of one or more system components. Still further, user presence data derived from such sensing interfaces may be used to capture and report user viewing habits and/or preferences.

Abstract: Sensing interfaces associated with a home entertainment system are used to automate a system response to events which occur in a viewing area associated with the home entertainment system. Data derived from such sensing interfaces may also be used to enhance the response readiness of one or more system components. Still further, user presence data derived from such sensing interfaces may be used to capture and report user viewing habits and/or preferences.

Abstract: A computer system or method may be provided for modulating content based on a person's brainwave data, including modifying presentation of digital content at at least one computing device. The content may also be modulated based on a set of rules maintained by or accessible to the computer system. The content may also be modulated based on user input, including through receipt of a presentation control command that may be processed by the computer system of the present invention to modify presentation of content. Content may also be shared with associated brain state information.