Abstract: Features of various implementations are used to control operation of a second electronic device from a first electronic device using indirect control methods and optical character recognition. In some implementations, communication between a primary set-top box and a supplemental set-top box is configured in order to avoid the need for one or more provider-specific APIs. For example, one aspect of the disclosure is a method of identifying commands that can be used to control one or more features of a primary set-top box (e.g., DVR or VOD features) by a supplemental set-top box issuing commands to the primary set-top box via a wireless (e.g., IR) transmitter, and then using optical character recognition to identify the outcomes of those commands as displayed on a primary TV display or secondary display.

Abstract: Computer implemented systems and methods for migrating datacenter data include providing a quantity of carriers having a data storage capacity, receiving, by the quantity of carriers, a quantity of data stored in a first data storage system having a first location and including erasure coded data blocks. The quantity of carriers migrates to a second data storage system having a second location; and transmits the quantity of data to the second data storage system.

Abstract: Provided is a printer connected to a management server via a network. The printer includes a storage control unit that, when an event occurs, stores in a storage unit event information indicating a content of the event that has occurred and time when the event occurs, and a transmission unit that push-transmits the event information stored in the storage unit to the management server. The storage control unit adds, to the event information, transmission information indicating whether the event information has been transmitted or has not been transmitted to the management server and stores the event information in the storage unit. Among the event information stored in the storage unit, the transmission unit push-transmits, to the management server, untransmitted event information to which transmission information indicating the event information has not been transmitted is added.

Abstract: Implementations set forth herein relate to an automated assistant that allows third party applications to inject dependencies to leverage automated assistant functions. Furthermore, enabling such dependency injections can allow third party applications to preserve privacy of any application content that is used during execution of automated assistant functions. In some implementations, a third party application can initialize a function with an assistant dependency using parameters that are tagged as private. Initializing a function in such as a way can allow private content communicated between the third party application and the automated assistant to be abstracted for security purposes. The abstracted content can thereafter be communicated to a remote server-such as a server hosting an extensively trained machine learning model. Intelligent output provided by the server can then be incorporated into one or more processes of the third party application without comprising security.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present specification provide a target recognition method, apparatus, and system. The method comprises: obtaining an image recognition result and a radio frequency recognition result of target objects in a target region, and then determining the distribution of the target objects in the target region according to the radio frequency recognition result and the image recognition result. Since the radio frequency recognition result and the image recognition result are fused, the target objects in the target region can be accurately recognized, so as to improve the recognition accuracy.

Abstract: Object selection reward data, including rewards for viewer selection of objects of interest in presented media content of a video stream may be electronically communicated to the user automatically when the user electronically selects the object of interest as it is shown in the screen. Provided is improved functionality to activate an image in the video stream into an object that then can be selectable or become a part of an application running on a receiving device such as a set-top box or other media device. The received video may or may not be taken over by the application running on the set-top box. The video scaling can be preserved, and a part of the application. Alternatively, the whole of the visible video screen may not be a part of the application.

Abstract: Convenience is achieved in performing processing depending on decoding capability in a reception side. High-frame-rate ultra-high-definition image data is processed to obtain first image data for acquisition of a base-frame-rate high-definition image, second image data for acquisition of a high-frame-rate high-definition image by being used with the first image data, third image data for acquisition of a base-frame-rate ultra-high-definition image by being used with the first image data, and fourth image data for acquisition of a high-frame-rate ultra-high definition image by being used with the first to third image data. A container is transmitted including a predetermined number of video streams including encoded image data of the first to fourth image data. Information is inserted into the container, the information corresponding to information that is inserted into each of the predetermined number of video streams and associated with image data included in the video streams.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, analyzing media content to recognize an object therein, wherein the media content is provided as a video stream displayed to a user of a communication device, the media content comprising a plurality of digital frames transported to the communication device over a private network; associating product information of a product with the object; receiving a user input selecting the object; determining providers of goods or services of the product, wherein the providers of goods or services are selected during the determining based on a proximity of the providers to the user of the communication device; and providing the product information to the communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Modulated display AR tracking systems and methods include a display configured to transmit first image content, the image content comprising a first image content frame and a second image content frame and a device comprising an image sensor, a processor and a memory. The device identifies the first image content frame and the second image content frame by distinguishing at least one feature of the first image content frame. The device recognizes at least one tracking pattern embedded of the second image content frame and retrieves a graphical element based on the at least one tracking pattern of the second image content frame. The device displays augmented image content including the first image content frame and the graphical element.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a video editor that can identify and track objects (e.g., products) in a video. The video editor identifies a particular object in one frame of the video and tracks the location of the object in the video. The video editor can update a position of an indicator that tracks the location of the object in the video. In addition, the video editor can identify an identification (ID) of the object which the editor can use to suggest annotations that provide additional information about the object. Once modified, the video is displayed on a user device, and when the viewer sees an object she can is interested in, she can pause the video which causes the indicator to appear. The user can select the indicator which prompts the user device to display the annotations corresponding to the object.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for integrating encoded identifiers (e.g., Quick Response (“QR”) codes) with changing arrangements into different video frames of a video in a manner that blends the encoded identifiers with the pixels, coloring, and/or pattern of the video frames and that allows a particular message to be decoded from each encoded identifier. The blended integration of encoded identifiers may include clustering a first set of images from a video based on an amount of variation in the first set of images, determining visual properties for pixels at a particular location within the first set of images, generating an identifier as a two-dimensional pattern with different colored blocks that encode a particular message using coloring that is derived from the visual properties for the pixels at the particular location, and integrating the identifier into the first set of images at the particular location.

Abstract: The serving of advertisements with (e.g., on) video documents may be improved in a number of ways. For example, a system may (a) accept information defining at least one ad spot associated with at least one instance of an video document, (b) accept offers to have advertisements served in the ad spot(s), and (c) arbitrate among competing advertisements, using at least the offers, to determine at least one advertisement to be served in that ad spot(s). As another example, a system may (a) accept relevance information for an advertisement, (b) determine at least one video document using the accepted relevance information, (c) present information about the video document(s) to an advertiser associated with the advertisement, and (d) accept, from the advertiser, an offer to have its advertisement served with at least one of the video document(s) accepted.

Abstract: In a first information processing apparatus, a plurality of users can be registered. When an application is executed, any of the registered users is selected as an application executing user. Execution state data in which application information indicating the application being executed is associated with the selected user is transmitted to a server. In the server, the execution state data is aggregated to generate aggregate data. In this case, the aggregation is performed such that an execution state of the application is recognizable for each application executing user. The aggregate data is transmitted in response to a request from a second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus displays the execution state of the application for each application executing user on the basis of the received aggregate data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for contextual video content adaptation are disclosed. Video content is adapted based on any number of criteria such as a target device type, viewing conditions, network conditions or various use cases, for example. A target adaptation of content may be defined for a specified video source. For example, based on receiving a request from a portable device for a live sports feed, a shortened and reduced resolution version of the live sport feed video may be defined for the portable device. The source content may be accessed and adapted (e.g., adapted temporally, spatially, etc.) and an adapted version of content generated. For example, the source content may be cropped to a particular spatial region of interest and/or reduced in length to a particular scene. The generated adaptation may be transmitted to a device in response to the request, or stored to a storage device.

Abstract: A system and method for streaming real-time data from a user device to a dispatch unit terminal, where the method includes: identifying a connection between a user device and a call center; sending a link to the user device, wherein the link includes instructions to initiate streaming of real-time data from the user device, and further includes a unique identifier associated with the user device; and sending the real-time data to a dispatch unit terminal, where the unique identifier is used to match the real-time data with the dispatch terminal used in the first connection.

Abstract: A process for simulating an expert experience comprises playing an expert simulation for a user, where the expert simulation is a processed video with tagged objects and untagged objects. During playback, a user may make an unprompted selection of an object in the video of the expert simulation, and the unprompted selection is received. In response to receiving the unprompted selection from the user, an entry interface for the user to enter in a freeform rationale is provided. After the user enters a freeform rationale through the entry interface, the freeform rationale is received. An expert rationale associated with a tagged object is displayed. Further, a process for creating the expert simulation comprises receiving raw video and superimposing a grid onto the raw video. An author tags objects within the video spatially, temporally, or both. Further, freeform data (e.g., an expert rationale) is associated with the tagged object.

Abstract: A universal remote control (URC) is programmed to control a particular type and make of electronic consumer device using a graphical user interface. A plurality of images is displayed on the user-interface. Each image of the plurality of images is a digital photograph of an electronic consumer device or a remote control device usable to control the corresponding electronic consumer device. A user selects the digital photograph of the particular type and make of electronic consumer device or its corresponding remote control device. Codeset information associated with the selected device is transmitted to the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device. If the codeset information is a codeset identifier, then it is displayed on the user interface. The user enters the codeset identifier into the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device.

Abstract: A method and system for searching for mobile applications using a multimedia content element are provided. The system comprises receiving an input search query including the multimedia content element; generating at least one signature for the at least one multimedia content element; generating a textual query using at least the one generated signature; querying at least one application distribution platform using the generated textual search query; analyzing search results returned responsive to the textual query to determine relevancy of mobile applications designated in the search results to the multimedia content element; and causing the display of mobile applications on a user device submitting the input search query.

Abstract: An approach to modifying text captioning is provided, comprising receiving, by a captioning modifier program, input data associated with a video stream, analyzing, by the captioning modifier program, the input data, altering, by the captioning modifier program, text captioning associated with the video stream to indicate eventful aspects based on an analysis of the input data and generating, by the captioning modifier program, supplementary information associated with the video stream based on the analysis and providing the supplementary information as an addition to the text captioning.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include embedding a watermark in media content for presentation at a rendering device using an editor to associate the watermark with one or more metadata pointers that point to additional media content according to an embedded link of the watermark to generate a group of one or more metadata pointers where the watermark includes an embedded link to additional media content used to modify the media content based on a content exchange between the rendering device and a computer. The method may further include storing the group of one or more metadata pointers, where a selection of the watermark invokes access to the altered media content containing the additional media content associated with the watermark, thereby producing the altered media content at the one or more user devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting live action alpha-numeric text to re-rendered and embedded pixel information for video overlay. For example, a computer-implemented method may include converting a captured image of alphanumeric characters into ASCII code, transmitting the ASCII code to a hub, capturing a video stream, generating a first output video stream, wherein the first output video stream includes the captured video stream and an overlay including the ASCII code, converting a captured image of a second set of alphanumeric characters into an ASCII code, transmitting the ASCII code to the hub, generating an updated output video stream, wherein the updated output video stream includes the captured video stream and an updated overlay including the ASCII code, and transmitting the updated output video stream for display.

Abstract: A content providing apparatus for providing a content to a content receiving apparatus. The content providing apparatus includes: a content-information providing mechanism providing content information necessary for specifying a content to be downloaded to the content receiving apparatus; a control-information providing mechanism providing download control information necessary for downloading the content and corresponding to the content specified on the basis of the content information to the content receiving apparatus; a delivery mechanism delivering a broadcast-based content using a broadcasting signal in accordance with a predetermined broadcasting schedule; and a content providing mechanism providing a communication-based content through a network in response to a request from the content receiving apparatus on the basis of the download control information.

Abstract: A system and method for treating an individual at an end user location coping with neurodegeneration are provided. A signal feed includes audiovisual content including personal imagery or video comprising persons, places, or things that are personal to the life of the specific individual. A control device is configured to access the signal feed and select specific audiovisual content. The control device generates an output feed for presenting the selected audiovisual content through one or more displays at the end user location to treat the neurodegeneration of the specific individual by refreshing a memory of the specific individual with the personal imagery or video.

Abstract: Queries regarding access permissions of users and rights to directories in a complex enterprise are executed in near real-time, using lookups to tables that form a condensed database maintained for each file server. User information is condensed by arranging users in user groups having common data access rights. Directory permissions storage is condensed by showing only distinctive permissions to a directory in a table entry, and referencing inherited permissions of parent directories. The tables indicate recursive and ancestral relationships among the user groups and directories. They are developed and updated in advance of any queries. A consolidated view of the query results is presented on a single display screen. Using the tables results can be obtained without exhaustive searches of large file system tables.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an interactive method of a mobile device and a television for displaying content on the mobile device according to that displayed on the television and/or controlling the television by the mobile device includes searching a television in a network initiated from a mobile device and establishing a connection of the mobile device to the television, obtaining media information of content currently displayed on the television, obtaining basic information and a related content resource of the media information from a cloud server, and displaying the basic information and the related content resource of the media information on an interface of the mobile device.

Abstract: Queries regarding access permissions of users and rights to directories in a complex enterprise are executed in near real-time, using lookups to tables that form a condensed database maintained for each file server. User information is condensed by arranging users in user groups having common data access rights. Directory permissions storage is condensed by showing only distinctive permissions to a directory in a table entry, and referencing inherited permissions of parent directories. The tables indicate recursive and ancestral relationships among the user groups and directories. They are developed and updated in advance of any queries. A consolidated view of the query results is presented on a single display screen. Using the tables results can be obtained without exhaustive searches of large file system tables.

Abstract: A method and system for providing video content on a data network connected device having a display and a device display controller including a player. The method comprises the steps of a data network connected device, accesses a reference file including a plurality of player control parameter values and linking data for one or more content sources. Play control commands are provided to the player based on the play control parameter values. Content data is acquired by the player from one or more content sources via the data network using the linking data, and the content acquired from each source played on the display in accordance with the player control commands. The reference file may be a pre-existing reference file or a reference file created in response to a request to play the video content data. A reference file compiler is provided for generating the reference file.

Abstract: A method and system for providing video content on a data network connected device having a display and a device display controller including a player. The method comprises the steps of a data network connected device, accesses a reference file including a plurality of player control parameter values and linking data for one or more content sources. Play control commands are provided to the player based on the play control parameter values. Content data is acquired by the player from one or more content sources via the data network using the linking data, and the content acquired from each source played on the display in accordance with the player control commands. The reference file may be a pre-existing reference file or a reference file created in response to a request to play the video content data. A reference file compiler is provided for generating the reference file.

Abstract: Queries regarding access permissions of users and rights to directories in a complex enterprise are executed in near real-time, using lookups to tables that form a condensed database maintained for each file server. User information is condensed by arranging users in user groups having common data access rights. Directory permissions storage is condensed by showing only distinctive permissions to a directory in a table entry, and referencing inherited permissions of parent directories. The tables indicate recursive and ancestral relationships among the user groups and directories. They are developed and updated in advance of any queries. A consolidated view of the query results is presented on a single display screen. Using the tables results can be obtained without exhaustive searches of large file system tables.

Abstract: In a method and system for creating an extensible media player, a multimedia player application is instantiated on a client system. A presentation data file is transmitted to the client system from a server. The presentation data file includes a playlist of timelines, with at least one multimedia file being played or at least one application being executed for each timeline. The presentation data file is parsed to activate an advertising manager module. The activated advertising manager module instantiates an advertising plug-in. The advertising plug-in connects to an advertising network and downloads select advertising policies and dynamically schedules advertisements for the timelines. Upon the occurrence of an event generated by a timeline, the advertising manager module inserts a blocking module to block execution of the timeline. An advertisement is dynamically retrieved and rendered in an advertising display overlaying a multimedia player application display.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and software are described for providing supplemental content for presentation on a mobile device that identifies a video and a portion within the video. In one embodiment, a system includes a mobile device with an integrated video camera that tracks a display playing a movie. The mobile device automatically identifies the current scene in the movie and then accesses supplemental non-video content related to the identified scene. The accessed supplemental non-video content (e.g., audio, tactile, olfactory data) is then presented to the user at the same time the movie is played.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a digital on-screen graphic may be identified within a multimedia stream for an electronic display. An augmentation overlay may be determined based on the digital on-screen graphic. The augmentation overlay may be presented on the electronic display to at least partially surround the digital on-screen graphic. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of image searching include receiving content, receiving a request to select an image from content, selecting a plurality of items in the image, retrieving information about the selected item, and providing display data based on the retrieved information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for placing an overlay in video content are provided. A method receives video content and input indicating an overlay to be placed in the video. The method determines, based on overlay and video properties, locations where the overlay can be placed. The method presents suggested locations for the overlay and receives a selection of a suggested location. The overlay is placed in the selected location. A system includes memory with instructions for inserting an overlay into video content. The system receives an indication of an overlay to be placed in the video, performs attention modeling on the video to identify zones likely to be of interest to a viewer. The system presents locations within the identified zones where the overlay can be inserted and receives a selection of a location. The system inserts the overlay into the selected location and renders the video with the inserted overlay.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a terminal device, a server device, an information processing method, a program, and a linked application supplying system, which are capable of executing an application in conjunction with progress of content being viewed at a user's home. The terminal device of the present disclosure is characterized in including a database cache unit that acquires and holds reference data which is held in a database of the server device, and a response generation unit that identifies content of an extraction source of signature data included in a second query in response to the second query transmitted from a separate terminal device belonging to a common network, by referring to the reference data in the database cache unit, and generates a second response to be returned to the separate terminal device, including at least the application identifier representing an application to be executed in conjunction with the identified content.

Abstract: Objects in a video are identified, and linked to ecommerce sites and advertisements. A user may select an object and be provided with information about the object. A video stream may be encoded with a separate metadata stream that contains the identity of each object on each frame of the video. The metadata channel may be extracted from a video stream and displayed to a user when the user clicks on the corresponding object. A device may take a video input, analyze it, and recognize the video. The device may look up said video in a database of tagged videos, output as an overlay or separate window to a video display device stream with information about the item. A user interface device may allow a user to select objects on a video screen and select and choose said object for integration with the other components of the system.

Abstract: System and methods for formatting a virtual channel are provides in which, responsive to a user selection of a plurality of time-bounded multimedia events, there is formatted for display the plurality of time-bounded multimedia events in a first virtual channel. The user is enabled to fill a first time slot in the first virtual channel with overlapping time-bounded multimedia events from the plurality of time-bounded multimedia events. A representation of a numeric count of the overlapping time-bounded multimedia events is formatted for display in the first time slot.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for recognizing text from one or more frames of image data using contextual information. In some implementations, image data including a captured textual item is processed to identify an entity in the image data. A context can be selected using the entity, where the context corresponds to a dictionary. Text in the captured textual item can be identified using the dictionary. The identified text can be output to a display device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving content metadata related to content items provided by a content provider; retrieving additional metadata from one or more external sources, the additional metadata including language variations of the content metadata; storing the content metadata with the additional metadata in a storage device, wherein the content metadata is stored in association with the additional metadata; receiving a search request from a user, the search request including one or more search terms expressed in a first language variation; identifying, among the content metadata or the additional metadata, relevant metadata matching the one or more search terms; identifying additional relevant metadata stored in association with the relevant metadata, the additional relevant metadata including language variations of the relevant metadata; and adding one or more additional search terms to the search request, the one or more additional search terms corresponding to the additional relevant meta

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for presenting an interactive video ad in a mobile web browser that does not support embedded video playback in the browser. The interactive video ad comprises an overlay of transparent frame and visible elements, wherein the visible elements include instructions on performing a gesture to interact with the video ad. The system generates an HTML underlay, which is a web page with embedded link to continue playback of the interactive video ad and one or more interactivity options. The HTML underlay is displayed when the gesture is performed. Interactions with the video ad can be selected from the one or more options presented by the HTML underlay.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in games and entertainment systems are provided. The present system produces items for capture on one or more user devices that are triggered by live events. As an example, live events include, but are not limited to sporting events (e.g., football games, basketball games, rounds of golf, tennis matches), political debates, television shows, dramas, and other viewable events. The user of the user device is challenged to capture the correct item at the right moment. If the capture is successful, the user receives a reward.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in the field of bi-directional (or interactive) networks. In some embodiments, bi-directional networks which provide, include, and/or enable point-of-purchase options (e.g., to or within displays or plays of media such as movies, television, and/or video). In some embodiments, bi-directional networks which permit or allow product placements to be directly monetized. In some embodiments, bi-directional or interactive networks which provide and/or include selectively visible advertising. In some embodiments, bi-directional or interactive networks which provide or include selectively visible advertising or point of purchase opportunities which are uniquely associated, affiliated, or connected to a consumer interest. In still other embodiments, methods and/or apparatus for increasing advertising and/or product placement effectiveness and/or for apportioning profits related to commercialization of advertised goods and/or services.

Abstract: A communication system includes: a communication apparatus; and a relay apparatus. The communication apparatus includes: a contents-summary-information address request unit; a contents-summary-information display unit; a selection-information transmission unit; a selection-completion notification unit; and a contents get unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for analyzing user searches of verbal media content associated with media content features. A search query is obtained from a user. Media content items are determined by executing a verbal media content search based at least in part on the search query. The media content items include verbal media content that is relevant to the search query. Data relating to the verbal media content search is stored. A user interest in media content is determined by analyzing the data relating to the verbal media content search.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing coordination between two or more different media distribution channels. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a server and associated client processes disposed ob various components of a managed content distribution network (e.g., cable or satellite network). The server process coordinates with the client processes to obtain user interactivity data useful is assessing the efficacy of certain secondary content (e.g., advertisements). In one variant, input is received from, and provided to, other associated media campaigns (e.g., print, online, and/or telephonic) so as to allow rapid and effective coordination between the campaigns. Mechanisms for improving user engagement to the secondary content are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods to present video and purchasing function content embedded in the video in a single user interface. The user interface may be configured to allow the user watching the video to take an action with respect to the video content, which may include items for purchase, and to allow the user to both watch the video content, and select the item for purchase in one transaction step. In other embodiments, the video content is segmented such that a user is provided the ability to select one or more objects in the video. In other embodiments, the user interface provides a dynamic message such as a “call to action” to a user. The call to action may be timed with the video and/or with the user viewing selections in order to urge a user to take a pre-determined action such as purchase a product, make a donation, and the like.

Abstract: High definition media content processing techniques are described in which enhanced media content rendering techniques may be performed to output high definition media content. In an implementation, luma keying may be provided to define clear pixels in a composite output using an optimum set of graphics processing instructions. In another implementation, techniques are described which may provide clear rectangles in a composite output of one or more video streams. Clear rectangles to appear in the composite output are configured by a media playback application. A texture is arrived at to represent a union of each of the clear rectangles and is applied to form the clear rectangles in the composite output. In another implementation, capture techniques are described in which an image to capture is resolved as strips to an intermediate texture and then from the texture to a capture buffer in system memory.

Abstract: A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generation of interactive programming. An interactive programming server embeds interactive components into a video signal. The interactive programming server receives content from a content source and interactive components from an interactive component source and uses the content and interactive components to generate an interactive Video On Demand (iVOD) interactive program. The iVOD interactive program is transmitted to a participant who views the content and interacts with the interactive components of the iVOD interactive program. The participant's responses to the content is transmitted back to the interactive programming server where the participant responses are incorporated into new content which is used to generate new iVOD interactive programming.

Abstract: An interactive video/multimedia application (IVM application) may specify one or more media assets for playback. The IVM application may define the rendering, composition, and interactivity of one or more the assets, such as video. Video multimedia application data (IVMA data may) be used to define the behavior of the IVM application. The IVMA data may be embodied as a standalone file in a text or binary, compressed format. Alternatively, the IVMA data may be embedded within other media content. A video asset used in the IVM application may include embedded, content-aware metadata that is tightly coupled to the asset. The IVM application may reference the content-aware metadata embedded within the asset to define the rendering and composition of application display elements and user-interactivity features. The interactive video/multimedia application (defined by the video and multimedia application data) may be presented to a viewer in a player application.