Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and systems for synchronizing broadcast and network content, such as web content. It also describes related technology for facilitating linking from broadcast content to related information and e-commerce on a network. One method detailed in this disclosure synchronizes broadcast content with dynamic network content at a network address. This method embeds an identifier in a broadcast, extracts the identifier embedded in broadcast content, and uses the identifier to identify corresponding network content. The method then posts the corresponding network content on a network device located at the network address (e.g., a web page at the URL of the broadcaster). The network device (e.g., web server) is responsive to requests sent to the network address to provide the network content over a network. Using this method, the broadcast content is synchronized with the corresponding network content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating unique signatures for digital video files to locate video sequences within a video file comprising calculating a frame signature for each frame of a first video; and for a second video: calculating a frame signature for each frame of the second video for corresponding first video frame signatures, calculating a frame distance between each of the corresponding video frame signatures, determining video signature similarity between the videos, and searching within a video signature similarity curve to determine a maximum corresponding to the first video within the second video. The method further applies area augmentation to the video signature similarity curve to determine a maximum from among a plurality of maxima corresponding to the first video file within the second video file.

Abstract: A system and method for adding hyperlinked information to a television broadcast in which an interactive content icon is used. The broadcast material is analyzed and one or more regions within a frame are identified. Additional information can be associated with a region, and can be transmitted in encoded form, using timing information to identify the frame with which the information is associated. A receiver displays the annotation information associated with the video signal in response to a viewer request on a frame by frame basis. The interactive content icon can be used to inform a viewer of the presence of hyperlinked information, for teaching the viewer how to use the system, and for informing the viewer about the hyperlinked information.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a t-commerce platform, which is linked to the content from a video signal that the user is currently watching. At some point during the broadcast of the content, a close-up of the product is shown. Simultaneous with this, a VBI-based trigger is added to the video signal of the broadcast. This trigger causes the television, a set-top box, or a similar device to capture in a memory, a “freeze-frame” of the image being shown. This action is transparent to the user while the video being displayed on the television is continuing normally. If the user chooses to perform an interactive “buy” transaction the saved image data is used as part of the interactive screen display.

Abstract: A method includes receiving at a set-top box a broadcast signal including closed-captioning content. The closed-captioning content includes subtitles related to the broadcast signal and uniform resource locator (URL) data. The URL data is extracted from the closed-captioning content. The URL data is stored in a memory of the set-top box.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for invoking third-party call control via a cable-television host device. A video signal is received into a cable-television host device, the video signal comprising an identifier associated with a first telephony endpoint. A command is received into the cable-television host device, the command requesting establishment of a communication session between the first telephony endpoint and a second telephony endpoint. A message is transmitted via a packet-switched network from the cable-television host device to a network entity, wherein the message comprises content based at least in part on the identifier, and wherein the message further comprises content for causing the network entity to invoke third-party call control to attempt to establish the communication session between the first telephony endpoint and the second telephony endpoint.

Abstract: A method for automated content insertion into a video sequence. The video sequence comprising a sequence of frames is received. An automated determination is made of non-moving pixels in the sequence of frames. Thereafter, an automated identification is made of valid regions comprising the non-moving pixels which are suitable for unobtrusive content insertion. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An in-context interactive television ticker is provided. The ticker is rendered on a display screen that also shows a television program, and presents ticker content that is in-context with subject matter of the television program. The ticker remains rendered and context-sensitive to the subject matter of the currently shown television program, whenever there is a change in the television program, such as when the subject matter of the current television program changes, when a commercial interruption occurs during the television program, or when the television channel is changed. The ticker is interactive in that the viewer can perform various interactive operations with the ticker, including interacting with the ticker to obtain additional information related to an in-context item presented by the ticker.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide personal video recording trick modes are provided. In one example, a method that provides a trick mode in a personal video recording system may include the steps of receiving a transport stream; storing data from the transport stream in a data storage; generating index table using the data from the transport stream; receiving a trick mode command; and accessing, based on the trick mode command, particular data in the data storage using the index table.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying, by a device, an addressable video stream selected for viewing by a user of the device; obtaining, by the device, geographic metadata for the addressable video stream in response to the device identifying the addressable video stream, the geographic metadata including a location metadata element identifying a geographic location that describes a corresponding identifiable event within the addressable video stream; retrieving, by the device, location information about the geographic location based on the corresponding location metadata element; and displaying by the device the location information to the user, for presentation to the user of the location information that provides a geographic context for the identifiable event.

Abstract: A method of providing a frame-based object redirection overlay for a video stream provided by a third-party content provider and hosted by a host provider that may or may not be the same as the third-party content provider. One or more objects depicted within a frame of a video stream are selected. A user is presented with a tag corresponding to the selected object. Upon detection of the user's selection of the tag, the user is presented with options corresponding to the selected tag. The options are determined by the location of the user, the user's preferences, and enforcement of localization rules. Upon detection of the user's selection of an option, an action is taken that corresponds to the user's selection of the option.

Abstract: A communication terminal according to the invention aims at improving convenience by proper reflection of a user's intention changing in accordance with a status of the terminal. A portable phone terminal provided with a broadcast program reception function, including: a program reservation unit 31 for reserving a process for a broadcast program; a terminal status detection unit 42 for detecting a status of the terminal; and a terminal operation control unit 43 for performing control to correct the reserved process in accordance with the terminal status up to a predetermined point of time.

Abstract: A television broadcasting device 1 transmits a television signal onto which control data for controlling a browser function of a television receiver 2 has been multiplexed. A television screen generating section 20 generates a television screen based on the received television signal. A browser display instruction obtaining section 71, a URL obtaining section 72, and a display style information obtaining section 73 extract the control data multiplexed onto the television signal. When a browser display instruction 111 is received, a microcomputer 51 receives a content 102 corresponding to a URL 112 from a server 3, and generates a browser screen based thereon. A screen combining section 30 combines the browser screen with the television screen in accordance with display style information 113 received from the microcomputer 51. Thus, it is possible to display the browser screen in a combined form with the television screen in accordance with a display style designated by a broadcaster of the television signal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a hybrid fiber network (HFN) means to identify a fiber node by a unique address. An addressing module is installed in proximity to, or collocated with, a fiber node. The addressing module comprises an addressing module identifier that associates the addressing module with a particular fiber node. Network parameter values are received from the fiber node by the addressing module and reported to a reporting station.

Abstract: A method for controlling presentation of items of enhanced content in an interactive television system comprising at least one distribution unit and a plurality of decoder units arranged to store items of enhanced content and cause them to be presented to a user on receipt of a trigger signal from the distribution unit, the method comprising: storing the items of enhanced content at the decoder units; storing at the distribution unit a schedule indicating a desired synchronisation between the items of enhanced content and a running program with which the enhanced content is associated, the running program comprising a timing stream and a series of periodic indications of the identity of the running program; transmitting the running program to the decoder units over a transmission channel via the distribution unit; and at the distribution unit analysing traffic passing over the transmission channel so as to determine whether the said periodic indications of the identity of the running program continue to be de

Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a video disc player for offering a product shown in a video for purchase. The method comprises examining a disc containing the video to determine whether the disc contains trigger data associated with the video; requesting the trigger data associated with the video from a remote server if the examining determines that the disc does not contain the trigger data associated with the video; downloading the trigger data associated with the video from the remote server using a network connection; and storing the trigger data associated with the video in a memory of the video player, wherein at least one trigger data includes a time indicating when a trigger is to occur during the playing of the video on the disc, the at least one trigger corresponding to the display of a product shown in the video.

Abstract: A system that facilitates interactions with a digital video feed. During operation, the system receives the digital video feed, which includes a corresponding content feed, wherein the corresponding content feed is synchronized with the digital video feed, and wherein the corresponding content feed contains information associated with moving objects within the digital video feed. Next, the system plays the digital video feed within a viewer and allows a user to select a moving object being displayed within the viewer. In response to the selection, the system obtains content associated with the moving object and displays the content to the user.

Abstract: A contents URL notification system is configured to notify users of contents URLs using TV sets. In the contents URL notification system, a server computer of a content provider transmits information related to the contents URL (URL information) to a client computer via an electronic communication network. The client computer prepares TV data for broadcasting the URL information received from the server computer. A terminal device of the user accesses the server computer via the electronic communication network according to the URL information extracted from the TV data thus prepared with the client computer.

Abstract: The address information for reading the detailed information of a computer server which provides the detailed information of distribution information displayed on a predetermined display screen together with a single program or plural programs is transmitted with each program information, so as to realize an information transmitting method and a television broadcasting receiving apparatus which easily obtain, if necessary, the detailed information of the distribution information transmitted with each program information without storage of it at a receiving side.

Abstract: A method for providing a broadcasting service containing contents includes: generating contents representations metadata for describing possible representations of the contents; and outputting the contents representations metadata, wherein the contents representations metadata includes one or more contents representations description elements which describe a metadata tool defined by a standard specification.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for nonintrusive monitoring of web browser usage are disclosed. An example method for monitoring web browsing disclosed herein comprises obtaining a video signal from a video output of a device implementing a web browser, processing a video image obtained from the video signal to identify a region of the video image displaying at least a portion of the web browser, determining textual information displayed by the web browser in the identified region of the video image, and using the textual information to record usage of the web browser.

Abstract: A method of obtaining metadata associated with an element of television programming involves instructing an access device to generate and communicate a signal to a control device suitable for driving a display, wherein the signal contains metadata suitable for rendering on a display device in a visual representation; receiving the signal and storing a representation of the video frame; processing the video frame using OCR to extract enough information to identify an element of television programming content from the video frame; processing the video frame to extract sufficient information to identify an element of television programming content from the video frame; and retrieving metadata associated with the identified element of television programming content from a television programming content source of metadata. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An instrument panel display system includes a liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal controller arranged to generate display data to be inputted into the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal controller includes a graphic LSI arranged to autonomously create screen data from imaging data read out from a memory and image data inputted in the graphic LSI, and a control LSI arranged to receive vehicle data and create an imaging operation switching command according to the vehicle data. The graphic LSI creates the screen data in response to the imaging operation switching command, and outputs the screen data as the display data. This configuration can reduce the load on a processor connected to the vehicle network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using tokens to link the television and the Internet platforms. The tokens are tightly encoded into the content and a registry controls the linking of the television content to specific Internet-based content. The registry also polices the validity of the tokens and optionally provides the token owner with continued control over the Internet content associated with that token. When the two platforms are linked successfully, the consumer receives quality content, while being protected from unwanted Internet content.

Abstract: A media enhancement system and method, the system including a media player structured to deliver a media selection to a user and an enhancement registry associated with the media selection and including time data and/or other data associated with the media selection and a communicative link to additional materials. A user interface is further provided and operatively associated with the media player to receive a user input during delivery of the media selection by the media player, the media player further structured to identify a corresponding time marker of the media selection at a time that corresponds receipt of the user input. Finally, an activation assembly is provided to access the enhancement registry and to correspondingly activate the communicative link for delivery of the additional materials to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method of providing communications services. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving data related to an attainable bandwidth of a communications loop coupled to a customer premise equipment (CPE) device, wherein at least one first communications service is provided by a private access network via the CPE device. The method also includes selecting at least one additional communications service to be offered, the at least one additional communications service selected based at least partially on the attainable bandwidth.

Abstract: To provide a technology of properly specifying a process target frame in a dynamic image in accordance with a user's instruction. A frame specifying device plays a dynamic image, receives, when a user performs an operation of instructing execution of a process about a partial scene in the dynamic image, an instruction signal based on the user's operation, and specifies, as triggered by receiving the instruction signal, a frame under the play or a frame distanced by a predetermined length of time from the frame under the play as the process target frame when receiving the instruction signal in the frames constructing the dynamic image.

Abstract: A motion image distribution system includes a server and a use terminal. The server generates a feature quantity table CHT1 representing a data structure of motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates the motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT1. Then, the server transmits the motion image encoded data VDE and the feature quantity table CHT1 to the user terminal. The user terminal generates a feature quantity table CHT2 representing a data structure of the received motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates received motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT2. Then, the user terminal plays back the motion image encoded data VDE and outputs motion image playback information.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

Abstract: A uniform resource indicator (URI) pointer system and method are provided for retrieving MPEG-4 data pointers in an MPEG-2 TS. The method comprises: receiving an MPEG-2 TS; locating a URI in the TS; in response to the URI, accessing an address; in response to accessing the address, retrieving MPEG-4 resources; and, decoding the MPEG-4 resources. The URI pointer can be a local cache address, a Web protocol identifier (such as http), and/or a local identifier (lid). In some aspects, the MPEG-2 TS may include MPEG-4 resources organized in an Object Carousal (OC) transport protocol. Then, lid URIs provide a binding name and access scheme to the objects in the OC. For example, a lid URI may be embedded in an Initial Object Descriptor (IOD) to locate resources in the OC such as a binary format for scenes (BIFS) scene description stream and/or an object descriptor stream.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus may be controlled in response to selecting an advertisement displayed in connection with a productivity or communication application software program being operated on a video processing apparatus. The advertisement includes control information, which is used by the video processing apparatus to control an operating mode thereof. The control information may include both time and channel data as well as a recording data for programming a timer. Alternately, the control information may only include program data, which is passed to the electronic program guide to determine the time and channel information associated with the program data.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the organization and presentation of video e-mails containing embedded video provides a repository for distinguishing video e-mails from regular e-mails, displays the contents of the repository (e.g., as a list of thumbnails, etc.), and, in response to their selection, streams embedded videos from within the e-mail client where the body of an e-mail is usually displayed.

Abstract: The invention relates to properly protecting broadcast contents stored on a receiver side from copying without permission and illegal use in server type broadcasting. According to the invention, contents are sent from a broadcast sending side in a state in which copyright information for the contents is added to the contents. On the other hand, on a receiving client side applicable to server type digital broadcasting, it is possible to perform appropriate control for reproduction of contents and recording reservation on the basis of copyright information for contents such as the number of times of reproduction of contents, restriction of display resolution at the time of reproduction of contents, and an expiration date of content reproduction. According to this copyright information, it is possible to perform detailed control for a display device incorporated in or connected to a receiver.

Abstract: A system for providing an interactive look-and-feel in a digital video broadcast via an X-Y protocol is provided. At a head-end, video information is digitized and associated with private data, such as event identifications, X-Y coordinates, link event identification and synchronization data. This information is then transmitted to a receiving end and is input into a set-top box. The set-top box receives the broadcast digital signal and includes a member for receiving the broadcast digital signal and generating a playable signal including indicia of the link data. The playable signal is then played on a playing device. The user is provided with a remote control or similar input device for selecting from the indicia. Upon selection of a desired indicia, the user may exercise the predetermined link associated with the selected indicia in order to obtain the desired playable signal.

Abstract: A system for transmitting auxiliary data within a modulated video signal from a broadcast source to a hand-held device with a slot, the system comprising the broadcast source comprises means for transmitting auxiliary data to the slotted hand-held device via the modulated video signal; an interface device electronically coupled to the hand-held device via the slot and comprises a card microcontroller, a receiver electronically coupled to the card microcontroller for receiving the modulated video signal from the broadcast source, and circuitry electronically coupled to the card microcontroller and the receiver for demodulating the modulated video signal and reproducing the auxiliary data, and transferring the auxiliary data to the hand-held device via an interface protocol, and the hand-held device with the slot comprises a microcontroller for processing the signal auxiliary data received via the interface protocol from the interface device.

Abstract: A method for delivering advertising to a consumer over a broadcast media/global communication network combination. An advertisement broadcast is generated comprised of a general program and associated advertising dispersed therethrough for broadcast over a broadcast media which is directed to a general class of consumers. Unique information is embedded in the broadcast for inducing a consumer to access a desired advertiser's location on the global network system over a personal computer-based system. The advertisement broadcast is then broadcast to the potential class of consumers with the embedded unique information therein.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

Abstract: A media content sharing concept wherein users are able to share highlights or other portions of content with friends. The concept may be used in any number of environments where electronic media, such as but not limited to audio, video, and multi-media, is transferable between a number of users. Bookmarks or other features may be used to facilitate accessing the video clips for subsequent viewing.

Abstract: A method and system for auxiliary data detection. Data is received on a hand-held device from a display of a signal on a monitor. The signal is visually displayed on the monitor at a frequency. A modulated video signal is received on the hand-held device from a display device. The modulated video signal contains auxiliary data modulated within a video signal in a substantially invisible way. The modulated video signal is demodulated to obtain the auxiliary data. At least one of the data or the auxiliary data is processed to identify a promotional opportunity available through the hand-held device. The user of the hand-held device is notified of availability of the promotional opportunity through the hand-held device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for interacting with video by displaying one or more interface links associated with video content being displayed, pausing the video content when an interface link is interacted with, allowing the user to view ancillary content the interface link is linked to over a network, and un-pausing the video content after the user elects to continue viewing the video content. In one or more embodiments, the ancillary content may permit e-commerce, display additional video or other images, and/or include links to additional ancillary content. The present invention also includes a method for creating an interactive video.

Abstract: A video program broadcasting apparatus includes a program table storage unit and a program-URL matching table storage unit. The URL of a video program which is being broadcasted at the present is acquired by a URL generation unit with respect to a plurality of video programs which are sequentially broadcasted depending on the time schedule of a video program table. The URL of the video program which is being broadcasted at the present and the URLs of video programs which were broadcasted are invisibly embedded by steganography. The video program URL is converted into a simple code, and the code is invisibly embedded by steganography in a video program which is being broadcasted.

Abstract: For integration of televising advertising with Internet shopping, a link to a web page intended for ordering of advertised product is multiplexed with a stream of video data. At the receiving side, a processor embedded in a set-top box with a USB port detects the link and when the commercial is in progress displays a message prompting a user to save the link. If the user responds, the processor saves the link in a flash drive plugged into the USB port. As a result, the user can watch TV without interruption and shop online at a time of his or her choice by simply pulling the flash drive from the set-top, plugging it into a USB port of a computer with Internet connection and using the link to access the web page for additional information and ordering the product. Optionally, the commercial itself could be recorded on the flash drive and replayed in the computer at the time of online shopping.

Abstract: A viewer of television programming is alerted to the availability of content related to the programming (e.g. an associated Internet web page) by an icon momentarily displayed on the screen. Using a remote control, the viewer can select the icon. A control panel then appears, superimposed over the television image, and provides additional detail about the related content. By further operating the remote control, the viewer can select the associated content for viewing, or return to watching the television. Various other features and variations are disclosed.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A method of processing television content metadata in a communications system. The system includes a consumer device (e.g., a set-top box and/or television) in communication with an auxiliary display device (e.g., webpad). A broadcast television channel video image signal and the metadata are received by the consumer device. A single video image frame of the broadcast television channel video image signal is captured when a predefined indicator is detected in the metadata. The metadata is modified by changing the predefined indicator to an image identifier associated with the single video image frame. The single video image frame is converted to a well-known format, and the consumer device sends the modified metadata and the converted single video image frame to the auxiliary display device for display thereon.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of obtaining information associated with a television access device used in a television reception system, wherein the method is carried out in a control device that does not have direct access to the configuration information of the access device involves directing the access device to generate and communicate a signal to the control device suitable for driving a display, wherein the signal contains a visual representation of one or more successive video frames containing at least one or more of the following: a service provider logo, a VOD channel accessible by the access device, a broadcast channel accessible by the access device, a program content stored on the access device, an access device model identifier, a MAC address, a software version and a system time on a display; receiving the signal and storing a representation of the video frame; processing the video frame using optical character recognition (OCR) and pattern matching to extract information from the video frame; a

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying additional information on a TV program is disclosed. In the present invention, both a detail information included in the additional information transmitted by a broadcasting station or detail information obtained from an external source such as the Internet may be displayed to a user, it requested.