Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a data delivery network are disclosed. The methods comprise requesting multimedia content delivery, the request comprising an indication of available bandwidth, receiving an indication of an expected performance threshold of a multimedia content item associated with the request for multimedia content, determining a fetch time for the multimedia content item to be delivered from a first data delivery network, and, in response to the fetch time being above the expected performance threshold, selecting a second data delivery network to deliver the multimedia content item.

Abstract: The disclosure provide methods and content consumption devices that enable a scene, for example a 360° scene, that is larger (i.e. has more pixels in at least one dimension) than a display format of the content consumption device to be displayed. Constituent scene views are received individually by the content consumption device, for example as broadcasts, and are combined, for example stitched together, at the content consumption device to output a part of the scene that fits in the display format. The part of the scene (and hence the required constituent streams) to be displayed are determined by a signal, for example a navigational input from a user, enabling the user to navigate in the scene.

Abstract: System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

Abstract: Systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms or apparatus for streaming content toward client devices, comprising a content delivery system configured to automatically ingest content asset packages and publish identifying data associated with content assets encrypted and stored therein at a content delivery network (CDN), a virtualized Digital Rights Management (DRM) platform configured to provide content encryption keys to the content delivery system and to authorized client devices, and a virtualized services platform configured to interact with client devices to authenticate client devices, receive client device content requests, and cause the CDN to transmit requested content to an authorized client device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a data delivery network are disclosed. The methods comprise requesting multimedia content delivery, the request comprising an indication of available bandwidth, receiving an indication of an expected performance threshold of a multimedia content item associated with the request for multimedia content, determining a fetch time for the multimedia content item to be delivered from a first data delivery network, and, in response to the fetch time being above the expected performance threshold, selecting a second data delivery network to deliver the multimedia content item.

Abstract: A scalable multiviewer system including at least one communication circuit is described. The at least one communication circuit includes at least one input being associated with at least one data source. The at least one communication circuit further includes at least one output being associated with at least one data sink. The at least one communication circuit further includes at least one channel interface for an inter-circuit communication channel being configured to transfer data between the at least one communication circuit and at least one further communication circuit. The at least one communication circuit further includes a processing circuit being configured to receive an input signal from the at least one input. The processing circuit further is configured to selectively transmit the input signal to the at least one output or to the at least one channel interface based on at least one preset communication parameter.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and storage media for authenticating a remote viewing device for rendering digital content are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: transmit an initial display to be displayed on the viewing device; receive a request, from the viewing device, to view content; transmit an indication of the request to a mobile device associated with a user who is authorized to view the content; receive, from the mobile device, approval of the viewing device for viewing the content; and authenticate the viewing device for viewing the content in response to the approval of viewing device whereby the content can be viewed on the viewing device.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods that use artificial intelligence and/or machine learning to dynamically allocate services at different times and at different network edge locations within a Multi-Access Edge (“MEC”) enhanced network based on a multitude of factors that change the priorities of the services at the different times and at the different edge locations. For instance, a MEC controller, controlling the allocation of resources at a particular edge location, may modify the allocation of services at that particular edge location at different times based on time and/or location sensitive events that occur at different times and that relate to different services, changing usage patterns that are derived from prior service utilization, and/or categorization of the services as permanent, time insensitive, or other categories of services with permissions to execute at different times from different edge locations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for a system of capturing and sharing media. In an embodiment, a request for multimedia content is received from a requesting device comprising a tuner to which the requested multimedia content is unavailable. A first device of the plurality of devices to which the requested multimedia content is currently available is selected, the first device using a narrow band tuner tuned to the requested multimedia content. Access is provided to the requested multimedia content to the requesting device from the first device. It is determined that the narrow band tuner of the first device is changed from the requested multimedia content to different content. A second device of the plurality of devices to which the requested multimedia content is currently available is selected and access to the requested multimedia content is provided to the requesting device from the second device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for delivery of one or more channels of programming in an IP network. An edge gateway device may retrieve segments of programming, based on information in a manifest file, and output the segments via multicast to one or more edge devices. Advertising content may be inserted, or replaced if already present, before the segments are multicast. Segments encoded at various bit rates may be available for retrieval. Segments may be selected for retrieval based in part on a quality indicator associated with each segment.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method of managing processing capability of a server system having one or more processing cores that further include multiple processing slices. Upon receiving requests to initiate online gaming sessions, the server system allocates each processing slice of the processing cores to a subset of the online gaming sessions to be executed thereon. A first processing slice is allocated to a first subset of the online gaming sessions including a first gaming session and a second gaming session. At the first processing slice, a time-sharing processing schedule is determined for the first subset of the online gaming sessions. In accordance with the time-sharing processing schedule, the first and second gaming sessions share a duty cycle of the first processing slice, and are executed dynamically and in parallel according to real-time data processing need of the first and second gaming sessions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an edge compute node comprises processing circuitry to: receive an incoming video stream captured by a camera, wherein the incoming video stream comprises a plurality of video segments; store the plurality of video segments in a receive buffer in a memory; perform a visual computing task on a first video segment in the receive buffer; detect a resource overload on the edge compute node; receive load information corresponding to a plurality of peer compute nodes; select a peer compute node to perform the visual computing task on a second video segment in the receive buffer; replicate the second video segment from the edge compute node to the peer compute node; and receive a compute result from the peer compute node, wherein the compute result is based on the peer compute node performing the visual computing task on the second video segment.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for prioritizing content delivery. Content files associated with one of a plurality of content types are received and saved in one of a plurality of delivery queues according to the content type of the content file where each delivery queue is associated with a priority. In turn, the content files saved in the plurality of delivery queues are delivered over one or more networks to one or more affiliate systems. The transmission order of the content files is based on the priority of the delivery queue.

Abstract: A reception apparatus includes receiver and processing circuitry. The receiving circuitry is configured to receive a broadcast stream. The processing circuitry is configured to extract a service list table (SLT) from the broadcast stream. The SLT includes service information for each of a plurality of services in the broadcast stream. The processing circuitry is configured to determine whether the broadcast stream includes a digital rights management (DRM) service that is supported by the reception apparatus based on service category information in the service information for the plurality of services in the broadcast stream. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire DRM-related information, which is associated with the reception apparatus and delivered in the DRM service, based on a determination that the broadcast stream includes the DRM service that is supported by the reception apparatus.

Abstract: Servers and method for use in creating a random reward are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving a request for a random reward from an organizer, establishing a random reward in response to the request, transmitting a credential associated with the random reward to a player, and crediting gaming activity associated with the credential to the random reward. Access to the random reward is limited to players presenting the credential.

Abstract: Mechanisms for presenting media content items using multiple devices are provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transmitting data and a network device are provided. In an example of the method, after an interface board and a logical channel both corresponding to first data to be sent are determined, when the logical channel has a capability to send the first data, second data is obtained by adding header information of an interface board identifier and a logical channel identifier to the first data, and stored in a buffer corresponding to the logical channel. Next, when the second data is sent, the second data is read from the buffer, the interface board identifier and the logical channel identifier are obtained from the header information of the read second data, the first data is obtained by removing the header information from the read second data, and the obtained first data is sent to the interface board corresponding to the interface board identifier.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method of managing processing capability of a server system having one or more processing cores that further include multiple processing slices. Upon receiving requests to initiate online gaming sessions, the server system allocates each processing slice of the processing cores to a subset of the online gaming sessions to be executed thereon. A first processing slice is allocated to a first subset of the online gaming sessions including a first gaming session and a second gaming session. At the first processing slice, a time-sharing processing schedule is determined for the first subset of the online gaming sessions. In accordance with the time-sharing processing schedule, the first and second gaming sessions share a duty cycle of the first processing slice, and are executed dynamically and in parallel according to real-time data processing need of the first and second gaming sessions.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for dynamically switching states of remote control devices. A remote control device may receive voice data from a user, send the voice data to another device which may pass the voice signals to a server. The server may determine instructions associated with responding to the voice signals and send the instructions to the other device, which may convert the instructions to remote control commands. The other device may send the commands along with state information to the remote control device, allowing the remote control device to emit commands determined by the other device and to map other command signals to possible inputs which the remote control device may receive.

Abstract: Method and system for Internet Protocol (IP) provisioning over a cable network. The method and system including a plurality of embedded settop boxes (eSTBs) of at least two different vendors requesting IP provisioning according to a first protocol. The method and system further including a network provisioning unit (NPU) in communication with the eSTBs over the network for responding to the eSTB IP provisioning requests with IP provisioning data, wherein the eSTB IP provisioning data is outputted according to the first protocol such that provisioning of the eSTBs is standard for each vendor in so far as each eSTB utilizes the first protocol for provisioning.

Abstract: A method is provided, including the following operations: capturing images of an interactive environment by an image capture device; analyzing the captured images to track motion of a user's head in the interactive environment; providing a view through a display screen of a three-dimensional (3-D) information space, wherein the view of the 3-D information space is defined from a perspective that is determined by the tracked motion of the user's head in the interactive environment, the perspective being dynamically updated in response to the motion of the user's head; wherein the 3-D information space includes a plurality of predefined content regions that are configured to present respectively assigned visual content, the content regions being visually accessible through the display screen based on the provided view of the 3-D information space.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a media device, media content from a media content server. A portion of the media content includes a first item concurrently depicted with a second item. The method includes receiving an input indicating a selection of the second item within the media content. The method includes, in response to the input, sending an identification request for information corresponding to the second item to an identification server in response to the input. The identification request includes data relating to a depiction of the second item. The method also includes receiving the information from the identification server in response to the identification request.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for improving a user's dwell time on streaming media is provided. The present invention may include receiving user information; receiving access to a media stream; analyzing the media stream for stream information; evaluating user activity for abandonment; predicting, based on user information, stream information, and user activity, likely points of abandonment; identifying, based on user information and stream information, points of interest within the media stream; generating, based on the points of interest, the likely points of abandonment, or the user activity, one or more interactive elements, where the one or more interactive elements inform the viewer of the one or more points of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed are an information packet download method for preventing high concurrency, an electronic device, and a non-volatile computer readable storage medium. The method includes: adjusting a current probability of downloading an information packet based on download environment information; receiving an information packet query request for downloading the information packet from a client, and determining whether to allow the client to download the information packet based on the current probability and the information packet query request; and when it is determined to allow the client to download the information packet, sending a download instruction to the client in response to the information packet query request, to make the client download the information packet.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving, from a browser executed by a client device, a request to initiate gameplay of a cloud video game; responsive to receiving the request, transmitting to the client device a web application, and initiating execution of the cloud video game by a cloud game machine to generate a first video stream including video content encoded in a first video format; transmitting the first video stream from the cloud game machine to a streaming server; identifying, by the streaming server, a type of the browser; responsive to identifying the type of the browser, transcoding the first video stream to a second video format, to generate a second video stream; transmitting, by the streaming server, the second video stream to the web application, that is configured to receive and process the second video stream to provide the video content of the cloud video game for rendering to a display.

Abstract: A data live streaming method is provided. The data live streaming method includes: receiving, by at least one processor, frame data from clients in a client set, wherein each client in the client set is synchronously running a target application; broadcasting, by the at least one processor, the frame data to each client in the client set to perform data exchange; and synchronously sending, by the at least one processor, the frame data to a mobile terminal, wherein the mobile terminal generates live streaming data corresponding to the target application according to the frame data and prestored data corresponding to the target application.

Abstract: A data storage device may comprise a network interface configured to couple to a computer network; a memory configured to store at least one of a first, second and third media file, at least two of the first to third media files being configured differently from one another; and a processor coupled to the memory and to the network interface. The processor may be configured to generate a media stream by at least sequentially applying at least one filter to one or more of the first to third media files; sequentially reformatting one or more of the first to third media files such that each or some substantially conforms to a common format; ordering the filtered and/or reformatted media files according to a selectable metric; aggregating the media files together to generate the media stream; and making the media stream accessible to the computer network over the network interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for handing off media content. A media player client receives a request to transfer a media stream, which is playing on a first media device, to a second media device. In response to determining that the second media device comprises a larger screen than the first media device, the media player content determines, based on the genre and resolution of the media stream data, whether the media stream data can be transferred, from the first media device to the second media device.

Abstract: A time slice video generating server includes a video receiving unit configured to receive multiple videos recorded by multiple cameras; a packaging unit configured to generate multiple packaging data by adding slice information to frames included in the received multiple videos; a video transmission unit configured to transmit at least one datum from the multiple packaging data to a user device in response to a play request received from the user device; and a time slice video providing unit configured to generate a time slice video based on the multiple packaging data in response to request to generate a time slice video received from the user device and transmit the generated time slice video to the user device.

Abstract: An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions which when executed, cause the processor to, in a first operation when the electronic device is connected to a first external accessory device via the electrical connector, receive at least one first identification (ID) from the first external accessory device via the electrical connector, render a first screen including a first plurality of icons for application programs on the memory based at least in part on the first ID, and provide data associated with the first screen to an external display through the first external accessory device via the electrical connector and in a second operation when the electronic device is connected to a second external accessory device via the electrical connector, receive at least one second ID from the second external accessory device via the electrical connector, the second ID being of the same type as the first ID, receive at least one third ID from the s

Abstract: Techniques are provided for dynamic adaptation of language understanding systems to acoustic environments. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes generating a trigger in response to recognition of a wake-on-voice key-phrase in or prior to an audio stream. The trigger serves to switch processing modes from an adaptation mode to a query recognition mode. The method further includes performing automatic speech recognition on the audio stream during the query recognition mode, to recognize an in-domain query. The method further includes applying both a static language understanding classifier and a dynamic language understanding classifier to the recognized in-domain query. The static language understanding classifier employs a static semantic model and the dynamic language understanding classifier employs a dynamic semantic model.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system has a server coupled to a data repository and having a processor executing software, a VR game stored in the data repository; and a first network-connected appliance having a display screen, in communication with the network-connected server over the network. The server interacts with the first appliance enabling a user to play a VR game, and prepares a data stream based on the interaction to be streamed to a second computerized appliance, enabling a user of the second computerized appliance to view the activity of a virtual object of the user of the first network-connected computerized appliance as a passive observer from the viewpoint of the avatar, having no control input.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for the solid state capture of broadcast media. Multimedia content is received by a first tuner over one or more channels. A request is received from a networked device for the multimedia content from a particular one of the channels. The requested multimedia content is unavailable to a second tuner of the networked device. The requested multimedia content is provided over a network to the networked device.

Abstract: Systems for efficiently providing multiple commentary streams for the same underlying broadcast content may include client applications that enable a user/viewer to select multiple commentary streams for a variety of events from one or more content sources. Exemplary broadcast content may include television shows, movies, and events that may include, for example, a plurality of live and/or recorded poker tournaments, eSports events, and the like. For each event, the systems also may enable a user/viewer to select from one or more live and/or recorded commentaries associated with the event. The event content and the commentary stream may be displayed in different display regions on a single device (such as a computer) or may be displayed simultaneously on different devices. Various technical advantages may be achieved by separating the event content from the commentary content. Revenue for the broadcast may be shared between the event content provider and the commentary content providers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating secondary content scheduling and dynamic insertion for users of a managed content distribution network, such as a cable, satellite, of HFCu network. In one embodiment, the secondary content comprises advertising content which is directly related or tied to demographics, psychographics, and/or other metrics of applicability to one or more users of the content distribution network. Individual insertion opportunities are identified (either in advance or dynamically), and relevant or targeted secondary content is dynamically “switched in” for delivery to the one or more users via interaction between a local or client application (e.g., operative on the user's set top box or personal electronic device) and a switched digital video entity of the network, and subsequently switched out if no longer required, thereby conserving network bandwidth and/or other resources.

Abstract: A reception apparatus includes receiver and processing circuitry. The receiver circuitry is configured to receive a broadcast stream including a service list table (SLT) and a digital rights management (DRM) data service. The SLT includes service information for the DRM data service. The processing circuitry is configured to extract the service information for the DRM data service from the SLT included in the received broadcast stream. The service information for the DRM data service includes a DRM system identifier. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire DRM information from the DRM data service based on whether a condition regarding the reception apparatus or a user of the reception apparatus is satisfied.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for software defined networking system to provide network service and bandwidth prioritization in a customer's network. The user equipment devices can be connected to a gateway device on a premise network. The gateway device or a server communicably coupled to the gateway device can include an intelligence agent that can prioritize bandwidth, network services, user equipment devices based on a variety of contexts. The intelligence agent can also dynamically increase or decrease the bandwidth available to the gateway device in some embodiments. In an embodiment, the software defined networking system can also instantiate virtual network functions on either the local gateway device or the cloud server in order to provide functionality for one or more network services used by the user equipment device on site.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an encoder having a controller adapted to receive a digital video stream with metadata, retrieve from at least a portion of the metadata a native video format, configure encoding of at least a portion of the digital video stream according to the retrieved native video format, generate from at least the portion of the digital video stream an encoded video stream conforming to a moving picture experts group format and the native video format, and submit the encoded video stream to an acquisition server for multicast distribution. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method including providing, by a processor in a dongle coupled to a display device, a graphical user interface at the display device, and transmitting a message to an authentication server in accordance with authentication information stored in a storage device of the dongle and an input via the graphical user interface. The method also includes obtaining an authentication confirmation; obtaining content from a content server; and recording the content in accordance with a second input via the graphical user interface. The recorded content is transmitted for storage at a storage server. The display device communicates with equipment of a video provider that is associated with a service area. In accordance with the authentication confirmation, the processor is authorized to obtain the content based on the location of the dongle relative to the service area. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to modem and router modules for use with digital display systems, including televisions. A modem module is configurable to attach to a set-top box, a set-back box, directly to a digital display, or may even be integrated into display equipment. Router functions and ports can be integrated into the module to provide for networking of additional devices in proximity to the module and/or display, using either or both wired and wireless access technologies. Systems including the module convert power to the appropriate forms for delivery to the different devices, hardware, and components associated with the module. The modem and routing functions are configurable to provide separate security domains to isolate or direct traffic among the various networked devices.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for dynamically switching video segment locations (CDNS) during live content/ad manipulation in a completely transparent way to video players. The computer implemented method and apparatus is configured to use a per-user video manifest delivery to track CDN performance based on CDN switch logic from received manifest/playlist requests.

Abstract: Modern audio and video content typically provides multiple programming, such as multiple alternate video versions, multiple language options, and possibly also closed captioning or subtitles in multiple languages. Gateway conditioned media streaming provides systems and methods for conditioning multimedia content according to the preferences of a recipient client device, such that the device receives the preferred video, audio, and/or closed captioning automatically and regardless of the application used to play the content. When a gateway server receives a request for content, the gateway server identifies the requesting client device from recorded information, and uses the recorded preferences to modify the content stream according to those preferences. The modified content stream is then sent to the requesting client device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing devices capable of the reception and playback of one or more crafted media channels transmitted over an intermittent connection. The one or more channels may be customized by the end user to bias the programming towards individual tastes or moods. The channels may be delivered over an intermittent, unidirectional link, for example a Satellite Radio receiver in a home or car. Content may also be delivered over an intermittent, bidirectional link, for example to a portable media player via a wireless 802.11 or other networked connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dual-representation streaming frames include (1) determining that a new endpoint is attempting to join a real-time video session (e.g., by receiving a real-time video stream made up of a series of frames) and (2) adding the endpoint to the real-time video session by (i) transmitting, to the endpoint, an initial frame that takes the form of an independent frame and (ii) after transmitting the initial frame, transmitting a series of subsequent frames consisting of only dependent frames, such that the only independent frame transmitted to the endpoint while the endpoint maintains its connection to the real-time video session is the initial frame. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies directed to network broadcasting for selective presentation of audio content are disclosed herein. Embodiments can include a system having a memory and a processor that is configured to perform operations. The operations can include obtaining a plurality of raw audio streams created by a plurality of audio capture devices, where each of the plurality of raw audio streams captures audio output from an audio source of a plurality of audio sources. The operations can include creating a packetized audio data set for each of the plurality of raw audio streams to create a plurality of packetized audio data sets. The operations can include binding each audio source from the plurality of audio sources to one of the plurality of packetized audio data sets via a plurality of audio isolation tags such that execution of each packetized audio data set can be individually initiated and suppressed.

Abstract: The “swarming” behavior of multimedia content distribution network subscribers—numerous, near-simultaneous requests for the same content by different users—is predicted, based on analysis of past viewing habits. Users are grouped based on correlations in the multimedia content requested and the time at which it is requested. When a set of users of a group requests particular multimedia content, that content is autonomously distributed, via a shared distribution channel, to the terminal equipment of all users in the group, where it is buffered. As other users in the group request the same multimedia content, an initial portion is distributed to each requesting user via an individual channel. As the rendered content catches up to the buffered content, the terminal equipment switches from the content delivered via the individual distribution channel to the buffered content. The individual distribution is then terminated, and the individual distribution channel released.

Abstract: There is provided a method in a distribution network (200), comprising a central master node 101 for distributing a received media stream DO comprising packets of a first type over the distribution network to a multiple of client devices 151,152,153. The method comprising providing a common master-client shared time reference Tref, and determining a mean intermediate arrival time for received packets of the first type, which is utilized for providing playout time information for the packets together with the time reference Tref.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a viewer with relevant commentary for a live video. For example, a media guidance application may receive, during playback of a live video, a request for clarification regarding an aspect (e.g., a play, a score, a player, a strategy, etc.) of the live video. In response to receiving the request, the media guidance application may identify the aspect and identify videos generated by other viewers explaining the aspect. The media guidance application may further select one of the videos based on a preference of the viewer, and cause a user device to play back the selected video to the viewer.

Abstract: A reception apparatus includes receiver and processing circuitry. The receiver circuitry is configured to receive a broadcast stream including a service list table (SLT) and a digital rights management (DRM) data service. The SLT includes service information for the DRM data service. The processing circuitry is configured to extract the service information for the DRM data service from the received broadcast stream. The service information for the DRM data service includes a DRM system identifier. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire DRM information from the DRM data service when the DRM system identifier included in the service information for the DRM data service corresponds to a DRM system that is supported by the reception apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided, including: receiving, over a network by a cloud gaming server computer, a request from a client device to initiate gameplay of a cloud video game; assigning the client device to a data center from which to stream the cloud video game; loading a cloud gaming machine at the data center with the cloud video game; substantially simultaneous with the loading of the cloud gaming machine, performing a stream test between the data center and the client device to determine a quality of service of the streaming of the cloud video game; after completion of the loading and the stream test, initiating interactive gameplay of the cloud video game by streaming video data, generated from execution of the cloud video game by the cloud gaming machine, to the client device, and receiving input data from the client device to drive the execution of the cloud video game.