Abstract: A system to identify a user in relation with television services comprising eyeglasses worn by said user, said eyeglasses having a pair of flexible temples taking on the shape of a portion of the circumference of the user's head, a television receiver device comprising a server module communicating wirelessly with sensors arranged on the eyeglasses. The system is characterized in that each of the flexible temples of the eyeglasses incorporates at least one sensor configured for measuring a value of deflection caused by the temple bending around a portion of the circumference of the user's head, said value being unique for each user is transmitted as biometric to the server module configured for determining the identity of the user according to the measured value of the portion of the user's head circumference.

Abstract: An anonymous aggregated data collection system aggregates media access information in an anonymous data collection component without associating the media access information with any one particular client device. The anonymous data collection component further prevents a network operator, content provider, or third party from correlating the media access information obtained from a client device with any one particular subscriber by comparing a unique identifier of the client device with corresponding subscription account and subscriber personal identification information.

Abstract: A system for displaying audio visual presentations based on customer preferences includes a radio frequency identification (“RFID writer”) a reader, a display screen and a control system. The RFID writer writes a descriptive code onto an RFID tag, wherein the descriptive code containing customer specific information based on a consumer's purchase. The reader reads the descriptive code from an RFID tag when the tag enters a predetermined proximity of the reader. The control system is operatively coupled to the display screen and the reader and stores a plurality of audio-visual presentations. The control system initiates the display of an audio-visual presentation on the display screen based on the descriptive code, wherein the control system is adapted to play the audio-visual presentation in the order in which the RFID tag is read by the antenna.

Abstract: In a network including a source of video contents and a playback terminal to receive video contents distributed from the source of video contents and play back the video contents, information on viewing state of video contents is collected and the collected information is stored. Then access right of the playback terminal for the video contents is set based on the stored information on viewing state.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing and measuring multiple sources of data over a communications network (18) so as to ascertain information or usage of one or more resources, such as resource servers (2). A data collection and processing means (20) collects and processes the data sources which are forwarded to a reporting server (34) as a combined data source made available to interested parties.

Abstract: When the user of a receiving apparatus presses a notice button provided for a remote controller to indicate the preference concerning the person or thing appearing on the screen of the program being viewed, the corresponding signal is transmitted to the receiving section of a set-top box. A view-log storage section stores an input operation command (including the signal indicating that the notice button has been pressed) together with the receiving time thereof as a view log. A view-information generating section reads the view log, generates a view-information packet, and outputs it to a bidirectional communication section. The bidirectional communication section transmits the view-information packet input from the view-information generating section to a broadcasting apparatus through a bidirectional communication network.

Abstract: An audience measurement system determines the likelihood that an audience member is in the audience of a receiver during a particular day part. If the audience member is not likely to be in the audience of the receiver during that day part, the audience member is prompted to enter an audience member identification. On the other hand, if the audience member is likely to be in the audience of the receiver during that day part, prompting of the audience member to enter an audience member identification is suppressed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: Portable audience measurement architectures and methods for portable audience measurement are disclosed. A disclosed system contains a plurality of portable measurement devices configured to collect audience measurement data from media devices, a plurality of data collection servers configured to collect audience measurement data from the plurality of portable measurement devices, and a central data processing server. A portable measurement device establishes a communication link with a data collection server in a peer-to-peer manner and transfers the collected audience measurement data to the data collection server. Because the portable measurement device is not dedicated to a particular local data collection server, the portable measurement device periodically or a periodically broadcasts a message attempting to find a data collection server with which to establish a communication link.

Abstract: System and method for automatically rating the content of video media based on video operations performed on a media device and in reference to a plurality of rating rules are provided. Usage of the media device is continuously monitored and user actions with respect to operating the video media on the media device are automatically logged. Each rating rule includes a device usage pattern with respect to operating videos on the media device and a rating action indicating adjustments to content ratings of the videos based upon characteristics described by the device usage pattern that are inferred from the recorded user inputted video control operations. When the device usage pattern of a rating rule is inferred from one or more user actions operating a piece of video media directly on the media device, the content rating of the piece of video media is adjusted based on the rating rule.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a tuner tuned to the program and a meter coupled to the tuner and arranged to detect content ancillary information from the program tuned by the tuner. The content ancillary information may be a media link, closed captioning information, or the like. The meter may also be arranged to extract a broadcast signature from the program. A comparator compares the broadcast signature to a reference signature selected from a library of reference signatures based upon the content ancillary information. Broadcast signatures from unknown programs may be clustered at least partially on the basis of the content ancillary information.

Abstract: An audit tool (AT) operates in cooperation with an audit tool manager (ATM), a policy file (PF) and a query file (QF) in order to provide a real time display of usage within an on-demand service system. The ATM identifies the data to be gathered. Using the ATM, the user identifies comparison points, maps the comparison points to audit controls, defines policies and develops SQL queries to report transactions and record quantities. The AT gathers data, displays the gathered data, and compares the data points, and alerts the user to a discrepancy. The AT displays the compared data points side by side so that real time visual verification can be made, and the AT also alerts the user to discrepancies.

Abstract: A method for providing complementary information 226 for a video program is provided that includes receiving complementary information 226 for a video program. A query is received from a consumer. The query is related to a specified portion of the complementary information 226. A query response is provided to the consumer based on the specified portion of the complementary information 226.

Abstract: A system and method for broadcast response generally employing RDS, DARC, or similar technology is provided, including a method for responding to a broadcast comprising extracting an event identifier from a broadcast signal; detecting a response by a user to the broadcast signal; polling a communications device to determine a user identifier; and communicating the event identifier and the user identifier when the user response is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is relative with a reproducing apparatus and a receiving apparatus for affording the impression or evaluation in line with the intention of a content supplier to the audience. The reproducing apparatus reproduces an optical disc (1) in which the contents and the estimated evaluation values are recorded at the outset. The estimated evaluation values recorded on the optical disc (1) have been set by the content supplier based on estimated impression or evaluation by the audience on the content. As the reproducing apparatus reproduces the content, the apparatus measures the reaction of the audience by a reaction value inputting unit (61), calculates the impression or evaluation by the audience for the content by a recognition evaluation value calculating unit (63) and compares the recognized evaluation values to the estimated evaluation values read out from the optical disc (1) in a control evaluation value calculating unit (53).

Abstract: A system is provided to monitor a user's interaction with a computer. The system may comprise a reference string generator to generate a random reference string, an image generator to generate an image including the random reference string, a communications module to communicate the image to a client computer for display to a user and to receive user input data and a comparator to compare the random reference string and the user input data to detect human interaction with the computer. The image including the random reference string may be generated such that each character in the random reference string is off-centered.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a channel change event are disclosed. The disclosed methods and apparatus detect a channel change event by monitoring an audio signal of an information presentation device such as a television system. The monitored audio signal is tested for certain characteristics indicative of a channel change event. In some information presentation devices, changing channels produces an audible “pop” sound. In other information presentation devices, the “pop” sound produced by changing channels is muted by the information presentation device. Once a channel change event is detected, an audience measurement system may automatically determine what program is on the information presentation device. Alternatively, an audience member may be prompted to manually enter what program is on the information presentation device.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a tuner tuned to the program and a meter coupled to the tuner and arranged to detect content ancillary information from the program tuned by the tuner. The content ancillary information may be a media link, closed captioning information, or the like. The meter may also be arranged to extract a broadcast signature from the program. A comparator compares the broadcast signature to a reference signature selected from a library of reference signatures based upon the content ancillary information. Broadcast signatures from unknown programs may be clustered at least partially on the basis of the content ancillary information.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for using location information to manage spillover in an audience monitoring system are disclosed. In particular, the example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture detect spillover to generate media monitoring information. Initially, a first sensor located in a first location and a second sensor located in a second location receive a portable metering device signal. First location information is associated with receiving the portable metering device signal via the first sensor and second location information is associated with receiving the portable metering device signal via the second sensor. Media monitoring information is generated based on one of the first location information or the second location information.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the operation of a television using a cable broadcasting network is disclosed. The presence of a viewer in front of the television is sensed, presence information is then transmitted to a cable broadcasting service center via the cable broadcasting network, a control signal is sent to the television adapted to receive same, and regular cable programming is suspended. The present invention allows the cable broadcasting company to provided additional services to the cable subscriber to retain and attract additional customers. These additional services may be tailored to the specific needs of the cable subscriber, thus a higher quality cable service is provided.

Abstract: A collection of digital media is stored at a source device and transferred to a target device. A subset of the collection may be transferred based on a priority related to a points assigned by a user's rating of particular digital media and on rules based on particular user actions.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer programs provided for metering and accounting in a commercial e-services infrastructure address the requirement for handling composite services in which higher-level services are built using simpler underlying services, each of which may be autonomously owned and operated. Metering records for each service underlying a composite service are correlated by a process associated with the composite service, and then sent to an accounting service where they can be aggregated. The correlation is performed in a distributed manner with correlated usage data provided on a per-request basis. Accounting services can take account of the usage and charges associated with the underlying services to provide accounting and billing on a per-request basis or per customer-provider pair for a billing period.

Abstract: A method is described for authenticating the presence of a viewer during the presentation of video content, usually commercial content, by encouraging their interaction during the broadcast of said commercial content and verifying the result of their interaction against an expected result. The method uses a receiver/decoder module associated with a security module for receiving coded messages, displaying a unique piece of information soliciting the viewer's interaction, verifying the validity of the viewer's interaction and recording the result of the authentication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tethered digital butler consumer electronics product and method. The tethered digital butler, of a price and form factor suitable for consumer electronics markets of developed and developing countries, includes a communications and multi-media console and a wireless remote. The remote may resemble a handheld personal computer (HPC), a palm-held personal computer (PPC or PDA) or a smart phone, but has a low cost and feature set supported by the console that is novel in the consumer electronics market. In particular, this disclosure relates to combining telephone service, device control and, optionally, a fingerprint reader for easy user identification/authorization and personalization. As another option, a camera can be incorporated into the remote, thereby enabling video conferencing and other visual features.

Abstract: An audit tool (AT) operates in cooperation with an audit tool manager (ATM), a policy file (PF) and a query file (QF) in order to provide a real time display of usage within an on-demand service system. The ATM identifies the data to be gathered. Using the ATM, the user identifies comparison points, maps the comparison points to audit controls, defines policies and develops SQL queries to report transactions and record quantities. The AT gathers data, displays the gathered data, and compares the data points, and alerts the user to a discrepancy. The AT displays the compared data points side by side so that real time visual verification can be made, and the AT also alerts the user to discrepancies.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for gathering data concerning media usage by predetermined audience members. An audience measurement code in acoustic energy produced by a media receiver is detected by a portable media monitor. The monitor also detects a location code produced in a vicinity of the media receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tethered digital butler consumer electronics product and method. The tethered digital butler, of a price and form factor suitable for consumer electronics markets of developed and developing countries, includes a communications and multi-media console and a wireless remote. The remote may resemble a handheld personal computer (HPC), a palm-held personal computer (PPC or PDA) or a smart phone, but has a low cost and feature set supported by the console that is novel in the consumer electronics market. In particular, this disclosure relates to combining telephone service, device control and, optionally, a fingerprint reader for easy user identification/authorization and personalization. As another option, a camera can be incorporated into the remote, thereby enabling video conferencing and other visual features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tethered digital butler consumer electronics product and method. The tethered digital butler, of a price and form factor suitable for consumer electronics markets of developed and developing countries, includes a communications and multi-media console and a wireless remote. The remote may resemble a handheld personal computer (HPC), a palm-held personal computer (PPC or PDA) or a smart phone, but has a low cost and feature set supported by the console that is novel in the consumer electronics market. In particular, this disclosure relates to combining telephone service, device control and, optionally, a fingerprint reader for easy user identification/authorization and personalization. As another option, a camera can be incorporated into the remote, thereby enabling video conferencing and other visual features.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate an audience metering device with voice commands are described herein. In an example method, at least one of a television program audio signal or a voice command from an audience member is transduced into an audio input signal. Based on the audio input signal and a television audio line signal, a residual audio signal is generated. One or more vectors from the residual audio signal are extracted. Based on the one or more vectors extracted from the residual audio signal, the voice command is identified.

Abstract: A method of operating a personal video recorder, which is coupled to a display device to selectively present broadcast programs and recorded content to a viewer, maintains a viewing menu in the personal video recorder. The viewing menu includes for a predetermined day of a week at least channel and time information of broadcast programs the viewer has previously selected on the predetermined day of a previous week. The method displays the viewing menu on the predetermined day of the week to enable the viewer to select between executing and not executing the viewing menu in accordance with at least the channel and time information of the broadcast programs. Further, the method selectively updates the viewing menu upon viewer input on the predetermined day of the week to provide for a history of broadcast programs the viewer actually selected on the predetermined day of the week.

Abstract: A method and system for periodically deriving an optimal batch broadcast schedule based on client demand feedback data from a distributed set of broadcast clients. The broadcast system includes an operation center that broadcasts meta-data to a plurality of client systems. The meta-data describes a plurality of pieces of content that are in consideration for upcoming broadcasts by the server. Each client receives the broadcasted meta-data from and sends back a set of client demand feedback data to the operations center, wherein the user feedback data reflects a client's interest level in at least a portion of the pieces of content. The feedback data, which typically may include ratings and/or relative rankings, may be user-generated, automatically-generated, or a combination of the two. The system then send a batch of content based on an aggregation of the feedback data in combination with available broadcast bandwidth and broadcast schedule window.

Abstract: A local user issues recording instructions via the Internet to a remote computing device. The remote recording device includes a computer daughter board that records broadcast programs available to it according to the received recording instructions and encodes the recorded program into a specified media format. The daughter board further adds a first field identifying the user and a second field listing some of the received recording instructions on the recording. If the recording is video, then the fields are placed on visible sections of the recording. The file holding the encoded broadcast program may be subdivided into multiple smaller files before being moved into another computer specified by the user and accessible via the Internet. The remote computing device may receive recording instruction via a pulse telephone and may be incorporated into existing video cassette recorders.

Abstract: At a time of a movement made by a user viewing a television broadcast program, which is recorded on a hard disk device and read from the hard disk device to enable time shift viewing, and is reproduced at a TV set, the movement of the user is detected via a transmitting and receiving unit to which an electronic key card is held, and a reproduction position on a hard disk is recorded in a memory of a controlling apparatus main unit. A destination of the user is detected via a transmitting and receiving unit to which the electronic key card is held, and the broadcast signal is read from the stored reproduction position on the hard disk and then transferred to an electronic device at the destination, thereby enabling a continuation of the broadcast program that was viewed to be viewed in a room at the destination.

Abstract: A system with parental control features is provided. The system may be switched between single account control and multiple account control. Each account may have a program control code and a purchase control code. A user may set parental control criteria for controlling access to programming for each account. A user may set purchase control criteria for controlling purchasing for each account. The system may remove a block on parentally-controlled activity when an authorized user enters an appropriate purchase or program control code. Every activity that matches any of the parental control criteria may be blocked and authorized user login may be required. The system may provide a selectable bypass locks feature. The system may present targeted advertising based on which code was entered last. The system may track account usage and provide information related to usage.

Abstract: Prepare digital data of a value of each pixel within an object image region including a region of a human face. Then, successively, in the object image region, extract position of a Between-the-Eyes candidate point through a filtering process with a Between-the-Eyes detecting filter in which six rectangles Si (1≦i≦6) are connected. Further, extracting a portion of the object image in a prescribed size which has the extracted position of the Between-the-Eyes candidate point at a center, and select a true candidate point from said Between-the-Eyes candidate points in accordance with a pattern discriminating process.

Abstract: For the determining of audience ratings of radio and TV programmes in real-time, at the media consumer stand means for acquiring the media behaviour (1,11, . . . 1n). These means transmit data to a data collection center (3) via a communication network (2). The data are acquired and transmitted in real-time and are automatically evaluated in the data collection center, wherein a conversion system (4) calculates the audience ratings. A distribution center (5) forwards raw data or evaluated data directly from the data collection center (3) via a communication system (6), e.g. the internet, to evaluation-PCs (7) . . . (7n) or display apparatus (8) . . . (8n).

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for use in carrying out media audience measurements. Media data and data gathering software are communicated to a user system from a content server. The user system communicates a media audience message to an audience surveying system which stores media audience data based on the media audience message.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system includes a first button that initiates a user login procedure. A second button allows a user to select among multiple password characters. A display device displays the multiple password characters including a currently selected password character. Another button is used to enter the selected password characters for validation. The second button may be rotatable, such that the user of the vehicle computer system is able to scroll through the list of multiple password characters by rotating the second button.

Abstract: A metering system meters usage of on-line and off-line services by way of interactive service devices. Interactive service devices may include personal computers and non-personal-computers. Non-personal-computers may include network computers, gaming devices, Internet televisions, Internet telephones, and the like. The on-line service usage may include Internet usage such as which home pages, advertisements, and other Internet resources are accessed by a user. The off-line service usage may include application program usage such as which application programs are executed by a user.

Abstract: An audience measurement system determines the likelihood that an audience member is in the audience of a receiver during a particular day part. If the audience member is not likely to be in the audience of the receiver during that day part, the audience member is prompted to enter an audience member identification. On the other hand, if the audience member is likely to be in the audience of the receiver during that day part, prompting of the audience member to enter an audience member identification is suppressed.

Abstract: An audience rating survey system registers user IDs which specify viewers/listeners of a network-distributed program in association with characteristic parameters that indicate characteristics of the viewers/listeners; acquires a user ID, a device ID, and a program ID; and carries out an audience rating survey of the network-distributed program based on the acquired user ID, device ID and program ID, and the characteristic parameters associated with the user ID, thereby allowing for an effective and accurate audience rating survey of, for example, an Internet-broadcasted program.

Abstract: A system and method that tracks, compiles and stores satellite television user navigational information, without the user being made aware that any data manipulation is taking place. The invention allows advertisers of products or services on satellite television channels to receive compiled television viewer navigational information such as the time of day, the amount of time a user spends viewing a particular advertisement, or “scene” and the location of the viewer. The invention, adaptable for a traditional satellite-communications network (10), includes a series of computer-readable instructions stored at a satellite user's IRD (35), which can be downloaded to allow for navigational tracking. The identity of the scene being viewed, the time of day of that particular viewing, and the length of time spent viewing the scene is logged, temporarily stored in RAM, and its contents flushed to non-volatile memory at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: An audience measurement system for a receiver comprises monitoring equipment, such as a decoder, ON/OFF detector and transmitter, coupled to the receiver. The decoder reads program codes embedded in a program received by the receiver. The system also comprises a base unit and a mobile unit, such as a telephone handset. The handset receives the program codes transmitted from the decoder and prompts (via a visual display or audio tone) an audience member to enter personal data (i.e. who the audience member is) via a keypad or voice input. The program data (from the decoder) and personal data (input by the audience member) is provided to the base unit, where it is time stamped and stored. The base unit includes telephone circuitry to transmit the stored data to a data collection central facility via a public switched telephone network.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining data regarding customer use of interactive television, comprising one or more application servers including one or more application programs for the input of information by a customer through a graphical user interface; a broadcast center; a communications satellite; one or more individual satellite dishes for receiving one or more application programs from the communications satellite; one or more integrated receiver/decoders (“IRDs”) with a modem, said IRDs further comprising callback functionality and flash memory for storing a data log of customer transaction and navigation information, wherein said modem is in electronic communication with one or more communications servers for receiving callbacks from the IRDs; one or more communications servers for receiving the callback in electronic communication with one or more interactive servers; one or more interactive servers in electronic communication with one or more interactive data repositories IDRs for storing

Abstract: Apparatus for a cable television subscriber to log onto a computer network with a modem over an upstream path using a USERID and password. The network validates the subscriber USERID and subscriber password with a stored database of valid USERIDs and associated passwords. After the USERID and password are validated, the modem then provides its electronic serial number to the network for validation against a stored database of authorized serial numbers. Upon additional validation of the modem's serial number, the subscriber is authorized to use the network.

Abstract: A addressable CATV end-user payment collection management system, which includes a cable TV broadcasting system, the cable TV broadcasting system having a plurality of demodulators, which demodulate signals from different channels, a video signal main cable for signal output, a mixer, which mixes the signals received from the demodulators into an end-user receivable video signal, and then sends the mixed video signal to the end users through the video signal main cable, a payment collection computer data bank for storing and processing data of the end-users, and producing a control signal to a cable modem subject to the payment data of the end-users, a cable modem connected between the cable TV broadcasting system and the payment collection computer data bank for sending the control signal from the payment collection computer data bank to the mixer of the cable TV broadcasting system for mixing with the video signal for synchronous output; and a plurality of signal distributors respectively connected to the v