Abstract: A switching apparatus of a camera server switches to down-load advertisement for a predetermined period at predetermined intervals while down-loading an image sensed by a camera, in response to a request for the image sensed by the camera.

Abstract: A computer-based method of monitoring and recording user interaction with a video service device is provided. The video service device is connected to a display. The computer is programmed to monitor and selectively record information received from the video service device, a video camera, and a remote control signal detector. The computer-based method includes, over a period of time, detecting a plurality of remote control signals indicative of button clicks, grabbing first video frames from the video service device, and grabbing second video frames from the video camera. The detected remote control signals, the first video frames, and the second video frames are recorded to the storage medium as a sequence of events while preserving the time relationship among the various events with respect to each other thereby establishing a common time base for the recorded sequence of events.

Abstract: This invention relates to recognizing patterns in people's individual listening habits and creating streams of playback based on those listening patterns. This invention does this by observing what information units the persons use and calculating how much the person likes each information unit in their collection and what information units each unit uses in close proximity to it. This invention can be applied to both software and hardware MP3, CD, and other such media devices that would be recognized by one with knowledge in these arts. The invention can be used with such devices so that it learns the patterns of the person using that device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a space external to the system is disclosed. The system includes a microprocessor, a memory coupled to the microprocessor, a sensor configured to detect at least one environmental parameter of the space external to the system and configured to generate a sensor signal derived from the at least one detected environmental parameter of the space and at least one port for communicating with a network. The memory includes instructions for processing the sensor signal derived from the at least one environmental parameter of the space external to the system and the memory including a web server application. The at least one port is responsive to the microprocessor. The web server application is configured to provide a webpage associated with the sensor signal via the at least one port.

Abstract: An interactive display (100) comprising a camera (400) that record a message presented to the interactive display. This message comprises the name of the person for whom the message is intended. When this person is identified via the camera (400) by face recognition or via a voice recorder (102) by voice recognition, the interactive display (100) displays the message to this person. When the interactive display (100) is not used, i.e. it is not used to record a message and there are no persons within sight of the camera (400) that can trigger a message being displayed, the interactive camera can be used as a mirror.

Abstract: Video signal relative to an imaged audience and audio signal according to voices from the audience are generated in an input unit. A characteristic amount detection unit detects information on a movement amount, movement periodicity, a volume, voice periodicity of the audience, and a frequency component of voices from the audience based on the video signal or the audio signal. An estimation unit estimates an audience state based on the detected result. An output unit outputs the estimated result of the audience state. The audience state can be easily estimated without observing the audience state by a person.

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: A system for delivering contents includes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality of terminal systems which receive the contents from the center system and displays the contents, and communication lines connecting the center system to the plurality of terminal systems. The center system includes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of delivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents to the terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a time period when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for synchronizing environmental modifiers and actuators with the video and audio components of television programs to produce sensual representations or simulations of suggested environment or actions. The system includes a central device in the viewing household that receives the control data for any and/or all of the environmental modifiers (actuators). This device may be built into the television or associated components or may be entirely independent. The device receives the control signals from any available source and sends the proper control data or signals to the associated peripherals or components.

Abstract: The two-way transmissions are performed between a first bus and a usual portal of a first full-duplex 3-portal bridge and between a second bus and a usual portal of a second full-duplex 3-portal bridge, respectively. The one-way transmission of an isochronous packet and an asynchronous stream packet is performed between transmission and reception portals of the first full-duplex 3-portal bridge and reception and transmission portals of the second full-duplex 3-portal bridge. The first full-duplex 3-portal bridge and the second full-duplex 3-portal bridge perform a conversion between the asynchronous stream packet and an asynchronous packet if necessary.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding apparatus for video indexing based on viewers' behavior and emotion feedback to automatically index a multimedia sequence using viewers' casual feedback while watching the multimedia sequence. The method and apparatus use a system, such as an emotion detection system that includes one or more multimedia acquisition devices, such as video cameras, to detect viewers' behavior and emotion feedback, and to produce as video indices various categories of behavior and emotion segments. Each video camera may include one or more image sensors and/or audio sensors. The viewers or other users, i.e., user, may later selectively view the multimedia sequence by browsing through the video indices of various categories of emotion. The video indices are similar to chapters within digital video disc (DVD) movies that enable a user to jump directly to a particular chapter without having to fast forward.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting, analyzing, and using sensory reactions and involuntary or spontaneous movements by members of a television viewing (or listening) audience. While known programming is displayed on a television receiver, a plurality of sensors monitor the viewer or viewers for recognizable evidence of an emotional response that can be associated with a discrete program segment. Where positive (or negative) responses can be associated with a certain type of program content, the system monitors subsequent programs for the opportunity to notify the viewer or simply present (or avoid presenting) the program automatically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing display of content and automatic pause of the display. The method and apparatus exists in a client device and/or ahead-end or network operator. Event are assigned a relative priority based on event type, originator and the type of current display so that a variable response level ranging from a required viewer action to the viewer completely ignoring an event is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing TV audio/video/program guide settings, based on a biosensor signal representative of viewer mood.

Abstract: A program commercial based recommendation system employing a program commercial detection module, a facial estimation module, and a program recommendation module for implementing method for developing a viewing history of a viewer is disclosed. The program commercial detection module detects commercials within a transmission signal. In response to a detection of a program commercial, the facial estimation module generates a facial estimation of a viewer to thereby determine if the viewer is watching or not watching the program commercial. In response to a generation of the facial estimation, the program recommendation module stores the program commercial within a viewing history database. The stored commercial either has a positive rating when the facial estimation indicates the viewer is watching the program commercial or a negative rating when the facial estimation indicates the viewer is not watching the program commercial.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing viewer group enjoyment of a TV program by providing a means for each viewer to express his opinion. Each viewer has a remote control device that can be used to generate votes, reviews, and decisions related to TV programs. These viewer expressions or results thereof are superimposed over the TV program being watched, so that viewers can express their opinions about a program non-verbally in a fun and relevant way. The TV can be automatically tuned or otherwise controlled based on the viewer expressions.

Abstract: An advertising system includes a sensor, a display, memory having instructions for illuminating the display in a first pattern and a controller for executing the instructions and illuminating the display when the sensor senses the presence of a human. The sensor may include at least one motion sensor that senses the presence of motion such as human motion. Thus, as a person approaches the system, the persons's motion will be detected and the controller will illuminate the display to according to the first pattern. The system therefore is responsive to the consumer and performs certain functions upon detecting the presence of a human which will attract the a person's attention and carry the message to the consumer. The memory may further contain instructions for illuminating the display in a second pattern when the sensor does not detect the presence of a human.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining whether a television is on and in near proximity is provided. The system includes a television, an audio sensor, an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital signal processor. The audio sensor, which may be portable by a member of the television audience, is situated in the same room as the television. When the television is turned on, the television emits an audio signal, the audio sensor detects the audio signal, the analog-to-digital converter converts the audio signal into a set of digital audio samples, and the digital signal processor processes the set of digital audio samples. The system may also include an amplifier to amplify the detected audio signal and to provide the amplified signal to the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus and methods for monitoring the reaction of people to a performance use two or more monitoring devices of different types. Output signals from the monitoring devices are combined to produce at least one crowd reaction signal indicative of the reaction of those people to the performance. Particularly appropriate types of monitoring device are described, as is automatic performance generating apparatus, such an automatic DJ, adapted to use crowd reaction signals to modify performances.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of non-participatory user identification includes using sensor technology to collect data related to identifying characteristics of a user. The collection preferably requires no active identification measures by the user. The data can be extracted from the sensor technology 12 and matched to a template. This matching can, as an example, be performed using a matcher included in a recognition technology device 14. The user can then be identified based upon the template of data matched. Typically, the recognition technology device 14 will recognize when a new but known fingerprint is operating the user interface. The corresponding user profile may then be used to provide personalized content to the new user.

Abstract: A video surveillance system is provided, including a wheeled trailer, a lockable cabinet mounted on the trailer and a mast, coupled to the trailer and capable of being folded for storage and transport and capable of being extended vertically. A plurality of video cameras are mounted on the mast, a screen splitter is located within the cabinet and receives video images at each of the plurality of cameras and combines the plurality of images into a single video image at an output. A video recorder located within the cabinet and having an input coupled to the output of the screen splitting device records the combined image from the screen splitter.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the content displayed on a TV based on recognizing a viewer's voice. A microprocessor in a PVR that is associated with the TV can recognize a viewer's voice and allow only appropriate programming to be played on the TV. Thus, for example, violent or sexually explicit programs or commercials can be screened from a viewer who is recognized as being a young person.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying and/or measuring usage of media data gathered at a user location using remote decoding and/or pattern matching techniques. A data set is formed based on the media data, which includes some, but not all, of the information represented by the media data. The data set is communicated to a remotely located processing system for detecting a code based on the data set and/or conducting a pattern matching process based on the data set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically selecting an alternate item based on user behavior. The disclosed television programming recommender monitors user behavior and automatically selects an alternate program when the viewer does not sufficiently like the current program selection. Detected predefined negative behavior includes, for example, (i) auditory commands, (ii) gestural commands, (iii) facial expressions, or (iv) other predefined behavior suggesting that the viewer dislikes the program. A flexible mechanism is provided for providing an alternate program selection.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating data messages received from subscribers in a CATV system are disclosed. The system includes a spectrum parallel router which receives data messages in the return spectrum of a service line at a service site. A switch at the service site directs data messages to service lines coupled to the site which have destination addresses corresponding to one of the service lines. Data messages not having a destination address corresponding to one of the service lines are provided to a transmitter for transmission to the next higher level of the CATV network over a return cable. Each service site has its own return cable which may be coupled to a distribution hub or a headend. The return cables isolate the data messages of each service site from the data messages sent by the other service sites. At the distribution hub and headend, a switch is provided for each return cable and the switches are coupled to one another.

Abstract: When a client control apparatus 108 on a network connects to a camera control apparatus 102 in hyper text transfer protocol and requests the camera control apparatus 102 to transmit a file of its home page, the camera control apparatus 102 transmits a file, to the client control apparatus 108, including a description for causing the client control apparatus 108 to request the camera control apparatus 102 to transmit an applet for performing automatic reception. When the client control apparatus 108 receives this file, transmission of the applet is requested, and the server control apparatus 102 transmits the applet. Then, when transmission of state information is requested, the server control apparatus 102 transmits state information to the client control apparatus 108 only when an event indicative of a change in an angle of a camera occurs; thereby traffic of the network is reduced.

Abstract: A media player controller is disclosed that monitors user activity and automatically controls a media player in response to predefined events. The disclosed media player controller includes one or more audio/visual mage capture devices focused on one or more users. The captured audio and video information is processed by the media player controller to identify one or more predefined events. A number of rules can be utilized to define various user events, such as when the user has left the room, is on the telephone or is otherwise paying attention to the media player. Each rule contains one or more conditions, and, optionally, a corresponding action-item that should be performed when the rule is satisfied. Upon detection of a predefined event, the corresponding action, if any, is performed by the media player controller.

Abstract: Real-time events are electronically recommended using a fuzzy-now function of time. Real-time experiencing apparatus can be automatically tuned to a particular real-time event using a surf ring related to recommendations or automatically without a user request.

Abstract: An inconspicuous system is defined for measuring the absolute luminance of a CRT display and the actual effective luminance as would be measured from the viewer's perspective due to additional reflected ambient illuminance in order to enable closed loop adjustment of the display device and to thereby enable luminance quality control, facilitate image perception, and ascertain fidelity of image presentation conveniently over time.