Abstract: An advertisement system has a printer and a posting server that can communicate with the printer. The advertisement system uses the printer to issue a flyer on which advertisement images are printed. The posting server acquires a plurality of advertisement images of different advertisers, and selects a plurality of advertisement images from the plurality of acquired advertisement images according to a distribution period for the flyer, the distribution period being set for each acquired advertisement image. The posting server then creates print data involved in printing the plurality of selected advertisement images, and transmits the created print data to the printer. The printer receives the print data created by the posting server. To issue the flyer, the printer executes printing according to the received print data.

Abstract: A system may receive application data in a client-incompatible format and convert at least a portion of the application data into an alternate client-compatible format. In one example, the incompatible format may comprise Enhanced Binary Interchange Format (EBIF) while a client-compatible format may include a web format such as JavaScript, XML or HTML. Interactions (e.g., commands and user input) associated with the application may be received and converted. The interactions may then be processed using the application.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for continuous gameplay in a multiplayer video game through an unbounded gameplay session. Players may join, exit, and later rejoin a given unbounded gameplay session at any time. A given unbounded gameplay session may therefore continue indefinitely so long as at least one player wishes to continue to gameplay. To facilitate an unbounded gameplay session, the system may score players using time-based or other parameters in a manner that is fair to players who have been playing in the unbounded gameplay session longer than other players.

Abstract: An affinity server estimates an affinity between two different time based media events (e.g., TV, radio, social media content stream), between a time based media event and a specific topic, or between two different topics, where the affinity score represents an intersection between the populations of social media users who have authored social media content items regarding the two different events and/or topics. The affinity score represents an estimation of the real world affinity between the real world population of people who have an interest in both time based media events, both topics, or in a time based media event and a topic. One possible threshold for including a social media user in a population may be based on a confidence score that indicates the confidence that one or more social media content items authored by the social media user are relevant to the topic or event in question.

Abstract: As described herein, a system, method, and computer program are provided for using in-video annotations to select relevant advertisements for distribution to users. In use, one or more in-video annotations are automatically created for a video content, using video analysis of the video content. Also, the one or more in-video annotations included within the video content is identified. Additionally, real-time bidding is used to select an advertisement relevant to the video content, wherein the real-time bidding is performed based on the one or more in-video annotations. Further, the advertisement is presented in association with the video content.

Abstract: A method includes a processor of an electronic device receiving first input signals from a first sensor in response to user contact at a first edge of the device and second input signals from a second sensor in response to user contact at a second edge of the electronic device. The first and second sensors are covered by a housing of the device. The processor determines an external context of the device based on analysis of the first input signals and the second input signals. The determined external context indicates at least a position of the device relative to a user or an orientation of the device relative to a user. Responsive to determining the external context, the electronic device executes a particular user input action.

Abstract: A method of providing customized commercial content to a user includes providing first commercial content to a user, determining, using an integrated virtual environment device, whether the user substantially viewed the first commercial content, and providing second commercial content to the user based on the first commercial content and whether the user substantially viewed the first commercial content.

Abstract: At least one unit region on a virtual field is set as a special region associated with a special effect, based on setting data received via a network. Furthermore, movement and fighting of a player character are controlled, and, when the player character reaches the special region, the special effect is exhibited. Information of the unit region in which an event has occurred in a game is transmitted via the network. The special region is set (1) based on the frequency with which the event occurs for each unit region, or (2) based on the setting data which represents the special region and is defined based on the information of the unit region.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a memory to store instructions and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor, responsive to executing the instructions, facilitates performance of operations. The operations include obtaining for a first gamer of a plurality of gamers a plurality of audio profiles; each audio profile enables identification of one of a plurality of gaming events in a gaming session of a game played by the plurality of gamers. The operations also include monitoring an audio presentation of the game during the gaming session; detecting a gaming event of the plurality of gaming events based on a corresponding one of the plurality of audio profiles; and notifying at least a portion of the plurality of gamers of the gaming event that was detected. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-linear content presentation and experience are provided. A plurality of real-time streams of content may be received over a communication network. At least one of the streams may be provided in real-time to a user device to be played in real-time. At least one other stream may be evaluated in real-time to detect when an event occurs within the evaluated stream. The user device may be sent a notification when the event is detected in the evaluated stream. Such notification may be overlaid on a portion of the provided stream played at the user device. A request may be received from the user device concerning jumping to the detected event in the evaluated stream. The evaluated stream may then be provided to the user device at a point prior to the detected event.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a communication device communicating with one or more Internet-of-things devices, one or more processors, and a memory. The communication device receives, from at least one Internet-of-things device, an event notification. The one or more processors identify a notification recipient to whom the event notification should be sent from a plurality of predefined system users, select a receiving electronic device from at least two electronic devices belonging to the notification recipient, convert the event notification from a first event notification type to a second event notification type that is receivable by the receiving electronic device, and transmit the event notification to the receiving electronic device.

Abstract: A method for playing a video and an electronic device. The method includes: establishing a player adapter, playing a live video stream by a root controller of a first scaled page by using the player adapter; receiving a trigger operation for playing the live video frame on a second scaled page; switching a playing page of the live video stream from the first scaled page to the second scaled page; transmitting the player adapter as a pull stream subject to the second scaled page; and playing the live video stream by a window controller of the second scaled page by using the player adapter for switching the live video stream from the first scaled page to the second scaled page.

Abstract: A display apparatus and method. A display apparatus including a display control unit configured to display a moving image on a first region of a display screen; and a thumbnail generation unit configured to generate a plurality of thumbnail images based on a plurality of still images related to the moving image, wherein the display control unit is configured to display the plurality of thumbnail images on a second region of the display screen.

Abstract: A game image generating section 120 generates a first image and a second image of an application. An image providing section 152 provides the first image to an output apparatus 4. A sharing processing section 160 streaming-distributes the second image to the sharing server. A display image generating section 150 may generate a display image including at least the first image and information associated with the second image. In addition, the sharing processing section 160 may instruct the application to generate the second image the basis of a request from a viewing user.

Abstract: In a video game, a player's character can start in a normal state, receive first damage, and change to an incapacitated state. The player's character can be revived from the incapacitated state back to the normal state. The player's character can be changed from the incapacitated state to a preliminarily defeated state, and in response, a player respawn activation item can be generated. The player respawn activation item can be used by the player's teammates to respawn the player's character at one or more respawn locations.

Abstract: Methods for improving simulation of a sporting event by using real-world data are provided. In one aspect, a method includes positioning a simulated player corresponding to a player on a simulated field based on player positional data. The method also includes positioning a simulated ball corresponding to a physical ball on the simulated field based on ball positional data. The method also includes modifying the simulation based on user input by deviating the simulated player from the player positional data of the player on the physical field of the sporting event based on the user input when the user input moves the simulated player outside of a visual ring. The method also includes deviating a second player from a corresponding second player positional data when the second player is within a deviation ring, a radius of the visual ring different from a radius of the deviation ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods of evolving content for computer games are disclosed. One such method comprises tracking popularity according to one or more users of at least a portion of a plurality of game content items available in a game world. The game world is associated with the game. The game world also comprises evolving an additional game content item based on the popularity of the tracked game content items. The usage of each tracked game content item determines a reproduction availability of the tracked game content item. The game world also comprises inserting the additional game content item into the game world.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing a plurality of entities, each entity being of at least one type selected from a first type and a second type, an entity of the second type being associated with a set of rules comprising event data in association with respective actions, an entity of the first type being able to publish at least one event datum on a web feed of a user, the method comprising the following steps: publication of an event datum on the web feed by a first entity of the first type; detection of a match between a rule associated with a second entity of the second type, and the published event datum; and implementation, by the second entity of the second type, of the action comprised in the rule matched with the published event datum.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting notifications indicating recommended content are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method provides a manifest for a media program to a client. The manifest includes a set of bitrate representation links that correspond to a set of bitrates. A pointer is maintained to at least a portion of a current segment that is currently being presented in the media program. A request is received using a bitrate representation link in the set of bitrate representation links. The method then selects at least the portion of the current segment using the pointer for the bitrate that corresponds to the bitrate representation and sends the at least the portion of the current segment to the client.

Abstract: Methods for managing non-player characters and power centers in a computer game are based on character hierarchies and individualized correspondences between each character's traits or rank and events that involve other non-player characters or objects. Players may share power centers, character hierarchies, non-player characters, and related quests involving the shared objects with other players playing separate and unrelated game instances over a computer network, with the outcome of the quests reflected in different the games. Various configurations of game machines are used to implement the methods.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable recording medium having stored thereon instructions to be executed on by a game server, the game server and corresponding method which cause the game server to perform the steps of: provide a networked multiplayer battle game over a network, storing a battle history including an identifier of an opponent with whom a user has battled in the multiplayer battle game; determining, based on the battle history and an identifier of an opponent with whom a battle begins, a procedure for conducting the battle in the battle game to be one of a first mode for conducting the battle based on user operations and a second mode for conducting the battle with fewer user operations than in the first mode, and conducting the battle with the determined procedure.

Abstract: A network game system of high interest in which a contingency and/or unpredictability intervenes in a data exchange between players in a network game is provided. When a map item and a character are selected, a game apparatus transmits a data exchange request and character information to a server apparatus. The received character information is stored in a character management table of the server apparatus. When a predetermined time elapses after the data exchange request, other-character information is specified, and the character management table is updated. The other-character information is transmitted to the game apparatus, and the game apparatus updates each table based on the received information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of generating, for a given game map, an LOS catalog before gameplay and identifying a spawn location during gameplay based on the LOS catalog. For every unique pair of map nodes in a game map, the LOS catalog may indicate the minimum distance that must be traveled from a first map node of the pair to achieve LOS to a second map node of the pair, an identifier for the first map node, and an identifier for the second map node. When a gameplay session is initiated, the LOS catalog may be retrieved and used to identify relatively safe spawn points based on distances that must be traveled from enemy positions to achieve LOS to potential spawn points.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a user of various events through the in-vehicle system while suppressing notifications at a mobile device or a wearable device includes the mobile device and the in-vehicle infotainment system in communication with the mobile device. The mobile device receives a notification signal, suppresses displaying the notification signal and communicates the notification signal to the in-vehicle infotainment system. The in-vehicle infotainment system displays the notification signal on a screen display.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and arrangements for controlling point-to-point microwave transmission on a microwave link between a first and a second microwave network node, wherein the microwave link is configured for payload data transmission at a payload data rate. The method comprises obtaining information indicative of a current data rate capability of the microwave link and comparing the current data rate capability to the configured payload data rate. When the current data rate capability is below the configured payload data rate, transmission on the microwave link is adapted to comprise transmission of dummy data on the microwave link between the first and second microwave network node.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and a system for controlling a computerized entertainment property playlist comprising registering a user and also registering an owner of the entertainment property. Next, the user can select, or allow a system to select on their behalf, entertainment property units owned by the owner, to be played on a playlist. Next, the system can be configured to store information relating to the registered user, the registered owner, and the media units in at least one database. Next, process can result in exporting the playlist via instructions sent by a microprocessor to at least one additional database. Next, the system can involve playing the entertainment property, or syncing multiple entertainment properties, on the playlist. Finally the system can involve rewarding the user based upon a number of units played of the media units and a duration of play of each of these media units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively enforcing required insertion or viewing of secondary content, such as advertisements or promotions, in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the network is a managed network (e.g., cable television, satellite, or the like), and the method includes identifying secondary content with a particular attribute or property (e.g., an advertisement that a user has watched before), and selectively enabling one or more “trick mode” functions relating to that secondary content. In one implementation, audio codes or watermarks are inserted into the secondary content and detected when the content is accessed or rendered; if the detected content matches a database or listing of previously played content for that user or premises, the trick mode functionality (e.g., FF or “skip”) is enabled, thereby allowing the user to bypass the content.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a signalling method which can support effectively next-generation broadcast service in an environment which supports next-generation hybrid broadcast using terrestrial broadcast networks and the Internet. The signalling method comprises a broadcast reception method which can use a mobile reception device or can be used even in an indoor environment. The broadcast reception method may comprise the steps of: receiving a broadcast signal including service; establishing a web socket connection from an application of a companion screen device; generating a notification message for the service; and transferring the notification message to the companion screen device through the web socket connection.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor that performs operations including receiving an actuation profile comprising one or more actuation thresholds responsive to a detection of a triggering event during a gaming session of a video game, configuring the sensor according to the one or more actuation thresholds, receiving, from the sensor, a signal indicating a depression range of the button, comparing the depression range to the one or more actuation thresholds of the actuation profile, and generating an actuation state when the depression range exceeds an actuation threshold of the one or more actuation thresholds. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using graph databases to make digital content recommendations are described. A graph database may be associated with tagged digital content. The graph database may include a node for each content tag and edges identifying a relationship between nodes. When a user accesses or searches a digital content item, the graph database may be traversed to identify and present related content recommendations to the user based on the traversed nodes. Node graph traversal may initiate from a root node associated with a tag of content item being presented to a user. Nodes may be searched based on their proximity to the root node as determined by edge connections of the graph. Initially searched nodes may include nodes in the graph database directly connected by edges to the root node. Subsequently searched nodes may include nodes one edge connected removed from the root node, and so forth.

Abstract: A mobile device is coupled to a computer system configured to access media content sources and play media content items provided thereby on a media device. The mobile device receives a first control specification that includes a plurality of first information items each associated with one of the media content sources and a first action definition. The first information items are concurrently displayed on a remote control user interface of the mobile device. In accordance with a selection of one of the first information items corresponding to a first content source, the mobile device transmits a command of a first action definition corresponding to the selected first information item to the computer system, and receives a second control specification that includes a plurality of second information items. Each second information item is associated with a respective content item provided by the first content source and a second action definition.

Abstract: To encourage viewer participation, games, contests and social interactions are able to be synchronized with programming such as television shows or commercials utilizing a second screen such as a cell phone, iPad® or laptop computer. The programming is able to be television programming, Internet programming (e.g. a video displayed on a webpage or mobile device) or any other programming. The gaming is able to be any game such as a game of skill or chance, for example, a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device includes a display, a communication circuit, a processor, and a memory. The memory stores instructions that cause the processor to receive a natural language input from a user, to transmit at least a portion of the natural language input to an external server, to display a first message based on the natural language input and a first indication indicating the user, to receive a first response from the external server, to display a second indication indicating a first engine and a second message based on the first response, to receive a second response from the external server, and to display a third indication indicating a second engine and a third message based on the second response. The first response is generated by the first engine based on the natural language input, and the second response is generated by the second engine based on the natural language input.

Abstract: Computing devices and methods utilizing a joint speaker location/speaker identification neural network are provided. In one example a computing device receives a multi-channel audio signal of an utterance spoken by a user. Magnitude and phase information features are extracted from the signal and inputted into a joint speaker location/speaker identification neural network that is trained via utterances from a plurality of persons. A user embedding comprising speaker identification characteristics and location characteristics is received from the neural network and compared to a plurality of enrollment embeddings extracted from the plurality of utterances that are each associated with an identity of a corresponding person. Based at least on the comparisons, the user is matched to an identity of one of the persons, and the identity of the person is outputted.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for switching streams in response to detecting a start trigger are presented. A program's start trigger indicating that the program is upcoming may be detected on a first stream, and in response to detecting the start trigger on the first stream, a second stream containing the program may be switched to. The program may be a video program. Segment triggers may be detected and may be used to selectively record and/or delete segments of the program according to a priority scheme. Multiple start triggers may be detected at decreasing time intervals. The existence of a recording conflict may be determined based on a program's start trigger and a user may be alerted of the recording conflict.

Abstract: Simulated video game channel systems and methods are disclosed that allows users to connect their video game consoles to a device, such as a set-top box, and to then connect over a gaming channel that is identified by an electronic programming guide (EPG). Both audiovisual broadcast content channels and video game channels are displayed on the same integrated EPG. An individual may either watch the video game action or participate in the video game. A video game channel may be either public, viewable by all service provider subscribers, or private, viewable to only a subset of subscribers. The system also analyzes the video gaming habits of the user to determine recommendations for audiovisual broadcast content and video on demand content to present to the user.

Abstract: A program, a control method, and an information processing apparatus capable of improving excitement of a game. An information processing apparatus (including a server device and a terminal device) executing a process of a game including game content for performing a battle using a plurality of game media may store the plurality of game media selected by a user of the game in association with the user, display some game media among the plurality of game media in a field area and proceed with the game content, and perform a process for providing a cooperation effect including changing of a parameter of a first game medium included in some game media when the first game medium satisfies a predetermined condition and a second game medium in a predetermined relationship with the first game medium and not included in some game media is included in the plurality of game media.

Abstract: Players with a wide range of levels or attack strength can enjoy a time-limited group battle, and the participation rate can be expected to improve throughout the set time slot. A battle time managing unit refers to a timer and a memory resource to manage the time of a battle between groups. A battle condition extraction unit refers to the memory resource and checks whether to change a battle condition during the time of the battle. A target changing unit refers to the memory resource to set a target of change based on the battle condition. A battle condition changing unit changes the battle condition for the target of change that was selected by the target changing unit. Based on the changed battle condition, a battle rendering unit executes rendition processing for the game related to the battle.

Abstract: Provided is a game control method carried out by a game control device connected to communication terminals used by users who play a game. The device has a storage unit for storing group information indicative of a group consisting of users and game piece information indicative of game pieces constituting one item. The method includes giving a game piece to each user in accordance with a user operation to his/her communication terminal; storing obtained game piece information indicative of the game piece given to each user in the storage unit; determining whether all of the game pieces necessary to constitute the one item indicated by the game piece information are given to users constituting a group indicated by the group information based on the obtained game piece information; and giving a reward to users constituting the group if it is determined that all of the game pieces are given.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to detect a first position of a viewing apparatus, wherein the viewing apparatus enables viewing of media programs, obtain a media program in a first viewing perspective that conforms to the first position, present the media program with the first viewing perspective for viewing by way of the viewing apparatus, and transmit to the viewing apparatus a first audio signal corresponding to the first viewing perspective. The storage medium can also have computer instructions to detect that the viewing apparatus has moved to a second position, obtain the media program in a second viewing perspective according to the second position, and present the media program with the second viewing perspective for viewing by way of the viewing apparatus. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.

Abstract: This document describes methodologies for an electronic programming guide with expanding cells for video preview. These techniques and apparatuses enable improved navigation for video and channel previewing based on gestures performed on a mobile device acting as a remote control to a remote display device. These techniques and apparatuses allow video preview of current program content over many channels with a simple and easy method to preview different channels. Further, these techniques and apparatuses can also be applied to view information regarding upcoming programs scheduled at a future time.

Abstract: Interactive content containing audio or video may be provided in conjunction with non-interactive content containing audio or video to enhance user engagement and interest with the contents and to increase the effectiveness of the distributed information. Interactive content may be directly inserted into the existing, non-interactive content. Additionally or alternatively, interactive content may be streamed in parallel to the existing content, with only minimal modification to the existing content. For example, the server may monitor content from a content provider; detect an event (e.g., detecting a marker embedded in the content stream, or in a data source external to the content stream); upon detection of the event, play interactive content at one or more designated times while silencing the content stream of the content provider (e.g., by muting, pausing, playing silence.) The marker may be a sub-audible tone or metadata associated with the content stream.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media generation application that allows a user to create and customize a commercial based on microtrend information and/or feedback information is provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method receives information for a video entity where a video delivery system delivers the video entity as a plurality of video assets using different video delivery methods. The method generates bundles for the video assets. Also, dependencies are generated between bundles when two bundles include control data parameters that are the same. The method then stores control data parameters for the bundles for the plurality of video assets based on the dependencies. A second bundle is stored with the dependency on a first bundle and the second bundle includes a second set of control data parameters for the second bundle that is different from the first set of control data parameters included in the first bundle. When the second bundle is selected, the method accesses the first set of control data parameters and the second set of control data parameters for the second bundle.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method including presenting a playlist of media content generated by a predictive model of preferences of a user of a system based on first prior media consumption associated with a subscription television service and second prior media consumption associated with an internet-based service, receiving a first selection of first media content from the playlist, presenting a menu of viewing devices for viewing the first media content, receiving a second selection of a first companion device for the first media content from the menu of viewing devices, transmitting the first selection and the second selection to a content provider, receiving the first media content from the content provider, and presenting the first media content. The content provider can transmit, to the first companion device, supplementary content, including internet-based content associated with the first media content, for presentation at a display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to create a panel of media device users are disclosed. An example method includes instructing, from a central facility, a media provider to instrument an application with monitoring instructions. A unique identifier and an application identifier are received from a media device executing the monitoring instructions. A master frame corresponding to media devices that have executed the monitoring instructions is created. A skip rate representing a rate at which media devices in the master frame are to be selected to join the panel is determined. The media device is selected from the master frame based on a random value and the skip rate. The monitoring instructions associated with the selected media device are instructed to display a recruitment interface to a user associated with the selected media device requesting the user to join the panel.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for a method of generating and displaying data on a display device, the method comprising receiving an input to interact with an image presented via the display; generating a sequence of frames having an animation frame rate independent of a current refresh rate of the display device; presenting configuration data to the display engine at a display time based on the requested presentation time; and dynamically refreshing the display device based on the display time to display the sequence of frames.

Abstract: A set-top box apparatus includes at least one input module to receive one or more media content streams, at least one memory device, an Ethernet port, at least one wireless transceiver to access a communications network to enable communication with at least one external media player device, an HDMI connector to provide a communication path to a multimedia presentation device, wherein the set-top box apparatus is configured to process at least one of the received one or more media content streams from the at least one input module into multimedia data, to send the one or more received media content streams to the at least one memory device to be stored, and to convey the multimedia data on the communication path to the multimedia presentation device.

Abstract: In a networked system, a method and apparatus for measuring advertising effectiveness involves broadcasting an advertisement at a broadcast time, monitoring at least one social network or other online forum following the broadcast time, filtering social network traffic to identify messages, search engine queries to identify queries, or other traffic entries, that appear to be responsive to the broadcast advertisement, determining a time of initiation for at least a plurality of entries that appear to be responsive to the broadcast advertisement, and determining at least one demographic for at least the plurality of the entries that appear to be responsive to the broadcast advertisement.