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: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hinting an encoder are disclosed in which a server monitors for information related to changes in frame rendering, calculates tolerance boundaries, rolling average frame time and/or short-term trends in frame time, and uses those calculations to identify a frame time peak. The server then hints a codec (encoder) to modulate the quality settings of frame output in proportion to the size of the frame time peak. In certain embodiments, a renderer records one or more playthroughs in a game environment, sorts a plurality of frames from one or more playthroughs into a plurality of cells on a heatmap, and collects the list of sorted frames. A codec may then encode one or more frames from the list of sorted frames to calculate an average encoded frame size for each cell in the heatmap, and associate each average encoded frame size with a per-cell normalized encoder quality setting.

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: An information processing apparatus acquires operation information of a user, and executes an application based on the operation information. While the application is being executed, the information processing apparatus repeatedly searches for other unspecified information processing apparatuses by using a wireless communication function, and establishes a connection with the one or more of the other information processing apparatuses having been searched for. The information processing apparatus executes a communication application to communicate with the connected one or more of the other information processing apparatuses, based on the operation information and on operation information relating to the one or more of the other information processing apparatuses.

Abstract: A system includes a smart-phone processor configured to receive a video recording feed from a camera. The processor is also configured to receive a vehicle data feed from a vehicle connected to the processor. The processor is further configured to convert the vehicle data feed into images. The processor is additionally configured to add the images to the video recording feed in real-time and save a combined feed including the video and images resulting from the adding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for servicing a user participation-type game, and more particularly, to a system and method for servicing a user participation-type game using real-time flash-mob, including: users that participate in the game are divided into creators or players, and different services are provided according to whether the user is a creator or a player; the creator registers instructions that have a specific theme and related images in order to induce the participation of other users (players), and the player reads the instructions and views images that are designated by the creator, and links similar images in order to achieve a real-time flash-mob; and the creator is compensated with points as more pictures are linked to one set of instructions, and the player is compensated with points as more links (participations) are made to the instructions of various creators.

Abstract: A device includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including receiving, via a transmission, a first set of video segments. Each video segment of the first set of video segments includes multiple video frames of a video stream associated with an event. The operations also include sending a replay request for data associated with a particular video stream associated with the event. The replay request is associated with a replay duration. A communication session with a media server is established via a unicast transmission based on the replay request. The operations also include receiving, via the communication session, a second set of video segments associated with the particular video stream and automatically terminating the communication session based on the replay duration.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for image-based browsing through a plurality of digital media assets assisted by media cues are disclosed. The media cues can be provided by playback of short audio segments, referred to as snippets, of the digital media assets being browsed. The digital media assets can be grouped into collections of digital media assets. In one embodiment, as a user browses through digital media assets using visual representations of the collections of digital media assets, media cues can be provided.

Abstract: A game system including a server device connected to a network and one or more terminal devices operated by users and executing a video game that a player character plays a quest in a game space which has a quest data storing unit which stores quest data, a playing status storing unit which stores playing status of the quest, a quest control unit which permits the start of the quest and a hint control unit which notifies the information for the starting conditions. The playing status storing unit acquires the playing status from the quest control unit and updates the playing status, and the hint control unit determines the information for the starting conditions based on the playing status.

Abstract: Systems and Methods disclosed herein relate to providing control of smart devices via data provided from or to a doorbell, via an application programming interface (API). The data provided by the doorbell may be submission data related to the doorbell, while received data may be reception data related to one or more smart devices, a smart-device environment structure hosting the smart devices, or both. Based upon the reception data and/or the submission data, a status of the doorbell and/or of the smart devices may be modified.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a user interface navigation assistance system detecting user input representative of an impending selection of a button of a remote control device associated with a media content processing device while a navigable user interface is being displayed by the media content processing device on a display screen, determining a current position of a selector object within the navigable user interface, and providing, based on the current position of the selector object, audio feedback that indicates an action that will occur if the user selects the button of the remote control device while the selector object is in the current position. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for processing a global key of a smart television, in the method, a system side intercepts a detected remote controller key event; when it is determined that the remote controller key event needs to be sent to an application in a broadcast form, the system side generates a broadcast message according to the remote controller key event, and broadcasts the broadcast message; the application preregistering broadcast in the application side receives the broadcast message; when the application which has received the broadcast message determines that the global key processing is needed, a global key processing is conducted according to the remote controller key event in the broadcast message. The present disclosure provides a system for processing a global key of a smart television. The present disclosure can realize the function of processing the global key in any application.

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: One aspect of the invention includes an apparatus that simultaneously displays the video input and supplementary information, having a video overlay device, and a network management module, a removable storage device and a display device coupled to the video overlay device. The network management module includes a computer or a cloud server for uploading, via network, and controlling supplementary information. The video overlay device includes a central processing unit, and a video input processing unit, a video output processing unit and local memory coupled to the central processing unit. Under a control of the central processing unit, the supplementary information is obtained from the network management module, an email sent from the network management module, or removable storage devices, and is subsequently stored in the local memory, processed and displayed in a display device.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transmitting audiovisual information. A first plurality of packets including audiovisual information may be generated. A second plurality of packets including error correction coding information for the audiovisual information may be generated. Control information for associating the error correction coding information with the audiovisual information may be generated, and a third plurality of packets including the control information may also be generated. The plurality of packets, including the first, second, and third pluralities of packets, may be transmitted to a mobile device in a wireless manner. The control information may inform the mobile device of the association of the first error correction coding information with the audiovisual information.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a video recording reserving section configured to reserve video recording of a program in response to an operation performed by a user; and a comment posting section configured to post a comment on a predetermined website offering a predetermined webpage, the comment being supplemented with a uniform resource locator (URL) indicative of the program of which the video recording has been reserved on the information processing apparatus, the URL causing a video recording reservation screen for the program to be displayed when selected on a screen of the predetermined webpage displayed on another apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing the playback of network media across multiple content playback devices, termed herein as “playback devices”, “clients”, or “client devices”. In one implementation, client devices are controlled to parse and buffer media content separately. Once all clients are ready, a controller may cause the client devices to start in a synchronized fashion based on signals sent by the controller. The controller adjusts the timing of the signal so that the outputs are displayed in synchronization on each client device. In other implementations, device lag times may be measured. In still other implementations, a master device may synchronize playback of media content on slave devices. In yet other implementations, devices may buffer and join playback of media content occurring on other devices. In further implementations, the systems and methods may be expanded to include steps of processing authentication for service providers prior to arranging synchronized playback.

Abstract: A content item categorizer system retrieves content items from Internet sources. If a retrieved content item includes sufficient information for traditional categorization methods, then the system assigns one or more categories to the content item using such traditional methods. The system creates a metadata model, based on information about traditionally-categorized content items, that maps at least hashtags from the content items to one or more content categories. When the system retrieves a sparse-info item that does not include sufficient information for traditional categorization, the system applies the metadata model to categorize the content item using at least hashtags in the sparse-info item. The metadata model may also include information indicating mappings between categories and coincidence of hashtags and additional content item attributes. Also, the metadata model may provide information for categorizing sparse-info items based on multiple hashtags in the sparse-info item metadata.

Abstract: The display device receives first data, including a control instruction, encapsulated at an application layer by a first external device, matching a data protocol of a first dedicated link over the first dedicated link; and if the control instruction is a control instruction directed to the display device, then the display device performs a corresponding operation according to the control instruction; and if the control instruction is a control instruction directed to a second external device, then the display device transmits the first data to the second external device over a second dedicated link so that the second external device performs a corresponding operation according to the control instruction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for distributing media content. The system can include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores executable instructions for causing the processor to detect a stamp key embedded in the media content, and request an ad stamp associated with the stamp key. The stamp key may comprise a unique digital key for the ad stamp. The memory can further cause the processor to communicatively connect to a user system and a content system. The content system may be configured to distribute the media content. The user system may comprise a display and may be configured to receive the ad stamp and present the ad stamp on the display.

Abstract: A device may provide information identifying one or more items of content stored by a home media client. The device may receive a request for content, of the one or more items of content, stored by the home media client. The home media client may store a first copy of the content. The device may identify a second copy of the content based on the request for the content. The second copy of the content may be stored by a storage device of a content delivery network or may be stored by the home media client without being stored by the storage device of the content delivery network. The device may cause the second copy of the content to be provided via the content delivery network as a response to the request regardless of whether the second copy of the content is stored by the storage device of the content delivery network or by the home media client.

Abstract: The disclosed herein is a portable cellular communication system comprised of: at least two portable cellular communication units, wherein said units include: at least one means to convert sound into an electrical signal for each unit; at least one means to convert an electrical signal into sound for each unit; at least one display means to display a user interface for each unit; at least one light source for each unit; at least one sensory unit for each unit; at least one means to converts an electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound for each unit; at least one SIM card tray for each unit; at least one means for each unit to attach said portable cellular communication unit simultaneously to multiple external resources; at least one power supply module; a plurality of camera for each unit; and a plurality of controls on each unit.

Abstract: A signal input switching circuit, including a switch circuit including a plurality of input terminals to which signals are respectively applied as input from different signal sources, and the switch circuit supplying as output thereof a signal that is applied as input by way of an input terminal selected from among the plurality of input terminals, and input control units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of input terminals belonging to the switch circuit, controlling signal sources that are connected to input terminals that were not selected by the switch circuit to not present signals to the corresponding input terminals.

Abstract: A network system includes a terminal apparatus, a recording apparatus, and a network. The recording apparatus includes a record-scheduling-state storing section that stores data of a record scheduling state of a program and a record-scheduling-state providing section that transmits the data of the record scheduling state stored in the record-scheduling-state storing section through the network.

Abstract: An AV system composed of an HD recorder and a display unit uses a communication interface of the HDMI. An HDMI source of the HD recorder transmits image data (image signal) in the form of differential signals to an HDMI sink of the display unit through three TMDS channels. The HDMI source inserts content identification information for the identification of the type of a content of image data to be transmitted into an AVI InfoFrame packet placed in a blanking period. A control section of the display unit controls operation of a display processing section which carries out a process for displaying for the image data based on the content identification information received by the HDMI sink and a display section for displaying an image.

Abstract: A method of setting user viewing conditions of a video display apparatus including detecting a peripheral terminal via a wireless communication; determining whether the detected terminal is registered by receiving address information of the detected terminal; confirming a viewer rating of the detected terminal, if the detected terminal is registered; comparing the viewer rating of the detected terminal user profile with the viewer rating of a preset user profile, if the viewer rating of the detected terminal is confirmed; loading the detected user profile of the terminal, if the viewer rating of the detected terminal user profile is lower than the viewer rating of a preset user profile; and setting user viewing conditions based on the loaded user profile.

Abstract: Systems for, and methods of, displaying video information comprising: a second screen device obtaining current play position data of a video being played on a primary screen device (e.g., obtaining from the primary screen device an identification of a current play position of the video, or obtaining information to generate an acoustic fingerprint of the video); determining a current play position of the video playing on the primary screen device based upon the current play position data (e.g., identification of the current play position or the acoustic fingerprint); downloading information (e.g., video map, subtitles, moral principles, objectionable content, memorable content, performers, geographical maps, shopping, plot point, item, ratings, and trivia information) over a computer communications network into the memory of the second screen device; and displaying information on the second screen device synchronized with the contemporaneously played video on the primary screen device.

Abstract: Computer systems and methods for generating a social network of users based on the users' devices being operably coupled are discussed herein. Specifically, techniques are described herein to determine the types of relationships between a plurality of users based on telemetry data collected at one or more server computers from the users' operably coupled client devices. The telemetry data describes, among other things, protocol(s) and network interface(s) used to operably couple the client devices, network operations performed by the client devices, and sensory data recorded by the client devices while the devices are operably coupled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to create a panel of media device users are disclosed. An example method includes identifying a master frame of media devices that have executed an instrumented application. A media device is selected from the master frame. A first instrumented application on the selected media device is instructed to display a recruitment interface to a user associated with the selected media device requesting the user to join the panel.

Abstract: Methods and systems, such as home automation gateways and television receivers, are disclosed for distinguishing between false alarms and actual events. Aspects include transmitting sensor data, such as a video feed from a closed-circuit video system, to a display to allow a user to confirm whether an alarm event is a false alarm or an actual alarm event. Sensor data is optionally recorded to allow later review of the sensor data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing digital video recorder services with a portable wireless device (PWD). The PWD includes at least a transceiver, a processing unit and a memory unit. The transceiver receives a video content signal transmitted from a broadcaster of mobile broadcast digital TV, and an electronic program guide (EPG). The processing unit is in communication with the transceiver and the memory unit and the processing unit: stores the TV programming information on the memory unit; displays, responsive to a first user input, the TV programming information; records on the memory unit, responsive to a second user input, a selected video content signal received by the transceiver; and plays back the selected video content signal, responsive to a third user input, from the memory unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a user interface, at a device, is provided. The method includes displaying a first user interface associated with a specific user; receiving a selection of the first user interface; and displaying a communication function list for connecting with the specific user.

Abstract: A video engine, system and method for use with a video player, including a presenter that presents at least two audio/visual works, at least one software application capable of at least one metadata-related interaction with the audio/visual works, communication points over which the audio/visual works are received, and over which at least a portion of the at least one meta-data interaction occurs, and a hierarchical taxonomy that effects a common metadata reference to each recurrence of a particular object across the audio/visual works, and across each of the at least one metadata-related interaction. The video engine, system, and method may additionally include a prioritization data for use with the metadata.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a program listing include storing user profile data and a user identifier for a user; storing an association of the user identifier with user identifiers for each of the plurality of social contacts of the user; receiving program identifier data representing programs currently being viewed by the social contacts; ranking the program identifier data for each of the plurality of social contacts based at least in part on the user profile data; and sending display data representing the program identifier data for display in an order based on the ranking.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, devices, methods and software to daisy chain multiple individual transmitters, optionally nodes, optionally extenders, and receivers to form any sized scalable system of digital video and audio signal switching and distribution. The video audio systems are for a simpler system design, wiring, control and expansion, to accomplish signal interfacing, switching, splitting for many varied input and output requirements with a scalable pair of transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing system that enables a user to start playing a game from a game situation corresponding to a play point in a video that shows a play content of the game. A return request receiving unit (52) receives an execution request for a game which is associated with a play point in a video that shows a play content of the game. A game situation data obtaining unit (56) obtains, from a data storage unit (46) for storing pieces of game situation data which indicate situations of the game that are associated with play points in the video, game situation data that is identified based on a play point associated with the execution request. A game executing unit (42) starts executing the game from a situation that is indicated by the game situation data obtained by the game situation data obtaining unit (56).

Abstract: An AV system composed of an HD recorder and a display unit uses a communication interface of the HDMI. An HDMI source of the HD recorder transmits image data (image signal) in the form of differential signals to an HDMI sink of the display unit through three TMDS channels. The HDMI source inserts content identification information for the identification of the type of a content of image data to be transmitted into an AVI InfoFrame packet placed in a blanking period. A control section of the display unit controls operation of a display processing section which carries out a process for displaying for the image data based on the content identification information received by the HDMI sink and a display section for displaying an image.

Abstract: Computer systems and methods for generating a social network of users based on the users' devices being operably coupled are discussed herein. Specifically, techniques are described herein to determine the types of relationships between a plurality of users based on telemetry data collected at one or more server computers from the users' operably coupled client devices. The telemetry data describes, among other things, protocol(s) and network interface(s) used to operably couple the client devices, network operations performed by the client devices, and sensory data recorded by the client devices while the devices are operably coupled.

Abstract: Techniques for establishing a screen sharing session are described. Consistent with some embodiments, a web conferencing application executing at a mobile computing device enables a user to specify the identity of a remote computer. The identity of the remote computer is communicated to a web conferencing service, directing the server operating the web conferencing service to establish a remote desktop connection with the remote computer. Once established, the web conferencing service receives from the remote computer a stream of information representing a user interface of the remote computer, and then broadcasts the user interface to all computing devices participating in the web conferencing session, while enabling the mobile computing device to manipulate the user interface of the remote computer.

Abstract: A content delivery system which comprises a delivery server and multiple terminal devices, the delivery server delivering content, the multiple terminal devices receiving delivery of the content, in the content delivery system connection between the delivery server and the terminal devices and connection between the terminal devices being made by radio, in the content delivery system the terminal devices being connected in multiple stages, wherein the delivery server instructs a terminal device which has received delivery of the content and which is connected to an other terminal device at the next stage to deliver content possessed by a self terminal device to the other terminal device, and wherein the instructed terminal device delivers content possessed by the self terminal device to the other terminal device and notifies the delivery result to the delivery server.

Abstract: There is realized a server for providing a game capable of improving the interest in and taste of a battle event and increasing the interest in and real enjoyment of the entire game. The server according to the present invention includes an information storage unit for storing information related to the game, and a control unit for accessing the information, performing various computations, and displaying game images on a terminal device. In a battle event of this game, multiple character cards are aligned and displayed in a first field, and a player selects therefrom a character card to be used for a battle with an enemy character. The first field is replenished with another character card alternative to the selected character card as needed so that the player can further select an additional character card therefrom.

Abstract: A method of setting user viewing conditions of a video display apparatus including determining whether a detected terminal is registered by receiving address information of the detected terminal; measuring a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the detected terminal, if the detected terminal is registered, comparing the RSSI of the detected terminal with preset reference RSSI; comparing a priority order of the detected terminal user profile with a priority order of a preset user profile, if a value of the measured RSSI is larger than a value of the reference RSSI; loading the detected user profile of the terminal, if the priority order of the detected terminal user profile is higher than the priority order of a preset user profile; and setting user viewing conditions based on the loaded user profile.

Abstract: Each charging member in a group identifies a docking connection. Each charging member, responsive to identifying the docking connection, transmits information to other charging members in the group and receives information transmitted from another charging member in the group. Each charging member generates a list using the information transmitted to the group and received from the group. Each charging member also includes a ranking component for filtering, sorting, and ranking entries in the list according to a predefined selection filter and/or ranking filter. Each entry in the list is associated with a charging member with a docking connection and in the group. Each charging member determines based on a predefined indication filter that an entry in the list that is associated with the charging member is ranked at a predefined position in the list and provides an indication.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes: media containers each of which can contain therein media, an image formation unit to form an image on one or more media based on image data; a media feed unit to feed the media from one of the media containers to the image formation unit; a computation unit configured to calculate a remaining time to complete the image-forming on the media of an instructed quantity, based on a feed time per medium and a print time per medium; and an image formation condition change detector configured to detect a change of image formation conditions. When the change of the image formation conditions is detected, the computation unit calculates the remaining time, based on the feed time per medium and the print time per medium after the change of the image formation conditions.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for reproducing at least one piece of content received via at least one interface. The method includes classifying the at least one piece of content respectively received via the at least one interface according to a reference attribute, allocating the classified at least one piece of content to a virtual channel, and selecting a channel from among set channels that include the virtual channel and an occupied basic channel.

Abstract: A hybrid audio and video system and method of providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location are provided. A video signal feed includes visual content. An audio signal feed includes audio content. A third signal feed includes promotional content about the end user. Specific visual content, audio content, and promotional content are electronically selected. The visual content, audio content, and promotional content are electronically combined in response to the selections to create an output feed. The selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content of the output feed through the television network at the end user location.

Abstract: An AV system composed of an HD recorder and a display unit uses a communication interface of the HDMI. An HDMI source of the HD recorder transmits image data (image signal) in the form of differential signals to an HDMI sink of the display unit through three TMDS channels. The HDMI source inserts content identification information for the identification of the type of a content of image data to be transmitted into an AVI InfoFrame packet placed in a blanking period. A control section of the display unit controls operation of a display processing section which carries out a process for displaying for the image data based on the content identification information received by the HDMI sink and a display section for displaying an image.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, apparatuses, methods and computer executable code for facilitating broadcast, publication and/or sharing of video from a user device to one or more other user devices in a social networking environment. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided systems, apparatuses, methods and computer executable code for facilitating live broadcast of video captured by a user device image sensor to one or more other users associated with the broadcasting user within a social networking site (e.g. facebook).