Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.

Abstract: In an authoring system of the invention, generation of volume configuration information for a DVD-Video is performed in parallel with generation of volume configuration information for a BD-ROM. Each of the client apparatuses 21 through 23 generates a piece of volume configuration information for a DVD-Video based on a user operation. Each of the client apparatuses 25 through 27 generates a piece of volume configuration information for a BD-ROM by obtaining a copy of an unfinished piece (a version 0.x) of volume configuration information for the DVD-Video and performing an editing processing on the copy. The piece of volume configuration information for the DVD-Video and the piece of volume configuration information for the BD-ROM have a format in common and each include a confirmation flag indicating, for each configuration element of the volume configuration information, whether the configuration element has been confirmed by the user.

Abstract: An interactive television application allows a viewer to track the progress of participants (110) along a course (100) in a sports event. The location of the participants is tracked, such as by using a GPS device (160). Data is provided to the application to provide an on-screen display (310) of a graphic (700) that shows the distances of different points along the course and the locations of the participants. The graphic is updated to show changes in the locations. Information regarding the course, such as difficulty (500) elevation (500, 600, 700) and weather conditions (700) can also be displayed on-screen. The viewer may also select participants to follow, such that other participants are filtered out. Furthermore, different camera feeds (120, 150) are associated with the participants such that the viewer can elect to view the camera feed of a selected participant.

Abstract: A system includes additional information together with a video stream, where the additional information is related to at least one of the frames. Preferably the additional information is related to an object within the frame. A receiver receives the video and additional information and decodes the video in the same manner independently of whether the additional information is provided. The additional information is selectively presented to a viewer at approximately the time of receiving the frames. The system may also present information to a viewer from a unitary file containing an image and additional information associated with the image. A selection mechanism permits the selection of objects in the image for which the additional information is related thereto. A presentation mechanism provides the additional information to a viewer in response to selecting the object.

Abstract: A method and system for processing captured image information in an interactive video display system. In one embodiment, a special learning condition of a captured camera image is detected. The captured camera image is compared to a normal background model image and to a second background model image, wherein the second background model is learned at a faster rate than the normal background model. A vision image is generated based on the comparisons. In another embodiment, an object in the captured image information that does not move for a predetermined time period is detected. A burn-in image comprising the object is generated, wherein the burn-in image is operable to allow a vision system of the interactive video display system to classify the object as background.

Abstract: A system for displaying audio visual presentations based on customer preferences includes an 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: Audio sensors are located in different parts of an arena and are connected to a server by a wireless or wire connection. The sensors are equipped for reception and transmission of audio sounds for selected locations in the arena. The server provides a frequency divided carrier to the respective sensors. The audio sensors are capable of modulating the carrier frequency as a stereophonic sound in the area of the sensor. The server receives, digitizes, and packetizes the stereophonic sensor signals into a plurality of digital streams, each representative of a sensor location in the arena. The audio streams are combined with the video of an event using digital video broadcasting or via a cable system. The viewers are equipped with a control device linked to a TV for a selection of an audio stream by energizing an icon indicative of an audio stream representative of a position in the arena.

Abstract: Methods and devices for end-user generation of content previews including selecting digital content stored on a communications device, and generating a content preview on the communications device from the digital content selected based on content transcoding information. In one embodiment, a mobile wireless communications device (300) includes a content preview generator (340) for generating content previews from content stored in memory based on content transcoding information, and a transmitter (380) for sharing the content previews with other mobile wireless communications devices, for example, in peer-to-peer communications.

Abstract: Synchronization of a group of mobile devices so that each mobile device substantially simultaneously and synchronously plays a selected piece of content (e.g., a compressed music file). Implementations can selectively allow mobile devices to transfer content and control information via a wireless connection such as a Bluetooth connection. Via this data transfer, each mobile device can be synchronized with respect to content to be played and the timing of the playback. Each of the users of the group of mobile devices can have a personal experience (i.e., experiencing the playback without disturbing people that are not part of the group), but at the same time share the experience with the other users of the group. For example, users can experience a musical performance in a public place that no one but themselves can hear.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of wireless communication. A local wireless video communication network may include, for example, a first group of wireless video source modules capable of transmitting wireless video transmissions; and a second group of wireless video destination modules capable of receiving the wireless video transmissions, wherein the source modules and destination modules are capable of communicating with one another according to a bipartite communication scheme such that each destination module is capable of receiving a wireless video transmission from only a single source module at a given moment, and wherein the number of modules in at least one of the first and second groups is equal to or greater than two. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A DVD reproducing device is capable of being connected to a certain external electronic device. The DVD reproducing device includes an external input receiving unit connected with the external electronic device to receive an external input signal from the external electronic device. A key input receiving unit receives a user selection signal for selecting whether or not the external input signal is transformed. An external signal processing unit transforms the external input signal into a certain form according to a user selection signal.

Abstract: An information creating method comprising the steps of: recording moving picture/audio information obtained from a moving picture/audio input apparatus; recording pieces of still picture information displayed on a plurality of displays connected to a network; and, when pieces of said still picture information are recorded, creating a reproduction management list of said pieces of still picture information that correspond to said moving picture/audio information. It is possible to chronologically grasp from the reproduction management list when and in which file name the information has been displayed on each of the displays and, when contents represented in an HTML format etc. are reproduced, it is possible to easily select a display pattern in which pieces of information are to be reproduced on the same screen, thus displaying pieces of still picture information one and all on a split screen as inserted therein.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a universal voting card (UVC) is disclosed. Generic votes stored in association with a UVC may be used at any time in any combination against voting campaigns that span, e.g., wireless carrier networks, television networks and television shows. A generic vote is issued by a UVC holder through the dispatch of an SMS message to a destination address (USC, toll-free TN, etc.). Each time that a generic vote is issued by a UVC holder the ‘number of votes remaining’ on the UVC is decremented; when the ‘number of votes remaining’ on the UVC reaches zero then the UVC is no longer usable.

Abstract: A system for presenting audio-video programming with alternative content comprises a first input port for receiving a first signal containing at least one audio-video program, the at least one audio-video program having at least one default component associated therewith and a second input port for receiving a selected alternative content stream, the selected alternative content stream selected from a plurality of available alternative content streams. The system further comprises a first output port for transmitting a modified audio-video program to an output device, and at least one controller in communication with the first input port, the second input port and the first output port. The at least one controller is operative to (i) synchronize the at least one audio-video program and the selected alternative content stream to form the modified audio-video program and (ii) transmit the modified audio-video program via the first output port.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method receives a first data stream at a computer, with the first data stream comprising packets of data packetized according to a packet protocol. The first data stream is recursively segmented into segments, and at least one of the segments is dispersed via a network for a subsequent processing service. A result of the processing service is received, and the result is aggregated into a second data stream. The second data stream is then communicated via the network.

Abstract: A media converter capable of converting digital data of a unidirectional interface to digital data of a bidirectional interface or converting vice versa and converting digital data in commercial use to digital data for consumers or converting vice versa so that consumers are able to obtain even high quality images is provided. The media converter has a function for inputting digital data of a unidirectional interface and converting the inputting digital data to digital data of a bidirectional interface, and a function for inputting digital data of a bidirectional interface and converting the inputting digital data to digital data of a unidirectional interface, wherein the unidirectional interface is an HD-SDI (High Definition Serial Data Interface) format digital interface, and the bidirectional interface is a digital interface conforming to IEEE1394.

Abstract: A baseball game spectating method is composed of input means (score maker system) such as a mobile terminal capable of electronically inputting states of a baseball game successively, the step of successively inputting motions of players and the other information using the input terminal and transmitting their real-time data, filming means for filming the states of the baseball game, the step of encoding and transmitting the states of the baseball game, means for digitizing the input data and recorded image and sound data, a recording medium such as a data server for storing the digitized real-time data therein, a recording medium such as an image server for storing the digitized image therein, a recording medium such as a sound server for storing the digitized sounds therein, a mobile net system such as PDC or/and PHS and gateway and internet for converting protocol, and a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone with high function and high performance.

Abstract: The method of storing a time based stream of information to generate a presentation is provided for in which a processing system is used. The methods provide for deleting a selected time based stream of information from the storage medium. In one embodiment, a process manager in the processing system deletes selected information in response to a user selection command. This process manager may further check for reference data to the information and only delete the information is no more than one reference to the selected information exists. A trash depository may be used as an intermediary holding area for the information prior to is deletion. Other aspect of the present invention relating to the processing system conserving storage for a time based stream of information for use in authoring a presentation are also described.

Abstract: A distributed content rendering system has a distributed communication structure (14, 14b) coupled between a stream source and a rendering device. A remote control device of the system has a “most recent” button. Control information is gathered for one or more streams of which rendering has been most recently started anywhere via the communication structure (14, 14b) before actuation of the “most recent” button (160). When actuation of the “most recent” button (160) is detected in association with the rendering device (10), one of the one or more streams selected and the information is used to direct that stream at the rendering device (10) that is associated with the actuated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for determining by-storyline data from by-episode data.

Abstract: A presentation system is disclosed for synchronizing a performance of a plurality of presentation content portions at a network node, wherein, e.g., when two such content portions are to be presented concurrently at the network node, at least one is delayed until the other such portion can be presented concurrently therewith. That is, these two portions may be received by the network node at times sufficiently far apart so that the earlier received content portion must have its presentation appropriately delayed in order to be presented concurrently with the second content portion. In one embodiment, the content portions are transmitted via at least a portion of the Internet to a plurality of network nodes, wherein the presentation system can distribute the presentation content data to the network nodes via a plurality of network routes and presentation formats. In particular, a first portion of the content data may be provided as slides in, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for injecting synchronized stream data into a Motion Picture Experts Group 2 (MPEG-2) video/audio transport stream for a digital data broadcasting service. The apparatus and method for injecting synchronized stream data calculate the injection time point of data access unit (DAU) that forms the synchronized stream data and injects DAU into the MPEG-2 video/audio transport stream based on the calculated injection time point so that the synchronized stream data could be presented smoothly in a receiver. The synchronized stream data injecting apparatus includes: an additional data storing unit, a synchronized stream data selection/establishment unit, a synchronized stream data analyzing unit, a transport stream analyzing unit, a synchronized stream data injection/management unit, a presentation time stamp re-stamping unit and a multiplexing unit.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: A method of preparing data streams to facilitate seamless switching between such streams by a switching device to produce an output data stream without any switching artifacts. Bi-directional switching between any plurality of data streams is supported. The data streams are divided into segments, wherein the segments include synchronized starting points and end points. The data rate is increased before an end point of a segment, to create switch gaps between the segments. Increasing the data rate can include increasing a bandwidth of the plurality of data streams, for example by multiplexing, or compressing the data. The present invention can be used, for example, with MPEG or AC-3 encoded audio and MPEG encoded video segments that are multiplexed into MPEG-2 transport streams. Also included are specific methods for preparing MPEG video streams and multiplexing MPEG video with MPEG or AC-3 audio streams to allow a receiver to create seamless transitions between individually encoded segments.

Abstract: This document discloses systems and methods for enabling viewers to control and manage the presentation of programs based on specified types of rating categories and content attributes that the viewer desires not to be presented. The invention provides program data corresponding to each program. The data contains (1) time-varying information related to the content of discrete portions of the television program and, optionally, (2) corresponding data controlling the presentation of that content. By way of example, the program data includes rating and content attribute values as well as control data indicating to which media component the value applies or instructions corresponding to the ways in which each portion of the program may be disabled, modified, replaced, and/or edited. A set top box or other configured consumer electronics device combines the program data with data input by the user concerning the programming the user desires to disable and the methods therefor.

Abstract: A user request to view a video is received, and at least two advertisement options are provided to the user. The user selects one of the at least two advertisement options. An advertisement associated with the advertisement option selected by the user is displayed and the video is displayed.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing programs to a client device. The method includes providing a first video program stream over a first channel where the first video program stream conveys a first video program having a first quality level, and providing a plurality of second video program streams over a second channel where each of the second video program streams conveys a second video program having a second quality level below the first quality level. The first video program stream and second video program streams are adapted for use by the client device in locally switching from presenting the first video program at the first quality level to presenting a selected one of the second video programs at the second quality level.

Abstract: An interactive video player includes the capturing of one or more frames of active video. While the active video is displayed in a first or primary display, a captured frame may be displayed in a secondary display. In response to user input, one or more elements within the frame may be highlighted or otherwise designated. In a third display or portion of a visible screen, user input commands may provide for the input or retrieval of product information associated with the highlighted component. Therefore, in the display, the active video may be maintained, with a display of the captured frame and the display of the product information. Additionally, the product information may be additionally linked to the captured frame and/or the active video, such that if additional users view the active video, they may be able to view the product information.

Abstract: A client receiving a data stream via broadcasting is provided. The client includes a receiver which receives an object carousal that comprises data and a broadcast inter ORB protocol (BIOP) message, a processor which retrieves a transmission code set information from the BIOP message, wherein the transmission code set information provides an instruction to interpret character strings of the BIOP message, and a decoder which decodes the character strings based on the instruction provided by the transmission code set information.

Abstract: A server supporting structures of objects represented in various languages in a broadcast data stream is provided. The server includes a generator which generates an object carousal that comprises data and a broadcast inter ORB protocol (BIOP) message; a processor which inserts transmission code set information into the BIOP message of the object carousel, wherein the transmission code set information provides an instruction to interpret character strings of the BIOP message; and a transmitter which transmits the object carousal.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for reducing channel switching time in a network environment. The user of a mobile terminal may receive a data stream containing numerous television programs or services. Each of the programs or services may have a Packet Identification (PID) and/or IP address. The invention reduces channel switching time by predicting channel changing behavior. Various procedures are presented in which data is received and cached. The cached data may then be used to reduce the channel switching time during synchronizing and decoding of the new channel.

Abstract: Communication networks and methods are disclosed that provide a supplemental content service. The supplemental content service provides synchronized supplemental content, such as media clips, to a user over a communication network (e.g., a mobile wireless network). A content provider offering a primary content stream (e.g., a television program) broadcasts the primary content stream to a content receiving device (e.g., a television) of the user. The content provider also generates supplemental content that is an enhancement to the primary content stream. If the user subscribes to the supplemental content service, then the communication network provides the supplemental content to the user through a communication device (e.g., a mobile phone) that is synchronized with the primary content stream. The user can then experience the supplemental content over the communication device at the same time as experiencing the primary content stream over the content receiving device.

Abstract: Communication networks and methods are disclosed that provide a supplemental content service. The supplemental content service provides synchronized supplemental content, such as media clips, to a user over a communication network (e.g., a mobile wireless network). A content provider offering a primary content stream (e.g., a television program) broadcasts the primary content stream to a content receiving device (e.g., a television) of the user. The content provider also generates supplemental content that is an enhancement to the primary content stream. If the user subscribes to the supplemental content service, then the communication network provides the supplemental content to the user through a communication device (e.g., a mobile phone) that is synchronized with the primary content stream. The user can then experience the supplemental content over the communication device at the same time as experiencing the primary content stream over the content receiving device.

Abstract: A system for streaming video is disclosed. A requesting device transmits a streaming video request to an intermediate server. The intermediate server sends a WAP Push to a receiving device. The receiving device may accept or reject the request. If it accepts, a video streaming session is opened between the requesting device and the receiving device.

Abstract: A multifunctional mobile communication device includes a main body (10) provided with a screen (102), at least one keypad, a main board (12), a TV button (221), a screen button (223), one ore more ports (241) and an antenna. The main board is electronically connected with a display module (14), an operating module (16), and an audio input/output module (18), a power module (20), a switching module (22) and TV module (24). The screen is controlled by the display module. The keypad is electronically connected with the operating module. The TV button and the screen button both are electronically connected with the switching module and the TV module. The antenna and the one or more ports both are connected with the TV module.

Abstract: A Social Media Platform and method are provided wherein contextual content, in real-time, is delivered to a user along with the original content from which the contextual content is derived.

Abstract: A system for conveying viewer-selected information to viewers of a golf tournament includes a group of external input signals, a command facility, and a remote device able to convey viewer-selected information to the viewer. The external signals are from a group that includes at least a real-time identity of a club that a player is using. The remote viewing device is able to convey transmitted visual information and includes (1) a means for receiving transmitted signals conveying visual information, (2) a means for displaying selected visual information, and (3) a means to enable a viewer to select the visual information desired to be displayed from a group including at least the real-time identity of the club that a selected player has had removed from a golf bag used by the player.

Abstract: An information transmitting/receiving system is disclosed which includes a base station apparatus and a monitor apparatus, the system being arranged to let the base station apparatus offer more content information to the monitor apparatus than before. On receiving a content transmission request, the base station apparatus performs an authenticating process using monitor apparatus registration information in order to send content information only to the registered monitor apparatus authorized to receive the content information. The monitor apparatus may register with a plurality of units of the base station apparatus. When the monitor apparatus selects any one of the multiple units of the base station apparatus to request transmission of content information therefrom, the selected base station unit transmits the requested content information to the requesting monitor apparatus.

Abstract: A contents mediating system for allowing the user who requests contents to easily obtain cheap contents. A contents storing unit 4 stores contents provided from a provider terminal 1. A contents analysis search unit 6 searches the contents in the contents storing unit 4 on the basis of use request information from a contents user terminal 9 and extracts the contents. A contents distributing unit 303 distributes the contents to a Web contents memory unit 8 which is used by the user. A contents settlement unit 5 makes a charging settlement of a use consideration to the user and a supply settlement of a provision consideration to the provider.

Abstract: A method is provided for transmission and reception, by an object carousel, of an object including data and a message to reference the data. The method includes inserting into the message information regarding an encoding system used to encode character strings within the message; transmitting the data and the message by the object carousel; receiving the data and the message; determining the information from the message; and decoding the character strings within the message according to the information, wherein the message is a broadcast inter ORB protocol (BIOP) message.

Abstract: Provided is a system includes a transmitting device which transmits by an object carousel an object including a data and a message to reference the data, and a receiving device which receives the object, wherein the message is a broadcast inter ORB protocol (BIOP) message. The transmitting device includes a control unit which inserts into the message information regarding an encoding system used to encode character strings within the message, and a transmitting unit which transmits the object and the message. The receiving device includes a receiving unit which receives the object, and a control unit which decodes the character strings based on the information.

Abstract: During an operation performed to obtain time information of a previously designated channel when an XDS scanning master detects from an interrupt that a user designates his/her favorite channel via a key the master cancels the operation performed for the previously designated channel to obtain time information, and a tuner setting master shifts from the previously designated channel to the favorite channel and starts to receive a broadcast signal corresponding to the favorite channel. The XDS scanning master performs an operation to obtain time information from the broadcast signal corresponding to the favorite channel received. Whenever a favorite channel is designated, a current operation to obtain time information is canceled and a favorite channel currently designated by a user is preferentially subjected to the operation to obtain time information.

Abstract: A method of decoding character strings within a message to reference data is provided. The method includes receiving the message to reference the data transmitted by an object carousel, wherein the message is a broadcast inter ORB protocol (BIOP) message, determining information regarding an encoding system used to encode the character strings within the message; and decoding the character strings according to the information which is determined.

Abstract: A method is provided for transmitting an object including data and a message to reference the data by an object carousel. The method includes inserting information in the message, wherein the information indicates an encoding system used to encode character strings within the message; and broadcasting the data and the message by the object carousel, wherein the message is a broadcast inter ORB protocol (BIOP) message.

Abstract: A method of marketing a motion picture in conjunction with a disposable consumer product. A marketing vehicle is created by directly associated a motion picture identifier with an item to create a primary, secondary, or tertiary marketing vehicle. Any combination of primary, secondary, or tertiary marketing vehicles are sold to shoppers, choosers, and/or users prior to the motion-picture release date to achieve a desired marketing effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of providing system information. The method can include sending system content to display concurrently with video content on a display device. The video content may be associated with a last selected channel of a set-top box prior to a trigger event.

Abstract: A method of presenting program content on multiple display devices using a wireless home entertainment hub includes obtaining a registration of a plurality of devices with the wireless home entertainment hub, where the devices include at least two display devices. A request for program content is received from a user. The program content is caused to be displayed on a primary display device selected from the at least two display devices. Supplemental video content is caused to be displayed on one or more secondary displays devices from the at least two display devices, where the supplemental video content corresponds to the program content.

Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a phone-based system for targeted advertisement delivery by identifying broadcast audio advertisements, and methods of providing such a system. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a user-initiated telephone connection that includes an audio sample of an advertisement from a broadcast source, and identifying the audio advertisement sample. The method also includes retrieving a metadata associated with the identified audio advertisement sample, obtaining a targeted advertisement information that most closely corresponds to the retrieved metadata. The method further includes transmitting a message including the targeted advertisement information. Other implementations of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.

Abstract: Computer implemented method, system and computer usable program code for detecting topic shift boundaries in a multimedia stream. A computer implemented method for detecting topic shift boundaries in a multimedia stream includes receiving a multimedia stream, and performing multimodal analysis on the multimedia stream to locate a plurality of temporal positions within the multimedia stream at which topic changes have an increased likelihood of occurring to provide a sequence of multimedia portions. Characteristics for a sliding window for each multimedia portion in the sequence of multimedia portions are automatically determined, and topic shift boundaries are detected in each multimedia portion by applying a text-based topic shift detector over the media stream's text transcript using a sliding window, wherein the sliding window used with each multimedia portion has the characteristics determined from its respective multimedia portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing related commercial content to a user. Systems and methods can include extraction or development of data from metadata and searching for related commercial content based upon the extracted or developed data.