Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Enhanced television content is processed and displayed by the execution of computer-readable instructions formatted in a binary interchange format (BIF) of an enhanced television BIF (EBIF) application via user agent at a client by interpreting the computer-readable instructions directly and without additional compilation. A key identifier may be used by the EBIF application to identify a content programming engine to locate and retrieve programmable content to be displayed at the client.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A system for providing an interactive look-and-feel in a digital video broadcast via an X-Y protocol is provided. At a head-end, video information is digitized and associated with private data, such as event identifications, X-Y coordinates, link event identification and synchronization data. This information is then transmitted to a receiving end and is input into a set-top box. The set-top box receives the broadcast digital signal and includes a member for receiving the broadcast digital signal and generating a playable signal including indicia of the link data. The playable signal is then played on a playing device. The user is provided with a remote control or similar input device for selecting from the indicia. Upon selection of a desired indicia, the user may exercise the predetermined link associated with the selected indicia in order to obtain the desired playable signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods of memorializing a viewer's viewing experience are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment presents a program stream to the viewer, detects an occurrence of one of a plurality of event capture triggers, captures at least one image of the viewer in response to detecting the event capture trigger, and stores the image of the viewer.

Abstract: A method and system is described to facilitate variable pricing for electronically viewing content online. Consumers pay different amounts to view portions of electronically viewable content obtained from a tangible work, where the amount paid is based on a characteristic of the work (e.g., the genre or publisher), the consumer's past viewing behavior or purchases, including the portions of content (e.g., the number of pages or chapters) previously viewed from the same or other work, or the number or amount of purchases made of other works or products, or the aggregated viewing behavior or purchases of a number of consumers.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A content provision system provides a content reproduction apparatus with content including main information which is at least either of video information and audio information generated by a content generation apparatus. The content generation apparatus generates a bodily sensation element by applying numeric conversion to characteristics of a bodily sensation given to a user, generates instruction information to reproduce the bodily sensation element in synchronism with reproduction of the main information, generates bodily sensation information by adding the instruction information to the bodily sensation element, and generates content including the bodily sensation information by adding the bodily sensation information to the main information.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for synchronizing a data stream are disclosed. The method includes: decoding the data stream to generate a decoded data stream and program clock references; generating a local clock reference; generating a simulated clock reference according to the program clock references and the local clock reference; comparing the local clock reference with the simulated clock reference to generate a comparison result; adjusting a processing timing of the decoded data stream according to the comparison result; and processing the decoded data stream according to the processing timing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring transmissions of media content (such as audio and audiovisual content) in order to obtain independent and objective data regarding the use of specific media content recordings or works within the transmissions. Processing and reporting of such data is provided in various ways to serve a variety of business needs. Methods for employing content identification technology to efficiently and automatically obtain reliable, accurate, and precise monitoring data are also disclosed. Various information products and services based on such monitoring systems are proposed.

Abstract: A technique for automated analysis of multimedia, such as, for example, a news broadcast. A Broadcast News Editor and Broadcast News Navigator system analyze, select, condense, and then present news summaries. The system enables not only viewing a hierarchical table of contents of the news, but also summaries tailored to individual needs. This is accomplished through story segmentation and proper name extraction which enables the use of common information retrieval methodologies, such as Web browsers. Robust segmentation processing is provided using multistream analysis on imagery, audio, and closed captioned stream cue events according to a finite state model indicative of the presentation class.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Processing interactive software supporting video, including a first computer configured to execute an interactive process and display a video stream response, where the interactive process responds to an external input by generating a control signal and sending the control signal, a remote console configured to receive the control signal and send the video stream response where the video stream response is computed by the remote console, and a hardware interface configured to convert the control signal from a first format to a second format and to convert the video stream response from the second format to the first format where the first computer sends the control signal and receives the video stream response in the first format and where the remote console receives the control signal and sends the video stream response in the second format.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to broadcast premium video programming. Thus, once premium video programming is received, it is encoded into the vertical blanking interval and unused/non-interfering Active lines found in a typical television broadcast. However, the encoded information is completely transparent to the pre-existing/typical television channel. The resulting encoded content is then broadcast with the typical television broadcast.

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

Abstract: An interactive method includes receiving, at a display device, background video including a multiplicity of video frames, at least one of the multiplicity of video frames including a plurality of sub-pictures, each of the plurality of sub-pictures representing an alternative background, and switching, at the display device, between a first sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures and a second sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal comprises receiving a broadcast signal, the signal including a video component and an audio component. A data component including an interactive application is also received which may be part of the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal is monitored for an identification signal, and the operation of the interactive application is interrupted if the identification signal is not present.

Abstract: A device, connected to a video display device, may receive a media stream that includes a video signal associated with a video program and program meta-data associated with the video program. The device may parse the media stream to extract the program meta-data, identify a keyword based on the program meta-data, obtain information from a search performed using the keyword, create a snippet of information from the obtained information, and present the snippet and the video program to the video display device, where the snippet and the video program are concurrently presented on the video display device.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for configuring a device for receipt of data corresponding to broadcast media signal. The system and method include selecting a metadata preference for use in a search of metadata associated with the broadcast media signals and selecting a notification preference for a notification format. The selected metadata preference and the selected notification preference are transmitted to a hosting system. The device can then receive, in the selected notification format, data corresponding to a broadcast media signal, the broadcast signal corresponding to the metadata preference. In one embodiment, the broadcast media signal is an analog or digital video signal. The metadata can be in a non-video portion of the broadcast television signal, for example, a vertical blanking interval or header field.

Abstract: An interactive television (ITV) system transmitting ITV content created and received by different ITV platforms via a single ITV stream. The system provides universal time codes which are embedded into the ITV stream. Each time code is associated with a program identifier which uniquely identifies a particular program. An ITV receiver receives the ITV stream and compares the program identifier and time code with a program held in the receiver's memory. When a match is found, an interactive event indicated by the program is executed. The program may be loaded into the receiver's memory using a back channel.

Abstract: A VSB communication system comprises a VSB transmission system and a VSB reception system. The VSB transmission system multiplexes a coded MPEG data and a coded supplemental data having a null sequence inserted therein, with required multiplexing information included in a field synchronization signal or in a supplemental data according to a number of the supplemental data packets being transmitted. The VSB reception system detects the required multiplexing information from the field synchronization signal or the supplemental data and decodes the multiplexed data by using the null sequence and the detected multiplexing information, as well as demultiplexes the multiplexed data into the MPEG data and the supplemental data.

Abstract: In an interactive broadcasting system, television programming may be broadcast with interleaved web content information. The progress in broadcasting the web content information over one or more transports and over one or more channels within those transports, may be monitored to provide a time based indication of what content has been broadcast. In one embodiment, markers may be inserted into the data transmission flow and a method may be utilized to associate a handle with a particular marker. A method may be called which obtains the handle and another method may be utilized to invoke the handle to obtain current information about broadcast transmissions. This information may be used within a broadcast encoder or may be provided to a content provider, for example, through a log-in server.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program guide data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server. The continuous data stream may also include program and program grouping identifiers. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with programs identified in the continuous data stream.

Abstract: According to the invention, channel surfers are aided by summary frames appearing on the screen along with the regular program. These summary frames are embedded in the broadcast and appear in a small window on the screen at some point in the future as the video is broadcast. The summary frames depict key scenes from the past which aid the viewer in quickly ascertaining the current plot or theme of the video program. In an interactive television environment, a short video segment may be associated with each shot such that when the shot is selected, the past video segment is played in a larger window on the screen complete with sound. Once the segment is viewed, the video program is rejoined in progress with the viewer having a better sense of what is going on in the video. Hence, a when a channel surfer arrives at a new channel, rather than only having what is currently playing to catch the eye, summary frames are also available to catch the surfer's attention and aid in understanding the programming.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation of interactive radio programming. A moderator of an interactive radio program uses a moderator client to digitize and transmit a radio program with enhanced content to a moderator server through a wide area network. The moderator server uses the digitized radio program and the enhanced content to generate an interactive radio program for transmission to participants in the interactive radio program. The complete interactive radio program is transmitted to participant clients over the wide area network. An audio portion of the interactive radio program may be transmitted over a conventional radio network as well.

Abstract: A method configured for facilitating an interactive multimedia experiences comprising accessing a system-readable specification defining a multimedia experience configured for audience interaction and performing the multimedia experience in accordance with information comprised by the system-readable specification. The information comprised by the system-readable specification includes information for enabling facilitation of audience response tracking, experience navigation and feedback of audience responses. Performing the multimedia experience includes gathering audience responses, analyzing the audience responses, outputting information resulting from the analyzing audience responses and outputting experience content.

Abstract: A method and device prevent a set-top terminal from accepting a download of new programming or data over a cable network when the download would be redundant of information already possessed by the set-top terminal or would cause an inconvenience to subscribers. When the set-top terminal is signaled that a new download is being offered, the set-top terminal checks to see if the download in fact contains a newer version of data or programming than is currently resident in the set-top terminal. The set-top terminal also checks whether criteria for accepting a download are met. The criteria are conditions that tend to indicate that an interruption of service to accept a download would not inconvenience the subscriber at that time. When the criteria are met, the download is accepted. Otherwise, the download is not accepted or is not accepted until the criteria are satisfied.

Abstract: Audio/video (A/V) content is analyzed using speech and language analysis components. Metadata is automatically generated based upon the analysis. The metadata is used in generating user interface interaction components which allow a user to view subject matter in various segments of the A/V content and to interact with the A/V content based on the automatically generated metadata.

Abstract: A VSB communication system comprises a VSB transmission system and a VSB reception system. The VSB transmission system multiplexes a coded MPEG data and a coded supplemental data having a null sequence inserted therein, with required multiplexing information included in a field synchronization signal or in a supplemental data according to a number of the supplemental data packets being transmitted. The VSB reception system detects the required multiplexing information from the field synchronization signal or the supplemental data and decodes the multiplexed data by using the null sequence and the detected multiplexing information, as well as demultiplexes the multiplexed data into the MPEG data and the supplemental data.

Abstract: A VSB communication system comprises a VSB transmission system and a VSB reception system. The VSB transmission system multiplexes a coded MPEG data and a coded supplemental data having a null sequence inserted therein, with required multiplexing information included in a field synchronization signal or in a supplemental data according to a number of the supplemental data packets being transmitted. The VSB reception system detects the required multiplexing information from the field synchronization signal or the supplemental data and decodes the multiplexed data by using the null sequence and the detected multiplexing information, as well as demultiplexes the multiplexed data into the MPEG data and the supplemental data.

Abstract: Interactive content preservation and customization technology is placed at the broadcast facility to ensure reliable transmission of the interactive content to a local subsystem. An interactive content code detector detects interactive content codes in the video stream at the broadcast facility. The interactive content code detector is placed in the transmission path before the video stream is transmitted to broadcast facility hardware that may strip out, destroy, corrupt or otherwise modify the interactive content and interactive content codes. Once an interactive content code detector detects a code, an interactive broadcast server determines what action to take, and instructs an data insertion unit accordingly. The interactive content codes or interactive content may be placed in a portion of the video that is guaranteed by the broadcast facility to be transmitted, for example, the closed caption region of the vertical blanking interval.

Abstract: Provided is a digital broadcast receiving apparatus that enables real-time viewing of information about a program of a current channel and a next program to be broadcast, and that can deal with a change in program, if any. In this digital broadcast receiving apparatus, when program information is found in the VBI of a television broadcast signal of a selected channel, the program information is temporarily stored in a memory. When program information display setting is enabled, the program information is read from the memory, and then a program information screen showing the program information including start time, end time, title, and VideoPlus number is displayed in a predetermined area of a display screen. Program information obtained when a predetermined time has elapsed is newly stored in the memory.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling recording of video programs. In one embodiment an apparatus for controlling the recording of video programs includes a device for retrieving a recorder identifier and recorder programming data from a television signal received from a television signal source, a device for determining whether the retrieved recorder identifier matches a first identifier for the apparatus, a device for storing the recorder programming data, if the retrieved recorder identifier matches the first identifier for the apparatus, and a device for using the stored recorder programming data to control recording. The device for retrieving a recorder identifier and recorder programming data from a television signal includes a vertical blanking interval decoder.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver and a communication interface. The receiver is adapted to tune to an audio/video portion over a transport medium. The communication interface is adapted to receive announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video content directed to a first addressable location and to receive a special announcement directed to the first addressable location. The special announcement indicates availability of the announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video program, and the announcement data is associated with the tuned audio/video content and indicates enhancement data is being transmitted. The controller is adapted to redirect the announcement data to a second addressable location other than the first addressable location in response to the special announcement.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a system for providing content including: a controller in operable communication with a first display device and a second display device that provides first interactive content to the first display device and second interactive content to the second display device and an interface for receiving a command from a user or application. The controller selectively controls the first and second content displayed by the first and second display devices, respectively, in response to the command.

Abstract: A system for deriving benefits from the reception and processing of composite video signals by a hand-held device, such as a smart card. Video signals are modulated with auxiliary data creating composite video signals. The composite video signals are then transmitted to and received by a hand-held device. The auxiliary data is then detected in the modulated video signal by circuitry of the hand-held device. The user receives benefits resulting from the reception of the auxiliary data.

Abstract: A client device selectively receives broadcast data according to any one of multiple data configurations. A broadcast data server enables broadcast of multiple data configurations by maintaining configuration definitions that define how broadcast data may be configured for presentation to a viewer. The broadcast data server also maintains region definitions that identify regions that may be associated with client devices for receiving broadcast data. The configuration definitions are mapped to region definitions, enabling a client device associated with a particular region to selectively receive broadcast data according to any one of multiple data configurations that are associated with the particular region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering interactive television (ITV) data by using the same TV scan line that also carries closed caption data. The ITV data is inserted into the scan line with CC data by detecting a gap associated with a first CC data unit. If the gap is large enough to contain all of the group of ITV data units then electronically insert the entire group of ITV data units into the gap. If the gap is not large enough to contain the entire group of ITV data units, insert a subset of the entire group of the ITV data units into the gap and continue to the gaps associated with successive CC data units, inserting subsets of the ITV data into subsequent gaps until the entire ITV message has been inserted into the gaps between CC data units.

Abstract: The invention relates to video player devices intended to play a video content DSC including audio tracks forming a disc audio languages list DAL and/or subtitles forming a disc subtitle languages list DSL, in a given number of languages. According to the invention, said device comprises a user interface UIA enabling the user to define a list of interesting languages UPL and a memory MEM to store the list of interesting languages UPL. Said device can then generate a dynamic menu ATL, STL intended to be displayed by filtering of the languages list DAL, DSL of the audio tracks present on the disc in accordance with the list of interesting languages UPL. Said dynamic menu ATL, STL is such that languages of the list of interesting languages UPL have priority in the dynamic menu ATL, STL. The invention enables the user to make an easier choice of a language for video content including audio tracks and/or subtitles in many different languages.

Abstract: A method of exchanging user messages among interactive disk players through an external server is disclosed. The external server receives a user message from a first interactive disk player and stores the user message in an internal memory. Receiving a message request from a second interactive disk player, the external server compares playback time included in the message request and playback time included in the stored user message and sends the stored user message to the second interactive disk player if the two playback times are almost the same. The method allows users of individual interactive disk players to exchange opinions about the same DVD title irrespective of their individual playing positions.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

Abstract: A broadcast signal is received that includes a data identifier that identifies data associated with the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal also includes the data associated with the broadcast signal encoded in the broadcast signal. The data associated with the broadcast signal includes an indicator to ignore the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal. The system decodes the data encoded in the broadcast signal while ignoring the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal. The indicator to ignore the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal may include an associated time period during which the data identifier should be ignored. The data identifier is broadcast in scan line twenty-one of a broadcast image. The data associated with the broadcast signal is encoded in vertical blanking interval lines of a broadcast image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movie channel to a user on a mobile device. Movie based content associated with a movie channel is automatically delivered and stored on a mobile electronic device for access by a user. Using the device, users can quickly and efficiently access movie information without having to type in information, or specifically request the movie information to be downloaded to the device. The movie channel includes several different modes for categorically displaying different types of movie information. Some example modes include: a movies mode; a theaters mode; and a current top movies mode. The movies mode is organized to display information relating to particular movies on the electronic device. The theaters mode is arranged to display information relating to particular theaters on the electronic device. The current top movies mode displays information relating to the current “hot” movies.

Abstract: A system for converting TV content to an interactive TV game program uses viewer input pointing to “hot spot” objects in TV programs to enter answers in the game program. Viewers can point to hot spot objects whose locations are mapped in the image display frames of a TV program using a standard remote control and TV set-top box. In a preferred embodiment, the interactive TV game program is a crossword puzzle game offered through the TV's electronic program guide (EPG). Correct answers to the crossword puzzle clues can be entered by linkages from corresponding hot spot objects found in TV movies, ads, video spots, and other types of TV programs on the TV channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing additional content in a digital broadcast reception apparatus, the method including receiving a locator of additional content from a broadcast server while a user watches a broadcast program, receiving an instruction to insert the additional content from the broadcast server, receiving and reproducing the additional content from a content providing server designated by the locator, and switching back to the broadcast program. Thus, it is not necessary to allocate a separate channel and/or to switch channels for providing additional content.

Abstract: A method and system for synthesizing texture using upsampled pixel coordinates and a multi-resolution approach. The parallel texture synthesis technique, while based on a neighborhood matching technique having order-independent texture synthesis, extends that approach in at least two areas, including efficient parallel synthesis and intuitive user control. Pixel coordinates are upsampled instead of pixel colors, thereby reducing computational complexity and expense. These upsampled pixel coordinates then are jittered to provide texture variation. The jitter is controllable, such that a user has control over several aspects of the jitter. In addition, each neighborhood-matching pass is split into several sub-passes to improve correction. Using sub-passes improves correction speed and quality. The parallel texture synthesis system and method disclosed herein is designed for implementation on a parallel processor, such as a graphics processing unit.

Abstract: An interactive television system includes “connected” receiver units capable of establishing bi-directional connections to remote information stores, such as Web servers, and “disconnected” receiver units unequipped to make such connections. The system supports the use of broadcast triggers that include connectivity values indicating whether an information resource identified by a trigger refers to “connected content” or “disconnected content.” The term “connected content” refers to information resources that require bi-directional connections to remote information stores; the term “disconnected content” refers to information resources, such as a locally stored program guide, that do not require such bi-directional connections. Disconnected receiver units identify and reject connected-content triggers by examining connectivity values broadcast as part of triggers.

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: The subject matter includes systems, engines, methods, and schemata for embedding spread-spectrum fingerprints in multimedia content: a first fingerprint to identify a recipient of the multimedia content and a second fingerprint at a location in the first fingerprint that represents a subset of a much larger group of recipients. By locating the second fingerprint, the search for a media pirate is immediately narrowed down to the subset, thus immensely speeding up pirate identification. In one implementation, chips of the second fingerprint can be made small and embedded sparsely, making alteration difficult. Systems, engines, methods, and schemata for synchronizing a pirated copy with original multimedia content to facilitate fingerprint recovery are also described.

Abstract: A system for deriving benefits from the reception and processing of composite video signals by a hand-held device, such as a smart card. Video signals are modulated with auxiliary data creating composite video signals. The composite video signals are then transmitted to and received by a hand-held device. The auxiliary data is then detected in the modulated video signal by circuitry of the hand-held device. The user receives benefits resulting from the reception of the auxiliary data.