Abstract: A data providing system is capable of providing metadata or supplementary data generated in a predetermined area to a different area. Metadata related to broadcast programs are transmitted from a first broadcast receiver/recorder to a server via a network. The server registers the metadata transmitted from the first broadcast receiver/recorder in its program database, specifies a broadcast program on the basis of data for specifying the broadcast program transmitted from a second broadcast receiver/recorder, retrieves the metadata related to the specified broadcast program, and transmits the retrieved metadata to the second broadcast receiver/recorder, whereby the metadata are distributed from the server to the second broadcast receiver/recorder via the network.

Abstract: A method and system for using tagging in programming such as television programming, movie DVDs and streaming video, and establishing personalized tag alerts for objectionable programming. The invention includes the user inputting a desired class of objectionable programming, and then the user inputting a desired action for that class of objectionable programming. Content codes are mapped to the user inputs. The invention reads the tags of the programming, and then the required user action is performed based on the user inputs for that tag, which may entail skipping a scene, playing a scene, outputting alerts, or altering a scene. The user may also pre-review tagging on the frames and scenes and adjust the warnings or other actions.

Abstract: A data storage, multiplexing, and distribution method is provided for use in a digital data distribution system. The system provides simultaneous transmission of a plurality of uniquely identified, independent data streams within an assigned channel bandwidth of local, metropolitan and wide area distribution media. The independent data streams can include presentations specifically requested by the receiving user. Upon request from some number of users from their premises, the system assembles a combination of optional image elements such as motion and still frame video, background and descriptive audio, text and graphical overlays into presentation data streams appropriate to the user requests. Individual data streams are multiplexed within a higher bandwidth data stream for simultaneous delivery within the bandwidth assigned for this data transmission. The techniques unique to the system, in regard to storage, timing and synchronization, can be implemented using techniques described within the MPEG profile.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device performs behavior defined by control data encoded into a video signal that can be broadcast or played-back from video tape. The interactive device is equipped with a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for performance subsequent to, or during, the transmission session. The control data is delivered as a series of control data words that include genus codes identifying the interactive device to which the data word is directed. During a transmission session, control data words will be repeated, so that an interactive device receives several control data words with the same sequence number. Based on the relative gradings, the interactive device will replace previously received control data words of lower quality than subsequently received data words having the same sequence number.

Abstract: An interactive video system is disclosed that processes a video data stream and an associated data stream corresponding to the video data stream. The interactive video system displays a video image defined by the video data stream on a display device and performs interactive command functions specified by the associated data stream. The interactive command functions include commands that specify placement of a video display window, commands that specify parameters of graphical objects that are associated with the video image and commands that specify pixel data or graphics description for the graphical object and commands for placement of selection windows and that specify interactive functions for the selection windows.

Abstract: An athlete recruiting architecture is disclosed. The athlete recruiting system allows a recruiting entity, such as a school, to search for and find athletes that satisfy recruiting entity-specified criteria. The athlete recruiting system also allows motion videos to be associated with athletes. These motion videos may be uploaded or streamed to interested recruiting entities over a communication network. The athlete recruiting system provides a video indexing mechanism that allows athletes and recruiting entities to generate and store indices to motion videos. The athlete recruiting system provides hit tracking mechanisms for notifying athletes about recruiting entities that have taken actions that indicate that the recruiting entities are interested in the athlete. As a result, athletes are encouraged to initiate contact with interested recruiting entities. This promotes the formation of relationships between athletes and recruiting entities while adhering to rules imposed on the recruiting process.

Abstract: A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for obtaining an indication of a first device receiving a message portion during a time interval in which a second device received the message portion and signaling a decision whether to facilitate a signal transfer at least between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A data transmission device transmits a data broadcast using a narrow unused broadcasting band in a digital broadcast, and to record the data broadcast, which has been received, on a receiving side so that the receiving side can play back the data broadcast after a data stream is totally recorded. The transmission device generates a first data stream, which is recorded on a recording medium on a receiving side, and a second data stream including audio and video data, which is transmitted as a broadcasting program. The transmission device multiplexes the first and the second data streams and then transmits the multiplexed data stream. The transmission of the multiplexed data stream is controlled so that a transmission rate for the multiplexed data stream does not exceed the maximum transmission rate, and so that a transmission rate for the first data stream becomes lower than that for the second data stream.

Abstract: Provided are a digital broadcasting transmitting/receiving apparatus and method. By converting content of a main-program to a stream, converting content of a sub-program forming a single digital broadcasting service through synchronization with the main-program by being subordinated to the main-program to a stream, generating program configuration information containing stream conversion information of the main-program and stream conversion information of the sub-program, multiplexing the converted main-program stream and the generated program configuration information and real-time transmitting the multiplexed signal, and transmitting the converted sub-program stream in non-real-time, various and new premium services with compatibility with existing digital broadcasting services can be provided to users.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.

Abstract: A system may include logic to provide a video program to a video display, logic to provide interactive content to indicate that a snapshot of the video program can be captured, and snapshot capturing logic to capture a video frame of the video program.

Abstract: An athlete recruiting architecture is disclosed. The athlete recruiting system allows a recruiting entity, such as a school, to search for and find athletes that satisfy recruiting entity-specified criteria. The athlete recruiting system also allows motion videos to be associated with athletes. These motion videos may be uploaded or streamed to interested recruiting entities over a communication network. The athlete recruiting system provides a video indexing mechanism that allows athletes and recruiting entities to generate and store indices to motion videos. The athlete recruiting system provides hit tracking mechanisms for notifying athletes about recruiting entities that have taken actions that indicate that the recruiting entities are interested in the athlete. As a result, athletes are encouraged to initiate contact with interested recruiting entities. This promotes the formation of relationships between athletes and recruiting entities while adhering to rules imposed on the recruiting process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive digital system enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of various options, including multiple video streams, associated with different c125 amera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphics segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program. Various video and audio streams are collected from a live event and forwarded to a central control studio. Graphics are created at the central studio on a personal computer or chyron device. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals, the signals are digitized and compressed in digital compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes into a “digital package,” and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system.

Abstract: An interactive television system is described.

Abstract: A content stream (60) and a script (50) are synchronized for outputting one or more sensory effects in a multimedia system. A fingerprint is calculated (22) from a portion of the content stream (60). A time value is determined that corresponds to the fingerprint. The time value may be stored in a fingerprint database (24) that is accessed utilizing the fingerprint and thereby, the time value is retrieved. A script clock (26) is synchronized to the time value and thereby, to the portion of the content stream (60). The portion of the content stream (60) is rendered in synchronization with the script utilizing the synchronized script clock (26). The script (50) is utilized to produce one or more sensory effects that are output in an effects signal (32) for an effects controller (34). The effects signal (32) is produced in synchronization with the rendering of the portion of the content stream (14).

Abstract: A virtual webcam applied in a computer includes a user interface application module for exchanging information between a computer and a user, so that a user can set parameter and format of a video signal source, select a special effect for a video signal, and select an output parameter and a format of a virtual webcam; a data processing module for processing special effects for the video signals transmitted from different signal sources and transmitting the video signals to the virtual webcam driver module; and a virtual webcam driver module for outputting the video signals according to the output format of a general webcam, so as to enable the outputted video signals to be used by a chatting tool and then shared by an opposite party over the Internet through the chatting tool.

Abstract: A technique for transmitting and receiving an electronic program guide which identifies programs that are to be transmitted. Electronic program guide (EPG) data includes image data representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs which are to be transmitted. The EPG data is combined with program data, the latter representing different programs transmitted on different broadcast channels, and the combined data is transmitted. On reception, the EPG data is separated from the received program data and the images of reduced, less than normal size represented by the EPG data are displayed in superposition over the received program.

Abstract: With at least one implementation described herein, one or more viewers are able to watch the same source multimedia content at multiple locations within an environment (e.g., a household). With at least one implementation described herein, a viewer is able to resume watching such content at a new location (or “locus”) from the point that she bookmarked the content at an original location. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording digital program by transforming program supplementary information into graphic data are provided. The apparatus includes a supplementary information analyzer, a graphic data generator and a disk generator. The supplementary information analyzer extracts program supplementary information from a digital program signal and analyzes the program supplementary information. The graphic data generator transforms the program supplementary information outputted from the supplementary analyzing unit into graphic data, and a disk generator records the digital program signal and the graphic data generated from the graphic data generator in a disk.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving, processing, and storing electronic data transmitted in the vertical blanking interval of a video signal. The system provides a flexible mechanism for reading electronic data from video signals including those in National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) and Phase Alternation by Line (PAL) formats. Some implementations provide for receiving electronic programming guide data transmitted at a single byte rate or at multiple byte rates. The data is stored on a computer-readable medium such as a hardrive for further processing and use.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling access to closed captioning data present in a broadcast stream is disclosed. The technology includes a method for enabling access to closed captioning data present in a broadcast stream. The method includes accessing device data associated with a broadcast stream receiver, wherein the device data indicates whether the broadcast stream receiver is configured to receive a digitized format of closed captioning data or an analog format of closed captioning data. Provided the digitized format of the closed captioning data is not present in the broadcast stream, the method includes ensuring the broadcast stream receiver is configured to access the analog format of the closed captioning data.

Abstract: A method of reproducing one interactive graphics stream among one or more interactive graphics streams from an information storage medium, via a reproduction apparatus providing a visual display of interactive graphics, including obtaining attribute information in a player status register in the reproducing apparatus, and reading and reproducing one of the interactive graphics streams corresponding to the obtained attribute information among one or more interactive graphics streams from the information storage medium, the one interactive graphics stream being used to control reproduction of audio-visual data and being reproduced with the audio-visual data. With the method, text information written in a variety of languages and data shared by those languages are multiplexed and stored in one menu stream such that data is not redundantly stored and less storage space is wasted.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention allows a user to maintain the display of a video frame containing one or more interactive links while also maintaining access to the links. Thus allowing the user to select and examine any desired links at his own pace. For one embodiment, the display of a video frame is maintained by interrupting the refreshing of the frame buffer and the interactive link stream. Interrupting both the frame buffer refresh and the interactive link stream refresh results in the frame being “frozen” along with its associated links. For one embodiment, pressing a button on a control device effects the interruption of the frame buffer refresh and the interactive link refresh. The button may toggle to resume the video display. Alternatively, or additionally, the video display may resume if no action is taken in regard to the interactive links within an specified time.

Abstract: A video transmission system, a video transmitting apparatus, a video receiving apparatus, and a video transmission method whereby, when a plurality of terminals whose characteristics differ receive video simultaneously, each terminal can receive video with quality appropriate for that terminal. In this system, a video transmitting apparatus (100) divides layered-coded data by quality and bit rate by means of a channel division section (106), and transmits data on separate channels from a video transmitting section (108) after adding priorities calculated by a priority calculation section (112). Video transmitting apparatus (100) also groups channels by quality and calculates a group list by means of a group list calculation section (114), and transmits this group list from a group list transmitting section (116).

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and method for displaying broadcast storage information. The present invention includes receiving at least a portion of a broadcast stream, storing the portion of the broadcast stream that is received, and distinguishably displaying first information related to a stored portion of the broadcast stream and second information related to a non-stored portion of the broadcast stream.

Abstract: A view restriction method surely blocks a program voluntarily designated by a viewer from view. When a restricted program is designated by the viewer (step S1), receiver identification information for identifying a receiver of a viewer is associated with the restricted program (step S2). View restriction information is broadcasted together with the restricted program in a broadcasting time range of the restricted program (step S3). At the receiver, the view restriction information is captured (step S4). At the receiver, display of the restricted program is restricted if the receiver identification information included in the view restriction information matches that set at the receiver (step S5).

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: A system, method, and computer program product is provided for the selective filtering of objectionable content from a program. The selective filtering of objectionable content from a program is accomplished by applying an encoding process and a decoding process to the audio and/or video signal of the program. The encoding process includes marking potentially objectionable material in the program with filtering information that identifies the type (e.g., audio, violent content, sexual content, etc.) and intensity level (e.g., mild, graphic, extreme, etc.) of the potentially objectionable material using filter codes. The decoding process includes comparing, during the presentation of the program to the user and prior to outputting the audio or displaying the video, the filtering information to filter criteria, which includes user supplied filter settings, to determine whether filtering of the potentially objectionable content (i.e., audio and/or video) should be performed.

Abstract: A remote device is capable to receive network address information, such as uniform resource locator (URL) addresses, and other supplemental content that are available along with television signal. A set top box coupled to a television receives the network address information via triggers. The set top box transmits a television program from a first channel to a television, and transmits network address information associated with a second channel to the remote device. After receiving the network address information, the remote device can display the corresponding supplemental content while a viewer is watching the first channel on the television. The supplemental content can include program-related address information and/or non-programming-related content. In another technique, the viewer can subscribe certain channels, such that supplemental content on the subscribed channels is obtained and stored, and can be made available to the remote device via the set top box or via a different communication link.

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: 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 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: 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 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: A system and method of adding hyperlinked information to a television broadcast in which an interactive content icon is used. The broadcast material is analyzed and one or more regions within a frame are identified. Additional information can be associated with a region, and can be transmitted in encoded form, using timing information to identify the frame with which the information is associated. The system comprising a video source and an encoder that produces a transport stream in communication with the video source, an annotation source, a data packet stream generator that produces encoded annotation data packets in communication with the annotation source and the encoder, and a multiplexer system in communication with the encoder and the data packet stream generator.

Abstract: A video production facility system may produce closed caption data that includes text data and timing data. The system may receive script data for a video program. The system may then determine identifiers for individual programming events that make up the program. The system may then produce closed caption data for the program. The closed caption data may include text data corresponding to the script data, and timing data provided at locations that correspond to the beginning of each of the programming events. The timing data may comprise an identifier of the corresponding programming event. Further timing data may be provided that marks the ends of programming events, or that marks individual segments within a programming event. Related embodiments may pertain to systems that implement such processing. The closed caption data may be synchronized to a video signal based on the display of corresponding text by a teleprompter system that is used in the production of the video program.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing information about over-the-air (OTA) transmission is provided, which includes a communication interface connected with an external device for communication via an external communication network; and a controlling part which controls the communication interface such that the information about OTA transmission is transmitted to the external device via the external communication network. As a result, OTA information can be provided to the users more efficiently, by transmitting text message regarding the OTA information to the external devices of the users.

Abstract: A user control, such as a television remote control device, allows a user to selectively display tags during a video program. The tags provide information about items that are visible in scenes in the video. The tags can identify the brand name, item name, location where the item can be purchased, additional information about the item, etc. The tags can be turned on or off by a viewer or user during playback. In a particular embodiment, a single button press on a remote control can cause switching from a play mode without tags to a tag mode that shows tags in the video; skipping back in time a short interval; and putting the video in a slow-forward play mode, or other alternate mode of play.

Abstract: Synchronized marking of videos with objects is provided. Users may select frames within a video and place text and non-text objects at desired spatial locations within each of the frames. Information associated with the objects, including information specifying the temporal and spatial placements of the objects within the video is stored. When users view a marked video, object information is accessed, and objects are presented in the video at the temporal and spatial locations at which the objects were added. Objects added to videos may also be indexed, providing a mechanism for searching videos and jumping to particular frames within videos. Objects may also be monetized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and displaying information about the capture and/or transfer of digital media is provided, wherein data is stored such that a visual representation indicating characteristics of video data, such as whether portions of the video data have been transferred to another device or captured to a storage device, may be generated and displayed.

Abstract: Viewers of video programming are provided with a low effort mechanism to access product or service information related to a program being viewed. This benefits the viewers by providing them with only desired information, and advertisers of the products and services, by focusing their messages on their target market. The availability of advertising or other supplemental information is provided to the viewer within the programming, at places that are time-marked when the programming is being developed or in real time. In response to receiving a request from the viewer for this information, any information associated with the time marker is delivered to the viewer.

Abstract: A system and method are described for allowing cable operators to actively block, pass through, modify, append, filter, or replace triggers corresponding to various forms of enhanced content being transmitted across a cable system. Accordingly, cable operators may offer enhanced content customized for their subscribers and earn additional fees for local advertising and other closely allied services.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a requesting media content processing subsystem and a network entity. The requesting media content processing subsystem is configured to transmit to the network entity a request to access a snippet of a media content instance. The network entity is configured to augment the snippet with additional media content and provide a user with access to the augmented snippet via the requesting media content processing subsystem.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing interactive applications along with television broadcasts are provided. More specifically, the applications provided to a user may be related to the broadcast or a commercial and the application may be updated automatically in synchronization with the broadcast. Also, the input of the user may determine how the application is synchronized with the broadcast thereby altering the display and the user experience.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing enhanced advertising media are described herein. In particular, interactive advertisements may be presented to a user through a display apparatus like a television. The user may be able to navigate the interactive media by selecting triggers and/or utilizing a navigation bar while continuing to view the live broadcast that is being shown to him/her.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing enhanced advertising media are described herein. In particular, interactive music and music videos can be provided to a viewer of a television (TV) upon the request of the viewer. Additionally, the viewer can choose which music and/or music videos he/she would like to view at a particular time as well as order such music and/or music videos.

Abstract: A system that facilitates interactions with a digital video feed. During operation, the system receives the digital video feed, which includes a corresponding content feed, wherein the corresponding content feed is synchronized with the digital video feed, and wherein the corresponding content feed contains information associated with moving objects within the digital video feed. Next, the system plays the digital video feed within a viewer and allows a user to select a moving object being displayed within the viewer. In response to the selection, the system obtains content associated with the moving object and displays the content to the user.

Abstract: A device and method for editing a channel list of a digital broadcasting system includes a channel list editing method for presenting the channel list if an edit function is requested, extracting an editing format from the edit request, reordering the channel items according to the editing format, and re-presenting the channel list having reordered channel items. The channel list editing device and method of the present invention allow the user to edit the channel list, resulting in better functionality. Furthermore, this invention includes mapping alphanumeric data, registering the data to corresponding virtual channel and sorting on the basis of the virtual channel names.