Teletext Patents (Class 725/137)
  • Patent number: 8442125
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products provide social and interactive applications for mass media based on real time ambient-audio and/or video identification. In some implementations, a method includes: receiving descriptors identifying ambient audio associated with a media broadcast; comparing the descriptors to one or more reference descriptors; and determining a rating for the media broadcast based at least in part on the results of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Michele Covell, Shumeet Baluja, Michael Fink
  • Patent number: 8397263
    Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, a text information receiving unit receives text information, and a received text morphological analysis unit performs morphological analysis on the text information. An extraction unit extracts text information of a subtitle included in a program. A subtitle text morphological analysis unit performs morphological analysis on the text information of the subtitle. A similarity calculation unit calculates the similarity between a keyword included in a result of the received text morphological analysis performed by the received text morphological analysis unit and a keyword included in a result of the subtitle text morphological analysis performed by the subtitle text morphological analysis unit. A comparison unit compares the similarity with a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Takagi
  • Patent number: 8395707
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 8387101
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an interactive service and a method and apparatus for performing communication are provided. An Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) application may be directly executed in at least one broadcasting receiving apparatus by determining whether an application for providing the interactive service is independently executable using middleware installed in the broadcasting receiving apparatus and selectively requesting a set-top box to provide data needed for executing the application based on the determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-rip Lee, Ye-youl Lee, Min-gyu Lee, Hyung-chan Kim, Si-cheol Kim
  • Publication number: 20130042293
    Abstract: A method for transmitting extra information in digital TV broadcast contents, comprising: retrieving video contents from an electronic apparatus; acquiring the extra information of the electronic apparatus; encoding the video contents into encoded video contents; encoding the extra information into a graphic subtitle or a text subtitle; providing a service information/program specific information table; multiplexing the encoded video and audio contents, the graphic subtitle or the text subtitle, and the service information/program specific information table to generate a transport stream; and transmitting the transport stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ITE TECH. INC.
    Inventor: Chien-Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 8375416
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, methods and systems are disclosed for converting multi-media content to multiple deliverable formats using a conversion workflow. For example, a single source content file can be captured and a plurality of deliverable content files can be derived from the single source content file. Each of the plurality of deliverable content files can be in a format specific to a different distribution channel. That is, a single source media file can be used to automatically build one or more distribution files for a particular channel or channels. Furthermore, the distribution files can be built including logos, branding, open/close graphics, ratings, promo material, etc. The inclusion of these elements can be based on a common set of business rules defining, for example, what elements should be included in different types of distribution files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Starz Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen David Smith, James Porter, Ray Milius
  • Patent number: 8359399
    Abstract: A method for delivering supplemental content associated with audio/visual content to a user of the audio/visual content is presented. In the method, the audio/visual content and the supplemental content are received. The audio/visual content is then transferred as a stream to a first device for presentation to the user. The supplemental content is transferred to a second device for presentation to the user. The transferred supplemental content is organized into segments, wherein each of the segments is to be presented by the second device to the user in synchronization with the presentation of a corresponding portion of the audio/visual content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kate Megan Carney Landow, John A. Card, II
  • Patent number: 8330864
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of blending multiple closed caption language streams into a single output for transmission using closed caption encoding devices. Closed caption signals are created by remote closed caption generating systems that are connected to an input device, such as a stenography keyboard or voice recognition system. The closed caption signals are generated at multiple remote closed caption generating systems and in different languages, and are then independently transmitted to a multiplexing system where they are properly identified and blended into a single output data stream. The single output data stream is then delivered to a closed caption encoding device via a connection such as an Ethernet or serial connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Xorbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Blumenschein, Joseph E. Van Riper
  • Patent number: 8311189
    Abstract: A computing device is configured to receive an incoming communication from another computing device. The incoming communication may be for purpose of initiating a voice-exchange session. In response to receiving the incoming call, the computing device may identify or determine a message identifier of the other computing device. The message identifier is determined based at least in part on data provided with the incoming communication. The computing device may programmatically address a message to the other computing device using the message identifier determined from the incoming communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Champlin, Srikiran Prasad, Lang Chen, Rajan Ranga, Robert Haitani
  • Patent number: 8307402
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Joseph Sommer
  • Patent number: 8291465
    Abstract: A television advertisement system whereby a viewer retrieves advertisement teletext contact information of an advertisement that has been displayed on the viewer's television by using a wireless remote control device. The invention provides the means for a viewer to easily obtain ad? contact information, in-hand, which can then be used at will. Teletext data is associated with an advertisement video signal, which is then decoded and stored in the television's or TV's set-top box's page memory. The viewer can retrieve, on demand, the advertisement's teletext data stored in the television's, or set-top box's page memory by using a wireless remote control. The advertisement data is transferred to and stored in the remote control's memory. The data is displayed on the remote's screen. The data stored in the remote control can be used to automatically contact an advertiser for further information, or to purchase an advertised product or service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Lester Sussman
  • Patent number: 8266650
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic service guide multiplex transmission interface method comprising: Step S102 in which an electronic service guide system generates electronic service guide broadcasting data according to system configuration data and the electronic service guide broadcasting data is sent to a multiplexer via a interface; the step S104 in which the multiplexer receives and multiplexes the electronic service guide broadcasting data and the multiplexed electronic service guide broadcasting data is transmitted to a modulation emitter; step S106 in which the modulation emitter receives the multiplexed electronic service guide broadcasting data, modulates the data and transmits the modulated data to user terminal; and step S108 in which the user terminal is tuned to receive the electronic service guide broadcasting data and demultiplexes it, and generates, stores and displays electronic service guide service navigation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Zunyou Ke, Qinghua Yao
  • Patent number: 8246180
    Abstract: The present invention describes content reflection systems for displaying a select portion of content to a viewer. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a reflecting apparatus comprising a base and a reflective member in communication with the base. The reflective member includes a reflective layer enabled to receive at least a first frequency band of light and a second frequency band of light. Additionally, the reflective layer is enabled to reflect the first frequency band of light and transmit the second frequency band of light. Furthermore, the first frequency band of light includes a first content regarding an audiovisual presentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventor: Leanne Little West
  • Publication number: 20120204218
    Abstract: A method for rendering text onto moving image content. The method comprises receiving a request to translate dialog associated with moving image content, transmitting an interface, transmitting a time-stamped transcription, and receiving a translation of the dialog.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: dotSUB Inc.
    Inventor: Thor Sigvaldason
  • Patent number: 8209348
    Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, an acquisition unit acquires a keyword, and a calculation unit calculates the importance level of each keyword by adding a value determined depending on an increase in the number of occurrences to the importance level and subtracting a value determined depending on an increase in the difference between a current time and a last acquisition time to the importance level. An extraction unit extracts text information of a subtitle in a program. A subtitle morphological analysis unit morphologically analyzes the text information of the subtitle. A comparison unit compares each acquired keyword with each keyword detected via the morphological analysis. A recording unit records the program if the comparison indicates that any acquired keyword is identical to any keyword detected via the morphological analysis. A registration unit registers the recorded program and information indicating the importance level in a table in association with the keyword.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Takagi
  • Patent number: 8196164
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying advertisements in television broadcasts. In an aspect, a method includes identifying caption data that has been received at least a threshold number of times and received over at least a threshold number of channels as repeated caption data, selecting video frames indexed at times and channels that that correspond times and channels of the repeated caption data, providing the selected video frames to a video processing system that identifies advertising objects in the video frame data and receiving from the video processing system the advertising objects, and for each advertising object, associating the advertising object with the repeated caption data having times and channel indices that match the time and channel index of the video frame from which the advertising object was identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ant Oztaskent, Yaroslav Volovich
  • Patent number: 8176507
    Abstract: An advertisement-section detecting apparatus includes: a captioned-section acquisition unit (12) configured to acquire a captioned section including a caption generated by caption data, on the basis of a temporal position of the caption data; a non-captioned-section acquisition unit (13) configured to acquire a pattern of a non-captioned section that do not include the caption, on the basis of the captioned section; a memory (14) configured to store a broadcasting-program template which is a template corresponding to a broadcasting-program format including a main-section format and a peripheral-section format, and which is used for identifying a pattern of a non-captioned section format including the peripheral-section format; an identifying unit (15) configured to compare the pattern of the non-captioned section and the pattern of the non-captioned section format, and thus to identify the non-captioned section corresponding to the non-captioned section format; and a detector (16) configured to detect a secti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Buffalo Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 8115869
    Abstract: A method and system for extracting relevant information from content metadata is provided. User access to content is monitored. A set of extraction rules for information extraction is selected. Key information is extracted from metadata for the content based on the selected extraction rules. Additionally, a type for the content can be determined, and a set of extraction rules is selected based on the content type. The key information is used in queries for searching information of potential interest to the user, related to the content accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Priyang Rathod, Phuong Nguyen, Anugeetha Kunjithapatham, Mithun Sheshagiri, Alan Messer
  • Patent number: 8095949
    Abstract: A viewer for displaying electronic books and having various features for restricting access to their content. A user may assign ratings to stored electronic books, or use standard ratings, and assign access levels to potential users. The ratings and access levels determine which electronic books, or portions of the electronic books, a particular user may access on the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Adrea, LLC
    Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen
  • Publication number: 20110314485
    Abstract: System and methods for finding and accessing desired audio content from audio content sources, including means and methods for extracting captions from a broadcast; aggregating the captions in a database; indexing the database content; searching the captions for a mention of at least one target; analyzing the results for desired content; indexing into the database to extract the desired content; thereby providing a method for quickly finding and accessing desired audio and video content from a large number of sources
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Samir ABED
  • Patent number: 8082514
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing a user-interface comprising a visual display of the physical location of a plurality of I/O ports on the housing of a portable information handling system. In various embodiments, the physical location and status of the various I/O ports are shown using icons on the periphery of the display with the location of the icons on the display being correlated with the physical location of the physical ports on the housing of the portable information handling system. In some embodiments of the invention, the map is launched when the user depresses a predetermined “hot key.” In other embodiments, the map is launched using other user gestures, such as executing a mouse click when the mouse pointer is positioned at a location proximate to an icon on the display or by touching a predetermined icon on a touch-sensitive screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Gerald Courtney, Jr., Yi Zhang, Lakshmipriya Kothandaraman, Allam Steitieh
  • Patent number: 8040991
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for synchronizing a data stream are disclosed. The method comprises: 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; 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Jane Hsieh, Chia-Wei Yu, Yung-Cheng Hsiung, DeHuei Chen
  • Patent number: 8006278
    Abstract: Provided is a method of an option for caption display, including: displaying a detail item for the option for the caption display, the detail item being comprised of a ‘Style’ item having ‘Set By Program’, ‘Custom’ and ‘manufacture’, and a plurality of lower items; selecting one of the ‘Set By Program’, the ‘Custom’ and the ‘manufacture’ as the ‘Style item’; and setting the plurality of lower items depending on the selected ‘Style’ item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Tae Jin Park
  • Patent number: 7992180
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for displaying images, which enables a selected image to be displayed in full screen mode or slide show mode on the TV receiver, while images stored in the recording medium are being displayed on the remote controller. The apparatus and method can also display the thumbnail in an image display area by putting time periods on the vertical axis and photography locations on the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7992183
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for enabling users to create, to edit and to rate online video timed text over the web. A system embodiment of this invention includes a permission requester that enables a first user to send a permission request. The permission request requests permission from a second user to create a timed text track for a video. A permission granter enables the second user to send a permission response according to the permission request from the first user. A timed text editor enables the first user to create a timed text track for the video based on the response to the permission request and upload the timed text track to a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Harrenstien
  • Publication number: 20110162031
    Abstract: A multi video generation apparatus is provided to transmit partial videos to a multivision. The multi video generation apparatus generates partial videos from a video, and transmits the generated partial videos to displays connected thereto. In the multi video generation apparatus, the number of video transmission modules for transmitting the video to the connected display may be changed according to a content of a multi video to be displayed on the display. Therefore, it is possible to generate more diverse types of multi video which a user desires to display on a multivision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Jong-Chul Weon, Hyung-Jin Roh, Jae-Kwon Jeong
  • Patent number: 7930719
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
  • Patent number: 7913286
    Abstract: An ITV application definition language (ADL) used to generate ITV applications for different types of target platforms and devices. The ADL provides a plurality of core data structure types upon which one or more data structures may be built. Data structures storing ITV content presentation and behavior information are referred to as resources. A resource is associated with a globally unique identifier that allows the data structure to be efficiently stored and retrieved from a hash table. A resource is also associated with an expiration time stamp that indicates when the resource is to be freed from memory. A resource is of arbitrary length, and contains values that differ from the default values stored at a receiving client device. Resources are also packaged into a module that may be catered to a platform and/or profile of a receiving client. The client may quickly determine whether the module is relevant to it by examining the platform and/or profile ID contained in a header of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Ericsson Television, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen Sarachik, Jon Dakss, Jeff Gorder
  • Patent number: 7908638
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7864248
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7856650
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James Willam Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7849493
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7836480
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7827587
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7818776
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7817856
    Abstract: A video processing method for selectively processing character information (Ic) included in an inputted video stream (Svc). The video stream (Svc) is separated in units of frame into a brightness frame (Y) representing brightness information (VY) and a plurality of color difference frames (Cb, Cr) representing color difference information (VCb, VCr). Character information (Ic) included according to at least either of the brightness information (VY) and the color difference information (VCb, VCr) is recognized. The recognized character information (Ic) is subjected to a processing by at least one of deletion, movement, and enlargement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yoshii, Yuji Tanikawa, Masahiro Okada
  • Patent number: 7814526
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Publication number: 20100238303
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Nicholas Newell
  • Patent number: 7787578
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Jane Hsieh, Chia-Wei Yu, Yung-Cheng Hsiung, DeHuei Chen
  • Publication number: 20100162344
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for the identification of locations in a presentation stream based on metadata associated with the presentation stream. Locations within a presentation stream are identified using signature data associated with the presentation stream. The identified locations within a presentation stream may be utilized to identify boundaries of segments within the presentation stream, such as logical chapters, scenes or other sections of the content. The identified segments of the presentation stream may then be selectably viewed by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Casagrande, David A. Kummer
  • Patent number: 7685620
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for allowing a user to search for specific content across many television channels in order to locate desirable television shows related to the searched content. Multiplexed cable signals flow thorough a logical unit which buffers text associated with the voice stream of each station via the pre-encoded closed-captioning signal or through the real-time voice translation within the logical unit. The user then enters search terms through one of a variety of different input devices. Upon entry of the search terms, the logical unit will compare the entered term with those available keywords stored in each buffer. Lexical parsing associates terms which may differ from plural to singular forms, or in tense. Additionally, synonym comparisons may be made. The logical unit will return a list of matches for the search criteria and allows the user the option of going directly to the television program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Craig William Fellenstein, Doreen Galli, Rick Allen Hamilton, II
  • Patent number: 7676737
    Abstract: A system for outputting a media stream and supplemental media streams is provided. A media stream manager outputs the media stream and associated supplemental media streams on a media stream output device. A timing module generates triggering events in conjunction with the output of the media streams according to event data. The media stream manager monitors for and detects the triggering events during the output of the media streams. Upon detecting a triggering event, the media stream manager determines which supplemental media streams are associated with the triggering event and iteratively outputs each associated supplemental media stream to the media stream output device. Supplemental media streams are output either synchronously or asynchronously according to previously determined information. A supplemental media stream that is output asynchronously to the media stream suspends the media stream and the timing of the media stream while the supplemental media stream is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20090307741
    Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for identifying multiple segments of content in a recorded audio/video stream. Thus, an audio/video stream may be segmented into various logical chapters, scenes or other sections and the like. The segments of the audio/video stream may then be selectably viewed by a user. A DVR presents the selected segments and automatically skips over the undesignated segment of the audio/video stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Steven M. Casagrande
  • Patent number: 7631326
    Abstract: A method for outputting supplemental media streams with a main media stream is presented. The method monitors for triggering events and, upon detecting a triggering event, causes one or more supplemental media streams associated with the triggering event to output. The associated supplemental media streams may be output either synchronously or asynchronously with the main media stream. Synchronous supplemental media streams are output concurrently with the main media stream. Asynchronously output supplemental media streams suspend the main media stream while they are output and terminate any currently outputting supplemental media streams. A supplemental media stream may cause a conditional triggering event to trigger a second supplemental media stream to output synchronously with the first. A second main media stream with associated supplemental media streams may be output asynchronously as a compiled supplemental media stream in connection with a first main media stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7606471
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Declan Patrick Kelly, Gobert Willem Renswoud Leibbrandt
  • Publication number: 20090228948
    Abstract: As part of a user interface for controlling the display of subtitles including closed captioning, a viewer is presented with a menu of alternate screen positions for the subtitles from which the viewer can select a preferred position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: SANDRA GUARIN, Manish Gupta, Yuko Nishikawa, Edgar Allan Tu, Sabrina Tai-Chen Yeh
  • Patent number: 7587748
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dean J. Blackketter, Timothy F. Park
  • Patent number: 7584492
    Abstract: A program-selecting apparatus well applied to a broadcast receiving set sets automatic picture-recording by setting program selection conditions comprising a genre, a keyword, and a time zone. A recording medium built in a recording medium unit has a storage region for storing keywords used in this setting. This storage region is comprised of a fixed region in which plural fixed keywords are stored and an alteration region in which plural alterable keywords are stored. A keyword stored in the alteration region is downloaded through a MODEM from a server based on, for example, user's operations. It is possible to set a program selection condition by using a new keyword without providing input means such as a keyboard for inputting keywords to the apparatus, thus making the apparatus inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoko Terakado, Yoshinori Ebi
  • Patent number: 7571458
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for remote viewing of selected messages at a subscriber remote receiving location, the apparatus including at least one messaging server (such as, but not limited to, a unified messaging system, voice-mail system, fax server system, or any other message store and management system) and a television set as an output device for messages stored or displayed by the messaging server, and a television messaging gateway coupling the messaging server to the television set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Integra5 Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Bartfeld Eyal
  • Publication number: 20090150951
    Abstract: An enhanced captioning module suitable for use in a multimedia reception and display system includes an interface to receive a set of multimedia elements representative of at least a portion of multimedia content, a detection unit to determine a type of at least a portion of the multimedia elements and to assert a trigger signal when the multimedia element has a selected type, and a hash unit to generate a hash value corresponding to the “triggering” multimedia element. The module may further include a message unit to generate an enhanced captioning message that is deliverable to an enhanced captioning database. The enhanced captioning message may include information indicative of the hash value and the enhanced captioning database may include enhanced captioning data corresponding to the multimedia content. The enhanced captioning database may be configured to be indexed by the hash value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: AT&T KNOWLEDGE VENTURES, L.P.
    Inventors: Armstrong Soo, Bernard Ku, Zhi Li