Abstract: A method and an apparatus for supporting facility control of a terminal are provided. The method includes a sensor device receiving facility-related information from a remote control device of a facility to which the sensor device is attached, driving at least one sensor in accordance with the facility-related information, determining a kind of the facility based on a result of detecting through the at least one driven sensor, and transmitting a registration request for the facility of which the kind has been determined to a gateway. The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car, a connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.

Abstract: A first set of usage data for a first set of resources on a network and a second set of usage data for a second set of resources on a network are accessed. The first set of resources were accessed by a first group of client systems and the first set of usage data is determined based on information received from the first group of client systems sent as a result of beacon instructions included with the first set of resources. The second set of usage data is determined based on information received from monitoring applications installed on a second group of client systems that accessed the second set of resources. Users of the second group of client systems are a sample of a larger group of users that use resources on the network. Initial usage measurement data for a third set of resources on the network is determined based on the first set of usage data. The third set includes one or more common resources that are included in the first set of resources and the second set of resources.

Abstract: A method for extracting user features based on user behaviors. The method uses webpage clickstream data of a current user to compute a path correlation between the current user and other users, selects a number of other users whose path correlation with the current user ranks among the highest, and then configures weights in connection to preset tags of websites visited by the selected other users, and computes a user correlation between the current user and the selected other users based on the preset tags and the weights. The method constructs weighted-directed graphs of webpage click paths based on click stream data, and converts computing user correlation to computing a similarity of weighted-directed graphs. The method further combines computing correlation of webpage tags to discover the user's clicking habits and personal preferences, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of user clustering.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide systems and methods for crowdsourced skipping of media content portions. In an example method, a plurality of content tags are received from a plurality of media content devices over a communication network. Each of the plurality of content tags may designate a location within a media content item. The content tags are processed to generate aggregated content tags for the media content item. The aggregated content tags may designate one or more portions of the media content item for modified playback. The aggregated content tags for the media content item are transmitted over the communication network to a first media content device separate from the plurality of media content devices.

Abstract: The Audience Content Exposure Monitoring Apparatuses, Methods and Systems (“ACEM”) transforms pulsing request (e.g., 1107), viewing status, purchase request, channel selection, survey request, sentiment request, atmospherics, social media posts, response events, data request and access token, app/device input monitoring, check-in, URL access, etc. inputs via ACEM components into atmospherics sampling record (e.g., 1106), ad contents (e.g., 1115), RT data/records, ad tags, media program, full page content outputs. In some embodiments, the ACEM provides a mobile metering system that configures the data collection of audience environment atmospherics to evaluate audience media exposure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a list of media subscriptions offered by a content source, providing one or more questions for display on a display device of a user, receiving one or more answers to the one or more questions, and determining a media subscription based on the one or more answers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time collaborative computing and collective intelligence are disclosed. A collaborative application runs on a collaborative server connected to a plurality of computing devices. Collaborative sessions are run wherein a group of independent users, networked over the internet, collaboratively answer questions in real-time, thereby harnessing their collective intelligence. Methods for collaborative selection of a target point on an image displayed on the computing devices. Methods for collaborative zooming and panning of an image displayed on the computing devices.

Abstract: Particular embodiments can refine a seed sentinel frame signature for a seed sentinel frame. The seed sentinel frame may be predictable or partially predictable content that demarks a beginning and/or end of certain content in a video program. The seed sentinel frame may be first used to detect other sentinel frames in the video program. However, other sentinel frames throughout the video program, or in other video programs, may be slightly different from the given sentinel frame due to different reasons. The seed sentinel frame signature may not detect the sentinel frames of a video program with a desired accuracy. Accordingly, particular embodiments may refine the sentinel frame signature to a synthetic sentinel frame signature. The synthetic sentinel frame signature may then be used to analyze the current video program or other video programs. The synthetic sentinel frame signature may more accurately detect the sentinel frames within the video program.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of using channel tuning data from a video asset viewing device connected to a network to measure video asset viewing at a second-by-second level during one or more user defined lead-in periods, and then correlating that with video asset viewing during a user defined target period, for the purpose of analyzing how viewing activity during the lead-in period(s) correlates with viewing activity during the target period, thus producing longitudinal viewing metrics; all while maintaining viewer anonymity. Additionally, viewing metrics can be categorized based on user defined demographic, geographic, and histogram groupings representing the percentage of video asset viewing with the result that the analyst is able to gain detailed insight into customer viewing behavior. The lead-in video asset may be any video asset or assets. The target may be any subsequent video asset. The metrics produced are useful to service providers, advertisers, and content producers.

Abstract: A video traffic, quality of service and engagement analytics system and method are provided. The system and method provide business intelligence on the broad areas of traffic statistics, viewer engagement, and quality of service for online video publishers. In one implementation, the system may utilize a tracker unit for a media player to gather the information for the video analytics.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to identify publisher advertising behavior. An example disclosed method includes initiating a first probing effort of an Internet publisher of interest to establish a baseline advertising ratio for a plurality of advertisers, determining a first advertising deviation based on a difference between the baseline advertising and a local advertising associated with a first geography of interest, and establishing a first probing frequency for the first geography of interest based on the first advertising deviation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in distributing code testing tasks among multiple testers, and incentivizing testing with rewards. One exemplary method includes testing, by a computing device, a code set, where the testing is performed by a tester associated with a profile, and receiving, by the computing device, peer tester feedback based on the testing of the code set, where the peer tester feedback is associated with at least one peer tester profile. The method also includes receiving, by the computing device, a developer decision based on the testing of the code set and/or the peer tester feedback, and rewarding, by the computing device, the profile of the tester and/or the at least one peer tester profile when the developer decision agrees with the testing of the code set and/or the tester feedback associated with the at least one peer tester profile.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for determining characteristics of a plurality of people at an event. A method may include receiving location information about a plurality of active mobile phones, receiving sentiment information relating to the plurality of people, the sentiment information including at least one identifier of the event, determining at least one characteristic about the plurality of people based at least in part on the location information and the sentiment information, aggregating the sentiment information, classifying the aggregated sentiment information as either favorable or unfavorable with respect to the event, and calculating a statistical confidence level indicating an extent the aggregated sentiment information of the particular group correlates with the plurality of people. The location information may include at least one identifier of a geographical location and a time period.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to address shortcomings in conventional media systems via a novel technique to prevent corruption of a user's viewing profile. In some aspects, a user of an interactive media guidance application may select a media asset for viewing on a user device. The interactive media guidance application may receive a user viewing profile for the user from a remote server. If the media asset is determined to not be consistent with the user viewing profile, the interactive media guidance application may retrieve another user viewing profile for another user of the user device. If the media asset is determined to be consistent with the other user viewing profile, the interactive media guidance application may update the other user viewing profile based on the media asset.

Abstract: Techniques associated with data management and distribution are described, including receiving at a content distribution and management system activity data associated with a user from a client, the client having an interface configured to display commercial content and a player configured to access the content distribution and management system, storing the activity data in a database, displaying the commercial content using the interface, receiving other activity data associated with the user from the client, storing the other activity data in the database, determining other commercial content to display using the activity data and the other activity data, and displaying the other commercial content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for providing media recommendations for a group. A media guidance application may identify a group comprising at least a first user and a second user and select a media asset of which the first and second users have previously accessed less than a duration of the media asset. For example, each of the first and the second users may have watched only a respective portion of the media asset. The media guidance application may determine a first amount of the media asset duration that the first user has accessed the media asset and a second amount of the media asset duration that the second user has accessed the media asset. Based on the first and second amounts of the media asset duration, the media guidance application may provide a recommendation for the media asset to the group.

Abstract: An apparatus of processing digital service signals includes a PDI module configured to receive a PDI table, wherein the PDI table includes at least one question element having an id field identifying a PDI question and extract the PDI question from the PDI table, a PDI storing module configured to receive a PDI answer according to the extracted PDI question, a filtering module configured to receive a filtering criteria information associated with downloadable contents including criterion id and criterion value, wherein the criterion id identifies each criterion matching the id field of each of the PDI question and the criterion value indicates a value of the criterion being a possible answer to the PDI question and filter contents of the digital service signal using the filtering criteria information to determine the contents to download.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for restricting access to content elements with content ratings. In one method, the content distributor can receive a request from a device to access a set of content elements. The content distributor can then identify at least a content descriptor and a content rating for each content element within the set of content elements, identify a range within the content ratings, and identify content elements with content ratings that are within the range. The content distributor can transmit at least the content descriptors for content elements having content ratings that are within the range to the device for display on the device. This permits a device user to access the content elements by content descriptor. In this method, at least some content descriptors for content elements having content ratings that are outside of the range are not transmitted to the device.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting a digital image are disclosed. The techniques may include receiving a first set of digital images, analyzing the first set of digital images to extract first image features from each of the first set of digital images, accessing a user profile, comparing the extracted first image features to a preset list of image features, ranking each digital image of the first set, selecting each digital image having a ranking that exceeds a threshold, assigning a category to each selected digital image based on a comparison of each selected digital image to a category database of digital image categories, displaying each selected digital image with the assigned category, receiving an input from the user in response to the displaying, updating the user profile and the category database based on the input, and selecting at least one subsequent digital image based on the updated user profile and category database.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums for providing and/or processing service usage reporting data. The reception apparatus includes a receiver, a parser, and a processor. The receiver receives closed caption service data. The closed caption service data includes closed caption data within a first service block having a service number in the range of 1-6, and the service usage reporting data within a second service block having a different service number in the range of 1-6. The closed caption data includes closed caption text. The parser parses the service usage reporting data within the second service block having the different service number in the range of 1-6. The processor provides service-usage information to a service-usage reporting server (SURS) based on the service usage reporting data.

Abstract: Creating audience segments for campaigns is described. In one or more embodiments, an audience manager is configured to create, for one or more videos, a video audience segment associated with the video by storing, in a data management platform, user identifiers of users that viewed the video. The user identifiers can be received from a client player each time that a video is played at the client player. The audience manager is further configured to extract demographic information from a demographic report associated with the video that is received from a demographics provider, and to associate the demographic information with the video audience segment. The audience manager is further configured to generate a target audience segment for a campaign by merging and combining user identifiers that are included in two or more video audience segments.

Abstract: A dynamic mobile device feedback system is described. Feedback may be obtained using a device feedback client residing on the mobile device and a feedback server remote to the mobile device. The device feedback client may receive feedback solicitation inquiries (invitations/queries) and presentation rules from the feedback server, monitor the mobile device, identify trigger events associated with the mobile device, present the feedback solicitation inquiries in accordance with the presentation rules, and receive feedback from the user of the mobile device. The feedback may be sent to the feedback server for further processing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to maintain audience privacy while determining viewing of video-on-demand (VOD) programs are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-platform television production process that results in an almost completely viewer-guided television episode. The production process begins at an online website where criteria for a first portion of the episode are selected by the public. Production commences on this portion of the episode, based on the criterion chosen by the online users, and the first portion of the episode is aired online. Viewers of this online airing of the initial production of the episode provide feedback on the first portion of the episode and are able to vote on criteria for the second portion of the episode. The second portion of the episode is produced, based on the criterion chosen by viewers. Then, the full episode, incorporating viewer feedback received during the production process) is aired on television. The full episode may also include content received from the online viewers.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus for Internet Protocol television streaming are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a request in a content delivery network from a client device to receive television programming from a particular television service provider among a plurality of television service providers. The method also includes allocating for the client device a remote access point in the content delivery network connected to a data feed from the television service provider and a portion of a controller connected to the remote access point configured to encrypt a data stream carrying encoded television service from the television service provider.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a video capture system. The video capture system comprises a smart device and a first server. The smart device is configured to detect a user specific action. When the smart device detects the user specific actions, the smart device records a time stamp of the user specific action, and generate an audio fingerprint data based on a audio data of a specific television program showed on a display. The first server receives the time stamp and the audio fingerprint data, and finds the specific television program corresponding to the audio fingerprint data according to the audio fingerprint data and electronic program guide information. Then, the first server obtains a start tag based onbased on the time stamp. The start tag is a starting time of a video fragment.

Abstract: A method for facilitating monetization of an embedded video configured for automated playback includes detecting, via an iframe embedded in a user interface of a third party platform, an indication of a user intent to view the video configured for automated playback. The video is hosted by a content sharing platform and embedded in the user interface of the third party platform. The method further includes providing, to a client device, video related data pertaining to the automated playback of the video in the user interface of the third party platform, and upon receiving the video-related data, validating the automated playback of the video in the user interface of the third party platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for securely transferring research data relating to media exposure data, such as radio, television, streaming media and the Internet. A plurality of portable computing devices seek and bond to a collector via Bluetooth in a specific area, such as a household. The collector authenticates itself with each of the portable computing devices and vice versa where the collector arranges a secure research data transfer session with each respective device using exchanged authentication files. As each secure session is made, each portable computing device transmits stored research data during the session.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to generate a cross device panel by determining that a first panelist associated with a first panel data and a first device is also associated with a non-paneled device. Example methods and apparatus disclosed herein match, via a processor, a second panelist associated with second panel data to the first panelist based on (1) the second panelist having demographics matching the first panelist and (2) the second panelist being associated with a second device corresponding to the non-paneled device of the first panelist, and generate a cross device panelist profile for the first panelist, the cross device panelist profile comprising at least some of the first panel data and at least a portion of the second panel data.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a method for adaptive indexing of multimedia content. In some embodiments, the method includes: identifying a keyword associated with a feature found in a data portion of a multimedia item, the keyword being associated with a media type, and the media type being associated with a weight; determining a relevance for the keyword using the weight associated with the media type associated with the keyword; updating the weight associated with the media type based on a particular set of content items, wherein each content item included in the particular set was added to the particular set of content items because the content item was selected by a user from a set of content items that were identified to the user in response to a query from the user, thereby producing an updated weight; and updating the relevance of the keyword using the updated weight.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating an emotional profile of the user and deriving inference from the analytics of generated emotional profile is provided. The method involves sharing media content or online event in a connected environment; capturing user's reaction to the said content or event; generating an emotional score of the user to rate the media content or event; and sharing the emotional score within the connected environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gathering research data using multiple monitoring devices are provided. At least a pair of the monitoring devices each read ancillary codes contained within media data and which represents research data. The decoded data read by at least one of the pair is associated with a further set of data offering a correspondence between each of the sets of decoded data. Such correspondence allows a determination that the data decoded by each of the pair of monitoring devices is the same.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products evaluate a performance of a viewer watching a video stream. Prompts are displayed during the video stream, and the prompts elicit a response from a viewer. If the viewer timely responds to the prompts, then the viewer may be rewarded.

Abstract: A method and system to permit TV viewers to interact with program content broadcast over a subscriber network, such as cable, satellite, internet, or cellular telephone. The details of the ability for the viewer to interact is embedded as data in the program signal. The subscription provider broadcasts a visual indicator as a small icon during programming that informs the viewer that interaction is permitted. The viewer then uses a remote control to purchase products, vote on events, respond to polls, download files, request information, and request callback actions. The TV viewer uses the remote control to send information to a set-top box front-end application, and to iteratively create transactions that are batched and then sent to a back-end core application and database which then handles fulfillment.

Abstract: A method and system for playing background music and key tone based on an embedded browser, and a digital television receiving terminal. The method comprises: analyzing and downloading web data, intercepting protocol registration events, and sending a background music start command when the background music need to be played; analyzing transport stream (TS) data pushed by a server, obtaining data required for playing the background music, and playing the background music; and receiving a key operation command from a user, analyzing the TS data pushed by the server when playing the background music, obtaining data required for playing key tone, and playing the key tone instructed in the key operation command. With the preceding method, system and digital television receiving terminal, defects in concurrently playing multi-channel audio data are overcome and the background music and key tone can be played concurrently.

Abstract: During the display of video content to a viewing audience, a system receives feedback information from the viewing audience concerning the displayed video content. At a later time and based on the feedback, the system substitutes portions of a downloaded data stream with different content.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive content that is correlated to events of an entertainment program.

Abstract: Example systems and methods to wirelessly meter audio/visual (A/V) devices are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content from an A/V source device, embeds a video overlay in the wirelessly received media content, and wirelessly transmits the media content and the video overlay to the wireless A/V device. The example method wirelessly receives audience identification information in response to the transmitted video overlay, and wirelessly receives audience behavior information.

Abstract: A video stream measurement method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing system, a video stream comprising plurality of timestamps located at specified intervals of the video stream. The computing system broadcasts the video stream for a user and decodes a first time stamp broadcasted during a first time period. The computing system monitors a user interaction function performed by the user and associated with the video stream. The computing system generates and transmits a report comprising a description associated with the user interaction function. The computing system receives an analysis associated with the report.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for supplementing media assets in order to compensate for a particular disability of a user. Specifically, a media guidance application determines whether or not a user can comprehend a media asset based on the particular disability of the user. Upon determining that the user cannot comprehend the media asset, the media guidance application supplements the media asset with supplemental data, which compensates for the particular disability of the user.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying tune data from set top boxes associated with televisions, video monitors, or other video playback devices that are likely powered off. In some embodiments, survival curves are constructed that predict a length of time before a video playback device is powered off after a tuning event. The survival curves are used to predict the likelihood that a video playback device is powered off. Viewership estimates made from tune data reported from set top boxes can be adjusted to take account of the video playback devices that are predicted to be powered off.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collection, validation, analysis, and automated error correction of data regarding user interaction with content. In one embodiment, statistical methods are used to arrive at expected values for the collected data. The data is compared to the expected value and must meet one or more acceptance criteria (e.g., be within a prescribed range) to be considered valid. The prescribed range is determined by the network operator, or a computer program adapted to generate this value. The invention enables a network operator to assess a large volume of data without requiring significant amounts of manual monitoring and/or error correction. The ability to collect, validate and analyze data across multiple platforms is also provided. Still further, an automated system capable of learning evaluation and error correction patterns is disclosed.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for identifying computer systems being used by viewers of television programs is presented. An audio signal received from a microphone of a television metering device is monitored, where the audio signal corresponds to audio of a television program presented on the television set and audio tones generated by computer systems of viewers of the television set. The audio signal is analyzed to determine an identifier for the television program being presented on the television set and to identify an audio tone generated by a computer system of a viewer of the television set. An identifier of the computer system associated with the audio tone is determined. An identifier for the television metering device, the identifier for the television program, and the identifier of the computer system is transmitted to a server.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A method includes sending, from a media device, a request for viewership information via a network. The method also includes receiving, at the media device, the viewership information, where the viewership information is determined based on a corresponding portion of multicast routing table data stored at each of a plurality of edge routers, and where each portion includes a corresponding plurality of entries associated with media content. The method further includes receiving, at the media device, a user interface based on the viewership information.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards modifying when to publish content to a channel for distribution based on monitored actions associated with previously published content. A plurality of publishing slots may be determined from a plurality of time slots. Each publishing slot may indicate a time to publish content to the channel. Content may be published to the channel at each of the plurality of publishing slots. User actions associated with the published content may be monitored. The plurality of publishing slots may be ranked based on these monitored actions. At least one of the plurality of publishing slots may be modified to a different time slot based on the rankings of the publishing slots. The publication of content at a publishing slot may be delayed based on a success of other content published at a previous publishing slot being above a threshold.

Abstract: A communication device may include logic configured to detect a request to initiate a video call by the user of the communication device; select an avatar for the video call, wherein the avatar corresponds to an image selected by the user to be used as a replacement for a video stream for video calls associated with the user; determine a facial expression associated with the user of the communication device; select an avatar facial expression for the selected avatar, based on the determined facial expression; and incorporate the selected avatar facial expression into a video stream associated with the video call.

Abstract: Set top box logs are received from a television provider and processed to identify channel tunes and channel tune times. The channel tunes and channel tune times of the log data can be compared to expected air times of television advertisements on channels, and an impression values, e.g., projected viewers, can be generated for each television advertisement.

Abstract: A content player accesses content via a content access list shared by a network of players. The content is stored by one or more of the players. One or more of the players may be thin clients that can access content stored by other players but cannot themselves store content. The content access list lists available stored content. The content player associates a bookmark with the content and includes identification information that identifies the requestor related to generation of the bookmark. When the content player presents the content access list, bookmarks associated with content included in list are also be along with the identification information. In some implementations, the requestor related to generation of the respective bookmark may be the content player that generated the bookmark, the specific user that entered input that prompted generation of the bookmark, and/or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products evaluate performance of a viewer watching programming. A prompt is displayed, and the viewer enters a response to the prompt. The performance of the viewer is based at least partly on a time of the response.