Abstract: Methods and systems capture user commands. A user command is received at a viewer's appliance. A determination is made whether the user command is automatically locally stored in memory of the viewer appliance. A look-up is performed when the user command is not automatically locally stored in the viewer appliance to determine if local storage is require. When the look-up determines that local storage is required, then the user command is captured and locally stored for execution at the viewer appliance. When the look-up determines that local storage is not required, then the user command is forwarded to a remote location for remote storage in a network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing interactive broadcasting of a video or TV content wherein users viewing the interactive broadcast content received from a broadcasting service by means of transceiver and display means are able to provide feedbacks relating to said video or TV content any time during said interactive broadcast of said content by means of input means coupled to the transceiver means, said broadcasting service comprises processing means capable of: i) continuously identifying and marking in the broadcasted content one or more key features which may change from time to time; and ii) processing users feedbacks received from the transceiver means and provide indications concerning the feedbacks and events related to the marked key features.

Abstract: Disclosed is a television broadcast receiver including: a reception member to receive a television broadcast signal with added time information; an acquirement member to acquire broadcast program information; program information storage member to store the broadcast program information; a time information storage member to store the time information; judgment member to judge whether a time period from interception of a power supply to re-activation is longer than a predetermined time or not, based on time information stored just before the interception and time information received just after the re-activation, the judgment being performed when the power supply of the television broadcast receiver is activated; and acquirement control member to make the acquirement member acquire new broadcast program information when the judgment member judges that the time period is longer than the predetermined time.

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

Abstract: An audience measurement system identifies a program which is broadcast from a signal source and to which a receiver is tuned. The audience measurement system includes a code reader for reading an ancillary code of the program to which the receiver is tuned, a channel status detector for determining channel status relating to channels to which the receiver is tuned, a memory for storing ancillary codes read by the code reading means and for storing channel status determined by the channel status determining means if ancillary codes are not readable by the code reading means, and a communicator for communicating the ancillary code and/or the channel status to a central office computer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method of considering time segments or intervals in a collaborative filtering model. The present invention extends collaborative filtering approaches by integrating considerations of temporality into the training and/or vote input associated with the usage of collaborative filtering models. The present invention also applies filtering to the output with temporal models, so as to view a most appropriate subset of recommended content, centering on content that may be available at a target time. The present invention applies time to a collaborative filtering model by allowing weight to be associated with selections within a current time segment, selections historically watched within the current time segment by the user and selections historically watched within the current time segment by a large group of users.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus to collect and provide viewer feedback to broadcasts. According to one aspect of the present invention, a rating is generated for a broadcast by a server system. The rating is based at least in part on viewer feedback to the broadcast, and the rating indicates a likelihood of interest in the broadcast for potential subsequent viewers. Access to the rating is then provided so that predications can be made as to whether or not the broadcast will be of interest to potential subsequent viewers. According to another aspect of the present invention, the rating is provided from the server system to an entertainment system, and the broadcast can be selected for viewing at an entertainment system based on the rating generated by the server system. In one embodiment, the viewer feedback is received at the entertainment system in response to a feedback questionnaire.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing and provisioning media content for display on a viewer device are provided. An example method may comprise accessing an advertisement database to obtain a plurality of advertisement media components The advertisement media components may be provided by an advertisement provider that pays to have the advertisement media components accessible. An entertainment database may be accessed to obtain a plurality of entertainment media components, the plurality of entertainment media components being provided by an entertainment provider that receives payment to make the entertainment media components accessible. Thereafter, the entertainment media components may be interspersed between the advertisement media components to provide viewer media content. An award associated with the viewer media content may be selectively allocated and the media content is communicated to at least one viewer device for viewing.

Abstract: Instant messages sent by a viewer of a video while the video is perceivable to the viewer may be monitored. An event of interest occurring in the video may be identified based on the monitored instant messages. Metadata that describes the event of interest may be generated and assigned to the video. A request for video content associated with the video may be received from a user. An indexed collection of videos that includes the video may be searched for the requested video content. Based on the search, it may be determined that the video satisfies the user's request. The event of interest occurring in the video may be identified based on the metadata assigned to the video. User perception of a scene from the video that includes the event of interest may be enabled.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide clickstream captures at both local and remote components by receiving user commands generated by the viewer locally where at least some of those commands are then sent to the remote component concurrently relative to when they are generated by the viewer. Commands may be captured and stored locally while the commands that are sent to the remote component are captured and then stored remotely from the premises of the viewer. Additionally, the user commands may be executed locally such as at a viewer appliance and/or remotely such as at a video control system of a television network. Information related to these user commands continues to be stored locally and/or remotely from the premises of the viewer after the user commands have been executed. Thus, the information related to these user commands can be processed as necessary and used for various purposes.

Abstract: Program boundaries are determined through viewing behavior. More specifically, edge and/or commercial boundaries of programs may be determined by monitoring viewing behavior of different video segments using forward and backward correlations between video segments. In a described implementation, a video portion is divided into segments. To monitor the viewing of the video portion, whether each particular segment is played by a viewer (as compared to being unviewed or viewed in an accelerated manner) is tracked for a number of different viewers. For each segment, correlations with previous and subsequent segments are calculated based on viewership. The segments may then be categorized. A segment that is strongly correlated with subsequent segments but not previous segments is categorized as a starting segment. A segment that is strongly correlated with previous segments but not subsequent segments is categorized as an ending segment. Middle and island segments may also be categorized.

Abstract: A collaborative information system.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow for the distribution of a requested program to a consumer device via a high-bandwidth connection. Consumers cast votes for requested programs via communications channels other than the high-bandwidth connection. A portion of the high-bandwidth connection is allocated to a number of programs, including the requested program. An instruction is subsequently transmitted to the consumer device to thereby allow the consumer device to receive the requested program from the allocated portion of the high-bandwidth connection.

Abstract: A method for providing television advertising includes receiving user input for selecting an advertising parameter and providing a user with an advertisement corresponding to the advertising parameter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to collect media exposure information are described. An example apparatus includes an identifier card including a plurality of machine readable codes corresponding to one or more media stations and a metering device including a scanner to read a first one of the codes and a memory to record media exposure information identifying exposure of a user to a media station associated with the first one of the codes, the media information being stored in association with a timestamp corresponding to a time at which the first one of the codes was read.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide a multi-criteria rating and search system is described. Users can provide ratings along multiple axes, which can then be used for searching.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for performing purchase transactions utilizing a broadcast-based device. In one embodiment, an online user interface is used to enter a plurality of user preferences that are then used to tailor what purchase options will be available to a client-side broadcast-based device. In another embodiment, product purchases may be made using a broadcast-based device, where the purchase transaction options and setting have been previously defined in an online environment. In yet another embodiment, the product purchase options presented are based on predetermined criteria, such as previous user activity.

Abstract: A system and computer program product for screening broadcast programming is provided. A viewer is configured to receive broadcast programming and to present the broadcast programming to a user. An interface is configured to receive user input from a user, the user input comprising at least a content of interest start time based on the broadcast programming. A processor is coupled to the interface and configured to store the user input and to generate a screening signal based on the user input. In a particular aspect, a broadcast recorder is coupled to the viewer and configured to store the received broadcast programming.

Abstract: Mechanisms for screening broadcast programming are provided. A viewer is configured to receive broadcast programming, to receive commands from a user, to receive commands from an interface coupled to the viewer, to present the received broadcast programming to the user based on commands from the user, and to present the received broadcast programming to the user based on commands from the interface. A processor is coupled to the interface and configured to receive a screening signal, to receive user input from the interface, to store the received user input, to generate a local action signal based on the user input and the received screening signal, and to transmit the local action signal to the interface. The interface is configured to receive the local action signal, to transmit commands to the viewer based on the local action signal, and to receive user input from the user, the user input comprising at least an action preference.

Abstract: An audiovisual terminal, an audiovisual authentication system, a method of authenticating audiovisual education, a remote education method, and a recording medium readable with the audiovisual terminal, all suitable for authenticating the actual viewing of education programs, especially to authenticate the actual viewing in remote education. Through the audiovisual terminal, a viewer of an audiovisual program enters a confirmation code which is specific to the audiovisual program and is transmitted to a principal who authenticates viewing of the program, and time information corresponding to the viewing confirmation code. The time information corresponding to the viewing confirmation code is typically a time point at which the code is entered. It may also be a time interval calculated, for example, from the entering time. The audiovisual terminal confirms whether the viewer is actually viewing a remote education program.

Abstract: A method for screening broadcast programming is provided. A viewer is configured to receive broadcast programming and to present the broadcast programming to a user. An interface is configured to receive user input from a user, the user input comprising at least a content of interest start time based on the broadcast programming. A processor is coupled to the interface and configured to store the user input and to generate a screening signal based on the user input. In a particular aspect, a broadcast recorder is coupled to the viewer and configured to store the received broadcast programming.

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

Abstract: A environment of server and client systems for revenue generation, where a component is provided for broadcasters to broadcast and/or transmit programming, and where advertisers can create advertisement, and bid for advertising time on the transmitted programming. Advertisers are empowered by the network's ability to perform targeted advertising and/or product placement base on viewer attribute, programming content, and other criteria collected by the environment. Broadcasters are empowered by the network's ability to produce relatively high conversion rate using an viewer interface allowing enabling viewers to perform click-to-buy, click-to-send-lead, and/or click-to-send information, without much disruption to viewing of the transmitted programming.

Abstract: An audience response system comprising a base unit and a plurality of remote units communicating using wireless communication operating on a frequency pair. When a response key on a remote unit is activated, the remote unit transmits a voting signal packet to the base unit. The base unit registers the vote and transmits an acknowledgment signal to the remote unit. When the remote unit receives an acknowledgment signal, the remote unit certifies to the operator that the vote was received. If an acknowledgment signal is not received, the remote unit will attempt at least one retransmission after a random delay before alerting the operator that the vote attempt has failed.

Abstract: A television user selectively configures one or more control options pertaining to usage monitoring, and a compliance means ensures that the operation of application programs on the television user's programmable television controller is compliant with the selective configuration of the control options. Compliance strategies include voluntary compliance by application programs and/or application providers, locally-enforced compliance by a TV Control application, application program certification, and application provider registration. A data claim authentication and processing means enables the television user to control or limit the exploitation of user data objects provided to agents of interactive television application programs.

Abstract: The present invention provides collaborative filtering systems and methods employing default scores of decision graphs/trees to quickly create a top-n prediction list that can efficiently determine a user's interest in items. In one instance of the present invention, the list is refined by utilizing a variable maximum score algorithm and/or an invalidation list algorithm to insert items that score above an inclusion threshold set by a last item in the top-n prediction list. In another instance of the present invention, an invalidation list for a decision graph and/or decision tree is utilized to create a top-n prediction list. An algorithm employing default scores is then utilized to refine the top-n prediction list to insert items with default scores above an inclusion threshold set by a last item in the top-n prediction list.

Abstract: A method, system, API and computer product for adapting reverse data channel (RDC) utilization by selectively restricting the reporting of statistics data from client devices using a client-side filter adapted in response to configuration data from a file or other source file.

Abstract: Interactive televised programs rely heavily on audience feedback via Short Message Service (SMS) provided by mobile/cellular network. On a polling prompt which opens a clocked “polling window”, a TV viewer enters his/her feedback message into a mobile/cell phone for transmission over a communications network such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). Especially in a residential setting, for an IP (Internet Protocol)-enabled TV or STB (Set-Top Box), message entry can be facilitated by messaging capability from a hand-held control device for the TV or the STB.

Abstract: A set top box for use in interactive television systems includes a generation engine and a display engine. The generation engine automatically stores channel favorites in a channel favorites table. The generation engine may include cumulative viewing time for each channel in the table as well as the number of times each channel in the table has been viewed. The display engine, upon request, displays a list of channels in the channel favorites tables according to a viewer order preference.

Abstract: A remote response system utilizes portable response devices that receive user input and transmit user input over existing communication systems. Certain response devices communicate over wireless systems such as paging systems, while other response devices communicate over plain old telephone systems by sending data bursts or by dialing different, established telephone numbers. A user of a remote response device can communicate with a presenter of programming that is broadcast over audio/visual mediums in real time without requiring a personal computer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for sending targeted advertising data, the method including monitoring in a plurality of data communications networks, single sign on (SSO) subscriber event data from a first SSO subscriber end user device and a second SSO subscriber end user device, calculating product interest correlation scores in a plurality of advertising categories for an SSO subscriber advertising profile based on the monitoring SSO subscriber event data, selecting advertising data in at least one of the advertising categories from an advertiser database based on the SSO subscriber advertising profile, selecting a format to deliver the selected advertising data to a third SSO subscriber end user device and sending the targeted advertising data to the third SSO subscriber end user device. A system and a computer program are disclosed for performing the method. A data structure is disclosed for providing an interrelationship between a processor and data structure data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rendering a video program. The apparatus includes a computer-readable storage medium and a processor responsive to the computer-readable storage medium and to a software program. The software program, when loaded into the processor, is operative to: receive a user command specifying a fast forward operation through a program; identify a first commercial associated with a commercial break in the program while fast forwarding therethrough; and select a substitute commercial that appears to be rendered at the normal presentation rate while fast forwarding through the program; and play the substitute commercial.

Abstract: To mitigate the impact of a mass communication event, such as a mass voting event, on the resources of the mobile wireless communication network, each user's mobile station is adapted to appropriately adjust its timing of the transmission during the mass communication event. In a voting example, the mobile station delays sending the user's vote by a random time interval. When implemented in a substantial number of mobile stations, the mobile stations randomly delay their individual transmissions, effectively spreading the traffic over a larger time window, thereby reducing the instantaneous peak load on the wireless network. However, since the solution is implemented in the mobile stations, there is no added overhead traffic related to the event at or around the time of the event. Consequently, handling of the event requires less network capacity to account for this bursty traffic.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which DVR viewer metrics are collected and saved in a “Watched Log” database including identifying titles and other features of recorded DVR programs. User viewing metrics on both “per user” and “per show” bases are saved and used to augment existing conflict resolution techniques by removing shows that have been entirely or partially viewed in favor of shows that have not already been viewed. After a DVR user watches a TV show episode, the TV show episode will be added to the Watched Log. Subsequently, before recording a future TV show, the DVR device can verify that the scheduled TV show episode has not already been watched by the user. If the show is in the Watched Log, various rules are used to determine which recording actions to take.

Abstract: A system and method for ranking media. Embodiments enable presenting media in a first venue, obtaining feedback from at least one user and providing an indication whether to present the media in a second venue. The media may be audio, video, and/or text or any combination thereof. The first venue for example may be the Internet or an Internet online community. The second venue may for example be television (cable, broadcast or a DVD variant) or radio. The media may be presented in the first venue and feedback is obtained in any manner, for example via the first venue or over any other medium such as by phone, computer or in any other way. The feedback for example may be based solely on the media or in relation to other media presented. The indication may be provided as to whether to present the media in a second venue.

Abstract: A content recommendation system (100) to schedule a delivery of diverse content when a user is more receptive to the recommendation is provided. The system can include an outlier scheduling module (120) for scheduling an insertion of an outlier (224) in a recommended content based on a schedule model (125) and a trigger policy (127), an outlier selection module (140) for selecting the outlier from recommended content of an affinity model (145) based on a selection policy (147), and an outlier evaluation module (160) for monitoring a current user context and adjusting the selecting and the scheduling of the outlier in response to a user feedback of the outlier. The content recommendation system can expose the user to diverse content based on the user's current consumption pattern and current context.

Abstract: A system and method for ranking media. Embodiments enable presenting media in a first venue, obtaining feedback from at least one user and providing an indication whether to present the media in a second venue. The media may be audio, video, and/or text or any combination thereof. The first venue for example may be the Internet or an Internet online community. The second venue may for example be television (cable, broadcast or a DVD variant) or radio. The media may be presented in the first venue and feedback is obtained in any manner, for example via the first venue or over any other medium such as by phone, computer or in any other way. The feedback for example may be based solely on the media or in relation to other media presented. The indication may be provided as to whether to present the media in a second venue.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting data and statistically assessing such data for real time voting results. According to a preferred embodiment, input from a plurality of voters may be received through multiple modalities, namely, mobile/cellular phone networks, land line phone networks, set top boxes and/or the Internet. Voting data from each modality is received regionally and thereafter forwarded to a central vote processing location where statistical assessment and voting results may be generated in real time. In an alternative embodiment, the system and methods of the present invention can enable individual viewers to make selections on an individual basis, or autonomous groups may make selections on a group basis which in turn can be used in novel programming, VPTS, conducting polls, submission and acquisition of marketing/general data, RTCFA, or selecting any type of content options.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically recognizing a user of an interactive media guidance application are provided. The interactive media guidance application may monitor a plurality of users' interactions with the interactive media guidance application, and determine, from the interactions, user profiles. For example, the interactive media guidance application may determine that a number of interactions (e.g., a number of viewed programs) satisfy a relevancy rule, and associate the interactions with the same user profile. The interactive media guidance application may identify the parts of the day when each user uses the interactive media guidance application, and associate the corresponding user profiles with the current day part. The interactive media guidance application may further identify the user that is associated with each user profile by prompting a user to identify himself during the day part that is associated with a particular user profile.

Abstract: A method for promoting customer loyalty including recording digital identification data regarding a visitor to sites in a first database including a registration table on a customer loyalty server of unique identifiers of registered visitors and selected data, registering on equipment of the visitor of a digital file containing an identifier assigned to the visitor, recording on a server of an affiliated merchant site a digital file producing a display of an active pictogram including a link to a point management computer program, the file including a unique identifier of the affiliated merchant, allocating reward points by recording in a database a table including an identifier of the visitor and a counter of the allocated points, preparing a response to an activation by a user of the link appearing on the page of the merchant's site, a file including at least the digital identifier of the merchant and an identifier of the visitor, transmitting this file to the customer loyalty server, performing a search fo

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing polling related data to viewers in an interactive cable televisions system. Users viewing a program can initiate a request for participating in a polling activity. The request and other program-related information are sent to the cable television system provider. Appropriate polling window data is returned to the set top box allowing a polling window to be displayed to the viewer. The viewer may choose one or several selections, and transmit the response to the cable television system provider. User responses can be tallied and presented in real time to the viewer audience. Program producers can incorporate the results of viewer feedback in real-time allowing the outcome of the program to be based on the collective viewer feedback.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for performing purchase transactions utilizing a broadcast-based device. In one embodiment, an online user interface is used to enter a plurality of user preferences that are then used to tailor what purchase options will be available to a client-side broadcast-based device. In another embodiment, product purchases may be made using a broadcast-based device, where the purchase transaction options and setting have been previously defined in an online environment. In yet another embodiment, the product purchase options presented are based on predetermined criteria, such as previous user activity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.

Abstract: A user preference information data structure which is capable of classifying and setting user's preference information regarding multimedia contents with multiple items to thereby provide users with user's request-based whole or partial multi-media information, and a method for providing multi-media information by using the user preference information data structure. The multiple item user preference information data structure for multi-media contents comprising: single item user preference information for single items related to the multi-media information; and multiple items user preference information for multiple items formed by combining the single items.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering a promotional message to an audience via a movie/film trailer. The system and method include combining a promotional message with a movie/film trailer, providing the combined movie/film trailer to an audience, and soliciting a response to the promotional message from members of the audience, the response being communicated through a text-message enabled device. The text-message enabled device can be a cell phone. The system and method further include formatting the combined movie/film trailer to be displayed on a cinematic screen, an analog display device, or a digital display device.

Abstract: A wireless response system includes a base unit and a plurality of handheld response units communicating with the base unit over a wireless communication link. The base unit sends polling commands to the response units over the wireless communication. The response units send the response data to the base unit over the wireless communication link in response to the polling signals. The response data is entered in the respective response units by a user.

Abstract: Default media services are provided to a multi-user multimedia device over a communications network responsive to identification of the multi-user multimedia device. Additional media services are provided to the multi-user multimedia device over the communications network responsive to obtaining confirmation that a particular one of a group of users of the multi-user multimedia device is currently using the multi-user multimedia device. Demographic information for the particular one of the group of users and device information for the multi-user multimedia device may be provided to an advertiser over the network in real-time, for example, so that advertising may be targeted accordingly. Related methods, systems, and devices are also discussed.

Abstract: An autonomous correlation system correlates user data from a content provider and advertising view data from an advertising provider, wherein the user data is present on one autonomous system and the advertising view data is present on another autonomous system distinct from the one autonomous system, the systems being autonomous in that each is normally secured against unconstrained access by another.

Abstract: A method of demographically profiling a user of a computer system includes providing an aggregated demographic bias associated with a plurality of different items, in dependence upon collected information relating to a plurality of demographically identified users. First information is then received from a demographically anonymous user, the first information being indicative of the demographically anonymous user's interest in each one of the plurality of different items. A demographic bias of the demographically anonymous user is estimated as a demographic bias that is statistically similar to the aggregated demographic bias associated with the plurality of different items.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence applications require use of training sets containing positive and negative examples. Negative examples are chosen using distributions of positive examples with respect to a dominant feature in feature space. Negative examples should share or approximately share, with the positive examples, values of a dominant feature in feature space. This type of training set is illustrated with respect to content recommenders, especially recommenders for television shows.