Abstract: An embodiment for recording a channel that is communicating a program of interest identifies a selected program for recording as a program of interest based upon a characteristic of the selected program, the characteristic of the selected program corresponding to at least one characteristic associated with the program of interest; records an advance period corresponding to a period before a beginning of the program of interest, and records a following period corresponding to a period after a conclusion of the program of interest.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and a device for analyzing the water content of skin by means of a skin image. The method comprises performing skin feature analysis on an acquired skin image, and obtaining the water content of skin on the basis of the skin features, wherein the skin features comprise a glossiness level and a smoothness level. The present invention clearly shows a reduction in implementation costs when compared to the prior art. The invention also achieves rapid testing.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a telephone having computer instructions to execute a web server application in the telephone. The web server application can be operable to detect an incoming plain old telephone service call, identify a calling party identifier from the incoming plain old telephone service call, and direct one of a plurality of devices detected by web server application to present the calling party identifier. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reception apparatus for receiving transmitted AV (Audio/Video) content, including: an extractor configured to extract trigger information associated with control of an application program to be executed in conjugation with the AV content; and a controller configured, in response to a command indicated by the extracted trigger information, to control execution of the application program and, if a video of the AV content is switched, execute any one of continuation and termination of the application program that is active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receiving apparatus, a reception method, a transmitting apparatus, a transmission method, and a program that enable management information of an application program to be transmitted without changing existing facilities. An AIT acquiring unit acquires AIT information to control an operation of an application program executed in linkage with data broadcasting content, which is described in a meta element of a BML document of the data broadcasting content transmitted by a broadcasting wave of digital broadcasting, and an HTML browser unit controls an operation of a linked application distributed through the Internet, on the basis of the AIT information acquired by the AIT acquiring unit. The present invention can be applied to a television receiver that receives the broadcasting wave of the digital broadcasting.

Abstract: Developer and runtime environments supporting multi-modal input for computing systems are disclosed. The developer environment includes a gesture library of human body gestures (e.g., hand gestures) that a previously-trained, system-level gesture recognition machine is configured to recognize. The developer environment further includes a user interface for linking a gesture of the gesture library with a semantic descriptor that is assigned to a function of the application program. The application program is executable to implement the function responsive to receiving an indication of the gesture recognized by the gesture recognition machine within image data captured by a camera. The semantic descriptor may be additionally linked to a different input modality than the gesture, such as a natural language input.

Abstract: System, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media to facilitate expansion of media device interface capabilities are provided. A state change with respect to one or more media devices may be detected. The state change may correspond to a second media device being communicatively coupled to, or communicatively decoupled from, a first media device. Consequent to the detecting, a set of interface ports, which are configured to interface with multimedia devices, may be determined. Configuration information may be generated based at least in part on the set of interface ports. The configuration information may be transferred to a sink device to indicate interface options based at least in part on the set of interface ports. Content may be transferred to the sink device based at least in part on audio and/or visual data via at least one interface port of the set of interface ports.

Abstract: A channel change detection feature is incorporated into future ATSC 1.0 receivers, future ATSC 3.0 receivers, and through a modification, to legacy ATSC 1.0 receivers that can detect new Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) signaling. A TV or other digital video receiver occasionally performs an automatic channel programming scan. If it detects that a channel has disappeared, then the receiver re-scans the spectrum to update the channel map. If any changes in the channel map occurs, an indication is implied that some ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 stations have been shuffled.

Abstract: [Object] To improve the reliability of an application processed together with broadcast content. [Solving Means] An application controller of an information processing apparatus acquires an application information table to which an electronic signature is attached and in which location information necessary for acquiring an application processed together with broadcast content is stored, and validates the electronic signature. The application controller can acquire the application based on the location information in a case of succeeding at least in the validation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a broadcasting and communication convergence service are provided. The method includes acquiring address information about an Internet server configured to provide an application customized based on user information and/or device information about a terminal, transmitting an application request message to the Internet server using the address information, receiving the customized application on a broadcast channel from the Internet server in response to the application request message, and consuming the customized application.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the functionality of a legacy gaming device is disclosed. The apparatus uses a second processor communicatively coupled between a legacy display and audio device to modify interrupted display and audio signals and provide substitute signals to provide the modified functionality of the gaming device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and associated apparatus for reducing the time required to scan an incoming satellite transmission power spectrum for available signals and to determine the characteristics of those signals. The frequency range of interest is scanned in narrow slices to determine approximate input power within each slice. Center frequencies and symbol rates of individual transponders are then estimated based upon these input power approximations.

Abstract: Set top boxes (STBs) in a cable system are configured on a box-by-box basis to facilitate beta and trial testing of new or updated services. STBs are assigned to deployment groups identified by a deployment group identifier. Features configurations including hierarchies of features can be defined individually for different deployment groups. Configuration files for provisioning the STBs are provided by a cable system head end according to the deployment group the STB is assigned to. STBs can be configured at the time they boot and register with the system or in a “hot” manner to avoid rebooting.

Abstract: A novel advanced set top terminal capable of digital decompression, menu generation, interactivity and other advanced functional capabilities for use in a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set top terminals (220) to provide menu generation capability and advanced functional capabilities. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems (200) with hundreds of channels of programming, providing (i) menu driven program selection through the addition of an upgrade module (300) or menu generation card and (ii) advanced functional capabilities using a set of hardware upgrades (e.g., 130) and/or an expansion card. Specifically, the invention is an upgradeable system that supports advanced set top functionality through the use of internal software, hardware upgrades, an upgrade module and/or expansion cards. The upgraded hardware generally includes a microprocessor, various input/output ports (e.g.

Abstract: A display device and a method of upgrading the same are disclosed. The display device, such as a Smart TV, may include a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the received broadcast signal, a decoder for decoding the demultiplexed broadcast signal, and a display for displaying the decoded broadcast signal. The display device may also include an external device interface for receiving upgrade data from an upgrade device. A controller may be configured to process the received broadcast signal for display on the display and to upgrade the display device using the received upgrade data. The upgrade data may include at least one function. A control module may be configured to assign the at least one function to at least one of the upgrade device or the controller to execute the function on the display device.

Abstract: A method may include receiving an enhanced television (ETV) application in a video client over a first data path and executing the ETV application in the video client. In one embodiment, the ETV application may include an enhanced television binary interchange format (EBIF) resource. The method may also include extracting, from the EBIF resource, an identifier of an extension application and requesting the identified extension application. The method may include receiving the extension application, over a second data path different than the first data path and executing the extension application.

Abstract: An example method and apparatus for audio-visual communication is provided. In some examples, a method as disclosed herein may include receiving an incoming call indication comprising a conversation request from a remote party, wherein the outgoing call request is displayed in a visual communication screen area on a display; establishing a communication link with the remote party in an instance in which an answering signal has been received, the communication link enabling a multi-directional audio and visual conversation; and causing a received video of the remote party to be displayed in the visual communication screen area, wherein the display is operable to display multimedia content in a multimedia screen area simultaneously with the received video of the remote party in the visual communication screen area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to home devices such as set-top boxes, and more particularly to methods providing autonomous file transfers to and from such home devices. There is provided a method for spreading notifications pertaining to the completion of file transfers in time. The method is based on the concept of imposing different delay times on different devices, which delay times must be observed prior to notifying the server of a file transfer completion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and selecting an application easily processed by a broadcasting receiving apparatus among the plurality of applications and executing the selected application are provided. The application processing method includes: analyzing information on each of a plurality of applications providing a common broadcasting service; selecting an application suitable for a broadcasting receiving apparatus among the plurality of applications based on the analysis; and executing the selected application. When a plurality of applications is transmitted to a broadcasting receiving apparatus, the broadcasting receiving apparatus can select an easily executable application.

Abstract: A security processor may be embedded within a digital cable ready (DCR) digital TV (DTV) system-on-chip to performing content protection operations during digital TV signal processing. The embedded security processor may be used to perform operations that are currently performed by an external entity, such as, for an example, a CableCard. The embedded security processor maybe configured to use a conditional access function including, but not limited to, CableLabs® Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS) based function. The security processor may be reprogrammable to enable the system-on-chip to be reconfigured with a different function and/or to allow operation with a new cable service provider. The security processor may enable secure reprogrammability of the system-on-chip utilizing security algorithms and/or other mechanisms including use of chip-specific identification information. The SoC may be enabled to operate with a CableCard whenever the security processor may be disabled.

Abstract: A network system in which a terminal apparatus, a recording apparatus, and a server apparatus are connectable via a network is disclosed. The server apparatus includes a service processing unit performing a service of reserving recording of a content to the recording apparatus by a request from the terminal apparatus, and an available service information provision unit managing information on the service available to the recording apparatus as available service information and transmitting the available service information to the terminal apparatus in response to a request from the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for managing digital files, such as, for example, applications developed for TV digital, in a digital TV receiver apparatus, as well as a manager of said digital files. Particularly, the manager has a visual interface that enables the user to identify which applications are present in the digital TV receiver apparatus, install and/or unin-stall applications, in addition to providing fast access to certain applications.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and system for controlling communication between set top boxes and remote controls are presented. A set top box communication module may be configured to receive remote control data transmissions from a plurality of set top boxes. A first amplifier may be configured to receive the remote control data transmissions from the set top box communication module and amplify the remote control data transmissions on a plurality of remote control communication channels. The first amplifier may be configured to output the amplifier remote control data transmissions to one or more antennas. A jamming module may be configured to transmit a jamming signal to the plurality of set top boxes when the communication control device is receiving a remote control data transmission from a set top box of the plurality of set top boxes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transmitting and a process for receiving update data. According to the invention, the update data are dispatched by a communication center to terminals with the aid of a broadcasting network. Next, the terminals report their update to the center through a bidirectional network. The center renews the campaign or stops the current campaign as a function of the number of terminals updated. When only a minimum number of terminals to be updated remains, the campaign is stopped, the last terminals not updated will be so via the bidirectional link. The invention also relates to the center implementing a dispatch process and the receiver for receiving and processing the update data.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus which can be used in first and second modes and to the manner in which the change in modes of operation can be achieved. In a first mode, the apparatus operates to receive data which is received typically from a television programme broadcast system and process the same and in the second mode the apparatus has the additional feature of a data storage device in which received data can be stored and be made available for subsequent retrieval. The data storage device can be provided as part of an assembly which can be mechanically and electrically connected to the apparatus housing and which allows the transfer of data between the assembly and the remainder of the apparatus. In one embodiment the assembly also includes cooling means which allow a cooling functionality to be provided to the apparatus.

Abstract: There are many boxes (e.g., set-top boxes) in a system offering media services to users. Each of the boxes maintains a library with a significant number of titles. Techniques for updating the library in each of these boxes using a transmission infrastructure are described. According to one aspect of the techniques, a service provider is provided with a high bandwidth broadcasting or multicasting capability, a release fragmented into a header and several segments is transmitted to all boxes that are respectively configured to receive a proper release package to update the library. Alternatively, separate release packages may be transmitted via different channels to the boxes, wherein each of the boxes is tuned to a proper channel to receive a proper release package.

Abstract: A TV control device, for an external TV device includes a storage unit storing a user identification code and user setting data corresponding to the user identification code, and a wireless communication unit transmitting a control signal to the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data, wherein the external TV device determines a TV setting of the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data when the external TV device receives the control signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for communication between an Automatic Configuration Server (ACS) and a Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) over an Internet-based network are provided. A CPE determines in a power standby state whether an inform request message transmission period is received. If the inform request message transmission period is received, the CPE transitions from the power standby state to an active state and transmits an inform request message to an ACS. The CPE receives an inform response message from the ACS in response to the inform request message, and upon receiving the inform response message, transitions from the active state to the power standby state.

Abstract: A media content receiver receives a message including an address. The receiver processes the address to determine whether the address is associated with the media content receiver. Additionally, if a removable circuit device is installed in the receiver, the receiver processes the address to determine whether the address is associated with the installed removable circuit device. If the address is associated with the media content receiver, the receiver processes the message. If the address is associated with the removable circuit device, the receiver transfers the message to the removable circuit device, which then processes the message.

Abstract: A content downloader system including a display for displaying a user interface enabling a user to select content to be downloaded and initiate downloading; a set-top-box coupled to the display for providing the user interface and for receiving an indication of the content to be downloaded; and a content downloader coupled to and separate from the set-top-box, the content downloader for receiving the content. The content downloader has at least one memory component for storing content, at least one input/output connection for communicating to electronic devices, optionally including a removable memory card and optionally including an encryption/decryption unit. The content downloader may have an identification whereby its identity is authenticated by the content provider.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium operating in a mobile device server having computer instructions to execute a web server application in the mobile device server. The web server application can be operable to cause a media processor to invoke a software application in the mobile device server. The mobile device server can support voice communications over a cellular communication system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver and an upgrading method thereof that can achieve an upgrade stabilization. The digital broadcast receiver includes a tuner to receive broadcast data of a selected channel, a demultiplexer to separate new middleware data and information data corresponding to the new middleware data from the broadcast data, a memory to pre-store previous middleware data and to store the new middleware data and the information data, and a controller to determine whether to store the new middleware data in the memory based on the information data. If storage of the new middleware data is completed, the controller checks whether an upgrade is successful by executing the new middleware data, and if the upgrade fails, the controller executes the previous middleware data pre-stored in the memory. Thus, the receiver upgrades the received middleware program in a stable manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for purchasing media features for programming transmissions. A selection is sent to a server system to buy an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission. The server system automatically coordinates purchasing the media feature from a programming transmission source and providing the media feature from the programming transmission source. In one embodiment, an entertainment system includes a user interface from which a viewer selects an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission, wherein the programming transmission with the upgraded media feature is provided to the entertainment system.

Abstract: A program replacing method includes registering a first program so that message transmission is enabled between the first program and a detachable point of deployment (POD). The first program has an identifier that identifies a program type of the first program. When a second program having the same identifier as the first program exists in the broadcast receiving terminal apparatus, the second program is notified that message transmission between the second program and the point of deployment is to be terminated. Approval for terminating the message transmission between the second program and the point of deployment is received from the second program. The message transmission between the second program and the point of deployment is then terminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and selecting an application easily processed by a broadcasting receiving apparatus among the plurality of applications and executing the selected application are provided. The application processing method includes: analyzing information on each of a plurality of applications providing a common broadcasting service; selecting an application suitable for a broadcasting receiving apparatus among the plurality of applications based on the analysis; and executing the selected application. When a plurality of applications is transmitted to a broadcasting receiving apparatus, the broadcasting receiving apparatus can select an easily executable application.

Abstract: A multiple-resolution audio and video system is disclosed that includes: at least one shared network infrastructure; at least one audio file, video file or a combination thereof, wherein each of the at least one audio file, video file or combination thereof has at least one resolution format and wherein one of the at least one resolution format is a studio quality resolution; at least one executable user interface application; and at least one device that accesses the at least one executable user interface application.

Abstract: A system and method for processing information may include broadcasting information, which indicates program content for each of a plurality of channels communicated via a plurality of transport streams, to a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors identify which of the program content is associated with a particular one of the plurality of channels in each of the plurality of transport streams. The broadcasted information may be stored in a table in memory. The broadcasted information may include a packet identifier (PID) and/or a processor identifier associated with the PID that identifies at least one of the plurality of processors, such as parsers. The information may be stored in a table in memory prior to the broadcasting. The table may be indexed according to the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface having available content. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the available content from the ordering interactive interface and communicates the content selection to a content processing system. The content processing system generates an unencrypted control word comprising instructions for locating the available content from a user device and communicates the unencrypted control word to the user device. The user device receives the unencrypted control word to enable storing the available content corresponding to the content selection in response to the instructions contained in the unencrypted control word and stores the available content in a storage device of the user device.

Abstract: A request to transfer a consumer electronics (CE) executable application from a consumer electronics device to a TV device is received at the TV device. The CE executable application is received from the consumer electronics device. Application state information associated with the executable CE application is received from the consumer electronics device. The executable CE application and the application state information are stored to a memory. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Integrated processing of multimedia signals can eliminate unnecessary signal processors and converters without losing the functionality of typical home entertainment system components. The integrated system includes a main player that captures and processes signals digitally, a dummy display, and a dummy speaker. The dummy display may only have a display panel and a panel driver. The dummy speaker may only have a driving unit and no crossover logic. The main player may have a PC architecture and process all signals digitally for outputting signals tailored for the display device and the individual driving units of the dummy speaker. The integrated system may generate parameters for optimizing display of a video source. These parameters can be shared among users over a network connection.

Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.

Abstract: A screen time control device includes a source interface for receiving a video signal, a processor connected to the video source interface for overlaying the video signal with a translucent signal to produce an overlaid video signal, and a device interface connected to the processor for receiving the overlaid video signal and providing the overlaid video signal to the display device. The processor substitutes the translucent signal in the overlaid video signal with a parental signal, where the parental signal can be a substantially opaque overlay signal that masks an image on the screen of the display device to prohibit viewing of the screen, a textual message, or a combination of both.

Abstract: Two different communication terminals share a broadcast content received through a mobile broadcast service. If a mobile broadcast-sharing mode for sharing a broadcast content with a specific communication terminal is set, a mobile broadcast terminal extracts broadcast video data and broadcast audio data from a mobile broadcast signal being received. The mobile broadcast terminal converts a codec of the broadcast video data and the broadcast audio data into a codec used in video communication, and delivers at least one of the converted broadcast video data and the converted broadcast audio data through video communication formed to the communication terminal.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to indicate the availability of an update for an MHP application, which is modified only periodically, to the user of a set top box, while helping him or her to decide whether the modified update is actually required and optionally still maintaining the availability of the older update without restrictions. To achieve this, information concerning the scope and/or type of modification in relation to the older version is provided in the transmitted version number for the modified MHP application. The set top box starts the saved older version if special information exists (“launchable with older version” flag) and permits a comparison of the version number with the received version number of the modified MHP application as to whether the modifications of the modified MHP application are of such significance that the modified version must be received and saved in the cache memory.

Abstract: A choice specifying unit 500 specifies, as displayable subtitles, standard subtitles which a subtitle processing unit 300 can decode using a standard function, and expanded subtitles which the subtitle processing unit 300 can decode by an application processing unit 900 executing character expansion applications that can be obtained from data broadcasting. A user interface unit 200 displays a subtitle switching screen on a monitor 30 as a user interface which can present the specified displayable subtitles as choices of switchable subtitles when a user presses a “Subtitle” button, and in the subtitle switching screen the user can select one subtitle out of the presented choices as a subtitle to be superimposed on an image.

Abstract: A multiple-resolution audio and video system is disclosed that includes: at least one shared network infrastructure; at least one audio file, video file or a combination thereof, wherein each of the at least one audio file, video file or combination thereof has at least one resolution format and wherein one of the at least one resolution format is a studio quality resolution; at least one executable user interface application; and at least one device that accesses the at least one executable user interface application. Methods of using a multiple-resolution audio and video system are also included. Devices and related software applications are also contemplated herein.

Abstract: Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a mobile device having an ordering interactive interface having available content including linear content and on-demand content. The interactive interface receives a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and communicates the selection to a content processing system. The content processing system communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the on-demand content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word.

Abstract: A client-server based enterprise network system providing network services and applications to administer, manage, control access to, and use a plurality of programmable electronic display devices and systems is disclosed. The enterprise network system may include client-server network system configurations and methods to enable a plurality of enterprise users to expeditiously, efficiently and securely access and use enterprise network resources and capabilities, including provisioning of graphical display content on a plurality of programmable electronic display systems sited locally, regionally, globally or in combination thereof. The enterprise network system and the network services and capabilities here disclosed, may be accessed through Web-enabled applications with Internet/Web browsers, which enable users to access network services and capabilities from any Internet/Web-enabled computer or workstation from any location.