Abstract: An interactive television system transmits and displays a television program having an associated channel. The system also transmits and displays an interactive television mode indicator if the displayed television program supports an interactive television mode. The interactive television mode is activated in response to a request from a viewer of the television program to activate the interactive television mode. The system updates a channel status list to indicate that the television program is being viewed in the interactive television mode. The system is also able to handle requests for activating an online television mode. When changing channels, the channel status list is used to restore a previously activated interactive television mode or online television mode for a particular television channel. Two different indicators may be transmitted and displayed to indicate whether the television program supports an interactive television mode and/or an online television mode.

Abstract: Divergent storylines for media such as movies are selected using branching techniques. Enhancing the “replay value” of a movie may be accomplished by introducing many logical branches in the action and plot during the movie. Consequently, repeat viewing is encouraged by creating a dynamic viewing environment based on the preferences of the current audience. The audience may be polled prior to each logical branch. Votes are then tallied and the logical branch is selected. Viewers may also indicate preferences regarding the movie rating. Consequently, a movie may be rated for children at one viewing and adults at another. Votes or other viewer feedback may be collected by a variety of methods. The privilege of voting for particular storyline branches or other content choices may be provided for free or purchase. Each time a branch in the storyline appears the viewer may then vote to influence the direction taken by the storyline. Multiple opportunities for voting may appear during the movie.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to export tuning data collected in a receiving device are disclosed. An example method of collecting audience measurement data comprises collecting tuning data within a receiving device, and modulating an LED associated with the receiving device to export the collected tuning data from the receiving device.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a tuner tuned to the program and a meter coupled to the tuner and arranged to detect content ancillary information from the program tuned by the tuner. The content ancillary information may be a media link, closed captioning information, or the like. The meter may also be arranged to extract a broadcast signature from the program. A comparator compares the broadcast signature to a reference signature selected from a library of reference signatures based upon the content ancillary information. Broadcast signatures from unknown programs may be clustered at least partially on the basis of the content ancillary information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect an internally generated signal mode of a local media playback device are disclosed. A disclosed method comprises tuning a harmonic frequency of a chrominance signal output by a local media playback device, and determining that the local media playback device is in an internally generated signal mode if the measured harmonic frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor audio/visual content from various sources are disclosed. An example method to monitor media content provided by a selected one of a plurality of media content sources for presentation by an information presenting device disclosed herein comprises determining first information based on a video signal corresponding to the monitored media content, determining second information based on an audio signal corresponding to the monitored media content, identifying the selected one of the plurality of media content sources based on a first classification decision resulting from one of the first information and the second information and a second classification decision resulting from the other of the first information and the second information, and identifying the monitored media content based on identification information associated with at least one of the video signal or the audio signal.

Abstract: A collection of digital media is stored at a source device and transferred to a target device. A subset of the collection may be transferred based on a priority related to a points assigned by a user's rating of particular digital media and on rules based on particular user actions.

Abstract: Delivery of feedback information to a scheduling service to determine optimum broadcast times based upon client platform tuner contention is described. A usage pattern of an electronic media device is recorded. The usage pattern is communicated to a scheduling server. Media content is received during a time period selected by the scheduling server based upon the usage pattern.

Abstract: Techniques to monitor operation of an information distribution system and delivery of programming, guide data, and other information by the system. These techniques may be used for diagnostics, quality control, and other purposes, and for various types of systems. In accordance with one method, a directive is received to monitor a particular channel at a particular terminal. In response to the received directive, a command is sent (e.g., via a remote control unit) to the terminal. Contents are then received from the terminal, captured, and reported. The reported contents may be used to visually verify the contents being delivered to the terminals, check what the viewers may observe, mimic and test interactive experiences of the viewers, observe actual viewing conditions at the terminals, and perform other tests and diagnostics. The received contents may be captured as one or more video frames, as a video sequence, or in some other format.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect an internally generated signal mode of a local media playback device are disclosed. A disclosed method comprises tuning a harmonic frequency of a chrominance signal output by a local media playback device, and determining that the local media playback device is in an internally generated signal mode if the measured harmonic frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling advertisements in a television service network environment. An ad scheduler prepares an ad insertion schedule based on channel change statistical information and avail time information. The scheduler evaluates the statistical information, time durations between adjacent avails in a presentation stream, and the relatedness of market segments assigned to a plurality of advertisements. It schedules the ads into presentation stream groups based on this evaluation. The statistical ad scheduling allows the system to eliminate “forced” switching between multiple presentation streams, whereby system wears and malfunctions can be decreased.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting media consumption data based on usage information of a media delivery device are disclosed. In an example method, media information is received by a portable metering device associated with a monitored individual such as a portable telephone, a personal digital assistant, and/or a handheld computer. Usage information indicative of a media delivery event associated with a media delivery device such as a television is monitored by the portable metering device. To form the media consumption data, the media information is associated with one of a first channel and a second channel based on the usage information.

Abstract: A time slot is provided for each terminal unit or cable drop of a signal distribution system in a repeated sequence to communicate detected conditions “upstream”. The time slots are defined in accordance with a time base responsive to broadcast time signals. An identification of each terminal unit is transmitted from a directional coupler corresponding to the terminal unit or cable drop after latching an output of a condition detector responsive to detection of a condition by a sequence of tones or tone pairs, preferably using circuits ubiquitous in the telecommunications industry. A printer is provided for each channel at a central facility and the transmitting terminal unit is identified in response to another time base operating synchronously with the time base defining the time slots and assigning the time slots to respective terminal units. Provision is made for synchronization of counters, error checking and control of polling frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for polling stations that transmit periodic traffic streams are disclosed. The illustrative embodiment polls the station in accordance with a polling schedule that is generated to reduce the delay between (i) when the station queues a frame, and (ii) when the station transmits the frame. This reduces the waiting time of the frame in the station, and is, therefore, especially advantageous for latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video telecommunications. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a station that expects to periodically queue a frame for transmission sends a polling request to the polling coordinator, which request enables the polling coordinator to generate an advantageous polling schedule.

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: Described are methods and apparatus that allow viewers to access timely data showing what other viewers are watching at (or near) a given moment. Thus, for example, a viewer could tune in, find out which ten programs currently being broadcast are most popular, and then select from among these programs. In one embodiment, the data is displayed with links to those popular programs so viewers can easily tune to listed programs. In another embodiment, the viewer can identify a group of friends and find out what those friends are watching. The viewer could then tune into one of the programs his or her friends are watching, and so be prepared to discuss that program later.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and user-interfaces for creating a collaborative review of an offering may facilitate multiple people (users) collaborating on a review by submitting short statements concerning particular characteristics, traits, or qualities concerning the offering. Users can also vote on the validity or strength of each submitted statement. Votes on statements are tabulated, scores are computed, and the information is fed back to the user. These actions take place over a network with users of computing devices interacting with the system running on one or more servers. In one embodiment, the end results of this process is a single collaborative review for each offering that reflects the experiences, knowledge, and understanding of multiple people concerning that offering. The collaborative review may be made accessible via a network as a useful resource for people in making decisions about that offering.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a tuner tuned to the program and a meter coupled to the tuner and arranged to detect content ancillary information from the program tuned by the tuner. The content ancillary information may be a media link, closed captioning information, or the like. The meter may also be arranged to extract a broadcast signature from the program. A comparator compares the broadcast signature to a reference signature selected from a library of reference signatures based upon the content ancillary information. Broadcast signatures from unknown programs may be clustered at least partially on the basis of the content ancillary information.

Abstract: Under the present invention, polling code is generated on a server and sent to a client in response to a transaction request received on the server from the client. The polling code includes a set of parameters such as a delay time and a polling count. After expiration of the delay time, the client will poll the server to request the status of the requested transaction. If the transaction is complete, the client will be redirected to a completion page. If the transaction is incomplete, and a polling count limit has not been reached, new polling code will be generated that includes the delay time and a new polling count. The new polling count is generated by incrementing the old polling count by one. The polling cycle is repeated until the transaction is complete, or the polling count limit is reached.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates receiving content at a client from one or more servers that can potentially provide the content. The client starts by sending a request for the content to a directory server. In response to the request, the client receives a list of candidate servers that can potentially provide the content from the directory server. Once the client has received the list of candidate servers, the client sends a request to one or more of the candidate servers for the content, and subsequently receives the content from one or more of the candidate servers.

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: An automated method of and system for collecting and displaying audience recognition information concerning a video presentation, comprising: displaying a video presentation to a plurality of subjects; inquiring of each of the subjects by computer means whether each of a plurality of still images from the video presentation are recognized by each of the subjects; for each of the images, tabulating a percentage of the subjects reporting recognition of the image in inquiring; and automatically generating by computer means a graph comprising each of the images, wherein a position of each of the images on the graph is determined by the corresponding percentage generated in tabulating.

Abstract: In a broadcast-program selection history information acquisition apparatus and its method, the totalization side can easily totalize selection history information. To acquire the selection history information of a broadcast program selected out of broadcast programs of a plurality of channels, the selection information of the broadcast program is stored at a predetermined acquisition timing and the selection history information which is composed of a plurality of pieces of selection information stored every plurality of acquisition timings is transmitted to a notification destination at a predetermined transmission timing.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for monitoring the reaction of a user to a performance contains one or more sensors for detecting an indirect user response to the performance and a user interface enabling the user to provide a direct user response to the performance. A processor in the portable apparatus is programmed to provide a user reaction signal comprising a combination of the indirect user response and the direct user response to the performance. This user reaction signal may be transmitted to to remote apparatus. A monitoring system using such portable apparatus, and a music playing system using such a monitoring system, are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting media service providers are described. A type of service to be performed on an item of content is identified. The item of content is identified during a session with a client device. Information regarding current resource availability is received from a plurality of service providers. The information is ascertained from ongoing resource measurements. A service provider is selected from the plurality of service providers based on the information that is received. Information is provided for transferring the session to the service provider. The service provider performs the service on the item of content.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for encouraging viewers to pay attention to television programs, commercials in particular, by offering viewers some incentive to watch. In one embodiment, viewers are notified that they can receive frequent-flier miles for answering one or more simple questions at the conclusion of the commercial. To verify that the viewer paid attention to the commercial, the answer to the question may be based on the content of the commercial. A sponsor might ask, for example, that the viewer identify the name of the sponsor or the color of an announcer's shirt. A correct answer indicates that the viewer watched the commercial, and that the viewer is therefore entitled to some reward. For example, viewers who watch the commercial may be entered in a prize drawing, or may receive prize points, such as frequent-flier miles. In other embodiments, viewers may verify that they watched a given program by selecting an icon or pressing a button on a remote control.

Abstract: A method and system for providing targeted advertisements over a networked media delivery system, especially interactive television networks, the system comprising tracking and storing viewer selections, analyzing the selections, and delivering targeted advertisements that appeal to the particular subscriber making the selections, the system including a merge processor, a file server, a profile processor, and a broadcast server contained in a head end in communication with a plurality of set-top boxes through a distribution network. Based on a subscriber's viewing habits and account information, the present invention delivers different, customized advertisements to different viewers watching the same program or channel. The present invention delivers the advertisements as either still frame bit maps or as video streams advertisement insertion in a playlist or a broadcast media program.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and tracking viewing behavior of home entertainment systems. A viewer event such as tuning to a selected television channel, occurs at a home entertainment system. The event is coupled with information describing the programming viewed on the home entertainment system and is stored locally. The information describing the programming is obtained from an electronic program guide. Subsequent viewer events are also coupled with information describing the programming viewed and stored locally. The resulting viewing behavior that is stored locally is transmitted to a remote clearinghouse for storage. The remote site receives a great diversity specific information from a plurality of home entertainment systems, which represents and describes, in any desired degree of specificity, the programming that the public is viewing, the origin of the programming, and the way in which the programming is being viewed.

Abstract: An audience response management system including a computer software program utilized to collect, analyze, summarize, present and distribute responses, evaluations, opinions and votes from an audience using audience response hardware. The software allows configuration of the appearance and behavior of the polling system, testing of the connections to audience response hardware (required as the source of the polling data), organizing of multiple sets of data into user-defined groups of presentations, and exporting and printing of data in its raw form or in any of a selection of desired compiled formats for the purposes of further analyzing and presenting the data.

Abstract: A method of using a modified DVB/MPEG2 data frame is disclosed. The method uses a data frame containing both downstream data and Upstream Request (“USR”) channel information in order to efficiently use the downstream frames. The USR channel is used primarily to poll the client modems to identify which modem need to use the upstream channel to transmit an upstream frame. A preferred location for embedding the USR message is within the FEC field, if the FEC field is not being used. Other inventive aspects of this and related concept are developed in the disclosed material. This Abstract is meant to be an aid to searches and not as a limitation on the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A mechanism for enabling interactive communications between mass media operators and mass media audiences is described. The mechanism associates an interactive prompt with a communication over a communications medium so that the prompt is received by a member of a mass media audience member and receives a response from the mass media audience member in response to the interactive prompt from a communications device.

Abstract: A data collection system for use with a home AV network. The home AV network includes a plurality of consumer electronic devices communicatively coupled via an IEEE 1394 based network. A receiver device is included in the plurality of devices. The receiver device functions by receiving a broadcast data stream for displaying or playing for the user, wherein the broadcast data stream includes an identifier tag describing the identity or content of the broadcast data stream. At least one of the plurality of consumer electronic devices includes an up-stream communications link capable of sending information up-stream from the user's home. Additionally, at least one of the consumer electronic devices includes a computer system, the computer system including a processor coupled to a memory via a bus.