Abstract: In an information reproducing apparatus having an open architecture, a secure module stores first information, and has a structure which does not allow access to the first information from outside, and a memory has a structure which can be accessed from outside. A decryption unit loaded in the memory decrypts an encryption applied to the first information by using a predetermined key. A key supply unit implemented in the secure module supplies the predetermined key to the decryption unit. An authentication unit implemented in the secure module supplies second information to the decryption unit, refers to third information returned in response to the second information, and checks for authenticity of the decryption unit. A key-supply stop unit implemented in the secure module stops supply of the predetermined key by the key supply unit when the authentication unit does not authenticate the decryption unit.

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 for identifying audio/video content using temporal characteristics of a signal are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus and methods detect a plurality of signal features of a media signal derived from audio/video content and calculate time intervals between a plurality of those signal features to generate signatures. The signatures are then used to identify the audio/video content.

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 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: Systems and methods may include receiving a device identifier that identifies a first device, the first device being capable of causing display of first content at a first display device, and communicating a synchronization request that includes the device identifier via a network. Systems and methods may further include receiving an event message from the first device via the network, the event message identifying the first content the first device is causing display at the first display device, wherein the event message is useable to synchronize second content a second device causes display at a second display device with the first content the first device is causing display at the first display 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: Systems and methods for determining whether a television is on and in near proximity are provided. An example system includes a sensor, an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor processes a set of digital audio samples detected by the sensor to determine if the sensor is in near proximity to a television in an on state.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for adaptively refreshing a data using system. The data using system includes a data source and a data using device for utilizing data from the data source. The data using device has an initial refresh interval. A communication link is provided between the data source and the data using device. A criteria monitor is provided for monitoring at least one criteria related to the refresh interval. A processor is provided for generating an updated data refresh interval based at least in part on the monitored criteria. The updated data refresh interval is transferred to the data using device. The data using device is also updated based on the data refresh interval.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining whether a television is on and in as near proximity are provided. An example system includes a sensor, an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor processes a set of digital audio samples detected by the sensor to determine if the sensor is in near proximity to a television in an on state.

Abstract: A communication circuit carries at least one signal including synchronizing intervals by which output of the signal by first apparatus coupled to the communication circuit is to be synchronized. A communication method includes selecting and modulating at least a portion of the duration of at least some of the synchronizing intervals. A modulator is provided for selecting and modulating at least a portion of the duration of at least some of the synchronizing intervals. Another communication circuit carries at least a first signal including frequencies in at least a first frequency band. A method of determining whether the first signal is escaping from the circuit includes transporting along the circuit apparatus adapted for receiving the first signal, detecting whether a received signal includes frequencies in the first frequency band, and producing an indication that the received signal includes frequencies in the first frequency band.

Abstract: A transformation device for remote monitoring a computer display image is described. The transformation device monitors display images of a server on a remote computer display via a network. The transformation device includes an image capture unit and a system-on-chip. The image capture unit captures the display images from the a display cable and transforms the display images into digital image data fulfilling browser safe palette requirements and corresponding synchronization signals to reduce the bandwidth requirements. The system-on-chip transforms the digital image data and the corresponding synchronization signals into network packets and delivers the network packets to the remote computer so as to display instantly the display images of the server on a display of the remote computer.

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 for optimizing the performance of an algorithm for detecting predetermined content in a media information stream, and a program and apparatus that operate in accordance with the method. The algorithm is a function of a set of parameters. The method comprises the steps of performing the algorithm at least once to detect the predetermined content in the media information stream, while employing a respective set of parameters in the algorithm for each performance thereof, and automatically evolving at least one respective set of parameters employed in the algorithm to maximize the degree of accuracy at which the algorithm detects the predetermined content in the media information stream.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus connected to a TV set selects, from a plurality of internal sources, such as VHF/UHF and BS tuners and built in said TV, and a plurality of external sources connected to the TV set from the outside thereof, such as a CATV tuner and a VCR, the source of video currently displayed on a cathode-ray tube of the TV set by comparing a sync signal of the video signal applied to the cathode-ray tuber and a sync signal of the video signal output from each source. Then the monitoring apparatus determines the currently selected channel by comparing a sync signal of the video signal output from the currently selected source and a sync signal of a video signal of each of broadcast channels generated by reference receivers in the monitoring apparatus independently of the TV set.

Abstract: A signal strength meter for use in determining an optimal position of a magnetic pick-up device. The signal strength meter includes a vertical synchronization processing circuit, and audio processing circuit and a power and control circuit. The signal strength meter receives vertical synchronization and audio signals radiated from a television set, as well as an audio test signal directly provided by a pattern generator. The signal strength meter determines parameters such as a phase stability of the vertical synchronization signal detected by the pick-up device, a level of the audio signal detected by the pick-up device, an audio phase measurement of the audio signal sensed by the pick-up device with respect to an audio test signal input directly to the signal strength meter, and an audio noise floor measurement.