Abstract: An audio channel of a time-based media presentation provides a basis for synchronizing to the presentation across a variety of platforms independent of when and where the presentation is being viewed. By pre-processing the media into a series of non-unique hashes, and similarly processing an audio stream of the media captured at a client device, a comparison can be made that yields an accurate time offset within the presentation. The comparison may usefully be performed over a data network using a server that hosts data from the pre-processed media, and a variety of applications may be deployed on the client device based on the resulting synchronization.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of pornographic contents in a sequence of video frames having associated respective motion vectors, includes identifying groups of motion vectors having similar orientation and the presence, in subsequent frames of the sequence, of motion types defined by affiliated groups of motion vectors having homologous motion characteristics in subsequent frames. Thereafter, detection in these motion types of the occurrence of negative affiliations representative of an inversion in the motion of the respective group of vectors. If the number of such negative affiliations counted at a given interval reaches a given count threshold, identified in the sequence of frames is a periodic motion susceptible of having pornographic content. Repetition of the periodic motions may be verified, the image sequence identified as susceptible to having pornographic contents and/or subjected to an optional verification procedure such as “skin detection” type, and transmission may be blocked.

Abstract: A system measures a frequency with which a user views a television program and identifies the television program as one of the user's favorite programs based on the measured frequency. The system automatically records, without intervention of the user, the one of the user's favorite programs.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program utilize a distance associative hashing algorithmic means to provide a highly efficient means to rapidly address a large database. The indexing means can be readily subdivided into a plurality of independently-addressable segments where each such segment can address a portion of related data of the database where the sub-divided indexes of said portions reside entirely in the main memory of each of a multiplicity of server means. The resulting cluster of server means, each hosting an addressable sector of a larger database of searchable audio or video information, provides a significant improvement in the latency and scalability of an Automatic Content Recognition system, among other uses.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for resolving false positives in a centralized, real-time automatic content recognition system that is ingesting, fingerprinting, and attempting to match for recognition purposes, multiple streams of broadcast content that are simultaneously arriving from a plurality of sources. In particular, the problem of identifying which specific broadcast of certain programming has been matched, including the episode of a series, as well as the channel, time zone and time of broadcast and whether the programing is being watched “live” as broadcast or from a DVR time-shifted source, is addressed. This system and method enables the processing means of any connected TV viewing means to synchronize with a regional automated content recognition (ACR) center with regard to displaying at the correct time certain supplemental information or other media that may be associated with certain programing.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for detecting locally-generated or other unknown graphics that are superimposed on a video program displayed on a television receiver or other like device. Devices external to a television receiver, such as a cable or satellite set-top box, can generate logos, electronic program guides, or other images that are then graphically overlaid on the television signal emanating from the device to the television's display. The system and method described herein provides a means to detect the presence of such on-screen graphics both to detect and identify graphical information and to also enable automated resolution of any interference among or between a plurality of video graphic sub-systems.

Abstract: A system of grouping broadcasting signals based on a multimedia DNA of corresponding broadcast, which groups users viewing the same broadcast through the multimedia DNA of each broadcasting signal output from a TV in real time. A DNA information receiver receives DNA information on broadcasting signals, which are broadcasted through each TV. A DNA information grouping unit calculates similarity of the DNA information received through the DNA information receiver, and when the calculated similarity satisfies a predetermined similar condition, determines the similar DNA information as the DNA information of the same broadcasting signal to group the DNA information into the same group. A group information transmitter transmits group related information of each group grouped by the DNA information grouping unit to each TV.

Abstract: Automatic identification of media content is at least partially based upon visually capturing a still or video image of media content being presented to a user via another device. The media content can be further refined by determining location of the user, capturing an audio portion of the media content, date and time of the capture, or profile/behavioral characteristics of the user. Identifying the media content can require (1) distinguishing a rectangular illumination the corresponds to a video display; (2) decoding a watermark presented within the displayed image/video; (3) characterizing the presentation sufficiently for determining a particular time stamp or portion of a program; and (4) determining user setting preferences for viewing the program (e.g., close captioning, aspect ratio, language). Thus identified, the media content appropriately formatted can be received for continued presentation on a user interface of the mobile device.

Abstract: A method of extracting automatic identification system (AIS) message segments from AIS signals received by a satellite. The method includes: (a) receiving AIS signals from satellite antennas; (b) generating multiple versions of the AIS signals; (c) extracting message segments contained within each of the AIS signals using one or more AIS receivers; (d) sorting the message segments by time; and (e) deleting any duplicate message segments. Multiple versions of the AIS signals may be generated by one or more of the following methods: (i) processing the AIS signals multiple times, each time with different AIS receiver parameter settings; (ii) splitting each signal into multiple signals and filtering each of the multiple signals separately; (iii) receiving multiple AIS signals and combining them with different phases and amplitudes to produce a plurality of combined AIS signals; and (iv) removing extracted message segments from the received AIS signals and reprocessing the modified AIS signals.

Abstract: A device for rendering content from a first source comprising a first input for receiving the content from the first source, a second input for receiving a substitution content item from a second source, a substitution module for substituting a segment of the content with the substitution content item, and rendering means for rendering the content wherein the segment is substituted with the substitution content item. The rendering device has monitoring module for monitoring the reception of the segment, and controlling the substitution module dependent on whether the segment is being received, such that the substitution module ceases the substitution upon failure to receive the segment.

Abstract: An media identification system, operable by a network entity, receives media data for broadcast program segments including at least one of video data or audio data. The media identification system encodes a reference fingerprint based on the media data and receives a program log associated with the media data, the program log including segment names and broadcast times for the broadcast program segments. The media identification system associates the reference fingerprint with a segment name for a program segment based at least in part on the program log.

Abstract: Systems, methods and/or techniques for automatic content recognition protocols are described. A method may be executed in a media device having an automatic content recognition application programming interface. The method may include generating one or more video fingerprints that correspond to video content that displays on the media device. The method may include communicating the one or more video fingerprints to an automatic content recognition backend system. The automatic content recognition backend system compares the one or more video fingerprints with one or more stored video fingerprints and determines whether a match occurs. If the match occurs, one or more event identifiers associated with the one or more video fingerprints may be received from the automatic content recognition backend system. The one or more event identifiers may be communicated to an application server, and one or more interactive events may be received from the application server.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to identify times at which live media events are distributed are disclosed. An example method includes collecting feed data representative of source feeds associated with respective live media events, collecting distribution data representative of a plurality of distributions of the source feeds, and comparing, using a processor, the distribution data to the feed data to generate a list identifying times at which the live media events were distributed via corresponding distributions.

Abstract: A private online social networking system and method that provides time released dispersal of pre-recorded digital video and images wherein users record digital content such as videos and images at a first time, select from several system-generated, user specific criterion for future time release of the digital content to pre-selected recipients via the system or other third party services such as social networks.

Abstract: Features of various implementations are used to control operation of a second electronic device from a first electronic device using indirect control methods and optical character recognition. In some implementations, communication between a primary set-top box and a supplemental set-top box is configured in order to avoid the need for one or more provider-specific APIs. For example, one aspect of the disclosure is a method of identifying commands that can be used to control one or more features of a primary set-top box (e.g., DVR or VOD features) by a supplemental set-top box issuing commands to the primary set-top box via a wireless (e.g., IR) transmitter, and then using optical character recognition to identify the outcomes of those commands as displayed on a primary TV display or secondary display.

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

Abstract: A set top box includes a processor configured to detect a commercial and analyze the commercial to identify an advertised video content. The processor is further configured to search an electronic programming guide for availability of the video content and record the video content in response to a user input.

Abstract: Second screen content for a display of an electronic device is generated and displayed in coordination with video content displayed on a display of another electronic device. The generation of the second screen content includes identifying keywords from subtitle data for the video content and identifying links to media content that relate to one or more of the keywords.

Abstract: A method of encrypting a motion picture file and a method of digital rights management using the same, wherein encryption method includes: extracting information on the location of at least one video sample, which is a real-time streaming unit, from meta-data of the motion picture file; extracting the video samples based on the location information; encrypting the extracted video samples, excluding a start code within a video sample header of each extracted video sample, based on predetermined encryption information; and producing an encrypted motion picture file by recombining the encrypted video samples. Since the file is encrypted in units of video object planes (VOPs) while maintaining an MEPG-4 file format, the encryption method can be easily applied to a completed file format and streaming service is also possible.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiving apparatus and a method for providing broadcasting signal relation information are provided. The broadcasting receiving apparatus, which accesses a server through a network, includes a broadcasting signal receiver which receives a broadcasting signal; a channel identifier which identifies a change of a channel of the broadcasting signal, generates a fingerprint corresponding to the broadcasting signal of the changed channel, and receives identification information of the changed channel from a matching server based on the generated fingerprint; and a relevant information provider which receives conditional information that indicates a condition for receiving relevant information of the broadcasting signal if the channel is changed, receives the relevant information based on the conditional information and displays the received relevant information.

Abstract: Auditing systems and methods detect access authorization of a media device for a service during an audit. An exemplary embodiment receives an audit trigger at a media device communicating the service to a media presentation device, determines whether the media device is authorized to communicate the service to the media presentation device, and communicates a security watermark from the media device to the media presentation device. The security watermark is displayed on a display of the media presentation device and indicates authorization to access the service to an auditor performing the audit.

Abstract: Example methods disclosed herein to identify media sources comprise obtaining monitored signatures generated from monitored media, comparing the monitored signatures with reference signatures generated from reference media provided by a plurality of reference sources, determining tracking segments associated with respective ones of the reference sources, each tracking segment representing sequences of matches between the monitored signatures and respective reference signatures for a respective one of the reference sources, and evaluating time lengths of the tracking segments to identify which reference source in the plurality of reference sources provided the monitored media.

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

Abstract: A television audience measurement system measures viewing of a television program viewed on digital television located in a statistically selected site by (i) retrieving an audience measurement data packet from a television set in order to identify the television program, (ii) detecting an audio code embedded in the television program in order to identify the television program, (iii) extracting an audio signature from the television program in order to identify the television program, (iv) identifying the television program through use of a software agent, and (v) selecting at least one of the retrieving means, the detecting means, the extracting means, and the software agent in order to identify the television program.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for rewarding entertainment consumers, and more specifically to a system and method for rewarding people for watching or otherwise engaging in various forms of media and entertainment (e.g. broadcast TV, on-demand TV, games, live entertainment, movies, and radio) to promote loyalty to or improve recognition of all entertainment, while collecting useful data about the media consumption habits as well as the rewards consumption patterns associated with those consumers.

Abstract: This is a system and method of providing selected media content whereby information about the characteristics or behavior of a person viewing the content viewer is detected or otherwise determined and then automatic feedback is used so that as such adjustments are made, the view behavior is further monitored in order to evaluate the quality of the adjustments and make further adjustments in order to meet a pre-determined objective.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing content are disclosed. A first plurality of items of content, including video content, is selected based on one or more criteria. Information is accessed indicating respective time lengths and/or qualifying viewing times corresponding to items in the first plurality of items of content. The first plurality of items of content or representations thereof is provided for display on the user terminal in association with the respective time lengths and/or qualifying viewing times. In response to a user selection, a first item of content included in the first plurality of items of content is caused to be played or otherwise distinctly presented by the user terminal in conjunction with a timer corresponding the a respective qualifying viewing time.

Abstract: Videos are received and indexed based on fingerprints generated for the videos, using lookup keys which correspond to sub portions of the reference fingerprints. Specifically, a set of lookup keys is selected such that the number of reference fingerprints such that the clumping associated with the associated each of the lookup keys is minimized. Clumping occurs when a number of reference identifiers associated with a lookup key exceeds a maximum value.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a non-visual code using an application on a mobile device, where the application is capable of associating the non-visual code with at least one item contained in a transmitted presentation and connecting the mobile device to information about the item in a database associated with the transmitted presentation. The non-visual code may comprise a high frequency signal played alone or with another audio or video signal. A mobile device application executing on a processor of the mobile device performs signal processing on the audio signal of the presentation to extract the high frequency signal. Also contemplated is obtaining information about the visual content and presenting the information on the personal device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums storing at least one program for identifying an end of a television program is described. In some implementations, a method comprises: periodically obtaining subtitles for a plurality of television programs during respective predetermined time intervals that include respective times when respective television programs in the plurality of television programs are scheduled to end; identifying sequences of strings from the subtitles for the plurality of television programs in accordance with predefined criteria associated with the plurality of television programs; and updating an aggregation of subtitles indicating that a television program in the plurality of television program has ended, with the identified sequences of strings. In some implementations, the method is implemented at a computing device having at least one processor and memory storing at least one program for execution by the at least one processor.

Abstract: A variety of advertisement information is associated with a scene being played back and the advertisement information is provided. An advertisement information database, which can search for advertisement information corresponding to a frame feature quantity, associates a frame included in a video with a characteristic frame feature quantity, and stores the advertisement information. A frame feature quantity extraction unit extracts a frame feature quantity from a frame of a video being played back. An advertisement information acquisition unit acquires, from the advertisement information database, advertisement information corresponding to the frame feature quantity extracted by the frame feature quantity extraction unit.

Abstract: Digital video signature apparatus and methods for use with video program identification systems are disclosed. The example apparatus and methods generate a signature associated with a video program. An example system includes a frame scanner to scan video frames associated with the video program. The frame scanner is to select a video frame based on a number of intra-coded macro blocks within the video frame. The example system also includes an intra-coded macro block extractor to extract intra-coded macro blocks from the video frame and a scaled image extractor to extract a scaled image from the intra-coded macro blocks. A signature generator is also included in the example system to calculate a plurality of centroids associated with video frame based on the scaled image and to form the signature based on the plurality of centroids.

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

Abstract: Disclosed example methods to determine a time offset between a first media content signature comprising a first sequence of first data pairs and a second media content signature comprising a second sequence of second data pairs include determining a histogram comprising a plurality of bins representative of a plurality of determined time differences. The plurality of determined time differences include each respective time difference determined between each first data pair and second data pair combination. Each respective bin of the histogram represents a respective window of time differences and has a respective value representative of a number of the plurality of determined time differences lying within the respective window of time differences represented by the respective bin. Such disclosed example methods also include selecting at least one bin of the histogram to correspond to the time offset between the first signature and the second signature.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, obtaining first personal content associated with a first mobile communication device, obtaining recognition information associated with a target individual where the recognition information is associated with at least one of images of the target individual and audio of the target individual, obtaining second personal content associated with the first mobile communication device, and performing recognition analysis on the second personal content using the recognition information to detect the target individual being present in second images of the second personal content, where a communication device associated with the target individual is provided with access to the second images. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A computing system is programmed to detect if program content is presented on a channel. A program signature is determined based on set-top box tune data from set-top boxes in a market in which it is known the program content was presented. The program signature can be compared to program signatures from other local markets or from the same market to determine if the same program content was presented. In some embodiments, the program signature represents the number of set-top boxes simultaneously tuned to the channel on which the program content is presented.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for associating and synchronizing extrinsic data with video content at particular points of time in the video content. A user interface is rendered that facilitates a selection from extrinsic data items that are associated with a video content feature that is currently being presented to a user. A user selection of one of the extrinsic data items is obtained through the user interface, and a time in the video content feature is determined corresponding to the user selection. The user selection of the one of the extrinsic data items and the time in the video content feature are reported to a server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for providing improved recommendations of media content by comparing visual attributes of a media asset to visual preferences of a user. A media guidance application may determine the visual attributes, including, but not limited to, the chrominance and luma values of particular pixels in a particular frame or frames of a media asset. The media guidance application compares the determined visual attributes to the visual preferences of a user retrieved from a user profile. Based on the comparison, the media guidance application may recommend the media asset to the user.

Abstract: Digital video signature apparatus and methods for use with video program identification systems are disclosed. The example apparatus and methods generate a signature associated with a video program. An example system includes a frame scanner to scan video frames associated with the video program. The frame scanner is to select a video frame based on a number of intra-coded macro blocks within the video frame. The example system also includes an intra-coded macro block extractor to extract intra-coded macro blocks from the video frame and a scaled image extractor to extract a scaled image from the intra-coded macro blocks. A signature generator is also included in the example system to calculate a plurality of centroids associated with video frame based on the scaled image and to form the signature based on the plurality of centroids.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor audio/visual content from various sources are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises determining first information based on a video signal corresponding to monitored media content, determining second information based on an audio signal corresponding to the monitored media content, and identifying a selected one of a plurality of media content sources based on a decision tree comprising a plurality of decision nodes, a first decision node of the decision tree corresponding to a first classification decision resulting from processing at least one of the first information or second information, and a second decision node of the decision tree corresponding to a second classification decision resulting from processing at least one of the first information or second information, the second decision node of the decision tree being selected for evaluation based on an outcome of evaluating the first decision node of the decision tree.

Abstract: Media monitoring and measurement systems and methods are disclosed. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a media measurement system and method that utilizes audience data to enhance content identifications. Some embodiments analyze media player log data to enhance content identification. Other embodiments of the present invention analyze sample sequence data to enhance content identifications. Other embodiments analyze sequence data to enhance content identification and/or to establish channel identification. Yet other embodiments provide a system and method in which sample construction and selection parameters are adjusted based upon identification results. Yet other embodiments provide a method in which play-altering activity of an audience member is deduced from content offset values of identifications corresponding to captured samples.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, one or more computer systems of a social-networking system determine information associated with a product displayed on a display device and access a database of known products. The one or more computer systems of the social-networking system determine, by comparing the database of known products with the determined information associated with the product, an identity of the product displayed on the display device. The one or more computer systems of the social-networking system provide one or more instructions to display media content related to the identified product.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments disclose a method of determining whether an image received, or to be received, through a display device or a set-top box is stereoscopic video content, a display device and set-top box thereto. The method of determining stereoscopic video content includes receiving an EIT of future image content, extracting a plurality of events based on the EIT, detecting an event group, having different channel information and a same event identifier, among the extracted events, reading event information of events belonging to the event group to determine whether a stereoscopic program info descriptor is present in at least one event information of the events, and determining that the event group is an event group of stereoscopic video content, when the stereoscopic program info descriptor is present in the at least one event information of the events.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to provide media content are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving audio output by a first media presentation device, obtaining at least one of a Nielsen code or an Arbitron® code from the audio, the obtained code being representative of at least one of the first media content or a broadcaster of the first media content, obtaining second media content based on the extracted code, and presenting the second media content on a second media presentation device different from the first media presentation device.

Abstract: This invention enables Scanable Icons, which may be predetermined graphical images, and similar encoded information to be applied to video systems in a manner that is user-friendly and brings many of the advantages of easy information access and management to the video environment. The optical path normally required when using such encoded information is avoided. Supplementary information, including more details for advertisements, is provided in a non-invasive manner, allowing the user to access the supplementary information at convenient times and locations. The Scanable Icon adds a symbol to the existing advertisement without increasing its duration. Advertising is made substantially more effective for the advertiser and more useful for the consumer.

Abstract: A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying video content includes a scene detector to detect a plurality of consecutive scenes in the video content. The video content may include a video program and an advertisement contained within the video program. A signature generator determines a scene change signature for each of the plurality of consecutive scenes. A content identifier provides the plurality of scene change signatures to a comparator that compares the plurality of scene change signatures to a database having a plurality of video content items to identify the video program. The database includes an ordered plurality of previously determined scene change signatures for each item of video content in the database. The content identifier receives an identification of the video content from the comparator. The content identifier may further receive information related to a position of the plurality of scene change signatures within the ordered plurality of previously determined scene change signatures.

Abstract: A locating and tracking system is provided. The locating and tracking system includes plural pressure sensing modules, each of which includes at least one pressure sensing unit detecting a pressure source and generating a signal; a data processing unit connected with the at least one pressure sensing unit, and processing the signal to generate a module information; a storage unit connected with the data processing unit, and storing the module information and an user information; a communication unit connected with the data processing unit, transmitting the module information, and receiving an outer information; and a power managing unit managing a power needed by the at least one pressure sensing unit, the data processing unit, the storage unit and the communication unit; a bottom board configured on a floor, and bearing the mentioned units; and a top board covering the mentioned units, and transferring the pressure source to the pressure sensing unit.

Abstract: Audibly announcing program channels is provided upon the detection of a channel information display, such as a programming banner or graphical channel representation. In response to the channel information display being detected, data corresponding to the channel information display may be captured and parsed. Once speech data representative of the current program channel has been generated, an audible announcement of the program channel may be made to the user, thereby enabling visually impaired individuals to ascertain the currently selected program channel. In another embodiment, the broadcast network corresponding to the current program channel may also be identified and audibly announced with the current program channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a computer program product, comprising a tangible computer-readable medium having computer-readable program code embodied therein, the computer-readable program code adapted to be executed to implement a method for identifying a platform type of a device, the method including providing a system, wherein the system comprises distinct software modules, and wherein the distinct software modules comprise a secure beacon generator; receiving, by the secure beacon generator, an audio portion of media content from a content playback module; determining, by the secure beacon generator, a platform type of the device; and generating, by the secure beacon generator, a beacon for integrating with a sound wave of the audio portion of the media content, wherein the beacon includes the determined platform type of the device.