Abstract: A system for delivering digital content on demand in a multiple unit environment includes a server local to the multiple unit environment. The server stores, in its memory, the digital content, and is capable of supporting multiple simultaneous asynchronous accesses to the digital content. A billing system tracks the bill for each unit in the multiple unit environment, based on the accessed digital content. Within each unit that supports access to the digital content, an access system (preferably a set-top box) allows a user to access the digital content.

Abstract: A system and method for billing for interactive television (ITV) includes recording the content accessed by a consumer and the time of access to render an access record. The access record for each interaction with the ITV is stored in a consumer database. When it is time to bill the consumer for a period of usage of the ITV system, the access record for each interaction with the ITV system is retrieved from the consumer database. Access records which do not contain billable content are discarded and a billing list of access records that contain billable content is constructed. Accordingly, each consumer is billed based on his or her respective billing list.

Abstract: A method for receiving information content from an information distribution system, wherein the information content is divided into a plurality of content portions, the method comprising: subscribing to a multicast group representing at least one content portion; and determining, at the end of a content portion, whether to subscribe to another multicast group.

Abstract: The present invention realizes that a contribution is indirectly made to a content creator in the form of contribution data via a management server of an ASP in such a manner that contribution data equivalent to a given amount corresponding to a contribution button selected on a content display screen is created and transmitted to the management server of the ASP via the Internet.

Abstract: A system updates a billing unit. The system receives at least one modification to an Internet Protocol (IP) communications network account from a user and modifies a first record in a database based on the received at least one modification. The system transmits the at least one modification from the database to the billing unit and updates a second record, corresponding to the first record, in the billing unit based on the at least one modification so as to make the updated second record available in substantially real time.

Abstract: The present invention, by storing media of a plurality of different forms for each content, and selecting and distributing media of a form corresponding to a distribution request of a client, distributes to a client media corresponding to content requested by the client in the form requested by the client.

Abstract: Various appliances linked up by a bus that can transmit video data form the system, and functionality modules themselves connected to the bus form certain appliances. A command enables to select functionality modules in various appliances at a time, to command the switch-on of these modules and to establish exchanges of data between these modules. A substantially virtual appliance may thus be formed by the combination of functionality modules that are found in separate appliances.

Abstract: Systems and methods that divide the billing function of a billing system from the provisioning function of a service in digital cable systems. Because the billing system is only responsible for billing, rather than the provisioning of services, new services may be quickly added to cable systems without the time consuming and expensive task of configuring the billing system specifically for new services added to the system. The services are implemented using an offering package created by the service, where the offering package contains billing related information forwarded to the billing system to bill for the service.

Abstract: A webcasting system and method for presenting multimedia content to viewers over the internet. The user (creator) of the webcast presentation is able to create and send the webcast to viewers using a simple, web-based process. The webcast includes a video presentation and slide presentation. Video and slide presentation files are automatically encoded and uploaded to a media server, without the user needing to understand file formats of the webcast content or how the files are to be compressed for efficient storage and transmission. The synchronization and editing of the video and slide presentations is made efficient by separately storing or buffering the slide file at the viewer's system before the video is streamed to the viewer's system. Slide files prepared in a structured storage format (PowerPoint) are automatically converted to JPG format in order to more efficiently transmit the presentation to the viewer.

Abstract: In an interactive media system including interactive TV and interactive streaming media systems, a software program performs a check to determine if a product advertised is available in different versions. If different versions of the product are available, a software program employs a database of preferences to identify a product that matches or most closely matches preferences. CRM systems can be used to collect and control the preference information, product information, including a preference specific version, if available, is displayed. An icon supporting single action ordering is displayed contingent upon the presence of billing and shipping information. Demographic information may be combined with customer preference information to identify advertisement types and versions. Advertisements may be associated with images contained in a program or advertisement of an interactive media presentation.

Abstract: Movies are distributed to customer households in a secure format on digital media such as optical disks for playback via proprietary set-top boxes. A system operator produces movie disks in large quantities and delivers the disks to widely geographically dispersed distribution agents. Agents produce copies of the disks with unique agent identification codes embedded therein, and distribute the disks to local customers who have compatible playback devices. When customers view movies, information identifying the movie and a distribution agent who is responsible for the movie being distributed to that customer are communicated to the central computer of the system operator. The content providers are then paid royalties due and responsible distribution agents are compensated.

Abstract: A system and method for anonymously customizing/accessing the viewing selection of interactive media services is disclosed. The system employs anonymous customization (personalization) of the media service to be used by a user based on the individual profile of a particular user. The user profile is modifiable based on the preferences/purchases/subscriptions of the user. The user profile is stored locally, thereby providing for onsite control of media services at locations.

Abstract: A system and method for using inverse mathematical principles in the analysis of compatible datasets so that correlations and trends within and between said datasets can be uncovered. The present invention is tailored to the analysis of datasets that are extremely large; result from passive, privacy-secure, or anonymous, data collection; and are relatively unbiased. Correlations and trends uncovered by such analysis can be further examined by data mining and prediction portions of the present invention, which uncover and make use of interrelated rules that determine data structures. An embodiment directed toward analysis of television viewership and marketing data that does this while still respecting privacy concerns is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a satellite, internet, cable, or other content provider can provide a viewer with a set-top box which may be specially instrumented to allow monitoring, recording, and transmission of set-top box events.

Abstract: A multimedia file has a format in which actual data is embedded in a file structure. The multimedia information is assembled in blocks, each composed of a header area and a data area, and has a hierarchical structure in which a block is embedded in another block. Header area information may include a file name identification information (block name), a number of child blocks information and data length identification information. This arrangement facilitates the creation and editing of a multimedia file, permitting high-speed data searching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for group billing purchasers of transmitted programming events is provided. In one embodiment, a subscriber group includes two or more individual subscribers who receive programming from a programming provider. The individual subscribers periodically elect to view a program provided via the program provider. The program is provided on a pay-per-view basis, meaning that the program provider requires a sum of money to be paid in order to view the program. The sum of money is determined according to the number of viewers in a single subscriber group. In one embodiment, the subscribers interact during a program via a network connection.

Abstract: In a method of detecting a scene cut, compressed audio data is analysed to determine variations across a number of frequency bands of a particular parameter. The audio data includes, for each sample and for a plurality of audio frequency bands, a parameter indicating the maximum value of the compressed audio data for that frequency band. The method comprises the steps of determining, for each of a number of the frequency bands, an average of the parameters for a number of consecutive samples, calculating, for each of the number of frequency bands, a variation parameter indicating the variation of the determined average over a number, M, of consecutive determined averages, comparing the variation parameter for the predetermined number of the frequency bands with threshold levels and, determining from the comparison whether a scene cut has occurred.

Abstract: In distribution of digital content data via communications between an order terminal and a main server, it is decided whether digital content data be downloaded when a user places an order or later in accordance with a user request and/or capacity of a user memory for storing the digital content data. The ordered digital content data is transmitted from the main server to the order terminal when the user places an order or later in accordance with the decision. The transmitted digital content is then downloaded to the order terminal. The N (an integer of two or more) number of digital content data having the same contents but different from each other on compression ratio and/or data format are stored in a memory. When an order placement for the digital content data is accepted, the N number of digital content data are retrieved from the memory to form a set of the N number of digital content data or a set of the N number of digital content data are retrieved from the memory.

Abstract: A method and device for placing orders over a network using bioauthentication account authorization for an account having different users and access levels.

Abstract: The method and system offer a commemorative image on viewing of moving images. The method and system allow a customer who is viewing moving images to designate an image of a desired scene out of the moving images and also allowing the customer to place an order for the image of the thus designated scene as accompanied by orderer information which specifies the customer, pick up first digital image data from video signals for the moving images in response to the designation of the desired scene, the first digital image data corresponding to the image of the designated scene, create the commemorative image, using the picked-up first digital image data, that is commemorative on the viewing of the moving images and reproduces the image of the designated scene and deliver the created commemorative image to the customer after checking it against the orderer information.

Abstract: The multimedia information processing device includes an internal structural information generator for generating the internal structural information by analyzing the internal structure of the content information, and an operation process information generator for generating operation process information by analyzing the content information. The content information, the internal structural information and the operation process information are unified so that they are processed unitarily. A partial data of the content information is reduced or deleted where the value of the content information becomes low, for example, and the content information a part of which has been reduced can be restored by obtaining the relevant partial data from the producer terminal, if necessary. The hardware resources at the user terminal side are effectively utilized.

Abstract: An image and motion corresponding to the image are presented in response to a request issued by an user. The user transmits image data from a terminal to a motion data generating apparatus. The motion data generating apparatus generates motion data from the received image data. The motion data generating apparatus transmits the generated motion data together with the image data, in a mutually related fashion, to an image/motion control apparatus. The motion data generating apparatus also transmits ID data assigned to the image data and the motion data to the terminal. The image/motion control apparatus stores the received data. When the image/motion control apparatus receives ID data input by a user via an image/motion presenting apparatus, the image/motion control apparatus reads image data and motion data corresponding to the received ID data and transmits the image data and the motion data to the image/motion presenting apparatus.

Abstract: A metering system useful in metering viewing of video displayed in a window on a screen of a viewing device includes a software meter and a creditor. The software meter determines identifying data related to the video displayed in the window, and the creditor applies a set of crediting rules in determining whether to credit the identifying data. The software meter determines whether the viewing device has a COM interface, an API interface, or has to be interrogated in another way, and determines channel data from a channel related object of the COM interface, from application related data associated with a video application through the API interface, or from other interrogation. The software meter also determines an ancillary identification code relating to the displayed video.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing digital content on-demand in a common carrier environment, such as an airplane, are disclosed. The present invention employs a combination of low power RF (e.g., WLAN/Bluetooth) and digital data broadcast (e.g., DVB-T) technology to distribute digital content to passengers in an airplane cabin. In an advantageous embodiment, a mobile multimedia terminal (or, alternatively, a fixed seat-back terminal), with a WLAN or Bluetooth link to a content server aboard the plane is used by a passenger to request digital content such as movies, music, games, etc. In response, the server transmits the requested content to the passenger's device via a DVB-T connection. The elimination of a wired connection for each of, for example, 400+ passengers in a Boeing 747, decreases the overall weight of the system and thus reduces fuel costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to the domain of multi-media scene description. In a conventional manner a scene description stream comprises coded data relating to scene descriptions and coded data relating to scene modifications. Access points to the stream are provided to permit a user to get into the stream at whatever instant. These access points are formed by data relating to a complete scene description. In accordance with the invention, when a scene description is coded, the coded data resulting therefrom are stored in a memory. And access points inserted into the stream are formed by the coded data stored in this memory. One thus avoids to code a new scene description every time an access point is to be inserted into the stream.

Abstract: Primary content data is received from an external source and subsidiary data is obtained which corresponds to the primary content data, wherein the subsidiary data is independent of the primary content data. The subsidiary data is provided synchronous to the primary content data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the management and delivery of electronic/digital content including high bandwidth video, audio, games and data to end users. The electronic content is stored in an array of computer file/database servers. Integrated software systems provide subscriber management and billing, content management, security, targeting, bandwidth management, and delivery of requested content to end users. The system includes a user interface which simplifies operations for customers and tightly integrated commerce functions. The proposed method and apparatus would assist in the operation of a network that is connected to the Internet and has a plurality of customers (end users). Under current available technology, the proposed method and apparatus would best function over a wired network. However, as wireless technology becomes more robust and cost-effective, the current invention will be able to provide functionality for end users using wireless devices.

Abstract: An information providing apparatus for registering the delivery of data for providing a content is disclosed, that comprises a storing means for storing a content that is provided, and a delivery designating means for designating a delivery condition for delivering a content, wherein a delivering apparatus presents data necessary for considering the delivery condition that is designated to said delivery designating means.

Abstract: A user interface system includes a server which includes a scene description converter for converting an input scene description into scene description data having a hierarchical structure, based on an identifier that indicates a division unit for dividing the input scene description, in accordance with hierarchical information. A scene description delivering unit delivers the scene description having the hierarchical structure to a decoding terminal through a transmission medium/recording medium. A scene description storage device stores the scene description.

Abstract: The active media content access system includes a remote control having an electronic system that monitors the date, time, current device, and current channel that a user is currently watching. When the user depresses a selection button during a television event they are interested in receiving more information about, the electronic system immediately logs the event data such as current date, current time, current device and current channel for later uploading to a control station. When the user is finished watching television, they then can connect the electronic system to the Internet and upload the logged event data to the control station which matches the uploaded event data with previously known television programming information received from programming stations to allow for determination of the television event the user was watching when the selection button was depressed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for processing a primary information object that may contain a graphical representation of a handwritten message. Image areas of the primary information object may be identified, based on the display characteristics of a display on which the message is intended to be shown. The image areas may contain parts of a handwritten message if such a message is included in the primary information object. A secondary information object containing one of the image areas may be created and transmitted to a recipient device.

Abstract: A method of viewing multi-media content on a television having a display area includes providing a remote control to control images being displayed on the display area. A first image of first type is displayed on the display area. The first image substantially fills the display area and has a first length and a first width. The first image has a length-to-width ratio of a first value. A first instruction is initiated on the remote control to modify the first image being displayed on the display area. A reduced image of the first image is displayed on the display area overlaid on a second image of second type in response to the first instruction. The reduced image of the first image has a second length and a second width and has a length-to-width ratio of a second value. The first and second length-to-width ratios are substantially the same.

Abstract: An image data conversion processing device including an issue unit, plural line storing units and a generating unit for converting to a television signal image data stored in plural kinds of developing formats in a storing unit. The image data comprises plural lines, and the television signal comprises a predetermined number of lines. The issue unit issues a transmission instruction of image data to the storing unit in accordance with a period specified by a ratio of the number of lines of the image data to be converted and the number of lines of the television signal. The plural line storing units cyclically store the image data transmitted from the storing unit line by line on the basis of the transmission instruction of the issue unit.

Abstract: Techniques for receiving information during multimedia presentations and for communicating the received information to one or more information access devices. A presentation recorder adapter receives information during a multimedia presentation and communicates the information to access devices. The adapter may receive multimedia presentation information, comprising video information and audio information, from a first source. The adapter may also receive information from a second source separate from the first source during the multimedia presentation. For example, the second source may be an attendee of the multimedia presentation. The adapter may transmit the multimedia presentation information received from the first source and the information received from the second source to one or more information access devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decoding of encoded signals representing at least image information from a storage medium is claimed. A storage device is configured to receive the storage medium. A decoder is configured receive the compressed encrypted encoded signals from the storage medium, and send the signals to a decryptor. The decryptor is configured to decrypt the compressed encrypted encoded signals, and send the signals to a decompressor. The decompressor is configured to receive the compressed encoded signals from the decryptor and to decompress the compressed encoded signals to enable display of the image.

Abstract: An interactive wagering system is provided that supports multiple user displays. A user may watch video using a first display while synchronized content such as interactive wagering opportunities are provided on a second display. The first display may be a television connected to a set-top box or other suitable equipment. The second display may be part of a personal computer, a cellular telephone with a display, a handheld computer, or other suitable device. The first and second displays may be synchronized using direct or indirect links. A server at a cable system headend or other location may be used to display content on the second display that is synchronized with the content displayed on the first display.

Abstract: A digital contents distribution system including a client, a digital contents server, a roaming server, and a network connected between these terminals. The roaming server includes a receiving section for receiving from the digital contents server a digital content with an intellectual property right protection system protecting the digital content, and a section for converting the intellectual property right protection system of the received digital content into another kind of intellectual property right protection system, and a section for delivering the converted system to the client.

Abstract: A method for converting frame data at a slower rate into field data at a faster rate in a video decoder comprises determining a basic field repetition rate such that a field is repeated an integer number of times in a frame period, calculating a ratio differential of the repetition rate by subtracting from the speed-up ratio of the faster to the slower rate, the ratio of the fields per frame period to the slower rate, comparing the ratio differential with the differential of the field repetition rate and adding or subtracting extra fields when the two are substantially at variance.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for securing a plaintext object within a content receiver is disclosed. In one step, a secure portion of a secure object and a plaintext remainder of the secure object are received. Which portion of the secure object is the secure portion is determined. The secure portion is decrypted to provide a plaintext portion. The plaintext object that comprises the plaintext portion and the plaintext remainder is formed. The plaintext object is stored.

Abstract: On the basis of information which is the standard for transaction conditions such as amount information in an IC card as well as age information registered in the IC card or a predetermined contract destination, a transaction when electronic money is used and restrictions and conditions for program audience are automatically set.

Abstract: A requesting unit receives application information which is transmitted by an information terminal device, and transmits a content ID to an information storing device based on the application information. A converting unit converts the content received by the information storing device into data in a predetermined format and with a predetermined data rate based on a format ID included in the application information which is received by the information storing device, and distributes the data to the information terminal device via a communication unit.

Abstract: An advertising system uses a broadcast station to transmit a data advertising broadcast including E-coupon information. The broadcasted E-coupon is used as a medium, and an advertiser, TV viewers and shops are connected in a network by a payment company so that active participation in the advertisement by the TV viewers can be promoted. Statistical data relating to the advertised E-coupon is provided to the advertiser so that the effect of advertisement can be determined and improved. According to the invention using the above-described E-coupon data broadcast, the advertiser, the shop and the viewers are linked in a network centering around a payment company server. Viewer participation in the advertising broadcast is promoted, and the advertiser is able to objectively calculate or determine the audience rating and advertising effect. In addition, some of advertising revenue is distributed to the participants in the network so that the effect of the advertising can be maximized.

Abstract: A method for providing subscription-on-demand services for video-on-demand programs within an interactive information distribution system. The method includes associating a plurality of video-on-demand programming packages as a programming bundle and identifying a number of video-on-demand programming packages within the programming bundle that a subscriber has subscribed. When the number of video-on-demand programming packages exceeds a pre-specified number of programming packages, the subscriber is automatically subscribed to all the video-on-demand programming packages in the programming bundle.

Abstract: A broadcast program related information processor is provided wherein a user can easily create a message containing a program tag corresponding to a program during watching. When externally receiving a program tag capture request, the program display controller 2 captures the program-related information of a program in displaying from the recorded-video management data 3, creates a program tag based on the program information, and then returns the created program tag to the request source. When the program tag further contains scene information, the program display controller 2 captures the scene information regarding a scene in replay at the time of capturing program related information and then utilizes the scene information at the program tag creation time. The message creator 1 transmits the program tag capture request to the program display controller 2 and then, when the program tag is returned, inserts it into the message 5.

Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus controls the rate of playback of audio data corresponding to a stream of speech. Using speech recognition, the rate of speech of the audio data is determined. The determined rate of speech is compared to a target rate. Based on the comparison, the playback rate is adjusted, i.e. increased or decreased, to match the target rate.

Abstract: The contents transmission scheduling unit 103 prepares a transmission schedule so that contents data of CM1, CM2, and CM3 as the cache target programs are transmitted prior to the starting time of the reproduction time periods of these programs. The contents transmission scheduling unit 103 prepares the transmission schedule so that the contents data of the cache target programs are transmitted using a narrow bandwidth in a time period a predetermined time period before the starting time of the reproduction time periods of these programs, and the bandwidth is widen after the time period.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for resynchronizing a media stream. A media streaming server receives live or pre-recorded media for streaming to clients. When media is not received or available for streaming at the appropriate media time index, the media stream is deemed to be out of synchronization. The server selects a future time index at which to resynchronize the stream and may discard intervening media. Media corresponding to the new time index is requested or retrieved and, if available at the new time index, media streaming resumes in synchronization. If media corresponding to the new time index is not available, the server may select another future time index and try again to resynchronize. Resynchronization may be attempted a configurable number of times and, if unsuccessful, the server may terminate the stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a television guide. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a device for comparing a current time with at least one stored time period for extracting television guide data to determine if the current time is within the stored time period, a device for switching a signal output from a first television signal source to a second television signal source, if television guide data is not contained in the signal output from the first television signal source when the current time is within the stored time period, a device for extracting the television guide data from the signal output when the current time is within the stored time period, and a memory for storing the extracted television guide data.

Abstract: An encoder to be located at the head end of a television program material distribution center. The encoder maps relatively large Ethernet addresses to smaller MPEG-2 address spaces by converting the Internet address to a number uniquely associated with program material. MPEG-2 frames created in this manner are placed in radio frequency slots within the frequency space occupied by a single analog television program. All types of Ethernet data, including Internet data, video program material from sources such as Microsoft NetShow Theater, digital audio and the like can all be converted to MPEG-2 bitstreams. This overcomes and reduces communications incompatibilities and complexities among set top boxes and existing head end because all digital set top boxes are designed to handle MPEG-2 data frames.

Abstract: A method for providing a television service enhancement includes receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the user with an option to receive an enhancement to the television service for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to receive the enhancement to the television service.

Abstract: Digital television system overlays subscriber two-way communication during broadcast program delivery to create virtual audience community. Individual or group billing and advertisement is personalized per DTV receiver program viewing and/or conferencing activity. Subscriber receiver includes camera and other media I/O device for multi-way video conferencing. Participants may be added or removed dynamically during programming or conferencing.