Abstract: Providing advertising comprises communicating, through a mass-media, non-interactive broadcast network, an advertisement pod comprising multiple advertisements. Each advertisement comprises advertising content. A prize pool is created based on subscription fees, advertising premiums, sponsorship fees, user fees, entrance fees, and/or non-cash prizes. A query is communicated about a selected portion of the advertising content of at least one of the advertisements. An offer of a reward is presented as an incentive for each recipient to review the advertisements and to submit a response to the query. The reward is based on the prize pool. Respective responses to the query are collected through a response device from responding ones of the recipients. Receipt of each response having a correct reply to the query verifies that the responding recipient has been exposed to the selected portion of the advertising content. A winner of the reward is selected from responding recipients.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided in which local advertisements may be distributed to interactive television program guides implemented on the user television equipment associated with a television distribution facility such as a cable system headend. The local advertisements contain information that is directed toward the particular users in a local area. The local advertisements may be displayed when a user selects a related global advertisement. The local advertisements may also be displayed automatically by cycling global advertisements and local advertisements. Advertisements may be blocked based on content or time shifted. Policies regarding advertisement usage may be enforced.

Abstract: The method and apparatus operates in a television receiver to identify unwanted broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of selectively altering the television display during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to mute or otherwise alter the television signal during the segment. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.

Abstract: An “object extractor” automatically identifies and segments repeating media objects in a media stream. “Objects” are any section of non-negligible duration, i.e., a song, video, advertisement, jingle, etc., which would be considered to be a logical unit by a human listener or viewer. Identification and segmentation of repeating objects is achieved by directly comparing sections of the media stream to identify matching portions of the stream, then aligning the matching portions to identify object endpoints. Alternately, a suite of object dependent algorithms is employed to target particular aspects of the stream for identifying possible objects within the stream. Confirmation of possible objects as repeating objects is achieved by automatically searching for potentially matching objects in a dynamic object database, followed by a detailed comparison to one or more of the potentially matching objects.

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 secure signal transmitter, such as an LED, is disposed in an intended observation scope of a secure stream capture device, such as a video camera. The secure signal transmitter continuously transmits a secure signal that an observer/processor in a remote location can verify, to thereby confirm that the video being sent from the camera actually encompasses the intended scope.

Abstract: A system for delivering contents includes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality of terminal systems which receive the contents from the center system and displays the contents, and communication lines connecting the center system to the plurality of terminal systems. The center system includes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of delivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents to the terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a time period when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (20) and a method and signal used for broadcasting of a media package (28). In the media package, a name list is established for a predetermined period of days or on a day by day basis and includes one name for every day of the period. The list could be established by a software program providing names from a name database. A media channel is used for broadcasting a name of the day media package (28) comprising at least a presentation of the at least name corresponding to the day of a broadcast (40). The media channel presents the media package (28) on a display (24), whereby an audience is educated about each presented name and its history.

Abstract: A system or method for an access code issuer to receive an on-line application including certain personal information from a user of a computer network such as the Internet, to independently operatively connect to a database and obtain or verify demographic and additional personal information regarding the user, and issue an access code to the user. The user enters this access code when accessing various nodes or websites of a plurality of affiliated content providers. The content providers obtain or verify the user's demographics by operatively connecting to the access code issuer, thereby obtaining or verifying the demographics of the visitor to its site without requiring the visitor to enter his or her demographic information or to independently provide proof thereof to the content provider.

Abstract: A system for the identification of commercials within a video.

Abstract: An electronic content guide may organize content such as television programs into categories and subcategories. The categories and subcategories may be topical as well as time-based. As a result, the user can select a given time-based criteria and within that time-based criteria select topical subcategories. As a result, the number of programs that may be displayed in any given graphical user interface may be reduced to a manageable level. This may be done without requiring a great deal of scrolling to view selected categories, subcategories and particular programs.

Abstract: The present invention verifies the transmission of a data stream, such as an advertisement, to a receiver in a data network, such as a television set in a cable television network. In particular, the present invention develops and stores a data stream fingerprint prior to transmission of the data stream. During transmission of the data stream, a verifier compiles the fingerprint from the transmitted data stream and compares it to the pre-developed and stored fingerprint. If the fingerprint signal characteristics are within predetermined parameters, the transmission is considered successful.

Abstract: A method for managing television advertisements. The method includes determining if a subscriber has reached a minimum level of advertisement viewing and curtailing the service level of the subscriber if the subscriber does not maintain the minimum level of advertisement viewing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for blocking specific television commercials from the viewer's television based upon the characteristics of the television commercial and a program to place the blocked television commercials into an archive. An archive interrogation program then acquires the users search criteria and sends the search criteria to the content search program for a list of matches. The matches are displayed to the user and the user can select a segment for viewing.

Abstract: A system and a method for bidirectional transmission/reception in which the information aired in e.g., television broadcast can be received with a high probability to permit a sponsor to readily comprehend the state of reception. A collective information generating system 5 includes temporary reply recovery device 131, . . . , 13m for recovering the response data sent from the transmission/reception device 2 over a transmitting network 6, a quiz response recovery unit 14 and a CPU 15 having the information generating function of generating the lottery result information based on the response data recovered by the quiz response recovery unit 14. The lottery result information generated by the collective information generating system 5 is multiplexed by the multiplexing broadcast encoder 11 and transmitted to the transmission/reception unit 2 by a broadcast transmission device 12.

Abstract: An entertainment system receives entertainment programming interposed with commercials. The entertainment system selectively renders the commercial in accordance with characteristics associated with a user of the entertainment programming. In one embodiment, the entertainment system selectively renders a selected one among multiple received versions of a commercial. In another embodiment, the entertainment system selectively renders a selected one among multiple received commercials.

Abstract: Advertising spots are generated globally, and are subsequently adapted to satisfy one or many local applications. The adaptations are initiated most preferably by an advertiser through encrypted Internet access to a hub in real time. Adaptations, station verification, adapting the actual video/audio stream, logging and invoicing are all performed automatically and in real time. Consequently, an advertiser can modify a global spot for one or more local broadcasts, and can immediately ascertain effectiveness of the modification. Various modifications to the basic steps are disclosed that further enhance the utility of the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying broadcast programming and generating points for viewing advertising content selected by the viewer. The systems and methods store one or more viewer attributes unique to the viewer. These attributes define one or more categories of advertising content to be displayed to the viewer and the points earned from viewing displayed advertising content. The viewer defines one or more categories of advertising to be displayed and the methods and systems select advertising content, either via a operator module delivering or the receiver module receiving the advertising content, having a category identifier matching the category selected by the viewer. This advertising content is displayed to the viewer and the viewer's points are updated to reflect that the viewer watched all or a portion of the advertising content.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advertisement time-frame transaction system comprising assigning means for selecting a viewer according to information about viewers and allowing an advertiser of an advertisement to assign an advertisement-viewing reward to the advertisement for the selected viewer, designating means for allowing the selected viewer to designate whether he/she will view the advertisement having the assigned advertisement-viewing reward, and hanging means for allowing the advertiser to change the advertisement-viewing reward of the advertisement in real time, depending on the information about the designation to be provided from the designating means when the viewer has designated whether he/she views the advertisement.

Abstract: An effective, entertaining and rewarding way to advertise. Transforms advertising from something Consumers avoid to a drawing card that attracts the Consumers. Communicates Consumer Rewarded Advertising Vehicle Immersive Ad Bundles (“CRAV Ads”). The CRAV Ads include a Vignette, a Query, an optional Alert, and an optional Answer. Promoters can sell CRAV Ads to Advertisers. Promoters or Advertisers can use the Broadcast Network to promote future CRAV Ads. Promoters can use the Broadcast Network, the Device, the Information Gathering System, and the Data Storage Center to communicate the CRAV Ads to Consumers and to interact with Consumers. Promoters or Advertisers can use the Device, the Information Gathering System, and the Data Storage Center to gather Consumers'responses to CRAV Ads. Promoters can edit and/or distribute registration and response information to Advertisers. Promoters can select winners and distribute prizes.

Abstract: The invention detects commercials interrupting television programs by comparing signals in a comparator (16) received from multiple regions (1, 6, 11) of a network. If one or more of the received signals differs from the other received signals by more than a preset amount, generating a signal via output (17) indicating the presence of a commercial. Because different commercials are inserted in different regions of a network, the signals are generally very similar during program transmission and very different during commercial transmission.

Abstract: The method and apparatus identifies selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of muting the video and audio portions of the television signal during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to mute the audio and video portions of the television signal during the segment. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.

Abstract: A method of returning to a program that is being received on a first channel is disclosed. The method includes storing data that characterizes at least one portion of the program. After storing this data, the user is free to change channels. The system automatically switches back to the first channel when data that characterizes a subsequent portion of the program matches the stored data.

Abstract: An interface and a method for incorporating program information into an electronic message are provided. According to the method, a menu of programs is generated by displaying program identifiers on a display device. At least one of the program identifiers representing a program of interest is selected. An electronic message display is generated with program text indicative of that program incorporated into a message portion of the electronic message display. The message portion is sent by electronic message to a recipient, with the program text in the message portion. Preferably, selection of the program text by a recipient of the electronic message causes the respective program to be implemented or causes certain choices on how to implement the program to be presented to the recipient.

Abstract: A method for generating commercial information using a data recording device can provide commercial sponsors with feedback regarding the effectiveness of their commercials. According to the method, program data including a commercial is recorded. The recorded program data including the commercial is played back. A trigger event for the commercial is detected during playback. Information identifying the commercial is stored in response to detection of the trigger event.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple levels of verification of displaying visual content on an electronic visual display. One embodiment includes a method that displays a visual verification code signal in relation to a visual content signal representative of the visual content displayed on the electronic visual display. The visual verification code signal is sensed as displayed by the electronic visual display, and, based thereon, the verification code is determined and verification of the display of the visual content on the electronic visual display is performed. The visual verification code signal may be displayed in different colors to verify the operation of the electronic visual display with respect to color and intensity.

Abstract: A broadcast datastream is received, and audio identifying information is generated for audio content from the broadcast datastream. It is determined whether the audio identifying information generated for the broadcast audio content matches audio identifying information in an audio content database. In one preferred embodiment, the audio identifying information is an audio feature signature that is based on audio content. Also provided is a system for monitoring broadcast audio content.

Abstract: An input device for use in a system for searching a database for information associated with segments broadcast on a broadcast channel, in which the database may have a list of segments broadcast on different broadcast channels at respective times. The input device comprises a receiving circuit operable to receive channel information representing one or more broadcast channels, a channel selector operable to enable a user to select a broadcast channel from among the received channel information which corresponds to a received broadcast channel, a timer which provides time information representative of a current time, a storage device that stores at least the time information and the selected channel information, and a transmitting circuit operable to transmit the stored time information and channel information.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product enables automation and control of the sales, management, accounting, reporting, and traffic functions necessary to manage advertisement sales, content management, and administrative processes for media production environments, including, but not limited to, broadcast television, radio and webcasting stations, and newspapers. The advertisement management and automation system operates on a PC-based platform and is networked for communications with local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet, including both wired and wireless appliances. Distribution and tracking is enabled for both local and national advertisement and content management, whereby data, advertisements, content, and reports are pushed and pulled from individual nodes (e.g., television stations) to a central network hub or point that feeds and/or gathers data and communicates with the individual nodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data hiding method of hiding media data in message data and a data extraction method of extracting the hidden data wherein message data is dispersively hidden in media data such as an image or sound to prevent a third person from modifying the message data easily.

Abstract: What are proposed are a method and an apparatus for suppressing advertising for apparatuses appertaining to consumer electronics, in particular for radio, television and video apparatuses. The undesirable program sections are defined in accordance with a coded identification signal which can be received in this regard from an online service provider, in particular an Internet service provider. An undesirable program section is then automatically identified as such on the basis of particular specific features and a corresponding identification signal is supplied, in response to which the suppression takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement of assigning an information-category and a priority of exposure for spots or blocks of information in a digital information system comprising interfaces for data and telecommunication for round-the-clock transmission of information at places accessible to and frequented by the general public including places where television sets are placed, such that a control center has communication interfaces for coordinating and controlling display devices, with the control center being able to create and update an exposure list in real time. The exposure list contains information including how many times an information is to be exposed during a specific time period. Single spots or blocks of information to a specific information-category and a priority for exposure.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a substitution for a broadcast content, includes: a substitute content engine configured to detect a break in a broadcast content and to show substitute content in response to the break in a broadcast content; and a processor configured to execute the substitute content engine. An apparatus for substituting broadcast content displayed on a screen, including: a customer premise equipment capable to receive broadcast content; the customer premise equipment including a viewing engine capable to permit the display of substitute content in response to a break in the broadcast content.

Abstract: A method collecting content and performing a substitution for a broadcast content, includes: aggregating substitute content based upon a user preference; delivering the aggregated substitute content; and displaying the aggregated substitute content in response to a break in a broadcast content. A system for collecting content and performing a substitution for a broadcast content, includes: an aggregator configured to aggregate substitute content based upon a user preference; a transmission path communicatively coupled to the aggregator and configured to deliver the aggregated substitute content; and a display stage communicatively coupled to the transmission path and configured to display the aggregated substitute content in response to a break in a broadcast content.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to prevent the viewer's operation to skip advertisement playback and increase the advertising effects. In order to achieve this object, the set top box temporarily stops the recording playback process and sends a command requesting advertisement distribution upon detecting the advertisement display start signal, inserted at the advertisement display start time, while playing back a recorded program broadcast from a television broadcast station. Upon receiving the command, the advertisement distribution system sends advertisement data. The set top box receives the advertisement data and plays back the data in real time. Upon detecting the advertisement display end signal inserted in the advertisement data, the set top box restarts the playback of the program.

Abstract: A video signal is processed to identify segments that are likely to be associated with a commercial or other particular type of video content. A signature is extracted from each of the segments so identified, and the extracted signatures are used, possibly in conjunction with additional temporal and contextual information, to determine which of the identified segments are in fact associated with the particular video content. One or more of the extracted signatures may be, e.g., a visual frame signature based at least in part on a visual characteristic of a frame of the video segment, as determined using information based on DC and motion coefficients of the frame, or DC and AC coefficients of the frame. A given extracted signature may alternatively be an audio signature based at least in part on a characteristic of an audio signal associated with a portion of the video segment. Other types of signatures can also be used.

Abstract: Information on Demand A broadcast data receiver for the reception of data broadcast from a remote location, processing of the data and generation of video and/or audio therefrom in the form of a television program for viewing. The receiver includes a table, such as an Event Information Table (EIT) which includes one or more strings of data. A user can request to be informed of an occurrence or occurrences of data from one or more of the strings being identified in a user-selected program. The receiver informs the user of an occurrence and/or every occurrence of said data identified in said selected program at the time of said program being broadcast. Alternatively, or in addition to, the user can select to be updated with information relating to the occurrences of data at their convenience by selecting a pre-designated button on the remote control unit.

Abstract: A method for receiving an identical broadcasting program automatically searches broadcasting channels to which an identical broadcasting program corresponding to a program of the channel selected by a user is transmitted from multiplex broadcasting media in case the broadcasting signals are poor or the broadcasting signals have high sound quality or picture quality while the user transmits a broadcasting program through a medium so that the user can watch the identical broadcasting program continuously. In order to achieve this, the present invention searches and outputs a broadcasting program identical to the multiplex broadcasting program from multiplex broadcasting media on the basis of a source ID of the broadcasting program received from broadcasting media.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling visual access by a user to selected broadcast commercial advertisements. A video stream which includes multiple commercial advertisements is broadcast to multiple receivers, each coupled to a video display at a user's location. Unique identifications of each commercial advertisement and an initiation/termination delimiter signal are also embedded within the video stream. Selected commercial advertisements are then stored within memory within each receiver in response to an indication that a particular video stream containing those commercial advertisements is not currently displayed at a user's location. Thereafter, these stored commercial advertisements are substituted for an alternate commercial advertisement within the video stream at a subsequent time in response to an indication that the particular video stream is once again displayed at a user's location, ensuring that the selected commercial advertisements are viewed by a user.

Abstract: A system for electronic media distribution comprises means for generating a plurality of media items; a data repository for storing a respective metadata item containing metadata relating to the generation of the corresponding media item; means for electronically distributing at least some of the media items to a plurality of end-users; means for detecting reception by the end-users of the media items; and means for associating, with each metadata item relating to an electronically distributed media item, a reception indicator indicative of the number of users receiving that media item.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for conducting a commercial-free, network-televised game show, supported by revenue from commercial advertisers, but free of commercial interruption. Also provided are the resulting game show, and a novel method of producing revenue from such a commercial-free, network-televised game show. The show generates revenue from both the network broadcast and the Internet. However, the generation of revenue is unique when compared with standard, advertisement-based television protocols, and the format of the show is novel because advertising is an integral and continuous part of the show. Revenue-generating advertisements and entertainment are integrated, and the show is continuous in its entirety.

Abstract: The invention relates to a television system and to the generation on the screen and/or audibly, of an indicator to a user of the system of the commencement of a commercial break on a particular channel and/or the end of the break. Various options are also provided to the user which may include any or any combination of, accessing a related internet site, viewing other channels or temporarily pausing recording of data when the indication is generated.

Abstract: A receiver accepts an announcement, and begins receiving a presentation. The receiver is free to ignore announcements for other presentations. The sender substitutes a second content and issues an announcement using the same identifying information as was in the announcement of the accepted presentation, but a new version number. The receiver then uses the second content, believing it to be an updated version of the same presentation. ATVEF is one suitable environment. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for long-distance transmission of a television program on a single channel and a process including transmitting a first video signal corresponding to a main program comprising advertising video images interposed between video broadcasts, and a second video signal corresponding to an optional advertising program and including a sequence triggering the recording in a temporary rapid storage, recording in a temporary rapid storage the second signal when the triggering sequence is detected and continuously transmitting the first signal to a display circuit. The first signal includes graphic signaling means for activating the restitution of the video signals stored in said memory.

Abstract: By pre-setting the hierarchical number in which the files should be retained to record it in a hierarchy designation section 9, upon initiating reception of a data broadcast program in a reception section 1, firstly a start file is acquired in a file acquisition preparation section 5, and retained in a file retention section 6. According to an anchor that is obtained by making a file analysis in a file analysis section 7, the linked files ranging from the start file from the file until a determined hierarchical number are acquired and retained. A trigger for broadcasting reception section 12 is directed from an ES supervisory section 10 so as to supervise ESs. In the event of making transition to a desired file, if a desired file is present within the files that have been retained in advance in the file retention section 6, a file transition section 14 makes the transition hereto.

Abstract: A broadcast verification system includes a CM creation device for creating a CM signal to be included in a television signal and a verification device for receiving the television broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station and checking the CM signal. The CM creation device includes an encoder for superimposing unique ID information identifying the CM signal to the CM signal at a predetermined position. The verification device includes a decoder for extracting the ID information from the television broadcast signal, a verification section for verifying, on the basis of the extracted ID information and a CM schedule supplied from the broadcast station through a path different from that for the television broadcast signal, whether the CM has been broadcast according to the schedule, and a verification information storage means for storing verification information containing at least the verification result, the broadcasting time of the CM, and the broadcast channel.

Abstract: A sender station sends a verification signal to itself after having sent data to be distributed. In the event that any one of receiver stations has failed to receive any one of data sets, the receiver station sends a predetermined jamming signal, to thereby hinder the sender station from receiving the verification signal transmitted to the sender station. When having failed to receive the verification signal, the sender station determines that any one of the receiver stations has failed to receive the data. In contrast, when having received the verification signal, the sender station determines that all the receiver stations have successfully received the data.

Abstract: A broadcasting service system and a delay broadcasting method in broadcasting service using the broadcasting service system, any of audiovisual systems is connected to a broadcasting set when any audiovisual system request a repeater station to view program contents broadcasted by a broadcast station, and advertisement contents stored in a advertisement contents storage are broadcasted to the audiovisual systems connected to the broadcasting set. An advertisement effect measurer measures an advertisement effect on the basis of a number of the connected audiovisual systems viewing the advertisement contents and a broadcasting time of the advertisement contents and allows the broadcasting set to start of the broadcasting of the program contents to the connected audiovisual systems only when the measured advertisement effect meets a predetermined target advertisement effect.

Abstract: A system (FIGS. 7 and 8) and method (FIG. 1) for video transmission of active events, for example sports events, having in the background physical images in designated targets, wherein the physical images are electronically exchanged with preselected virtual images, so that objects or shadows actually blocking the same portions of the virtual images, and the motion of players or a ball blocking the physical image will block corresponding regions of the exchanged virtual image, so that the exchanged electronic image will remain in the background of the event, exactly as the original image.

Abstract: To obtain unique identification data to be added to program data even if different encoders are used, identification data generated by adding serial data specific to an encoder to data (time code) indicating the time of encoding is inserted into program data to be stored in a storage device. Whether the program data has been transmitted is checked based on the thus-generated identification data. By virtue of the use of such an identification data, even if program data are produced at the same time point by using different encoders, they can be clearly distinguished from each other because they are associated with different identification data because serial data of the encoders are different.