Abstract: Video content may be transmitted with enhanced content or ancillary information that includes viewer loyalty incentives. The viewer loyalty incentives may be in the form of incentives, certificates or other information which may accumulate depending on viewing time. The more the viewer watches, the more incentives the viewer may receive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for motivating a user to watch a television channel for a predetermined period of time and enabling access to a media asset related to a program provided on the channel. A tuner is tuned to a transmission channel and a program is received concurrently with a portion of a media asset. The viewing behavior is monitored to determine whether the user tunes to a different transmission channel before a predetermined time period elapses. When the user tunes to a different transmission channel before the predetermined time period elapses, access to the media asset is prevented. When the user stays tuned to the particular transmission channel for the predetermined time period, access to the media asset is enabled. The media asset may be transmitted to a portable user device, such as a mobile phone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: A method is described for rewarding a viewer of a broadcast program in exchange for the viewer proving his presence at the time that certain program content is being broadcast. The method involves the use of running an application in a television environment, said application displaying a graphic inviting the viewer to intervene in some manner and to subsequently log the viewer's intervention, thereby documenting his viewing activity. The method further allows for the convenient and mobile reporting of the status of a log of the viewer's viewing activity. Finally, the method allows for the convenient and flexible redemption of accrued credit, as documented in the viewing log, against goods and/or services.

Abstract: A communications system for an aircraft includes an aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and at least one personal electronic device (PED) carried by an aircraft passenger. The aircraft IFE system includes an IFE advertisement source, IFE passenger seat displays, an IFE wireless transceiver, an IFE controller, and a purchase acceptance controller. The PED includes a PED optical sensor, a PED wireless transceiver, and a PED controller for communicating with the IFE wireless transceiver via the PED wireless transceiver based upon the PED optical sensor sensing a selected advertisement token image. The purchase acceptance controller cooperates with the IFE controller to accept purchase of the selected advertisement token image.

Abstract: A communications system for an aircraft includes at least one personal electronic device (PED) carried by an aircraft passenger, and an aircraft IFE system. The PED includes a PED display, a PED memory for storing an in-flight coupon to be redeemed by the passenger while in-flight, and a PED controller for displaying the stored in-flight coupon on the PED display. The in-flight coupon has an in-flight coupon token image associated therewith. The aircraft IFE system includes an IFE video entertainment source, IFE passenger seat displays, a respective IFE optical sensor associated with each IFE passenger seat display, and an IFE controller. The IFE controller selectively displays video from the IFE entertainment source on the IFE passenger seat displays, and receives the stored coupon for redemption based upon a respective IFE optical sensor sensing the displayed in-flight coupon token image associated therewith on the PED display.

Abstract: A communications system for an aircraft includes an aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and at least one personal electronic device (PED) carried by an aircraft passenger. The aircraft IFE system includes an IFE video entertainment source, IFE passenger seat displays, an IFE wireless transceiver, and an IFE controller. The TEE controller selectively displays video from the IFE entertainment source on the IFE passenger seat displays, and generates a respective registration token image on each IFE passenger seat display. The PED includes a PED optical sensor, a PED memory for storing an in-flight coupon to be redeemed by the passenger while in-flight, a PED wireless transceiver, and a PED controller. The PED controller communicates with the IFE wireless transceiver via the PED wireless transceiver based upon the PED optical sensor sensing the registration token image so that the PED controller is registered with the IFE controller.

Abstract: An aircraft communications system includes at least one personal electronic device (PED) carried by an aircraft passenger, and an aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The PED includes a PED display, a PED wireless transceiver, and a PED controller for generating a respective registration token image on the PED display. The aircraft IFE system includes an IFE video entertainment source, IFE passenger seat displays, a respective IFE optical sensor associated with each of the IFE passenger seat displays, an IFE wireless transceiver, and an IFE controller. The IFE controller is for selectively displaying video from the IFE entertainment source on the IFE passenger seat displays, and for communicating with the PED wireless transceiver via the IFE wireless transceiver based upon a respective IFE optical sensor sensing the registration token image on the PED display.

Abstract: A method for providing an interactive coupon/offer delivery via a mobile device is disclosed. The method involves receiving a request from a mobile device to establish a location of the mobile device, determining the location of the mobile device, sending an offer to the mobile device based on the determined location, receiving confirmation from the mobile device that the offer has been received, and processing the offer based on a request received from the mobile device, wherein the processing is at least one of redeeming and sharing the offer in an alternate embodiment, instead of location being used, the relative time within a broadcasted audio/video content can be used for redeeming and sharing offers.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time interaction with broadcasted audio/video content is disclosed. The method involves sampling an audio segment from a broadcasted audio/video content, converting the sampled audio segment to a digital signal, comparing the digital signal with a digital snapshot of an audio pattern that corresponds to the audio portion of the broadcasted audio/video content, determining a current position relative to a beginning of the broadcasted audio/video content based on the comparing, displaying on a second audio/video device an interactive display based on the determined current position. In alternate embodiments, the method provides an interactive coupon/offer delivery via a mobile device, a method for bookmarking a point within a video stream, and a method for retrieving a stored video stream.

Abstract: A method and system for performing document image correction using a document reader is disclosed. The method includes generating a document image representative of a document having a deformation; decoding an optical pattern embedded in the document from the document image to determine an optical signature for the document; receiving document classification data associated with the optical signature; and applying an image correction technique to the document image based on the document classification data to generate a corrected document image. A document capable of being read by a document reader is also disclosed. The document includes a substrate and an optical pattern embedded on the substrate. The optical pattern is part of a background pattern printed on the substrate. The optical pattern defines an optical signature unique to the particular class of document and is associated with document classification data for the document.

Abstract: A virtual token represents an item, and includes embedded data defining rules and/or capabilities which apply to the use of the item. A virtual token may include graphical image data which is used to generate a display on a computer, whereby selection of the display allows the item represented by the virtual token to be used. A virtual token may contain instructions for sending access requests to a location on a communications network. A system for handling virtual tokens includes a clearing and routing house for routing token access requests, authenticating and generating tokens, and maintaining container structures for tokens. The system also includes connectors installed in a communications network for creating, controlling and managing items represented by tokens, and device clients for executing token components that issue access requests to the clearing and routing house.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method, comprising creating a secure profile store to maintain a version of a user's profile on each of a plurality of platforms the user may be using, offering incentive based context to service providers by capturing context information of the user, wherein the platforms owned by the user will store a local version of the user's profile in the profile store.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of offering incentive based context to service providers, comprising securely capturing private context information of a user and distributing the approved context information to the service provider, wherein the service provider provides an incentive to the user for the context information.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering coupon messages to a consumer wireless device utilizes a fixed communication device that functions as a base station for the consumer wireless device. The fixed communication device has limited coverage zone. When the consumer wireless device comes within the coverage zone of the fixed communication device, the consumer wireless device selects the fixed communication device as the preferred base station. Upon completion of registration, the fixed communication device transmits one or more coupon messages to the consumer wireless device. The consumer may enter the associated retail establishment and complete a transaction using the received coupon message. The consumer wireless device may be viewed manually, or the display scanned or read electronically to accept the coupon message in the retail establishment.

Abstract: A method of providing video entertainment content on-line without advertising interruptions of the video entertainment content is provided. A user request to provide video entertainment content is received. An amount of credits required to display the entertainment content is determined. The user is informed of the amount of credits required to view the video entertainment content. A list of advertisements the user may watch to earn credits is provided. It is determined whether the user has watched an advertisement and earned credits. The user is allowed access to the video entertainment content without advertising interruptions when the user has the amount of credits required to display the entertainment content.

Abstract: A method for integrating television brand advertising with promotional marketing includes providing an image to be displayed in different television commercials for products from different advertisers, the image indicating a website; and providing at the website coupon offers for the products from the different advertisers. The image will alert a viewer of the television commercial that a special coupon offer is available at a website. The viewer will go to the website and be able to select from one or more coupon offers available to consumers in their market area. The consumer then prints the coupons, or adds credit to a coupon card, which is then redeemed at the retailer. The system allows for Point Of Sale (POS) redemption, or more traditional redemption through a coupon clearinghouse.

Abstract: A method of providing advertising from a central database server connected to a global computer network to distributed sites via interactive television. A representative icon is presented to a subscriber on a television screen indicating an advertisement. When a the icon is selected, an advertisement information detail is retrieved from storage in a local memory, or from the central database server and presented to the subscriber on the television screen.

Abstract: A system for deriving benefits from the reception and processing of composite video signals by a hand-held device, such as a smart card. Video signals are modulated with auxiliary data creating composite video signals. The composite video signals are then transmitted to and received by a hand-held device. The auxiliary data is then detected in the modulated video signal by circuitry of the hand-held device. The user receives benefits resulting from the reception of the auxiliary data.

Abstract: A method of providing advertising from a central database server connected to a global computer network to distributed sites via interactive television. A representative icon is presented to a subscriber on a television screen indicating an advertisement. When a the icon is selected, an advertisement information detail is retrieved from storage in a local memory, or from the central database server and presented to the subscriber on the television screen.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying selected advertising to gamers accessing games suppliers over communications networks including mobile networks. Data on the user's geographic location and personal profile are used to select the advertising. The selected advertising is displayed in the game either on screen borders or at selected intervals in the game.

Abstract: A system, and methods for using that system, are provided that encourage viewers to watch and listen to a variety of multimedia event presentations. The various multimedia event presentations are received by the viewers on a receiving module and are displayed on a display module. Along with the multimedia event presentations (primary in the form of broadcast shows and ancillary in the form of advertisements and commercials), the viewers are provided with one or more interactive presentations (games) and additional browsing features by means of graphics-rich overlays through which they can participate and interact. Interaction is provided for by way of user input (communications) modules connected to the receiving modules and the display modules.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method that transforms a set of still/motion media (i.e., a series of related or unrelated still frames, web-pages rendered as images, or video clips) or other multimedia, into a video stream that is suitable for delivery over a display medium, such as TV, cable TV, computer displays, wireless display devices, etc. The video data stream may be presented and displayed in real time or stored and later presented through a set-top box, for example. Because these media are transformed into coded video streams (e.g. MPEG-2, MPEG-4, etc.), a user can watch them on a display screen without the need to connect to the Internet through a service provider. The user may request and interact with the desired media through a simple telephone interface, for example. Moreover, several wireless and cable-based services can be developed on the top of this system.

Abstract: A user is prompted during television commercial breaks to depress one or more pushbuttons on a television remote control at certain times to confirm that the user is watching the advertisements. A set top box connected to the television receives and decodes the signal from the remote control. When the user responds properly to a prompt, the set top box increments a tally maintained in the set top box memory to accumulate points by which the user can earn rewards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for accessing a service offered from a token. The token is coupled with a terminal. The terminal is capable of receiving broadcast messages. The messages are broadcasted from at least one server. According to the invention, the server sends, through the terminal, within the broadcast messages, at least one piece of data intended for the token and executable by the token. The token executes the executable data by triggering an execution of an application embedded at least in part within the token. The invention relates also to a corresponding token and system.

Abstract: A motion sensor arrangement is presented for dispenser capable point-of-purchase devices. The invention includes one or more motion sensors and a power management circuit facilitating activation of visual and motion display elements and/or a dispensing mechanism. Motion sensors are attached to a shelf-mountable display unit and capable of determining the presence of a person within the vicinity of the device. Power management circuit communicates with the motion sensors and display elements, examples including light emitting diodes and motorized drive devices. The power management circuit activates one or more display elements to communicate queues to a person within visual range of the point-of-purchase device. The dispensing mechanism ejects a coupon or product information sheet when a person is sensed within the vicinity of the point-of-purchase device.

Abstract: A method for integrating television brand advertising with promotional marketing includes providing an image to be displayed in different television commercials for products from different advertisers, the image indicating a website; and providing at the website coupon offers for the products from the different advertisers. The image will alert a viewer of the television commercial that a special coupon offer is available at a website. The viewer will go to the website and be able to select from one or more coupon offers available to consumers in their market area. The consumer then prints the coupons, or adds credit to a coupon card, which is then redeemed at the retailer. The system allows for Point Of Sale (POS) redemption, or more traditional redemption through a coupon clearinghouse.

Abstract: An interactive technique for generating a supplementary, program-related output. A programming signal and a supplementary, program-related data signal are combined into a broadcast signal which is then broadcast from a program signal source. The broadcast signal is received, and the programming signal of the received broadcast signal is performed with reproduction equipment for an audience. The supplementary, program-related data signal of the received broadcast signal is stored, and retrieval of the stored supplementary, program-related data signal is enabled interactively with the programming signal being performed. In response to a control signal being actuated by a member of the audience tuned to the programming signal being performed, the stored supplementary, program-related data signal is retrieved and used to generate the supplementary, program-related output.

Abstract: A method and system for gifting multimedia content enables a first user of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) to select a recipient for an obtainable multimedia asset from an electronic address book. The electronic address book may be accessible via a public network and/or via the MCDN. The recipient may be a second user of the MCDN. The first user may be charged for the multimedia asset. The second user may be authorized to receive and view the multimedia asset.

Abstract: A system receives an indication of selection of an item in a broadcast segment from an end device. A broadcast segment is identified by the selection and a broadcast segment schedule. An item ID is determined using the identified broadcast segment and the broadcast segment schedule, and a corresponding sponsor of the item is determined using the item ID and the identified broadcast segment. An anonymized message, including the item ID and a request for information, is sent to the corresponding sponsor. A reply is received from the corresponding sponsor, and forwarded to an end user contact.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for advertising in connection with a video segment. Methods are provided in which a time-spaced sequence of video overlay advertisements are displayed. Advertisements of the sequence may be user-interactive and may relate to subject matter of the video segment displayed during display of the advertisements. A later one or more advertisements of the sequence may relate to, or tie together, each of several of the preceding advertisements of the sequence, and may be provided as part of, or may help provide, a reward to the user for interaction with each of the several preceding advertisements.

Abstract: The home viewing of movies currently being shown in one or more theaters is facilitated. Facilitating home viewing of first-run, feature length movies may increase the amount of money earned during the theatre run of the movies. For example, this may enable users that would not be able to view movies in the theatre, and/or that would not be willing to view at least some of the movies in the theatre, to purchase the ability to view the movies.

Abstract: A method of banking video frames associated with links, includes the steps of associating multiple links with a video frame in a series of video frames, each of the links having information associated therewith, selecting and banking the video frame from among the series of video frames; and selecting and displaying the frame in connection with representations of the links. The method may further include a step of selecting one of the links and displaying the information associated therewith. In one embodiment, the links may be lead ins for an advertisement such as a telescoping advertisement, they may be purchase opportunities, the may be opportunities for coupons, or other interactive activities. An apparatus for performing the method includes a set top box with memory, a processor, and a digital converter for converting digital video images into suitable picture images. The apparatus stores the selected frame either locally or at a network or head-end.

Abstract: A video client receives an advertisement for presentation on a display and presents to a user, on the display, the advertisement and a rating interface for the advertisement. The video client receives, via the rating interface, a user input to rate the advertisement and sends, to a server, rating information based on the user input to rate the advertisement. The video client also receives, from the server, incentive information based on the rating information and presents to the user, on the display, the incentive information.

Abstract: A disk bears a multimedia program and a player plays the program. The player is responsive to an image restraint token (IRT) to play the multimedia program only in a low resolution format and not in a high resolution format prior to an IRT expiration date. The player is then responsive to a key that is publicly available only on or after the expiration date and entered into the player to play the multimedia program in the high resolution format.

Abstract: The invention relates, in various aspects, to systems and methods for linking content stored on a computer network with content broadcast over a television network. The system includes a database, a trigger mechanism, a communications interface, and a packet generator. The database stores tokens representative of links to the stored content and delivery information representative of at least a duration for delivering the token. The trigger mechanism indicates an instruction to deliver a token over the television network, generating a signal indicating a respective one of the stored tokens and a time for starting the delivery of the respective token. The communications interface has a channel in communication with a television set top box device for transferring the respective token to the television set top box device. The packet generator generates packets within a stream of television content to be broadcast over the television network.

Abstract: A system for transmitting auxiliary data within a modulated video signal from a broadcast source to a hand-held device with a slot, the system comprising the broadcast source comprises means for transmitting auxiliary data to the slotted hand-held device via the modulated video signal; an interface device electronically coupled to the hand-held device via the slot and comprises a card microcontroller, a receiver electronically coupled to the card microcontroller for receiving the modulated video signal from the broadcast source, and circuitry electronically coupled to the card microcontroller and the receiver for demodulating the modulated video signal and reproducing the auxiliary data, and transferring the auxiliary data to the hand-held device via an interface protocol, and the hand-held device with the slot comprises a microcontroller for processing the signal auxiliary data received via the interface protocol from the interface device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for acquiring files by accumulation of points. The device is designed for a user of a receiver of data of a communication network, able to earn points by accomplishing at least one predefined operation, and to acquire at least one of the files by downloading via this communication network, when the aggregate number of points reaches a predetermined level associated with this file. The device comprises an automatic control module for ordering downloading via this network to a storage space accessible to this receiver, of portions of this file, designed to order the downloading of each of these portions when the number of points earned by this user reaches a fraction of this predetermined level which corresponds to this portion.

Abstract: Method and system of distributing advertisements for storage in a network. The stored advertisements being retrievable for insertion within or other association with services provided to a network subscriber. Identifying characteristics of the advertisement may be used to facilitate the storage thereof and identifying characteristics of the customs may be used to facilitate advertisements associated with services accessed thereby.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for creating a virtual community network for incentivized multimedia content viewing is provided. A first viewer receives the multimedia content for viewing on a client device from a server provided in a networked environment. The first viewer refers the multimedia content to one or more second viewers in the networked environment for viewing and further referrals. The server controls access to the multimedia content and confirms viewing of the multimedia content by the first viewer, the second viewers, and nth viewers from further referrals using a random challenge. The server generates response reports based on viewing of the multimedia content. The server credits the first viewer, the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc. with one or more items of value based on referring of the multimedia content, multimedia content view confirmation, and/or registration of the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc, with the server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing correlated information services with broadcast multimedia content. In conjunction with a broadcast system offering a plurality of primary channels that carry entertainment, informational, and educational multimedia programs, the disclosed systems may provide one or more auxiliary channels containing complementary, correlated, or/and personalized information. Broadcast services are typically carried in a mass distribution system, such as a co-axial cable distribution network, a telephone distribution network, a satellite system, a radio system, a TV broadcast system, or a cellular broadcast system. The one or more auxiliary channels for delivery of the complementary, correlated, and/or personalized information service can be established in the same or different data distribution system, such as a cable modem system, a DSL system, a WiFi network, a WiMAX network, or a wireless data network.

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: Participants in an interactive environment implemented by computer networks and other media such as interactive television are recruited to advertise products and brands to the other participants and viewers that are users of the media. Each participant may select from a set of available advertisements, which can be displayed in association with the user's avatar, virtual space and virtual objects within or embodying the virtual world. Participants are given incentives to do this by the availability of rewards, such as coupons, real or virtual money or other resources, which are provided by the advertising sponsors, based on adoption of the advertising by the participant, as well as on factors such as exposure of the selected advertisements to other users. Allowing the users to exercise advertising choice, as participant or viewer, the invention also facilitates collection of data regarding consumer preferences.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided by which a television viewer can view other images e.g. during commercials or main program. For example, during a commercial, a viewer may channel surf or surf the internet. A banner is provided on a viewing screen while the viewer watches these other images. In this way the advertiser providing those commercials can still reach those viewers who are channel or internet surfing. Also, the banner will indicate to the viewer when the commercial is over and the normal programming has resumed. In another embodiment, during the main program user can activate one or more small commercial windows and position them on the screen based on his preference, e.g. using a remote device. Information is communicated to a broadcaster by the viewer's video system indicating the above-mentioned commercial windows are open on the viewer's screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing media content are provided. A set of media content with at least one feedback application is created. In response to the set creation and activation, media content may be tuned and launched automatically while other programming is restricted. User input associated with feedback applications may be received and media content rewards may be awarded.

Abstract: A video on request (“VOR”) system is disclosed. The VOR system includes a producer having a location device for providing location data and a video recording device. The VOR system also includes an information exchange having a producer database configured to store a producer profile having current location and status of the producer. The current location and status are continually updated based on the location data. The VOR system also includes a viewer having access to the information exchange to search the producer database for available producers within a predetermined range of a desired location. Upon finding the available producer at the desired location, the viewer requests an information segment to be produced by the producer from the desired location. The producer thereafter records the information segment and transmits the information segment to the viewer.

Abstract: A method of generating revenue from broadcasted program(s) is created, where code(s) is implemented to the broadcasted program(s) that allows the viewers/listeners to participate in the broadcasting program and to collect points (money) as an award for watching/listening the broadcasted program(s).

Abstract: The present invention makes viewers surely view commercial programs. When a commercial program is broadcasted and displayed on a display (7A), a viewer is requested a response. The viewer operates a prescribed key in the ten key (32) of a remote controller (31) for response. If the viewer responds to the response request of the commercial program, points are added to a smart card (10). The viewer can view a pay program using the points recorded in the smart card (10).

Abstract: A viewer response method for use with an interactive telecommunications system. The viewer response method includes accumulating a user interaction history of a user of the system, the user interaction history including user interaction information associated with a plurality of user interaction events and providing user-sensible feedback, based at least in part on the user interaction history.