Abstract: This application discloses a method implemented on a casting device to control display of media content on an output device coupled to the casting device. After it is determines that the output device operates at an inactive state, the casting device detects a client device associated with the casting device, and determines a proximity of the client device, including determining whether the client device is within a proximity threshold from the casting device. In accordance with a determination that the client device is within the proximity threshold from the casting device, the casting device controls the output device to change from the inactive state to an active state, and receives media content from one or more content sources for display on the output device.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of transmitting a broadcast signal. The method of transmitting the broadcast signal according to the present invention proposes a system capable of supporting a next-generation broadcast service in an environment that supports next-generation broadcasting using a terrestrial broadcast network and an Internet protocol network. In addition, the present invention proposes an efficient signaling scheme for both the terrestrial broadcasting network and the Internet protocol network in the environment that supports next-generation broadcasting.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking events associated with use of video content are disclosed. A method collects events associated with use of video content at a computing device. In response to determining that a tracking interval has elapsed, the method optimizes the collected events by grouping similar events together, serializes the optimized events by structuring the optimized events in a defined format, and creates a tracking call to send the serialized events to a remote computing device. A system determines setup parameters for tracking collection on a client computing device, the setup parameters comprising an error tracking parameter, and setup check and tracking intervals. The system periodically receives serialized event data from a client device in accordance with the tracking interval, the event data having been collected in response to occurrences of tracked events associated with use of video content at the client device, the video content including an advertisement.

Abstract: A digital device and a method of processing screensaver application in the digital device are disclosed. The digital device includes a manager to manage a display window of the digital device and to generate and to transmit a plurality of status data of the digital device to a controller, and the controller to receive a first signal from a first application requesting registration as an application voter, to transmit a second signal requesting a confirmation related to execute a second application to the first application when first status data is received from a service interface, to receive a response to the second signal from the first application, and to execute the second application to enter a screensaver mode based on the received response.

Abstract: Control, based upon one or more pre-determined and user-configurable criterion, the loudness or intensity of audio as output by a television or handheld mobile device.

Abstract: A method for distributing geographically restricted video data in an internet protocol television system, the method including but not limited to determining at a television server computer at least three geographic restriction zones for the geographically restricted video data and instructions to determine at least three different duration time delays for each of at least three geographic restriction zones, wherein the at least three geographic restriction zones are based on physical proximity of a television client device to a geographic origin of the geographically restricted video data.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a trust establishment application. Machine instances executed in the same computing environment generate side channel patterns embodying data identifying themselves as trusted machine instances. The side channel patterns are detected to determine which machine instances are trusted. An operational mode of a machine instance is configured as a function of whether a quorum of trusted machine instances are executed in the computing environment.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating a presentation menu for presenting audio and audiovisual contents on the screen of a receiver, which are downloadable from a broadcasting network or from dedicated sites. A user selects accessible contents and makes payment to make these contents available at the receiver. The receiver retrieves information on availability of all the contents from the receiver and requests display of a presentation menu presenting a list of available contents. Thus each user gets to know all the available contents from the receiver, including those purchased by other users. The presentation menu can visually associate each document with the identity of the user who made the document available. The presentation menu can display an indication that the replay of an available content has already begun and has been interrupted at a certain point in time. This point in time is made available at the display.

Abstract: A browser application programming interface is exposed to a web application to verify an identify of a user using user-specific identity information stored by the browser. Cryptographic information associated with the user is transmitted from the browser application programming interface to the web application. User-specific content is provided to the user through the web application if the web application verifies an identify of the user via the browser application programming interface using the cryptographic information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a Transport I/O system are described. Network encrypted content may be received by a device. The device may provide the network encrypted content to a secure processor, such as, for example, a smart card. The secure processor obtains a network control word that may be used to decrypt the network encrypted content. The secure processor may decrypt the network encrypted content to produce clear content. In embodiments, the secure processor may then use a local control word to generate locally encrypted content specific to the device. The device may then receive the locally encrypted content from the secure processor and proceed to decrypt the locally encrypted content using a shared local encryption key. The Transport I/O system ensures the protection of the network control word by maintaining the network control word on the secure processor.

Abstract: A set-top box, a client, a system and method for virtual desktop access are disclosed. The set-top box includes a virtual desktop access module and a network connection module. The virtual desktop access module is configured to trigger the network connection module after receiving a virtual desktop access trigger signal, and trigger a signal display operation after receiving a virtual desktop signal sent by the network connection module. The network connection module is configured to send a virtual desktop connection request message through a network after receiving the trigger signal from the virtual desktop access module, and receive the virtual desktop signal through the network and send the virtual desktop signal to the virtual desktop access module. The virtual desktop access is completed by the set-top box.

Abstract: Natural language management of online social network connections may comprise receiving natural language data associated with a user's social network interactions. The natural language data associated with a user's social network interactions is analyzed and features used in the user's social network interactions are determined based on the analysis. The contexts in which the features are used in the user's social network interactions may be also determined. Point values to the features used in the user's social network interactions are assigned. A fingerprint of the user is created at least based on the features and the point values. The created fingerprint may be compared with information associated with online communities, and based on the comparison, one or more of the online communities may be recommended as user's potential social network connections.

Abstract: An electronic device and an unlocking method in the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a display unit configured to display at least one function icon on a lock screen, at least one camera, and a controller configured to recognize a face based on data received from the at least one camera in response to a request for unlocking, to select a function icon to be executed from among the at least one function icon, to perform unlocking based on the facial recognition, and to execute, simultaneously with the unlocking, a function corresponding to the selected function icon.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for securing a computing device. One security device includes a processor, memory and a connector. The memory includes a computer program that, when executed by the processor, performs a method. The method includes operations for detecting that the connector is coupled to a second computing device, and for determining a user associated with the security computing device. In addition, the method includes operations for receiving periodic images from an image capture device coupled to the second computing device, and for performing continuous authentication operations to validate an identification of the user based on the periodic images. The user is disabled from using the second computing device after an authentication operation fails.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to restrict the delivery of video, audio, and/or data to unauthorized end users in a satellite communications system. The satellite communications system includes one or more satellite receiving antennas, commonly referred to as a satellite dish, to receive downlink communications signals from one or more satellites. The transmission received by the one or more satellite receiving antennas is converted by an outdoor unit (ODU) for transmission to one or more indoor units (IDUs). The ODU receives control information from one or more satellites from the downlink communications signals, commonly referred to as in-band, and/or from out-of-band communications signals. The ODU may use the control information to restrict access to one or more communications channels embedded within the downlink communications signals to the unauthorized end users.

Abstract: Techniques described herein automatically identify, in a multimedia content, an advertiser from which an advertisement in the multimedia content originates and/or a brand to which the advertisement pertains. The system determines whether the identified advertiser and/or identified brand is specified in a not to be displayed list and if so, performs at least one of: presents alternative content during the time interval that the advertisement occupies in the multimedia content or skips over the advertisement in the multimedia content.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for delivering broadband video data to an end user device comprising transmitting broadband video data via a radio frequency transmitter to a home radio frequency receiver located at a residential power transformer providing electrical power to a home; coupling the broadband video data from the home radio frequency receiver to a first modem onto a copper power line electrically coupled to the residential power transformer; receiving the broadband data on a second modem from the copper power line; and sending from the second modem, different portions of the broadband data to each of a plurality of end user devices in the home. A system and computer program for performing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: While a multimedia device is fast-forwarding content, the multimedia device reads “jump back” tags expressed in or derived from a closed-caption stream. When the multimedia device detects the presence of a “jump back” tag while fast-forwarding, the multimedia device enters a special state. While in this special state, if the multimedia device detects that the user has instructed the multimedia device to stop fast-forwarding, the multimedia device locates a specified temporal location in a recorded commercial break. This specified temporal location may be specified by the particular tag, for example. The multimedia device stops performing whatever activity in which the multimedia device was engaged, “jumps back” to the specified temporal location in the recorded commercial break, and resumes playing the recorded content stream at normal speed from the specified temporal location.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for placeshifting data. An exemplary method of placeshifting a media program from a first device to a second device involves receiving, by a server on a network, from the second device, a request for a placeshifting session over the network with the first device, identifying, by the server, recommended communications configuration information for the placeshifting session, and providing, by the server, the recommended communications configuration information to one of the second device and the first device in response to the request.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling delivery of media content are provided herein. In some embodiments a method for enabling delivery of media content, comprises receiving a first message from a user device associated with a first subscriber of a telephony service provider to establish a real time communication session with a content service, wherein the first message includes a first subscriber identifier and information identifying the content to be streamed, determining that the first subscriber is authorized to access the content, and sending a second message directed to a second subscriber identifier associated with the content service to establish the real time communication session between the user device and the content service, wherein the real time communication session is established to begin streaming the content.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving data from a data source and converting the data, in approximately real time, into digital data packets, wherein the data packets have a common format. The method further comprises filtering the data packets using a user-defined metadata schema and storing the filtered data packets into a data storage medium.

Abstract: A method for downloading multimedia contents is disclosed. The multimedia contents exists in at least two versions. Each of the versions corresponds to a different required transmission bit rate and each of the versions is temporally divided into chunks corresponding to a determined duration, one chunk being identified by an item of information representative of a temporal position i and by an item of information representative of a version j. A content receiver implementing this method is also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to fragmenting content based on metadata are disclosed. In one embodiment, metadata is obtained from data that is accessible from an interface. A content descriptor, based on at least a portion of the metadata, may be utilized to determine fragment size. The content descriptor value may be derived from multiple forms of metadata, such as for example, genre, sub-genre, presence of live media, and combinations thereof. The fragments may be either virtual or physically discrete segments or files. In one aspect, the value may be the sole basis for determining the fragment lengths. In another aspect of the embodiment, the division of the content is conducted such that each resultant fragment comprises a single frame type.

Abstract: Delegating authorizations sufficient to access services is contemplate. The authorization may be delegated in the form of a token or other transmissible construct relied upon to authenticate access to services, such as but not necessarily limited to conferring a user identity established via authenticated device for the purposes of enabling an unauthenticated or unsecured device to access a service associated with the user identity.

Abstract: An ecommerce platform, available via an interactive electronic resource, allows a user to purchase products and services from the resource, receive promotional-valued credits in return for the purchase, and play games to earn additional promotional-valued credits. The user can purchase products and services at the electronic resource with either or both of a government-issued legal tender, such as the U.S. dollar, or a virtual currency used by the electronic resource, such as the promotional-valued credits. In embodiments of the invention, the user is guaranteed that an amount of legal tender (e.g., the U.S. dollar) paid-in to the ecommerce platform is the same as or less than a fair market value of the products or services purchased via the ecommerce platform.

Abstract: A framework supporting content delivery includes a plurality of devices, each device configured to run at least one content delivery (CD) service of a plurality of CD services. The plurality of CD services include services supporting content delivery.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking events associated with use of video content are disclosed. A method collects events associated with use of video content at a computing device. In response to determining that a tracking interval has elapsed, the method optimizes the collected events by grouping similar events together, serializes the optimized events by structuring the optimized events in a defined format, and creates a tracking call to send the serialized events to a remote computing device. A system determines setup parameters for tracking collection on a client computing device, the setup parameters comprising an error tracking parameter, and setup check and tracking intervals. The system periodically receives serialized event data from a client device in accordance with the tracking interval, the event data having been collected in response to occurrences of tracked events associated with use of video content at the client device, the video content including an advertisement.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method of recipient specific lists for distribution of media content. The method comprises obtaining at least one unique identifier (UID), wherein the at least one UID identifies a content, and wherein the at least one UID identifies a recipient location and presentation data, generating a recipient specific list (RSL) using the at least one UID, wherein the RSL includes at least one content identifier, and wherein the RSL includes at least one recipient identifier, and transmitting the RSL to an encoded content transport stream creator for creation of an encoded content transport stream. The at least one recipient identifier may correspond to a broadcast affiliate television recipient or a multichannel video programming distributor. Additionally, the RSL may contain primary content, such as television programs, movies, commercials, and promotional programming, as well as secondary content, such as content overlays, program schedules, and triggers.

Abstract: A framework supporting content delivery includes a plurality of devices, each device configured to run at least one content delivery (CD) service of a plurality of CD services. The plurality of CD services include services supporting content delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system, a transmission device, a reception device, a communication method, a program, and a communication cable, whereby high-speed communication can be executed while maintaining compatibility. In the event that an HDMI® source 71 and an HDMI® sink 72 execute two-way IP communication using a CEC line 84 and a signal line 141, a switching control unit 121 controls a switch 133 to select a partial signal making up the differential signal from a conversion unit 131 at the time of transmitting data, and controls the switch 133 to select a partial signal making up a differential signal from a receiver 82 at the time of transmitting data, and in the case of executing two-way communication using the CEC line 84 alone, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 to select the CEC signal from the HDMI® source 71 or receiver 82 with the switch 133. The present invention may be applied to HDMI®, for example.

Abstract: A framework supporting content delivery includes a plurality of devices, each device configured to run at least one content delivery (CD) service of a plurality of CD services. The plurality of CD services include services supporting content delivery.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for encouraging particular behavior or performing particular actions based on biometric data of a user. Specifically, by granting and restricting access to media and other user devices based on whether or not a user is conforming to a biometric state, a media guidance application may encourage a user to maintain or achieve the desired biometric state.

Abstract: While a multimedia device is fast-forwarding content, the multimedia device reads “jump back” tags expressed in or derived from a closed-caption stream. When the multimedia device detects the presence of a “jump back” tag while fast-forwarding, the multimedia device enters a special state. While in this special state, if the multimedia device detects that the user has instructed the multimedia device to stop fast-forwarding, the multimedia device locates a specified temporal location in a recorded commercial break. This specified temporal location may be specified by the particular tag, for example. The multimedia device stops performing whatever activity in which the multimedia device was engaged, “jumps back” to the specified temporal location in the recorded commercial break, and resumes playing the recorded content stream at normal speed from the specified temporal location.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for viewing visual content and accompanying methods are provided. Devices include a digital video connector, a power supply and a computing unit which can have software components which are preprogrammed for connecting with a remote server without user interaction to provide visual content. Methods include connecting to a network, connecting to the remote server, receiving visual content from the remote server and displaying that content on a display. The content can be manipulated locally or from a remote site and can be updated continually.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, determining that a communication device is outside of a restricted viewing area associated with media content and transmitting the media content for presentation at the communication device responsive to that determination. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a video display device and a method of operating the same. The video display device request content recognition configuration information to a third party server that is not dependent on any single channel, and receives the content recognition configuration information from the third party server. The video display device extracts a plurality of content recognition configuration information items from the content recognition configuration information and configures the plurality of content recognition configuration information item in the video display device. The video display device obtains contents information of uncompressed content on the basis of the plurality of content recognition configuration information item, obtains an application on the basis of the content information, and executes the application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system, a transmission device, a reception device, a communication method, a program, and a communication cable, whereby high-speed communication can be executed while maintaining compatibility. In the event that an HDMI (R) source 71 and an HDMI (R) sink 72 execute two-way IP communication using a CEC line 84 and a signal line 141, a switching control unit 121 controls a switch 133 to select a partial signal making up the differential signal from a conversion unit 131 at the time of transmitting data, and controls the switch 133 to select a partial signal making up a differential signal from a receiver at the time of transmitting data, and in the case of executing two-way communication using the CEC line 84 alone, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 to select the CEC signal from the HDMI (R) source 71 or receiver 82 with the switch 133. The present invention may be applied to HDMI (R), for example.

Abstract: Methods and systems are also described herein for a media guidance application that generates for display content associated with preventing a user from terminating a service based on whether or not the user has purchased a particular number of media assets that are available only through the service. For example, in response to determining that a user, currently subscribed to a first service, has purchased a threshold number of media assets from the first service, the media guidance application may determine that it is unlikely that the user will terminate the use of the first service.

Abstract: A method provides end-to-end security for transport of a profile to a target device (e.g., a mobile computing device) over at least one communications network that includes a plurality of nodes. In accordance with the method, the profile is encrypted for transport between the target device and an initial node of the network through which the profile is transported. The encryption is an end-to-end inner layer encryption performed prior to hop-to-hop encryption. The encrypting uses a public key of a public, private key pair. The private key is derivable from a seed securely provisioned in the target device using a public key algorithm. The encrypted profile is transmitted over the communications network to the target device.

Abstract: A method for allowing user selection of interactive video software components in a television STB operatively coupled to a video content network includes the steps of: affording the user a selection of interactive video software components to run on the set-top box; and loading selected interactive video software components onto the set-top box. The selected interactive video software components are delivered from a remote node over the video content network to which the STB is coupled.

Abstract: A system (100) for providing access control and usage monitoring of a plurality of electronic devices or applications (110a-h) enables efficient access control.

Abstract: A method for transmitting signaling information in a digital broadcasting system is provided. The method includes generating the signaling information for reception of a broadcast service, and transmitting the signaling information using at least one of a first transmission scheme and a second transmission scheme, which are different from each other in access time to a broadcast channel.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing apparatus capable of using an application seamlessly executable across channels of different broadcast stations. [Solving Means] Identification information “common” that is common to all business operators can be set as an organization ID for specifying a business operator providing an application. In addition, when the common identification information “common” is set as an organization ID of an acquired XML-AIT, an application controller (508) does not judge that an activation of an application corresponding to the XML-AIT is unpermitted based on the organization ID. Accordingly, it becomes possible to use an application seamlessly executable across channels of different broadcast stations, such as an application for a rating survey.

Abstract: An electronic content guide is disclosed. The electronic content guide preferably includes a source field for listing content sources and output devices. The electronic content guide also includes a first content field for listing schedule data corresponding to first content data presently available for viewing from each one of the content sources and for listing display information corresponding to the first content data being displayed for viewing at a present time by each one of the output devices. Preferably, the source field and the first content field are displayable in parallel columns. The electronic content guide can also include a second content field, displayable in a column parallel to the source field and the first content field, corresponding to a second content data. In one embodiment, the first content data from each content source can be displayed simultaneously on more than one of the output devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system, a transmission device, a reception device, a communication method, a program, and a communication cable, whereby high-speed communication can be executed while maintaining compatibility. In the event that an HDMI® source 71 and an HDMI® sink 72 execute two-way IP communication using a CEC line 84 and a signal line 141, a switching control unit 121 controls a switch 133 to select a partial signal making up the differential signal from a conversion unit 131 at the time of transmitting data, and controls the switch 133 to select a partial signal making up a differential signal from a receiver 82 at the time of transmitting data, and in the case of executing two-way communication using the CEC line 84 alone, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 to select the CEC signal from the HDMI® source 71 or receiver 82 with the switch 133. The present invention may be applied to HDMI®, for example.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for placeshifting data. An exemplary method of placeshifting a media program from a first device to a second device involves receiving, by a server on a network, from the second device, a request for a placeshifting session over the network with the first device, identifying, by the server, recommended communications configuration information for the placeshifting session, and providing, by the server, the recommended communications configuration information to one of the second device and the first device in response to the request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring electronic devices is provided. The method includes collecting, at a device management apparatus, user information regarding a user within a predetermined area; and controlling access to an electronic device based on the user information.