Abstract: A first application executes on one or more computing systems to generate a series of original frame pixel data sets for rendering of graphical images associated with the first application execution. A second application executes on one or more computing systems to detect one or more key graphical images present in the series of original frame pixel data sets. Upon detection of the one or more key graphical images, the second application directs replacement of a portion of pixel data in the series of original frame pixel data sets with substitute pixel data so as to generate a series of modified frame pixel data sets for encoding in lieu of the series of original frame pixel data sets.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a monitored display monitors data to be output from a monitored display. The monitored data is analyzed to generate one or more content identifiers. The content identifiers are compared to a set of rules to determine if the monitored data should be blocked from being output or if an alert should be transmitted to a supervisor device. One or more supervisor devices may be used to respond to alerts and may also be used to control the output of the monitored display.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example transmitting, by a system comprising a processor, via a first emergency media channel a first video stream comprising first evacuation routing information for a first evacuation group responsive to receiving a notification of an emergency event, instructing, by the system, a first media processor device to select the first emergency media channel while disabling selection of other media channels according to the first evacuation routing information, where the content of the emergency media channel is presented at a display device by way of the first media processor device, and enabling, by the system, the first media processor device to select the other media channels responsive to receiving user input acknowledging the emergency media channel. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern selectively accepting or rejecting content based on ratings identifier information included in the content. Example apparatus and methods facilitate identifying a content fragment (e.g., f-MP4 fragment) to be rejected based on an identifier located in the fragment rather than information located in some external source (e,g., Event Information Table (EIT)). One example method includes identifying a fragment based on a ratings identifier encoded as a universally unique identifier (UUID) in the fragment and then selectively accepting or rejecting the fragment based on the rating. Rather than rely only on a predicted start time, a predicted end time, a predicted source, and a pre determined coarse-grained rating, example apparatus and methods may be better prepared to account for unanticipated start times, ending times, schedule changes, and source changes, and may provide finer grained user control based on ratings carried in content.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a broadcast transmitter includes: a viewer information memory configured to store viewer information regarding a viewer who signs up for a subscription; a generator configured to generate individual information regarding a conditional access of a content including a first expiration time indicating an expiration time of the individual information and a second expiration time set independently of the first expiration time for each the viewer who signs up for the subscription based on the viewer information; and a transmitter configured to transmit a broadcast signal including the generated individual information.

Abstract: A video control system for displaying video products within a current viewing context is designed to receive, via a broadcast communication, a video product and product information for the video product. The product information includes an intended viewing context for the video product. The video control system processes the product information and filters the video product based on a comparison of the intended viewing context and the current viewing context.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing blackout support in video mosaic environments are disclosed. In response to receiving a request for a video mosaic page, screen data, which may include blackout information, is received. The screen data identifies the video assets in the video mosaic page. A determination is made, based at least in part on the screen data, whether any video assets in the video mosaic page should be blacked out. Blacked out assets may be masked and their associated audio blocked. In addition, an overlay of options associated with the blacked out asset may be presented. The overlay may include options to substitute the blacked out asset with replacement content, search for similar content, or retrieve more information about the blackout.

Abstract: A program blocking application that blocks programming for one or more possible users, based on various criteria associated with the program. A program word muting application that selectively mutes context specific words as a function of program specific criteria.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus may include a detecting unit to detect a pointing object in a captured image, and a generation unit to generate pointing information based on detection of the pointing object by the detecting unit. The pointing information may indicate a position of the pointing object determined using a pointable range set based on a user in the captured image. The apparatus may further include a communication unit to transmit the pointing information to an external apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically changing channels. A user selection of a channel and a time associated with media content is received. The current time is determined. A display is powered on in response to determining the display is off. A display is automatically changed to the channel in response to the current time matching the selected time. The media content received through the channel is displayed.

Abstract: A global speech user interface (GSUI) comprises an input system to receive a user's spoken command, a feedback system along with a set of feedback overlays to give the user information on the progress of his spoken requests, a set of visual cues on the television screen to help the user understand what he can say, a help system, and a model for navigation among applications. The interface is extensible to make it easy to add new applications.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer (P2P) application which can be applied to TVs. The P2P application promotes a social networking aspect by allowing devices connecting to either the home mesh network and/or Internet to share contents and create common-interest channels. The P2P application does not require support from network infrastructure (e.g., no central servers), and consequently is extremely cost-effective and easy to deploy. The distributed nature of this system allows users to join or leave the network at will. It takes advantage of the local home mesh network connectivity, or existing Internet connections. A participant that tunes into a broadcast on an Internet channel is not only downloading a video stream, but also uploading it to other participants watching the program. Data mining systems capture user preferences and create personalized Internet channels on the TV using the P2P network.

Abstract: A content control system includes: a pattern module configured to determine a filter pattern on a display content; a decision module, coupled to the pattern module, configured to generate an alteration decision based on the filter pattern failing to meet a community standard; and a replacement module, coupled to the decision module, configured to generate a replacement content based on the alteration decision for displaying on a device.

Abstract: A method of verifying a blackout event is disclosed that includes receiving blackout event data from an event log database of a video distribution platform at a subscriber event transmission interface (SETI) communicating with an electronic data warehouse (EDW) system. The method also includes creating at least one EDW load-ready file that includes at least a portion of the blackout event data.

Abstract: A content supply system and a content supply method thereof, and a display device and a control method thereof which supplies content to the display apparatus, are disclosed. A content supply system, including a user terminal which is used to purchase content; a content supply server which stores therein purchase description information of the first content purchased through the user terminal, and supplies second content based on the purchase description information of the purchased first content; and a display device which transmits usage authorization information to the content supply server corresponding to the purchase description information of the purchased first content, and receives the second content from the content supply server. The present invention supplies content which is purchased by a user through a user terminal and enables a user to use the content without double payment for the content.

Abstract: A method can include initiating a video request via an application operating on a smart device. The method can also include transmitting the video request to a service provider from the smart device via a network to enable transmission of configuration information to a one-way set-top box and to enable transmission of video content corresponding to media content associated with the video request to the one-way set-top box based on the configuration information.

Abstract: An interactive program guide system is provided. The system facilitates recording of programs selected from the program guide. The system handles the recording and viewing of pay programs, parentally-controlled programs, consecutive programs on different television channels, and programs with and without copy protection. Programs may be recorded using combination television videocassette recorder (TV/VCR) units.

Abstract: A television provider receives content from a plurality of users. The user generated content is aggregated and scheduled for broadcast across a channel of the television provider. The user generated content is then broadcast at the scheduled time for reception by communication devices associated with the television provider.

Abstract: A multimedia server receives a plurality of programs of a multimedia source. The multimedia server includes a tuning module to receive the plurality of programs and to select a set of programs from the plurality of programs based on a set of program select commands that is derived from select requests. A program mixer mixes the set of programs into a stream of program data. One or more transceiving modules transmit the stream of program data on to corresponding communication paths and receive the select requests. A client module produces the select requests for one or more clients. The client module includes a selection module to produce at least one of the select requests. A network interface controller transmits at least one of select requests to the multimedia server and receives the stream of program data via the communication path or paths in response.

Abstract: A system includes a server in communication with a first set top box and a second set top box. The server receives a request from the first set top box to access an available tuner of the second set top box, accesses account information associated with the first set top box, and commands the second set top box to stream content from the available tuner to the first set top box according to the account information. A method includes identifying available tuners of set top boxes assigned to different customers, receiving a request from a first set top box to access an available tuner of a second set top box, accessing account information associated with the first set top box, and commanding the second set top box to stream content to the first set top box according to the account information of the first set top box.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A first network device is configured to receive a first request for a first secret key, generate the first secret key, and send the first secret key to a second network device and a first user device; and is also configured to receive a second request for a second secret key, generate the second secret key, and send the second secret key to a third network device and a second user device. The second network device and the first user device may mutually authenticate each other using the first secret key. The third network device and the second user device may mutually authenticate each other using second secret key.

Abstract: A digital parental controls system and interface that limits media content from being viewed by using a rated numerical value system. Users will be able to block specific offensive content such as nudity without blocking specific content such as violence. This media system will simultaneously work with movies, music and video games.

Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing media content are provided. Sets of permitted media content and/or channels that have been screened in advance by parents are created. Content suggestions may also be made. In response to media set creation and activation, permitted programming in the media set may be tuned and presented to a viewer, while access to other media content is restricted.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a service delivery platform from a first video source, a control stream associated with primary media content delivered via a video distribution network, where the control stream includes conditional access information associated with a second video source, wherein the conditional access information of the control stream indicates a restriction of the primary media content. The method also includes creating a substitution table, at the service delivery platform, based on the conditional access information including an indication of a geographic area, where the substitution table correlates the primary media content with substitute media content of the second video source, and when the restriction prevents access to the primary media content, the substitute media content is provided via the video distribution network. The method further includes sending the substitution table to the second video source.

Abstract: The concept of profiling the STB (01) through the Smart Cards (02) as per the service provider specific requirements makes towards interoperability. Smart cards (02) are embedded with greater operator specific intelligence. The scheme used in the present invention mainly focuses on downloading of profiling data from smart card (02) to the STB (01) and pushing CAS implementation fully from STB to Smart card (02).

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may perform, for example, generating parental control information for each of a plurality of users according to options selected from a plurality of media program tags retrieved from a library, detecting a first user of the plurality of users according to biometric information of the first user, identifying the parental control information associated with the first user, tuning to a first media channel responsive to receiving a first request, receiving in the first media channel a first media program tag associated with a first media program, and enabling presentation of the first media program at a presentation device responsive to detecting from the parental control information associated with the first user that the first media program tag is included in a first list of unrestricted media program presentations. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a user device, video content, and providing, on an interface of the user device, a video censor toggle that is configured to provide video censoring components based on an input received from a user. The video censoring components are to substantially obscure the video content in a manner that a person without previous context of the video content will be unable to determine activities depicted in the video content. The method includes receiving a selection of the video censor toggle from the user at a particular time. The method also includes substantially obscuring the objectionable video content using the video censoring components based on the selection at the video censor toggle.

Abstract: Methods for providing content session information using a content manager, streaming server, and one or more watermarking devices are disclosed. A content asset is also disclosed. The content asset may include content. In addition, the content asset may include a content data field having forensic watermark information, e.g. session or identifying information. In one aspect, the content asset is compressed and the compressed content asset has one or more pre-processed candidate watermark locations. In this aspect, the forensic watermark information may be extracted, e.g. by a watermarking device, from the content data field and included in the one or more pre-processed candidate watermark locations.

Abstract: A method for providing parental control via a playlist is disclosed. A playlist is received from a control server. One or more channel change control messages are sent to a client in accordance with a playlist. The one or more channel change control messages include tuning information for tuning to one or more programs or channels at times indicated in the playlist. An apparatus for providing parental control via a playlist is disclosed. The apparatus may be a content delivery system headend. The content delivery system headend system may have a Switched Digital Video (SDV) manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscribers over an access network. The headend may have an input for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions.

Abstract: Venue-based data including video from cameras located at a sports venue can be provided to hand held devices authorized by at least one casino. A casino patron's hand held device can enable to view sporting events provided to a hand held device from a server and placement of wagers with the server. Venue-based data including video and statistics are received from server including camera views captured as video by at least one camera located within at least one sports venue. Venue-based data is processed at server for display on a display associated with at least one hand held device operating within a casino. Venue-based data is displayed on hand held devices, enabling casino patrons to view event video. Portable devices can be authorized only when moving about a casino. Casino patrons can also gamble using said hand held device while viewing selected sporting events within the casino.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a system comprising a television decoding unit and a plurality of access modules, said access modules comprising wireless communication means with the television decoding unit, a memory comprising an identification of said module, said television decoding unit comprising means for detecting the presence and to receive the identification of an access module, means to apply a filter on events displayed on the television unit, said filter being defined with pre-defined filter category attached to the identification, and means to record the events consumption while the access module is detected by the television unit.

Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Personalized access controls associated with digital media are provided. The system records access controls associated with specific digital media assets in a digital library and creates policy decisions regarding use of the asset based on these settings. Data management for the access controls is also specified, including on an individual and group basis.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer-readable medium providing licensing rights for media content that follows a subscriber so that the subscriber may experience the media content on various content distribution platforms. In particular embodiments, the systems, methods, and computer-readable medium transfer licensing rights for a user for particular media content that is associated with a first device on a first distribution platform so that the rights are associated with a second device on a second distribution platform. As a result, in various embodiments, the user is able to experience the particular media content with the use of the second device on the second distribution platform.

Abstract: A parental control system provides the ability to automatically filter a multimedia program content in real time based on stock and user specified criteria. The criteria are used to teach a learning module in the system what types of video program segments are to be considered sensitive or objectionable so that the module's understanding of what is sensitive and what is not can be applied to other video programs to provide real-time filtering. The multimedia program is broken down into audio, video, and transcript components so that sound effects, visual components and objects, and language can all be analyzed collectively to make a determination of whether offending material is being passed along in the multimedia program. The user has the option of training the system for any type of objectionable material, not just sex and violence.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the transmission of data between a client device and a remote device over a wireless telephone network. More particularly, data from a client device is modulated into an audio signal and transmitted to a wireless telephone. The wireless telephone receives the audio signal and places a phone call to a remote device over a wireless telephone network. During the phone call, the wireless telephone transmits the audio signal across a voice channel of the wireless telephone network to the remote device. The remote device receives and decodes the audio signal to extract the transmitted data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically delivering data files (e.g. television and movies) via a personalized channel to a user, that are based on a user's profile and viewing habits, are provided. A client receives meta-data broadcasts from a server system that includes descriptions of a plurality of data files currently being broadcasted or to be broadcast by the server system. In response to a content rating table that is based on a user's profile and viewing habits, a data file is automatically selected. The selected data file is displayed on a personalized channel on a display device to the user. The selected data file can be, for example, a currently broadcasting data file or a data file stored in a cache memory of the client. Thus, the user only needs to tune to his or her personalized channel to view personalized content.

Abstract: A video display apparatus which receives digital broadcasts transmitting program information for each program, includes a first setting unit configured to set first criteria for permitting viewing of the program, a second setting unit configured to set second criteria for blocking viewing of the program, and a control unit configured to compare the first criteria set by the first setting unit with the program information, compare the second criteria set by the second setting unit with the program information if the program has program information which matches the first criteria, and permit viewing of the program if the program has program information which does not match the second criteria.

Abstract: In an exemplary method, a computer-implemented media service system provides a graphical user interface view associated with a first functional area of the media service for display on a display screen, detects a peek request input while the graphical user interface view is displayed, and provides, in response to the peek request input and for display with the graphical user interface view, an activity indicator indicating a tracked activity associated with the second functional area of the media service. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: A program blocking application that blocks programming for one or more possible users, based on various criteria associated with the program. A program word muting application that selectively mutes context specific words as a function of program specific criteria.

Abstract: System and method for managing distribution of content such as television programs to portable multi-media devices which are capable of using such content and communicating includes a broadcast management system arranged to manage delivery of content from content sources to the devices, an account management system arranged to manage requests for use of the content from the devices and manage communications to and from the devices, and a processor coupled to the account management system and arranged to analyze requests to use content relative to information about users of the devices in order to determine whether use of the content by the users can be sponsored. If so, an advertisement is delivered to that user's device and the device presents the advertisement to the user as a condition for use of the content.

Abstract: A device is enabled to display Internet TV by accessing a management server and receiving back from the server a use token and a service list of predefined content servers. A user can select a content server on the service list which causes the device to upload its user token to the management server, which in turn sends back the network path to the content server along with a content server-user-unique service token (SUIT) that the device uses to access the content on the content server, in some embodiments on per-title PPV access, per-content category PPV access, or per-service PPV access.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of transmitting video data to a display panel. The apparatus includes a managing unit configured to manage history information on a program transmitted to individual display panels in association with display panel information, a first determination unit configured to determine whether the program transmitted to the display panels is a restricted program that requires authentication information, a second determination unit configured, if the program is determined to be the restricted program, to determine, using the history information, whether the display panel is a display panel that displayed the restricted program in the past, and a control unit configured to transmit video data of the restricted program to the display panel if the display panel displayed the restricted program in the past.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an identifier in a piece of media content that can be used to reference ratings information from another location, such as from a ratings repository. When the media content is accessed by a viewing client, the identifier can be retrieved from the piece of media content and used to retrieve a rating from a ratings repository. A rating may also be included in the media content itself to ensure that at least one rating is available even if accessing a rating from the remote repository is not possible, for example, due to lack of network connectivity. The viewing client can use a rating to control use of the media content. One embodiment allows a user on a client device such as a computer or television consumption device to set rating controls that restrict the media content that can be played at the device.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus of a playable music library building in a streaming media environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a server device includes, creatin a streamable playlist associated with a user, determining that the streamable playlist is associated with an artist, and determining that a central database includes new tracks of the artist, automatically adding the new tracks to the streamable playlist without charging a consideration to the user. The method may include communicating an alert message to the user when the new tracks may be added to the streamable playlist. The method may create a category playlist associated with the user based on a category of a media content. The method may include determining that the central database may include additional tracks in the category. The method may request that the user to add the additional tracks in the category playlist.

Abstract: A system and method of providing access to content of an interrupted digital broadcast is disclosed. A digital broadcast connection is established between a digital broadcast provider and at least one receiver. The digital broadcast connection is monitored and upon detecting an interruption in the digital broadcast connection, content of the interrupted digital broadcast signal is stored. A message is sent to the at least one receiver to indicate that the content of the interrupted digital broadcast signal is available.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining viewership information are provided. A method of determining viewership information includes determining viewership information from multicast routing table data associated with one or more edge routers of a media content delivery service. Each edge router of the one or more edge routers is adapted to transmit media content streams to multiple devices via a first network. The method also includes sending data related to the viewership information to a requesting device via a second network.

Abstract: A technique for controlling a play-out of a media data stream at a receiving device is provided. The media data stream comprises one or more programs, and each program comprises one or more program components. In a method implementation of the technique, a zone description is defined. The zone description is defined for a media zone for at least one program or at least one program component in the media stream and identifies the media zone for the at least one program or the at least one program component. In a next step, the zone description is associated to a program specific information data segment. The program specific information data segment is part of the media stream and comprises data specifying information at least regarding to the at least one program or at least one program component. The method also comprises transmitting the media data stream towards the receiving device.

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