Abstract: A method and a role-agnostic interaction management system (IMS) dynamically embedded into an editing application define codified decision rules (CDRs) associated with actions and inductively sequence a workflow(s) in a workflow-embedded content entity. The IMS automatically generates a satellite content entity (SCE) carrying an inductive action condition (IAC) for each allocation of a master content entity (MCE) to one or more participants for inducing the workflow sequence(s). Using the CDRs, the IMS dynamically generates a permission set for each SCE, and comments and regions within the SCE. The IMS contextually anonymizes the participants invoked to act on each SCE based on an anonymity requirement. The IMS tracks and maps actions performed along an interaction path of each SCE, while transmitting and executing the permission set, until each SCE reaches an intended closure and the comments reach a resolution to generate one or more re-deployable workflow sequences from the MCE.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for controlling access from a first content platform to content items available on a second content platform to which a user will temporarily have access in the near future. The first content platform identifies a period of time during which the user will have access to the second content platform and determines an access duration of the period of time. The first content platform retrieves a plurality of content identifiers of content items that will be available on the second content platform during the period of time. Upon receiving selection of a content identifier, the first content platform determines a duration of the content item corresponding to the selected content identifier and generates for display the content item. The first content platform then reduces the access duration by an amount of time equal to the duration of the content item.

Abstract: Provided are a method for processing streaming media data and a terminal. The method includes the following. Determine whether streaming media data to be downloaded satisfies a pre-download condition when the streaming media data to be downloaded is detected. Download the streaming media data to be downloaded, based on a determination that the streaming media data to be downloaded satisfies the pre-download condition. Play streaming media data downloaded in a playing environment of the streaming media data, upon detecting the playing environment.

Abstract: Techniques for distributing content to mobile computing devices, such as in the context of a vehicle-based wireless network, are described. In some examples, a collection of vehicle-mounted devices forms a cooperative wireless network to distribute content items throughout the network. The devices in the network automatically and independently vary the transmission rates in order to optimize or at least improve throughput, network connectivity, and/or range. Each device may determine a utilization level of a wireless communication channel. If the utilization level is below a threshold level, the device increases the transmission data rate of its transceiver, thereby decreasing range. If the utilization level is above a threshold level, the device decreases the transmission data rate of its transceiver, thereby increasing range.

Abstract: A display apparatus, including a display configured to display a multi-window screen image comprising a plurality of windows; and a controller configured to control the display to change an appearance of at least one window of the plurality of windows based on a setting provided by a user, and to display the at least one window using the changed appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating a synchronous display of a time-based media object (e.g., a video or audio file) with a remote device is provided. In one example, the apparatus comprises control logic for controlling the display of a media object in response to a user entered command with a first device, and communication logic for causing communication of the user entered command (e.g., play, pause, skip, etc.) and a metric (e.g., time or frame reference) associated with the media object to a second device for synchronizing the display of the media object with the first and second devices. The first and second devices may communicate via peer-to-peer communications, for example, in a collaborative or social application such as an IM application. Further, the apparatus may include various devices such as a personal computer, mobile phone device and/or mobile personal entertainment device, DVR, or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for authenticating a process. According to the method for authenticating a process, a neighboring node transmits adjacent authentication data to an execution node, the execution node authenticates a process to be executed by comparing local authentication data with the adjacent authentication data, and the execution node executes the corresponding process.

Abstract: The provisioning of media content to computing devices that might not normally have access thereto. Example types of media or media content may include advertising media, broadcast media, social media, news media, and others.

Abstract: Managing access to digital content within a particular domain, including: receiving the digital content at a first client device; decrypting the received digital content at the first client device using a first key; transcoding the digital content to another format; re-encrypting the transcoded content using a second key, wherein the second key is obtained by one of: (1) directly from a server; or (2) indirectly by deriving it locally based on information received from the server; and transmitting the re-encrypted content to a second client device, wherein the second client device obtains the second key and decrypts the re-encrypted content at the second client device.

Abstract: A media network platform is disclosed. The media network platform utilizes a computing device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions that are executed by at least one processor. Media data is retrieved from at least one data source. A plurality of media segments are created from the media data with each of the media segments being independently playable. A plurality of unique identifiers is assigned to each of the respective media segments. A request is received to transmit a media segment of the plurality of media segments for playback with the request including information about a unique identifier assigned to the media segment. The media segment is transmitted using the unique identifier. The media segment comprises a portion of a video derived from the media data and comprises any specific time interval of the video.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein relate to detecting the existence of unauthorized content in multiuser composite media stream. In particular, multiuser composite media streams can be examined and to determine if these composite streams include unauthorized content such as copyrighted content or nudity, violence, language violations where desired. The multiuser composite media stream can be partitioned into sections associated with broadcasting users and the portions can be analyzed independently. A notification can be provided to, e.g., the broadcasting user responsible for the unauthorized content in response to detection of the unauthorized content.

Abstract: A method to bind the use of a digital audio/video service data receiver to a network on which at least one services provider broadcasts access controlled and free digital audio/video services streams, the method having the steps: receiving by the receiver a periodic signal transmitted by a conditional access system server via the network, said periodic signal being processed by a run time software embedded in the receiver to check legitimacy of the network; displaying services available on the network only if said run time software recognizes the periodic signal as indicating network legitimacy; and checking operability of the run time software and if necessary taking actions to enforce limitation of using the receiver on the network checked as legitimate. The invention further discloses a receiver bound to a specific network configured to perform the method.

Abstract: Techniques are described to provide content access. In an implementation, a determination is made at a client that a high-definition channel has content that matches content provided by a standard-definition channel. Access is provided to the content via the high-definition channel and access is restricted to the content via the standard-definition channel up the client is capable of outputting the content and high definition.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for panoptic visualization of an illustrated parts catalog (IPC). The system includes a layout engine configured to generate a layout of pages of an IPC for a complex system, panoptically arranged in a manner that reflects logical relationships between the pages, which may in turn reflect relationships between the elements of the complex system. These logical relationships may be established by links between pages, which may be identified by information provided in associated metadata for the pages. This type of arrangement may enable a user to see the content in a single view, and in an arrangement that facilitates a better understanding of the relationships between the pages and elements they depict, which may be otherwise technically complex. This may in turn ease the difficulty and time required to search and/or navigate even the most massive amounts of information contained in some IPCs.

Abstract: A method for assessing viewer interest in content and advertisements may include receiving an indication regarding a content playback mode change (e.g., a change from a skip or fast-forward mode to a pause or rewind mode) occurring during playing of a media content segment such as a television program or movie. The method then proceeds to associate the playback mode change with a sub-segment of the television program, such as an advertisement or commercial, and a level of interest of a user in the advertisement or commercial is determined based on the associated content playback mode change. An item, such as an advertisement or promotional offer can be selected to be presented to the user based on the determined level of interest of the user in the advertisement or commercial. Systems for assessing viewer interest in content and advertisements include devices and components configured to perform or enable such methods.

Abstract: While a stream device is streaming a media program from a multimedia device to a client device, the streaming device may be configured to send a first portion of the media program to the client device, where the first portion is transcoded from a first format into a second different format and adapted for a first playing mode of the client device. The streaming device may be configured to receive an indication of a user command from the client device specifying a second different playing mode of the client device. The streaming device may be configured to send a second different portion of the media program to the client device, where the second portion is transcoded from the first format to the second format and adapted for the second playing mode of the client device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, for example, a method of short range wireless peer-to-peer file sharing is provided. The method includes establishing a short range wireless communications link between a local computing device and a peer computing device and transmitting to the peer computing device over the short range wireless communications link a consolidated catalog of accessible files stored locally in the local computing device, remotely in a remote computing device, or both. The method further includes receiving from over the short range wireless communications link a request by the peer computing device to retrieve a selected one of the files. The method includes responding to a determination that the selected one of the files is stored remotely in the remote computing device by facilitating the retrieval by the peer computing device of the selected one of the files from the remote computing device for delivery to the peer computing device.

Abstract: Security protocols for mobile operator networks are described. In embodiments, mobile communication link is established between a mobile phone and a media content provider via a communication service provider with which the mobile phone is registered for mobile communications, and via at least one roaming node network with which the communication service provider has a roaming service agreement. The media content provider receives a security policy request from the mobile phone to establish a security policy for end-to-end security of the mobile communication link between the media content provider and the mobile phone for data communication security. The media content provider then communicates a security policy response to the mobile phone to establish the security policy for the end-to-end security of the mobile communication link that is adaptable to security restrictions of the roaming node network.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and manufacture for content protection using authentication data. A client media player is employed to determine whether media content is protected. The client media player includes an application, and further includes a media engine that is a distinct program from the application. Upon determining that the media content is protected, the application is employed to get a key and/or a license for the protected media content such that authentication data is employed to authorize the client. The authentication data includes at least one of a software token or a cookie. The application is employed to instruct the media engine to play the media content. The key and/or the license is sent from the application to the media engine.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for controlling a presentation of media content are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, methods for controlling a presentation of media content, the methods comprising: causing the presentation of the media content to begin; measuring an elapsed time of the presentation of the media content; determining a first threshold based on at least one of: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a current point in time; and a characteristic of the media content; determining if the elapsed time of the presentation has met the first threshold; and ending the presentation in response to determining that the elapsed time of the presentation has met the first threshold.

Abstract: Video content is identified by a source component via a processor from a plurality of media sources. The media sources can comprise a wireless broadcast media channel, a web site, a web data feed, and/or a wired broadcast channel for communication via a personalized video channel. A profile component can determine user profile data that includes user preferences associated with a first client device for the video content and the plurality of media sources. A control component can generate a set of viewing controls associated with the user profile data that control transmission of the video content via the personalized video channel. A streaming component is configured to communicate the set of predicted video content from the plurality of media sources to a mobile component via the personalized video channel based on the set of viewing controls and the user profile data.

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: A method and system of providing conditional access to encrypted content includes receiving unsolicited multiply encrypted video content and first decryption data over a broadcast network. Partially decrypted video content is obtained by decrypting a first layer of encryption of the encrypted video content using the first decryption data. The partially decrypted video content is stored. A request for viewing the encrypted video content is transmitted and second decryption data is received. A second layer of encryption of the encrypted video content is decrypted using the second decryption data.

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: A method, system and apparatus for applying and synchronizing filter information with a multimedia presentation, such as a movie provided in a video-on-demand context, to suppress objectionable content. In one example, filter information, which includes an indicia of a portion of the multimedia presentation including objectionable content and a type of suppression action, is provided on either a set-top-box or a video-on-demand server. A user selects a particular video-on-demand presentation, and the selection is transmitted to the set-top-box. Filtering may take place at the set-top-box side such that the complete video-on-demand movie is transmitted to the set-top box and then content suppression, such as skipping, muting, cropping, and blurring, takes place at the set-top-box. Alternatively, some or all suppression may take place at the server such that some or all of the objectionable content is not transmitted to the set-top-box.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable media are disclosed for presenting a simultaneous multimedia experience to a plurality of computing devices, each at different locations. The method involves coordinating a simultaneous presentation of multimedia content to a plurality of computing devices, receiving a control signal from a computer of one of the plurality of computing devices to control the presentation of multimedia content, and broadcasting the control assigned to each of the plurality of computing devices such that a control event substantially simultaneously occurs in the presentation of a multimedia content at each of the plurality of computing devices.

Abstract: A method of recommending media content for a media playing system includes identifying a user in a viewing area; determining whether personal information of the user is stored in a database; and generating information related to a first media content recommendation according to the personal information when the personal information of the user is stored in the database.

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 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: 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: 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 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: According to one embodiment, a first displaying device comprises an acquisition module, a display controller and a game time controller. The acquisition module is configured to obtain information related to a first terminal from a second displaying device. The first terminal of the second displaying device is coupled to a game device while a second terminal of the second displaying device is coupled to a network. The display controller is configured to display the information to indicate whether the first terminal is being coupled to the game device or not. The game time controller is configured to measure a time for which the first terminal is coupled to the game device, based on the information obtained by the acquisition module, and to prompt the second displaying device to exclude the connection between the first terminal and the game device, when the measured time reaches a predetermined time set in advance.

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: 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: A Wireless Service Provider (WSP) receives a request for a video stream from a user device. The WSP determines if the video stream should have the video portion modified or removed, based upon a user's manual request or a predetermined condition being met. The modification can be removal of the video portion or the replacement of the original video portion with a lower bandwidth video portion. The modified video stream is then sent to the user device.

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: A widget running on user equipment selectively obscures portions of media content according to user and/or service provider defined criteria. Information regarding potentially objectionable content in media content may be stored in databases. Based on the information regarding potentially objectionable content and the defined criteria, the database may provide censor instructions. The instructions may be executed by the widget to obscure the potentially objectionable content in media content that is accessed by the user equipment.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a server device, a request to generate an entitlement identifier (ID) associated with a customer transaction. The method also includes determining a customer ID, a video content ID, and a time window associated with the customer transaction. The method includes determining, by the server device, the entitlement ID based on the customer ID, video content ID, and the time window. The method also includes providing the entitlement ID to a user device associated with the customer. The user device is configurable to receive access to video content based on the entitlement ID.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive content, an acquiring unit configured to acquire a time required for reproducing the content, a counter configured to count a first time including at least the required time, and a display controller configured to display the content on the display unit and terminate display of a video on the display unit after expiration of the first time.

Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the purpose of this invention is to provide an electronic device which can output information in accordance with a schedule of each person. The electronic device of the embodiments has a manager, an identifier, and a controller. The manager manages a schedule corresponding to personal identification information. The identifier identifies the personal identification information from input information. The controller controls output of schedule-related information regarding the schedule corresponding to the identified personal identification information and output of content.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the method and system according to the present invention provide a system and method for controlling access to audiovisual content such as television shows, video-on-demand services or streaming video which can be delivered by cable, satellite, wired or wireless networks, cell phones, the Internet, etc. More particularly, the present invention provides a capability to define certain criteria which can be used to restrict access to content based on combinations of various parameters including, but not limited to, time of day, day of the week, type of content, source of content, content display device, etc. These criteria may also be provided by data storage arrangements or a network, and access restrictions specified by such criteria can be associated with a plurality of display devices.

Abstract: A system for constructing seamlessly viewable multimedia content from selectably presentable multimedia content blocks includes a block definition module for facilitating creation and modification of the content blocks. The block definition module includes a media assignment submodule for associating a synchronized audio and video segment with a content block. Also included is a block linking submodule for creating seamless connections between content blocks, whereby a transition between the connected blocks occurs substantially without interruption upon viewing the multimedia content. The block definition module further includes a layer submodule for associating an interactive layer having interactive controls with the content block.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and a method of restricting harmful information thereof are provided. The mobile communication terminal includes a data judgment module which judges whether to restrict digital content by comparing content information included in a packet of the digital content with viewing restriction information; and a control unit which controls whether to display the digital content in accordance with a result of the judgment of the data judgment module. The method includes receiving digital content that is transmitted in a unit of a packet; judging whether viewing of the digital content is permitted by comparing content information included in the packet with viewing restriction information; and preventing a display of the digital content if it is judged that the viewing of the digital content is not permitted.

Abstract: A video device includes a setting unit, a recording unit, a detection unit, a timer, and a control unit. The setting unit sets a viewing allowance time of the child. The recording unit records the child's viewing habit. The detection unit detects whether a child is watching media content on the video device. The timer times a viewing time of the child's viewing habit when the child is watching media content on the video device. The control unit controls the recording to record the child's viewing habit and turns off the video device when the viewing time reaches the viewing allowance time. A method for control and monitoring a child's usage of the video device is also provided.

Abstract: An iTV user interface includes a navigable menu area through which a user can select from among a variety of services and a content display area in which formatted data associated with a selected menu service are displayed to the user. The formatted data is displayed in a rotating or ticker fashion having both a passive mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence independent of any selection operations by a television viewer, and active mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence that depends on selection operations by the television viewer. Advertisements and/or promotions may be interspersed among the content items. The navigable menu area and the content display area may be displayed to the viewer at the same time as television programming is displayed on the television.

Abstract: Video content is identified by a source component via a processor from a plurality of media sources. The media sources can comprise a wireless broadcast media channel, a web site, a web data feed, and/or a wired broadcast channel for communication via a personalized video channel. A profile component can determine user profile data that includes user preferences associated with a first client device for the video content and the plurality of media sources. A control component can generate a set of viewing controls associated with the user profile data that control transmission of the video content via the personalized video channel. A streaming component is configured to communicate the set of predicted video content from the plurality of media sources to a mobile component via the personalized video channel based on the set of viewing controls and the user profile data.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: Users of portable devices may stream video content to the portable device based on an entitlement determination that includes determining the location of the portable device. A device may receive a request to authenticate the portable device to receive the streaming video content and determine whether the portable device is in a geographic location corresponding to a customer premise of an account associated with the portable device. The video content may be streamed when the portable device is in the geographic location corresponding to the customer premise.