Abstract: This application is directed to presenting a unified user interface on a network-connected television device. The unified user interface displays media content recommendations selected and organized based on knowledge of a user (e.g., search queries, search results, watch history, purchase history, physical activities). The unified user interface also includes a focus area for displaying a series of media content items (e.g., an advertisement) sequentially according to a temporal order for the purposes of promoting a media content item, product, event or service. In some implementations, playback of a media content item presented on the unified user interface relies on a collaborative implementation of a corresponding media player application and a media content casting application, particularly when the play involves a restricted mode. The content casting application is enabled to play the media content item at the restrict mode when the media player application does not operate in the restricted mode.

Abstract: Techniques are described for performing browser-driven application capture of application installations. When the browser on the client machine detects a request to begin an application capture session, it downloads an orchestrator binary from an origin server. The orchestrator is a self-extracting executable that decompresses components responsible for preparing the client machine for the application capture session. Preparing the client machine includes starting a local web server, executing a registry script to create the necessary registry state, mounting a virtual disk, and deploying an agent that will record state changes on the client machine. Once the client machine has been prepared, the application installation can begin. During the installation process, the agent intercepts state changes occurring on the client machine and redirects them to the virtual disk.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for using and generating a mini-game from a game. One example method includes detecting an instruction to generate the mini-game for the game. The instruction is configured for a starting location for the mini-game from the game. An end location for the mini-game is determined. The mini-game includes an event of the game that occurs between the starting location and the end location of the mini-game. A snapshot is generated for the mini-game to enable play of the mini-game at the starting location. The starting location of the mini-game is selectable to be at a point that is after a start of the game.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating for presentation information about an event on a device that is in a mode of operation that prevents presentation of information about events. This may be accomplished by a media guidance application that receives a command, on a user device associated with a first user, to place the user device in a do not disturb mode. The media guidance application receives, while the user device is in the do not disturb mode, information about an event and determines whether the event is relevant to the user. The media guidance application then determines whether the event is trending among a plurality of users associated with the user and, if trending, displays, while the user device is in the do not disturb mode, a notification about the event to the user on the user device.

Abstract: A starting location for the mini-game is chosen in the legacy game state. A snapshot is generated of that location. Once the snapshot is taken, trigger events are identified. Triggers corresponding to the trigger events are identified. A mini-game script is generated using the snapshot and triggers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A multiplayer game implementing a method for generating a plurality of training virtual areas; generating at least one GUI to display a list of the plurality of training virtual areas; using the at least one GUI, enabling a player to choose one of the plurality of training virtual areas, wherein said one of the plurality of training virtual areas is associated with at least one attribute; allowing the player to navigate a virtual character to said one of the plurality of training virtual areas; monitoring an activity of the virtual character in said one of the plurality of training virtual areas; determining a value of the at least one attribute based on the monitored activity; and updating a first attributes profile of the virtual character to a second attributes profile based on the determined value of the at least one attribute.

Abstract: An electronic device according to an embodiment includes: a processor, and a memory configured to be operatively connected to the processor and to store a list including a plurality of profiles respectively corresponding to members recognized as users of the electronic device, wherein the memory stores, when executed, instructions that cause the processor to: acquire a usage pattern of the electronic device; compare a first profile used for configuring the electronic device among the plurality of profiles with the usage pattern; recognize a profile change based on a result of the comparison; retrieve a second profile matching the acquired usage pattern from the list based on the recognition of the profile change; and configure the electronic device using the second profile. In addition, various other embodiments are possible.

Abstract: According to an embodiment disclosed in this specification, a display device may include an input interface, a display, a memory for storing a plurality of applications, and a processor operatively connected to the input interface, the display, and the memory. The plurality of applications may include a first application, and a first code may be set for the first application with respect to at least a first user identification (ID).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for parallel and scalable processing of messages containing telemetry data at an administrator system. The administrator system can receive a large number of messages containing telemetry data from many dispenser machines in a short amount of time. To receive and process those messages, the systems and methods of the present disclosure provide a message queuer to queue the messages (or at least the telemetry data in the messages) in a plurality of queues and a different thread or process for each of the plurality of queues. Each thread or process can pull messages out of its assigned queue in order and process the telemetry data of the messages. The threads or processes can run on one or more central processing unit cores at the administrator system. This setup allows for horizontal scaling in terms of message processing throughput.

Abstract: One or more implementations of the present specification provide a data processing method and apparatus for a blockchain member node, where the blockchain member node includes a plurality of service servers, and at least one authentication module runs on each service server; and a public key of an authentication module of the at least one authentication module is authenticated by the blockchain.

Abstract: A method is provided, including: receiving a request from a client device to initiate gameplay of a cloud video game; assigning the client device to a first data center from which to stream the gameplay of the cloud video game, and initiating transfer of user save data from a second data center to the first data center; loading the cloud video game on a cloud gaming machine at the first data center, including loading of generic save data and a first portion of the user save data; initiating interactive gameplay of the cloud video game with the generic save data and the first portion of the user save data; during the interactive gameplay, transferring a second portion of the user save data to the first data center; applying the second portion of the user save data to update the execution of the cloud video game.

Abstract: Applications executing on phones, tablets and other client devices can be designed to authenticate with network services, but reliably identifying a client device that is not previously known to the service can be difficult. A television receiver or other trusted device that is previously known to the service, however, can act as an intermediary for initially delivering the client's identifying data to the authentication service. After the authentication service has received reliable identifying information about the client from another trusted device, the service is able to directly authenticate the client device in subsequent transactions by requesting and verifying receipt of the same secret identifier.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for updating a game application during runtime of a game application. The game application is executed on a client computing device using application code that includes a function store. During runtime of the game application, a function asset is received and stored in the function store. The function asset includes either precompiled code or code written in a scripting language and includes a version identifier. To execute a particular game function of the game application, the function asset is identified from other function assets in the function store based at least in part on its version identifier, and the game function is executed using the function asset.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle information system of a vehicle, wherein an activation signal is received if a preparatory action of a user for putting the vehicle into operation is detected. Graphics data of an activation animation with a first display and a second display is generated as a function of the activation signal and is displayed in a display area. After the activation signal is received, an appearance of the first display is output, wherein the first display includes a first graphics object. A disappearance of the first display and an appearance of the second display are output. Also disclosed is a vehicle information system of a vehicle having a signal-generating unit by which a preparatory action of a user for putting the vehicle into operation is detected, and an activation signal is generated as a function of the detected preparatory action.

Abstract: An information processing method, a terminal and a server are disclosed. The method includes that: a terminal acquires a first input operation, acquires first input information and first comment information based on the first input operation, and sends the first input information and the first comment information to a server, the first input information includes first data; and if determining that a condition is met, the terminal outputs second comment information sent by the server, the second comment information is the first comment information displayed in a specific display manner.

Abstract: The disclosed technology can seamlessly integrate consumers into a broadcaster's products and may seamlessly add broadcaster products to their consumer's social sharing. This technology allows broadcasters to define rules for filtering and modifying myriad user-generated content to be suitable for seamless integration in broadcast media. A broadcaster interface allows the broadcaster to select user-generated content in real-time for use within the broadcast presentation. The technology can accomplish this by receiving multiple pieces of user-generated content; curating the user-generated content with ratings, categorizations, or tags; verifying suitability of the user-generated content for broadcast media; and applying broadcaster-defined rules to modify eligible pieces of user-generated content into a form suitable for inclusion in broadcast media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boot system and boot method for an intelligent robot. The intelligent robot includes a central processing unit, an activating module, a memory and a wireless communication module. The central processing unit is electrically connected to the activating module, the memory and the wireless communication module. When the username and password stored in the memory is not compliant with the username and password of a wireless network, the intelligent robot enters a hotspot mode as a hotspot. A mobile device connects to the intelligent robot through the hotspot. The wireless communication module receives a login username and a login password from the mobile device. The intelligent robot connects to the wireless network for establishing the wireless network connection by the login username and the login password for entering a login mode.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes determining a channel signature for each of a plurality of cable devices associated with a selected household; determining whether at least one of the channel signatures is substantially different than the remaining ones of the channel signatures; and if at least one of the channel signatures is substantially different than the remaining ones of the channel signatures, flagging the selected household for potential theft of services review. Additional embodiments may include determining a radio frequency (“RF”) signal power level for each of the cable devices; calculating a sum of the determined RF signal power levels; determining whether the calculated sum is equal to an RF power signal level measured at a tap of the selected household; and if the calculated sum is not equal to the measured RF power signal level, flagging the selected household for potential theft of services review.

Abstract: An online system determines that a mobile device of a user and content device are connected to the same local network. To determine whether the content device is associated with the user, the online system provides a token and network ports to the content device. The content device establishes a connection to the mobile device using a selected network port to send the token. Responsive to receiving the token from the mobile device, the online system determines that the devices are connected to the same local network. The online system may also determine that the devices are within physical proximity to each other. The online system may send content items to the devices, and the user may view or interact with the content items simultaneously on multiple devices. Thus, the mobile device or content device acts as a complementary “second screen” or “control device” for the other device.

Abstract: A media system providing customized media functions at a hospitality establishment includes a first device operable to display a first passkey to a user attempting to activate a media function on a particular media device. The hospitality establishment includes a plurality of media devices installed at a plurality of different locations therein. A second device is operable to receive the first passkey from the user, determine whether the first passkey received from the user matches a second passkey associated with the particular media device, and activate the media function on the particular media device in response to determining that the first passkey received from the user matches the second passkey associated with the particular media device.

Abstract: Incoming call responding method and device for a multi-channel terminal are provided. The method includes receiving a service request associated with a current subscriber identity card, and the service request comprises a called service request to a current subscriber which is identified by the current subscriber identity card, and in response to the service request, setting up a first service channel for making a call and playing a predetermined multimedia file based on an instruction of the current subscriber, and the first service channel is set up based on the current subscriber identity card. Further, the terminal may play the predetermined multimedia file to a remote terminal of the service request directly based on the first service channel, so as to make a personalized response to the service request, which may greatly improve operation experience of two subscribers of the call.

Abstract: Communication network architectures, systems, and methods for supporting a network of mobile nodes are disclosed. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide communication network architectures, systems, and methods for supporting a dynamically configurable communication network comprising a complex array of both static and moving communication nodes (e.g., the Internet of moving things), where the network may involve autonomous and/or non-autonomous vehicles.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for placeshifting data. An exemplary method of placeshifting a media program from a source device to a destination device over a network involves obtaining location information associated with the destination device, determining, by a server coupled to the network, one or more recommended media programs available for streaming from the source device in a manner that is influenced by the location information, and providing indication of the one or more recommended media programs to the destination device.

Abstract: The disclosure, pertaining, to the field of network technologies, discloses a method for verifying sensitive operations, a terminal device, a server, and a verification system. The method includes: receiving by a verification server, a second verification request from a sensitive operation server; sending, by the verification server, a verification code to a two-dimensional code server; upon receiving a first verification request from a first terminal device, performing verification by the verification server according to the verification information of the first terminal device and the information in the two-dimensional code; and when the user initiating the sensitive operation is a user determined by the identity information, allowing a sensitive operation initiated by the user determined according to the information in the two-dimensional code.

Abstract: A method of controlling ability of a client device to access media content available from a server device on a network is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving with the server device a request from the client device via the network for media content and determining with the server device a type of the client device and a type of the media content. Thereafter, a step of applying a policy stored in software form in the server device for determining actions allowable for the client device with respect to the media content is performed. After the applying step, access of the media content is provided to the client device only to an extent defined and permitted by the policy. A server device for functioning as a Digital Media Server (DMS) on a Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) network is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system includes an external service provider that receives a request for restricted content, forms, at the external service provider, a redirection request based on the request for restricted content, an external service provider identifier, and a return response location identifier. The system also includes a discovery service that receives the redirection request from the external service provider and parses the redirection request to obtain an identity provider location identifier and the external service provider identifier when a common domain cookie exists in the redirection request. The discovery service generates a response based on the return response location identifier wherein the response comprises the identity provider location identifier. The external service provider receives the response, generates an authentication request and communicates the authentication request to the identity provider based on the identity provider location identifier.

Abstract: In some aspects, control circuitry receives, at a content provider server that is associated with a first subscription service, a first authentication key from a content aggregator server that is associated with a second subscription service, prior to the user subscribing to the first subscription service. The control circuitry generates and stores, at the content provider server, the first user account after comparing the first authentication key to acceptable authentication. In response to storing the first user account, the control circuitry receives a request from the content aggregator server to subscribe the user to the first subscription service, wherein the request includes a second authentication key.

Abstract: Techniques to customize a media processing system are described. A media processing system is described capable of integrating a large set of heterogeneous electronic devices into a single integrated system with enhanced navigation capabilities and automated configuration services. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A starting location for the mini-game is chosen in the legacy game state. A snapshot is generated of that location. Once the snapshot is taken, trigger events are identified. Triggers corresponding to the trigger events are identified. A mini-game script is generated using the snapshot and triggers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes virtual set-top box (“STB”) device system receiving a registration request to register a mobile computing device to operate as a virtual STB device, verifying that the mobile computing device is within a predefined vicinity of a dedicated STB device that is located at a user premises, providing, to the mobile computing device, a virtual STB key for use by the mobile computing device to operate as the virtual STB device by leveraging access rights of an end-user account of a media content distribution service to access the media content distributed by way of the media content distribution service, and facilitating sharing of the virtual STB key with a media content processing device for use by the media content processing device to access the media content distributed by way of the media content distribution service. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: A particular method includes receiving, at a device, an identifier of a set top box. The method also includes determining, at the device, based on the identifier of the set top box, whether the set top box is capable of supporting a high-definition television service or a digital video recording service. The method further includes selectively sending a power-up event to a service provider based on determining whether the capabilities of the set top box match a pending order.

Abstract: An information-processing system includes: at least one processor configured to display posting information relevant to an application on a display, which information is shared by plural users. The application is started and executed in response to selection of an object in a vicinity of a first item of posting information, while items of posting information are displayed on the display, using conditional additional information of the first item of posting information corresponding to the selected object.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a user receiving device includes a head end associating a first user device with a user account having first user settings. A first user device communicates a device identifier associated with the user receiving device to the head end. The head end communicates the first user settings associated with the user account to the user receiving device. The user receiving device operates with the first user settings.

Abstract: A method and system for troubleshooting a set top box is disclosed and can include receiving a trouble ticket from a set top box and initiating a self-test at the set top box. The method and system can include receiving test results from the set top box and analyzing the test results to isolate a problem.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for transferring content authorization information between television receivers. Authorization information for content and features associated with a television receiver is securely stored on a portable storage device. The portable storage device may be moved and connected to a different television receiver in order to transfer the authorization information to the different television receiver. The other television receiver accesses information on the portable storage device and allows the user to access the content and features that are authorized on the home television receiver.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a verification platform is adapted for communication with at least first and second devices. The verification platform receives a verification request from the first device, and determines if the first device has a registered association with the second device. If the first device has the registered association, the verification platform sends a notification to the second device regarding the verification request, receives verification input from the second device responsive to the notification, and grants or denies the verification request based at least in part on the verification input received from the second device. The verification request may be generated in conjunction with an attempted launch of a designated application on the first device, with user access to the application being controlled responsive to the granting or denying of the verification request. The first and second devices may comprise mobile telephones, computers or other types of devices.

Abstract: A method of monitoring video streams currently being displayed at a customer premises of an Internet Protocol television network. A plurality of Internet Protocol television video streams each currently being displayed by a respective one of a plurality of set-top box devices located at a customer premises and a universal resource locator being accessed at the customer premises are identified. The plurality of Internet Protocol television video streams currently being displayed by the respective set-top box devices are displayed together with the universal resource locator on a display device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perform association of stored content downloaded over a network with a unique identification. In one embodiment, the content is stored locally, and the association is performed in a secure manner using network or source-specific information (e.g., the organization identification or “orgID” of the bearer network or MSO). This association is used to ensure that the content stored on the playback device can be accessed for viewing only when the playback device is connected to the same network from which the content was obtained. Use of the orgID allows the content association and protection functionality to be implemented in existing networks with only minor software changes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for media playback are provided. In some implementations, the method comprises: receiving location information indicating proximities of a mobile device with a plurality of media playback devices; determining that the mobile device is within a predetermined proximity of a first media playback device; transmitting first instructions to the first media playback device that cause a media content item to be presented on the first media playback device; determining that the mobile device is within the predetermined proximity of a second media playback device and is no longer within the predetermined proximity of the first media playback device; transmitting second instructions to the first media playback device that cause the first media playback device to stop presenting the media content item and third instructions to the second media playback device that cause the media content item to be presented on the second media playback device.

Abstract: A multi-platform television comprises at least one television signal interface to receive premium television services from at least two different television service providers. The television further comprises a programmable conditional access system to enable conditional access to the premium television services received by the at least one television signal interface from the at least two different service providers.

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: User-based parental controls (UBPC) are provided. UBPC are provided to users according to a user profile associated with a specific user. Parental controls may be tailored to meet a parental control need according to each user. User profiles may be created by one or more administrative users and may include restrictions according to a TV, movie, application, or game rating system, specific channels, or specific programs. User profiles may be stored in a remote database allowing for various media content receiving and/or viewing devices to access the user profiles for applying parental control features according to a specific user profile. A user profile may be altered by one or more administrative users who may create an override access code which may allow the administrative user to manage other users' parental controls.

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 display apparatus pairs with a first terminal device. The video display apparatus receives an audio-visual content, and displays the audio-visual content. The video display apparatus acquires enhanced service information on an available enhanced service for the audio-visual content, and notifies an occurrence of the available enhanced service to the first terminal device.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for organizing and delivering audio-visual online content, having: on a computing device having one or more processors and a memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for: developing a dayparting ratio of the audio-visual online content based on information extracted from an electronic programming guide, and modifying the dayparting ratio of the audio-visual online content based on information extracted from a publicly available internet-based content provider. The method may also include modifying the dayparting ratio of the audio-visual online content based on information extracted from a password-protected internet-based content provider. The method may also include delivering the audio-visual online content based on the modified dayparting ratio. Also, a computer system including one or more processors and memory to store one or more programs including the instructions.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include methods and apparatus for dynamically synchronizing hypermedia based on Resource Description Framework (RDF). A method for hypermedia synchronization within a session hosted by a server includes establishing a communications link between the server and a first user device during the session, and generating a first identifier associated with a first uniform resource identifier (URI) that identifies first hypermedia. The method includes receiving, at the server, a request from the first user device including a second URI that identifies second hypermedia to be added to the session, and generating synchronization information providing a temporal relationship between the first URI and the second URI, where the synchronization information includes an RDF triple.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for delivering satellite services at multiple security levels. More specifically, there is provided a method comprising determining a level of security supported by a first set top box (22a), encoding a first IP packet containing a satellite service using the level of security supported by the first set top box (22a), transmitting the first IP encoded packet to the first set top box (22a), determining a level of security supported by a second set top box (22b), wherein the level of security supported by the second set top box (22b) is different from the level of security of the first set top box (22a), encoding a second IP packet containing a satellite service using the level of security supported by the second set top box (22b); and transmitting the second encoded IP packet to the second set top box (22b).

Abstract: The disclosure provides a match-rule based service message transfer method and system in the IPTV, to address the problems in the IPTV message system of message storing and backlog, low push efficiency and poor usability. In the disclosure, match fields are arranged in a set-top box and a service message to be sent, the service message is sent by means of broadcast or multicast, the set-top box performs matching for the match fields based on the match rule, and filters the message. The disclosure avoids sending a service message by means of unicast, increases the push efficiency and can greatly reduce the storage load of offline messages in a message system. The formed message may be sent according to a single or combined policy which depends on a specific service attribute, thereby greatly facilitating the service operation.

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 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.