Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detect adjunct peripherals, and coordinating their media capabilities (as a preparation to be able to signal their capabilities). The host device and the peripherals can synchronize wall clocks. The system sets up a call (or receive a call) from a remote host device, and requests the peripherals to check for network connectivity to the remote host device (connectivity check). This check can be done by using a STUN/TURN procedure. The system establishes direct connectivity between the peripherals and the remote host device and monitors lip sync by transferring RTCP messages between the host device and the peripherals and instructing display and playback peripherals/sub systems to align lip sync.

Abstract: An augmented reality display system used to diminish (for example, obscure, obfuscate, hide, make less distracting, block out, “white wash” and/or make less discernible) certain portions of a base image (for example, a user's view of a part of the real world as seen through eyeglasses). Some examples of visual subject matter that can be diminished include: (i) driver distraction phenomena; (ii) advertising; and/or (iii) subject matter the user is not authorized to view.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, from a point-of-sale system associated with a merchant, a request for payment associated with a transaction, wherein a payment amount is specified in a fiat currency. The method also includes determining a preference of the customer to pay for the transaction using a cryptocurrency and calculating a cryptocurrency value of the payment based on an exchange rate between the cryptocurrency and the fiat currency. The method further includes initiating a transfer of cryptocurrency value from a customer balance of the customer to a service balance of the payment service, initiating a transfer of a value in the fiat currency from the service balance of the payment service to a merchant balance of the merchant, and generating a record of the transaction between the customer and the merchant.

Abstract: Techniques for improved decryption of an encrypted media stream are described. In one embodiment, a system may include a receiver to receive an encrypted media stream, an extraction module to extract an encryption characteristic of the encrypted media stream, a first processor to produce configuration commands from the extracted encryption characteristic, a second processor to receive the encrypted media stream and the configuration commands, and to produce decrypted media based upon a decryption scheme indicated by the configuration commands, and a key distribution module, to distribute a decryption key to the second processor.

Abstract: A system monitors cinema playing content and generates movie-viewing statistics. The method includes, among other steps: acquiring screen brightness and projection ambient brightness or a video; comparing the acquired screen brightness and the projection ambient brightness or discriminating the video; activating, after it is determined that a film begins to be projected, an acquisition and recognition device of the terminal equipment to acquire the played audio and video content and acquire an auditorium infrared picture during projection; comparing, by the acquisition and recognition device, the acquired audio and video content with a monitoring database to obtain the projected content, recognizing, by the acquisition and recognition device, human bodies in the acquired auditorium infrared picture during projection to count the number of audiences; and associating or combining, by the acquisition and recognition device, the projected content obtained through comparison with the counted number of audiences.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a media controller having computer instructions to execute a soft-phone client application on the media processor, receive a call originating from an internet protocol multimedia subsystem network where the calls are directed to the media processor by a gateway having a switch that routes the call in accordance with a destination address included in a session initiation protocol header message, and selectively answer the call at any of a plurality of terminal devices including a mobile cellular phone coupled to the media processor via a femtocell. The computer instructions can be operable to present an audio portion of the call through a speaker of a presentation device operatively coupled to the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: User engagement in unwatched videos is predicted by collecting and aggregating data describing user engagement with watched videos. The data are normalized to reduce the influence of factors other than the content of the videos on user engagement. Engagement metrics are calculated for segments of watched videos that indicate user engagement with each segment relative to overall user engagement with the watched videos. Features of the watched videos within time windows are characterized, and a function is learned that relates the features of the videos within the time windows to the engagement metrics for the time windows. The features of a time window of an unwatched video are characterized, and the learned function is applied to the features to predict user engagement to the time window of the unwatched video. The unwatched video can be enhanced based on the predicted user engagement.

Abstract: This application is directed to enabling interaction between computer devices. An application is executed at a first computer device to access Internet-based media content sources and display media items provided thereby on a display device coupled to the first computer device. The first computer device transmits an information item, a plurality of display instructions and a command to a second computer device. The information item includes a selectable display element corresponding to one of the Internet-based media content sources, and the second computer device is configured to select and implement one of the display instructions for displaying the selectable display element of the information item. In response to a user selection of the selectable display item at the second computer device, the first computer device receives the command from the second computer device, and executes the command in relation to the Internet-based media content sources.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems to help disambiguate channel identification in a scenario where fingerprint data of media content matches multiple reference fingerprints corresponding respectively with multiple different channels. Upon detecting such a multi-match, a server or other entity will perform disambiguation based on a determination that a segment of the fingerprint data matches a reference fingerprint corresponding with just a single channel, such as a reference fingerprint representing commercial or news programming content specific to just the single channel. The server or other entity will thereby determine the channel on which the media content being rendered by the media presentation device is arriving, so as to facilitate taking channel-specific action.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for determining a level of user engagement based on user interactions. A media guidance application is configured to retrieve a first record of a first plurality of user inputs, including input type, received during a first advertisement slot. A second advertisement slot, that overlaps the first advertisement slot, is selected and second record of a second plurality of user inputs received during the second advertisement slot, including input type, is retrieved. A level of user engagement for the first advertisement slot is determined based on the comparison between the first record and the second record.

Abstract: Techniques are described for enabling the insertion of semi-targeted content in live content streams consumed by devices that do not support unconstrained dynamic fragment insertion.

Abstract: Viewers of presentations of entertainment, news, education and other the like, often observe unadvertised products of interest therein. However, in order to avoid degrading the artistic or objective integrity, producers and distributors of such presentations, do not provide sufficient product description information to permit the viewer to identify and/or purchase the product. The present invention describes methods and systems for permitting such users to research and/or purchase products observed to be involved in presentations by accessing presentation appearance data, product description data, and issuance data prepared, stored and associated in a non-transitory computer-readable database.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and computing device for receiving a request to load at least one new media content item on a personal media device. The size of the at least one new media content item is compared with the amount of storage space remaining on the personal media device to determine if the personal media device has sufficient available storage space. If the personal media device does not have sufficient available storage space, a relative weight associated with at least one old media content item stored on the personal media device is ascertained, the relative weight corresponding to a likelihood that the at least one old media content item will be rendered on the personal media device.

Abstract: Various arrangements for using closed captioning data in controlling content recording are presented. An indication of one or more closed captioning elements and corresponding positional data may be received. The content instance comprising closed captioning elements may also be received. A recording time period may be defined for the content instance based at least in part on the indication of the one or more closed captioning elements and the corresponding positional data for the content instance. The content instance may be recorded at least partially based on the defined recording time period for the content instance.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and electronic devices for performing playback of streamed media, including uploading an associated second media content item while performing playback of a first media content item. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, when performing playback of a first media content item, a message is sent to a computer server system, to return information that a service for sharing a related second media content item is selectable. The information is displayed at a user interface as a visual array of tiles, wherein each tile corresponds to a respective service. When a service is requested, a service data is processed, and the second media content item captured and uploaded with the requested service. By enabling a user to obtain media content items associated to the currently playbacked media content item, the user may find associated media content items, which he/she normally should not have been aware of.

Abstract: A user listening to a content item on a preceding device and wishes to continue with the listening experience on a subsequent device initiates a continuity request from the subsequent device to the preceding device. The preceding device responds to the received continuity request by determining a multiverse identification that is contained in the continuity request, such that the multiverse identification uniquely identifies the content item that is currently playing on the preceding device over all known playback devices with which it has communicated. The subsequent device determines if the content item exists in a local database of the subsequent device and, if it exists, the subsequent device plays the content item from the local database of the subsequent device, and otherwise obtains the content item.

Abstract: Providing content in a content list may include identifying positions within the list where content can be provided. A client agent may automatically play items of content at a first position when determining that the first position is within a displayed region of the content list. The client agent may identify a duration during which the first item is within the displayed region of the list, pause playback of the first item at a point in time when the displayed region of the list is advanced to no longer include the first position, and compare the first duration to a threshold value. The client agent may determine that the displayed region of the list has advanced to a second position and resume playback of the first item near the point in time and at the second position if the duration is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: Various arrangements for using a television programming distribution network with integrated predictive data gathering for distributing content are presented. Using a television service provider network, television programming may be broadcast to bi-directional communication television receivers and addressable television receivers. Viewership information may be collected by a viewership analysis system from the bi-directional communication television receivers. A viewership target model may then be constructed using the viewership information received from the plurality of bi-directional communication television receivers and data from a subscriber database accessible by the viewership analysis system. A differentiator model may then be trained using the viewership target model. The differentiator model may be applied to the addressable television receivers. Content may then be addressed to some of the addressable television receivers based on applying the differentiator model.

Abstract: Routing of short message service (SMS) communications from a networked communication device to a networked cable television (CATV) services system device (e.g., set-top box STB) is provided. SMS messages may be sent to a user's wireline phone, mobile phone, or other communication device as identified by a unique identification number (UIN). Upon identifying if the intended destination device is operative to receive SMS messages or if a provision has been made to route an incoming SMS message, the SMS message may be routed to a networked cable services system device (e.g., a set-top box or CATV-enabled telephone) associated with an account of the intended destination device. The cable services system device may receive an SMS message and may be operative to render the message on a display. In addition, the device may also be operative to send SMS messages.

Abstract: A media automation system can provide a common program to multiple different servers, for example a terrestrial broadcast radio server and a streaming radio server. Each of the different servers can receive different content blocks to be inserted during breaks in the common program. Media items from existing content blocks can be removed, and different items inserted. If a content block is under-filled, media items can be inserted without removing existing media items. When items are removed or added to a content block, the removal can be reported to a traffic and billing system for appropriate action. Content blocks can be customized by removing or inserting items based on information obtained from a cloud-based application, or some other source.

Abstract: An individual having a plurality of first features and a second characteristic is identified. A plurality of second features associated with a second characteristic is determined. For each first feature among the plurality of first features, a respective probability distribution indicating, for each respective second feature, a probability that a person having the respective second feature has the first feature, is determined, thereby generating a plurality of probability distributions. A probabilistic classifier is used to combine the plurality of probability distributions, thereby generating a merged probability distribution. A Monte Carlo method is used to generate a prediction set based on the merged probability distribution, the prediction set including a plurality of prediction values for the second characteristic of the individual, each respective prediction value being associated with one of the plurality of second features. The prediction set is stored in a memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods to select targeted advertising for display are disclosed. An example method to select targeted advertising for display includes identifying an advertisement corresponding to the first product, identifying a saturation metric for the advertisement, determining a net effectiveness metric based on an opportunity metric and the saturation metric, the opportunity metric being based on a difference between an expected consumption of a first product by the household and actual consumption of the product by the household, and delivering the advertisement to the household via a media transmission when the net effectiveness metric is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: importance calculation means configured to calculate an experience importance degree of content for a user based the basis of a relationship among a reaction analysis result obtained by performing predetermined analysis on a reaction (attitude) of the user to the content at the time when the user experiences the content, an environment analysis result obtained by performing predetermined analysis on an external environment of the user at the time when the user experiences the content, a signal analysis result obtained by performing predetermined analysis on a video signal or voice signal of the content, and a language analysis result obtained by performing predetermined language analysis on language information described about the content; and determination means configured to, if the experience importance degree of the content calculated by the importance calculation means is high, determine the content as recommendation content to be recommended to the user.

Abstract: Additional information related to video signals input from an outside is obtained and superimposed on the video signals. Hence, video reception device which is configured to transmit and receive data through communication network includes input unit, video extraction unit, control unit and additional information display control unit. The control unit performs control of requesting video recognition device to perform video recognition processing on a partial video extracted by the video extraction unit, and obtaining additional information based on a result of the video recognition processing from the video recognition device. The additional information display control unit performs control of detecting whether or not a screen layout of video signals has been changed, and superimposing the additional information on the video signals based on a detection result.

Abstract: A computer-vision based automatic inserting and playing method for advertisement analyzes a video for obtaining multiple shots of the video, and obtaining semantic information related to targets appearing in each shot and low-level information related to vision of each shot. Next, the method matches the semantic information and the low-level information of each two adjacent shots with other semantic information and other low-level information of candidate advertisements, so as to determine one or more insertion time points of the video, and one or more inserting advertisements respectively related to each of the insertion time points. The matching of the semantic information ensures the inserting advertisement and a front shot and a rear shot of the insertion time point are all related with each other, and the matching of the low-level information enhances visual fluency in playing and switching among the front shot, the inserting advertisement and the rear shot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide an electronic agent are disclosed. An example method includes receiving an interactive program via a network at a first information presenting device, accessing a list of keywords associated with the interactive program via the network, accessing a first database using at least one of the keywords, and presenting an electronic agent on the first information presenting device to at least one of present information retrieved from the first database or offer to retrieve information identified via the first database.

Abstract: A platform-agnostic video player for mobile computing devices and desktop computers for playback of video and audio files on arbitrary computing devices, including mobile devices, laptop and desktop computers. The platform-agnostic video player for mobile computing devices and desktop computers generally includes a file retrieval component suitable for receiving a video or audio file; a video and audio decoding software component capable of decoding encoded video or audio data into a format suitable for display or playback; a video display and audio playback component; and a user interaction component.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for awarding content to users of mobile devices for attending events, appearing at locations, or viewing audiovisual content. One embodiment also automatically alters the configuration of mobile devices, which is particularly useful in movie theaters. An application on the device recognizes an audible signal provided at the location or in the audiovisual content. The signal can also be used to unlock content. In this way, desired content is available only when the user has attended an event such as an event sponsored by the content creator. The content can relate to the event, and can be synchronized to the event. The signal can also trigger an application or unlock content at a store location. For example, a scavenger hunt can be guided by an application on the mobile device.

Abstract: Aspects of bandwidth conservation include monitoring, via a processor over a period of time, program state information for content streamed to an electronic device, and accumulating, in a memory device via the processor, inputs received over the period of time from a user of the electronic device. Each of the inputs is correlated to the program state information based on a location in the content at which the corresponding input occurred. Aspects further include identifying patterns of user behavior based on collective correlations between the inputs and the program state information, determining from the patterns a presence or absence of the user at the electronic device with respect to currently streamed content when no inputs are received by the user, and performing a bandwidth control operation with respect to the currently streamed content based on the determined presence or absence of the user.

Abstract: A system for providing video motion augmentation is disclosed. In particular, the system provides mechanisms for analyzing video content, metadata, or a combination thereof, to dynamically enhance and adapt regions of small movements or micro-movements in the video content based on a variety of inputs. The regions of small movements or micro-movements may be enhanced based on device characteristics associated with a device consuming the video content, based on a theme associated with the content, based on sensor data, based on user feedback, and based on a variety of other inputs. For example, motion content in the video content may be enhanced and emphasized based on the display resolution or other device characteristics of a device requesting the video content. Once the enhanced video content is generated based on the inputs, the enhanced content may be provided to the device requesting the content.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for conflict resolution of assets selected for insertion into COD content. In one embodiment, the system includes an interface operable to process a request for asset insertion into the COD content selection. The system also includes an asset conflict resolution module operable to identify asset timeslots within the COD content selection from the request, to evaluate the assets to determine conflicts among the assets, to remove conflicting assets, and to select at least a portion of the remaining assets for insertion in the asset timeslots of the COD content selection. For example, the asset conflict resolution module may determine that conflicts exist between certain assets based on various identifiers associated with the assets and/or content such that the conflicts between the assets may be resolved with the removal of one or more of the assets from potential asset insertion selection.

Abstract: A method for presenting advertisements based on emotion of a viewer is provided. A first emotional state of a viewer wearing smart glasses is detected using first sensor data captured by a sensor of the glasses. A rate is set according to the detected first emotional state. A set of advertisements is displayed on the smart glasses according to the set rate while a movie is played so that the advertisements are perceived by the viewer as overlaying the movie.

Abstract: A podcast system and method are provided to select and deliver media ads over a network to a user device and to insert the media ads in media content subscribed to and delivered over the network to the user device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for automatically enabling subtitles based on a user profile when a language is spoken with an accent a user has difficulty understanding. For example, a media guidance application may detect a first plurality of user interactions of the user while the given language is being spoken with the accent. Based on the first plurality of interactions, the media guidance application may calculate a first value associated with a user specific level of difficulty indicating how difficult it is for the user to understand the language when spoken with the accent. If the first plurality of user interactions are not being performed again, the media guidance application may update the user specific difficulty with a second value that is lower than the first value. The media guidance application may automatically generate for display subtitles for a media asset based on the user specific level of difficulty.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable storage media for storing or caching targeted content on a receiver device using existing bandwidth within a media network are described. For example, unused bandwidth within a transport stream may be detected and targeted content may be inserted into the transport stream within the unused bandwidth. The targeted content may include targeted advertisements for a household addressable media network. The transport stream may be transmitted to the receiver device which may access and store the targeted content responsive to various targeted content signals. For instance, the transport stream may include targeted content signals configured to trigger the receive device to access and store the targeted content. The transport stream may include a commercial feed transport stream.

Abstract: A database for selecting database items, where the database items are indexed by a list of item identifiers. The item identifiers may be in the form of text. An initial display is generated which includes one or more parts of the item identifiers. Selection of the one or more parts may be made and results in the generation of a display of a further one or more parts for selection. The further one or more parts may be selected in order to add to the selected one or more parts to build a larger part or whole of an item identifier. Selection from a large list of item identifiers may be carried out in a relatively short time period.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems and methods for analyzing and manipulating images and video. According to particular embodiments, the spatial relationship between multiple images and video is analyzed together with location information data, for purposes of creating a representation referred to herein as a surround view. In particular embodiments, a surround view can be generated by combining a panoramic view of an object with a panoramic view of a distant scene, such that the object panorama is placed in a foreground position relative to the distant scene panorama. Such combined panoramas can enhance the interactive and immersive viewing experience of the surround view.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate the layering of content for display. The content may be included in a first layer and a second layer having user interface and other functionalities may be overlaid on the first layer to change the look and feel of the content without actually changing the content. The systems and methods further permit the first and second layer to communicate such that events and functions may be communicated from one layer to the other. As a result a developer may be able to add user interface elements into a second layer that can call functions from the first layer and control the content in the first layer.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for detecting meaningful updates to network accessible content, including but not limited to web pages. The portion or portions of content that are meaningful can be automatically determined based on a previously defined content profile, an analysis of user interactions with the content, algorithms and automated content analysis techniques, some combination thereof, or other techniques. Content can be monitored and determinations can be made regarding whether and to what extent the content has changed. Client devices or users thereof may be notified of detected meaningful content updates. Notifications can include updated portions of the content. The updated content may be displayed to the user on a client device, and visual treatments may be applied to the updated portions to draw the users' attention to the presence and substance of the updates.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring media content at media content locations to identify media content items. The media content locations are identified in social network data stored by a set-top box device. The method includes receiving, at the set-top box device, a command to present image cells to a display device. The command is responsive to an alert sent from the set-top box device. The method also includes presenting the image cells at the display device. At least one of the image cells includes an image corresponding to an identified media content item.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure are directed to categorizing messages. A first server can receive, from a second server maintaining a plurality of social media messages, a message. The first server can categorize the message under a first category or a second category. The first server can process the message and determine a frequency of each of the words included in the processed message. The first server determines, using a probabilistic engine executing on the first server, a relevancy score of the modified message indicating a level of relevance between the message and the first category based on the determined frequency of each of the words. The first server, responsive to determining that the relevancy score satisfies a threshold, can categorize the message under the first category.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for audibly presenting metadata. Audibly presentable metadata is referred to as audible metadata. Audible metadata may be associated with one or more media objects. In one embodiment, audible metadata is pre-recorded requiring little or no processing before it can be rendered. In another embodiment, audible metadata is text, and a text-to-speech conversion device may be used to convert the text into renderable audible metadata. Audible metadata may be rendered at any point before or after rendering of a media object, or may be rendered during rendering of a media object via a dynamic user request.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for multiple rights based video. Source video assets may be analyzed to identify segments associated with a restricted scope of rights, and replacement assets associated with rights of different restrictions may be provided. When a request is received to serve a particular source video asset, a correspondingly customized video asset may be constructed by analyzing the rights available to the target of the request and the associated rights of the available replacement assets. Multiple parameters may be utilized in such analysis, and may include criteria such as territorial region, audience age, paid subscription level, and intended distribution channel. Since video can be optimized for different targets largely automatically, wider distribution of content may be possible under stricter budget and schedule constraints. Potential benefits may include increased revenue streams, market penetration, and brand recognition.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide targeted advertisements to users. One example is an ad selection controller for a first media channel that provides content to a user. To select an advertisement in the first media channel, the ad selection controller transmits a query to a back-end system of a second media channel that also provides content to the user to determine an advertisement(s) selected for the user in the second media channel. The ad selection controller receives a response from the back-end system that includes an advertisement identifier for the advertisement selected in the second media channel. The advertisement in the second media channel is referenced by an advertisement identifier that is global across multiple media channels. The ad selection controller then selects an advertisement for the user in the first media channel based on the advertisement selected in the second media channel, and provides the advertisement to the user.

Abstract: A method for providing a search service and a display apparatus applying the same are provided. According to the search service providing method, a search window for doing an Internet search is displayed on a partial area of the screen that displays an image. The search window can be converted into an image display window in response to receiving a specific manipulation input by a user, thereby allowing the user to use the search service while converting between the use of the search window and video watching.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method obtains a plurality of image files, each corresponding to an image in a video stream and builds a common file from a contiguous grouping of the plurality of image files. The video stream has a plurality of contiguous video segments, each having a first video frame, and the plurality of image files correspond to the plurality of first video frames of the plurality of video segments. The plurality of video segments are of approximately equal duration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a content distribution system, packaged as executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The system includes a cross-platform video player, implemented as machine executable instructions executable on a host computer having any of a plurality of different operating environments and a video comprising a plurality of video frames. The system further includes a library of content items associated with the video. The library of content items includes a plurality of content items and metadata relating each of the content items to associated spatial locations in at least one frame of the video. Each of the cross-platform video player, the video, and the library of content items are packaged as a single cross-platform executable file.

Abstract: A system and method for linking content files is disclosed. The system comprises a targeting module, a link generation module and a graphic user interface module (GUI module). The targeting module determines a target content file based at least in part on an uploaded content file. The target content file comprises a long form content file. The link generation module is communicatively coupled to the targeting module for generating a link to the target content file. The GUI module is communicatively coupled to the targeting module and to the link generation module for generating a web page. The web page includes a playable version of the uploaded content file and the link to the target content file.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for inserting custom content. An example method can comprise receiving, at a first computing device, an insertion instruction over a first non-packet-switching protocol information stream. The method can also comprise querying, by the first computing device, a second computing device in response to receiving the insertion instruction. The method can further comprise receiving, at the first computing device, content over a packet-switching protocol information stream in response to querying the second computing device. The content can be customized for an end-user associated with the first computing device.

Abstract: A method implemented by a client device for media content streaming, the method comprising inserting one or more query parameters in a query string portion of a uniform resource locator (URL), wherein the query string portion follows a path portion of the URL, sending a media request comprising the URL to a streaming server, and receiving one or more segments of a media content from the streaming server in response to the media request.