Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that distributes media guidance application operations between multiple devices based on one or more criteria associated with those devices. For example, the media guidance application may determine the plurality of operations performed by a target device and distribute the plurality of operations among devices near that target device.

Abstract: A network apparatus and a content distribution apparatus are described. The network apparatus is configured to transcode and transmit pre-broadcast content into transcoded content according to a format associated with a content distribution apparatus. The transcoded content includes a distribution indicator to restrict distribution of the transcoded content to one or more remote apparatus. Network apparatus is configured to transmit a “delta file” to content distribution apparatus with transcoded content and instructions to signal modifying the pre-broadcast content. Content distribution apparatus is configured to receive transcoded pre-broadcast content and “delta file” with instructions from network apparatus. Content distribution apparatus removes the distribution indicator from the transcoded pre-broadcast content once the signaling instructions indicates that the broadcast content corresponds with pre-broadcast content.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a creative script is disclosed. Plug-ins into a third party ad creation tool interact through application program interface (API) to allow insertion of dynamic aspects into the creative script. Alternative content is defined for each dynamic aspect inserted into the creative. One or more content groups are defined that select a number of dynamic aspects and their corresponding alternative content. The different combinations of alternative content are culled to define each content group. Target attributes are selected into a target group. The creative script is served according to the combinations of alternative content. Those combinations that are deemed more acceptable are favored over time to increase efficacy of the creative script.

Abstract: Embodiments utilize viewership data collected via a set top box (STB) at individual households (HHs) to enable a network operator to recommend ad spots to customers based on a percentage of HHs that are likely to view the ad spots (e.g., the % of HHs reached by the ad spots), and/or based on the average number of times (e.g., average frequency) that the reached HHs are likely to view the ad spot. Embodiments compile the available network/daypart ad spots per broadcast week, and determine a number of ad spots for each network/daypart that satisfy a reached threshold of HHs, and/or satisfies the minimum frequency threshold.

Abstract: A processing system provides works associated with a unified number system (UNS) identifier, and the UNS identifier itself, for broadcast. The system receives a request for content associated with a broadcast work, where the request includes the UNS identifier included in the broadcast. In response to the request, the system obtains the requested content using the UNS identifier included in the request, and delivers the requested content to an end user associated with the end-user device. The type of requested content can be identified based on previously obtained user preferences, so that even if two user-devices send requests including the same UNS identifier, the content provided to each end user or end-user device can be different.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a user interface screen creation supporting system presents, to a screen creator, a design template for supporting creation of a user interface screen operated by an unspecified large number of guests. The user interface screen creation supporting system includes a guest-information acquiring unit, a template selecting unit, and a template presenting unit. The guest-information acquiring unit acquires guest information concerning the guests who operate the user interface screen. The template selecting unit selects, on the basis of the acquired guest information, out of a plurality of template groups stored in a predetermined storage region in advance, design templates that should be presented as selection candidates. The template presenting unit presents the design templates selected by the template selecting unit to the screen creator.

Abstract: An implementation of the disclosure provides a method. The method comprises receiving, by a processing device, a request for a video advertisement associated with a client device coupled to a network. The request comprises playback attributes of the client device. A video ad-serving template (VAST) data structure is generated for the video advertisement based on the request. An ad content item is identified based on the VAST data structure. The ad content item comprises information characterizing the video advertisement that includes a rich media, mezzanine and interactive components. The ad content item is transcoded into a plurality of transport streaming items comprising a representation of the video advertisement in context with the playback attributes associated with the request and the VAST data structure.

Abstract: User-generated advertisements are distributed to client devices in a video content distribution network. For example, a client device may receive a user-generated advertisement, which is associated with one or more categories. The user-generated advertisement is associated with a channel based on a category of the advertisement. One or more channels of user-generated advertising, corresponding to the one or more categories, may be provided to a client device. Optionally, user-generated advertisements may be associated with a geographical identifier and distributed to client devices in a geographical region corresponding with the geographical identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining location of a digital broadcast receiver. The system includes the digital broadcast receiver receiving digital broadcasting, and at least one computing device configured to determine a location of the device. In one embodiment the receiver communicates with the at least one nearby location-enabled device and receives a device location. In one embodiment the system uses acoustic pings to determine the proximity of the device to the receiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method, a system, and a website server for playing a website video. The method includes: receiving a video playback request that includes a client identification and a video identification, and querying a playback record corresponding to the client identification; accumulating video playback times in the playback record to obtain current video playback times; determining advertisement information duration corresponding to the current video playback times, where the playback times are inversely proportional to the advertisement information duration; and extracting, from an advertisement information library according to the determined advertisement information duration, advertisement information that meets the duration, acquiring video data corresponding to the video identification, inserting the extracted advertisement information ahead of the video data, and transmitting the extracted advertisement information and the video data to a client for playing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for granting temporary access to videos from a programmer to viewers based on the viewers having subscriptions with a separate MVPD. An exemplary technique involves receiving a request for the programmer to provide a video to a viewer and accessing the MVPD to authenticate that the viewer has a subscription with the MVPD and confirm that the viewer is authorized to receive the video. The technique determines that the MVPD is not able to timely authenticate the viewer subscription or confirm that the viewer is authorized to receive the video. While waiting for the MVPD to respond, the viewer is granted temporary access to the video. When a subsequent response from the MVPD is received, the technique continues to grant access to the viewer to the video from the programmer or cuts off access of the viewer to the video from the programmer based on the response.

Abstract: A system for passive collection of media experience data to increase efficiencies in identifying and delivering desired media content. Behavioral data measured with a wearable device and camera sensors, including physical activity and physiological data, may be captured during a media content presentation and analyzed with media contextual and experiential data to measure media experience data and render media connectedness values between a subject and the presented media content. A system may operate on a network with access to a web service program and utilize mechanized learning and artificial intelligence to compare the previously analyzed media experience data with contextual data associated with media content available on searchable databases. The system may share media experience data and analyzed results with a social network group which can use the media connectedness value data intelligence to refine search methods for media content.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: receiving, by a computing device, gaming content and an instruction to stream the gaming content across multiple content streaming platforms; determining, by the computing device, a maturity rating of the gaming content; selecting, by the computing device, one or more content streaming platforms, of a plurality of content streaming platforms, for which to provide the gaming content for publishing or streaming via the one or more content streaming platforms, wherein the selected one or more content streaming platforms meet maturity criteria defined by each of the one or more content streaming platforms; and providing, by the computing device, the gaming content to the selected one or more content streaming platforms to cause the selected one or more content streaming platforms to publish the gaming content.

Abstract: A digital content distribution scheme allows for monitoring of a wide range of data, such as system and behavior events of audiences and playback devices, as well as environmental factors, such as those present at the playback venue. More “static” data may be considered, such as subscriptions, settings, bandwidth, and the like. Based upon the data considered, real or near-real time changes in the content provided to audiences may be made. The changes may be based upon predictions of audience interest made by prediction engine. The techniques may also allow for time-shifting and adaptation of content based upon playback times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an object corresponding to output content are provided. The method includes outputting content on a screen, extracting a fingerprint of the content at predetermined time intervals, transmitting the extracted fingerprint to a server, receiving event information related to the content, and in response to an output mode being set as a first mode, displaying an object corresponding to the content on the screen, and in response to the output mode being set as a second mode, displaying additional information of the object corresponding to the content on the screen.

Abstract: An input apparatus, a display apparatus, and control methods thereof are disclosed. The input apparatus for the display apparatus includes a user input device configured to receive a user's input; communication circuitry configured to communicate with the display apparatus; a driver configured to provide a driving force to drive the input apparatus to move; and at least one processor configured to control the driver to move the input apparatus to a preset location corresponding to a user's location in response to a preset event so that a user can take and use the input apparatus. Thus, a movable input apparatus comes to a user by itself and provides user-friendly interaction, thereby improving a user's convenience.

Abstract: Systems and methods are for identifying online advertisements to display to a user based on historical user data collected across the user's use of a plurality of Internet devices. One method includes receiving, over a network, a request for an advertisement to display at a first device of the user, the request including a unique identifier stored on the user's first device; accessing, in a database, a demographic or browsing history information generated from the user's use of a second device, the demographic or browsing history information being stored in the database in relation to the unique identifier; and identifying, based on the demographic or browsing history information, an advertisement to display at the user's first device. The demographic or browsing history information is synchronized based on the unique identifier being stored on the user's first device and the user's second device.

Abstract: A video player device obtains a run-time SDK from a CDN server when it is time to display a video Ad and makes an Ad request to an Ad server via the network interface using the run-time SDK. A video player displays an Ad on the screen that is received as an Ad response. In a first example embodiment, the device includes an SDK Native Library which, when initialized, downloads an HTML SDK from the CDN server. In a second example embodiment, the device makes a VAST request to the CDN server, where a VAST response includes a VPAID wrapper containing a run-time SDK as a VPAID creative. The VAST response is parsed and the VPAID creative is then loaded and invoked by VPAID APIs of the run-time SDK.

Abstract: A preference related to the broadcast of a work, for example a song, advertisement, or enhanced content associated with the work can be obtained from an end user. The work is associated with one of a plurality of unique identifiers, such as a unified numbering system (UNS) identifier, and the UNS identifier can be used to associate enhanced content associated with the work. The UNS identifier and the user's preference for enhanced content can be used to select and deliver appropriate enhanced content to end users or other subscribers. A system can notify a broadcaster users request particular enhanced content, and the broadcaster can request the system to provide additional enhanced content for broadcast in response to that notification.

Abstract: A system to delivery media over a network for rendering by client devices forms a definition of a group of people who have opted-in to experience a defined shared media experience, and augments the shared media as a result of a dynamic measurement of one or more characteristics of the group.

Abstract: A method for providing crowd sourced navigation alerts including receiving, at a User Equipment (UE), an Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) start session message when the UE is located within a predefined MBMS area. The method may further include receiving traffic message data, which includes information regarding at least one traffic event, over the MBMS session, where the traffic message data may be based on at least one traffic notification provided by at least one second UE. The method may also include comparing a distance from the UE to a position of the at least one traffic event described in the traffic message data to at least one threshold, and providing at least one alert associated with the at least one traffic event based on the comparing.

Abstract: An advertisement supported entertainment collection, distribution, and library system accessible over a network. The system retains and manages contents, advertisements, user demographics, content viewing, etc. on a central server enabling collection of viewing metrics and audience member demographics. Contents are segmented and characterized by multiple indices. Production contents are generated by combining a series of production segments with advertising segments inserted between segments. Advertising segment placement criteria is compared to content indices and user demographics to determine placement of advertising segments. Metrics, including advertisement placements, content indices, viewing data, library placement, and user demographics are analyzed to optimize advertisement placements.

Abstract: It is presented a method for matching a media source and a media receiver. The method comprises the steps of: receiving position messages from a plurality of media sources, the position messages comprising geographic position data indicating a geographic position of each respective media source; receiving a request media message from the media receiver, the request media message comprising desired geographic position data indicating a desired geographic position of a media source; creating a matching group comprising all matching media sources of the plurality of media sources, which matching media sources are in a geographic position matching the desired geographic position; forwarding a live media stream, captured by at least one of the matching media sources of the matching group, to the media receiver; and maintaining the matching group. A corresponding media broker server, computer program and computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a process that determines information from a first media stream including a number of keywords associated with viewing habits of a user. A second media stream of a media program is scanned for one of a word or phrase corresponding to a keyword of the number of keywords. A second keyword is determined based on the one of the word or phrase, and additional information associated with the second keyword is identified. Results associated with the additional information are provided to a multimedia device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A server generates a combination of symbols requested by a set of users in response to the symbols requested by each user in the set being cached by the other users in the set. A transmitter in the server multicasts the combination of symbols to the set of users based on a transmission deadline associated with the set of users.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure are directed towards providing feedback to users of multi-user system that has biometric recognition capabilities, so that a user knows whether the system has correctly associated the user with his or her identity. The feedback may include a display of a current camera view, along with visible identity information that is associated with each user in the view. The feedback may include per-user icons (e.g., tiles, thumbnail images and so on) by which a user visually confirms that he or she is correctly recognized. Any misrecognition may be detected via the feedback and corrected. Feedback may convey other information, such as the current interaction state/capabilities of a user.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations comprise obtaining product image data and comparing image data of a media program with the product image data. A product placement in the media program is determined based on the comparison, and an entry in a product placement database is generated. The entry comprises identifiers of the media program, a product descriptor descriptive of the product, and a context descriptor descriptive of a presentation scheme used for the first product placement. A rating is assigned to the media program with respect to the product in accordance with the entry of the product placement in the product placement database and other entries of other product placements in the product placement database. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an actionable object within a third-party content slot of an information resource of a content publisher. A processor receives an indication of interest in providing, for display, a creative within at least one third-party content slot of an information resource of a content publisher. The information resource includes third-party content slots available to be reserved to serve creatives. The processor identifies, on the information resource, at least one third-party content slot available to be reserved to serve one or more creatives. The processor inserts an actionable object within the identified third-party content slot, the actionable object configured to generate a request to provide an interface for reserving the identified third-party content slot to display the creative responsive to an action being taken on the actionable object. The processor renders the information resource including the inserted actionable object within the identified third-party content slot.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media generation application that allows a user to create and customize a commercial based on microtrend information and/or feedback information is provided.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and computer-readable media related to a dynamic advertising insertion infrastructure. A stream setup message associated with a stream content request may be received. Setup information associated with the stream content request may be identified. A non-entertainment playlist selected based on, at least in part, the setup information may be received. The stream setup message may be modified, wherein the modified stream setup message comprises at least one or more references to the non-entertainment content. The modified stream setup message may be routed to a streamer system. A first response message may be received by the router from the streamer system based at least in part on the second stream setup message. A second response message that comprises at least one or more references to the second content may be received by the router. The second response message may be routed by the router to a back office.

Abstract: A method of presenting advertising opportunities to users of a digital advertising placement system is described. The method includes receiving sequences of video material from a video material source, the sequences of video material having been processed from original video material to select parts of the original video material which are suitable for placement of digital advertising components. The method further includes incorporating the received sequences of video material into an online catalog accessible to a plurality of users via a data communications network, the online catalog allowing remote access to a user to identify one or more sequences which are of interest to an advertiser wishing to conduct digital advertising placement using said system.

Abstract: A metadata management system and method enables complex query searches by users, e.g., different users having different query needs, using the same infrastructure. For querying metadata, the metadata management system provides functionality for aggregating all the concepts (metadata items) and relationships of the metadata across one or more users in a common format; extracting concepts and storing them in a metadata store (e.g., a relational database); extracting relationships and modeling them in a standard semantic representation. The system and method further records users' different needs on relationships into user-specific configuration files. The system is configured for retrieving, in response to a user query, relevant data items by using the meta-data selectively. In one embodiment, a selection of meta-data used in the retrieving is determined according to captured context information.

Abstract: A method and system for recommending multimedia content includes collecting consumption information for a plurality of consumers. The consumption information may be used to generate collections of recommended multimedia content, including obtainable multimedia assets. The collections may be offered to a consumer for purchase. The consumer may be provided access to the multimedia assets. A unified storefront application, providing access to multimedia content via an Internet-protocol television portal, a web portal, and a mobile portal, may be used to offer and provide access to the multimedia assets.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media server and parsing engine, 3rd party mobile aggregator, client servers, and a plurality of communication devices that are each associated with a user and a user profile. The media server can provide one or more of the plurality of communication devices with access to media content, with the access being provided at a time selected by the user. At least one of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices can transmit a critique of the media content. The media server can award points to the user based on performing the critique, and can transmit the critique and user information from the user profile to the client server. The media server can provide the at least one of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices with access to at least one of services or goods to be purchased with the points.

Abstract: A television screen control apparatus includes a broadcasting contents data processing unit receiving broadcasting content for a new channel in response to an channel changing input signal. When broadcasting content is not displayed during a channel transition period, advertising information on a background plane is visible to a viewer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an interactive, multi-platform video network. In another aspect, the invention provides a dynamic scheduling method.

Abstract: A classification method and system for possible content alteration of a media work may include criteria regarding content that is feasible for alteration. Such criteria may be maintained in records that are accessible to an interested party. Some embodiments may include a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. A further embodiment feature may include a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version. Various techniques may be used to incorporate substitute altered content in a derivative version of the media work in accordance with applicable substitution guidelines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for analyzing documents corresponding to demographics. A computer determines whether a first text analysis algorithm corresponds to a demographic of a document, wherein Natural Language Processing (NLP) utilizes text analysis algorithms to produce an analysis of the document and provide annotations. Responsive to determining that the first text analysis algorithm does correspond to the demographic of the document, the computer analyzes the document utilizing the determined corresponding first text analysis algorithm. In another embodiment, the computer determines whether a second text analysis algorithm is available. Responsive to determining that a second text analysis algorithm is not available, the computer provides information from the analysis of the document utilizing one or more text analysis algorithms.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for processing an audio/video stream includes providing an audio/video stream including at least one segment of a show and at least one interstitial of the show, receiving location information to identify a video location within the audio/video stream, and processing the audio/video stream to identify boundaries of the at least one segment of the show based on the location information. Further, the method includes outputting the segment of the show for presentation by a display device without outputting the interstitial and outputting the interstitial for presentation by the display device subsequent to outputting the segment of the show.

Abstract: An enhanced television system which enables users to communicate using a television, both via messaging and telephone. Users or the system may create a buddy list. Users may send and receive program information to and from each other, and change programs based on received information. The system may maintain information regarding a user's presence on the system, availability for messaging, and television viewing.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes monitoring an interaction of a user with a media content access subsystem, receiving a command input by the user to pause a media content instance being presented by the media content access subsystem, and dynamically selecting at least one advertisement in accordance with the monitored interaction for presentation to the user by the media content access subsystem while the media content instance is paused. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An automatic content recognition (ACR) enabled display communication device that is operable to receive and consume content from a linear feed and a corresponding IP-based feed. The linear feed and the IP-based feed includes one or more content identifiers that identify similar content within the linear feed and the IP-based feed and also includes one or more corresponding automatic content recognition triggers. The ACR-enabled display communication device determines a first content identifier that is associated with a first content in the linear feed that is being consumed and requests IP segments in the IP-based feed that corresponds to the determined first content identifier and switches from consuming content in the linear feed to consuming content in the requested IP segments. The ACR-enabled display communication device stores the determined first content identifier and receives the requested IP segments from a remote server.

Abstract: A method and system for planning and running video-on-demand (VOD) advertising includes a planner for planning advertising campaigns and an ad selector for running selected advertisements from selected ones of the campaigns. The campaigns are associated with household demographic classifications, video content category categories, household geographic locations, and/or video viewing times. In response to a viewer requesting a video, the selector selects the campaigns corresponding to the demographic classification associated with the viewer, the content category of the requested video, the geographic location associated with the viewer, and/or the viewing time at which the requested video is viewed. The demographic classification is determined by using an identifier of the viewer's set-top-box. The selector may select the campaigns corresponding to the content categories of the requested video. The content categories are determined by using an identifier associated with the requested video.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forced advertising are provided. These methods and systems determine when a forced advertisement is to be presented, determine what forced advertisement is to be presented, and control how the forced advertisement is to be presented. A forced advertisement may be received prior to the time at which the forced advertisement is to be presented or when needed. The forced advertisement may be presented when certain broadcast advertisements are being broadcast, at certain times of the day, or at certain times within a program. The forced advertisements may be selected based upon content of a replaced broadcast advertisement, content of a nearby program, or independently of any broadcast-related factors. Finally, forced advertisements may be presented so that a television viewer cannot escape viewing the advertisement by changing channels or turning off the television.

Abstract: The display of information supplied from a remote source is customized. Profile data identifying user preferences or display characteristics associated with a user's display device is transmitted to the remote source. Descriptive closed caption data disposed in a predetermined location in the data structure of the information is received from that remote source. The descriptive closed caption data is parsed from the received information; and the user's preference or display characteristic is recognized from the parsed data. The parsed data is used to control the user's display device, thereby displaying the supplied information in accordance with the user's preference or in accordance with the particular display characteristics of the user's display device.

Abstract: A system for up-selling content during periods of likely viewer disinterest may include a content delivery network configured to provide media content and at least one choice of alternative content, a content viewing device, and a content processing device for interfacing the viewing device with the content delivery network. The content processing device may be configured to detect likely viewer disinterest in media content, prompt the selection of alternative content, and selectively replace the media content with the alternative content upon viewer selection. Additionally, methods for estimating a degree of likely viewer disinterest and discounting the offering price of the alternative content options are implemented by the system.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinating advertisements on multiple playback devices during playback of heterogeneous content are provided. In general, a virtual group of playback devices or users of the playback devices is formed and managed by a virtual group (VG) control function. In operation, the VG control function operates to coordinate advertisement slots in heterogeneous content being played by the playback devices and provide targeted advertisements to the playback devices for insertion into the coordinated advertisement slots. The targeted advertisements may be, for example, targeted advertisements for each user or playback device, targeted advertisements for subsets of the users or playback devices in the virtual group, targeted advertisements for the virtual group, targeted complementary advertisements for subsets of users or playback devices in the virtual group, or targeted complementary advertisements for the virtual group.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurate, secure and uniform exchange of audience research data. In one embodiment, viewership data is provided in real-time and offers the ability to monitor audience activities regarding, among others, broadcast, VOD or DVR content. A standardized message configuration is optionally used also to permit maximum uniformity and accessibility of the data. Accuracy of data exchange is enforced by implementing a method of detecting system failures, and the transmission of incomplete messages. Subscriber privacy and anonymity is also maintained via e.g., hashing or encrypting data relating to the CPE and/or subscriber, thus ensuring that stored data is not traceable to a specific user account. The methods and apparatus may also be utilized in conjunction with systems enabling the insertion and/or recommendation of content or advertising based on data collected regarding user actions or events. Business methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method of ad targeting that automatically matches advertisements to media based on the demographic signatures of each. The method and system include calculating a match score between historical buyer demographics and media demographics. Media which is similar to the demographic of the product buyers is targeted for advertising.

Abstract: A radio station transmits its broadcast audio content, including audible advertisements, to listeners over the Internet via an Internet Hosting Service that provides listener access to radio station content. A computing system at the radio station digitizes the audio, and supplies marking information that identifies the beginning and duration of commercials. The digital marking information is supplied with the radio station's audio to the Internet Hosting Service. The Internet Hosting Service maintains a repository of replacement audio commercials along with information about the commercials including duration. Upon receiving the digital marker indicating the presence of a commercial, the Internet Hosting Service selects a replacement commercial of comparable duration from its repository.