Abstract: A unified system is provided for splicing of or switching to advertisement videos arriving from sources or video origins into targeted ad spots available in a content video watched by a consumer. The system comprises a plurality of interconnected elements including a unified splicing engine, a markup processor with markup plugins and markup configuration, an ad decision engine, a media player, a data collection client, a plurality of video caches residing at a consumer device and ad services subsystem. The system delivers multiple assets and intelligently splice and switch between the assets to produce a single uninterrupted playout of a content video watched by the consumer on the consumer device.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller. The lock survives power cycling and soft resets of the audio output device. A special hard reset can be used to release the audio output device.

Abstract: A process adapts user-initiated search queries. The process executes at a client device with a microphone. The process downloads audio fingerprints from a remote server for a plurality of video programs, and downloads information that correlates the audio fingerprint to the video programs. The audio fingerprints are preselected according to relevancy criteria, including stored user preferences and prior search queries by the user. The audio fingerprints and correlating information are stored locally. The process detects ambient sound using the microphone and computes one or more sample audio fingerprints from the detected ambient sound. The process matches a sample audio fingerprint to a locally stored audio fingerprint and uses the correlating information to identify a first video program corresponding to the matched sample audio fingerprint. The process then receives user input to initiate a search query. The process provides auto-complete suggestions for the search query based on the first video program.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes: receiving an instruction to apply a particular digital video-effect (DVE) of a particular DVE type to a temporal portion of a video segment based, at least in part, on the temporal portion of the video segment being suitable for having a DVE of the particular DVE type applied thereto, wherein the particular DVE corresponds to a duration; making a determination that no particular temporal portion of the video segment satisfies each condition in a set, the set comprising (i) a first condition that the particular temporal portion of the video segment has been identified as being suitable for having a DVE of the particular DVE type applied thereto, and (ii) a second condition that the particular temporal portion of the video segment is of at least the duration; and based, at least in part, on the received instruction and the determination, outputting an alert.

Abstract: There is provided a recall and triggering system and method for the control of on-air graphics at remote locations. The system including a television network and an affiliated station, the television network configured to insert a command into a video and transmit the video including the command to the affiliated station, and the affiliated station configured to receive the video including the command from the television network, store the video in the memory, detect the command from the video stored in the memory, retrieve the data from a database based on the command, modify the video using the data to generate a modified video, and transmit the modified video to a display device. The database may be stored in the memory of the affiliated station or on a separate server. The data may include graphics, content, databases, spreadsheets, tables, websites, news, or other graphical content.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing audio and video of selectably presentable multimedia content includes a memory for storing a plurality of selectably presentable multimedia content segments. Each content segment defines a portion of one or more content paths and includes a decision period during which a user may select a subsequent content segment as the content segment is playing. An assembly engine seamlessly assembles a subset of the content segments into one of the content paths, ultimately forming a multimedia presentation. A configuration manager determines an audio file and a video file to be played based on a content segment that is selected to be played immediately following the currently playing content segment. An audio engine processes the audio file for playback, and a video engine synchronizes playback of the video file with the playback of the audio file.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for providing target content, such as advertisements, based on one or more selected video frames. A set of video frames and target content is received. The target content is to be presented upon detection of a playback of the set of video frames. The playback of the set of video frames is detected. In response to the detection of the playback of the set of video frames, the target content is communicated for presentation.

Abstract: A display device is provided. The display device includes an outputter configured to output a content including a plurality of content parts, a signal processor configured to extract a first fingerprint corresponding to a first content part among the plurality of content parts of the content from at least one of a video signal and an audio signal constituting the content while the content is output, a communicator configured to transmit the first fingerprint to a server, and receive a second fingerprint corresponding to a second content part among the plurality of content parts of the content and first event information corresponding to the second fingerprint from the server, a storage configured to store the second fingerprint and the first event information, and a controller configured to control the outputter to output the first event information in coordination with the second content part of the content being output.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting interactive elements within video content are provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, an example method includes (i) accessing, by a computing system, a broadcast schedule, which indicates that a broadcast of a first media content item is scheduled to be followed by a broadcast of a second media content item, wherein the computing system can operate in a schedule mode or a breakout mode; (ii) switching from operating in the schedule mode to operating in the breakout mode; and (iii) while operating in the breakout mode: (a) simulating a broadcast of the first media content item; (b) making a determination that a particular signal is embedded in the first media content item; (c) responsive to making the determination, simulating a switch from broadcasting the first media content item to broadcasting the second media content item; (d) based on the simulated broadcast of the first and second media content items, generating a simulation log; and (e) presenting the generated log.

Abstract: A server computer system identifies a user and a destination document. The server computer system identifies recommendations that correspond to the user and the destination document. The server computer system determines grades for the recommendations based on the user and/or the destination document. The server computer system determines serving probabilities for the recommendations based on the proportions of the grades and provides the serving probabilities to serve the recommendations.

Abstract: The MEDIA CONTENT SYNCHRONIZED ADVERTISING PLATFORM APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS (“AD-SYNCH”) transforms TV program schedule listing information and user channel selection via AD-SYNCH components, into channel-synchronized product placement advertisement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing information related to an advertisement included in a broadcast over a network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for masking a network disruption. In an aspect, a plurality of advertisements can be stored locally to a user device. In an aspect, the user device can receive content from a network. In an aspect, the network can experience a disruption, wherein the disruption prevents the user device from receiving the content. In an aspect, the user device can select one of the plurality of advertisements. The selected advertisement can be presented.

Abstract: Methods and systems to specify complex geographic areas for advertisements to connect advertisers and customers for real time communications. One embodiment includes: a web server to present a user interface to receive input specifying a plurality of geographic areas and one or more operations to combine the plurality of geographic areas into a geographic area of service of an advertisement and to provide the advertisement with a reference of a connection server for presentation to a customer when a location of the customer matches with the geographic area of service of the advertisement; and a connection server to receive a request from the customer for a connection to an advertiser of the advertisement and to provide the connection for real time communications between the customer and the advertiser in response to the request made via the reference of the connection server.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for identifying content are provided. In some implementations, systems for identifying content are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that: receives content having audio; generates a representation of the audio of the content; performs a first database search based on the representation; performs a second database search based on text corresponding to words that are sung or spoken in the content; responsive to determining that the first database search yielded a match and the second database search yielded a match, causes a first indication that the content contains a known performance of known content to be output; and responsive to determining that the first database search failed to yield a match and the second database search yielded a match, causes a second indication that the content contains an unknown performance of known content to be output.

Abstract: Described herein is a system that generates and displays an interactive timeline for a teleconference session. The system determines notable events that occur in association with live and/or recorded content of the teleconference session. The system adds a representation of a notable event to the interactive timeline in association with a time at which the notable event occurs. Moreover, the system enables varying levels of user interaction with a representation so that the user can view different amounts of information associated with a notable event. For example, first input associated with a representation can cause first information about a notable event to be displayed to a user without interrupting a current view of content being displayed. In an event the user wants to view more detailed information about the notable event, the user can provide second input which causes second information about the notable event to be displayed.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a video file is divided into video frames, and a target object is recognized from the video frames. Then the target object is matched in a data source, and an ultrasonic signal containing information related to the target object is generated.

Abstract: A media system replaces content in a first sequence of media content. The media system presents the first sequence of media content to an end-user and generates a fingerprint of the sequence of media content. The fingerprint is for comparison with a plurality of reference fingerprints so as to identify the first sequence of media content and determine a reference position within the first sequence of media content. The media system sends a request for a replacement sequence of content to a content replacement system, and receives replacement media content selected based on the identified first sequence of media content. The media system presents the replacement media content to the end-user instead of the first sequence of media content. Presenting the replacement media content begins at a position in the first sequence of media content that is determined based on the reference position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for simultaneously broadcasting video components (VCs). In one example, a method includes an automation-system (AS) selecting a log entry including (i) a first identifier that maps to a first VC, and (ii) a second identifier that maps to a second VC; a recording-and-playout device (RAPD) retrieving the first VC; the RAPD sending the retrieved first-VC to an encoder; the encoder generating a first transport-stream (TS) having (i) program-identification (PID) data, and (ii) payload data including the sent first-VC; the encoder sending the generated first-TS to a first outbound-broadcast device (OBD); the encoder sending the generated first-TS to a transport-stream splicer; the AS loading the splicer with the second VC; the splicer generating a second TS having (i) the PID data of the generated first-TS, and (ii) payload data including the loaded second-VC; and the splicer sending the generated second-TS to a second OBD.

Abstract: A receiving system includes a communication input system to receive a program and a marker file. The program has a total duration when the program is presented in its entirety. The marker file includes a plurality of markers indicating locations of contents-of-interest in the program. The system includes a data storage system to store the program and the marker file. The system includes a user control to receive requests to present the contents-of-interest indicated by the plurality of markers. The system includes one or more processors to determine the locations of the contents-of-interest in the program from the plurality of markers. The system includes a presentation output interface to present the contents-of-interest on a user interface. The presentation of the contents-of-interest skips some content in the program. The contents-of-interest are presented over a shortened duration that is less that the total duration of the program when presented in its entirety.

Abstract: System and techniques for multiple stream tuning are described herein. A plurality of content streams may be received. The plurality of content streams may be ranked. A user attention level may be scored as the user observes at least one content stream of the plurality of content streams. The user attention level and a rank for the at least one content stream may be compared to remaining ranks of the plurality of content streams to produce a difference. A stream action may be performed on a set of content streams from the plurality of content streams based on the difference.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining media stream with adaptive resolutions. The device includes a receiver in communication with a processor, and a transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive a plurality of media signals. The processor is programmed to communicate with a terminal device in the home network, obtain a corresponding display resolution of the terminal device, and select a media signal according to the corresponding display resolution of the terminal device and a video resolution of the media signal. The transmitter is configured to transmit media stream corresponding to the selected media signal to the terminal device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing information related to an advertisement included in a broadcast over a network.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving an unmarked content item comprising stream-enabled video segments, one or more segments including sequential black frames; identifying insertion point(s) for the segments based on location of black frame(s) without requiring user input; discarding segment(s) that do not include black frames; removing black frames from the segments; generating a playlist comprising a first source location associated with segments that do not include black frames, a second source location associated with segments having removed black frames, and a third source location associated with an ad provider system; providing the playlist to the consumer system to allow the consumer system to stream segments that do not include black frames from the first source location, second stream segments having removed black frames from the second source location until a corresponding insertion point is reached, and third stream ad(s) from the third source location when the corresponding insertion point is reached.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aiding user content navigation are described. An exemplary system may include an electronic device configured to receive audiovisual content and/or user inputs. The electronic device may additionally include one or more outputs coupled with a display device. The electronic device may further include one or more processors as well as memory, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause them to perform one or more navigation functions to receive a channel change command to adjust from a first channel to a second channel. The one or more processors may further be caused to determine that the second channel is presenting advertising content instead of program content, and determine that a third channel is presenting program content. The one or more processors may further be caused to adjust the output to the third channel.

Abstract: Improved operation of a content presentation device is achieved by displaying, to a user, user-desired primary content on the physical display device. Content pod metadata can be received specifying a predefined duration of a content pod for displaying auxiliary content, different from primary content, within a break from the primary content for the predetermined duration. The content pod metadata also specifies a plurality of subdivision time slots of the content pod, each time slot for different auxiliary content. The auxiliary content can be displayed on the physical display device within a time slot of the content pod. User input can be received while displaying the auxiliary content on the physical display device, where the user input indicates user interest in the auxiliary content. The auxiliary content can then be adjusted based on the user interest in the auxiliary content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for avoiding playback of an advertisement by selectively switching between media streams. To this end, a media guidance application receives a plurality of media streams from different sources, switches to a first media stream and plays back a first media asset of the first media stream, and determines that an end to playback of the first media asset is imminent. The media guidance application then determines whether a second media stream of the plurality of media streams is within a threshold amount of time of playing back a beginning of a second media asset, and if the second media stream is within the threshold amount of time of playing back the beginning of the second media asset, the media guidance application switches from the first media stream to the second media stream and plays back the second media asset.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically inserting advertisements into source video content playback streams are described. In one aspect, the systems and methods communicate a source video content playback stream to a video player to present source video to a user. During playback of the source video, and in response to receipt of a request from the user to navigate portions of the source video (e.g., a user command to fast forward the source video, rewind the source video, or other action), the systems and methods dynamically define a video advertisement clip insertion point (e.g., and insertion point based on a current playback position). The systems and methods then insert a contextually relevant and/or targeted video advertisement clip into the playback stream for presentation to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide for protocol independent asset insertion decisioning. One embodiment provides for communicatively coupling a plurality of COD providers to a request manager and communicatively coupling a plurality of ADSs to the request manager. Some of the COD providers have different communication protocols. The request manager processes requests from the COD content providers for asset insertions from the ADSs according to the communication protocols of the COD providers, receives asset insertion decisions from the ADSs, and conveys the asset insertion decisions of the ADSs to the COD providers. The request manager then processes a request from a first of the COD providers to switch from a first of the ADSs to a second of the ADSs, directs the second ADS to perform an asset insertion decision on behalf of the first COD provider, and conveys the asset insertion decision from the second ADS to the first COD provider.

Abstract: A system including a wireless communication network entity and a wireless terminal having a broadcast receiver for receiving content. The network entity is, for example, a broadcast content provider and/or a wireless communication network. A process includes sending preview information to the terminal wherein the preview information references content not yet received by the wireless terminal, and sending expiration notification information metadata for the content referenced by the preview information wherein the expiration notification metadata enables presentation of content expiration information on a user interface of the terminal.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to receive from a media communication system metadata describing one or more marketable items depicted in a media program supplied by the media communication system, present images of the media program at a media presentation device without highlighting the one or more marketable items, present an icon at least at one of a remote controller managing operations of the media processor or the media presentation device to indicate a presence of the one or more marketable items in one or more of the images presented at the media presentation device, detect a selection of the icon, and highlight the one or more marketable items. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for providing target content, such as advertisements, based on one or more selected video frames. A set of video frames and target content is received. The target content is to be presented upon detection of a playback of the set of video frames. The playback of the set of video frames is detected. In response to the detection of the playback of the set of video frames, the target content is communicated for presentation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described for the handling of biological specimens for analysis. The systems, methods and apparatus are designed to reduce errors in misidentification, incorrect processing, and recordkeeping and reporting. The systems, methods, and apparatus can also provide real time tracking of samples at any stage, from collection to processing to analyzing to storage.

Abstract: A method of automated content selection is disclosed, in which an end user views multimedia content provided via by a content aggregator that is also programmed to detect content delivery boundaries. This occurs, for instance, when the provider switches from showing an event to showing interstitial advertising. On detecting a delivery boundary, a substitute stream of multimedia content is then automatically sent. Detecting a content delivery boundary is accomplished in a twostep process. First, a candidate frame indicative of a deliver boundary is found. This is done, for instance, by finding a change in average sound volume of sufficient magnitude. The candidate frame is then compared to a database of representative frames of known interstitial video segments. If a sufficiently good match is found, the frame is determined to be a content boundary frame, and appropriate switching of the video being relayed is made.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer executable instructions that when executed by a computer perform a method, the computer program including but not limited to instructions to track a portion of the advertising data forwarded from a first end user device to a second end user; instructions to generate, based on the tracking, penetration data indicating an extent to which the first end user device forwards and propagates the portion of the advertising data to other end users; and instructions to present a portion of the advertising data in a picture in picture display window on the end user device based on the prioritizing of the advertising data during execution of the trick play command data.

Abstract: Techniques for object based operations may include identifying one or more objects in a multimedia stream. The one or more objects may be classified. An operation may be performed based on the classification of the one or more objects. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for identifying content are provided. In some implementations, systems for identifying content are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that: receives content having audio; generates a representation of the audio of the content; performs a first database search based on the representation; performs a second database search based on text corresponding to words that are sung or spoken in the content; responsive to determining that the first database search yielded a match and the second database search yielded a match, causes a first indication that the content contains a known performance of known content to be output; and responsive to determining that the first database search failed to yield a match and the second database search yielded a match, causes a second indication that the content contains an unknown performance of known content to be output.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for causing a stunt switcher to run a bug-removal digital-video effect (DVE). In one aspect, a method involves selecting a first log-entry from a traffic log, wherein the first log-entry corresponds to a bug-removal DVE stored in the stunt switcher; selecting a second log-entry from the traffic log, wherein the second log-entry corresponds to a show-segment video-component (VC) and a start time; causing the VC to start being channeled through the stunt switcher proximate the start time; making a determination that a threshold time-period remains in a show portion of the VC; and responsive to making the determination that the threshold time-period remains in the show portion of the VC, causing the stunt switcher to run the stored bug-removal DVE, thereby removing any bug overlayed on the VC as a remainder of the VC is being channeled through the stunt switcher.

Abstract: A correctable memory error may be identified at a first address within a memory device. Based on at least the identifying, a first correctable memory error count may be updated from a first quantity to a second quantity. The second quantity may be determined to exceed or not exceed a threshold. In response to the determining, the first correctable memory error count of the second quantity may be: converted to a third quantity and reported to a host device accordingly, reported to a host device, or not reported to a host device.

Abstract: Media system control technology, in which an advertisement on a selected content channel being experienced by a user using a media system is detected, advertisement preferences of the user are accessed from electronic storage, and secondary content is selected based on the accessed advertisement preferences of the user. The secondary content is substituted for the advertisement on the selected content channel, and the media system is controlled to output the secondary content instead of the advertisement.

Abstract: Television transmissions are received at multiple locations across a large area. Advertisements are identified, harvested and tagged from within in the television transmissions. The advertisements are made into smaller representations (“fingerprinted”) and are assigned identifiers and media plans are determined for the advertisements. Smart TVs use the advertisement representations to identify advertisements in television content received by the smart TVs. The smart TVs report the advertisement identifiers and identifiers of shows in the television content received by the smart TVs. The television content and advertisements as rendered by the smart TVs are categorized as live, timeshifted, on-demand, over-the-top, and the like. The advertisements are categorized as occurring in national or regional ad slots. The data from the smart TVs is used to determine ad impressions, gross rating points, and target rating points.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning physical channels in a content-based network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network having a plurality of cable modems, and the physical channels are assigned to the cable modems based at least in part on any multicast transmissions that may exist on the system. When two cable modems are receiving the same multicast transmission, the invention causes tuning of one or more of the cable modems to the same physical channel in order to limit the total number multicast transmissions on the network. Multicast transmissions typically comprise video or audio information, but other types of information may also be multicast according to the invention. In another embodiment, a multicast transmission list (containing a list of multicast transmissions and the corresponding physical channels) is sent to the set of cable modems. This list is used by the modems (or associated CPE) to manage channel allocation and tuning.

Abstract: A reception apparatus for receiving transmitted AV (Audio/Video) content includes: an extraction section configured to extract trigger information associated with control of an application program transmitted with the AV content to be executed in cooperation with the AV content; and a control section configured to control processing associated with the application program in accordance with a command indicated by the extracted trigger information, wherein the application program in an active status started up in accordance with the command indicated by the extracted trigger information executes at least one of processing of generating view status information indicative of a user view status and processing of uploading the view status information to a predetermined server.

Abstract: The system and method for streaming media to a viewer and managing the media comprises an enhanced service routing processor (ESRP), a real time switch management system (RTSMS), a name routing processor (NRP), and a managed media switch (MMS). The RTSMS has a reservation system. The ESRP receives media from an owner, manages the media according to media rules and order rules defined by the owner, and distributes the media to one or more switches, such as the MMS, according to the media rules and the order rules. The RTSMS is configured to receive the media rules and to receive a viewer's media request via the reservation server. The reservation system of the RTSMS processes the media request according to the media rules and builds a reservation for the requested media. The RTSMS generates the reservation to the viewer and to the NRP. The NRP receives the reservation data from the viewer and from the RTSMS. The NRP processes the reservation data and locates an MMS that can stream the media to the viewer.

Abstract: An automated movie compilation system is described. An application on a mobile device has a capture component that samples media assets and a data asset synchronizer that synchronizes the media assets over a network with a backend server. The backend server has an asset data synchronizer that stores the media assets in a data store, a movie compiler combining the media assets and further assets into a movie compilation, and a movie server serving the movie compilation for viewing. The mobile application has a compiled movie receiver that receives a movie compilation from the backend server and a movie playback system that plays the compiled movie on the mobile device. Advertisers can upload establishing shot clips for viewing in the movie compilation.

Abstract: The system and method for streaming media to a viewer and managing the media comprises an enhanced service routing processor (ESRP), a real time switch management system (RTSMS), a name routing processor (NRP), and a managed media switch (MMS). The RTSMS has a reservation system. The ESRP receives media from an owner, manages the media according to media rules and order rules defined by the owner, and distributes the media to one or more switches, such as the MMS, according to the media rules and the order rules. The RTSMS is configured to receive the media rules and to receive a viewer's media request via the reservation server. The reservation system of the RTSMS processes the media request according to the media rules and builds a reservation for the requested media. The RTSMS generates the reservation to the viewer and to the NRP. The NRP receives the reservation data from the viewer and from the RTSMS. The NRP processes the reservation data and locates an MMS that can stream the media to the viewer.

Abstract: A method and system to identify and locate images/objects which may be characterized as non-distinctive or “featureless” and which would be difficult to locate by conventional means comprises a plurality of steps including identifying first and second frame markers, increasing granularity between the frame markers, identifying at least one dominant object between the frame markers, normalizing its shape and identifying its edges, dissecting the dominant object into at least two equally sized sections; identifying shape and characteristics of at least one section (the analyzed section) of the dominant object thereby creating section data; applying geometric modeling such that section data from the analyzed section is used to determine overall shape, facets and configuration of the dominant object, thereby forming a geometric model; comparing geometric model to a known reference database of objects like the non-distinctive object (the reference object); and assessing the probability that the geometric model so

Abstract: A method for presenting advertisements for commercial products in video productions, whereby the commercial product is placed in the video production as an element of the video production. A viewer is enabled to interact with the video production to select the product. Information is then displayed about the selected product; and the viewer is enabled to purchase the selected product.

Abstract: Various arrangements are presented for handling broadcast television commercials. A television receiver may receive, from a television service provider, metadata that indicates a commencement of a television commercial break and an expected duration. Based on the metadata, the television receiver may initiate a countdown timer such that the countdown timer is based on the expected duration of the television commercial break and counts down. The television receiver may output for presentation a remaining duration based on the countdown timer as the countdown timer counts down.