Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of organizing multimedia content includes obtaining, by a server, a first video program. Also, the method includes selecting a first video, where the first video is a first subset of the first video program, and where the first video forms a first branch of the first video program and selecting a second video, where the second video is a second subset of the first video program. Additionally, the method includes selecting a first partial video, where the first partial video is a first subset of the first video and selecting a second partial video, where the second partial video is a second subset of the first video. The method also includes establishing a multi-dimensional index tree including a first video program level, a first video level, a first partial video level.

Abstract: A technique for determining annotation items associated with video information is described. During this annotation technique, a content item that includes audio information and the video information is received. For example, a file may be downloaded from a uniform resource locator. Then, the audio information is extracted from the content item, and the audio information is analyzed to determine features or descriptors that characterize the audio information. Note that the features may be determined solely by analyzing the audio information or may be determined by subsequent further analysis of at least some of the video information based on the analysis of the audio information (i.e., sequential or cascaded analysis). Next, annotation items or tags associated with the video information are determined based on the features.

Abstract: A user interface is presented on a monitor of a media device for providing information about available programs. The user interface includes an array having three columns (channel, current show, and next show) with commonly aligned rows. Each row of the channel column includes an indicator. Each row of the current show column includes a title naming a program currently available on a channel of the media device corresponding to the indicator in a commonly aligned row of the channel column. Each row of the next show column includes a title naming a show available after the current program on the same channel. The currently available program may be displayed on the monitor in response to a viewer selected row, indicator, and/or title in the array.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can define a set of video quality levels. One or more social engagement signals associated with videos uploaded at each video quality level out of the set of video quality levels can be acquired. Information associated with each user out of a set of users can be acquired. A respective video quality level for each user can be determined based on at least one of the information associated with each user or the one or more social engagement signals.

Abstract: There are provided respective systems and methods for recording and playing back media content. The system for recording media content includes a segmenter (303) for splitting transport stream data and index data corresponding to the media content into discrete files at periodic intervals on access point boundaries. Each of the discrete files includes a respective transport segment and a respective index segment. The system also includes a segment storage device (304) for storing the discrete files.

Abstract: A channel access method in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system using a multi-channel configured by aggregation of a plurality of subchannels is provided. The method includes receiving from an access point (AP) a multi-channel switching request frame for requesting a first station operating in a first subchannel constituting the multi-channel to switch to a second subchannel constituting the multi-channel and transmitting a multi-channel switching response frame for reporting whether to switch to the second subchannel in response to the multi-channel switching request frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises systems and methods for tagging a post to a specific scene in a media stream. The systems and methods receive a post from a user to a specific scene in a media stream, tag the post to the specific scene in the media stream, generate a post indication/message indicating a post is tagged to the specific scene, receive a response to the post indication/message, surface the post, determine whether to display the media from beginning or from the tagged scene, locate the scene to which the post is tagged, display the media from the tagged scene, generate a spoiler alert, display spoiler alert, receive a response to the spoiler alert, and remove the alert.

Abstract: A system and method for delivery of unmanaged over-the-top (OTT) streams in a cellular network are provided. The method includes monitoring unmanaged OTT streams flow in the cellular network; determining if at least one of the monitored unmanaged OTT streams can be delivered as an OTT stream in a multicast format; reformatting the at least one unmanaged OTT stream into a multicast OTT stream, if the at least one unmanaged OTT stream can be delivered in a multicast format; and delivering the at least one unmanaged OTT stream as a multicast OTT stream to a user edge device over the cellular network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for implementing FCC. The method mainly includes: receiving, by a fast channel change FCC server, a plurality of FCC requests concurrently sent by the same user, and obtaining, rates of a plurality of channels corresponding to the plurality of FCC requests; and when the FCC server determines that the rates of the plurality of channels do not belong to the same rate range, respectively performing channel change processing for the plurality of FCC requests. The embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a scenario in which FCC is concurrently performed corresponding to a large picture and a channel corresponding to a small picture of the same user, and ensure that FCC of the channel corresponding to the large picture and FCC of the channel corresponding to the small picture do not interfere with each other.

Abstract: A video ingest, search and delivery solution is provided in which videos and their associated metadata are ingested based on ingest criteria. Moments in the metadata are identified by parsing comments in the metadata for comments that reference a time in the video. Moments are recorded with the referenced time and the text of the comment. Videos are rated and may be delivered to users based at least in part on the rating. Moments may be displayed together with the video by displaying the text of moments at the associated time in the video as the video is being delivered. The text of moment records may be searched based on search parameters received form a user to identify videos to deliver to the user.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling a television. While receiving and displaying a broadcast signal on a screen of the television, the television receives a first signal from a remote controller and displays a control icon corresponding to the remote controller on the screen. The screen is partitioned into a first and second partition, the first partition being a broadcast signal display region continuing to display the broadcast signal, and the second partition being a television control region that includes television control icons and/or subregions. A second signal is wirelessly received from the remote controller, the second signal representing a movement of the remote controller. The control icon is moved across the screen of the television in response to the movement of the remote controller. A channel list is displayed based on whether the second sign is recognized within or out of the second partition.

Abstract: Systems for, and methods of, displaying video information comprising: a second screen device obtaining current play position data of a video being played on a primary screen device (e.g., obtaining from the primary screen device an identification of a current play position of the video, or obtaining information to generate an acoustic fingerprint of the video); determining a current play position of the video playing on the primary screen device based upon the current play position data (e.g., identification of the current play position or the acoustic fingerprint); downloading information (e.g., video map, subtitles, moral principles, objectionable content, memorable content, performers, geographical maps, shopping, plot point, item, ratings, and trivia information) over a computer communications network into the memory of the second screen device; and displaying information on the second screen device synchronized with the contemporaneously played video on the primary screen device.

Abstract: Systems for, and methods of, displaying video information comprising: a second screen device obtaining current play position data of a video being played on a primary screen device (e.g., obtaining from the primary screen device an identification of a current play position of the video, or obtaining information to generate an acoustic fingerprint of the video); determining a current play position of the video playing on the primary screen device based upon the current play position data (e.g., identification of the current play position or the acoustic fingerprint); downloading information (e.g., video map, subtitles, moral principles, objectionable content, memorable content, performers, geographical maps, shopping, plot point, item, ratings, and trivia information) over a computer communications network into the memory of the second screen device; and displaying information on the second screen device synchronized with the contemporaneously played video on the primary screen device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for configuring a plurality of tiles displayed in a graphical user interface. In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving an initial state of the tiles, wherein the initial state includes two overlapping tiles; deriving, via the one or more computer processors, one or more secondary states from the initial state by rearranging the tiles in the initial state; calculating one or more scores for the initial state and the secondary states; and determining, based on the scores, a selected state from among the initial state and the one or more secondary states as a display state to be displayed on the user interface.

Abstract: A media content processing system includes a first tuner programmed to receive a first media content signal and a second tuner programmed to receive a second media content signal. A processing device is programmed to receive a popularity signal representing a popularity of a media content instance. The processing device is further programmed to command the second tuner to tune to the media content instance identified by the popularity signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for increasing user engagement with video ads and content. The invention is not limited to video advertisements, but is applicable to any other content. Embodiments of the invention provide engagement formats that use interesting frames in a video or objects within video frames to increase user engagement in the video, one or more frames of the video, or any object within the video.

Abstract: A method of operation of a display system includes: receiving a recap request for a source media; generating source content descriptors for the source media with a control unit; extracting a source recap segment from the source media based on correlation of the source content descriptors with a recap theme associated with the recap request; and generating a custom recap with the source recap segment for displaying on a device.

Abstract: An information display device includes: a display unit, an information obtaining unit which obtains program-related information related to a video program displayed on a video display device following the video program; and a terminal control unit which causes the display unit to display the program-related information obtained by the information obtaining unit. When the information obtaining unit is unable to obtain first program-related information related to a first video program currently displayed on the video display device following the first video program, the terminal control unit causes the display unit to display (i) second program-related information distributed before the first video program is displayed on the video display device, or (ii) third program-related information related to the second video program displayed before the first video program is displayed on the video display device.

Abstract: A method for providing a cross-platform interface for a television device is provided, including the following method operations: identifying available services for consumption on a television device, wherein the available services include two or more of a broadcast television service, an on-demand video service, and an internet content service; determining a current date and time; determining content items available for consumption from each of the available services at the current date and time; determining an allocation of display locations in a cross-platform interface for content items from each of the available services, the allocation defining a relative amount of display locations for each of the available services based on a device profile associated with the television device; assigning content items to the display locations in accordance with the determined allocation.

Abstract: A method and control device for controlling the display of multimedia data on an audio-video rendering device, e.g. a TV device (AVD), when a channel selection navigation, from a first channel to a second channel, is activated. It is controlled which, how and when particular multimedia data is displayed as it may for instance be necessary to perform parental control to prevent the display of “adult” multimedia data at particular times of the day, or advertisements at times when they could disturb the comfort of watching of the user of the TV set. In a preferred embodiment, multimedia data of a second content type, e.g. “normal” programs (PGS) or previews of programs (PRS) is displayed in replacement of the advertisements during a predetermined time delay called advertisement-play grace period.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computer-readable medium includes a set of program instructions that when executed cause performance of a set of functions involving (i) selecting a first log-entry from a traffic log, wherein the first log-entry corresponds to a bug-overlay digital video effect (DVE) stored in a stunt switcher, and to a first start-time; (ii) selecting a second log-entry from the traffic log, wherein the second log-entry corresponds to a video component (VC) and to a second start-time, wherein the second start-time is later than the first start-time; (iii) causing the VC to start being channeled through the stunt switcher proximate the second start-time; (iv) determining a target time to run the bug-overlay DVE; and (v) causing the stunt switcher to run the stored bug-overlay DVE proximate the determined target time such that a bug is overlayed on the VC as the VC is being channeled through the stunt switcher.

Abstract: Content delivery systems and methods are operable to provide recoverable program content to a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a qualifying event, wherein the qualifying event is associated with an unavailable portion of a program of interest; communicates a request to establish a backchannel between the media device and a program content device in response to detecting the occurrence of the qualifying event; communicates a request for a recoverable portion of the program of interest from the media device to the program content device over the backchannel, wherein the requested recoverable portion of the program of interest corresponds to the unavailable portion of the program of interest; and receives at the media device the recoverable portion of the program of interest from the program content device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which display a three dimensional (3D) video signal, the apparatus comprising: a receiver which receives a video signal; a video signal processor which processes the received video signal; a display unit which displays thereon the processed video signal; and a controller which, in response to the received video signal being a 3D video signal, controls the video signal processor to convert the received 3D video signal into a two dimensional (2D) video signal, and displays the 2D video signal on the display unit.

Abstract: A video ingest, search and delivery solution is provided in which videos and their associated metadata are ingested based on ingest criteria. Moments in the metadata are identified by parsing comments in the metadata for comments that reference a time in the video. Moments are recorded with the referenced time and the text of the comment. Videos are rated and may be delivered to users based at least in part on the rating. Moments may be displayed together with the video by displaying the text of moments at the associated time in the video as the video is being delivered. The text of moment records may be searched based on search parameters received from a user to identify videos to deliver to the user.

Abstract: A movie browsing system may use a combination of long term and session based preferences to help a user browse movies using microcategories. The user preferences may be stored as microcategory weights, where the session based weights may change during a session as the system learns the types of movies a user wishes to see at that time. The long term microcategory weights may change at a slower rate than the session weights. The system may present a diverse set of microcategories to a user in an effort to diverge the search and learn the user's current interest, and may refine the weights as the user browses to converge to a desired movie. A user interface may operate on a television screen with a minimum of user input controls to navigate the browsing system while still collecting user preferences.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for providing viewer-derived content for broadcast presentation in conjunction with a broadcast of a media program by a provider of the media program is disclosed. The disclosed system and method (1) simplifies the process for viewers to provide viewer-authored media to broadcasters, while minimizing the data transmission requirements between portable viewer devices and the broadcaster, (2) allows advance approval for the broadcasters to use that viewer-generated content to generate and disseminate viewer-authored-content and (3) provides for management of viewer-generated content (4) integrates with social networks that can be used to at least preliminarily assess the popularity and suitability of the viewer-generated content for broadcast to other viewers.

Abstract: A method comprises causing at least one of a set of content items to be displayed in a first region of a display; causing at least one of the set of content items to be displayed in a second region of the display; in response to an input in relation to the second region, causing at least one other of the set of content items to be displayed in the second region; and, in response to determining that a selected one of the set of content items is not being displayed in the second region, causing an element associated with the selected content item to be displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing correlated programming information for broadcast media content and streaming media content. In one implementation, a processing device receives first programming information, the first programming information including scheduling information for media content originating at a first source. The processing device generates, based on media content originating at a second source, second programming information, the second programming information including scheduling information for the media content originating at the second source. The processing device correlates the second programming information with the first programming information. The processing device provides, at an interface, (a) the first programming information and (b) the second programming information as correlated with the first programming information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switching method of the different display windows of a TV. Before the switching, the TV displays the TV programs, received from the broadcast system and a server, in a main window and a sub-display window respectively, and the switching method includes the following steps that: the TV and the server determine the channel identifiers of the TV programs displayed by each other; the TV displays the TV programs, received from the broadcast system and the server, with the channel identifiers of each other using the first display window and the second display window respectively. By the present invention, the sources of the contents displayed respectively in the first display window and second display window do not change, thereby maintaining the respective display quality (including resolution and picture size) of the two display windows unchangeable before and after the switching.

Abstract: Techniques are described that allow DVR users to create program shortcuts to different types of media content from content providers. A program shortcut comprises a reference to another media content. A user may generate a shortcut so that the user may easily find and return to media content without performing a new search. In addition, techniques may be used to automatically generate program shortcuts for a user based at least in part to user-indicated preferences or actions. Shortcuts may be generated to media content that is related to a preferred genre or media type specified by a user. Shortcuts may also be generated to content that is determined to be similar to content that is often viewed or recorded by the user.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving terminal, which implements a service executing method, includes a receiver operable to receive a service that uses a plurality of resources, a recording medium, and a service executor operable to execute a service that uses the plurality of resources in a service execution environment intended for the service. The terminal also includes an associater operable to associate the service execution environment with resource set information indicating the plurality of resources used by the service, when an application requests the service executor to execute the service, and a storager operable to store a plurality of service execution environments together with the associated resource set information. The terminal further includes a resource manager operable to provide, to a selected service, the plurality of resources indicated in the resource set information in the associated service execution environment.

Abstract: A communication management apparatus is provided which includes: a start request acceptance unit configured to accept a request to start a program from a terminal; a query unit configured to query the program whether communication with the terminal is available upon acceptance of the start request; and a response transmission unit configured to transmit to the terminal, in response to the start request therefrom, a message indicating whether communication is available between the program and the terminal as a result of the query about the availability of communication therebetween.

Abstract: A method of allowing listeners to participate in broadcast programming is provided, the method generally comprising one or more of providing a library of media elements accessible by a plurality of listeners; receiving from each of at least two of the listeners a playlist of media elements, wherein at least one of the media elements in each playlist is from the library of media elements; editing the playlists using broadcast scheduling software; providing the edited playlists to the plurality of listeners for playback, and for feedback regarding the playlists; and receiving feedback from at least one of the listeners regarding the playlists. A system and apparatus are similarly provided.

Abstract: An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for navigating processes associated with providing content. The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of media content, electronic programming guide information, television content, and other content. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the content.

Abstract: A method and system for playing video on a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a singular user interface for searching, retrieving, and playing video available over a network from a server.

Abstract: Arrangements for preparing a television channel for presentation are presented. A tuner of a television receiver may tune to a first television channel and the first television channel may be output for presentation. One or more idle tuners of the television receiver may be identified. One or more television channels other than the first television channel may be selected for preparation. The one or more television channels may be selected prior to receiving user input selecting a television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation. Each of the one or more television channels may be prepared for presentation by tuning, by each tuner of the one or more idle tuners, to the one or more television channels prior to receiving the user input selecting the television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for causing a stunt switcher to run a bug-overlay digital video effect (DVE). In one aspect, a method involves (i) selecting a first log-entry from a traffic log, wherein the first log-entry corresponds to a bug-overlay DVE stored in the stunt switcher, and to a first start-time; (ii) selecting a second log-entry from the traffic log, wherein the second log-entry corresponds to a video component (VC) and to a second start-time, wherein the second start-time is later than the first start-time; (iii) causing the VC to start being channeled through the stunt switcher proximate the second start-time; (iv) determining a target time to run the bug-overlay DVE; and (v) causing the stunt switcher to run the stored bug-overlay DVE proximate the determined target time such that a bug is overlayed on the VC as the VC is being channeled through the stunt switcher.

Abstract: According to a picture-in-picture (PIP) system and method, a first image sensor device detects light from a first subject and generates a first signal indicative of image data for the first subject. A second image sensor device detects light from a second subject and generates a second signal indicative of image data for the second subject. Overlay logic combines the first and second signals to generate a picture-in-picture signal indicative of a combination of an image of the first subject and an image of the second subject, wherein the overlay logic is located within the first image sensor device. The first image sensor device generates a synchronization signal which is received by the second image sensor device and triggers the second image sensor device to generate the second signal indicative of image data for the second subject.

Abstract: A method for identifying a set of key video frames from a video sequence comprising extracting feature vectors for each video frame and applying a group sparsity algorithm to represent the feature vector for a particular video frame as a group sparse combination of the feature vectors for the other video frames. Weighting coefficients associated with the group sparse combination are analyzed to determine video frame clusters of temporally-contiguous, similar video frames. A summary is formed based on the determined video frame clusters.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display unit; a storage unit which stores user setting information which is set based on an input from a user; and a controller which checks whether the user setting information is stored in the storage unit and displays the stored user setting information on the display unit before the display apparatus is turned off, when a power-off signal of the display apparatus is received from the user.

Abstract: An intelligent television and methods for user interaction between the intelligent television and the user are provided. In general, a user is provided with navigation, notification, and setup options which enable one or more functions associated with the intelligent television. The presentation of options is based on input received by the intelligent television. As a user provides input to the intelligent television via a remote control or other input device, the intelligent television is configured to interpret the input and provide interactive functionality in the form of content presented to the display of the intelligent television.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting progressively downloaded media programs is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, obtaining an estimated length of a media program where the estimated length is based on a plurality of different reported lengths of the media program in reported media program information, presenting at a display device a portion of the media program while it is being delivered by a media delivery system via a progressive download, and enabling bookmark and chaptering functions for the media program based on the estimated length of the media program until a true time index is generated using an index file at an end of the progressive download of the media program. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for measuring multicast latency are disclosed. According to one method, the method includes emulating one or more Internet protocol television (IPTV) user devices by generating channel leave and join requests. The method further includes monitoring network responses to the channel leave and join requests and calculating, during a cycle of channel leave and join requests for a user device and prior to repeating the cycle, at least one metric of latency associated with the channel leave and join requests.

Abstract: A client device, comprising: a communication unit configured to receive a plurality of parameters, the parameters defining segments of an image stored on a server, wherein the segments partially overlap; a processing unit configured to allow selection of a segment of the image in accordance with a defined view on the client device and wherein upon selection the segment is downloadable from the server; and a display configured to display on the client device the cut out of the image taken from the receivable segment is disclosed.

Abstract: A cable television system with integrated social streaming. The cable television system with integrated social streaming includes a set-top box in communication with a camera and/or a microphone that allows video and/or audio communication over a social streaming channel offered by the cable provider. The cable television system with integrated social streaming provides an interactive experience for a set-top box user by allowing the user to participate in video and/or audio conversations with friends on supported social streaming services.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving or suggesting alternatives to content surfing are provided. When it is detected that a user wishes to surf, a pipeline tuning sequence is implemented where by storing one or more frames of a first content selection to the user equipment and acquiring a subsequent content selection while concurrently displaying the previously stored one or more frames. Content suggestions, program listing grids, media guidance application and tuning hints, advertisements, digital audio, and live video may also be presented to user while content surfing. In some embodiments, content surf landing channels may be anticipated based on user history, user profiles, or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, thumbnails of the user's recently tuned, or paused on, content are displayed to the user while content surfing. In multiple tuner systems, more than one thumbnail may be displayed in full motion video.

Abstract: High definition media content processing techniques are described in which enhanced media content rendering techniques may be performed to output high definition media content. In an implementation, luma keying may be provided to define clear pixels in a composite output using an optimum set of graphics processing instructions. In another implementation, techniques are described which may provide clear rectangles in a composite output of one or more video streams. Clear rectangles to appear in the composite output are configured by a media playback application. A texture is arrived at to represent a union of each of the clear rectangles and is applied to form the clear rectangles in the composite output. In another implementation, capture techniques are described in which an image to capture is resolved as strips to an intermediate texture and then from the texture to a capture buffer in system memory.

Abstract: A set top box can provide coordinated graphical user interfaces on a plurality of devices. The set top box can output first media content to a primary display (a television) and can output second media content to a second-screen device (a tablet). The primary display can display a video stream associated with the first media content. The second-screen device can display a video stream associated with the second media content. The video stream of the second media content can be displayed in a video display area on the second-screen device. The outputted video streams can be associated with the same content and can be substantially synchronized. The second application can receive user gestures on a touchscreen of the second-screen device to control the video stream displayed on the primary display. As a result, the second-screen device acts as a bridge to affect the displayed video stream on the primary display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing access to program channels, e.g., high definition programs and program channels which corresponding to a standard definition program and/or program channels are described. In accordance with the invention, a high definition auto tune function is supported. When enabled, in one exemplary embodiment, if a user selects a standard program definition channel, a check is automatically made to determine if a corresponding high definition program channel is available. The corresponding high definition program channel is a channel which provides the same program as on the selected standard definition channel but in high definition. When the auto tune function is enabled and a corresponding high definition channel is available, the device, e.g., set to box or tuner implementing the auto tune feature of the present invention, automatically tunes to the high definition channel instead of the standard definition channel.