Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a first window that displays video data of a first entertainment selection. A first area of the first window displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the first entertainment selection. The GUI includes a second window that displays video data of a second entertainment selection. A second area of the second window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the second entertainment selection. Upon selection by a user of the respective window, entertainment system data regarding the entertainment selection corresponding to the respective window is displayed.

Abstract: A method for providing service to an end user, the method includes: converting images to multiple end user device readable pictures; receiving a request from an end user to display at least one image, wherein the request is conveyed over a TVOD infrastructure; and providing the end user with a stream of end user device readable pictures that includes at least one end user device readable picture that corresponds to the requested image.

Abstract: The address information for reading the detailed information of a computer server which provides the detailed information of distribution information displayed on a predetermined display screen together with a single program or plural programs is transmitted with each program information, so as to realize an information transmitting method and a television broadcasting receiving apparatus which easily obtain, if necessary, the detailed information of the distribution information transmitted with each program information without storage of it at a receiving side.

Abstract: Methods of operating a portable electronic device including a display screen, a user interface, a controller, a memory and a transceiver are provided. The methods include executing a resource on the controller, and receiving a snapshot command through the user interface. In response to the snapshot command, a network address of a remote server from which the resource was downloaded is obtained, an audiovisual signal representative of the resource is generated, and the audiovisual signal and the network address are stored in a file. The file can be forwarded using the transceiver to a remote terminal, which can access the resource from the network address.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) service, which is capable of always displaying a dynamic label service (DLS) of a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) signal in a ticker form in a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver. A method of displaying a digital multimedia broadcasting service includes determining whether additional data carried in a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) signal is received while any application is being executed; and displaying the executed application and the received additional data together on one screen when the additional data is received. Accordingly, since news information or traffic information can be always received in the DMB receiver even during the execution of any application, it is possible to make the DMB receiver more convenient for a user.

Abstract: In response to an operation such as power-on or power-off, channel change and sound volume change, a television set combined with a personal computer automatically makes e-mail with information in a predetermined format indicative of the operation attached. The e-mail is automatically sent to another television set to inform the other television set of operation of the own television set. On the other hand, the e-mail can be sent to a rating company for audience share survey. The television set automatically reads the received e-mail and attachment to change the indication of display. The television set has storage of the received information for analysis of an abnormality. Abnormality can be also sensed through abnormal act on the remote controller apt to be taken by a person in panic or off the truck. The television set refuses information from unknown address for blocking an attack of a stranger.

Abstract: A method of directing a viewer's attention in an image display to enhance the perceived image quality and thus the viewer's preference of the image is disclosed. An image with an area of interest (AOI) is provided. The AOI is briefly displayed for a first time period. Subsequently, the image is normally displayed in its entirety for a second time period that is longer than the first time period. As a result, the viewer's attention is involuntarily directed to the AOI in a subliminal manner.

Abstract: A system interactively controlled by a TV viewer remote superimposes portions of a scroll program guide over a basic programming signal for display on the viewer's display screen. A tuner has an input for receiving TV signals in a plurality of cable channels and an output for passing a signal of any selected one of said channels. A computer has an input for receiving any of a plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote and an output for controlling the tuner to pass the signal of the selected one of the channels in response to one of the plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote. The computer receives and stores a scroll input picture image signal containing local program guide data and generates a scroll output picture image signal consisting of at least a portion of the scroll input picture image signal. A combiner superimposes output picture image signal over the passed signal to provide a display signal for input to the viewer's display screen.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting information to a user of a mobile communication device. Various aspects of the present invention comprise receiving and presenting a first portion of media information to a user. While presenting the first portion of the media information to the user, a first signal may be received. In response to the first signal, a second portion of the media information may be received and buffered. A second signal may be received, and in response to the second signal, the second portion of the media information may be presented to the user. While the second portion of the media information is presented to the user, a third portion of the media information may be received and buffered. Various aspects of the present invention may also comprise a mobile communication device that receives, presents and/or buffers various portions of media information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed. The method comprises: associating a 3D object having first, second and third faces, with a theme; populating the first face with a first icon that represents the theme; populating the second face with a second icon, the second icon representing a first attribute of the theme; populating the third face with a third icon, the third icon representing a second attribute of the theme; generating a first perspective view of a three dimensional object, the first perspective view having the first and second faces but not the third face; displaying the first perspective view on a portion of a display; receiving a command; generating a second perspective view of the three dimensional object, the second perspective view having the third face; removing the first perspective view from the display; and displaying the second perspective view on the portion of the display.

Abstract: Media rich content systems and methods are operable to provide access to supplemental media rich content in response to user selection of a presented object of interest. An exemplary embodiment receives at a media device a video stream comprising at least a plurality of video frames, wherein at least one of the video frames is configured to present an object of interest; processes a supplemental media rich content trigger associated with the at least one video frame, wherein the supplemental media rich content trigger comprises information that identifies a region where the object of interest is presented in the video frame, and comprises information configured to access supplemental media rich content associated with the object of interest; receives a user selection of the object of interest presented in the at least one video frame; and presents the supplemental media rich content on a presentation device.

Abstract: Video thumbnail electronic program guide (EPG) systems and methods are operable to include a video thumbnail. An exemplary embodiment receives a media content stream at a media device; picks a plurality of still image video frames from the received media content stream, wherein each still image video frame has information that is sufficient to construct the still image video frame; generate a plurality of still image video frame thumbnails, wherein each of the still image video frame thumbnails correspond to one of the still image video frames; generate a video thumbnail from the plurality of still image video frame thumbnails; and incorporate the video thumbnail with at least one program descriptor and a channel identifier associated with the media content stream into the video thumbnail EPG.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of creating and presenting a user interface comprising a Dynamic Mosaic Extended Electronic Programming Guide (DMXEPG) using video, audio, special applications, and service dynamic metadata. The system enables television or digital radio service subscribers to select and display of various programs including video, interactive TV applications, or any combination of audio or visual components grouped and presented in accordance with the dynamic program/show metadata, business rules and objectives of service providers, broadcasters, and/or personal subscriber choices, collectively referred to as mosaic element presentation criteria.

Abstract: Partial data related to information data is received, image data corresponding to the received partial data is generated by sequentially processing the received partial data, and the generated image data is output to a display unit. Before output of the image data corresponding to the partial data to the display unit is completed, reception of the information data is started. Then, image data corresponding to the information data is generated by processing the received information data, and image data to be displayed on said display unit is switched to the image data corresponding to the information data from the image data corresponding to the partial data after the reception of the information data is started.

Abstract: A user may simultaneously access sources of multimedia information via multiple wireless networks using a handheld multimedia gateway. A user interface may support the selection of information services that are each provided separate, but possibly overlapping, viewing spaces. Circuitry in the multimedia gateway manages the operation of the multiple wireless communication paths, and enables the display of visual information through two or more display devices. The user may customize the display, the size, and the location within a display of regions in which the information is presented.

Abstract: A television delivery system is disclosed having an operations center that packages programs, generates program control information, and sends the programs and control information to a subscriber. The system also includes a set top terminal associated with the subscriber that receives the television signal and extracts from the signal individual programs for display on a user's television associated with the terminal. The terminal receives a selection of a program or interactive feature from an interactive electronic program guide displayed on the television. An interactive electronic program guide is disclosed for use with a television delivery system. The guide includes a plurality of interconnected menus having display information. The guide also includes a cursor controlled by the user input device for sequencing through the menus and selecting a menu item.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.

Abstract: An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream. The interactive mosaic channel is displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cell reporting data related to the video feed, and a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell.

Abstract: A program guide, such as an electronic program guide (EPG), may be used to display information regarding upcoming scheduled transmissions of content. The display may include thumbnail images for selected groups of programs, and the images may be positioned in a pseudo-random location, and moved along a randomly generated trajectory on the display.

Abstract: Creating semantic summaries and abstractions of video requires high level knowledge of the domain of the video. Obtaining this high level information without human intervention is problematic. A method of producing video summaries and abstractions is provided where high level knowledge necessary for meaningful summarization is obtained from existing sources such as the worldwide web or an electronic programming guide. With this information, the summarization system can automatically identify significant events or subjects and extract video related to these events or subjects.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a first window that displays video data of a first entertainment selection. A first area of the first window displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the first entertainment selection. The GUI includes a second window that displays video data of a second entertainment selection. A second area of the second window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the second entertainment selection. Upon selection by a user of the respective window, entertainment system data regarding the entertainment selection corresponding to the respective window is displayed.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

Abstract: A system for creating user defined advertisements. The system comprises a computer readable storage medium. The medium comprises a digitized film/video; an attribute database comprising predetermined attributes. Each attribute correlates to at least one scene of the film/video. An advertisement database is provided comprising predetermined advertisements of the film/video. A publication database is provided comprising critiques of the film/video. The medium also comprises selection instructions for the user to select, for viewing, one of the digitized film/video, the selected scene, the predetermined advertisements or the critiques. A machine capable of reading the computer readable storage medium implements the instructions for viewing.

Abstract: A method and system whereby conventional television advertisements (i.e., those delivered to viewers while they watch television programming) can be delivered in conjunction with and correlated with advertisements that are presented to viewers in the Interactive Program Guide (IPG). Moreover, the invention described herein provides for delivering highly targeted ads to viewers in both conventional programming avails and in the IPG, and for linking the targeted ads in these two media to provide for enhanced and highly effective advertising campaigns.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a program information display apparatus includes a first reading unit, a first extraction unit, a second reading unit, a second extraction unit, a first accumulation unit and a first control unit. The first reading unit is configured to read first program information items including bibliographic information items and program accompanying information items. The first extraction unit is configured to extract first program attribute information items indicating first program attributes for each of the programs. The second reading unit is configured to read video data from an external video data database. The second extraction unit is configured to extract thumbnail images from the video data. The first accumulation unit is configured to accumulate the thumbnail images associated with the first program attributes. The first control unit is configured to control a display of first thumbnails and the first program information items related to the first thumbnails.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for generating a personalized menu promoting other video programs available from a video content delivery system is disclosed. The video content delivery system provides a plurality of channels of video content simultaneously. In one step, it is determined that a triggering event has occurred with a video content delivery conduit. First information about one or more users is gathered. The one or more users are associated with an account with the video content delivery system. Alternative video programs are determined and personalized for the one or more users based, at least in part, upon the first information. The context for the triggering event is analyzed to produce second information. A configuration of the personalized menu is determined based, at least in part, upon the second information. The personalized menu is formulated for presentment to the one or more users. The personalized menu comprises links to the alternative video programs.

Abstract: Methods for slice-based encoding of program guides and user interfaces are disclosed. The program guides include multiple video streams for picture-in-picture and other applications. A method for encoding the program guide includes encoding a first set of slices for each of a plurality of graphics pages; and encoding a second set of slices for each of a plurality of video streams. The user interfaces are multi-functional and may be used for electronic commerce and other applications. A method of generating the user interface includes encoding a set of slices for each of a plurality of objects, each object being characterized by an identity, at least one attribute, and at least one operation. In one embodiment of this method, the plurality of objects include an electronic commerce object, where the electronic commerce object is attributed with a first hyper text markup language (HTML) page.

Abstract: A video contents display system has a contents information display section that allows pieces of contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents to be displayed along a time axis on a screen, and a video contents display section that displays the plurality of video contents at a specified time on the time axis as motion pictures or still images.

Abstract: To add new additional content to the reproduction schedule on the basis of reference content scheduled in a time slot in the reproduction schedule, a digital television in accordance with the present invention includes: an additional content extracting section for identifying, as the additional content, content associated with content information which meets conditions determined on the basis of content information of the reference content; and a placement position determining section for determining, based on time slot determining procedure information based on which a time slot is determined for the additional content related to the reference content, a time slot for the additional content identified by the additional content identifying means. The digital television therefore produces an optimal reproduction schedule to the user.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of creating and presenting a user interface comprising a Dynamic Mosaic Extended Electronic Programming Guide (DMXEPG) using video, audio, special applications, and service dynamic metadata. The system enables television or digital radio service subscribers to select and display of various programs including video, interactive TV applications, or any combination of audio or visual components grouped and presented in accordance with the dynamic program/show metadata, business rules and objectives of service providers, broadcasters, and/or personal subscriber choices, collectively referred to as mosaic element presentation criteria.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of creating and presenting a user interface comprising a Dynamic Mosaic Extended Electronic Programming Guide (DMXEPG) using video, audio, special applications, and service dynamic metadata. The system enables television or digital radio service subscribers to select and display of various programs including video, interactive TV applications, or any combination of audio or visual components grouped and presented in accordance with the dynamic program/show metadata, business rules and objectives of service providers, broadcasters, and/or personal subscriber choices, collectively referred to as mosaic element presentation criteria.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

Abstract: A broadcast recording system for selectively recording broadcast program content from a mosaic display while continuing to display the mosaic display. The system may include the ability to present a categorized mosaic, program guide information for selected program content, and/or audio associated with selected program content.

Abstract: A system for providing requested data sets of broadcast data service transmitted as part of a broadcast signal, including a broadcast headend configured to receive a data request from a receiver, and configured to broadcast requested data sets to the receiver in response to the data request from the receiver, a processor configured to periodically extract all of the requested data sets of the broadcast data service from a broadcast carousel included in the broadcast signal, a memory configured to store all of the requested data sets of the broadcast data service, defining a plurality of digital-audio/video-data-sets including television clips, a first controller configured to allow selection from a list of the plurality of sets of the digital-audio/video-data-sets, and a second controller responsive to a user initiated selection signal to cause the memory to output a user selected one of the plurality of digital-audio/video-data sets selected from the list, wherein the processor converts the digital-audio/vid

Abstract: Techniques are described that permit the flexible introduction of branding elements into or around video rendered by a media player. One or more sets of metadata related to the presentation of branding elements may be collected, and then one or more sets of the metadata may be selected based on business rules when the media player requests a particular piece of content. The selected metadata may indicate what branding element is to be displayed, and how it is to be displayed (e.g., position of element in video rendering window). The media player is then instructed based on the metadata to access and appropriately place the branding elements in or outside of the video rendering window (e.g., overlayed on top of the video content).

Abstract: A video contents display system has a contents information display section that allows pieces of contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents to be displayed along a time axis on a screen, and a video contents display section that displays the plurality of video contents at a specified time on the time axis as motion pictures or still images.

Abstract: A program reservation/playback judgment system for making an automatic judgment of reservation or playback of a program based on the program information in texts written in a natural language. A natural language program information processing section analyzes texts read-out thereby for extracting the program information in the texts. The extracted program information is displayed as a program information screen for confirming the program information. Upon user's operation of a reservation/playback button, the program of the program information is confirmed. Based on a comparison result of the current date and time with the date and start time of the program information by a current date/time acquisition section, a date/time judgment section makes a judgment whether the program of the program information is reserved for recording or played back, thereby instructing a program monitoring device to reserve or playback.

Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof determines a title of a recorded program. After a desired video content that is transmitted through a channel has been recorded upon user's request of timer recording, it is checked if more than one program is scheduled for broadcast on that channel during the preset timer recording interval based on broadcast program time information obtained from the channel. If it is determined that more than one programs is scheduled, the title of the recorded desired video content is determined on the basis of time length, data size, and/or minimum ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing preview channel guide information in a digital broadcast network includes: an encoding server for encoding respective broadcast program channel sources stored in multiple broadcast program databases; a broadcast control server for providing the respective encoded broadcast programs received from the encoding server by request from a mobile communication terminal; an electronic program guide (EPG) providing server for obtaining EPG information from a broadcast station; and a preview generation server for extracting preview layers from the respective encoded broadcast programs and combining the extracted preview layers with the EPG information provided from the EPG providing server to generate a preview channel, wherein the preview channel includes the combinations of the preview layers and the EPG information as sub-preview channels.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) is enhanced to have entries that enable access to one or more images. When an image-related entry is selected by a user, a television-based device presents the one or more images that are associated with the selected entry. In a described search-related implementation, portions of the EPG, such as actors and actresses names, are presented as links. Selection of a link effectuates a search of a group of files and is followed by the visual presentation of a slide show of images resulting from the search. In a described email-related implementation, a third party can email images to an email address that is associated with the television-based device. In response to the emailed images, an image entry is added to the channel lineup of the EPG. Selection of the image entry causes the device to visually present the emailed images in a slide show.

Abstract: A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time or stored video clip images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.

Abstract: A facility is provided for recognizing blank and nearly blank images. In various embodiments, the facility receives an indication of an image, creates an analysis image based on the received image by detecting edges, determines an edge ratio for the analysis image, determines whether the edge ratio exceeds a threshold and, when the edge ratio does not exceed the threshold, identifies the received image as a blank image. The facility can include an edge detector component that creates an analysis image based on a selected image by detecting edges in the selected image, a calculator component that calculates an edge ratio for the analysis image, and an analysis component that determines whether the calculated edge ratio exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A sequence of cards is stored that graphically represents available options within an information system. In response to a single user action, the sequence of cards is successively displayed within a focus area of the user interface. In response to a subsequent user action, the successive display is discontinued to display a particular card representing a selected option.

Abstract: An information manager includes a network interface, a user interface, and a controller. The network interface establishes a connection with at least one content provider server through a network. The user interface receives an input signal selecting an icon for display. The controller controls output of the selected icon for display along with an image corresponding to the selected icon. The selected icon corresponds to the content provider and is displayed with one or more other icons that correspond to additional content providers, and the image is based on information received through the network interface from the content provider.

Abstract: Full motion live video can be provided in tactical and other environments utilizing various apparatuses and methods. An apparatus can include live source video inputs configured to receive live source video streams, video outputs configured to provide live output video streams configured according to a channel template design; and a processor configured to control multiplexing of the live source video streams to provide master control of the live source video inputs and video outputs. Another apparatus can include an input configured to receive video streams from the prior apparatus, a processor configured to fuse the video streams, and a user interface configured to present the video streams to the user in multiple independent frames, wherein the multiple independent frames include a relatively larger live video of interest and relatively smaller live thumbnail videos.

Abstract: A method and apparatus may be provided. A plurality of thumbnail images may be generated based on received television signals, the thumbnail image being at least one of a still image or a moving image. A thumbnail list may be sent for output on the display. The thumbnail list may include a portion or all of the plurality of thumbnail images. A thumbnail image may be identified as belonging to one of a plurality of groups, each group being classified based on at least one of a prescribed setting or data of the television signal. Additionally, based on the groups, the thumbnail images belonging to one group may be differentiated based on at least one of color or icon from the thumbnail images belonging to another group.

Abstract: An information providing apparatus and method for displaying program information outputted from a plurality of information sources to facilitate selecting of a program. A first obtaining unit obtains a first program information from a first information source. A second obtaining unit obtains a second program information from a plurality of second information sources. A memory stores the first program information and the second program information. A controller unitarily manages and classifies the first program information and the second program information into a plurality of categories and displaying the plurality of categories in a layered menu having a plurality of layers.

Abstract: A method of banking video frames associated with links, includes the steps of associating multiple links with a video frame in a series of video frames, each of the links having information associated therewith, selecting and banking the video frame from among the series of video frames; and selecting and displaying the frame in connection with representations of the links. The method may further include a step of selecting one of the links and displaying the information associated therewith. In one embodiment, the links may be lead ins for an advertisement such as a telescoping advertisement, they may be purchase opportunities, the may be opportunities for coupons, or other interactive activities. An apparatus for performing the method includes a set top box with memory, a processor, and a digital converter for converting digital video images into suitable picture images. The apparatus stores the selected frame either locally or at a network or head-end.

Abstract: A video client receives an advertising map over a subscription multimedia network, where the advertising map includes a schedule of default advertisements during a programming break and indications of available alternate advertisements. The video client provides, for display to a user, indicators for the schedule of default advertisements and receives user input to alter the schedule of default advertisements. The video client retrieves advertising content for the altered schedule and presents, on the display and during the programming break, the advertising content for the altered schedule.