Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a lateral search. First, a media guide may be displayed comprising at least one display element. The at least one display element may comprise an action card configured to display a plurality of actions that can be taken with respect to a selected program. One of the plurality of actions may comprise a search action. In addition, in response to a user selecting a user selectable element corresponding to the search action on the action card, a search card may be displayed. The search card may be configured to display a plurality of search options comprising, for example, an upcoming episodes search option, a related programs search option, a related personalities search option, and a related key word search option.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for processing a video item to automatically provide or recommend bookmarks and bookmark headings for the video item. In one embodiment, the video item is first logically segmented into a number of segments. For each segment of the video item, a bookmark linking to a start of the segment of the video item is generated. In addition, audio and/or video content of each segment of the video item is processed in order to generate one or more recommended headings, or titles, for the corresponding bookmark. Information identifying the recommended bookmarks and bookmark headings may then be returned to an owner of the video item. The owner may then provide user input accepting, modifying, or rejecting the bookmarks and bookmark headings. Based on the user input from the owner, the bookmarks and bookmark headings for the video item are finalized and stored.

Abstract: A designated program is recorded in a hard disk by a hard disk controller according to a program reservation database. A unique number is indicated at the head block of a video cassette tape for identifying the tape, and a genre of programs is recorded in the subsequent block of the tape. When the video cassette tape is loaded, the information concerning the genre is read, and if there is record information of the same genre as that of the tape contained in the hard disk, it is additionally recorded in the video cassette tape.

Abstract: Systems and methods of media stream generation based on categories of user expression are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving input selecting at least one category from a plurality of categories of expression. Each of the plurality of categories is descriptive of a type of expression made by users as media content is presented. The method includes selecting a group of segments of the media content. Each of the segments of media content in the group is associated with the selected category. The method further includes generating a stream of media content that includes each of the segments of media content.

Abstract: An Interactive Graphics Decoder 13 decodes a graphics stream, and overlays a Page including a plurality of Buttons on a moving picture. The Interactive Graphics Decoder 13 then executes a command corresponding to one of the plurality of Buttons on the Page, to thereby perform (1) a control of switching the Page to another Page and (2) a control of specifying a Button to be set in a selected state on the other Page. A judgment is made as to whether a button number of the specified Button is invalid. If the button number is invalid, an alternative value is written in a status register.

Abstract: A viewer of a digital television trying to freeze the video at a particular frame. Generally the human delay and the delay introduced by the remote control device and the control software executing on the television results in the frame that is displayed by the freeze event is some number of frames or seconds after the frame that the viewer wanted frozen. A small amount of memory that constantly buffers several seconds of digital video such that once the viewer initiates the freeze event the frame that is displayed is effectively some seconds in the past. The viewer then has the ability to single frame step to the frame that he actually was interested in viewing. The viewer's actions are refined by a rules based algorithm that allows it to more closely target and display what it believes will be the final frame the viewer wanted to be displayed.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates propagating selected advertisements among users of interactive services. Interactive service users can be targeted for specific types of advertisements for particular products or services. When a user selects at least one advertisement for more detailed viewing, the advertisement can be distributed to or shared with one or more other users. These other users may be part of the original user's social network. Thus user-selected advertisements can be shared among users who are familiar with each other's current or future interests. In some cases, user-selected advertisements can replace system-selected advertisements. As a result, advertisers can benefit from increased exposure of and interest in their advertisements.

Abstract: A data storage management and scheduling system schedules the recording, storing, and deleting of television and Web page program material on a client system storage medium. The invention accepts as input a prioritized list of program viewing preferences which is compared with a database of program guide objects which indicate when programs of interest are actually broadcast. A schedule of time versus available storage space is generated that is optimal for the viewer's explicit or derived preferred programs. The preferred programs include television broadcast programs and Universal Resource Locators (URLs). The viewer may request that certain programs be captured, which results in the highest possible priority for those programs, or express preferences using appurtenances provided through the viewer interface. Preferences may additionally be inferred from viewing patterns.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain program information on programs that are to be broadcast in a predetermined time period; an extraction unit configured to extract keywords indicating the content of the programs from text data contained in the program information; a storage unit configured to prestore theme definition information containing information on the keywords; a theme identifying unit configured to identify which theme a predetermined program belongs to on the basis of the keyword and the theme definition information; and a rate-of-change computation unit configured to compute, for each of the identified themes, a rate of change of the number of times a program belonging to the identified theme is broadcast on a first day in the predetermined time period to the number of times the program is broadcast on a second day.

Abstract: A user profiling system preferably includes a set of fuzzy logic operators. Based upon the fuzzy logic operators the user profile may be updated.

Abstract: A program recommendation apparatus that recommends a program to a user that is in accordance with the user's preference, by taking into account the importance of keywords used in classifying programs' contents into correct categories. The program recommendation apparatus has a category dictionary containing words as keywords, where each of the keywords is stored in association with contribution factors assigned with respect to categories respectively, searches program information of each program in an EPG for the keywords contained in the category dictionary, for any found keywords, obtains category summations of contribution factors of the found keywords for each of the categories, calculates category evaluation values of the program according to the category summations of the contribution factors, and recommends one or more programs to the user according to a degree of similarity between the category evaluation values of the programs and user preference factors.

Abstract: A method, system, signal, user interface, and software for searching information across different media types and sources is disclosed. The method includes identifying a search criteria and subsequently searching for information across one or more media types or sources based upon the search criteria. The search may also be conducted giving regard to user interaction information such as most recently viewed, most frequently viewed, preferences, etc. The media information may be stored locally or remotely and is presented to a user using a single user interface.

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: A media classification system receives media content descriptions from one or more description providers. The media classification system generates a description of media content based on descriptions of the media content received from one or more description providers. The descriptions describe the media content in terms of degrees. The media classification system may generate a composite description based on the received media content descriptions. The media classification system provides the descriptions, in terms of degrees, to one or more program data providers.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest.

Abstract: A method for displaying an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer. The method includes displaying one or more data slices representative of broadcast programming to a viewer. In response to input from the viewer, the displayed number of data slices is increased, for example, from one slice to two slices. In browser mode the viewer can scroll through multiple EPG data slices without selecting to view full mode EPG, while in full mode the EPG can expand from a single column of data slices to multiple columns of data slices based upon viewer selections. The EPGs of the present invention can display programming that a viewer is more likely to watch at a particular time than other programming. A data slice representing the predicted programming can be inserted into the EPG so that the viewer can identify programming that is likely to be of interest.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for combining television broadcast programming content with customized or personalized information and educational or entertainment content. The system includes a set-top box capable of receiving data transmissions and locally rendering video animation for display with, instead of and/or synchronized with television broadcast programs in a way that the television viewer sees a coherent seamless merging of the television program content and supplemental content sources in an indistinguishable format. Preferably, the viewer may interact in real-time with the enhanced television programming to provide a higher level of engagement and customization potential.

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: The invention is a device for generating a display of an electronic program guide on a screen. Invention is comprised of a receiver which includes a tuner for receiving an input stream of television content and electronic program guide data. The receiver separates the electronic program guide data from the input stream. The invention also comprises a memory coupled to the receiver for storing the electronic program guide data that has been separated from the input stream. Additionally, a display means is included for generating a display which combines a set of electronic program guide data. The program guide data includes a plurality of program titles, and a plurality of organizational categories. Each program title belongs to at least one of the organizational categories.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for entering user preference for particular program attribute values while a user is browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG). When a program description is highlighted on the EPG, a preference control invokes a preference entry page when activated. The preference entry page contains several program attribute values associated with the highlighted program. A user can enter new preference ratings or modify previously saved preference ratings for one or more program attribute values on the preference entry page. The user is thus provided with the convenience of entering programming preferences at a time when such preferences are fresh on the user's mind.

Abstract: A program broadcasting system is provided with: a material server; a plurality of communication terminal apparatuses; and an information management server connected through a communication network. The material server comprises a material DB which accumulates material composing a program. The communication terminal apparatus comprises a program progress table and a HDD which accumulates the material. The information management server comprises a material index list DB which stores contents of the material corresponding to the material server or the communication terminal apparatus, and a program DB which stores the program progress table corresponding to the communication terminal apparatus. In accordance with the program progress table, the information management server instructs the material server to send the material, and the communication terminal apparatus to send or receive the material.

Abstract: Methods, systems, techniques, and computer-readable media for device-independent media transactions, such as the transaction, acquisition, presentation, and publication of media, are provided. Example embodiments provide a Device Independent Video Transaction System (“DIVTS”), which enables a user to transact for media such as streamed video on any device that can receive streamed data over a broadband connection and output video data to a display. In one embodiment, the DIVTS comprises a user interface which is based upon a “quilt” metaphor and is configured to present a uniform mechanism for specifying media to be acquired, directing the presentation of acquired media, and initiating transactions related to the specified media. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A program detail information display apparatus comprises a display unit, a storage unit for storing program data including program detail information, a program detail information extracting unit for extracting at least program detail information from the program data stored in the storage unit, and a program detail information sequential display control unit for issuing the program detail information extracted by the program detail information extracting means sequentially to the display unit. The program detail information display apparatus can enhance the efficiency of selection of programs by the viewer.

Abstract: A client terminal connectable to a video distribution system (VDS) and a display device. The VDS provides program guide information to create a program guide that includes program guide entries for subscribed channels and non-subscribed channels which is displayed on the display device. The client terminal includes a terminal controller responsive to a subscription control program that selects a program guide entry in response to user input. If the selected program guide entry is for a non-subscribed channel, the terminal controller responsive to the subscription control program selects a bundle of channels based upon a subscription matrix for the user, the selected program guide entry, and the available bundles of channels for subscription, and transmits the subscription request for the selected bundle of channels to the VDS.

Abstract: Content files such as photographs, video, graphics and/or music are indexed to identify subjects captured in them. Indexed content files are scanned to identify content files that match certain criteria. Content files that satisfy the selection criteria are directed to appropriate output devices for display such that related files are presented in a fashion by which a theme or message is conveyed.

Abstract: A television receiver which allows a user to view at least an image of a broadcast program, includes a first display unit adapted to display a video of a broadcast program upon selection of a first channel, a second display unit adapted to display a slide show that switches and displays images included in a first image group designated from image groups including a plurality of still images or moving images upon selection of a second channel, and an operation unit adapted to execute at least two channel selection operations including a direct channel selection as an operation for directly selecting the first channel and the second channel, and a sequential channel selection as an operation for sequentially selecting the channels, and a display mode of the slide show by the second display unit is varied in correspondence with the channel selection operation of the channel made upon starting the slide show.

Abstract: A collaborative information system.

Abstract: Each program content has a plurality of program states, such as “already recorded”, “not recorded”, “preset for recording”, “not preset for recording”, and “not received” states. In response to the selection of a related program on a starting-program-related information page, a detailed operation screen for the related program is presented. When the program state of the related program is “already recorded”, reproduction or erasure of the recording is presented on the detailed operation screen as a method of operation. When the program is not preset for recording yet, presetting for recording is presented on the detailed operation screen as a method of operation. Information related to a program that is being watched and listened to can be supplied without making the user less interested in something which the user was attracted to while watching the program, and the user can be smoothly guided to a subsequent preset recording operation.

Abstract: An automatic keyword extraction apparatus includes a first extraction unit operable to extract a first keyword from title character string information of contents using a first keyword dictionary in which a character string designating a sub-genre is registered; and a second extraction unit operable to extract a second keyword from detailed character string information of the contents using a second keyword dictionary in which names of persons are registered, the extraction of the second keyword being performed utilizing a character type separation method. In this manner, it is possible for a user to extract a keyword for searching contents automatically, efficiently and accurately from the title character string information and detailed character string information of the contents such as EPG information even in home electric appliances in which the throughput capacity or the memory capacity of the CPU is not so large.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movie channel to a user on a mobile device. Movie based content associated with a movie channel is automatically delivered and stored on a mobile electronic device for access by a user. Using the device, users can quickly and efficiently access movie information without having to type in information, or specifically request the movie information to be downloaded to the device. The movie channel includes several different modes for categorically displaying different types of movie information. Some example modes include: a movies mode; a theaters mode; and a current top movies mode. The movies mode is organized to display information relating to particular movies on the electronic device. The theaters mode is arranged to display information relating to particular theaters on the electronic device. The current top movies mode displays information relating to the current “hot” movies.

Abstract: An interactive program guide system is provided. The program guide system has a logically flat navigator menu structure made up of program guide categories and selectable program guide options. Program guide categories correspond to fairly broad groups of program guide features. Selectable program guide options correspond to more specific program guide features. Each program guide category has associated selectable program guide options. Program guide categories may be displayed in a row across the top of the display screen. Selectable program guide options may be displayed in the same column as the program guide category with which they are associated. A highlight region may be positioned on one of the selectable program guide options. The selectable program guide options may be scrolled using a pair of vertical cursors.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus has the capability of making a registration for timer-controlled automatic viewing/recording not only in units of programs but also in units of sub-programs. The information processing apparatus includes a display control unit for displaying information on a display on the basis of the program information data such that when a program includes a plurality of sub-programs, sub-program information associated with sub-programs is displayed on the display, a processing unit for performing a specified process on sub-program content data of a sub-program included in the program content data received by the receiving means, and a timer-controlled automatic operation setting unit for specifying a sub-program indicated by the sub-program information displayed on the display and setting a timer-controlled automatic operation for the specified sub-program such that the specified process is to be performed on the specified sub-program at a specified time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently scheduling incoming information objects so that timely objects from a variety of content classes are scheduled for broadcast. The incoming information objects are preferably received from one or more information sources, and are tagged with attributes that associate each object with one or more classes of information (e.g., sports, news, etc.), and provide a gauge of the timeliness or ‘age’ of the object. The tags can be used to select and broadcast objects from a variety of classes, and to identify the most timely objects at any give time.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide generator utilizes filters to select only programming filtered to display in an electronic programming guide display.

Abstract: Genre or theme assignment data (104) for a program in a digital television or other data transmission is recovered by a receiver (100) and mapped to a genre in a standardized genre assignment schedule (240). A country associated with the transmission is identified, such as by obtaining a country code (105) from the digital data transmission, or via a receiver setting. A genre assignment schedule is identified based on the country. Data, such as user nibbles (220) or standard content nibbles (230), is obtained from the transmission to identify the original genre and assign the program to a corresponding standardized genre.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for generating an enhanced programming guide. Programming events are associated as packages of programming. The programming guide is generated as a programming grid of cells. The programming grid lists a wrapper associated with each package and each package's associated events. The wrapper surrounds all the cells in the programming grid that are associated with the events for each package.

Abstract: General electronic program information described on a general level and individual electronic program information described on an individual level are prepared according to electronic program information of a channel service of a broadcast service provider for each channel service according to electronic program information degree of detail setting information. The electronic program information degree of detail setting information indicates a degree of detail for the contents of the individual electronic program information described on an individual level and a degree of detail for contents of the general electronic program information described on a general level. The general level corresponds to a low degree of detail, and the individual level corresponds to a high degree of detail.

Abstract: Genre or theme assignment data (104) for a program in a digital television or other data transmission is recovered by a receiver (100) and mapped to a genre in a standardized genre assignment schedule (240). A country associated with the transmission is identified, such as by obtaining a country code (105) from the digital data transmission, or via a receiver setting. A genre assignment schedule is identified based on the country. Data, such as user nibbles (220) or standard content nibbles (230), is obtained from the transmission to identify the original genre and assign the program to a corresponding standardized genre.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mirroring and transcoding media content are provided. In some embodiments, media content stored on a user equipment device is mirrored on a remote server, and the mirrored copy is transcoded and provided to other user devices in a media content format that is appropriate for the user devices. By so doing, the present invention not only provides a convenient and easy way for users to backup media content and access the media content from virtually any device, but also reduces the complexity and costs associated with maintaining reliable and consistent access to media content across various user devices.

Abstract: A system for presenting media programming guides is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media receiver having a controller element to generate a Media Program Guide (MPG) that groups media programs according to a redundancy of media programs and a viewing history of a subscriber of the media receiver. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are described to perform electronic program guide (EPG) search. In an implementation, electronic program guide (EPG) data is searched that describes television content and has a plurality of categories. Results of the search are output in an EPG and arranged according to one or more of the categories.

Abstract: A device for generating metadata for a programming event receives data corresponding to a programming event that includes descriptive information and timing information. The device analyzes the data to determine goodness of fit scores for the programming event corresponding to categories of a classification hierarchy. The device then stores metadata for the programming event that includes goodness of fit scores, time data and descriptive data. The stored goodness of fit scores may be a representative subset of all goodness of fit scores for the programming event. Also disclosed are processes performed in a device for generating metadata for programming events. Also disclosed is metadata encoded in a computer readable medium.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: extraction means for extracting, from program information, a category feature word being a keyword representing a category feature; identification means for identifying a channel by category based on the category feature word extracted from the program information for a program to be broadcast on the channel; and display control means for exercising control over the channel to be displayed after category classification.

Abstract: The desirability of programming events may be determined using metadata for programming events that includes goodness of fit scores associated with categories of a classification hierarchy one or more of descriptive data and keyword data. The programming events are ranked in accordance with the viewing preferences of viewers as expressed in one or more viewer profiles. The viewer profiles may each include preference scores associated with categories of the classification hierarchy and may also include one or more keywords. Ranking is performed through category matching and keyword matching using the contents of the metadata and the viewer profiles. The viewer profile keywords may be qualified keywords that are associated with specific categories of the classification hierarchy. The ranking may be performed such that qualified keyword matches generally rank higher than keyword matches, and keyword matches generally rank higher than category matches.

Abstract: A set top box for use in interactive television systems includes a generation engine and a display engine. The generation engine automatically stores channel favorites in a channel favorites table. The generation engine may include cumulative viewing time for each channel in the table as well as the number of times each channel in the table has been viewed. The display engine, upon request, displays a list of channels in the channel favorites tables according to a viewer order preference.

Abstract: A technique for transmitting and receiving an electronic program guide which identifies programs that are to be transmitted. Electronic program guide (EPG) data includes image data representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs which are to be transmitted. The EPG data is combined with program data, the latter representing different programs transmitted on different broadcast channels, and the combined data is transmitted. On reception, the EPG data is separated from the received program data and the images of reduced, less than normal size represented by the EPG data are displayed in superposition over the received program.

Abstract: A media control system receives first product information that describes a first media product and receives second product information that describes a second media product. The media control system processes the first product information with a filter to determine if the first media product should be blocked. The media control system selects data from the first product information and modifies the filter based on the data. The media control system processes the second product information with the modified filter to determine if the second media product should be blocked and blocks the second media product based on the modified filter.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide multiple levels of digest streams for multimedia contents with small amount of additional storage using a multiple level digest segment information scheme. In the present invention, a multiple level digest segment information is contained in the content-based data area of the multimedia content by representing a level information of each digest segment by multiple levels in a content-based data area of a multimedia content, describing the digest level of the digest segment and the time range information of the digest segment in the digest segment information scheme, and outputting digest segments whose digest level is less than or equal to requested digest level by decoding, upon receipt of the digest level of the digest segment.

Abstract: Various technologies for selecting media (e.g., television media) are described. A media selection method displays a tool for selecting a category, such as a television genre, to a user. Upon receiving a user selection, the selected category having a number of channels is visually illustrated on a channel selection spectrum (e.g., a circular arc channel selection spectrum). For example, if the selected category is sports, then a number of channels corresponding to sports channels are highlighted on the channel selection spectrum. Moreover, in one example, the channel selection spectrum works in conjunction with a touchscreen device. Thus, a user can navigate with his or her finger to quickly select and browse the available channels. Also, optionally, non-highlighted channels are automatically bypassed to assist user navigation. Additionally, upon receiving user selection of a channel, in one example, the media content corresponding to the selected channel is played.

Abstract: Techniques for generating customized rating systems for use in a DVR are described. According to one technique, a user submits a rating system definition that comprises two or more different ratings of the user's choosing. The rating system definition is stored. The rating system definition defines a customized ratings system. That system's creator and other users may then associate various entities, such as channels, series, and episodes, with ratings from the customized rating system. DVRs may use these associations between entities and ratings for various purposes. For example, DVRs may use these associations to allow a user to search for entities that satisfy specified rating criteria. For another example, DVRs may use these associations to restricting which entities and information about those entities can be displayed or recorded when the DVR is in a restricted mode of operation. Customized rating systems may be modified by multiple users in collaboration.