Abstract: Apparatus and methods for digital video data compression via a scalable, multi-resolution approach. In one embodiment, the video content may be encoded using a multi-resolution and/or multi-quality scalable coding approach that reduces computational and/or energy load on a client device. In one implementation, a low fidelity image is obtained based on a first full resolution image. The low fidelity image may be encoded to obtain a low fidelity bitstream. A second full resolution image may be obtained based on the low fidelity bitstream. A portion of a difference image obtained based on the second full resolution image and the first full resolution may be encoded to obtain a high fidelity bitstream. The low fidelity bitstream and the high fidelity bitstream may be provided to e.g., a receiving device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for receiving a set of frames, each frame being provided as a digital image that depicts a portion of an event and a logo associated with a brand, for each frame in the set of frames, and for each pixel in a frame: determining a weight of the pixel based on a distribution assigned to the frame, providing a quality of the logo depicted in the frame, and calculating a pixel quotient based on the weight and the quality, for each frame in the set of frames: determining a frame quotient at least partially based on a sum of all pixel quotients for the frame, and determining an impact indicator for the logo based on a total size of digital media comprising the set of frames and a sum of frame quotients of the frames in the set of frames.

Abstract: [Object] A monitoring item selection method, device and a storage medium capable of simplifying operation and management of a system that frequently undergoes configuration changes are proposed. [Solution] Operation information concerning resources in the monitoring target device and nodes that run on the monitoring target device and make use of the resources to execute processing are periodically or randomly acquired from a monitoring target device. A relation between the nodes and a relation between the nodes and the resources based on the acquired operation information are extracted. Monitoring items of the monitoring target device are selected based on the operation information, the extracted relation between the nodes and relation between the nodes and the resources, and a pre-defined condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow applications developers to change user experiences within an application without updating the application by relying on remote interface templates to create user experiences. The application code includes entry points to various remote interface templates stored on a remote device. The remote interface templates are consumed by the application to render content blocks that are all, or part of, the application's interface. The remote interface templates may be changed seamlessly at the remote device allowing the user to enjoy the updated interface without interruption the next time the application is opened.

Abstract: A block-request streaming system provides for improvements in the user experience and bandwidth efficiency of such systems, typically using an ingestion system that generates data in a form to be served by a conventional file server (HTTP, FTP, or the like), wherein the ingestion system intakes content and prepares it as files or data elements to be served by the file server. A client device can be adapted to take advantage of the ingestion process. The client device might be configured to optimize use of resources, given the information available to it from the ingestion system. This may include configurations to determine the sequence, timing and construction of block requests based on monitoring buffer size and rate of change of buffer size, use of variable sized requests, mapping of block requests to underlying transport connections, flexible pipelining of requests, and/or use of whole file requests based on statistical considerations.

Abstract: A video hosting service receives and processes a source video to generate an efficiently compressed media file. The source video is transcoded to an intermediate video and corresponding audio. The video hosting service selects a subset of video frames from the intermediate video as still images and identifies the timing information associated with each selected still image. The selection process may be dependent on information associated with the video such as a video classification. The video hosting service encodes the selected still images and the audio data of the source video, and generates a compressed media file for transmission to a client device. The compressed media file does not include motion data associated with the selected still images to reduce the size of the compressed media file. A client device receives the compressed media file and plays the still images and associated audio data.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method for distributing content feed of a live event via satellite includes: obtaining media signals for the live event from signal sources, where the media signals comprise audio and visual feed of the live event; converting the media signals into a mixed digital media signal; wirelessly transmitting, using a network protocol, the mixed digital media signal to a satellite uplink device; wirelessly transmitting, using the satellite uplink device, the mixed digital media signal to a satellite; identifying content delivery networks in electronic communication with client devices configured to receive the mixed digital media signal; obtaining the mixed digital media signal from the satellite, using a satellite downlink device; and delivering the mixed digital media signal to the one or more identified content delivery networks, through the satellite downlink device, where the identified content delivery networks further deliver the mixed digital media signal to the client devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a user's viewing progress of media in a series are provided. The user may setup a media profile containing a list of program series to be monitored. The interactive media monitoring application may track the user's viewing progress of programs in the program series on the user equipment and update the user's media profile. The user may request and watch programs in the series at the user's leisure while peripheral media content may be filtered to be consistent with the user's viewing progress in the series.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to cooperation among networked devices to obtain and use a multiple-frame screenshot. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a processor circuit executing a sequence causing the processor circuit to receive a signal conveying a context data; retrieve an aspect of a current context of the apparatus; compare the aspect to the context data; determine whether a context defined as appropriate exists to engage in interactions with one or more other computing devices through a network based on the comparison, the interactions comprising providing a network service to the one or more other computing devices; and engage in the interactions with one or more computing devices through the network when the appropriate context to engage in the interactions exists. Other embodiments are described and claimed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments that relate to enhancing video content with personalized extrinsic data. A video content feature is rendered on a display. A user interface is rendered on top of the video content feature on the display. The user interface presents cast member indicia, where the cast member indicia correspond to respective cast members in the video content feature. In response to receiving a selection of one of the cast member indicia from a user, the user interface is updated to present additional information about the corresponding cast member. The additional information is personalized based at least in part on profile data associated with the user.

Abstract: Various arrangements are presented for creating a customized preview video. A television receiver may compile viewing statistics based on a plurality of pieces of content output for presentation. The viewing statistics can include an amount of time spent outputting for presentation each piece of content of the plurality of pieces of content. The television receiver, based on the viewing statistics for the plurality of pieces of content output for presentation, may determine one or more preferred content types and one or more preferred content genres. Using stored electronic programming guide data, a plurality of scheduled content instances may be determined based on the one or more preferred content types and one or more preferred content genres. A plurality of preview clips corresponding to the plurality of scheduled content instances may be accessed. The plurality of preview clips may be assembled to create the customized preview video.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes receiving a subscription request specifying one or more destination sites to receive a video feed and respective times at which to deliver the video feed to each of the one or more destination sites over a terrestrial network, wherein respective delivery times are within a publication time range in which the video feed will be available, and configuring available resources to deliver the requested video feed to the one or more destination sites at the respective times.

Abstract: A session for a Web application can be established between a Web server of a Web domain and a browser of a client of a local domain. The Web application can be constructed so that view and controller functionality are provided by components executing in the Web domain and where model functionality is provided by components executing in the local domain. During the session, an expeditor runtime component can be served from the Web domain to the local domain for the Web application session. At least one widget can be served from the Web domain to the local domain, where the widgets execute within an instance of the expeditor runtime. End-user data utilized by the Web application can be isolated within the local domain so that it is not exposed to the Web domain.

Abstract: The increasing amount of internet traffic from video streaming services, in addition to users requesting more personalized content and creating/sharing video content, has led to a huge demand for highly scalable and efficient distribution of video content, especially with mobile computing devices. Embodiments provide a network and service infrastructure better suited to these video content distribution and mobility needs. More intelligence is provided in the network infrastructure through an awareness of the user status/activity, end-user device, and content characteristics in correlation with the network bandwidth conditions. In this view of adding more intelligence in the network, additional communication is utilized between the service platform and the network to identify content characteristics (e.g., video content, content encoding characteristics), network characteristics, and device characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to measure brand exposure in media streams are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a brand identifier detector to compare first data associated with a first scene of a media stream with second data associated with a reference scene including a first brand identifier to detect the first brand identifier in the first scene of the media stream. The example apparatus also includes a measure and tracking module to combine respective locations of the first brand identifier in respective frames of a first sequence of image frames forming the first scene to determine a weighted location for the first brand identifier. The example apparatus further includes a report generator to report appearance data corresponding to the first brand identifier, the appearance data including the weighted location for the first brand identifier.

Abstract: A distributed storage system includes: a plurality of servers that store data that is associated with key information, respectively; a packet forwarding apparatus that, on receipt of a new packet that contains the key information and is addressed to one of the plurality of servers, requests a control apparatus to decide a forwarding destination from among the plurality of servers; and the control apparatus. The control apparatus includes: a forwarding destination selection section that decides a forwarding destination of the packet based on key information in a header part of the packet; and an entry setting section that sets, in a packet forwarding apparatus(es) on a path to the forwarding destination, a flow entry for forwarding a subsequent packet(s) with same key information to the forwarding destination. The packet forwarding apparatus(es) forwards a packet(s) with the same key information to the forwarding destination using the set flow entry.

Abstract: Disclosure is directed to managing more than one placeshifting transmission at a target device. The target device may be configured to receive a first video from a first placeshifting source and a second video from a second placeshifting source. The target device may additionally be configured to simultaneously output the first and second video on an output device, using various display screen configurations such as picture-in-picture, split screen, windows, and so. The first and second placeshifting sources may be content receivers having integrated placeshifting functions or may be content receivers provided in association with stand-alone placeshifting devices. A dual-tuner content receiver may also provide both the first and second placeshifting sources to the target device.

Abstract: A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for obtaining one or more positions in a playable message and at least an indication of a playback system configuration and signaling a decision of which supplemental content to use in supplementing the one or more positions in the playable message.

Abstract: An embodiment is directed to a non-expanding advertisement that displays a video loop or a portion of a video within the advertisement. If the user interacts with the advertisement, the entire video is played within the advertisement without expanding. The user is not given the option to stop or pause the video. In addition, since the advertisement does not expand, the user is not given the option to close the video, ensuring that a complete view of the video is delivered to the user.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting user devices to determine a state of a watched show are provided. A digital video recorder (DVR) is configured to store a media file associated with a media program. The DVR detects one or more user devices within a predetermined vicinity while the media program is being played. The DVR identifies users who are interested in the media program. The DVR tracks a watch status associated with the media program indicating which users have watched or are watching the media program based on the detected user devices. For stored media files, the DVR determines whether to delete the media file based on whether all users who are interested in the media program have completed watching the media program. The DVR may track user activity and/or vital signs based on sensor data from wearable devices, for example, to determine user reaction and/or user interests.

Abstract: A device obtains an on-demand catalog associated with an on-demand media service, a broadcast schedule associated with a broadcast media service, and a status associated with a media client. Based on information contained in the status and information contained in the broadcast schedule, the device identifies a media content being played by the media client using the broadcast media service. Based information contained in the on-demand catalog, the device further identifies an on-demand option for playing the media content using the on-demand media service. The device provides, to the media client, a suggestion, identifying the on-demand option, which permits a user, of the media client, to play the media content using the on-demand media service.

Abstract: Sensing interfaces associated with a home entertainment system are used to automate a system response to events which occur in a viewing area associated with the home entertainment system. Data derived from such sensing interfaces may also be used to enhance the response readiness of one or more system components. Still further, user presence data derived from such sensing interfaces may be used to capture and report user viewing habits and/or preferences.

Abstract: A DVR sends, over the Internet, to a server, information that indicates a set of programs. The information also may indicate a ranking of the programs in the set relative to each other. In response to receiving the information from the DVR, the server determines a “to do” list of programs that the DVR should record as those programs are broadcasted in the future. The “to do” list indicates recording times and channels for each program. The server sends the “to do” list back to the DVR over the Internet. The DVR receives the “to do” list over the Internet and stores the “to do” list. As the programs on the “to do” list are broadcasted, the DVR automatically records those programs at the list-specified times and on the list-specified channels. The DVR stores those programs on the DVR's hard disk drive for later viewing by the DVR user.

Abstract: Automated media programming (AMP) systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment of an AMP system, a computer server is communicatively coupled to the Internet and provides a website for enabling uploading of media content, sorting the media content, and downloading the media content. Independent users are permitted to submit, edit, rate, and consume media content over a broadcast media channel or network. In some embodiments of the AMP system, content on the Internet is automatically searched and topics from the searched content are automatically identified. The topics are preferably indicative of currently relevant news or events and are indicative of a type of media content that will be requested for uploading from producers. The AMP system publishes the topics to the producers, receives and stores media content uploaded from the producers that relate to the respective topics, and enable users to select and download the media content.

Abstract: A user feedback module, executable by a processing device from memory is disclosed. The user feedback module receives from a user device a selection of a seed media item. The seed media item includes a seed label. The user feedback module further generates a list, the list includes the seed label and a set of related labels based on the seed label. The seed label and each related label include a separate label weight. The user feedback module also identifies multiple media items associated with an associate label. The associate label includes at least one of the seed label or a related label of the first set of related labels. The user feedback module also transmits to the user device a first media item from the multiple media items. The user feedback module adjusts the label weight of the associate label based on a user feedback on the first media item.

Abstract: A method of providing programming content from a video server to a client coupled to the video server by a video content network includes the steps of sending, to the client, a playlist describing an interrelationship between at least one program segment and at least one related segment; sending, from the video server to the client over the video content network, video content comprising the at least one program segment and the at least one related segment; and modifying the playlist via communication to the client. The steps of sending the playlist, sending the content, and modifying the playlist are all accomplished within a single video-on-demand session per user.

Abstract: In embodiments of a method, system, and device for deduplicating recordings of an audiovisual content, while a stream time is at least equal to a recording start time, and while the stream time has not yet reached a recording end time, a next chunk start time is determined and a new current chunk of the plurality of chunks is recorded, repeatedly until the next chunk start time has been reached. Chunks that each have identical chunk start times and identical chunk end times are deduplicated.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying video content having a scheduled broadcast time during a first viewing period that satisfies a viewership threshold and facilitating a transfer of the video content to a multimedia storage device. The video content is transferred to the multimedia storage device during a second viewing period prior to the first viewing period. The video content includes the data to prevent the multimedia storage device from sending the video content to another device prior to the time when the program is scheduled to be broadcast. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for efficiently requesting and allocating a wireless resource. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for requesting a resource comprises: a step of receiving target criteria for video quality from a server; a first determination step of determining whether the video quality matches the target criteria based on a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) or a frame rate; and, if the video quality does not match, a step of requesting the server to allocate an additional resource. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the use of a video surveillance system resource can be minimized and video quality can be easily ensured.

Abstract: A cable provider could offer a promotional feature, such as live pause of video, above and beyond a tier of service to which the customer subscribes, limiting the feature to being activated only upon occurrence of one or more events. In a network video delivery context, a set-top box plays live video, including an ability to pause live video upon the occurrence of an event. The system can detect an event, including an event unrelated to video, and prompt a user to pause. The system can include configuration settings enabling, for example, detection of various events, prompting the user to pause live video, and/or automatically pausing the live video. The system enables the user to play a time-shifted video corresponding to resuming the paused video playback. The system can include a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) local to the user, to facilitate the time-shifted video.

Abstract: In an example, a method of transforming video data in video coding includes applying a first stage of a two-dimensional transform to a block of video data values to generate a block of first stage results, and applying a second stage of the two-dimensional transform to the block of first stage results without reordering the first stage results to generate a block of second stage results.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for multi-user support on set top boxes and game consoles. A described technique includes executing a hypervisor that monitors a plurality of virtual machines that execute a set top box operating system or a game console operating system, providing a selection menu to a first display device, receiving a first selection of a first virtual machine, executing the first virtual machine, providing a first stream of content for a first user interface of the first virtual machine to the first display device, providing the selection menu to a second display device, receiving a second selection of a second virtual machine, executing the second virtual machine, and providing a second stream of content for a second user interface of the second virtual machine to the second display device while providing the first stream to the first display device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. An indication of receipt of a request is received from a user device to navigate to a first web based resource. The request includes an appended cookie when one is available on the requesting device. Partner web based resources are identified in a co-operative that includes the first web based resource. A code segment is provided that is configured to send, to respective entities associated with the identified partner web based resources, a second request to share user data with the first web based resource. The shared user data is data collected by a respective partner web based resource and is associated with the user device. The shared data is data that was collected by an entity associated with the respective partner web based resource and associated with the user device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a processor adapted to receive a message from a portable communication device communicatively coupled to a set-top box presenting a media program and to retrieve from the message a media descriptor associated with the media program. The processor is further adapted to identify according to the media descriptor one or more images of one or more performers commonly presented in the media program, to monitor one or more frames of a live media feed including the media program, and compare the one or more human figures to the one or more images of performers. The processor can also be adapted to recognize a performer from the comparison, to retrieve information associated with the performer, and to transmit the information to the portable communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for aggregating one or more electronic mail messages (e.g., a subscribed to email) are described, including receiving at an aggregating domain, electronic mail communicated from another domain, parsing the electronic mail to selectively extract content identifiers for content (e.g., text, images, audio, video, media) included in the electronic mail, generating a tile object from selectively extracted content identifiers, and displaying the tile object on a display grid for viewing by a subscriber (e.g., user) of one or more of the electronic mail messages. A plurality of tiles may be generated for a plurality of different email messages and the display grid may display all or a portion of the plurality of tiles. Electronic mail messages may include a subscription to the aggregating domain that was elected by a user as an option presented by a publisher of a unsubscribe page in response to the user's unsubscribe request.

Abstract: One embodiment of a transmission device includes: a transmission controller comprising one or more processors, the transmission controller configured to: receive a plurality of trasmitters; receive a live video signal from a video encoder device over a local area network; divide the live video signal into a plurality of live video transmissions; and broadcast the plurality of live video transmissions over a wide area network.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media program guide user interface system 1) displaying a forward-looking view of a media program guide, the forward-looking view including a matrix grid of cells arranged relative to a channel axis and a forward-looking time axis, the cells representing media programs scheduled for transmission on channels arranged along the channel axis and at times arranged along the forward-looking time axis in accordance with a media transmission schedule, 2) detecting an association between content of the forward-looking view and a recorded media program available to a media content access system, and 3) presenting, together with the forward-looking view in response to the detecting, a selectable option configured to be selected by a user to trigger a display of a backward-looking view of the media program guide. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprising a decoder to receive an encoded video stream including video frames including reference and non-reference frames, and decode the reference frames, a processor to receive a request from an end-user rendering device requiring a first reference frame as part of decoding the encoded video stream of the first channel from the middle of a group of pictures of the encoded video stream, wherein a second reference frame is a reference frame for the first reference frame in the received encoded video stream, an encoder to encode the decoded first reference frame yielding a re-encoded first reference frame so that decoding the re-encoded first reference frame is not dependent upon the second reference frame, and a transmitter to transmit the re-encoded first reference frame to the end-user rendering device. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Techniques for inserting advertising content and other personalized information into media assets are described. The techniques involve inserting personalized ads and other content into media assets as a server at the content delivery network (CDN) point-of-presence (POP) is performing the individualized encoding of the file on-the-fly. The ads and other content can be personalized based on the user's purchasing habits, user's location (geographic, GPS, IP location, etc.), the content in the media file and the like. In addition, the ads can be inserted into specific parts of the video (i.e. key frames, key slices, etc.) because the CDN node is actually transcoding the content and thus can insert the ads into the content in its own native format. For example, ads can appear as part of the video itself, different language subtitles can be integrated into the video based on the location of the user, and the like.

Abstract: Techniques where a computing device such as a smart phone can be leveraged to facilitate video on demand (“VOD”) services through a set top box (“STB”) associated with a content subscription service such as satellite television are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a request for VOD content can be communicated from the STB to the computing device via a personal area network (“PAN”) connection such as Bluetooth. The computing device in turn can forward the VOD content request to a VOD authorization server over a wide area network (“WAN”).

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and apparatus for sharing data. The method includes: initiating the data sharing application on a first terminal; inserting the file to be shared in a webpage of the data sharing application on the first terminal, and generating an URL for the file in the data sharing application; the data-sharing application of the first terminal broadcasts the URL to other terminal, so that other terminals can share the file via the URL. The present disclosure can reduce the cost of data sharing while improve on the real-timeliness.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface and logic circuitry. The interface is configured to communicate over a communication link. The logic circuitry is configured to convert between a first stream of plaintext bits and a second stream of ciphered bits that are exchanged over the communication link, by applying a cascade of a stream ciphering operation and a mixing operation that cryptographically maps input bits to output bits.

Abstract: Automatically retrieving messages by a wireless telephone based on user preferences. A method of the invention receives a notification, on a wireless device, indicating that a computing device has a message for a user. One or more rules associated with the user are evaluated based on the received notification. The method also automatically requests the message from the computing device as a function of the evaluated rules and received from the computing device. The method further stores the received message in a memory area of the wireless telephone for rendering to the user. Alternatively, one or more rules associated with the user are dynamically generated by monitoring the user interaction with the wireless telephone.

Abstract: A content annotation tool is disclosed. In a configuration, a portion of a movie may be obtained from a database. Entities, such as an actor, background music, text, etc. may be automatically identified in the movie. A user, such as a content producer, may associate and/or provide supplemental content for an identified entity to the database. A selection of one or more automatically identified entities may be received. A database entry may be generated that links the identified entity with the supplemental content. The selected automatically identified one or more entities and/or supplemental content associated therewith may be presented to an end user.

Abstract: Providing video-on-demand (VOD) content to a subscriber may be disclosed. First, a request for a VOD session may be received from a companion device. Next, in response to the received request for the VOD session, a catalog of VOD content may be sent to the companion device. A selection of VOD content listed in the catalog of VOD content may then be received. A digital transport adaptor (DTA) corresponding to the received request for the VOD session may be identified. Next, the VOD session may be setup with the identified DTA and the selected VOD content may be streamed to the identified DTA.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving viewing restriction information of an application of data broadcasting. The method includes acquiring an application and viewing restriction information set on a unit-by-unit basis of the application, and performing viewing restriction functions differently for each unit of a plurality of units the application, based on the viewing restriction information which is acquired.

Abstract: A video stream is provided to a set top box of a viewer to fulfill the viewer's request for a video on-demand service. The video stream is encoded at one of a plurality of encoding rates selected by a Service Quality Manager based on parameters defined for a service group, which in various embodiments may comprise the viewer, or the viewer along with other customers serviced by a single QAM. The parameters used for determining the encoding rate may involve currently allocated bandwidth, the viewer's service parameters, other customer's service parameters, and historical data regarding encoding rate selection data. The encoding rate used to encode a stream may be modified during streaming in response to other service requests. The encoding rate may be shifted based on anticipated service requests from other members in the service group.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for providing objects describing media content. For example, in response to detecting that a particular media listing is not associated with an graphic and/or text content (e.g., box art) describing the particular media listing, a media guidance application may generate a custom graphic and/or text content (e.g., custom box art) for the media listing based on graphic and/or text content of a media listing for a media asset associated with the particular media asset.

Abstract: A device may be configured to receive a request to record content. The device may receive copy control information associated with the content that indicates a first quantity of copies of the content that the device is permitted to make available for check out from each recording of the content. The device may determine to record the multiple times based on the first quantity of copies failing to satisfy a particular value. The device may record the content multiple times using multiple tuners based on the request. The device may make a second quantity of copies of the content available for check out to at least one client device based on recording the content the plurality of times. The second quantity of copies may be greater than the first quantity of copies.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver and a 3D broadcast data processing method are disclosed. The processing method includes receiving a broadcast signal including system information (SI) and video data, parsing SI of a program, and determining whether the program provides a 3D broadcast service on the basis of the SI, extracting, if the program provides a 3D broadcast service, 3D broadcast data corresponding to the 3D broadcast service, and processing the 3D video data according to the SI. The broadcast receiver includes a receiving unit receiving a broadcast signal including SI and video data, an SI processor parsing system information of a program, and determining whether the program provides a 3D broadcast service on the basis of the SI, a demultiplexer extracting, if the program provides a 3D broadcast service, 3D broadcast data corresponding to a 3D broadcast service, and a video processing unit processing 3D video data according to the SI.