Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted by a transmission apparatus, the transmission apparatus transmits control sub-information to a receiving apparatus separately from video data which is actually distributed, and eliminates redundant distribution of video data. The receiving apparatus stores the received video data and creates content in accordance with the control sub-information.

Abstract: An information distribution apparatus for a CATV system which apparatus is capable of transmitting an identical program directed to a plurality of set-top boxes with the use of a single communication path between a distribution control section and an information distributing section. When distribution of identical information is requested from a plurality of set-top boxes, path identification number decision unit determines an identification number of a single communication path for these set-top boxes. Distribution information transmitting unit transmits the requested distribution information to the information distributing section via the communication path with the thus-determined identification number. In the information distributing section, set-top box identifying unit identifies individual set-top boxes to which the distribution information is to be distributed, based on the identification number of the communication path used for transmission by the distribution information transmitting unit.

Abstract: Provided is a server apparatus and terminal unit for realizing a video transmission system that, even in case the video image is suspended by a handover, reproduction can be resumed at a video image of upon suspension. In a video transmission system having a video server for sending video data to a terminal unit through an access point and a terminal unit for receiving and displaying the video data sent from the access point and for establishing an association and releasing of a wireless channel to the access point, the terminal unit releases the access point and wireless channel and requests the video server to suspend the transmission and store video data. In case an association is established with a new access point, the terminal unit requests the video server to re-send the video data, etc. stored in the duration of from the release to an association establishment.

Abstract: An improvement to a telephone system using a Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL). A second broadband-data signal, which may be a computer signal, a television signal, or other broadband or video signal, is encoded, for overlaying the first broadband-data signal, in one of four or more bands. The encoding multiplies the second broadband-data signal by an encoding signal. The encoding signal typically includes a Walsh function. The encoded-second broadband-data signal is transmitted, at a respective carrier frequency for one of the four or more bands, over a DSL communications channel. At a remote subscriber unit, the encoded-second broadband-data signal is decoded. A respective replica of the encoding signal, as used for the encoding, decodes the encoded-second broadband-data signal. The decoded-second broadband-data signal is converted to the second broadband-data signal.

Abstract: A system for delivering contents includes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality of terminal systems which receive the contents from the center system and displays the contents, and communication lines connecting the center system to the plurality of terminal systems. The center system includes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of delivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents to the terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a time period when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention enables determination of transport stream channels for video-on-demand (VOD) applications. A television terminal is provided which includes a tuner for tuning to a home channel. An application program interface in the terminal retrieves a transport stream identifier of a transport stream carrying the home channel. The home channel transport stream identifier defines a plurality of transport stream identifiers of a corresponding plurality of transport streams visible to the terminal. A video service controller receives the home channel transport stream identifier from the application program interface. A VOD subsystem controller controls distribution of a requested VOD service in response to video service controller commands. A video pump provides the requested VOD service to a re-multiplexing QAM device for distribution on one of the transport streams visible to the terminal based on commands from the VOD subsystem controller.

Abstract: An improvement for television and Internet channel distribution. A plurality of P programs are to be sent over the communications medium, using the multiplicity of channels. Each program has digitized-compressed content. For each program, a set of packets is generated and modulated in a form suitable for transmission over a multiplicity of channels. The packets are interleaved, depending on priority, and then sent over the multiplicity of channels. Assuming equal priority, a first set of packets of the P programs is sent, a second set of packets from the P programs is next sent, and a third set of packets from the P programs is then sent, over the multiplicity of channels. Each set of packets of the first program, the second program, and the third program, is received at a first, second and third set top box, respectively. Display of the first, second and third program is initiated upon receipt of the first, second, second and third set of packets of the first, second and third program, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to configure, store, and apply user-selected operating characteristics for multimedia devices on a per-program basis, rather than a per channel or connector-specific basis. The system provides a mechanism to set up and apply user-customized characteristics to a broadcast received on a multimedia device. Operating characteristics which may be selected for setting modification are video characteristics such as brightness, contrast, aspect ratio, resolution, closed-captioning type, parental control features, and others. In addition, audio operating characteristics that are user-selectable for modifications are volume level, language, tone, stereo, surround sound, and so forth. The operating characteristics may include recording options. A current program is identified and the operating characteristics are applied to related multimedia devices.

Abstract: A system provides multimedia content by receiving first content and second content from a digital transmission signal sent from a remote location, sending the first content to a display device for presentation, and sending the second content to an external device for presentation at the external device.

Abstract: A reflector network is used within a content delivery network to enable requesting end users to subscribe to live streams that have been published to CDN entry points. A reflector is a generalized packet router program. The reflector network preferably comprises a hierarchy of reflectors that are located at the various entry points into the CDN, at each edge node at which requesting users may be directed by the CDN to obtain live streams, and at various “reflector” nodes located within at least one intermediate layer (in the hierarchy) between the entry points and the edge nodes. The edge nodes and each reflector node also include a manager program that arranges for feeds. When an end user is directed to an edge node that is not yet receiving the desired stream, the edge node's manager issues a subscription request to a set of reflector nodes. If the reflector node(s) are already receiving the desired stream, their reflector(s) begin sending it to the requesting edge node.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a general access system for access to communication services, such as telecommunication, data communication and distribution of TV and radio. The access system comprises a connectivity network, a number of access adapters connected to the communication network, a number of service providing networks, each connected to access adapters, a number of network terminals connected to the connectivity network and to a number of terminals. Service access points of the service providing networks are distributed to all the network terminals which belongs to subscribers of that particular service. Applications in the network terminals enhance and/or combines the services from different service providing networks and offers them to users via the terminals.

Abstract: A method for interactive delivery of multimedia content includes accepting interactive multimedia content encoded in a multiplexed data stream, the stream includes segments that at least some include control data for presentation of the content. The method also includes receiving requests from one or more terminals, at least some of the requests identifies particular segments of the multiplexed data stream, and transmitting identified segments of the multiplexed data stream to the terminals in response to the received requests.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing downstream signals to a plurality of receiver networks. A receiver network (i.e., a networked multimedia system) includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM), a primary set-top terminal (STT), and at least one remote device. The remote devices communicate with the primary STT via the SIM over coaxial cable. Accordingly, the remote devices utilize some or all of the features including hardware and software that are included in the primary STT via the networked multimedia system.

Abstract: A system and method for content based on-demand video media overlay is presented. A user uses a media manager, such as a set-top box, to register for an event. The media manager retrieves information from an event data packet, which includes a detection identifier, to register the event. After registration, the media manager matches event identifiers provided by a content provider with the registered event's detection identifier. When the media manager determines a match, the media manager retrieves an identified event corresponding to the matched event identifier, formats the identified event using user-defined preferences, and displays the formatted identified event on a media device, such as a television. The user may also configure the media manager to store formatted identified events in a nonvolatile storage area for later viewing.

Abstract: A headend controller selects a multiplicity of sub-communications channels for transmission through a communications channel to a remote-subscriber unit. The headend controller sends channel information indicating which channels from the plurality of sub-communications channels are the first multiplicity of sub-communications channels The remote-subscriber unit receives the first channel information and sets receiver means for receiving the first multiplicity of sub-communications channels from the headend. The headend demultiplexes the particular VOD or Internet content signal into data streams, and sends the data streams over the multiplicity of sub-communications channels, respectively, to the remote-subscriber unit. The remote-subscriber unit receives the data streams from the first multiplicity of sub-communications channels, and multiplexes the data streams for reassembling the particular VOD or Internet content signal.

Abstract: A system and method for streaming media comprises a stream routing processor, a switch controller, a stream caster, media storage, and a packet switch. The stream routing processor determines if the stream caster is configured to stream requested media. The switch controller monitors the status of all devices and events and notifies the stream routing processor if an error or alarm condition occurs. The stream caster streams media upon receiving a valid reservation identification. The media storage stores the media for retrieval by the stream caster. The packet switch transmits signaling and media from the system and between devices of the system, including the stream routing processor, the switch controller, the stream caster, and the media storage.

Abstract: A system and method for providing movies on demand is provided. A central system will transmit movies from its inventory to a local storage and replay device. Viewers, at any time, can request a movie from a local inventory now stored in the local storage and replay device. The device communicates the request to view the movie to the central system which validates the request against a central device database checking subscription and billing parameters. If approved, the central system authorizes the device to play the movie. The central system will maintain a device database for each device tracking, among other things, the local movie inventory stored on each such device. The local device communicates the movie title played, start time and end time back to the central system and the central device database is updated. The central system uses this data for control, billing and royalty payment purposes.

Abstract: Video On Demand system providing video programs between a program provider and a plurality of clients coupled over a peer to peer network. Transmitting a requested video program from a first client on a first channel. Allocating a second channel for transmitting the video program requested by a second client. The first client forwarding the video program to the second client on the second channel from the beginning of the video program received and stored. Controlling the second client to receive and store the video program sent on the first channel in synchronization with the first client. Merging the second channel into the first channel in response to notification that the program received from the first client by the second client reaches a starting point of the program received and stored by the second client. Notifying the first client to stop sending the video program to the second client.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosures made herein is a communication system including a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) capable of facilitating PVR functionality for a video file transmitted toward a subscriber data processing system via the DSLAM. In accordance with such a communication system, a DSLAM line card is coupled to a service provider managed (SPM) file storage module and to a personal video recorder (PVR) card. The SPM file storage module has a video file stored thereon. The DSLAM line card is capable of providing multiplexing functionality for a plurality of digital subscriber lines and is capable of enabling the video file to be transmitted for reception by a subscriber data processing system from the SPM file storage module.

Abstract: A replication process to provide fault tolerance for a streaming signal in a computer network. In one embodiment, the original or source signal is sent to several splitters which, in turn, each make copies of the signal and send the copies into a second layer of devices, which are referred to as “concentrators.” A given concentrator receives as input one or more copies of the source signal. In a preferred embodiment, a given concentrator receives two copies of the source signal from at least two different splitters. The concentrators process the incoming streaming signal copies, for example, by merging them into a single or composite copy of the original source signal according to a given processing algorithm. The output of a given concentrator may then be fed into a splitter, with the process then being repeated if desired to make an arbitrary large number of copies of the signal.

Abstract: In a video-on-demand service system, when a PDA terminal 8 is operated and a request is made for the distribution of the desired dynamic image content, that request is received by the nearest base station device 32 and is transmitted to a communication equipment 2 through a wireless LAN 200. The communication equipment 2 converts the request signal of the PDA terminal 8 to an appropriate format and transmits it to a data center 5 through an optical fiber 100. In the data center 5, the request signal is decoded, and the requested dynamic picture content is downloaded from a server and is then downloaded to the PDA terminal 8 of the user through the optical fiber 100, the communication equipment 2, the wireless LAN 200 and the base station device 32.

Abstract: In a broadband communications system, e.g., a cable system, a broadcast program stream is transmitted to broadcast programming content, and the broadcast program stream is recorded in a headend of the system to enable a user to perform network private video recorder (NPVR) functions (e.g., rewinding, pausing, and fast-forwarding) on the programming content in the recorded program stream. In accordance with the invention, a delay is introduced into the transmission of the broadcast program stream to reduce the unsynchronization between its transmission and that of the recorded program stream. In an illustrative embodiment, the amount of the delay is a function of the time required for recording the broadcast program stream and processing a user request for a recorded program stream. In another embodiment, the amount of the delay is predetermined.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for effecting a distributed video on demand system is a local data network. A number of local processing units within the local network are utilized, with the local processing units being associated with system subscribers of the video on demand system. The local processing units include memories that are each configured to store video data. A database server in communication with local data network is further included for directing streamed delivery of the video data from certain ones of the local processing units storing particular video data to other local processing units in the local network that are requesting playback of the particular video data.

Abstract: To obtain real-time responses with interactive multimedia servers, the server provides at least two different audio/visual data streams. A first data stream has fewer bits per frame and provides a video image much more quickly than a second data stream with a higher number of bits and hence higher quality video image. The first data stream becomes available to a client much faster and may be more quickly displayed on demand while the second data stream is sent to improve the quality as soon as the playback buffer can handle it. In one embodiment, an entire video signal is layered, with a base layer providing the first signal and further enhancement layers comprising the second. The base layer may be actual image frames or just the audio portion of a video stream. The first and second streams are gradually combined in a manner such that the playback buffer does not overflow or underflow.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation of interactive programming incorporating viewer interactions. An interactive program includes moderator content generated by the moderator and edited participant commentary, such as interactive messages, and is served by a moderator server. Moderators create and manage interactive programs using a Web site. Viewers register to be participants in interactive programs using the Web site as well. The interactive programs can be distributed as electronic documents written in a markup language such as HTML or XML over a communications network such as the Internet. The interactive programs can also be converted to conventional interactive television content for distribution over an interactive television network. The interactive programs can also be distributed over a virtual private network for use as a collaboration tool by an enterprise such as a business concern.

Abstract: A system and method for providing video signals wherein the video signals from a single video source may be separately passed over two different transmission paths. Each transmission path includes an encoder, a communications channel and a decoder. The output of each communications path at the decoder provides the video signals and an alarm signal. The alarm signal indicates an error or disruption of the video signals over the corresponding communications path. The outputted video and alarm signals are provided to a video protection switch (VPS) device which provides the video signal from the second transmission path if the alarm signals indicates an error or disruption in the first transmission path. In one embodiment, the VPS has multiple switches, one for each of plural video sources, and a redundant switch and protection ports. The redundant switch and protection ports may be connected to receive the video and alarm signals if one of the switches in the VPS fails.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmitting method wherein a transport stream is created and transmitted in a digital broadcasting system in which the transport stream in which plural packets comprising video data packets of digitized video and service information packets of information about broadcasting using the video have been multiplexed, is transmitted over a network, comprises: creating and transmitting the transport stream in which the service information includes scanning method information as information about a scanning method of digitizing the video.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multimedia box network consisting of a data server comprising a mass storage device, on which digital pieces of music and/or videos are stored, and of a plurality of multimedia boxes, with one multimedia box in each case comprising an operating unit, a local storage device and a player unit, and with each multimedia box being connected to the data server by means of a first data link. To provide a high-performance network for multimedia boxes, which allows a decentralised servicing of the multimedia boxes, it is provided that at least one management station comprising a computer is connected to the data server by means of a second data link and to at least one multimedia box by means of a third data link.

Abstract: Disclosed are an interface system for stream source and display devices and an interfacing method thereof. The present invention includes a stream source device receiving analog/digital signals from external analog/digital equipments to generate a transmission packet stream corresponding to the analog/digital signal and transmitting the transmission packet stream by wireless and a display device receiving the transmission packet stream transmitted from the stream source device, the display device decoding the transmission packet stream to separate into a video signal and an audio signal to output respectively. Therefore, the present invention needs no additional cables to transmit various video, audio, and various control signals between the stream source and display devices, thereby enabling to overcome the problem of defiling the appearance of the cables exposed on the wall.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

Abstract: A content transmission selection system is disclosed. The content transmission selection system receives requests from viewers for specific video content items. Using characteristics of the designated content item, the content transmission selection system determines whether to transmit the content item over a broadcast network or a broadband network.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a broadcast server system computes a feasible stretch value for use in scheduling job requests. A stretch value provides an indication of the delay experienced by each job request to complete, when the broadcast server processes many jobs concurrently. A processing time is calculated for each job request based on, the size of the job request and the bandwidth of the server downlink. Thereafter, a stretch value is proposed. The server system computes a deadline for each job to be the arrival time of the job request plus the product of the processing time and the proposed stretch value. Thereafter, each job request is scheduled, based on an “earliest deadline first” arrangement, wherein the job request that has the earliest deadline is scheduled first, the job request having the next earliest deadline is scheduled second, etc. The proposed stretch value is deemed feasible if each pending job request can be completed prior to its deadline.

Abstract: An image communication apparatus transmits image data of a plurality of pictures to a receiver side, and transmits the high-resolution information of a picture requested by the receiver side, among the plurality of pictures, in a mode of transmission different from the mode of transmission for the moving image data. The image communication apparatus thus serves two purposes of transmitting a high-resolution still image and transmitting efficiently a moving image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing time and frequency information to a plurality of studios such that the studios can then use the time and frequency information frequency and timelock their studio components to the global reference. The apparatus includes various embodiments for facilitating the distribution of time and frequency depending upon the type of digital network that is used for distributing the television signals.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

Abstract: A video on demand (VOD) gateway allows multiple incompatible and non-interoperable VOD systems to function as a single unified VOD system. A VOD gateway system includes a VOD asset gateway, a VOD session gateway, a VOD transaction gateway and a generic VOD client software program. The generic VOD client software resides in a CATV set-top box. The VOD asset gateway at the headend aggregates video inventory from multiple VOD vendor's equipment. The VOD session gateway at the headend translates a subscriber request in a generic protocol for VOD program into the proprietary protocol for a specific VOD system. The VOD transaction gateway at the headend aggregates transactions from multiple VOD vendor's equipment. In an alternate embodiment, a VOD gateway permits operators of multiple CATV systems to use multiple incompatible and non-interoperable VOD systems in each of a plurality of separate CATV systems.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically adjusting the bit rate of a data transmission. A sending endpoint transmits data, such as video conferencing data across a network to a receiving endpoint. The receiving endpoint maintains information about the performance of the network and uses the information to determine when to request an increase or a decrease in the transmission rate. The information is maintained as a set of called parameters. The called parameters provide historical and statistical information about the call. For example, by maintaining information that indicates the number of intervals since the last increase was attempted and the number of intervals that the last increase was maintained, the receiving endpoint can avoid oscillating between a higher bit rate and a lower bit rate.

Abstract: A wireless video-on-demand system has controlled access and/or full VCR functionality. One or more low bandwidth wireless broadcast channels (e.g., associated with FM broadcast stations, or paging band spectra) is used to transmit encrypted high resolution video data in non-real time (low-data rate) to a plurality of receiver units. Received video information is gradually accumulated and stored in a local high capacity storage device and then processed to create a full length high resolution movie. An authorized user has controlled real time access viewing with VCR capability. If desired, each receiver unit may be sold with pre-loaded movies for immediate viewing of a selected pre-loaded movie while the receiver is still downloading other broadcast movies.

Abstract: A data distribution system and a protocol for interactive information services over a network and in particular for video-on-demand applications. A shared buffer and a split-and-merge protocol are implemented to allow multiple users to share the same video stream multicasted over a network with true VOD services including the ability to access any available video at any time, and to perform any VCR-like functions and random access. Video requests for a video program are served in batches. A user interaction is first handled by splitting off the interactive user from a shared video stream in a batch, and by subsequently assigning the user a new dedicated video stream. The interactive user is subsequently merged back to one of the batching video streams shared by multiple users upon resuming normal play mode.

Abstract: A telecommunications network is provided. The network uses a ring of ring switches to provide a transport mechanism for data packets that is transparent to the data and protocols contained in the data packets. This transport mechanism is simple and low cost to implement. Such networks can carry, for example, video signals between a primary site and secondary sites of a cable network to provide video on demand, near video on demand, distance learning and other video based services. Such networks can also provide telephony service as voice over IP.

Abstract: A remote transmitter and receiver for remotely controlling multimedia devices served by a converged multi-media portal for coupling a plurality of multi-media signals carried on a single network medium to a plurality of corresponding multi-media devices. Each device is served by a multi-media processing modules, which receives a multi-media signal from a network interface module and routes at least one multi-media signal to a corresponding multi-media device. Each module may comprise a remote control receiver. Alternatively, a separate control module that serves other multi-media processing modules may comprise a single receiver.

Abstract: Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) video data is separated into first data and second data. A first signal is formed based on the first data. A second signal is formed based on the second data. The first signal is transported via a first Optical Carrier 3 (OC-3) channel. The second signal is transported via a second OC-3 channel.

Abstract: An information presentation device for presenting information to a user is described, which is arranged to receive information transmissions from a remote information source, and comprises: an information transmission receiver for receiving information transmissions, an information extractor for extracting presentation information to be presented, from an information transmission, an information presenter for presenting the extracted presentation information, wherein a monitor is arranged to monitor the operation of one or more of the information extractor and the information presenter, determine whether the operation of one or more of the information extractor and the information presenter fulfils one or more predetermined conditions, and generate an operation condition signal destined for the remote information source, said operation condition signal conveying an indication of the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of said one or more conditions.

Abstract: A guide of a broadcasting program with a computer software product, in which a transmission start time, a name of the broadcasting program, a name of the computer software product, a version number of the computer software product and a terminal type required of a terminal are listed, is transmitted from a center station to each terminal. Also, files of the computer software product are transmitted from the center station to each terminal with video-audio data of the broadcasting program at the transmission start time. In each terminal, a particular terminal type of the terminal and a particular version number of the computer software product downloaded in the terminal are managed.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is provided with a data obtaining unit which receives a network signal sn on a network N and obtains distributed audio data Dau in which copyright information or the like is embedded, and a control unit which obtains information indicating a watermarking method which has been used when embedding the copyright information or the like in the audio data. The embedded information is extracted by an appropriate watermarking method according to the obtained information indicating the used watermarking method. The extracted information is again embedded in the distributed audio data Dau by using a predetermined watermarking method, and thus obtained audio data is recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: A method and system for provisioning a specific device to receive video and/or data services from a plurality of service providers at a physical drop in a digital broadband network serviced by a telecommunication services provider utilizes a broadcast manager for transmitting an electronic message in a modified format determined by the telecommunication services provider, wherein the electronic message contains information identifying the physical drop associated with the specific device. A broadband digital terminal, in communication with the broadcast manager and the physical port, receives the electronic message, stores the information, and upon receiving a sign-on request from a requesting device that is requesting access to one of the video and/or data services, determines whether the requesting device is authorized to access the requested video and/or data service based on the stored information.

Abstract: A subscriber terminal ms sends the demand including at least information for identifying the demand subscriber terminal and information for identifying the requested information to the information distribution transmission center HE through the going-up line. The information distribution transmission center HE makes a transmission plan of the information based on this demand, and sends the information transmission plan to the subscriber terminal ms prior to the actual information transmission. The subscriber terminal ms sends an information transmission request including a share information transmission request of the transmission information when desired transmission information is listed in the obtained transmission schedule.

Abstract: A cost-efficient digital CATV network to improve signal quality, provide reliability, and offer the ability to meet demands for interactive services is described. Analog or digital video downstream channels are converted to a digital format by a digital headend transmitter. Relatively costly error-encoding for digital video channels is also part of the digital headend transmitter. Downstream analog and digital video channels in the digital format are transmitted using time-division multiplex technology from a headend to nodes using standard network protocols, such as SONET. Standard network protocols provide error-monitoring and status indication of transmit data, thus ensuring high signal quality and reliability. Time-division multiplexing facilitates easy adding or dropping of information to a transmit path. Flexibility to add or drop information is critical in providing interactive services. Data from interactive services can be added or dropped at points of presence throughout the digital CATV network.

Abstract: An aggregator, operating in a digital communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request. The search request may be augmented by using a content suggestion engine to add additional search terms and descriptions to the search request.

Abstract: In a dynamic video communication evaluation equipment for analyzing codes by multiple methods for evaluating a dynamic video image, an analysis including estimation is performed to fix a reliability of the analysis result, enabling a processing termination in response to the analysis result in view of effective utilization of time or cost.