Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080282283 | Method And System For Processing Commerce Transactions In An Interactive Environment - A method and system for processing commerce transactions between a consumer and a business in an interactive environment is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises generating a request package from commands received at a set top box. The request package is received over a cable network. The request package includes a product identifier. Product information is retrieved from a product database using the product identifier. Vendor information is retrieved using the product identifier; and a vendor fulfillment package is sent to a deployment server. | 11-13-2008 |
20090044216 | Internet-Based System for Interactive Synchronized Shared Viewing of Video Content - Internet-based viewing system for interactive synchronized shared viewing of video content comprises a website accessible to customers of the viewing system and providing mechanisms for the customers to select, author and schedule viewing sessions for transmission by the system, to invite other customers to view selected viewing sessions in synchronicity as a shared viewing group while allowing interactive communication between the customers within the viewing group. The system website provides mechanisms for providers of video content and customers to author viewing programs and makes them available to customers on the system website. Advertisements and/or interactive components may be included in the viewing programs as part of the authoring processes. | 02-12-2009 |
20090204984 | Contents Viewing and Listening Management Apparatus, Contents Viewing and Listening Management Method, Program, and Contents Viewing and Listening Management System - With a contents viewing and listening management method using a contents viewing and listening management apparatus, a viewing and listening request of a content is made for displaying a predetermined content. Information relating to users whose viewing and listening of the relevant predetermined content is restricted, and information relating to administrators who manage viewing and listening of a content by the users are managed. If restriction is set to a content relating to the viewing and listening request, a relevant user ID is obtained. Whether or not the requested is a content of which viewing and listening has been permitted by the administrator as to each of the users is determined. If the content of which the viewing and listening has been requested is not permitted, a message which requests permission for viewing and listening of the requested content is transmitted to a second terminal possessed by the administrator. | 08-13-2009 |
20090254931 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF INTERACTIVE PRODUCTION MARKETING - A viewer of broadcast media requests or receives programming content including advertising over the Internet. The production system manipulates the programming content including the advertising with one or more computer processors to create a video broadcast based on input received over the Internet. The programming content promotes products or services by inserting advertisements or promotional material into the video broadcast based on one or more user interests. In addition, the production system transmits to the user the customized production with the inserted advertisements and promotional material embedded therein. | 10-08-2009 |
20090313648 | AUDIO/VIDEO DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS - An apparatus is described herein, wherein the apparatus includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The apparatus also includes a display screen that is located in the first aperture of the housing. An interface module may be located in the second aperture of the housing, wherein the interface module can be configured to receive a portable memory device. The apparatus also includes a data store that is communicatively coupled to the interface device, wherein the data store includes a plurality of movies available for rental. | 12-17-2009 |
20100050199 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HIGH-BANDWIDTH DELIVERY OF CUSTOMER-SPECIFIC INFORMATION - Customer-specific information such as billing information, a listing of available services or the like can be provided to multiple receivers via a satellite or other high-bandwidth connection. The customers to receive customer-specific information are selected, and a broadcast message is created that includes the customer-specific information, as well as an identifier for each receiver associated with the selected customers. The broadcast message is transmitted on the high-bandwidth connection to thereby allow each of the receivers associated with the selected customers to extract the customer-specific information based upon the identifier and to display the customer-specific information to the customer. | 02-25-2010 |
20100064304 | TERMINAL APPARATUS, CHARGING METHOD, AND CHARGING PROGRAM - The present invention provides a terminal apparatus that charges an appropriate amount of money according to the usage of individual users without using a network. A terminal apparatus reproduces content in response to a reproduction request from a user. The terminal apparatus includes a charging management unit that charges for the reproduction of the content and stores charging history as history information; a history information database that stores the history information in association with the reproduced content; and a removal determining unit that determines whether to remove the reproduced content from a charging target on the basis of the magnitude relationship between the standard price of the content charged for the reproduction and the sum of charges based on the history information. In this way, it is possible to charge an appropriate amount of money according to the usage of individual users and achieve a user-oriented charging process. | 03-11-2010 |
20100095316 | CONTENT TRANSMISSION SERVER AND CLIENT AND METHOD - A content transmission server and client and method which may implement the viewing of contents by concentrating all the contents into the storage/delivery-performing server, and performing the television broadcast, and which may make unnecessary the video-recording at user's own whereabouts, and may prevent the unauthorized copy and leakage-out onto an unauthorized network by making the on-server video-recording always available in a manner of the on-server right purchasing. | 04-15-2010 |
20100100897 | Method and system to provide live entertainment digital content to the home viewers - Disclosed is a system for providing live entertainment at home through interactive display electronic devices like television, personal computer. The system includes web interface components, ticket booking module, billing module, validation module and notification module. The web interface component gathers entities from viewer while booking a ticket for movie/event. The entities include viewer's preferred location to watch the event like if they want to see the event at home or in the theatre/auditorium along with event details, date, time and IP address. The validation module obtains identification credentials, which is 6-digit authentication from a viewer's ticket and validates those credentials. If the ticket credentials are valid, the entity that submitted the credentials is considered an authenticated identity. Once authenticated, the authorization process determines whether that identity has access to the event. After this the live event content streams to viewer's home interactive display device from the theater/auditorium. | 04-22-2010 |
20100122275 | Methods, Systems, and Products for Customizing Content-Access Lists - Systems, methods, and computer program products describe customizing the presentation of a content-access list. A preference for a subscriber is received, and a content database is searched for content related to the preference and for content unrelated to the preference. An option list is received including an option, and a non-preference-related option is also received. The non-preference-related option is added to the option list, and the option list is sent to the subscriber. | 05-13-2010 |
20100146527 | Place-Shifting Apparatus and System - A place-shifting system for distributing video content from a content source ( | 06-10-2010 |
20100186025 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING THE DISTRIBUTION OF ON-DEMAND MEDIA - Systems and methods for managing the distribution of on-demand media in an interactive television application are provided. An interactive television application may receive a request for on-demand media from a user. The interactive television application may provide an option to the user for the transmission of the on-demand media. Such options may include, for example, an option to request a reduced-bandwidth version of the on-demand media, an option to schedule a future time for presentation of the on-demand media, an option to download the on-demand media to a recording device, and an option to check the availability of the on-demand media. A reduced price for transmission of the on-demand media may be provided to the user. | 07-22-2010 |
20100192171 | Set-Top Box - Various embodiments of a set-top box are described. In some embodiments, a set-top box for controlling a display device includes first circuitry configured to control the display of information on the display device, a housing sized to contain the first circuitry, and one or more adjustable grips attached to the housing. The adjustable grips may be adapted to removably attach the set-top box to the display device. In some cases, a set-top box may be adapted to sit atop a display device having a thickness (in a viewing direction) of less than six, three, two, one, or even 0.5 inches. Some embodiments may be shaped to “hang” on a top surface or edge of a display device. Some embodiments include a set-top box having a feature shaped to hook, latch, or otherwise engage with a display device. | 07-29-2010 |
20100281496 | Program Subscription Method and System - A system for accessing video content or audio content over the internet comprising a server linked to the internet and storing the video content or audio content; a nominated terminal device of a subscriber to access the video content or audio content; and a graphical interface enabling the subscriber to select available programs from the audio or video content for viewing or listening on the nominated terminal device. The selection of programs is transmitted over the internet to the server and the server transmits the selected programs or links to the selected programs to the nominated terminal device for access by the subscriber for a predetermined period of time. | 11-04-2010 |
20100299687 | PEER-TO-PEER VIDEO CONTENT DISTRIBUTION - Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for facilitating the distribution of video content. According to one embodiment, a data-storage device stores computer-executable process steps and data, with: the data including (i) file digests and/or (ii) links to file digests that are located on one or more remote unaffiliated server, the file digests containing information for downloading corresponding files using at least one peer-to-peer network, the corresponding files including both restricted-access sponsored video files and unrestricted files, and the unrestricted files having made available by different participants in at least one peer-to-peer network. In addition, a processor is coupled to the data-storage device and configured to execute the process steps, with the process steps including steps to provide, at a network address on a publicly accessible network, an access site that allows users to locate and download the file digests, with the file digests for the restricted-access sponsored video files being separately visually designated as such on the access site, and each of the restricted-access sponsored video files including an identification of an operator of the site. | 11-25-2010 |
20100299688 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VOTING VIA AN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SYSTEM - A computer implemented method includes receiving, at a server of an internet protocol television (IPTV) network, a voting selection from a set-top box device. The voting selection is associated with video content that is received at the set-top box device via the IPTV network. The computer implemented method includes adding the voting selection to a tally of votes related to the video content when a voting status indicates that a previous vote has not been received from the set-top box device. The computer implemented method also includes changing the voting status to indicate that a vote has been received from the set-top box device after adding the voting selection to the tally of votes. | 11-25-2010 |
20110023058 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING A PURCHASE USING INFORMATION PROVIDED ON A MEDIA PLAYING DEVICE - Disclosed are apparatus and method for facilitating a purchase in conjunction with media content information. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a transmission of media content, information regarding the content, and information for facilitating a purchase of at least one of a copy of the content, a good, and/or a service. The content may include broadcast media content and entertainment media content. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to process the information regarding the content and the information for facilitating a purchase of the copy of the content, the good, and/or the service. The apparatus also includes a display device for displaying information. | 01-27-2011 |
20110029995 | CONTENT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A content distribution system is described. The content distribution system includes a show account database and a plurality of credit cards stored in the show account database. The content distribution system also has a linking module associating a viewer entering the call-in number with a credit card number in the show account database. The system has a charge module that charges a credit card account corresponding to the credit card number associated with a viewer entering the call-in number. | 02-03-2011 |
20110041146 | System for Data Management and On-Demand Rental and Purchase of Digital Data Products - A system for handling data and transactions involving data through the use of a virtual transaction zone, which virtual transaction zone removes the dependency of such transaction on the delivery medium of the product. The invention may reside and operate on a variety of electronic devices such as televisions, VCRs, DVDs, personal computers, WebTV, any other known electronic recorder/player, or as a stand alone unit. The transaction zone also provides a mechanism for combining mediums, data feeds, and manipulation of those feeds. The transaction zone also provides a mechanism for controlling the content, delivery, and timing of delivery of the end consumer's product. | 02-17-2011 |
20110067042 | System and Method of Voting Via an Interactive Television System - A computer implemented method includes receiving, at a server of an internet protocol television (IPTV) network, a voting selection from a set-top box device. The voting selection is associated with video content that is received at the set-top box device via the IPTV network. The computer implemented method includes not adding the voting selection to a tally of votes associated with the video content when a voting status indicates that a previous vote was received from the set-top box device. The computer implemented method also includes sending a message to the set-top box device from the server, the message indicating that the previous vote associated with the video content was received from the set-top box device. | 03-17-2011 |
20110078714 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SHARING VIDEO ON DEMAND CONTENT - A system for and method of sharing Video on Demand content is presented. The system and method may facilitate sharing of Video on Demand (“VOD”) content between friends and family. The sharing of VOD content between users may allow for the users to view the content in a more cost-effective manner than if the VOD content was purchased individually by all the users. Further, giving users the ability to share VOD content between one another may result in more overall viewing of the content. | 03-31-2011 |
20110093875 | Online Shopping and Item Selection System and Method - A system for online shopping and item selection includes an audiovisual system coupled to a remote cable\satellite server, an audiovisual program transmitted from the remote cable\satellite server to the audiovisual system and an input device coupled to the audiovisual system. The audiovisual system includes a video display that displays the audiovisual program. The online shopping and item selection system includes at least one item displayed within the audiovisual program that is selectable using the input device. The system also includes a menu that is selectively displayable on the display information about purchasing the item onscreen. | 04-21-2011 |
20110145846 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PERSONAL BROADCASTING HOME SHOPPING SERVICE USING MOBILE IPTV SERVICE - A personal broadcasting home shopping providing system is linked with a seller terminal capable of photographing a moving picture and one or more viewer terminals capable of receiving a broadcasting signal, which each is provided with a communication function. At this time, the service control server establishes a personal broadcasting home shopping channel in accordance with a request from the seller terminal and sets a reception target of the personal broadcasting home shopping channel. A relay server receives a real-time moving picture of a sold product photographed by the seller terminal from the seller terminal through a mobile communication network and transmits the received real-time moving picture to one or more viewer terminals included in reception target information set by the service control server. | 06-16-2011 |
20110154382 | Processing and Distribution of Video-On-Demand Content Items - Systems, methods, and computer-readable media including instructions for processing and distributing video-on-demand (VOD) content items are disclosed. A particular method selects a group of electronic devices to receive a VOD content item. The selection is based on group-level information associated with the group of electronic devices and based on user-level information associated with individual electronic devices of the group of electronic devices. The VOD content item is transmitted to each electronic device of the group via multicast. The VOD content item has an associated validity time period, and the encrypted VOD content item is automatically made unplayable at each electronic device in the group when the validity time period has elapsed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110161995 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A BEST PRICE FOR MULTIMEDIA CONTENT - A method and system for determining a best price to rent a multimedia content being offered for viewing by at least one service provider to a plurality of users through a communication network is provided. The service provider offers the multimedia content to the plurality of users at a base price. The method includes receiving a first price from the user that he/she is willing to pay for the multimedia content. The first price is lesser than the base price. The method further includes calculating a number of commercials that need to be shown the user to recover a cost to show the multimedia content at the first price. Furthermore, the method includes calculating a best price that the service provider can offer to the user when the service provider does not have enough commercials to offer the multimedia content at the first price. | 06-30-2011 |
20110161996 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY PURCHASING AND RECORDING POPULAR PAY PROGRAMS IN AN INTERACTIVE MEDIA DELIVERY SYSTEM - A system and method for automatically purchasing and recording popular pay program is disclosed. The pay programs are selected based on defined criteria and popularity. The most popular pay program that meets defined criteria will be automatically recorded and purchased. Notifications and confirmations are provided before purchase of pay programs. | 06-30-2011 |
20110161997 | AUDIOVISUAL PROGRAMMING SELECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A system for receiving audiovisual content is provided, such as for viewing a television program that is provided on demand over the Internet. The system includes a charge selection system that allows the viewer to select whether to receive the television program for free with commercials or to pay for the television program and receive it without commercials. A content viewing system connected to the charge selection system receives the viewer's selection and presenting the television show in the selected format. | 06-30-2011 |
20110231867 | SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR DISTRIBUTED DELIVERY OF ONLINE CONTENT IN RESPONSE TO CLIENT SELECTIONS FROM AN ONLINE CATALOG - A system and methodology for distributed delivery of online content in response to client selections from an online catalog is described. In one embodiment, for example, a system of the present invention is described for receiving and playing movies, the system comprises: a personal computer with Internet connectivity and having a browser for selecting movies from an online catalog; a set-top box with Internet connectivity, the set-top box having a hard disk for storing encrypted copies of the selected movies that the set-top box receives in response to user selections from the online catalog; and a television device, connected to the set-top box, for playing back decrypted copies of the selected movies that have been purchased for playback. | 09-22-2011 |
20110247027 | Video Methods and Arrangements - Novel arrangements are detailed involving delivery of entertainment content, and commercial sponsorship of such content. Some arrangements enable viewers to control presentation of advertising in video, e.g., selecting what commercials are to be presented—if any, and also their order and timing. Ad presentation can also be made dependent on context. Other arrangements ensure that advertising is actually rendered, and is not skipped-over. In still other aspects, entertainment content that is now offered on a paid basis is made available for free to certain viewers. For example, viewers may receive free content as a perk for earlier patronage of certain content sponsors. Fees charged to advertisers can be tied to measured consumer responses (e.g., to correlated increases in sales of advertised products), or to the demographics of the responding viewers (e.g., engagement of affluent consumers merits higher fees). A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed. | 10-06-2011 |
20110258655 | INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATION SYSTEM USING TELEVISION SET-TOP BOX - An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television. | 10-20-2011 |
20110321070 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF REMOTE VIDEO DISTRIBUTION - A method of remote video file distribution, the method comprising the steps of: a user browsing information relating to video titles on a user terminal device; the user selecting a video title and sending an order of the selection of the video title from the personal terminal device via a telecommunications network to a remote order processing apparatus; the order processing apparatus sending an order confirmation package, including order identification information, to the user; the order processing apparatus sending information relating to the order and the order identification information to an order pick-up terminal; and the order pick-up terminal delivering a video file of video content to the user upon presentation of the order identification information. | 12-29-2011 |
20110321071 | DEVICE-BASED ONE BUTTON SHOPPING USING METADATA - A television is interfaced to one or more on-line stores through a network connection. The television has purchasing data stored in a configuration file. Upon execution of a “one-button buy” function, metadata from a content stream and the purchasing data is used to find a purchase item related to the content stream, decide upon an on-line store and purchase the purchase item from the on-line store. In some embodiments, the a “one-button buy” function is a dedicated “buy” button on a remote control that is associated with the television. In some embodiments, without any further interaction, the purchase item is billed to the viewer and shipped to the viewer as if the viewer found the purchase item through the on-line store from a personal computer. | 12-29-2011 |
20110321072 | Self-Service Channel Marketplace - A content hosting system allows content providers to create channels of video content and make them available to users in a marketplace. Users can search or browse for channels of interest, and selectively subscribe to channels. Users can also pay for the right to view premium videos in each channel. The system ranks channels according to the value provided. Generally, users will seek out and subscribe to the highest ranked channels that provide the greatest value. The ranking function allows different providers to compete for the subscriptions of users. Providers can observe their channel's reception in the market by analyzing rankings and usage statistics to adjust channels to maximize channel performance. The system operator can also create bundled channels containing videos from multiple providers, and the resulting subscription revenue can be distributed to the various providers of the videos in the channel. | 12-29-2011 |
20120030695 | REMOTE CONTROL UNIT FOR INTELLIGENT DIGITAL AUDIOVISUAL REPRODUCTION SYSTEMS - The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system. | 02-02-2012 |
20120036522 | TV Shopping System and Method Thereof - A TV shopping system has a shopping service platform gathering and classifying channel information and consumption information for a network device connected with the shopping service platform to download through the Internet and transmit to a TV remote control. The network device can receive shopping information uploaded from the TV remote control and entered by a user and transmit the shopping information to the shopping service platform. The TV remote control has an input module for users to select a command transmitted to the network device. Given the TV shopping system, the shopping service platform can interact with the TV remote control through the network device. Users transmits the shopping information through the TV remote control, the network device to the shopping service platform, and purchases merchandise exhibited on a TV commercial or directly promoted by a shopping channel through the shopping service platform. | 02-09-2012 |
20120072935 | CHANNEL TUNE DWELL TIME LOG PROCESSING - Reporting data related to content processing devices, e.g., television devices, are processed to identify channel tunes and corresponding tune times of the content processing devices. Automatically generated channel tunes based on the corresponding tune times are identified. Content items that are aired during a time period defined by the corresponding tune times can be adjusted. | 03-22-2012 |
20120079513 | BILLING SYSTEM FOR VIDEO PROVISIONING SYSTEM - A method, performed by a video provisioning system, may include receiving a request to purchase a video asset from a user device. The method may further include determining an account type associated with the user device; billing the purchase to a bundled services account, where the bundled services account is associated with one or more of a television service, a data connection service, or a telephone service delivered over a same connection, when the account type corresponds to the bundled services account; billing the purchase to a voice services account, where the voice services account corresponds to a telephone service, when the account type corresponds to the voice services account; and processing a payment for the purchase via an online payment service, when the user device is not associated with a bundles services account or a voice services account. | 03-29-2012 |
20120079514 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NETWORK CONTENT DOWNLOAD AND RECORDING - Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail. | 03-29-2012 |
20120131602 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING A PURCHASE USING INFORMATION PROVIDED ON A MEDIA PLAYING DEVICE - Disclosed are apparatus and method for facilitating a purchase in conjunction with media content information. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a transmission of media content, information regarding the content, and information for facilitating a purchase of at least one of a copy of the content, a good, and/or a service. The content may include broadcast media content and entertainment media content. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to process the information regarding the content and the information for facilitating a purchase of the copy of the content, the good, and/or the service. The apparatus also includes a display device for displaying information. | 05-24-2012 |
20120137315 | SYSTEM FOR MONETIZING RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE TO A MOBILE DEVICE SERVER - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium operating in a mobile device server. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can include computer instructions to execute a web server application in the mobile device server. The web server application can be operable cause the mobile device server to detect a media resource center while roaming in a communication zone of the media resource center, transmit a pairing key to the media resource center, and receive from the media resource center authorization to pair with one or more resources selected by the media resource center according to the pairing key. In one embodiment a billing system can be operable to determine whether to apply a monetary charge to a subscriber account based on the pairing key. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 05-31-2012 |
20120144408 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DIGITAL CONTENT CREATION - Provided is an apparatus and method for generating digital content. The apparatus includes a physical information manager configured to manage information about a physical item distributed off-line, a video production manager configured to produce video content by generating and converting a video image of the physical item, and an interactive video production manager configured to generate digital content capable of providing an interactive service by applying a service interaction element to the video produced to be served on-line. Also, the apparatus further includes an intellectual property right manager configured to register and manage the copyright and intellectual property right related to the generated digital content and permit use of the copyright and the intellectual property right, and a unique number manager configured to issue a unique number so that the generated digital content can be identified in a distribution process. | 06-07-2012 |
20120159526 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INTERACTIVE MEDIA TO USER OF MOBILE DEVICE - A system for mobile devices that facilitates the creation and dissemination of interactive media to a plurality of mobile devices. A computer or PC comprising an interactive media generator is used to generate interactive media and communicate it to a distribution server. Mobile devices have an interactive media client component to receive and present interactive media to a user. | 06-21-2012 |
20120222055 | Billing with QR Codes - Disclosure is directed to receiving billing information at a television receiver and communicating that billing information to a user's mobile device. The television receiver may create a two-dimensional barcode with billing information and output the two-dimensional barcode for display on a display device. Once displayed on the display device, the two-dimensional barcode may be scanned into a mobile device where the billing information may be used to allow a user to view billing information and/or submit payment information through the mobile device. | 08-30-2012 |
20120222056 | PERSONAL MEDIA CHANNEL APPARATUS AND METHODS - Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, “catch up”, and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules “engine” implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed. | 08-30-2012 |
20120233632 | BILLING SUPPORT IN A MEDIA EXCHANGE NETWORK - A system providing billing support for the exchange of media is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide for the authorization of and billing for the delivery of media from a media server to local storage for consumption on a television display. The media may be audio, still pictures, video, or data. Other embodiments may provide for the authorization of and billing for the transfer of media from a media peripheral to a media server for media backup or distribution. A media peripheral may be, for example, a digital camera, digital camcorder, personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), multi-media gateway, and MP3 player. An embodiment may support pre-payment, payment at time of use, and post-use billing for the media exchange. In an embodiment of the present invention, the storing or accessing of media may be performed without identifying the user to the media server. | 09-13-2012 |
20120240138 | Secure Transaction Through a Television - The present disclosure involves a method of conducting a transaction. In one aspect, the method includes: displaying a media program on a media display device; indicating, while the media program is being displayed, an item associated with the media program is available for purchase; receiving authentication information of a prospective purchaser of the item; and completing a purchase of the item in response to the authentication information. In another aspect, the method includes: receiving, from a media display device, a user authentication request that contains user login credentials; granting the user authentication request in response to the user login credentials; and sending an authentication permission to the media display device; wherein the receiving and the sending are each performed such that the user login credentials and the authentication permission are sent through one or more intermediate hops without being inspected by any of the intermediate hops. | 09-20-2012 |
20120240139 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION IN RESPONSE TO MOTION PICTURE PROGRAMMING - Various apparatuses and techniques for displaying information in response to motion picture programming are herein described. A handheld remote control can comprise a storage device. The handheld remote control can be configured to receive user input to select an element in a scene of non-commercial programming, where the element can represent an item for purchase. The handheld remote control can also be configured to retrieve purchase information for the element from a set-top box. The set-top box can be configured to display the non-commercial programming on a television display. The handheld remote control can also be configured to store the purchase information in the storage device and store user information, including account information, in the storage device. The handheld remote control can be configured to electronically complete a purchase transaction for the item using the stored purchase information and the stored user information. | 09-20-2012 |
20120240140 | METHOD FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL INFORMATION AND A SYSTEM FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL INFORMATION - A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due. | 09-20-2012 |
20120246668 | INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEVISION VIDEO ON DEMAND METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention provide an IPTV VOD method, apparatus, and system. The method includes: sending the VOD request to IPTV media entertainment management middleware (IPTV-MEM); sending the fee deduction request to a charging apparatus through the SMG; receiving, from the SMG a fee deduction response sent by the charging apparatus in response to the fee deduction request; and if fee deduction succeeds, notifying the IPTV-MEM of pushing a VOD media steam to a target Set Top Box (STB) according to the VOD request. The payment modes for IPTV VOD are diversified and the flexibility of payment for IPTV VOD is enhanced. | 09-27-2012 |
20120260274 | Method and system for providing wireless LAN service using rental digital television - A method and system for providing a wireless LAN service using a rental digital television is provided. When a wireless-LAN-embedded digital television leased to a first user is turned on, the digital television accesses a management authentication server using a service server included in the digital television to determine whether or not the first user is a lease service subscriber. A TV tuner of the digital television is activated if the first user is a lease service subscriber. When a terminal of a second user has accessed an access point of the digital television, the digital television accesses the management authentication server using the service server to determine whether or not the second user is a wireless LAN service subscriber. A wireless LAN service is provided to the terminal of the second user if the second user is a wireless LAN service subscriber. | 10-11-2012 |
20120272256 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT OVER A NETWORK - Methods and systems for distributing content are disclosed. A first plurality of items of content, including video content, is selected based on one or more criteria. Information is accessed indicating respective time lengths and/or qualifying viewing times corresponding to items in the first plurality of items of content. The first plurality of items of content or representations thereof is provided for display on the user terminal in association with the respective time lengths and/or qualifying viewing times. In response to a user selection, a first item of content included in the first plurality of items of content is caused to be played or otherwise distinctly presented by the user terminal in conjunction with a timer corresponding the a respective qualifying viewing time. | 10-25-2012 |
20120278823 | Method and Apparatus for Storage and Insertion of Advertisements - A method includes detecting a substitution signal at a set top box device. The method includes inserting an advertisement into a media stream in response to detecting the substitution signal and determining an advertising fee associated with insertion of the advertisement into the media stream. A first advertising fee is determined when the advertisement is a local advertisement for a provider of a product or service and is to be inserted at a first location in the media stream that follows a national advertisement for the product or service. The first advertising fee is higher than a second advertising fee that is associated with insertion of the local advertisement for the provider of the product or service at a second location in the media stream | 11-01-2012 |
20120291056 | ACTION ENABLED AUTOMATIC CONTENT PREVIEW SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for providing a sequence of automatic previews of items in a list of content assets. In an embodiment, a system provides a user with the ability to select actions on the asset associated with a preview being currently presented without interrupting playback of the current preview or sequence. Actions include, but are not limited to, retrieving further information on an associated asset, adding the asset to a set for later viewing or purchase, scheduling the asset for future recording, and retrieving a set of related assets. In embodiments, the system can retrieve and display asset information such as genre, ratings, reviews, synopses, and contributors such as cast members, cinematographers, writers, directors, and producers. Related assets can be determined based on retrieved asset information. In embodiments, the content assets include, but are not limited to, motion pictures, pay per view content, television programs, media preview/viewing content, and DVDs. | 11-15-2012 |
20120297404 | Apparatus for viewing content contained therein on a nearby display screen with payment module for charging an account for viewing the content - An apparatus is provided for viewing content. The apparatus includes a portable device and a payment module. The portable device enables viewing of content on a nearby display screen which is not physically connected to the portable device. The portable device includes a button and a transmitter. The button initiates wireless communication between the portable device and a payment module. The transmitter electronically wirelessly communicates a signal from the portable device to the payment module upon selection of the button. The signal includes customer identity information that identifies an account that can be charged for viewing the content. The payment module receives the signal, allows the display screen to be used for viewing the content, and charges the account for viewing the content. | 11-22-2012 |
20120311617 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING OFFERS USING A BILLING STATEMENT - A billing statement according to one aspect of the invention includes a description of a transaction and an offer pointer associated with the transaction, wherein the offer pointer includes information that may be used to review an offer. In one example of this aspect, a telephone number or a hyperlink is provided adjacent to a total amount owed listed on a statement (e.g., an electronically-displayed billing statement). The offers reviewed may be customized, for example, based on details of the transaction such as the product purchased or the amount of the purchase, the identity of the consumer, and/or on other data. | 12-06-2012 |
20130007782 | Programming selection - In one configuration, electronic program guides (EPGs) are used to display past, present and future broadcasts, where selection of a past broadcast results in a search for the broadcast. If the broadcast is available, it is provided to the requester. Various embodiments are disclosed for controlling costs associated with broadcast acquisition, identifying a desired quality level for a broadcast, applying policies to regulate receipt of broadcast data, and for renting broadcasts. | 01-03-2013 |
20130007783 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING USE OF BROADCAST CONTENT - A system for controlling use of broadcast content is described. In accordance with a particular implementation, the system includes a receiver in communication with a source of broadcast content. The receiver also includes, or is coupled to, a playback device. The receiver is configured to control the use of received broadcast content through the playback device in accordance with control information embedded in the broadcast content. | 01-03-2013 |
20130042261 | ELECTRONIC VIDEO MEDIA E-WALLET APPLICATION - Systems and methods for an electronic video media e-wallet application have been provided. An apparatus for providing a viewer of a video with an electronic video wallet may be included within the scope of the invention. The apparatus may include a radio frequency identification device (“RFID”) tag. The RFID tag may be associated with an item in the video. The apparatus may also include a video camera comprising an antenna. The antenna may receive signals from the RFID tag. The signals may include purchasing information associated with the item. | 02-14-2013 |
20130074107 | POWER SOURCE FOR IN-TRANSIT ELECTRONIC MEDIA - Exemplary methods, systems and components are implemented on a multipassenger transit vehicle to provide passenger access to a pre-assigned interactive electronic media device associated with a passenger identification (ID) code or associated with an on-board situs location. The electronic media device may include a storage component, and a battery module that can periodically be replaced or recharged. Security techniques may provide protection against unauthorized usage of each electronic media device, and also help prevent unauthorized removal of the electronic media device from its approved location in the transit vehicle. Selective content may be accessible or downloaded via a communication node, wherein such content may include application programs or informational data specifically correlated with a media device location or a designated vehicle passenger. Selective content and/or operation capability for the electronic media device may be varied based on predetermined qualifications or passenger request. | 03-21-2013 |
20130074108 | Seatback Video Display Unit Wireless Access Points for Inflight Entertainment System - An IFE system includes seatback VDUs having dedicated wireless access points to which airline passengers can connect using mobile client devices and access an IP network infrastructure. The seatback VDUs are configured to receive requests from passengers to access the IP network infrastructure via the dedicated wireless access points, activate the wireless access points and output access credentials, and the dedicated wireless access points are configured to receive from mobile client devices the access credentials and validate the access credentials whereupon the mobile client devices are authorized to access the IP network infrastructure via the wireless access points. | 03-21-2013 |
20130091514 | SYSTEM, SERVER, TERMINAL APPARATUS, AND METHOD - A system includes a broadcast server performing a charging process for a digital broadcasting program and a terminal apparatus receiving the program. The terminal apparatus includes a reception condition measuring unit measuring a reception condition of the program, a reception condition reporting unit reporting the reception condition, and a receiving unit receiving, from the broadcast server, information for viewing file-based content of the program to be delivered from a broadcasting apparatus. The broadcast server includes a reception condition determining unit determining whether it is necessary to make the program viewable based on the reception condition of the program reported by the terminal apparatus, a view permission information generating unit generating the information for viewing the file-based content of the program when it is necessary to make the program viewable, and a transmitting unit sending the information for viewing the file-based content of the program. | 04-11-2013 |
20130104157 | BILLING ELECTRONIC ADVERTISEMENT SYSTEM - An electronic advertisement system is provided by which, when an advertisement effect that corresponds to billing conditions is not obtained, an advertiser is free from an obligation to pay advertisement fee so that the advertiser can run an advertisement without having an economic risk. An electronic advertisement sending side computer has a billing tag addition means for adding, to electronic advertisement data, a tag composed of information describing billing conditions. A receiving side computer includes: a display unit that outputs, as output data, video and audio of received electronic advertisement data; and an electronic device that acquires the circumstance around the display unit as input data. A program of the receiving side computer has an input video analysis means that determines whether billing conditions for outputted electronic advertisement data are achieved or not by analyzing input data from the electronic device. When the billing conditions are achieved, the program generates billing charge data. | 04-25-2013 |
20130117770 | SERVER OPERATIONAL EXPENSES COLLECTING METHOD, AND APPARATUS THEREFOR - Disclosed are server operational expenses collecting method and apparatus for a server which transmits via the Internet an electronic program guide to a terminal apparatus operated by a user. The server generates customer analysis information on the basis of personal information of said user inputted from said terminal apparatus and program viewing log information about a program viewed by said user on said terminal apparatus. The server generates a second electronic program guide by reorganizing a first electronic program guide in accordance with the preference of said user on the basis of the generated customer analysis information. The server provides said generated customer analysis information to an advertiser who practices an advertising campaign to said terminal apparatus. The server, in response to the provision of said customer analysis information to said advertiser, collects the expenses, in a predetermined amount, for the provision of said customer analysis information from said advertiser. | 05-09-2013 |
20130125153 | MEDIA CONTENT DELIVERY - A server can receive information identifying media content to be offered to users at a discount or at a particular time of release. The offer can also include information identifying a minimum number of acceptances by users needed for the offer to be valid. During a predetermined period, if the number of acceptances has reached or exceeded the minimum number needed, the server may transmit a media stream containing the media content to the users. Furthermore, the offer may include multiple tiers of discounts and/or times of release. | 05-16-2013 |
20130132981 | Interactive Webisodic or Episodic Product Presentation and Sales System - An interactive webisodic or episodic product presentation and sales system has a processor and tangible, non-transitory media that stores a program that when executed by the processor is configured to perform operations. The operations include receiving a request from a requesting user to play one of a webisodic or episodic presentation on a display. A webisodic or episodic presentation is then presented on a display, during which at least one of a product or service is highlighted. On the same screen as the presentation, the system displays a purchasing option to the user to purchase the highlighted product or service. When a purchase order is received from the user; the system fulfills the purchase order. The highlighted product or service may be available exclusively in conjunction with the display of the webisodic or episodic presentation. | 05-23-2013 |
20130167167 | METHOD FOR USING A REMOTE CONTROL FOR A PAYMENT TRANSACTION AND ASSOCIATED DEVICE - Remote control device of a data receiver, the data being representative of an audiovisual content, the data receiver receiving information relating to payment of an object and data representative of the object, the remote control device comprising means of configuring the data receiver useful for processing data representative of an audiovisual content, remote control device being characterised in that it comprises a user interface for initialising a payment transaction, a first wireless interface for receiving information useful for payment of the object and a second wireless interface for transmitting payment information with a remote payment unit. | 06-27-2013 |
20130205310 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING OUT OF COVERAGE BROADCASTS - A mobile content distribution system in an airplane, a train, or a bus is capable of receiving wireless broadcast channels from a wireless service provider. The system offers a user purchase of wireless services including one or more broadcast channels provided by the wireless service provider, receives information indicative of a route from an originating location to a destination location, and determines if the content distribution system is authorized to receive services from the wireless service provider according to the information; and if the content distribution system is not authorized to receive services from the wireless service provider according to the information, the system provide a refund to the user. If the system is within an authorized area, the system determines if the system is authorized to provide full service from the wireless service provider according to the information and if the system is not authorized to provide full service, the system provides a partial refund to the user. | 08-08-2013 |
20130227594 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN ENHANCED, STEGANOGRAPHIC, EMBEDDED SECURE TRANSACTION SYSTEM - A system for multipath contactless transaction processing, comprising a networked server comprising a processing unit, a billing entity based on a first networked computing device comprising a processing unit and a video feed, the feed interloping a television broadcast video signal, the signal made available to potential purchasers to watch, wherein, during said viewing, a cue is provided whenever a transaction or interaction is available for scanning by a mobile device, and wherein, the user is prompted accordingly to act upon using the device. | 08-29-2013 |
20130254786 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION BASED ORDERING OF ON-DEMAND DIGITAL CONTENT - A computer implemented method and apparatus for mobile communication based ordering of on-demand digital content (such as video content in a network-based pay TV service). In some embodiments the mobile communication is via an SMS cell phone text and payment of the ordered content is by billing a financial account associated with the owner of the cell phone. The method generates for display to the user, upon selection of digital content desired to be ordered by the user and accessed by a specific network-enabled device associated with the user, a unique video activation request number (VARN), the VARN comprising a first component which uniquely identifies a specific one or more Internet-enabled devices and a second component that uniquely identifies the ordered digital content. Access by the Internet-enabled device to the ordered digital content is authorized only after receipt from a message-based mobile communication device of a communication message which includes the VARN is associated with the owner of the cell phone. | 09-26-2013 |
20130268951 | Participating in Television Programs - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for enabling viewers to participate in a television program. In one aspect, a method includes transmitting a linear television program that includes a request for viewer responses to be submitted using a user device and receiving, through a communication network, an electronic message including a viewer response to the request from a user. Consideration is received from the user, and the consideration is associated with the viewer response. Credits are allocated to the user in response to receiving the viewer response and consideration. A record of the one or more credits is stored in association with an identifier of the user, and in response to a request from the user, credits associated with the identifier of the user are redeemed in exchange for virtual goods or services associated with delivery of content over a network. | 10-10-2013 |
20130276004 | Image Capture and Identification System and Process - A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object. | 10-17-2013 |
20130283301 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING USER GENERATED VIDEO REVIEWS - Methods and systems for content aggregation and distribution are described. Video content may be received from a plurality of sources. The video content may be associated with metadata identifying items included within the video content. A video player may be provided which enables video content to be displayed on a user terminal, and a control may be provided enabling the user to quickly navigate to specific portions of the video content. A viewer of the video content may, in turn, author and provide additional video content. The video player may be embeddable. | 10-24-2013 |
20130283302 | DATA STORAGE AND ACCESS SYSTEMS - Data storage and access systems enable downloading and paying for data such as audio and video data, text, software, games and other types of data. A portable data carrier has an interface for sending and receiving data, data memory for storing received content data, and payment validation memory for providing payment validation data to an external device. The carrier may also store a record of access made to the stored content, and content use rules for controlling access to the stored content. Embodiments store further access control data and supplementary data such as hot links to web sites and/or advertising data. A complementary data access terminal, data supply computer system, and data access device are also described. The combination of payment data and stored content data and use rule data helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to data such as compressed music and video data, especially over the Internet. | 10-24-2013 |
20130290992 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A PROGRAM AS A GIFT USING AN INTERACTIVE APPLICATION - A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. Users can send messages through the television message system to users at personal computers who are connected to the user's television distribution facility through a communications network. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. | 10-31-2013 |
20130305269 | HIGH DEFINITION PLAYBACK VERIFICATION - An advertisement delivery system includes a billing system that provides a plurality of schedule files providing time and zone information for inserting advertisement in a first delivery format and in a second delivery format to subscribers of a cable television network, an ad inserter that inserts advertisements according to the plurality of schedule files, and a merge module that receives a first plurality of log files that provide information about advertisement playback status for the first delivery format and a second plurality of log files that provide information about advertisement playback status for the second delivery format and merges the first plurality of log files and the second plurality of log files according to a set of rules to produce a plurality of merged log files, and delivers the plurality of merged log files to the billing system. | 11-14-2013 |
20130312017 | CLIENT APPLICATION AND SERVERS FOR PREVIEW AND PURCHASE OF NEWLY CREATED MUSIC BY FANS - An artist or a music company creates multimedia music contents using interactive media creating tools on their computer and upload to a fans club server. The fans club server maintains all fans registration information and client uploaded multimedia music/songs contents. An interactive media description module on the fans club server generates the interactive media using the multimedia contents provided by the client or the artist as its input. The generated interactive media will be distributed among the fans of the respective artist for playing on their mobile phones and review their contents online for a feedback before the songs being released in the market. | 11-21-2013 |
20130326550 | SYSTEM & METHOD FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED ENTERTAINMENT DATA ON A SET TOP BOX - Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing enhanced entertainment data. For instance, in one embodiment, a computer implemented method for providing enhanced entertainment data includes receiving a request for additional information related to a selected show and displaying the additional information, which includes a list of selectable merchandise associated with the selected show, in response to the request. In one embodiment, the method presents information related to a selected merchandise and an option for a user to purchase the selected merchandise. The method may further include retrieving a billing address associated with a subscriber account associated with the user in response to receiving a purchase request for the selected merchandise and placing an order for the selected merchandise using the billing address. The method may also include billing the order as part of a monthly service charge to the user. | 12-05-2013 |
20130332945 | METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A NETWORK PLATFORM FOR RENTING THE ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS - A method for establishing a network platform for renting the electronic publications adopts a grid algorithm, links to the Internet via various networks, and establishes the network platform having an information service grid character for renting the electronic publication. Three types of nodes are established in the information service grid: a first type of node is established as service domain owner and the administrator grid node; a second type of node is established as service provider grid node that is composed of the consumers of the electronic publication; and the third type of node is established as the service provider grid node which is composed of the publishers of the electronic publication; the three types of node provide the network information service by utilizing the grid computing mode and the SOAP. The service provider grid nodes can do online maintenance on the content of the electronic publication provided by them and collect the charge. And the service consumer grid nodes can obtain the service provided by the service provider nodes through the variant service paths, which are provided by the service domain owner and the administrator grid nodes, and pay the service fee. | 12-12-2013 |
20130332946 | METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A NETWORK PLATFORM FOR RENTING THE ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS - A method for establishing a network platform for renting the electronic publications adopts a grid algorithm, links to the Internet via various networks, and establishes the network platform having an information service grid character for renting the electronic publication. Three types of nodes are established in the information service grid: a first type of node is established as service domain owner and the administrator grid node; a second type of node is established as service provider grid node that is composed of the consumers of the electronic publication; and the third type of node is established as the service provider grid node which is composed of the publishers of the electronic publication; the three types of node provide the network information service by utilizing the grid computing mode and the SOAP. The service provider grid nodes can do online maintenance on the content of the electronic publication provided by them and collect the charge. And the service consumer grid nodes can obtain the service provided by the service provider nodes through the variant service paths, which are provided by the service domain owner and the administrator grid nodes, and pay the service fee. | 12-12-2013 |
20130347013 | INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SHOPPING VIA A PAYMENT PROVIDER - A television viewer can shop for items related to a particular television program through use of a payment provider. The viewer can request that a search be performed for program-related items. The results of the search are then displayed to the viewer on the television screen. The viewer can then select items to be purchased and place them into a virtual shopping cart on the television screen. Payment for the items is then processed by the payment provider. | 12-26-2013 |
20130347014 | REMOTE MEDIA ORDERING HUB - A media ordering hub receives a request for media content. Further, the media ordering hub provides a plurality of multichannel video programming distributors that offer the media content. In addition, the media ordering hub determines a selected multichannel video programming distributor from the plurality of multichannel video programming distributors. The media ordering hub also authenticates login credentials to access the selected multichannel video programming distributor so that the selected multichannel video programming distributor delivers the media content. | 12-26-2013 |
20130347015 | Increasing pay-per-use media credit associated with guest room in response to notification message tracking usage of service offered by hospitality establishment - A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order. | 12-26-2013 |
20140007146 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY OBTAINING COST-EFFICIENT ACCESS TO A MEDIA CONTENT COLLECTION | 01-02-2014 |
20140013342 | Media Content Redirection - A content delivery server may allow users to redirect browsed content from one system to another. A user may install or activate a plug-in to a browser, such as an Internet browser, and the plug-in may be linked to the user's account on another service. As the user browses content from the browser, the user may select a command to cause the browsed content to be delivered to the other service, ingested by the other service, and made available to the user from the other service. | 01-09-2014 |
20140026153 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BUYING, SELLING, AND MANAGING ADVERTISING SPACE IN A TELEVISION BROADCAST - Systems and methods for managing commercial advertising in a television broadcast, as well as the management of the sale and/or purchase of time slots for the insertion of audiovisual media, such as a commercial advertisement, are provided. The management includes providing a web-based television advertising marketplace for the sale and purchase of time slots for commercial advertisements in a television broadcast. A central management system also provides for the receipt, conversion, reviewing, scheduling and insertion of the commercial advertisement into a television broadcast stream. Advertisers and broadcasters accessing the systems use a web-based application to manage the entire workflow remotely. | 01-23-2014 |
20140026154 | METHOD FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL INFORMATION AND A SYSTEM FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL INFORMATION - A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due. | 01-23-2014 |
20140026155 | Apparatus for managing, storage, securing, delivering, and tracking energy and communication transactions - The apparatus is an alternative energy wireless solar panel wind turbine communication server appliance node mechanism with built in communications server array, wireless energy and communications mechanism with protection, sharing, storage, accessing, authentication, battery management, certification, processing attachment and tracking mechanisms. The apparatus for energy generation and transfer is utilized via networked servers, solar panels, light and wireless electronic devices (online network and offline network) as well as mobile (wireless) communications devices built into one waterproof, temperature, controlled self-sensing hardware package. The apparatus also works as part of a kilowatt hour banking system, a portable energy mobile system, and apparatus for energy transferable to a KWH Bank ATM, and/or to another solar server nodes utilizing light. | 01-23-2014 |
20140033237 | TECHNIQUES FOR MEDIA QUALITY CONTROL - Techniques for media quality control may include receiving media information and determining the quality of the media information. The media information may be presented when the quality of the media information meets a quality control threshold. A warning may be generated when the quality of the media information does not meet the quality control threshold. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 01-30-2014 |
20140053172 | REMOTE CONTROL UNIT FOR ACTIVATING AND DEACTIVATING MEANS FOR PAYMENT AND FOR DISPLAYING PAYMENT STATUS - The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system. | 02-20-2014 |
20140075462 | Method, an apparatus and a computer readable medium for delivering media content - The invention concern a social multicast environment. A method comprises receiving a request for media content transmission from a receiving client via the network, wherein request comprises at least information identifying the media content being requested and the number of receiving clients participating to the media content transmission in a common virtual space; determining a total price for the media content based on the information; dividing the total price between the receiving clients; delivering information on the payment divisions to said receiving clients; receiving a confirmation when all payment divisions have been received; controlling that the number of the receiving clients in said common virtual space does not exceed the number of receiving clients in the request for media content transmission; multicasting the media content being requested to the receiving clients; and managing the media content multicast by at least one receiving client. | 03-13-2014 |
20140101679 | SECURE TRANSFER OF CREDIT CARD INFORMATION - A method includes receiving, at a video service provider system, a security markup assertion language (SAML) token encrypted for a partner federated security token service (FSTS) device from a client device. The method includes submitting the SAML token to the partner FSTS device in exchange for a partner SAML token. The partner SAML token is encrypted for a partner account device. The method also includes receiving the partner SAML token, and sending the partner SAML token to the client device. The client device is configured to request an access token from the partner account device based on the partner SAML token and to submit an encrypted message including credit card information to the partner account device based on the access token. | 04-10-2014 |
20140109118 | OFFERING ITEMS IDENTIFIED IN A MEDIA STREAM - Disclosed are techniques to enable users to perform transactions such as purchasing items or receiving information regarding items depicted within a content stream, where the content stream may be received from a content provider and provided to an output device. Transactions may be performed by a user that may or may not be associated with a content provider or associated with an item offering service. In one example, a content stream may be analyzed to detect a depiction of an item, and a user may operate a user interface overlaid onto the displayed content stream to perform transactions such as initiating a purchase or requesting more information on the detected items. | 04-17-2014 |
20140109119 | LOCATION BASED USER AWARE VIDEO ON DEMAND SESSIONS - A system and a method are described herein for enabling a user with a location-aware mobile device to have at least partial control of a closest set top box associated with a closest television. The closest set top box does not need to be associated with the user's home television but instead can be any set top box that is associated with a television located for instance at a stranger's house, an airport, a bar, or wherever. | 04-17-2014 |
20140123160 | VIDEO PRESENTATION INTERFACE WITH ENHANCED NAVIGATION FEATURES - A system and technique for simultaneously presenting multiple, content object data streams on a user interface in a manner which encourages multidimensional browsing using directional navigation commands from a traditional remote control allows a viewer to select from live broadcast content, previously recorded content, and content which has yet to be recorded. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a viewer may view in a time shifted manner, not only previously recorded content, but any advertisements or commercials contained in, including possibly skipping an advertisement, if the profile associated with the viewer has earned enough viewing credit to perform such activity. | 05-01-2014 |
20140130068 | Self-Service Channel Marketplace - A content hosting system allows content providers to create channels of video content and make them available to users in a marketplace. Users can search or browse for channels of interest, and selectively subscribe to channels. Users can also pay for the right to view premium videos in each channel. The system ranks channels according to the value provided. Generally, users will seek out and subscribe to the highest ranked channels that provide the greatest value. The ranking function allows different providers to compete for the subscriptions of users. Providers can observe their channel's reception in the market by analyzing rankings and usage statistics to adjust channels to maximize channel performance. The system operator can also create bundled channels containing videos from multiple providers, and the resulting subscription revenue can be distributed to the various providers of the videos in the channel. | 05-08-2014 |
20140137139 | Automatic Deal Or Promotion Offering Based on Audio Cues - Aspects herein describe at least a new method, system, and computer readable storage media for recognizing the content of the audio. A computing device determines whether the content comprises a product and/or service, correlates the product and/or service with one or more promotional deals provided by an organization such as a financial institution, generates a subset of the one or more promotional deals based on the correlation, and transmits the subset to a multimedia viewing device such as a television. The subset of the one or more promotional deals may be viewed by a viewer. The one or more promotional deals are displayed on a portion of the screen of the television for viewing by the viewer. The viewer may make a purchase decision based on the one or more promotional deals displayed. | 05-15-2014 |
20140137140 | IMAGE PROJECTION KIT AND METHOD AND SYSTEM OF DISTRIBUTING IMAGE CONTENT FOR USE WITH THE SAME - An image projection kit and an imagery content distribution system and method. In one aspect, the invention can be a system for mapping and/or projecting imagery onto non-coplanar surfaces of a three-dimensional architecture comprising: a projection device configured to be secured in a fixed orientation at a location from which a line of sight exists to one or more desired surfaces of the architecture; a computer device having a display module and a video compositing application, the computer device operably coupled to the projector; the video compositing application comprising a composition window; the computer device configured to transmit content of the composition window to the projector device for display on the architecture; and the video compositing application configured to facilitate: (1) insertion of a matte into the composition window; and (2) adjustment of the size, shape, position, orientation, or any combination thereof of the matte within the composition window so that edges of a projected image of the matte are aligned with at least one of the desired surfaces of the architecture. | 05-15-2014 |
20140165083 | Method and System for Viewing Movies - Techniques are presented herein for delivering multimedia content to members of an audience. At a content delivery device, an activation event is detected that causes the content delivery device to operate in a first mode to detect a presence of one or more of members of an audience in a viewing area. A number of members of the audience in the viewing area is determined. The content delivery device switches to a second mode to initiate a payment request event. The payment request event requests payment for the multimedia content based on the number of members of the audience. A determination is made as to whether an appropriate payment has been received based on the number of members of the audience. When the appropriate payment has been received, the content delivery device switches to a third mode to deliver the multimedia content to the members of the audience in the viewing area. | 06-12-2014 |
20140165084 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING USER SELECTED VIDEO CONTENT - A method and apparatus for enabling registered users to select and purchase video sessions from a network to be viewed from any video display devices connected to the network are disclosed. Specifically, these purchased video sessions can be stored within the network and accessed from any viewable display device connected to any video endpoint device at any time upon the users' request. In one embodiment, the stored video sessions can be downloaded and recorded onto a recording medium for future use. | 06-12-2014 |
20140189718 | GATEWAY SERVER AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PERSONALIZED SERVICES - A gateway server and a method of providing personalized services are disclosed. The gateway server can store settings information for each client device, and when a client device is connected, the gateway server can transmit menus and programs to the client device after filtering and recreating the menus and programs according to the settings information for the client device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189719 | METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING PAY PROGRAM - Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, a device and a system for ordering a pay program, which aim to play an ordered program automatically once a user's payment is completed. The method includes: sending an order request to an EPG server; receiving an amount should be recharged sent by the EPG server; sending a redirection request to the payment platform, where the redirection request carries an HTTP URL provided by the EPG server, and the HTTP URL is saved by the payment platform; receiving a redirection response sent by the payment platform, where the redirection response carries the HTTP URL; redirecting to the order processing page of the pay program according to the HTTP URL; obtaining an RTSP URL from the order processing page; and requesting a CDN to play the pay program according to the RTSP URL. | 07-03-2014 |
20140196063 | METHOD FOR GENERATING A MENU FOR PRESENTING AUDIOVISUAL PROGRAMS PAID FOR BY SEVERAL USERS, DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD - A method is provided for generating a presentation menu for presenting audio and audiovisual contents on the screen of a receiver, which are downloadable from a broadcasting network or from dedicated sites. A user selects accessible contents and makes payment to make these contents available at the receiver. The receiver retrieves information on availability of all the contents from the receiver and requests display of a presentation menu presenting a list of available contents. Thus each user gets to know all the available contents from the receiver, including those purchased by other users. The presentation menu can visually associate each document with the identity of the user who made the document available. The presentation menu can display an indication that the replay of an available content has already begun and has been interrupted at a certain point in time. This point in time is made available at the display. | 07-10-2014 |
20140208338 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING TASK BASED MULTIMEDIA DATA - A method, system and apparatus for providing multimedia data, wherein the method includes defining, by a first user, a task for requesting multimedia data, wherein the task includes criteria for the requested multimedia data; maintaining, by an operator, the defined task based on the criteria, wherein the task being available for a second user; receiving multimedia data, from the second user, in response to the defined task based on the criteria; and maintaining, by an operator, the received multimedia data based on the criteria, wherein the multimedia being available to a third user. | 07-24-2014 |
20140215502 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING SUPPORT SERVICES - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, system having a controller to receive from a set-top box (STB) a request for assistance, identify a subscriber account associated with the STB, identify from the subscriber account a subscription grade, select one of a plurality of subscriber support services according to the subscriber grade, and establish communications between the STB and the selected subscriber support service. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 07-31-2014 |
20140223458 | CHANNEL TUNE DWELL TIMES - Set top box logs are received from a television provider and processed to identify channel tunes and channel tune times. The channel tunes and channel tune times of the log data can be compared to expected air times of television advertisements on channels, and an impression values, e.g., projected viewers, can be generated for each television advertisement. | 08-07-2014 |
20140237493 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTE VIDEO MONITORING AND REMOTE VIDEO BROADCAST - A method for subscribing users to a video monitoring service and video broadcast service are disclosed. Viewers can login to a secure website run by a server in the cloud to remotely view streamed video images from one or more portable video monitoring devices. The viewers and subscribers to the service have many options to select the monitoring devices and to process and customized viewed images according to their needs. A server based system implements the method, and can include a cloud server. | 08-21-2014 |
20140237494 | CONTENTS RECEIVING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING ENCODED CONTENTS, CONTENTS SUPPLYING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING ENCODED CONTENTS - An encoded contents receiving method of a contents receiving device is disclosed. The method includes pairing with a mobile device through wired or wireless communication, receiving a private key which is generated by the paired mobile device, receiving an encoded control word (CW) from a contents supplying device, and decoding the encoded CW based on the received private key to descramble an encoded contents supplied by the contents supplying device. | 08-21-2014 |
20140250446 | METHOD FOR AUTHORISING - A method for authorising access to multimedia digital programmes with access control and broadcast by a broadcast server ( | 09-04-2014 |
20140282637 | BROADCAST PLAYBACK CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An apparatus and method for controlling display of a broadcast program for use in a system including an electronic device with a communication function and an external display device is provided. The broadcast playback control method of an electronic device includes displaying program information including a schedule registration icon, scheduling, when the schedule registration icon is selected, a broadcast program slotted to play at a broadcast time included in the program information, and controlling playback of the registered program at the broadcast time. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282638 | UPSTREAM/DOWNSTREAM NETWORK AND/OR CONTENT DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods in the field of bi-directional (or interactive) networks. In some embodiments, bi-directional networks which provide, include, and/or enable point-of-purchase options (e.g., to or within displays or plays of media such as movies, television, and/or video). In some embodiments, bi-directional networks which permit or allow product placements to be directly monetized. In some embodiments, bi-directional or interactive networks which provide and/or include selectively visible advertising. In some embodiments, bi-directional or interactive networks which provide or include selectively visible advertising or point of purchase opportunities which are uniquely associated, affiliated, or connected to a consumer interest. In still other embodiments, methods and/or apparatus for increasing advertising and/or product placement effectiveness and/or for apportioning profits related to commercialization of advertised goods and/or services. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282639 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING SUPPLEMENTAL AUDIO INFORMATION FOR BROADCAST TELEVISION PROGRAMS - A method, computer readable medium and an apparatus for providing supplemental information related to a character featured on a broadcast television program, wherein the supplemental information is not broadcast along with the broadcast television program. A viewer can request specific supplemental information associated with the broadcast television program through a telephone or electronic network interface. In some embodiments, a service controller transmits the requested supplemental information such that an audio component of the supplemental information does not conflict with the audio component of the broadcast television program. | 09-18-2014 |
20140289751 | Method, Computer Readable Storage Medium, and Introducing and Playing Device for Introducing and Playing Media - A method for introducing and playing a media is disclosed, in which the method is implemented through a display device that is capable of linking to a network. In the method, detection is performed to determine whether a display of the display device shows a channel preview frame, and a plurality of preliminary previews are automatically and sequentially played when the channel preview frame is showing on the display. Further, detection is performed to determine whether a user selects one of the preliminary previews, and the user is provided with options of channel subscribing or detailed preview when the user selects one of the preliminary previews. Next, a fee paying procedure is executed when the user chooses to subscribe to the channel, and a channel information of the channel subscribed to is set. | 09-25-2014 |
20140304721 | Method and system to provide a non-free digital event content from the content provider to the computing device users - Disclosed is a method and system for providing the digital content of non-free event to viewers through mobile computing devices. The present invention collects the viewer's preferred date and time, ticket count, the content provider and non-free event information. Then the present invention initiates the payment process and communicates to appropriate media server to book the tickets and download the digital content of non-free event. At the time of the event the present invention authorizes the authentication code on ticket, leverages the mobile device camera to validate the count of viewers watching the event based on count of tickets purchased and if viewers are in right age to watch the event depending on rating of the event. Then the present invention downloads the digital content of event and streams to viewer's computing device from the non-free digital event content provider. | 10-09-2014 |
20140304722 | INCREASING PAY-PER-USE CREDIT ASSOCIATED WITH GUEST ROOM IN RESPONSE TO NOTIFICATION MESSAGE TRACKING USAGE OF SERVICE OFFERED BY HOSPITALITY ESTABLISHMENT - A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order. | 10-09-2014 |
20140304723 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER PRODUCTS FOR PERIODIC-FEE LIMITED ACCESS TO VIDEOS - Systems, methods and computer products for providing periodic fee limited access to videos via Internet Protocol Television. Exemplary embodiments include a method for providing video, the method including receiving a request to download a video to a communications device via an Internet-Protocol-enabled connection, determining whether the download is permitted based on a periodic fee arrangement for providing the video to the communications device and providing the video to the communications device in response to a determination that the download is permitted. | 10-09-2014 |
20140331241 | SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH AUTOMATED MEDIA-FILE-BASED QUIZZING - Automatic generation of questions and evaluation answers about a media item is provided for a system such as a video on demand system. A virtually unlimited number of questions can be generated without the need for subjective information. Questions about a media item are generated by selecting a media segment of the media item. At least part of the media item within the selected media segment is shown to a user. The user is asked to indicate a position within the media item where the user thinks that the segment is located. The indicated position is compared to the actual position of the segment to evaluate the answer. | 11-06-2014 |
20140359644 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING AN INTERACTIVE SHOPPING CHANNEL - A method and system for providing an interactive shopping channel. A head-end server may be configured to access product information, to access customer information specific to a set-top receiver, and to process purchase requests. The head-end server can be used to generate metadata which can be associated with broadcast video of a shopping channel. The head-end server may be configured to extract data from video content of the shopping channel in order to generate the metadata. The head-end server is configured to send the video content and the metadata to a set-top receiver and other companion client devices. The client devices can be configured to receive and play the shopping channel video, as well as facilitate purchasing of one or more products shown by the broadcast video. A purchase transaction can be initiated from the client devices by sending a communication to the head-end server which references the metadata. | 12-04-2014 |
20140359645 | ISSUING CREDIT ACCORDING TO REMAINING PURCHASE INFORMATION OF ON-DEMAND VIDEO SERVICE - The present invention relates to a method of issuing credit to a subscriber by a managing device in an on-demand video system. The method includes receiving a request for credit information on a subscriber from a receiver, determining exchangeable credit based on the remaining purchase information on the subscriber in response to the request for credit information, transmitting information on the determined credit to the receiver, receiving an exchange request including selective information on at least some pieces of the determined credit for the receiver, and issuing credit corresponding to the selective information, to the subscriber. | 12-04-2014 |
20140359646 | INTEGRATING CONTENT ON REMOTE DEVICE ACCESSIBLE VIA INTERNET WITH HOSPITALITY MEDIA SYSTEM - A hospitality media system includes a media system controller and a plurality of media devices located in a plurality of rooms and coupled to the media system controller. Each room has one or more in-room media devices located therein for performing a media function. A connection port allows a user of a room to establish data communications between the media system controller and a guest device. The media system controller is coupled to the connection port and configured to catalogue guest content available on the guest device to thereby form a guest content list, associate the guest content with one or more associated rooms at least including the user's room, and perform the media function utilizing content selected from the guest content list only on the in-room media devices located within the one or more associated rooms. | 12-04-2014 |
20140366046 | METHOD FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL INFORMATION AND A SYSTEM FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL INFORMATION - A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due. | 12-11-2014 |
20140366047 | CONSUMING PAID MEDIA OF A CONTENT PLATFORM - A content platform that includes subscribable paid channels is provided. The content platform receives, via a user interface, a request of an end user to subscribe to a paid channel. The paid channel is one of a plurality of channels of the content platform and has dynamically changed content. The content platform requests, via the user interface, end user information that includes payment information of the end user. The content platform receives the end user information and creates a subscription to the paid channel for the end user based on the end user information. The content platform provides, via the user interface, access to the content of the paid channel to the end user at substantially the same time as creating the subscription for the end user. | 12-11-2014 |
20140366048 | CONTENTS RECEIVING SYSTEM AND CLIENT - A contents receiving system including: a content receiver; and a portable terminal storing ID information with which its user can be distinguished from other users of other portable terminals, the content receiver including: a receiving unit capable of receiving content and subsidiary content from at least one of a broadcast wave and a network; an output unit capable of outputting, as audio video content, a video and/or audio of the content received by the receiving unit; a transmission unit capable of transmitting the subsidiary content to the portable terminal, the transmission unit enabling information on a payment transaction corresponding to an ID information of the portable terminal to be transmitted to the portable terminal individually, the portable terminal including: a second transmission unit capable of receiving the subsidiary content and the information on the payment transaction transmitted from the transmission unit of the content receiver; and a processing unit for performing a processing regarding the payment transaction of the content by use of the information on the payment transaction received at the second transmission unit. | 12-11-2014 |
20140380343 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DOWNLOADING MULTI-EPISODE CONTENT - A method for providing content to a viewer commences by first downloading, in response to viewer selection, at least one piece of content having multiple episodes, with each episode having a scheduled play out date. Thereafter, an actual play out date for each episode of the at least one piece of content is established based on viewer input such that the actual play out date for each episode does not occur earlier than the scheduled play out date. Lastly, the viewer will be billed upon the actual play out of each episode in an amount dependent on how long the actual play out date is delayed from the scheduled play out date. | 12-25-2014 |
20150058870 | FACILITATING PURCHASE FROM VIDEO ADVERTISEMENTS - A purchase code, such as a web address indicating a webpage of a product at a merchant's website, may be embedded into a video advertisement by steganography. The video advertisement embedding the purchase code may be displayed to consumers on televisions or on display kiosks installed at a merchant's storefront. A consumer, who is viewing the video advertisement and is interested in purchasing the product being advertised, may point a mobile device with a camera, e.g., a smart phone, to scan the video advertisement with the camera. The mobile device may decode the video advertisement to capture the purchase code embedded in the video advertisement. The purchase code may automatically direct the mobile device to visit the product web page at the merchant's web site. Thus, the consumer may purchase the product immediately at the merchant's web site. | 02-26-2015 |
20150074694 | TRANSPORTING CREDENTIALS OBTAINED VIA NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH AN EXTENDED CONNECTIVITY APPARATUS OF A MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION DEVICE - Credential data are obtained by a remote control from a credential-bearing device through a near-field communication (NFC) data exchange. The credential data are transmitted by the remote control and are received by an extended connectivity device through its wireless communication interface. A transaction is conducted with a network-connected service through the wireless communication interface of the extended connectivity device using the received credential data. | 03-12-2015 |
20150082329 | Apparatus and method for data-tag based object-to-object applications - The present invention relates to a method and system for data tagging in the field of computer technologies. In this method, a user terminal acquires tag data, obtains information about services and functions associated with the tag data, then interacts with target servers to exchange service and function information, and fulfills appropriate services and functions to complete the business application. The disclosed data tagging method and system allow user terminal to interact with directly target servers that are associated with relevant services and functions, which allows functions to be realized in distributed target servers, which simplifies the implementations of tag data, reducing the cost to setting servers. The disclosed data tagging methods allow more extensive applications of data tagging, improved user experiences, simplified processes, and lower costs. | 03-19-2015 |
20150121405 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISSEMINATING FUNCTIONALITY TO A TARGET DEVICE - A method of disseminating a digital wallet to a target device is described. The method comprises searching, with a searching device, on a local network for the target device, and pushing the digital wallet to the target device. | 04-30-2015 |
20150128157 | CLIENT-SIDE SCOUT AND COMPANION IN A REAL-TIME BIDDING ADVERTISEMENT SYSTEM - A client-side component in a real-time bidding (RTB) system for video advertisements configures the client device to, in response to a request for a video advertisement sent by the client device to the real-time bidding system, receive a first set of information associated with the video advertisement, parse the received first set of information to obtain the video advertisement and associated pixel firing information, provide the video advertisement to a video player on the client device, and fire a first pixel upon occurrence of a first predefined event associated with the video advertisement. | 05-07-2015 |
20150135202 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONTENT SERVICE, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SIBLING SERVICE, AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING IMAGE - A content service providing apparatus includes: when an image display apparatus wishes to play or replay a content selected by a user, a communication interface configured to receive a request for replaying the content from the image display apparatus; an authority manager configured to identify details of an account for paying for the playing or replaying of the content based on the received request, and, when there is a shortfall in money for paying, to receive a confirmation on whether it is possible to make up for the shortfall from a sibling service providing apparatus, which gives an authority to play or replay the content regardless of the shortfall; and when it is possible to make up for the shortfall, a controller configured to control the communication interface to provide the content to the image display apparatus based on the authority. | 05-14-2015 |
20150143389 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING INTERACTIVE CONTENTS FOR SMART TV - The present invention relates to a method for providing interactive contents for a smart TV, which allows a seller to directly upload contents such that vivid contents can be easily provided. | 05-21-2015 |
20150150029 | Controlling Access to Content - A computer implemented method of controlling access to content to be viewed on a viewing device, the method comprising: selecting desired content to be viewed on the viewing device; displaying auxiliary content which is required to be viewed while preventing display of the desired content on the viewing device; after displaying the auxiliary content, displaying at least one user engagement element defining an expected user activity; detecting if a user has engaged with the user engagement element in accordance with the expected user activity and if so, displaying the desired content on the viewing device. | 05-28-2015 |
20150296237 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - According to one embodiment, a broadcast receiver including, a display configured to display an image of reproduced content, and a controller configured to, when a support device configured to support character input is not connected and the content displayed by the display is paid content, transmit settlement information related to settlement of fees to a communication device holding contract information of the paid content or a specific management device. | 10-15-2015 |
20150334465 | Peer to Peer Broadcast Acquisition - Peer to peer (P2P) technology is utilized to allow a personal video recorder (PVR) to obtain copies of past broadcasts, Ire one configuration, electronic program guides (EPS) are used to display past, present and future broadcasts, selection of a past broadcast results in a search of a P2P network for the broadcast. If the broadcast is available, it is provided to the requester. Various embodiments are disclosed for controlling costs associated with broadcast acquisition, identifying a desired quality level for a broadcast, applying policies to regulate receipt of broadcast data, and for renting broadcasts | 11-19-2015 |
20150341697 | Marketing methods employing interactive media services - Marketing methods employing interactive media services. A smart television application or mobile application is provided which employs Internet search infrastructure, including image recognition software to capture, analyze, and recognize an image on the screen of a smart TV, then search the Internet for text containing the title of the image, or images which share all or parts of the title of the image. The search infrastructure is controlled from a set-top device or a stand-alone wireless device, such as a smartphone. The invention is further directed to a series of business methods, processes, and results which invite the sellers, designers, and manufacturers of various articles of clothing, jewelry, and other merchandise, which appear in films and television programs, to provide data used in the population of the database. | 11-26-2015 |
20160014474 | ADVERTISEMENT SYSTEM USING CONNECTION SIGNAL OF AUDIO OUTPUT DEVICE IN DIGITAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE SAME | 01-14-2016 |
20160029059 | Methods and apparatus for vending and delivering the content of disk recordings - A DVD player/recorder incorporates a hard drive mass memory device for temporarily storing program content and metadata, includes a network interface for connecting to content and metadata providers, as well as other resources and other computers, via the Internet, a television interface for connecting to a conventional television set which reproduces content from the DVD player, and also connects the DVD player to a set top box which provides a connection to a cable or satellite provider which forms a further source of programming and metadata. The DVD player can retrieve and play content, and permit the navigation of content, specified on a metadata playlist file. | 01-28-2016 |
20160044353 | METHOD FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL INFORMATION AND A SYSTEM FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL INFORMATION - A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due. | 02-11-2016 |
20160044360 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC SECOND SCREEN ENGAGEMENT - A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device. | 02-11-2016 |
20160050448 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING MULTIPLE MEDIA SERVICES - A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining a group of facial objects detected from an image captured by a camera coupled with a media device where the facial objects correspond to a plurality of users, determining authentication information for each of the plurality of users based on the facial objects, and providing the authentication information to a group of content service systems for enabling the media device to access aggregated media services from the group of content service systems. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 02-18-2016 |
20160050458 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIGITAL POLLING - Disclosed herein is a system and method of polling for feedback for performing artists at a designated website. The steps of method in accordance with this invention include viewing a performing artist at the designated website using a digital device, such website defining a starting point; viewing such performing artists on the designated website; receiving a first prompt from the proprietary software, after a predetermined time, requesting voluntarily tip information for the performing artist being viewed; using digital to communicate a response to the first prompt; if responding affirmatively, receiving a second prompt requesting information on amount of tip; using digital means to communicate to the proprietary software, and communicating the amount of the tip in response to the second prompt; if responding negatively to tipping, or after completing tip information, after responding affirmatively, receiving the next prompt requesting viewer information to continue viewing the same artist or to return to the starting point. | 02-18-2016 |
20160057470 | VIDEO PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH CONDITIONAL ACCESS MODULE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A video processing system includes a video device that generates a request corresponding to video content. A conditional access module generates a video signal for transmission to the video device during a first time period, and terminates transmission of the video signal when the request is not authenticated during the first time period. In a further embodiment, the conditional access module generates a video signal for unscrambled transmission to the video device during a first time period, terminates the unscrambled transmission of the video signal at the expiration of the first time period, and continues with scrambled transmission of the video signal after the first time period. | 02-25-2016 |
20160065996 | Media, Systems, Networks, And Methods For Broadcasting Audiovisual Content Through A Social Networking Site - Non-transitory computer readable storage medium that can include a set of executable instructions to direct a processor to receive a request from a member of a social networking site to access a library of audiovisual content. The member can be provided access to the library of audiovisual content. A selection of at least one item of audiovisual content from the library of audiovisual content can be received from the member. The member can be directed to an interface to complete a transaction. The at least one item audiovisual content can be associated with an account of the member. The at least one item of audiovisual content can be broadcasted from the account of the member to at least one user of the social networking site when the at least one user accesses the account of the member. Systems, networks, and methods are also disclosed. | 03-03-2016 |
20160066006 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MULTIMEDIA COORDINATION - Methods and apparatus for providing coordination between two or more different media distribution channels. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a server and associated client processes disposed of various components of a managed content distribution network (e.g., cable or satellite network). The server process coordinates with the client processes to obtain user interactivity data useful is assessing the efficacy of certain secondary content (e.g., advertisements). In one variant, input is received from, and provided to, other associated media campaigns (e.g., print, online, and/or telephonic) so as to allow rapid and effective coordination between the campaigns. Mechanisms for improving user engagement to the secondary content are also disclosed. | 03-03-2016 |
20160066009 | CLOUD-ENABLED NETWORK-BASED DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER - This disclosure describes systems and methods related to a cloud-enabled network-based digital video recorder. In some embodiments, a request to record an asset may be received from a client device. An asset record associated with the request may be created. A first record event for generation of a manifest file may be created. A second record event for entitlement validation of an asset may be created. A third record event for quality control for the asset may be created based at least in part on the asset record. A manifest file associated with the asset may be generated based at least in part on the asset record. | 03-03-2016 |
20160080821 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREPOSITIONING CONTENT AND DISTRIBUTING CONTENT IN A LOCAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A system for viewing on-demand content includes a user receiving device and a local head end in communication with the receiving device that communicates metadata and material identifiers for on-demand content. Each on-demand content is associated with one of the material identifiers. The user receiving device stores the metadata and the material identifiers for the on-demand content. The local head end receives content. Each content is associated with one of the material identifiers. The user receiving device communicates a request for on-demand content data signal to the local head end. The local head end communicates a manifest comprising material identifiers for content stored at the head end. The user receiving device, after receiving the manifest, displays metadata from the memory of the user receiving device corresponding to the material identifiers. | 03-17-2016 |
20160088318 | Shared Content Storage - Entertainment systems for aircraft and other vehicles are described having a plurality of media players. The media players collectively store a full content set, with each media player storing only a fraction of the full content set. Each of the media players can be configured to index the full content set, such that media players can obtain missing content | 03-24-2016 |
20160098761 | System for Presenting Marketing Content in a Personal Television Channel - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller that receives media content from a subscriber of a media communication system, receive marketing content from a marketing information source, and present the media content and the marketing content in a personal TV channel. The media content is presented in a first region of a two-dimensional, segmented display configuration, with the media content presented in a first region and the marketing content presented in a second region of the segmented display configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 04-07-2016 |
20160105701 | Self-Service Channel Marketplace - A content hosting system allows content providers to create channels of video content and make them available to users in a marketplace. Users can search or browse for channels of interest, and selectively subscribe to channels. Users can also pay for the right to view premium videos in each channel. The system ranks channels according to the value provided. Generally, users will seek out and subscribe to the highest ranked channels that provide the greatest value. The ranking function allows different providers to compete for the subscriptions of users. Providers can observe their channel's reception in the market by analyzing rankings and usage statistics to adjust channels to maximize channel performance. The system operator can also create bundled channels containing videos from multiple providers, and the resulting subscription revenue can be distributed to the various providers of the videos in the channel. | 04-14-2016 |
20160119680 | Systems and Methods for Communications Between Client Devices of a Broadcast System - Systems and methods may provide for communication between a plurality of client devices of a broadcast system. The communication may be, for example, a recommendation of a program that is communicated from one subscriber to another subscriber or subscribers via their client devices. The communication also may be a comment regarding a program, for example, recently viewed at the client device of the one subscriber. In general, the communication may be a message from one subscriber to another subscriber or subscribers. Further, the communication may be configured to perform a function on one or more other client devices. Such a function may include, but is not limited to, setting a timer to record a program, ordering or purchasing a program or service, cancelling an ordered/purchased program or service, setting or altering user preferences, controlling access to channels, etc. | 04-28-2016 |
20160142755 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING SUPPORT SERVICES - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, system having a controller to receive from a set-top box (STB) a request for assistance, identify a subscriber account associated with the STB, identify from the subscriber account a subscription grade, select one of a plurality of subscriber support services according to the subscriber grade, and establish communications between the STB and the selected subscriber support service. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 05-19-2016 |
20160142782 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CUSTOMIZED TELEVISION PROGRAMMING OVER THE INTERNET - A production facility receives program content from a plurality of broadcast feeds over the Internet. In an embodiment, the production facility comprises server on a computer network, such as the Internet. The server comprises computer programs configured to manipulate the audio and video data of the multiple program contents. At the production facility, the program content can be manipulated to produce a production. Program manipulation can comprise at least one of green screen technology, music, graphics, Foley, sound effects, voice over, advertising, or the like. The production is broadcast over the computer network to viewers, where the viewers receive the production. In an embodiment, the production is customized based on the viewers' input received while broadcasting. In other words, the production is customized in real time based at least in part on the interaction of the production with the viewers. In another embodiment, the viewers can further manipulate the program content of the production to create a new production, which can be broadcast over the customized programming system. | 05-19-2016 |
20160150289 | Method of Providing Advertising Services and Electronic Device Adapted to the Same - A method of providing advertising services through broadcasts and an electronic device adapted to the method are provided. The electronic device includes: a communication unit for receiving viewing information from at least one client and advertising schedule information from at least one broadcast server; a controller for analyzing the effectiveness of advertising that can be expected when particular advertisement content is broadcast, based on the viewing information and the advertising schedule information, and determining a broadcasting time or a broadcast server that broadcasts the particular advertisement content, according to the analysis result; and a storage unit for storing the viewing information, the advertisement schedule information, or information about at least one advertisement content item. | 05-26-2016 |
20160156979 | PREMIUM CHANNEL PROMOTION SYSTEM AND METHOD | 06-02-2016 |
20160165281 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED MEDIA PROGRAMMING (AMP) - 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. | 06-09-2016 |
20160173924 | PRESENTATION OF SELECTIVE DIGITAL CONTENT FEEDS | 06-16-2016 |
20160191147 | INTER-RESIDENCE COMPUTING RESOURCE SHARING - Systems and methods for enabling computing device or system resource sharing between two or more satellite television customers are disclosed. This may be achieved by partitioning resources of a television receiver system such that a first party and at least a second party have access to the various features or functionality in a manner similar to that as if each respective party has a standalone instance of the same. A server system may facilitate the resource sharing between satellite television customers by receiving a request from a first party and identifying a second party within suitable distance from the first party. The server system may send configuration instructions to the television receiver of the hosting party that include instructions as to how the resources of the computing system are to be allocated. | 06-30-2016 |
20160191962 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING VIEWING QUALITY OF MEDIA OBJECTS - Method, system, and programs for assessing viewing quality of media objects (e.g., advertisements) are provided. In one example, information regarding one or more delivery conditions of an advertisement that is served at a user device is received. Viewing quality of the advertisement is estimated based on the one or more delivery conditions. Information regarding one or more advertising pricing parameters related to the advertisement is received. The viewing quality of the advertisement and the one or more advertising pricing parameters are provided. | 06-30-2016 |
20160191966 | Techniques for displaying similar content items - Display representations of a plurality of content items that are similar to a first content item, including a second content item and a third content item, by concurrently displaying: a first representation of the second content item that is displayed adjacent to a broadcast schedule for viewing a broadcast version of the second content item; a second representation of the second content item, different from the first representation of the second content item, that is displayed adjacent to purchase information for purchasing a digital copy of the second content item; and a representation of the third content item that is displayed adjacent to a broadcast schedule for viewing a broadcast version of the third content item. | 06-30-2016 |
20160191967 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING VIEWING QUALITY OF MEDIA OBJECTS - Method, system, and programs for assessing viewing quality of media objects (e.g., advertisements) are provided. In one example, information regarding one or more delivery conditions of an advertisement that is served at a user device is received. Viewing quality of the advertisement is estimated based on the one or more delivery conditions. Information regarding one or more advertising pricing parameters related to the advertisement is received. The viewing quality of the advertisement and the one or more advertising pricing parameters are provided. | 06-30-2016 |
20160191968 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING VIEWING QUALITY OF MEDIA OBJECTS - Method, system, and programs for assessing viewing quality of media objects (e.g., advertisements) are provided. In one example, information regarding one or more delivery conditions of an advertisement that is served at a user device is received. Viewing quality of the advertisement is estimated based on the one or more delivery conditions. Information regarding one or more advertising pricing parameters related to the advertisement is received. The viewing quality of the advertisement and the one or more advertising pricing parameters are provided. | 06-30-2016 |
20160191998 | TELEVISION SIGN ON FOR PERSONALIZATION IN A MULTI-USER ENVIRONMENT - Systems and methods according to the present invention provide sign on systems for devices, e.g., televisions, which balance ease of use with security and access control that is amenable to, e.g., household usage. | 06-30-2016 |
20160198205 | Method and apparatus for distributing geographically restricted video data in a televsion system | 07-07-2016 |
20160198231 | MULTIMEDIA CONTENT SEARCH SYSTEM | 07-07-2016 |
20160198233 | LOCAL MESSAGE PERFORMANCE ON AN ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM | 07-07-2016 |
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20160255386 | UNIQUE GROUPING OF COMMUNICATION SOURCES | 09-01-2016 |
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