1161 results about "Multimedia system" patented technology

A system for on-line user-interactive multimedia based point-of-preview. The system provides for a network web site and accompanying software and hardware for allowing users to access the web site over a network such as the internet via a computer. The user is uniquely identified to the web site server through an identification name or number. The hardware associated with the web site includes storage of discrete increments of pre-selected portions of music products for user selection and preview. After user selection, a programmable data processor selects the particular pre-recorded music product from data storage and then transmits that chosen music product over the network to the user for preview. Subscriber selection and profile data (i.e. demographic information) can optionally be collected and stored to develop market research data. Since the system provides for multiple embodiments, the system contemplates previewing of audio programs such as music on compact discs, video programs such as movies and text from books and other written documents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the network web site can be accessed from a publicly accessible kiosk, available, e.g. at a retail store location, or from a desk top computer.

A method for a client module to provide a channel selection request in a multimedia system begins by receiving an input signal from a client. The method continues by interpreting the input signal to determine type of signal. The method continues, when the type of signal is control information, by determining whether the control information relates to a local command or a system-level command. The method continues, when the control information relates to a system-level command, by processing the control information for conveyance to a multimedia server to produce a control message. The method continues by transmitting the control message to the multimedia server.

A multimedia system over an electronic network, and the corresponding method of use for combining targeted advertising and on-demand rendering with a data swarming, multicasting, or time-shifted delivery. In a system that has business or technological constraints which prevent the encoding and / or the transmission of individually customized media content objects, in combination with an ad-hoc system, a delivery of one or more media content objects and a script list is performed in order to enable the rendering of one or more media content objects in accordance with information from the script list. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the system enables the insertion of watermarking information. In another embodiment, log file information are recorded and analyzed for decision making purposes. In another embodiment, lookup redirection techniques are disclosed when strict uniqueness of a transferred object is required.

This invention relates to apparatus and a method for assembling and coordinating call data records from a plurality of network elements of an Internet Protocol Multimedia System call to generate charging information. A pre-biller stores an integrated charging record and accesses a rating engine to obtain the charging information to complete a charging data record. Advantageously, the information from a plurality of network elements is integrated into a combined charging data record.

The present invention is related to a system and method of caching data employing probabilistic predictive techniques. The system and method has particular application to multimedia systems for providing local storage of a subset of available viewing selections by assigning a value to a selection and retaining selections in the cache depending on the value and size of the selection. The value assigned to an item can represent the time-independent likelihood that a user will review an item at some time in the future. An initial value of an item can be based on the user's viewing habits, the user's viewing habit over particular time segment (e.g., early morning, late morning, early afternoon, late afternoon, primetime, late night) and / or viewing habits of a group of user's during a particular time segment. A value assigned to a selection dynamically changes according to a set of cache retention policies, where the value can be time-dependent functions that decay based on the class of the item, as determined by inference about the class or via a label associated with the item. A selections value may be reduced as the selection ages because a user is less likely to view the selection over time. Additionally, a value of a selection may change based on changes on a user's viewing habits, changes in time segments or a user's modification of the cache retention policies.

An apparatus for providing a language based interactive multimedia system includes a selection element, a comparison element and a processing element. The selection element may be configured to select a phoneme graph based on a type of speech processing associated with an input sequence of phonemes. The comparison element may be configured to compare the input sequence of phonemes to the selected phoneme graph. The processing element may be in communication with the comparison element and configured to process the input sequence of phonemes based on the comparison.

Providing interactive access to video programming and video content information in a multimedia system. A processing device of the multimedia system receives video content information associated with video programming that is to be broadcast. The video content information includes at least video identification information and video content information. The display device of the multimedia system presents a first interface image that presents the video content information for one of the video programs of the video programming. In response to viewer input, a second interface image is displayed on the display device presenting video content information for another one of the video programs of the video programming or for more detailed information associated with the video program. In this manner, the viewer can conveniently navigate through the video content information and identify information that is useful in selecting a program to watch.

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to record stereoscopic media content supplied by a multimedia system, receive from a communication device a request for the recorded stereoscopic media content, determine rendering capabilities of the communication device, generate transcoded content by transcoding the recorded stereoscopic media content according to the rendering capabilities of the communication device, and transmit to the communication device the transcoded content. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.

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

A graphical user interface for use with a multi-media system, such as those found in vehicles, that includes a rotary knob, a graphics control circuit and a graphics display with a graphical depiction of a portion of the rotary knob. The graphical depiction includes a menu wheel and at least two menu items located near its periphery, where each of the menu items corresponds with a device, system or network (i.e.—satellite radio, navigation system, DVD player, video game system, wireless internet, etc.) with which the multi-media system can interact. Furthermore, rotation of the rotary knob by a user causes a corresponding graphical movement of the menu items along a periphery of the menu wheel.

The intelligent console method and apparatus of the present invention includes a powerful, intuitive, yet highly flexible means for accessing a multi-media system having multiple multi-media data types. The present intelligent console provides an interactive display of linked multi-media events based on a user's personal taste. The intelligent console includes a graph / data display that can provide several graphical representations of the events that satisfy user queries. The user can access an event simply by selecting the time of interest on the timeline of the graph / data display. Because the system links together all of the multi-media data types associated with a selected event, the intelligent console synchronizes and displays the multiple media data when a user selects the event. Complex queries can be made using the present intelligent console. The user is alerted to the events satisfying the complex queries and if the user chooses, the corresponding and associated multi-media data is displayed.

Providing interactive access to video programming and video content information in a multimedia system. A processing device of the multimedia system receives video content information associated with video programming that is to be broadcast. The video content information includes at least video identification information and video content information. The display device of the multimedia system presents a first interface image that presents the video content information for one of the video programs of the video programming. In response to viewer input, a second interface image is displayed on the display device presenting video content information for another one of the video programs of the video programming or for more detailed information associated with the video program. In this manner, the viewer can conveniently navigate through the video content information and identify information that is useful in selecting a program to watch.

Systems and methods for saving and restoring scenes in a multimedia system with minimal configuration are provided. The techniques of the present invention can allow the states of the components in the multimedia system to be captured in a scene. Once the scene has been saved, the scene can be restored at a later time. A remote control system for recommending scenes by comparing states of components in the current scene with states of components in saved scenes is also provided. The remote control system can also recommend scenes based on usage patterns. Moreover, the remote control system can allow users to designate one or more saved scenes as favorite scenes.

A multimedia server receives a plurality of programs of a multimedia source. The multimedia server includes a tuning module to receive the plurality of programs and to select a set of programs from the plurality of programs based on a set of program select commands that is derived from select requests. A program mixer mixes the set of programs into a stream of program data. One or more transceiving modules transmit the stream of program data on to corresponding communication paths and receive the select requests. A client module produces the select requests for one or more clients. The client module includes a selection module to produce at least one of the select requests. A network interface controller transmits at least one of select requests to the multimedia server and receives the stream of program data via the communication path or paths in response.

A method of authoring a DVD with indexed promotional and informational content; a system for delivering indexed promotional and informational content for video scenes streamed from a DVD disc or a PVR; and a system for accessing this promotional and informational content via a remote control, a computer input device, or the fascia buttons of DVD players, thereby providing viewers with reference information regarding all scene content, providing video feature producers and advertising agencies with new advertising options to sell to advertisers, and providing video feature directors with a new channel for delivering additional content features for the purpose of entertainment, information, or education.

Disclosed are smart digital modules, a smart digital wall combining the smart digital modules, a context-aware interactive multimedia system, and an operating method thereof. The smart digital wall includes local coordinators for controlling the smart digital modules, and a coordination process for controlling the smart digital modules. The smart digital modules sense ambient states and changes of states and independently display corresponding actuations. The coordination process is connected to the smart digital modules via radio communication, and combines smart digital modules to control collective operations of the smart digital modules.

An Internet television program guide electronic-mail (e-mail) reminder system is provided. The system allows a user at a multimedia system to order and receive e-mail message reminders of scheduled television events over the Internet. The user can order e-mail reminders after selecting a program from the program listings or by supplying [a program title directly] specific user program preferences without having to consult the program listings. The user can specify when and how often the reminders will be generated and received. If desired, the user can view a list of all currently requested e-mail reminders. Entries can be added to the list or the user can cancel a previously ordered reminder. The user can order e-mail reminders for scheduled pay-per-view programs using the system. The user can also have reminder information periodically updated and available directly on the user's multimedia system.

A system for controlling the operation of an in-vehicle multi-media system based on identifying operating conditions for the vehicle. Various operational rules can be applied to the multi-media system based on an identified operating condition. Operating conditions can include a variety of criteria including traffic, weather, vehicle operating parameters, or the like. Once a condition is identified, an operating rule corresponding to that condition can be imposed on the operation of the multi-media system.

The present invention relates to a rear seat multimedia system within a motor vehicle. A display is movable between a position in which the display extends downwardly from the headliner so as to be viewable by a rear seat passenger, and a retracted position against the headliner. A motor is provided for moving the display, at least from the extended position to the retracted position. The vehicle has a sensor for sensing when the vehicle is to be driven in reverse, and the display unit is operatively linked to this sensor. When the display is extended and the reversing condition is sensed, the display is automatically moved to the retracted position to improve rearward visibility for the driver.

Integrated processing of multimedia signals can eliminate unnecessary signal processors and converters without losing the functionality of typical home entertainment system components. The integrated multimedia system includes a main player that captures and processes signals digitally. The main player may adjust the audio signal to provide audio output of equal loudness across all frequencies by accounting for sensitivity of the human ear for sounds of varying frequencies. The main player can also account for perceived differences in loudness based on the angle of a listener to a speaker by detecting the position of a user and making an adjustment accordingly. The invention further provides a speaker that has embedded performance characteristics or an identifier that allows the system to provide an optimal speaker driving current for a particular system or determine how that speaker would be best implemented in the integrated system.

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

A multimedia server has a communication handler, a log setup unit, and a data receiving unit. The communication handler interfaces with a wireless device using at least one wireless protocol. The log setup unit sets up a mobile log and designates user access rights. The data receiving unit receives multimedia content from a wireless source and enters the received content into a designated mobile log.

A system and method are provided for combining an instant messaging experience with a primary media experience in a multimedia system. The method includes providing an instant messaging user interface component and displaying the instant messaging user interface component as an overlay on a screen displaying the primary media experience simultaneously with the primary media experience. The displayed instant messaging user interface component occupies a non-central portion of a screen displaying the primary media experience such that both the primary media experience and the instant messaging user interface component are visible to the user. The user interface instant messaging component may include a conversation window having a text entry section and a conversation. The instant messaging user interface enables user access with a remote control device.

Disclosed is multimedia system having at least one network access point comprising two discrete, but interrelated, components, a communications module and a device interface cartridge whereby in combination implement a network access point to accommodate via a medium. The interface cartridge is interchangeable to permit the access point to be customized to a desired application.

A method and system for tailoring a multimedia presentation of an event on a computerized multimedia system to meet a user's desires. In a preferred embodiment, a set of video streams and a set of audio streams for the event are provided to the user via a network coupled to the multimedia system. From the set of available video streams for the event, one or more video streams are selected for presentation to the user. From the set of available audio streams for the event, one or more audio streams are selected for presentation to the user. Furthermore, the relative volumes of the different audio streams may be adjusted. In response to user input, the selected video and audio streams are assigned to respective portions of video and audio output devices. The event is presented to the user according to the selected video stream assignments.

Systems and methods are provided for data mining in the context of an interactive video. During the presentation of an interactive video, a user may interact with the interactive video by, e.g., making selections, choosing options, etc. related to one or more aspects of the interactive video. Such events and details regarding the events may be recorded, stored, and analyzed in the context of one or more campaigns associated with the interactive video, such as marketing campaigns, advertising campaigns, interactive examinations, etc. Once the details regarding the events have been stored, reports may be extracted based upon the details detailing any desired information relevant to the one or more campaigns.

A reconfigurable multi-media system, method and device provides monitoring and reconfiguration of a plurality of communication layers of a communications stack to dynamically reconfigure the modulation and coding of software defined radio (SDR). The system includes a software object radio (SWR) library having reconfigurable object specification, design and performance parameters, the SWR is adapted for at least one of transmitting and receiving multi-media content via wireless communication; a controller in communication with the SWR library; a power management device module in communication with said controller; a reconfigurable encoder / decoder in communication with said controller to provide the SWR with dynamic coding information for modulation; a TCP / IP interface in communication with said reconfigurable encoder / decoder and said controller; and an application layer comprising a link layer and a reconfigurable physical layer in communication with each other and said controller, the physical layer adapted for communication with a channel, and the application layer including at least one driver for multi-media delivery. The controller monitors the physical layer and link layer information and the reconfigurable encoder / decoder dynamically reconfigures modulation and coding of multi-media content according to a cross-layer optimization approach.

An intelligent interactive multimedia system that provides a wide variety of multimedia content and services to a plurality of users utilizing various platforms. A plurality of channels is provided to users. Users or a group of users can participate in interactive multimedia sessions and communicate by text messaging, audio, or video signals in real time. Numerous interactive tools such as application sharing, synchronized internet browsing allowing users to browse the network together, file distribution and sharing, voting and polling, session recording, shared whiteboard, and chat room are provided. An advertising and purchasing module allow products to be advertised and purchased.

A multimedia system for controlling a plurality of remote vending machines includes an enterprise control center, a network coupling the enterprise control center and the plurality of remote vending machines, a touch screen associated with each of the plurality of vending machines for selecting items to be vended therein, and means for displaying a plurality of advertisements on said touch screen. The advertisement display means also includes means for delivering advertisement content based on the selection of items vended within the plurality of vending machines.