摘要:
Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for efficiently managing the allocation of available data capacity on a physically shared digital network among devices connected to that network is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for managing the ongoing timely movement of data on the shared network such that precise long-term data rates are achieved between attached devices with minimal additional buffering. The invention further comprises a method and apparatus which allows the use of any remaining network capacity for non time-critical data movement without the need for centralized access management.
摘要:
A continuous stream of formatted digital data, such as a video segment, audio segment, or information stream, appears to be a fixed length segment under certain circumstances, defining a virtual segment within the continuous stream which moves forward in time in synchrony with the continuous stream. The virtual segment thus defined can be explored in a non-linear fashion at arbitrary playback rates. For instance, concepts such as rewind, pause, frame advance, and fast forward become meaningful even though the continuous stream never ceases.
摘要:
A self-test electronic assembly performs self-testing, such as diagnostic or run-in testing of components and circuits, based upon internally stored test procedures. The results of self-testing are stored internally to the device, providing valuable information regarding the self-test electronic assembly, both during the manufacturing process, and preferably for ongoing in-situ operation. A test system is preferably linked to one or more self-test electronic assemblies, and provides loopback circuitry for each installed self-test electronic assembly, whereby the self-test electronic assemblies can further test components, circuitry, and security encoding and decoding operation. The preferred test rack also provides efficient and consistent monitoring and quality control over the self-testing of self-test electronic assemblies. During in-situ operation, the self-test electronic assemblies preferably monitor operating parameters, and continue to periodically perform self-testing, while storing the information within the device, and preferably transmitting the information to an external location.
摘要:
A self-test electronic assembly performs self-testing, such as diagnostic or run-in testing of components and circuits, based upon internally stored test procedures. The results of self-testing are stored internally to the device, providing valuable information regarding the self-test electronic assembly, both during the manufacturing process, and preferably for ongoing in-situ operation. A test system is preferably linked to one or more self-test electronic assemblies, and provides loopback circuitry for each installed self-test electronic assembly, whereby the self-test electronic assemblies can further test components, circuitry, and security encoding and decoding operation. The preferred test rack also provides efficient and consistent monitoring and quality control over the self-testing of self-test electronic assemblies. During in-situ operation, the self-test electronic assemblies preferably monitor operating parameters, and continue to periodically perform self-testing, while storing the information within the device, and preferably transmitting the information to an external location.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for efficiently managing the allocation of available data capacity on a physically shared digital network among devices connected to that network is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for managing the ongoing timely movement of data on the shared network such that precise long-term data rates are achieved between attached devices with minimal additional buffering. The invention further comprises a method and apparatus which allows the use of any remaining network capacity for non time-critical data movement without the need for centralized access management.
摘要:
Arbitrary digital information is embedded within a stream of digital data, in a way that avoids detection by a casual observer and that allows a user to determine whether the digital data have been modified from their intended form. The embedded information may only be extracted as authorized and may be used to verify that the original digital data stream has not been modified.
摘要:
A protective shield for a fire hydrant operating stub is provided which allows direct access to the operating stub by standard authorized tools without requiring the removal of any portion of the shield. The shield includes an inner ring with a peripheral groove which carries a snap ring. A cylindrical outer ring is carried on the snap ring and rotates freely on the snap ring without causing the operating stub to rotate. The outer ring preferably has two recesses formed in its surface to allow placement of authorized tools directly on the operating stub without removing any portion of the shield and the recesses are formed to prevent placement of standard pipe wrenches on the operating stub.
摘要:
A command is received to record particular media content on a first device associated with a first user and the particular media content is scheduled for recording on the first device. A notification is provided to a second device associated with a second user of the scheduling of the recording of the particular media content on the first device. The second device may then schedule recording of the particular media content. The second device may schedule the recording of the particular media content without receiving a user command or subsequent to receiving a user confirmation to record the particular media content in response to the notification.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for enhancing television advertising viewership. Advertisers deliver content demographic and associated data as metadata along with content to a service that is in communication with a large number of multimedia devices. Each device supplies information to the service that tells about the user of the device's content viewing preferences. The service compares user information to content metadata to find content for the user. The service sends the selected content to the multimedia device. Advertisers whose content were downloaded to the multimedia device may be charged a fee for the download. The multimedia device sends statistics regarding the user's action when the user viewed the content to the service. The service charges a fee to advertisers that had their content viewed by the user.