Abstract:
Le but de la présente invention est de proposer un système et une méthode pour déterminer l'origine d'un signal reçu par un abonné de télévision à péage dans une région donnée. Ce but est atteint par un système comprenant des moyens d'encryption situés chez un opérateur principal, des moyens de transmission d'un signal vidéo encrypté vers au moins un opérateur local et des moyens de décryption chez cet opérateur local, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de décryption comprennent des moyens d'identification remplaçant tout ou partie du signal vidéo décrypté par un signal d'identification caractérisant les moyens de décryption.
Abstract:
Multipoint-to-multipoint hierarchical redistribution of multimedia content derived from one or more network operations centers (30) that distributes multimedia content by way of one of the satellites (11, 12, 13, 15, 16) is disclosed. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises one or more network operations bridges (21, 26, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71) that communicate with and receive the multimedia content generated at the network operations center (30) by way of one of the satellite (11, 12, 13, 15, 16). Each of the network operations bridges (21, 26, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71) selectively communicate with one or more multimedia content delivery systems or user terminals that are relatively local to the respective network operations bridges (21, 26, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71). Using an exemplary method, multimedia content is then downlinked from one of the satellites (11, 12, 13, 15, 16) to one or more network operations bridges (21, 26, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71). The multimedia content is redistributed from the one or more network operations bridges (21, 26, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71) to one or more multimedia content delivery systems or user terminals.
Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the state of usage of a plurality of devices comprises host control terminals, which may produce a first control command to reserve a device; and device allocation control means, responsive to the first control command from one host control terminal, for prohibiting all the other host control terminals from using the device reserved by the first control command.
Abstract:
An interactive multi-media system having a video server for providing a primary video program interleaved with secondary multimedia programming and a database for storing information about a viewer and the content of the primary video program. The secondary multimedia programming has a varying content determined by the data contained in the database, and as such, can be changed based upon an individual viewer's demographics in conjunction with the subject matter being displayed by the primary video program. Preferably, the system is accessed via the Internet, wherein the subscriber's house is connected to an Internet head end or node via a cable modem.
Abstract:
An interactive cable television system is disclosed which utilizes a standard television cable distribution network (6) for simultaneously providing a plurality of viewers with an interactive television program comprising a plurality of signals related in time and content. The video signals are transmitted in a digital format (2), more than one signal being multiplexed (4) into a data stream for transmission of multiple signals over a single channel. The digital video signals may be compressed (3) for transmitting more video signals per channel. A receiver (7), in conjunction with a signal selector (8), selects a particular NTSC channel for playback, then selects a particular video signal from the multiplexed signal, and uncompresses the video signal for playback to a television monitor (10). An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein the various signals which comprise the interactive program are switched between at the head end rather than at the receiver. The multiple choice control unit (9) selects a desired signal by relaying the multiple choice selections of the user through a relay box back to a remotely located switching station (4). The switching station routes the correct video signal down the appropriate cable channel for the particular user.
Abstract:
A method of image matching of anchor frames with events in broadcast video is developed which can efficiently identify and recognize the broadcast events and at that can be applied for meaningful analysis and or processing of the broadcast video based on the image match technique. The proposed technique relates to frame recognition technique and its utilization in various applications to analyze and process broadcast streams.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for providing targeted asset/advertisements for broadcast-wide programming feeds. The systems and methods allow network platforms to select among asset options provided with a content stream and/or replace assets in the content stream. In one arrangement, after selecting an asset, the asset is inserted into the content stream and the content stream is disseminated to subsequent network platforms (e.g., local platforms). At this time, the local platforms may insert local assets into the content stream in predetermined local asset insertion spots.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for allocating bandwidth in a switched digital video (SDV) system based on channel interest. In some embodiments, bandwidth is deallocated from channels and allocated to requested channels having a higher interest. Tiered approaches for allocating bandwidth are disclosed. Embodiments in which QAMs are allocated across services in a multi-service system based on interest are also disclosed. Embodiments for accommodating emergency access system (EAS) functionality in a SDV system are also disclosed.