A media, enhancement system includes an augmented reality (AR) device having a display, processing hardware, and a memory storing software code. The processing hardware executes the software code to monitor media content including a sequence of moving images displayed on a display screen separate from the AR device, receive playhead data indicating a playhead state of a media playout device playing out the media content, and detect, based on monitoring the media content, one or more image(s) in the sequence of moving images as one or more anchor image(s). The software code is further executed to obtain, using the anchor image(s), one or more AR effect(s) associated with the anchor image(s), and render, based on the playhead data, the AR effect(s) on the display of the AR device, wherein the AR effect(s) is/are spatially and temporally aligned with the sequence of moving images being displayed on the display screen.
G09G 5/06 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators characterised by the way in which colour is displayed using colour palettes, e.g. look-up tables
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
A system includes an augmented reality (AR.) device having a first display, processing hardware, and a memory storing software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to monitor media content including a sequence of moving images displayed, on a second display separate from the AR device and controlled by a media player device, delect, based on monitoring the media content, an image in the sequence of moving images for enhancement by one or more AR effects. The processing hardware further executes the software code to render the one or more AR effects on the first display, and. transmit, contemporaneously with rendering the one or more AR effects on the first display, a signal configured to pause or loop the playing of the media, content on the second display.
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/41 - Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfaces; Content or additional data rendering
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
3.
DYNAMIC SCALE AUGMENTED REALITY ENHANCEMENT OF IMAGES
A system includes an augmented reality (AR) device having a. display, processing hardware, and a. memory storing software code. The processing hardware executes the software code to monitor media content including a sequence of images displayed on a display screen separate from the AR device, detect, based on monitoring the media content. an image in the sequence of images as an anchor image, and obtain, using the anchor image, one or more AR effect(s) associated with the anchor image. The processing hardware further executes the software code to determine a position and orientation of the AR device in relation to the display screen, and render, based on that position and orientation, the AR effect(s) on the display of the AR device, where the AR effect(s) include at ieast one intermediate scale AR effect having a. scale intermediate between a. display screen scale AR effect and a real-world scale AR effect.
G09G 5/06 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators characterised by the way in which colour is displayed using colour palettes, e.g. look-up tables
Systems and methods to manage digital asset functionality based on fulfillment of criteria are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: receive, from a digital asset distribution platform, an indication that a user is requesting to acquire or acquired a collectible digital asset in a digital wallet of the user, the collectible digital asset is correlated with an entity; determine whether condition(s) are fulfilled; upon determination that the condition(s) are not fulfilled, prevent the acquisition of the collectible digital asset by the digital wallet or restrict a set of rights to the correlated entity; and upon determination that the condition(s) are fulfilled, permit acquisition of the collectible digital asset or permit the set of rights.
G06Q 20/36 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using electronic wallets or electronic money safes
G06Q 20/06 - Private payment circuits, e.g. involving electronic currency used only among participants of a common payment scheme
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
G06Q 40/04 - Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
5.
TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVED LIGHTING MODELS FOR APPEARANCE CAPTURE
ETH ZÜRICH (EIDGENÖSSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZÜRICH) (Switzerland)
Inventor
Urnau Gotardo, Paulo Fabiano
Bradley, Derek Edward
Zoss, Gaspard
Riviere, Jérémy
Chandran, Prashanth
Xu, Yingyan
Abstract
Various embodiments include a system for rendering an object, such as human skin or a human head, from captured appearance data. The system includes a processor executing a near field lighting reconstruction module. The system determines at least one of a three-dimensional (3D) position or a 3D orientation of a lighting unit based on a plurality of captured images of a mirror sphere. For each point light source in a plurality of point light sources included in the lighting unit, the system determines an intensity associated with the point light source. The system determines captures appearance data of the object, where the object is illuminated by the lighting unit. The system renders an image of the object based on the appearance data and the intensities associated with each point light source in the plurality of point light sources.
According to one exemplary implementation, a system includes processing hardware and a system memory storing a non-photo-realistic (NPR) renderer. The processing hardware is configured to execute the NPR renderer to receive a digital asset, display a preliminary image corresponding to the digital asset, and receive editing data identifying an NPR effect. The processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to produce the NPR image, in a consolidated rendering and compositing process and in real-time with respect to receiving the editing data, using the preliminary image and the editing data
According to one exemplary implementation, a system includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a system memory storing a software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to receive entitlement data identifying a user and a right of the user to receive a multi-platform portable NFT credit, determine, using the entitlement data, one or more valuations associated with the multi-platform portable NFT credit, and execute an assignment of the multi -platform portable NFT credit to the user. The processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to generate, in a secure digital transaction database accessible to the system and multiple distinct providers, a record of the assignment, wherein the multi-platform portable NFT credit is redeemable by the user from any of the distinct providers.
G06Q 20/06 - Private payment circuits, e.g. involving electronic currency used only among participants of a common payment scheme
G06Q 20/36 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using electronic wallets or electronic money safes
G06F 21/64 - Protecting data integrity, e.g. using checksums, certificates or signatures
A system includes processing hardware and a memory storing software code. When executed, the software code receives first skeleton data including a first location of each of multiple skeletal key-points from the perspective of a first camera, receives second skeleton data including a second location of each of the skeletal key-points from the perspective of a second camera, correlates first and second locations of some or all of the multiple skeletal key-points to produce correlated skeletal key-point location data for each of at least some skeletal key-points. The software code further merges the correlated skeletal key-point location data for each of those at least some skeletal key-points to provide merged location data, and generates, using the merged location data and the locations of the first, second, and third cameras, a mapping of the 3D pose of a skeleton.
A user system for rendering accessibility enhanced content includes processing hardware, a display, and a memory storing software code. The processing hardware executes the software code to receive primary content from a content distributor and determine whether the primary content is accessibility enhanced content including an accessibility track. When the primary content omits the accessibility track, the processing hardware executes the software code to perform a visual analysis, an audio analysis, or both, of the primary content, generate, based on the visual analysis and/or the audio analysis, the accessibility track to include at least one of a sign language performance or one or more video tokens configured to be played back during playback of the primary content, and synchronize the accessibility track to the primary content. The processing hardware also executes the software code to render, using the display, the primary content or the accessibility enhanced content.
A content enhancement system includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a system memory storing software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to receive audio-video (A/V) content, to execute at least one of a visual analysis or an audio analysis of the A/V content, and to determine, based on executing the at least one of the visual analysis or the audio analysis, an emotional aspect of the A/V content. The processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to generate, using the emotional aspect of the A/V content, a sign language translation of the A/V content, the sign language translation including one or more of a gesture, a posture, or a facial expression conveying the emotional aspect.
A system for distributing sign language enhanced content includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a system memory storing a software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to receive content including at least one of a sequence of audio frames or a sequence of video frames, perform an analysis of the content, and identify, based on the analysis, a message conveyed by the content. The processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to generate a sign language translation of the content, the sign language translation including one or more of a gesture, body language, or a facial expression communicating the message conveyed by the content.
A system for creating accessibility enhanced content includes processing hardware and a memory storing software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to receive primary content, execute at least one of a visual analysis or an audio analysis of the primary content, and generate, based on the visual analysis, the audio analysis, or both, an accessibility track. The accessibility track includes at least one of a sign language performance, one or more video tokens to be played back when the primary content reaches a location corresponding to the video token(s), or one or more haptic effects to be actuated when the primary content reaches a location corresponding to the haptic effect(s). The processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to synchronize the accessibility track to the primary content, and supplement the primary content with the accessibility track to provide the accessibility enhanced content.
A system for delivering accessibility enhanced content includes a computer server having processing hardware and a memory storing a software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to deliver, to a user system, accessibility enhanced content comprising primary content and an accessibility track synchronized to the primary content, the accessibility track including at least one of a sign language performance, or one or more video tokens each expressing one or more words. When the accessibility track includes the sign language performance, the sign language performance is delivered contemporaneously with delivery of the primary content. When the accessibility track includes the one or more video tokens, the one or more video tokens are played back when the primary content reaches a location corresponding to each of the one or more video tokens.
A system includes a computing platform having processing hardware, and a system memory storing software code and one or more machine learning (ML) model(s) trained using contrastive learning based on a similarity metric. The processing hardware is configured, to execute the software code to receive input data including a plurality of content segments, map, using the ML model(s), each of the plurality of content segments to a respective embedding in a. continuous vector space to provide a plurality of mapped embeddings, and perform one of a classification or a regression of the content segments using the plurality of mapped embeddings. The processing hardware is also configured to execute the software code to discover, based on the classification or the regression, at least one new label for characterizing the plurality of content segments.
G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersections; Connectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components
G06V 10/762 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using clustering, e.g. of similar faces in social networks
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 10/77 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using data integration or data reduction, e.g. principal component analysis [PCA] or independent component analysis [ICA] or self-organising maps [SOM]; Blind source separation
G06V 10/772 - Determining representative reference patterns, e.g. averaging or distorting patterns; Generating dictionaries
G06V 20/40 - Scenes; Scene-specific elements in video content
G06V 10/74 - Image or video pattern matching; Proximity measures in feature spaces
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods to enable users to access content authorized to other users. A method for accessing content may include receiving an access activation request from a primary device or a primary user account corresponding to a content item accessible by the primary user account, generating an access identifier corresponding to the content item, where the access identifier identifies the content item and includes access information, receiving an access request including the access identifier from a secondary device or a second user account, determining that the access identifier is valid, and delivering the content item to the secondary device.
A system for authenticating digital contents includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing a software code. According to one implementation, the hardware processor executes the software code to receive digital content, identify an image of a person depicted in the digital content, determine an ear shape parameter of the person depicted in the image, determine another biometric parameter of the person depicted in the image, and calculate a ratio of the ear shape parameter of the person depicted in the image to the biometric parameter of the person depicted in the image. The hardware processor is also configured to execute the software code to perform a comparison of the calculated ratio with a predetermined value, and determine whether the person depicted in the image is an authentic depiction of the person based on the comparison of the calculated ratio with the predetermined value.
H04N 21/835 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G10L 17/02 - Preprocessing operations, e.g. segment selection; Pattern representation or modelling, e.g. based on linear discriminant analysis [LDA] or principal components; Feature selection or extraction
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
A system for securing a content processing pipeline includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing a software code. The hardware processor executes the software code to insert a synthesized test image configured to activate one or more neurons of a malicious neural network into a content stream, provide the content stream as an input stream to a first processing node of the pipeline, and receive an output stream including a post-processed test image. The hardware processor further executes the software code to compare the post-processed test image in the output with an expected image corresponding to the synthesized test image, and to validate at least one portion of the pipeline as secure when the post-processed test image in the output matches the expected image.
G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
G06F 21/57 - Certifying or maintaining trusted computer platforms, e.g. secure boots or power-downs, version controls, system software checks, secure updates or assessing vulnerabilities
G06T 1/20 - Processor architectures; Processor configuration, e.g. pipelining
H04N 21/835 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates
A system for performing authentication of content based on intrinsic attributes includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing a content authentication software code. The hardware processor executes the content authentication software code to receive a content file including digital content and authentication data created based on a baseline version of the digital content, to generate validation data based on the digital content, to compare the validation data to the authentication data, and to identify the digital content as baseline digital content in response to determining that the validation data matches the authentication data based on the comparison. The hardware processor is also configured to execute the content authentication software code to identify the digital content as manipulated digital content in response to determining that the validation data does not match the authentication data based on the comparison.
A system for assessing authenticity of modified content includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing a software code including a neural network trained to assess the authenticity of modified content generated based on baseline digital content and including one or more modifications to the baseline digital content. The hardware processor executes the software code to use the neural network to receive the modified content and to assess the authenticity of each of the one or more modifications to the baseline digital content to produce one or more authenticity assessments corresponding respectively to the one or more modifications to the baseline digital content. The hardware processor is also configured to execute the software code to generate an authenticity evaluation of the modified content based on the one or more authenticity assessments, and to output the authenticity evaluation for rendering on a display.
An aerial show system for leveraging downwash and other forces to use an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as a creative element in a show. UAVs in the aerial show system each include a propulsion and lift mechanism, which generates downwash as it moves the UAV about a show's airspace. The aerial show system also includes one-to-many show effect devices adapted to make use of the downwash to activate or animate one or more movable components to generate a desired show effect, e.g., a spinning propeller or fan on an object carried or tethered beneath the UAV chassis/body. The movable component would otherwise be static or passive and relies on the potential and/or kinetic energy created by the UAV in airspace for actuation or animation.
A themed aerial vehicle entertainment system or platform useful for generating crowd-pleasing shows or displays through the use of dynamically-coordinated show systems. Instead of use of a fixed flight plan, the new entertainment platform is configured to include one or more UAVs that is enclosed within or supports thematic cladding such as the outer shell of a spacecraft or flying character, and the show is dynamically coordinated to present a cohesive performance. Onboard show effects provided by onboard or UAV supported show system components such as high brightness lights are dynamically adjusted in the new system/platform to ensure the best show appearance to the audience while providing safer operations. The dynamic adjustments may involve selecting or generating a second script or "B show" in a contingent manner based on the current location or timing of movement of the UAV along a flight plan.
A data processing system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing a data compression software code. The hardware processor executes the data compression software code to receive a series of compression input data and encode a first compression input data of the series to a latent space representation of the first compression input data. The data compression software code further decodes the latent space representation to produce an. input space representation of the first compression input data corresponding to the latent space representation, and generates f refined latent values for re-encoding the first compression input data based on a comparison of the first compression input data with its input space representation. The data compression software code then re-encodes the first compression input data using the refined latent values to produce a first compressed data corresponding to the first compression input data.
H04N 19/42 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals - characterised by implementation details or hardware specially adapted for video compression or decompression, e.g. dedicated software implementation
H04N 19/146 - Data rate or code amount at the encoder output
A system for synchronizing media content playout includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a software code. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive a first state message from a first media player playing a first media content and a second state message from a second media player playing a second media content, the first media content and the second media content being the same media content. The software code further determines a coordination state for playout of the first media content and the second media content based on one or more of the first and second state messages, and transmits a first coordination message including the coordination state to the first media player and a second coordination message including the coordination state to the second media player to synchronize playout of the first media content and the second media content.
H04N 21/242 - Synchronization processes, e.g. processing of PCR [Program Clock References]
H04N 21/4788 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
H04N 21/6547 - Transmission by server directed to the client comprising parameters, e.g. for client setup
24.
SYSTEM FOR DELIVERABLES VERSIONING IN AUDIO MASTERING
Implementations of the disclosure describe systems and methods that leverage machine learning to automate the process of creating various versions of sound mixes using an original sound mix as a starting point. In implementations, a system for automated versioning of sound mixes may include: (i) a component to extract metadata categorizing/identifying the input sound mix; (ii) a component to extract audio features of the input sound mix; (iii) a component that uses a machine learning model to compare the extracted audio features of the input sound mix with extracted audio features of previously analyzed sound mixes to calculate audio features of a target sound mix; and (iv) a component to perform signal processing to derive the target sound mix given the calculated audio features.
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
G10L 25/21 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups characterised by the type of extracted parameters the extracted parameters being power information
G10L 25/57 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination for processing of video signals
25.
PLACING LARGE OBJECTS AND OBJECTS SEPARATED BY LARGE DISTANCES IN AUGMENTED REALITY
Systems and methods are described for placing large objects and objects separated by large distances in an AR environment. An AR headset system may place and generate digital objects using relative geographical coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude) between the user's current position and the object being placed. In one implementation, a digital object's geographical coordinates may be calculated by determining a user's geographical coordinates, using a distance determination device to measure a distance to a boundary in the user's real-world environment within an AR headset's field of view, and calculating an orientation of the AR headset relative to the user's position. In another implementation, a digital object's geographical coordinates may be calculated by determining the user's geographical coordinates, calculating an orientation of the AR headset relative to the user's position, and receiving input at a user input device specifying at what distance to place and generate a digital object.
An authorization device receives a message from a content server through a network based upon a first factor of authorization being completed by a playback device requesting playback of content associated with a user account. The authorization device may be a mobile device that is associated with the user. The authorization device may receive a user input indicating an approval of the requested playback. The authorization device may send a playback authorization message through the network to the content server. The content server may use at least a first factor of authorization such a login credential from a smart playback device or a registration credential from another type of playback device in addition to a second factor of authorization such as the playback authorization message to generate a user authentication that is provided to allow the playback device to playback the content.
G06F 21/33 - User authentication using certificates
G06F 21/32 - User authentication using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
27.
ROBUST AND AUTONOMOUS DOCKING AND RECHARGING OF QUADROTORS
A method of docking and recharging using a base station and a station-mating frame on the multicopter. The base station includes an upward-facing camera that is used by a docking controller to detect the presence, position, and orientation of a frame, with infrared light-emitting diodes arranged in a predefined pattern. The controller of the base station acts to emit wireless signals to the multicopter to guide the multicopter with its station-mating frame to a predefined position above the base station. The controller transmits a wireless signal to the multicopter to reduce thrust, and the multicopter lowers itself onto a sloped receiving surface that may be arranged in a crown pattern to provide passive gravity-driven centering, which causes the station-mating frame to slide to a lowest vertical point of the receiving assembly. A locking mechanism engages to lock the frame in place and provide electrical contact for recharging.
The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for predictive delivery of high bit-rate content. The disclosed systems and methods provide an adaptive-bit-rate streaming (ABS) system with more robust information, thereby allowing more intelligent pre-caching of the media content. By providing greater information to the ABS system, the disclosed systems are able to foresee higher bit-rate segments that require greater attention, allowing the system to use such information to improve the playback experience.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
29.
SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT TO A VIDEO PLAYER
A supplemental content retrieval system is disclosed for playing supplemental video content on a video player. The system comprises a video player for playing video content, a secondary device for receiving supplemental video content, and a remote database for providing supplemental video content, wherein the video player is configured to play the supplemental video content received by the secondary device. A method for using said system is also disclosed.
H04N 21/4722 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content for requesting additional data associated with the content
A process sends, from a proximity-based device within a media product package, a first key to a mobile device that sends the first key and a second key to a cloud-based server, the cloud-based server receiving a third key from a checkout device for purchase authentication so that the cloud-based server provides media content associated with the media product package to a user device. Another process configures a proximity-based device within a media product package such that the life cycle of a content associated with the media product package that is provided to a mobile device expires after a static period of time. Yet another process configures a proximity-based device to dynamically update a life cycle of content associated with a media product package. Another process updates, with a mobile device, a plurality of proximity-based devices within a plurality of media product packages.
A process stores, at a data storage device within a product and/or a product package, data associated with a bundle of products and/or services. Further, the process sends, from a proximity-based device within the product and/or the product package, the data to a mobile device when the mobile device is within a proximity to the proximity-based device.
A first version and a second version of audio visual content are provided via a disc, a web site or a mobile device application to consumers. The second version has audiovisual content removed from the first version that is not appropriate for a type of viewer, such as children. In addition, a menu is provided that allows a user to select the first version or the second version to play on a device. In addition to or instead of the second version, the menu may allow the user to customize the first version for an intended audience.
Systems and methods disclosed herein include systems and methods for delivering secondary content to a plurality of portable devices, the secondary content comprising events synchronized to primary content, the process including delivering an application to a plurality of portable display devices, the application configured to execute events on the portable display devices; and causing the events executed on the portable display devices to be synchronized with primary content.
Embodiments provide a system that includes a first interactive device and control logic configured to perform an operation. The operation includes receiving historical data describing historical interactions between a user and one or more interactive devices. Additionally, the operation includes configuring the first interactive device with one or more interactive events. Each interactive event includes a respective (i) stimulus event and (ii) an action to perform responsive to an occurrence of the stimulus event, and at least one of the one or more interactive events is based on the received historical data. Responsive to detecting an occurrence of a first one of the one or more stimulus events, the operation includes causing the first interactive device to perform the corresponding action. The operation also includes updating the first interactive device with a second one or more interactive events.
There is provided a content based partitioning system and a method for use in performing content based partitioning of digital media content. In one implementation, such a content based partitioning system includes a system processor, a system memory, and a content based partitioning module stored in the system memory. The content based partitioning module, under control of the system processor, is configured to receive encoded digital media content corresponding to the digital media content, to receive encoding parameters used to encode the encoded digital media content, and to utilize the encoding parameters and the encoded digital media content to identify partition boundaries in the encoded digital media content.
H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
H04N 21/2387 - Stream processing in response to a playback request from an end-user, e.g. for trick-play
H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
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.
There is provided a method and system for allocating an entitlement to digital media content. In one implementation, the system includes a media server accessible over a communications network and configured to utilize a processor to issue the entitlement including a transferable authorization to access the digital media content to a first user, and to store an entitlement record identified with the first user and authorizing access to the digital media content by the first user in a memory of the media server. The media server is further configured to receive a communication including a data corresponding to the transferable authorization to access the digital media content from a second user and to update the entitlement record to authorize access to the digital media content by the second user.
The present disclosure describes methods and systems for distributing an online advertisement based on a digital certificate received by an advertising platform server. The advertising platform server may validate the digital certificate. In addition, the advertising platform server may determine an advertisement class based on the digital certificate. Based on the determined advertisement class, the advertising platform server may select an advertisement for presentation to a user.
Techniques are disclosed for providing an enhanced contextual chat feature in online environments. The contextual chat feature may be used to present users with a list of expressions that may be sent to other users within an online environment (or to users in other online environments). The list of messages may be derived from a linguistic profile which itself may change as the use of language in an online environment (or by a particular user group) evolves, over time. In cases where a user sends a contextual chat message to another user in the same online environment, messages may be sent without being altered. However, when a user selects a contextual chat message from the list to send to a user in another online environment, the message may be translated based on a linguistic profile associated with users in the second environment.
Techniques are disclosed for providing an enhanced contextual chat feature in online environments. The contextual chat feature may be used to present users with a list of expressions that may be sent to other users within an online environment (or to users in other online environments). The list of messages may be derived from a linguistic profile which itself may change as the use of language in an online environment (or by a particular user group) evolves, over time. In cases where a user sends a contextual chat message to another user in the same online environment, messages may be sent without being altered. However, when a user selects a contextual chat message from the list to send to a user in another online environment, the message may be translated based on a linguistic profile associated with users in the second environment.
A system for sensing human activity by monitoring impedance includes a signal generator for generating an alternating current (AC) signal, the AC signal applied to an object, a reactance altering element coupled to the AC signal, an envelope generator for converting a returned AC signal to a time-varying direct current (DC) signal, and an analog-to-digital converter for determining a defined impedance parameter of the time varying DC signal, where the defined impedance parameter defines an electromagnetic resonant attribute of the object.
A method for tracking objects in a scene may include receiving visual-based information of the scene with a vision-based tracking system and telemetry-based information of the scene with a RTLS-based tracking system. The method may also include determining a location and identity of a first object in the scene using a combination of the visual-based information and the telemetry-based information. Another method for tracking objects in a scene may include detecting a location and identity of a first object and determining a telemetry-based measurement between the first object and a second object using a real time locating system (RTLS)-based tracking system. The method may further include determining a location and identity of the second object based on the detected location of the first object and the determined measurement. A system for tracking objects in a scene may include visual -based and telemetry-based information receivers and an object tracker.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 3/786 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using adjustment of orientation of directivity characteristics of a detector or detector system to give a desired condition of signal derived from that detector or detector system the desired condition being maintained automatically
43.
HYPERLINKED 3D VIDEO INSERTS FOR INTERACTIVE TELEVISION
A viewer may directly interact with a 3D object that is virtually placed in a physical location in a video scene. Initially, the object appears as an integral part of the original video scene and does not interfere with the general viewer's experience of the program. A viewer may initiate interaction with the object using an input device. An interested viewer may navigate through the object's architecture based on the viewer's interest. For example, the viewer may drag the object to a new physical insertion point in the scene. The user may rotate the 3D object into different orientations and zoom in. Each orientation of the object, if selected by the viewer, may invoke a new linked object in the predefined architecture. For example, the viewer may walk through the linked objects in the predefined architecture or observe an object at an increasing level of detail.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
Embodiments relate to insertions in 3D video. Virtual camera models enable insertions to be reconciled relative to left and right channels of the 3D video to maximize 3D accuracy and realism of the insertions. Cameras are formed as composites, and can be derived from other models. The camera models can be based on a visual analysis of the 3D video, and can be based on 3D camera data including toe-in and ocular spacing. The camera data may be derived from information collected using instrumentation connect to a 3D camera system, derived based on visual analysis of the 3D video, or derived using a combination of information collected using instrumentation and visual analysis of 3D video. Insertions can be made on-site or at a remote site, and camera data can be embedded in the 3D video and/or separately transmitted to a remote site. Insertions can be adjusted in 3D space based on a type of insertion, the 3D video scene composition, and/or user feedback, including interactive adjustment of 3D insertions and adjustments in view of user sensitivity to eye strain.
A method for visualizing plays in a sporting event may include receiving a video stream of the sporting event and a measurement stream, asynchronous to the video stream, associated with objects in the sporting event. The method may further include displaying a synchronized presentation of the video stream and the measurement stream. The synchronization may be performed near the time of the displaying. Another method for visualizing plays in a sporting event may include receiving measurement information related to actions from one or more sporting events. The method may also include identifying plays from the actions using the measurement information and displaying a representation of the identified plays. A system for visualizing plays in a sporting event may include an integrated server and a synchronization mechanism. Another method for visualizing plays in a sporting event may include displaying a video of a play selected from a representation.
THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, THE CITY OF NEW YORK (USA)
Inventor
Grinspun, Eitan
Harmon, David
Vouga, Paul, Etienne
Tamstorf, Rasmus
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide methods enabling reliable simulation of objects in contact scenarios. Embodiments of the invention utilize methods providing three parameter-independent guarantees. According to embodiments of the invention, simulations of well-posed problems: have no interpenetrations; obey causality, momentum and energy conservation laws; and complete in finite time.
There is provided a system and method for a musical edutainment interface on a display for playing an electronic musical instrument having frets and strings. The system comprises a processor configured to be placed in communication with the display and the electronic musical instrument and a memory including a musical edutainment software, wherein the processor is configured to execute the musical edutainment software to present, on the display, the musical edutainment interface showing an edutainment musical performance to be followed by a user of the electronic musical instrument, to animate game objects falling vertically to indicate a timing of the edutainment musical performance, to place the game objects within fret areas to demonstrate a corresponding fretting configuration on the frets of the electronic musical instrument, and to align the game objects with a plurality of string lines to demonstrate a strumming of corresponding strings on the electronic musical instrument.
G10H 1/00 - ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE - Details of electrophonic musical instruments
G10H 1/34 - Switch arrangements, e.g. keyboards or mechanical switches specially adapted for electrophonic musical instruments
A63F 13/00 - Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
There is provided a stored value card comprising a physical accessory being a portion of the stored value card and being detachable from the stored value card, wherein the physical accessory is configured to be attached to a physical primary; and a unique identification code, wherein the unique identification code is associated with the stored value card, the physical accessory and a virtual accessory, and wherein a virtual primary and the virtual accessory are stored in a network server and correspond to the physical primary and the physical accessory, respectively.
There is provided a method for producing a customized content, comprising identifying a customizable content from which to produce the customized content, identifying a base content in the customizable content, and receiving at least one customizing criterion as input. The method further comprises determining a plurality of content modifiers for harmonizing the base content and the customizing criterion, extracting the plurality of content modifiers from a modification library, and integrating the plurality of content modifiers with the base content to produce the customized content. In one embodiment, the method is embodied as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. A system for producing customized content comprises a content host hosting a customizable content including a base content, a modification library, and a content customizing application.
An apparatus (100) creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus (100) includes a housing (102, 104) with an interior space with first and second stages (103, 105). A drive mechanism (101) generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage (103). A first pendulum member (111) is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage (103) and includes first and second magnets (114, 115) on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism (101) such that the first magnet (114) interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member (111). The apparatus (100) includes a second pendulum member (121) pivotally mounted in the second stage (105) with a magnet (124) on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member (111). A flame silhouette element (125) extends from the second pendulum member (121), and a light source (107) transmits light (127) onto the flame silhouette (125), which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members (111, 121).
One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a mobile set (100) configured to include one or more projection devices (105) to display a media presentation to a viewer. The mobile set may be configured to follow a fixed path or may move through autonomous navigation. In one embodiment, the mobile set may be included as part of an amusement park ride to interact with the ride patrons and provide them with a greater entertainment experience. For example, the mobile projected set may be synchronized to move with a carrier vehicle carrying the ride patrons and' project a presentation or display to the ride patrons during the ride. Placing the projected scene on a mobile set allows the patrons to interact with the projected scene for a longer period of time then if the projected scene was stationary. Further, the mobile sets may be used to configure and control sightlines through the ride to provide a more dynamic environment for the amusement park ride.
There is provided a method of providing a plurality of advertisement data and a plurality of entertainment data. The method comprises receiving a first request from a user device for entertainment data. The method also comprises transmitting advertisement data to the user device in response to the first request, wherein the advertisement data include a first advertising expiration data associated with the advertisement data for use to disable a display of advertisement data by the user device after an expiration of the first advertising expiration data. The method additionally comprises transmitting the entertainment data to the user device in response to the first request, wherein the entertainment data include a first entertainment expiration data for use to disable a display of the entertainment data by the user device after an expiration of either the first entertainment expiration data or the first advertising expiration data.
Methods and apparatuses that include fingerprint technology on a media device with a fine level of granularity, to recognize or identify a content item based on a fingerprint or a portion of a content item based on a fingerprint unit, of a content item that is currently being viewed, and takes an action based on that identification.
H04H 20/10 - Arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast or during the distribution
G11B 27/28 - Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording
H04H 60/38 - Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying broadcast time or space
H04H 60/37 - Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying segments of broadcast information, e.g. scenes or extracting programme ID
A system and method for allowing access to digitally protected content are disclosed. License metadata and credentials from multiple types of digital rights management systems may be used to grant access to content protected by a different type of digital rights management system. Hierarchical levels of access to the content may be granted based on at least one of license metadata and credentials.
A high dynamic range scenographic image and video projection system and method involving the projection of an image of an object or collection of objects onto the object, 2D or 3D, in such a manner than projected image elements are positioned substantially on the actual image of the object. The projection enhances or otherwise alters the hue, contrast, brightness, saturation, luminance, and/or other visible features of the object. Visual and not-visual features may be projected onto the object or the area around the object to enhance or disguise the object as well as the surroundings of the object.
There is provided a method for dynamically generating search results from a dataset. The method comprises receiving a first search keyword from a user and searching for a first content object that is identified by the first search keyword. The method further comprises building a metadata pool using metadata associated with the first content object. Furthermore, the method comprises selecting a second search keyword from the metadata pool, and searching for a second content object by substituting the second search keyword for the first search keyword. If a first content object is not identified by the first search keyword, then the method may terminate. In one embodiment, the selection of the second search keyword from the metadata pool comprises making a random selection of the second search keyword.
There is provided a system and method for managing authentication cookie encryption keys. The system comprises a computing device including a memory with authentication data having a key identifier and encrypted data with a session identifier. The key identifier references a key having a validity period, the key capable of decrypting the authentication data. A processor of the computing device can respond to user requests for information by retrieving the authentication data and transmitting it to a server. The server can then authenticate the user by verifying the encrypted session identifier using the referenced key. There is also provided a method by which a key server can manage encryption keys. The key server receives an encryption key having a validity period, receives a validity request, confirms or rejects the validity of the encryption key, and automatically invalidates the encryption key upon expiration of the validity period.
A system for signal routing in a television production studio includes a core router operatively coupled to a plurality of peripheral routers, each of the plurality of peripheral routers having an associated control system, and a core router control system coupled to the core router and to coupled to the plurality of peripheral routers, the core router control system coniϊgured to allow any peripheral router to communicate with any oilier peripheral router through the core router and irrespective of the control system associated with each peripheral router.
There is provided a method of enabling client-side initiated delivery of dynamic secondary content to a host page comprising running a dynamic secondary content delivery application, requesting a secondary content update to one or more items of existing secondary content rendered on the host page during page load, downloading the secondary content update to the client system, parsing the secondary content update by the dynamic secondary content delivery application, and rendering the secondary content update on the host page, resulting in the client-side initiated delivery of the dynamic secondary content to the host page. In one embodiment, the method is executed by a client system in response to instructions comprising the dynamic secondary content delivery application stored on a computer-readable medium.
A ride or show control apparatus (100) using visual recognition to provide a more interactive experience to guests or participants. The apparatus (100) is adapted for operating a ride or show element (170), such as a robotic character (174). The apparatus (100) includes a mechanized or robotic element (174) with movable components positioned near a guest traffic area (150). The apparatus (100) includes an imaging assembly (140) capturing images (146) of the traffic area (150) and outputting digital image data. A controller (110) is provided that includes a processor (112) using an object recognition module (120) to process the image data (146) to determine whether an object (156) is in the traffic area (150). In response to the object recognition, the control system (110) operates movable components of the mechanized element (174) such as to cause it to speak or move in the direction of the recognized object (156) such as a visitor's face or a badge, hat, or other item worn or carried by a guest or participant.
Methods and apparatuses are provided, which may be implemented using an optical disc and a data access device such as, e.g., an optical disc player device. The optical disc may include content information, such as, video data, audio data, and advertisement data. The advertisement data may be associated with at least one product and/or service that is not adapted for use by the optical disc player device. The optical disc may include instructional information to adapt the optical disc player device to access user input data identifying user contact information and at least one advertisement selection, and to initiate transmission of an information request associated with at least one product and/or service associated with advertisement selection and/or advertisement data. The information request may include user contact information and may be adapted for use by at least one information delivery system which may initiate subsequent user contact without using the optical disc player device.
Subject matter disclosed herein may relate to providing user inputs, such as, for example, text from a keyboard, to an application executed on a digital video object playback device.
There is provided a method of synchronizing a portable device with an online user account. The method comprises establishing a first connection between the portable device and an online application, receiving data from the online application concerning the online user account, including a persona, updating the portable device with a portable user account corresponding to the online user account, including the persona, terminating the first connection between the portable device and the online application, recording modifications to the portable user account on the portable device after terminating the first connection, establishing a second connection between the portable device and the online application, uploading the modifications to the portable user account recorded on the portable device to the online application, and updating the portable user account according to modifications to the online user account performed by the online application to synchronize the portable user account with the online user account.
A ride system (100) is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles (120, 124) in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system (100) includes a chassis (110) that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track (230) of a particular ride. A support (114) is attached to the chassis (110) and moves with the chassis (110) during operation of the ride. The ride system (100) includes first and second passenger vehicles (120, 124) that are spaced apart on and supported by the support (114). A drive assembly (410) is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support (114) about its central axis (119). During support rotation, the first and second vehicles (120, 124) are moved concurrently relative to the track (230) to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles (120, 124) are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent.
There is presented a system for providing a digital multimedia presentation. The system comprises a presentation server; a presentation content database accessible through the presentation server, the presentation content database configured to store a plurality of contents including the digital multimedia presentation, a plurality of digital media contents and a plurality of advertising contents; and a review and redirection application configured to determine at least one of the plurality of digital multimedia contents as an alternative to the digital multimedia presentation, and provide a review and redirection pane integrated with a contextual background corresponding to the digital multimedia presentation; the review and redirection pane configured to enable play of the digital multimedia presentation, redirection to the at least one of the plurality of digital multimedia contents, and selection of at least one of the plurality of advertising contents associated with the digital multimedia presentation.
A camera-projector assembly (200) for viewing captured images in a near-view mode and in a distal-view projection mode. The assembly (200) includes a camera housing (202) and an image capture assembly (110) within the housing (202) collecting image data (119). The camera-projector assembly (200) includes a projection assembly (204) mounted on the camera housing (202) that includes a projection lens (208) and a projection light source (222). A transmissive display (206) such as an LCD is provided external to the camera housing (202) and adapted to be positionable in a first position proximate to the camera housing (202) and in a second position between the projection lens (208) and light source (222). The transmissive display (206) is positionable against an external surface of the camera housing (202) when it is in the first position and at least partially spaced apart from the external surface in the second position. The transmissive display (206) may be rotated or slid from the first to the second position on the camera housing (202).
G03B 17/00 - APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR - Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
Various embodiments of systems, methods, computer devices, and computer software for providing an asynchronous online viewing party are provided. One embodiment comprises a system for providing an online viewing party. One such system comprises: a server operatively coupled to a database for supporting the online viewing party, the database comprising: content to be asynchronously provided to participants of the online viewing party; and time-based events provided by one or more of the participants, the time-based events associated with the content and linked to corresponding locations in the content; and a user interface configured to interface with the server, the user interface comprising logic configured to display the content and the time-based events.
There is provided a method of providing a mood guided media playlist. The method comprises identifying a mood rating of media assets stored in a media assets database; labeling the media assets with metatags corresponding to the mood rating; identifying a mood theme according to an input received from a client computer; designating mood associated media assets corresponding to the mood theme from the labeled media assets; determining a media playlist length corresponding to the mood theme; assembling a media playlist having the media playlist length corresponding to the mood theme, from the mood associated media assets; and providing the media playlist for displaying. The method may comprise providing a mood selection virtual tool enabling a user of the client computer to recognize and select a desired mood theme, wherein the mood selection virtual tool can display a spectrum of colors corresponding to a plurality of user selectable mood themes.
There is provided a system for providing interactivity to a guest of an experiential venue, based on sensor measurement of the guest. The system comprises a sensor configured to sense a guest variable of the guest, where the sensor may be a biometric sensor, a facial recognition sensor, a voice stress analysis sensor, a gesture recognition sensor, a motion tracking sensor, or an eye tracking sensor, and may sense heart rate or another guest variable. The system also comprises a control system, which may be implemented as a computer, in communication with the sensor. The control system is configured to determine a guest state from the guest variable, and to modify a venue variable, for example by selecting a path a theme park ride follows. The control system modifies the venue variable according to the guest state to provide increased satisfaction to the guest of the experiential venue.
There is provided a method of rendering a three-dimensional (3D) scene for viewing on a display using a dynamic graphics platform, where the scene is represented by first group of polygons in 3D space. The method includes determining second and third groups of polygons from first group of polygons, where second group of polygons is determined to be substantially entirely visible in the scene at a viewpoint and third group of polygons is determined to be partially visible in the scene at the viewpoint, projecting vertices of the second and third groups of polygons for viewing on the display, removing portion of each of the third group of polygons determined to be not visible when viewed on the display to form fourth group of polygons, which includes the second group of polygons, and preparing each of the fourth group of polygons for drawing in a pixel-by-pixel process on the display.
A method (700) for rendering stereoscopic images (370) with non-linear depth variation. The method (700) includes storing content (334) in memory (330) that is ready for rendering, e.g., computer animated images including animated objects or models. A processor (312) is operated to position stereo or horizontally offset cameras and to render (738, 746) the images based on a non-linear relationship between disparity assigned to one or more of the animated objects and a distance between the cameras and the objects. The non-linear relationship is defined by a function or algorithm (324) callable by the processor (312) such as a function that defines a curved depth variation for the computer animated scene (334). In other cases, the non-linear relationship is defined by stored table (332), and the rendering includes using the distance between the cameras and an object to retrieve the disparity value to assign to that object. More than one non-linear relationship may be used to render (738, 746) objects (344, 348) with differing depth variations.
Systems and methods are provided for use in managing the regionalization of print media. In one system, a master data file having a plurality of different print features may be examined to identify at least one of the print features as a candidate print feature for possible modification in at least one region. For each candidate print feature, the system may receive user input to selectively establish a secondary data file for a print media campaign targeting at least the region in which the print candidate feature may be modified based, at least in part, on an existing regionalized print feature or on a requested regionalized print feature.
There is provided a method of managing discourse in a virtual community. The method comprises receiving a message from a virtual community user, the message being addressed to one or more recipient users of the virtual community; examining the message to identify any of a plurality of key expressions associated with virtual community forbidden communications; editing the message in response to identifying a forbidden key expression of the plurality of key expressions; determining a corrective prompt corresponding to the identified key expression; and issuing the corrective prompt to the virtual community user for managing discourse in the virtual community.
A method for providing an interactive video game over a digital communications network. The method involves operating an interactive computer game on interconnected computer games terminals (2a, 2b, 2c). The method includes receiving (130), at each of the computer games terminals (2a, 2b, 2c), interactive user input data from a controller (18) associated with the computer games terminal (2a, 2b, 2c) and also interactive user input data from a controller (18) associated with each of the other of the plurality of computer game terminals (2a, 2b, 2c). The method further includes rendering (146) a graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data. Then, with at least one of the plurality of computer game terminals, non-interactive user input data (53) is received (130) from a controller associated with a further computer games terminal (55) associated with a non-interactive user. The method continues with rendering (140, 144, 146) the graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data and, selectively, the non-interactive user input data.
A computer game terminal (2a, 2b, 2c, 50), and associated method and code, for operating an online interactive computer game. The terminal (2a, 2b, 2c, 50) includes an interface receiving (104) non-interactive user input data from a controller (55) associated with the computer games terminal (50) and an interface receiving (92, 102) interactive game data associated with at least one interactive game element (2a, 2b, 2c). The terminal includes a display driver (22) rendering (106, 112, 114) a graphical representation of a computer game based on the non-interactive user input data and the interactive game data. The terminal includes a processor (24, 26) processing the received non-interactive user input data and the interactive game data, while inhibiting (108, 138) data interaction. The processing inhibits interaction (110, 142) between a displayed avatar associated with the user input data and a displayed avatar associated with the received interactive game data. A network interface is included to transmit user input data from the controller (55) associated with the terminal (50) but operable in a non-interactive mode to inhibit such transmission.
An interactive computerized game system including a visual display (302), one or more user input devices (308), and a processor (306) executing software that interacts with the display (302) and input device(s) (308) is disclosed. The software displays images of avatars (404). At least one of the user input devices is a touchscreen (304). During gameplay, the gameplayer may touch the touchscreen (304) to provide input. An animation is displayed in response to user input matching a predefined input.
There is provided a method of protecting a virtual community visitor from unauthorized social interaction comprising receiving a request from the virtual community visitor seeking access to a virtual community content, determining whether the virtual community content includes at least one social interaction opportunity, prompting the virtual community visitor to provide a visitor identity if the virtual community content includes at least one social interaction opportunity, associating the visitor identity with a socialization level, and utilizing the socialization level in one or more permission database to regulate social interaction. In one embodiment, a system for protecting a virtual community visitor from unauthorized social interaction comprises a virtual community content server, and a processor configured to execute instructions included in a social interaction control software to associate a socialization level with the virtual community visitor and utilize the socialization level in one or more permission database.
A system for integrating video content in a user interface includes a mobile broadcast receiver for receiving primary content and secondary content in a portable communication device, and a mobile service guide for simultaneously displaying the availability of the primary content and the secondary content.
There is provided a virtual object rendering system comprising a camera, at least one sensor for sensing perspective data corresponding to a camera perspective, a communication interface configured to send the perspective data to a virtual object rendering computer, and the virtual object rendering computer having one or more virtual objects, the virtual object rendering computer configured to determine the camera perspective from the perspective data, and to perform the virtual object rendering by redrawing the one or more virtual objects to align the one or more virtual objects with the camera perspective. The virtual object rendering computer may be further configured to produce a merged image of the one or more redrawn virtual objects and a camera image received from the camera.
There is provided a method of customizing a theme park experience comprising designating a theme park experience motif, selecting customizable features associated with the designated motif, and assembling the designated motif and the selected customizable features into a custom virtual theme park experience suitable for adaptation as a customized theme park experience. In one embodiment, the method includes hosting the custom virtual theme park experience, rating the popularity of the custom virtual theme park experience among a community of users, and adapting the custom virtual theme park experience to a customized theme park experience.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
82.
MAGNETIC PACER FOR CONTROLLING SPEEDS IN AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES
A magnetic pacer system (400) for adjusting vehicle (404) speed in an amusement park ride. The system (400) includes a controller (420) and memory (454) that stores speed settings (458) such as upper and lower speed limits for the vehicle (404) in a specific portion of a ride. A magnetic thruster (412, 430) is positioned near the portion of the ride, and a signal or signals (418) are sent from position sensors (416) to the controller (420). The controller (420) determines the actual velocity of the vehicle (404) as it travels along a direction of travel and acts to compare the determined vehicle velocity with the stored and desired speed settings (456, 458). The controller (420) then determines a magnetic force to apply to the vehicle (404) including selecting whether the force is along the direction of travel or opposite to provide acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle (404). The magnetic thruster (412, 430) is selectively operated to generate a magnetic force to act on the vehicle (404).
A system for providing additional content to a program stream includes a primary program stream, additional content that is related to the primary program stream, and a server for associating the additional content with the primary program stream based on a location of a portable communication device.
H04H 60/51 - Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying locations of receiving stations
H04H 20/28 - Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
84.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A DEVICE IMPLEMENTING A DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGAMENT PROTOCOL
A method comprises receiving a first device ID request from user for registration of a first user device; generating a first unique identification number for the first user device; generating a first unique identification object based on a first DRM protocol, the first unique identification object including the first unique identification number; associating the user with the first user device, the first unique identification number and the first DRM protocol; receiving a second device ID request from user for registration of a second user device; generating a second unique identification number for the second user device; generating a second unique identification object based on a second DRM protocol, the second unique identification object including the second unique identification number, wherein the first DRM protocol and the second DRM protocol are incompatible; and associating the user with the second user device, the second unique identification number and the second DRM protocol.
Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for establishing and reestablishing associations between users of game devices. In one embodiment, information about an association between a user of a first game device and a user of a second game device is stored in the nonvolatile memories of first and second game media, the first and second game media being communicatively coupled with the first and second game devices respectively. If the first game device loses track of the association (e.g., the user of the first game devices swaps out the first game medium for another one, or the memory resident on the first game medium is corrupted/erased), an association notification received at the first game device from the second game device may be used to reestablish the association at the first game device. In this manner, previously established associations between users of game devices may be automatically established/reestablished.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
86.
PODBLASTING-CONNECTING A USB PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE TO A CONSOLE
Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for aiding users of game consoles in creating custom gameplay data for a music video game based on audio data (e.g., songs) stored on a portable media device. Specific embodiments provide a game console application that can receive a song at a game console from a portable media device, and receive user inputs to generate custom gameplay data associated with the song. The gameplay data may then be saved to the portable storage device and later accessed, either at the same or a different game console, to allow a user to play the music video game in accordance with the gameplay data and the audio data. In this manner, users can create and share custom gameplay content for a music video game based on songs stored on their portable media devices.
There is provided a method for use by a mobile device for providing an entertainment presentation to a user. The method comprises downloading a multimedia presentation control software by the mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes a controller and a smart chip operable to support electronic commerce transactions, registering a first action by the mobile device in response to a first smart chip event caused by the user, activating a function of the multimedia presentation control software in response to the first action, and providing the entertainment presentation to the user of the mobile device using the multimedia presentation control software.
There is presented a method for providing a media content, one embodiment comprising recording a first version of a movie on a first content medium in a first format, encrypting one or more content supplement to the movie, each content supplement having a format different from the first format, embedding at least one encryption key in each content supplement, providing a retrieval code for key data enabling playback of the content supplement, and bundling the content supplement and the retrieval code for distribution with the first content medium. In one embodiment, a flexible format media bundle comprises a first content medium, a first version of a media content recorded on the first content medium in a first format, at least one content supplement having a different format, at least one encryption key, and a retrieval code enabling access to the content supplement.
There is provided a method for guiding viewer selection of television content. The method comprises receiving a request for delivery of television content from a remote system; establishing an identity of the remote system; accessing a viewing history corresponding to the remote system in response to receiving the request; identifying a desirable subset of content items from available television content based upon a first plurality of discrimination criteria including the viewing history; determining a display subset of content items from the desirable subset, to be provided for selection by the remote system, according to a second plurality of discrimination criteria including the viewing history; and delivering an interface to the remote system for enabling a viewer of the remote system to select content items from the display subset.
There is provided a method for converting a computer game into a real-life simulation environment comprising receiving metadata defining virtual features and a virtual layout, matching the virtual features to simulation features of the real-life simulation environment, mapping the virtual layout onto the real-life simulation environment, and compiling those results as data corresponding to a real-life simulation of the computer game. A converter configured to translate a computer virtual environment into a real-life simulation environment comprises an input module configured to receive metadata, a memory including a simulation database containing simulation features of the real-life simulation environment, a synchronization module configured to match virtual features to the simulation features, a mapping module configured to map the virtual layout onto the real-life simulation environment, and a controller configured to compile the simulation features and the real-life simulation environment into a real-life simulation of the computer virtual environment.
Measuring user engagement during at least one presentation of a gating segment of media content is disclosed. A portion of media content may be partitioned into segments including one or more protected segments. A user may be selectively given access to at least one of the protected content media segments in response to accessing an associated gating segment. User interaction indices associated with a corresponding plurality of gated media content segment presentations are determined based on at least one of user engagement values. The user engagement values are determined based on user interaction data being temporally associated with a threshold event that occurs after a start of at least one gated media content segment presentation.
A system for receiving advertisement supported content in a media device, including a media collector for receiving primary content and secondary content in a media device, the primary content comprising a media asset and the secondary content comprising an advertisement, a file system for organizing the primary content and the secondary content, and a player for playing the primary content and inserting the secondary content into the primary content at a time determined by the file system.
A system and method of distributed control of an interactive animatronic show is disclosed. The system (100) includes a plurality of animatronic actors (110, 120, 130, 140, 150), at least one of the actors comprising a processor (320) and one or more motors (332) controlled by the processor. The system also includes a network (160) interconnecting each of the actors, and a plurality of sensors (170, 180) providing messages to the network, where the messages are indicative of processed information. Each processor executes software that schedules and coordinates an action of the actor corresponding to the processor in accordance with the sensor messages being representative of attributes of an audience (505) viewing the show and a state indicative of the readiness of the corresponding actor for action. Actions of the corresponding actor can comprise animation movements of the actor, responding to another actor and/or responding to a member of the audience. The actions can result in movement of at least a component of the actor caused by control of the motor.
There is disclosed a system and method for providing location-based entertainment. In one embodiment, a device capable of providing location-based entertainment comprises a navigational interface module configured to receive navigational data, an entertainment selection module configured to utilize the navigational data to generate location-based entertainment content for a user, and a presentation module configured to present the location-based content to the user. The system may also include a position finding module and a routing module. In one embodiment, a method for providing location-based entertainment comprises identifying a present location of a mobile user, identifying a destination of the mobile user, determining a travel route of the mobile user based on the present location and the destination of the mobile user, providing navigational data according to the travel route, generating a location-based entertainment content for a user utilizing the navigational data, and presenting the location-based content to the user.
There is provided a method for making a rich web application searchable, one embodiment comprising providing companion content in a format searchable by a web search engine, loading the companion content in a web browser, calling a rich web application using the companion content, loading the rich web application in the web browser, and launching a data bridge interfacing the rich web application and the companion content. The method may further comprise retrieving a data feed for the rich web application, located in the companion content. In one embodiment, a system configured to make a rich web application searchable comprises a content storage, companion content in a format searchable by a web search engine, a data feed for the rich web application included in the companion content, and a data bridge interfacing the rich web application with the companion content.
A surface normal map of an object can be interactively modified to create brushstroke-like textures. In one embodiment, surface normal components along the x,y, and z axes (in object coordinate space) are mapped onto red, green and blue color components. The object's surface is displayed in an editing interface (e.g., a painting program) with colors indicating the surface normals. The user can then modify the surface normals to achieve a desired look for the object. The modified surface normals are stored with the oject-model data and are used in rendering the object, helping to create a paintefd appearance.
A computer system comprises a memory configured to store a geometric description of an object, wherein the memory is configured to store a first set of parameters associated with a first artistic look, and wherein the memory is configured to store a second set of parameters associated with a second artistic look, and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to determine a first set of rendered data in response to the first set of parameters and to the geometric description of the object, wherein the processor is configured to determine a second set of rendered data in response to the second set of parameters and to the geometric description of the object, and wherein the processor is configured to determine a visual representation for the object in response to the first set of rendered data and in response to the second set of rendered data.
Objects are modeled and rendered using multiple surfaces to provide attributes used in rendering. In some embodiments, a reference surface for an object is defined, e.g., using conventional modeling techniques. One or more auxiliary surfaces are associated with portions of the reference surface. Some of the surface attributes (e.g., color, surface normal, texture, lighting) are associated with the reference surface, while other attributes (e.g., transparency) are associated with the cards. To render an image, a ray associated with a pixel is traced to its intersection with the reference surface and to its intersection with one of the auxiliary surfaces. The attributes associated with the reference surface are determined based on the intersection point of the ray with the reference surface, and the attributes associated with the auxiliary surface are determined based on the intersection point of the ray with the auxiliary surface.
Shadows are rendered automatically with a hand-painted appearance. The shadow region is divided into a core and a penumbra. A core perturbation zone is defined between the core and penumbra and a penumbra perturbation zone is defined between the penumbra and an unshadowed region. Within each perturbation zone, a texture is applied to each pixel to map the pixel as being inside or outside the core or penumbra boundary, thereby defining a displaced core boundary and a displaced penumbra boundary. The displaced boundaries can be non-linear and discontinuous. When shadows are rendered using the displaced boundaries, a hand-painted appearance can result. An additional texture can be applied in the penumbra to further enhance the painted appearance.
There is provided a method for use by a processing device for providing a broadcast program and Web content associated with the broadcast program. According to one embodiment, the method includes selecting a broadcast channel and receiving a broadcast program on the broadcast channel. The broadcast program can be, for example, a movie or a television show. The method further includes determining a Web site associated with the broadcast channel. In one embodiment, the Web site can be a dynamic Web site hosted by a channel link server. The method further includes receiving Web content associated with the broadcast program from the Web site. In one embodiment, the Web content is synchronized with the broadcast program based on a program schedule. The method further includes providing the Web content and the broadcast program to an output display contemporaneously.
H04H 60/82 - Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself the transmission system being the Internet
H04H 20/93 - Arrangements characterised by special technical features of the broadcast information, e.g. signal form or information format which locates resources of other pieces of information, e.g. URL [Uniform Resource Locator]
H04H 20/18 - Arrangements for synchronising broadcast or distribution via plural systems
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