Abstract

To prevent a user from skipping past advertisements in recorded 5 audio/video content, a digital video recorder (106) outputs a supplemental advertisement (308) during the output of the audio/video stream (300). This supplemental advertisement is inserted at an intermediate temporal location (214) within a first segment (202) of the audio/video stream. Preferably, the DVR (106) disables a trick play mode function during output of the supplemental advertisement (308). Thus, whilst the viewer can skip the original advertisements (204) during playback, the user is prevented from skipping over the supplemental advertisement (308).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 5/445 - Receiver circuitry for displaying additional information
• H04N 5/76 - Television signal recording
• H04N 5/765 - Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systemsAnalogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• G06Q 30/00 - Commerce

Abstract

A provider device (101) includes structured data schemas (111), which may be JSON schemas, that correspond to APIs. A requestor device (102) connects to the provider device (101) and the provider device (101) transmits available schemas. The requestor device (102) receives the available schemas and transmits a communication request that asks for one or more of the available schemas. The provider device (101) receives the communication request, formats information regarding APIs (112) according to the specified schemas, and transmits the formatted information. The formatted information specifies how the requestor device (102) can utilize the APIs. The requestor device (102) generates one or more API commands by processing the formatted data and transmits the API commands to the provider device (101). The provider device (101) then receives and performs the API commands. Subsequently, the provider device (101) may transmit results to the requestor device (102), which may evaluate the results.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 9/46 - Multiprogramming arrangements

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and systems for updating software or firmware or otherwise conveying target software to an electronic device (204). Target software may be conveyed to an electronic device (204), while the device (204) is packaged or otherwise not connected to external power. Information indicating a current software or firmware version number may be transmitted from an external transceiver (108) to the packaged (104) electronic device (204). A software update itself may also be transmitted to the packaged (104) electronic device (204). The electronic device (204) may use stored information or the stored software update itself to replace an older and out of date software version existing on the electronic device (204). The electronic device (204) may also harvest electronic power from an external transceiver (108) signal or may use power from an internal battery (224) source to affect a software update when the electronic device (204) is packaged or otherwise not connected to external power.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 9/445 - Program loading or initiating

Abstract

A method of enforcing a media content subscription for a media content receiver determines (202) whether the media content receiver is a primary receiver (300A) or a secondary receiver (300B). If the media content receiver is determined to be a primary receiver, the primary receiver is operated (204) according to a content subscription associated with the primary receiver, and communication with a secondary receiver is attempted (206). If the media content receiver is determined to be a secondary receiver, and the primary receiver communicates with the secondary receiver, the secondary receiver is operated (210) according to a content subscription associated with the secondary receiver. If the primary receiver does not communicate with the secondary receiver, the secondary receiver is operated (212) at a reduced level than determined by the content subscription of the secondary receiver.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systemsAnalogue subscription systems

Abstract

Disclosure is directed to dynamically creating and embedding code and/or data in an electronic device. In one aspect, data objects are checked for conformance with a schema to prevent incorporation of incorrectly functioning data objects. A debugger may be provided to facilitate source level debugging. In another aspect, embedded interfaces are constructed to access the functionality of certain system components. Additionally, schemas may be complied into code header and files and automatically included in code libraries.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 9/44 - Arrangements for executing specific programs

Abstract

A user of a mobile device (125) requests video programming information from a set-top box (110). The information may include a program menu and the airtimes of specific programs, or other electronic program guide. A response from the mobile device may indicate that the set-top box (110) is to record a program. Where the request from the mobile device is a request for video data, the set-top box transmits the video data to the mobile device (125). The data may be transmitted via UTMS, and the user may view the transmitted data as it is received by the mobile device. The video data may be distributed only to users having an appropriate subscription.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04H 60/39 - 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 for identifying broadcast space-time
• H04H 60/91 - Mobile communication networks
• H04H 60/92 - Wireless transmission systems for local area
• H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
• H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systemsAnalogue subscription systems
• H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systemsAnalogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal