Semantic data corresponding to video data may be received. Next, the received semantic data corresponding to the video data may be analyzed. Caching decisions may then be made based upon the analysis of the received semantic data corresponding to the video data.

The present invention relates to a system and method for producing and executing an interactive broadcast program. A program enabler service system providing an interactive service for allowing users to participate in a broadcast program includes: a program-generating unit providing a tool for receiving broadcast program-related information so as to generate information received through the tool in a script format for the broadcast program; a program-executing unit providing information to users participating in the broadcast program through a communication channel provided by the service enabler after reading the information generated in the script format by interacting with the broadcast program; and a service-connecting unit connecting a communication service platform of the service enabler to the program-executing unit.

The present invention relates to a system and method for producing and executing an interactive broadcast program. A program enabler service system providing an interactive service for allowing users to participate in a broadcast program includes: a program-generating unit providing a tool for receiving broadcast program-related information so as to generate information received through the tool in a script format for the broadcast program; a program-executing unit providing information to users participating in the broadcast program through a communication channel provided by the service enabler after reading the information generated in the script format by interacting with the broadcast program; and a service-connecting unit connecting a communication service platform of the service enabler to the program-executing unit.

A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The virtual objects may be targeted based on individual subscriber information or on information related to groups of subscribers. When a frame of a program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual object is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object may be interactive, and may be used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site. An operations center or a cable headend may generate a group assignment plan that assigns the subscribers' television terminals to groups, based on factors such as area of dominant influence and household income. A retrieval plan is then generated that instructs the television terminals to select the desired virtual object for display. The television terminals record which virtual objects were displayed, and report this information to the cable headends and the operations center. The reported information is used to generate billing for commercial advertisers, and to analyze viewer watching habits. Interactive virtual objects are received by the television terminal with directions on actions to be taken upon selection of the interactive virtual object. Actions may result in the initiation of processes locally at the television terminal, or communication with a remote site for the initiation of processes to be performed remotely. The invention uses upstream data reception hardware, databases and processing hardware and software, and corresponding features in the televisions to accomplish these functions.

A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The virtual objects may be targeted based on individual subscriber information or on information related to groups of subscribers. When a frame of a program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual object is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object may be interactive, and may be used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site. An operations center or a cable headend may generate a group assignment plan that assigns the subscribers' television terminals to groups, based on factors such as area of dominant influence and household income. A retrieval plan is then generated that instructs the television terminals to select the desired virtual object for display. The television terminals record which virtual objects were displayed, and report this information to the cable headends and the operations center. The reported information is used to generate billing for commercial advertisers, and to analyze viewer watching habits. Interactive virtual objects are received by the television terminal with directions on actions to be taken upon selection of the interactive virtual object. Actions may result in the initiation of processes locally at the television terminal, or communication with a remote site for the initiation of processes to be performed remotely. The invention uses upstream data reception hardware, databases and processing hardware and software, and corresponding features in the televisions to accomplish these functions.

Video content is uploaded via the Internet to a video-on-demand (VOD) server identified by a title and a hierarchical address of categories and subcategories for categorizing the title. The VOD server converts and stores the video content at a storage address in a video content database linked to the title. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as in its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. This can enable many new blogging or podcasting-like programs by popular “Hosts” to be self-published on the Internet and readily navigated for display on TV. The EPG can also store TV program addresses as bookmarks and allow them to be shared with other subscribers or with friends and contacts online by sending to their email addresses.

Video content is uploaded via the Internet to a video-on-demand (VOD) server identified by a title and a hierarchical address of categories and subcategories for categorizing the title. The VOD server converts and stores the video content at a storage address in a video content database linked to the title. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as in its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. This can enable many new blogging or podcasting-like programs by popular “Hosts” to be self-published on the Internet and readily navigated for display on TV. The EPG can also store TV program addresses as bookmarks and allow them to be shared with other subscribers or with friends and contacts online by sending to their email addresses.

In an embodiment, a flick motion is detected on a touch screen interface of a first device. In response to detecting the flick motion: data associated with the flick motion is identified and transmitted to a second device. The data may be automatically displayed in response to detecting the flick motion.

In an embodiment, a flick motion is detected on a touch screen interface of a first device. In response to detecting the flick motion: data associated with the flick motion is identified and transmitted to a second device. The data may be automatically displayed in response to detecting the flick motion.

A video aggregation system for providing a user personalized video content from videos available on the Internet generates a selective feed by combining a first feed and a second feed. The video aggregation system receives a search request from an Internet service and transmits a search reply containing a separately resolvable link to a video content object from the selective feed.