Systems and methods are described herein for generating metadata for content. Upon detecting a request for a stored media asset from a first device, a server determines that metadata is needed for the media asset based on determining that (a) the server has access to insufficient metadata associated with the media asset and (b) the popularity of the media asset is sufficiently high. The server then assigns at least a time segment of the media asset to the first device for analysis. After assignment, the first device gathers frame analysis and user input data while the user is viewing the media asset, and transmits the gathered data to the server. The server then uses the frame analysis data and the user input data to generate metadata, and makes the generated metadata available to all devices requesting the media asset.

The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder. One embodiment of the present invention operates in an environment that includes one or more set-top boxes connected to or integrated within one or more output devices. The set-top boxes are used to transfer shows from a broadcast input source to one or more types of storage devices and to play back the shows from the storage devices to the output devices, either in a delayed-live fashion or at a later time of the user's choosing. The set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI), which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device. A search engine is added to the GUI that lets the search for shows and receive results in an enhanced manner.

The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder. One embodiment of the present invention operates in an environment that includes one or more set-top boxes connected to or integrated within one or more output devices. The set-top boxes are used to transfer shows from a broadcast input source to one or more types of storage devices and to play back the shows from the storage devices to the output devices, either in a delayed-live fashion or at a later time of the user's choosing. The set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI), which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device. A search engine is added to the GUI that lets the search for shows and receive results in an enhanced manner.

Systems and methods for generating for display an interactive interface based on user history are provided. A first media asset and second media asset share a common attribute but are displayed with different display properties because the first media asset is included in the viewing history of the user while the second media asset is not. This display property may include moving the first media asset to a different portion of the guide.

Systems and methods for generating for display an interactive interface based on user history are provided. A first media asset and second media asset share a common attribute but are displayed with different display properties because the first media asset is included in the viewing history of the user while the second media asset is not. This display property may include moving the first media asset to a different portion of the guide.

Systems and methods are provided for generating an improved user interface that dynamically refers to related portions of media content items. First media content item is sent for display to a device. A first keyword associated with a currently transmitted first portion of the first media content item is identified. A first related media content item comprising a first portion associated with the identified first keyword is identified. The device displays a first identifier of first related media content item including an identification of the first portion of the first related media content item that is associated with the identified first keyword. The device then pauses the displaying the first media content item. The first portion of the identified first related media content item that is associated with the identified first keyword is displayed. The device then resumes generating for display the media content item.

Systems and methods are provided for generating an improved user interface that dynamically refers to related portions of media content items. First media content item is sent for display to a device. A first keyword associated with a currently transmitted first portion of the first media content item is identified. A first related media content item comprising a first portion associated with the identified first keyword is identified. The device displays a first identifier of first related media content item including an identification of the first portion of the first related media content item that is associated with the identified first keyword. The device then pauses the displaying the first media content item. The first portion of the identified first related media content item that is associated with the identified first keyword is displayed. The device then resumes generating for display the media content item.

Systems and methods are provided for identifying related media content items. First media content item is outputted on a device. A user interface input requesting media content related to the first media content item is received. Metadata is accessed for a portion of the first media content item within a predetermined time period away from a pause position of the first media content item to identify topic keyword. An offer to interrupt the first media content item to output content related to the topic keyword is displayed. In response to offer’s acceptance, a portion of an identified related media content item that is associated with the identified topic keyword is identified. The portion of the identified related media content item is transmitted for display while the media content is paused. The device then resumes displaying the media content item.

The present invention relates to the technical field of televisions, and provides a method for processing a television screenshot, a smart television, and a storage medium. To meet the demands of a more intuitive user interface and a seamless user interaction function, multiple sets of optional bars are displayed while displaying current playback content on a display screen in response to an input screenshot operation instruction, wherein optional bars are respectively used for displaying a picture thumbnail of a screenshot, recognizing content-related recommended content on the basis of an image of the screenshot, and/or responding to a user control instruction input interface for an operation associated with the screenshot.

Systems and methods are described for determining playback points in media assets based on both a keyword and a context of a current playback point in a media asset. For example, in response to user input of a keyword (e.g., “Matt Damon”) while the user is consuming a media asset, a current playback point in the media asset is determined. Context of the media asset at the current playback point is then determined (e.g., the current playback point involves a car chase). Playback points in the media asset are determined that match both the context and the keyword and are presented to the user (e.g., playback points with Matt Damon in a car chase).