Apparatus, systems and methods for quick speed presentation of media content

Media content quick speed presentation systems and methods are operable to present selected portions of a media content stream at a quick speed presentation rate. An exemplary embodiment receives the media content stream; identifies a normal speed scene in the received media content, wherein the normal speed scene is presented at a normal speed presentation rate; and identifies a quick speed scene in the received media content, wherein the quick speed scene is presented at a quick speed presentation rate.

BACKGROUND

Media devices, such as a set top box, are configured to receive media content. The received media content may be presented on a media presentation device, such as a television, computer system, monitor, or the like. The media content, such as a television program, a broadcast sports event, a movie, or the like, is received in the form of a video stream and an associated audio stream. Once received and processed, the video stream is presented on a display and the audio stream is output from one or more speakers in a synchronized fashion.

At times, the user may not be interested in all portions of the presented media content. For example, the periods between plays of a baseball game, football game, hockey match, tennis match, golfing tournament or the like may not be of high interest to the user. As another example, opening credit scenes of a movie or television program may be uninteresting to the user. In other situations, an action scene may be uninteresting to the user when the user is primarily interested in the dialogue of the program (or vice-versa). So long as the presented media content has been suitably buffered, stored, provided on demand, or retrieved from a memory media, the user may elect to fast forward through the portions of the media content that are not of high interest.

Fast forwarding through the presented media content poses many problems and inconveniences. One issue is that the user must visually monitor the progress of the fast forward presentation so that normal speed presentation can resume when the uninteresting portion of the media content has passed. If the user fails to notice the conclusion of the uninteresting portion of the media content, and/or fails to act sufficiently fast enough to return to the normal speed presentation rate, the media content will have to be rewound back to the conclusion of the uninteresting portion of the media content. This process can be cumbersome and annoying to the user, especially if the user repeatedly overshoots the conclusion of the uninteresting portion of the media content, and then overshoots or undershoots the rewinding back to the conclusion of the uninteresting portion of the media content.

Further, when the uninteresting portion of the media content is being presented in the fast forward mode, audio information is not typically presented. Even if the audio information is presented, the speed of the fast forward presentation (typically four times to eight times normal presentation speed) is such that the audio portion is unintelligible to the user. That is, the user cannot meaningfully discern any of the audio content.

Accordingly, there is a need in the arts to permit the user to more conveniently advance through presentation of the uninteresting portions of media content.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods of presenting selected portions of a media content stream at a quick speed presentation rate are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment receives the media content stream; identifies a normal speed scene in the received media content, wherein the normal speed scene is presented at a normal speed presentation rate; and identifies a quick speed scene in the received media content, wherein the quick speed scene is presented at a quick speed presentation rate.

Another exemplary embodiment receives a media content stream at a media device, the media content stream comprising at least a video stream portion and an audio stream portion; monitors at least one characteristic of the media content stream to identify at least one of a normal speed scene and a quick speed scene in the received media content stream; communicates the video stream portion of the normal speed scene to a display for presentation at a normal speed presentation rate; and communicates the video stream portion of the quick speed scene to the display for presentation at a quick speed presentation rate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an embodiment of a quick speed media content system100. In this exemplary embodiment, the quick speed media content system100is implemented in a media device102, such as, but not limited to, a set top box (STB). Embodiments of the quick speed media content system100may be implemented in other media devices, such as, but not limited to, televisions (TVs), digital video disc (DVD) players, digital video recorders (DVRs), game playing devices, and/or personal computers (PCs) that are configured to receive and present visual and audio media content. Embodiments of the quick speed media content system100may also be implemented in other locations in a media content transport system where the media content is available for processing.

The media device102receives at least one media content stream104that is provided from a media content provider106. The media content stream104comprises a video stream108and an audio stream110which may be presented on one or more suitable presentation devices112. Presentation of the video stream108and the audio stream110are synchronized with each other. For example, the illustrated media device102is communicatively coupled to a television114that presents the video stream on its display116(and optionally, may also present the audio stream on its speakers). Alternatively, or additionally, the media device102may be communicatively coupled to a sound system118that emits the audio stream106on its speakers120. Examples of the sound system118include, but are not limited to, a surround sound system, an audio amplifier, a stereo, or the like.

An exemplary embodiment of the quick speed media content system100implemented in a media device102comprises a media content quick speed (QS) transition system122and an optional media content quick speed (QS) transition marker system124. During presentation of the media content stream104, portions of the media content stream104may be relatively uninteresting to the user. That is, the user may not wish to view presentation of selected portions of the media content stream104.

Embodiments of the media content QS transition system122monitor at least one characteristic of the media content stream, such as a characteristic of the video stream108and the audio stream110, to identify portions of the media content stream104that may be defined as a normal speed scene (and thus, is presumed to be relatively interesting to the user), and that may be defined as a quick speed scene (and thus, is presumed to be relatively uninteresting to the user). The normal speed scenes are presented at the designed presentation speed for the media content stream104. That is the frame rate presentation rate is the same as, or is substantially the same as, the rate at which image frames were captured by the video cameras during the filming of the scene. Accordingly, the normal speed scenes are presented in real time to the viewer.

The quick speed scenes are presented at a relatively faster presentation speed so that the quick speed scene is presented in less time than a comparable length normal speed scene. That is the frame rate presentation rate is higher than the rate at which image frames were captured by the video cameras during the filming of the scene. Accordingly, during presentation of a quick speed scene, the user may view the video stream108, and optionally hear the audio stream110, over a relatively shorter duration.

The quick speed scene is presented at a speed that is substantially less than a presentation speed during typical fast forward operation. For example, but not limited to, a fast forward speed presentation rate may be at eight times (8×) or four times (4×) the rate of the normal presentation speed of the media content stream104. Further, during fast forward presentation, the audio stream110is typically not presented. Or, if the audio stream110is presented, the audio stream110is not intelligible to the user because of the fast forward presentation speed.

In contrast, in an exemplary embodiment, the video stream108of the quick speed scene is presented at two times (2×) speed. In another embodiment, the quick speed scene is presented at one-and-a-half times (1.5×) speed. Thus, the user is able to view the quick speed scene at a quick speed presentation rate that is relatively faster than a normal presentation speed rate, but at a rate that is substantially less than a typical fast forward speed presentation rate. Any suitable quick speed presentation rate may be used by the various embodiments, wherein the quick speed presentation rate permits meaningful viewing by the user.

Optionally, the audio stream110may be optionally presented at the quick speed presentation rate. Since the quick speed presentation rate is relatively slow (as compared to a fast forward speed presentation rate), the user is able to meaningfully discern the audio stream110as it is presented for the quick speed scene. That is, the user is generally able to understand the dialogue of the audio stream110and is able to understand other sounds, such as music, background effect sounds, and the like, of the audio stream110. It is appreciated that accelerating presentation of a video stream108may result in some level of pitch distortion (the “chipmunk” effect). Some embodiments may be configured to adjust pitch of or otherwise modulate the presented audio stream110during a quick speed scene to improve and/or enhance the sound quality. For example, but not limited to, the pitch of the presented audio stream110of a quick speed scene may be lowered. In various embodiments, any suitable quick speed presentation rate may be selected, wherein the quick speed presentation rate permits meaningful hearing by the user.

Embodiments of the quick speed media content system100are configured to detect normal speed scenes and quick speed scenes, and/or detect transitions between the normal speed scene and the quick speed scene (and vice-versa), using one or more processes. When an occurrence of the quick speed scene is detected, and/or a transition is detected from a normal speed scene to a quick speed scene, the presentation speed rate is increased to the quick speed presentation rate. Accordingly, the quick speed scene is presented at the quick speed presentation rate.

When an occurrence of the normal speed scene is detected, and/or a transition is detected from a quick speed scene to a normal speed scene, the presentation speed is returned to the normal speed presentation rate. Accordingly, the normal speed scene is presented at the normal speed presentation rate.

To facilitate disclosure of an exemplary embodiment of the quick speed media content system100, operation of an exemplary media content transport system that provides media content to the media device102is disclosed. The media content provider106receives media content from a plurality of local program providers (LPPs)126or other content providers. The provided media content may include, but is not limited to, a television program, a newscast, a broadcast sports event, a movie, or the like. The media content is typically provided in the form of a media content stream104that includes the video stream108and the synchronized audio stream110. For example, the LPP126amay be broadcasting a movie in the media content stream104a. As another example, the LPP126bmay be a sports station or the like that is filming a sporting event, such as a football game or the like, that is provided in its media content stream104b.

The media content provider110receives the various received media content streams104a-104ifrom many different LPPs126, even thousands of different LPPs126, at its programming stream receive system128. The programming stream receive system128processes the received media content streams104a-104ias necessary to prepare them for transmission to the customers. For example, commercials or the like may be incorporated with a particular one of the media content streams104a-104i. Alternatively, or additionally, the media content streams104a-104imay be associated with identifiers, such as channel number and/or station call signs.

In an exemplary media content transport system, the processed media content streams104a-104iare communicated from the programming stream receive system128to the transport channel generation system130. The transport channel generation system130bundles selected ones of the media content streams104a-104iinto one or more transport channels132.

Then, one or more of the transport channels132are uplinked to a satellite134, via a corresponding transmit antenna136. The respective transport channels132are then communicated, in the form of a wireless signal138, from the satellite134down to a receiver antenna140located at the customer premises142. The received wireless signal138with the transport channel(s)132therein is then communicated from the receiver antenna140to the media device102. The receiver antenna140and the media device102may be configured to receive multiple transport channels138from a plurality of satellites134.

A program of interest corresponding to the presented media content stream104may be selected by the user who provides suitable instructions to the media device102. The program of interest may be identified by its particular “channel” and/or station call sign. The media device102tunes itself to the particular transport channel132on which the program of interest is available, and then retrieves the selected program of interest. The program of interest is then assembled into the video stream108and the audio stream110, which are then communicated from the media device102to the media presentation device(s)112.

Alternatively, or additionally, the media content stream104may be provided to the media device102over other systems. For example, but not limited to, the media content system provider110may communicate a plurality of media content streams104over a wire-based system144. The wire-based system144may use fiber optic cables, coaxial cable, and/or another connector that couples the media device102to the wire-based system144. Further, the wire-based system144may employ other communication medium to facilitate delivery of media content to the media device102.

As another non-limiting example, the media content stream104may be delivered over the Internet (not shown) to the media device102. Accordingly, the media device102may receive the content from a router using a wire-based medium or a wireless medium. Or, the media device102may have a modem or the like therein that is configured to enable connectivity to the Internet.

An exemplary embodiment of the media content QS transition system122is configured to detect whether the currently presented scene is a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene. Detection of the scene type (normal speed scene or quick speed scene) may be based on analyzed characteristics of the media content stream104. That is, characteristics of the video stream108, the audio stream110, the metadata stream, and/or other suitable information in the media content stream104, may be analyzed to determine whether the currently presented scene is a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene.

In an exemplary embodiment, content of an image frame of the video stream108is analyzed to identify image characteristics of that frame. An absence or presence of, and/or the quantity of, a particular type of image characteristic may be used to identify the scene type. Examples of image characteristics that may be analyzed include, but are not limited to, bit number, bit depth, color palette, color balancing, and/or degree of noise reduction. Edge analysis and/or motion vector analysis may be performed on an image to identify edge and/or motion vector characteristics of the objects in the image. Alternatively, or additionally, a series of multiple image frames may be analyzed and compared to improve the reliability of the determination of the scene type. Any suitable image characteristic may be analyzed to determine the scene type.

For example, a relatively large number of a particular monitored characteristic may indicate a scene type. For example, the number of edges and/or motion vectors of a image frame may be determined. A scene and/or a series of scenes having a large number of edges in one image frame, or a large number of moving edges in a series of image frames, may tend to indicate that the scene type has a relatively large amount of activity (a high activity frame). Additionally, or alternatively, a scene and/or a series of scenes having a large number of motion vectors in one image frame, or in a series of image frames, may tend to indicate that the scene type has a relatively large amount of activity. A series of scenes having moving edges and/or motion vectors that move a relatively long distance across the field of a series of image frames may also tend to indicate that the scene type has a relatively large amount of activity. Alternatively, a scene and/or a series of scenes having few edges or motion vectors, or a series of scenes having moving edges and/or motion vector that move a relatively short distance, may tend to indicate that the scene type has a relatively low amount of activity (a low activity frame).

In an exemplary embodiment, when the number of moving edges and/or motion vectors in an analyzed image, and/or a series of images, exceeds a predefined threshold, the scene may be identified as a high activity scene. Additionally, or alternatively, when the distance of the move of the edges and/or motion vectors in a series of images exceeds a predefined threshold, the scene may be identified as a high activity scene. Alternatively, when the number of moving edges and/or motion vectors in an analyzed image, and/or a series of images, is less than a predefined threshold, the scene may be identified as a low activity scene. Additionally, or alternatively, when the distance of the move of the edges and/or motion vectors in a series of images is less than a predefined threshold, the scene may be identified as a low activity scene.

Embodiments are configured to identify a scene as being a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene based on the determined level of activity. For example, when the media content event is a sporting event, scenes having a large number of moving edges, having a large number of motion vectors, and/or having large movement in motion vectors, may be identified as scenes of interest that should be presented at the normal speed presentation rate. On the other hand, when the media content event is a romance movie, scenes having a large number of moving edges, having a large number of motion vectors, and/or having large movement in motion vectors, the viewer may prefer to have those scenes presented at the quick speed presentation rate.

To illustrate, an analysis of a football game based on edge analysis (and/or motion vector analysis) may result in identifying game play scenes as having a relatively large number of moving edges (and/or motion vectors) and/or that have edges (and/or motion vectors) that move a relatively long distance across the field of the image frame. If the user is mostly interested in viewing actual game plays (and not the periods between actual game play, like the huddles and/or commentary), then these scenes would be identified as normal speed scenes. On the other hand, scenes characterized by relatively few moving edges (and/or motion vectors), and/or that have edges (and/or motion vectors) that move a relatively short distance across the field of the image frame, may be determined to be the periods between actual game play, like the huddles and/or commentary. Accordingly, these scenes may be identified as quick speed scenes. As presentation of the football game is underway, the normal speed scenes associated with actual game play are presented at the normal speed presentation rate. The quick speed scenes associated with periods between the game play is presented at the quick speed presentation rate. It is appreciated that the user will still be able meaningfully view the video of the quick speed scenes, and optionally, meaningfully hear the audio of the quick speed scene, when the quick speed scene is presented at the quick speed presentation rate.

To further illustrate, on the other hand, an analysis of a “kung-fu” action film may also be based on a suitable edge analysis (and/or motion vector analysis process). However, the user may be more interested in the story line of the film and may be less interested in the choreographed fighting scenes. Accordingly, scenes characterized by relatively few moving edges (and/or motion vectors), and/or that have edges (and/or motion vectors) that move a relatively short distance across the field of the image frame, may be determined to be associated with dialogue related to the story line, and accordingly, be defined as normal speed scenes. Scenes characterized by a relatively large number of moving edges (and/or motion vectors), and/or that have edges (and/or motion vectors) that move a relatively long distance across the field of the image frame, may be determined to be the choreographed fighting scenes, and accordingly, be defined as quick speed scenes.

In an exemplary embodiment, content of a frame of the audio stream110may be analyzed (monitored) to identify sound characteristics of that frame or series of frames. An absence or presence of, and/or the quantity of, a particular type of sound characteristic may be used to identify the scene type. Examples of image characteristics that may be analyzed include, but are not limited to, volume, pitch, frequency, or the like. For example, an explosion sound may tend to indicate that the scene may be associated with a lot of activity. In contrast, dialogue may tend to indicate that the scene may be associated with a conversation related to the story line. Any suitable sound characteristic may be analyzed to identify the scene type. Analysis of the audio stream110may used alone, or in conjunction with, analysis of the video stream108.

In an exemplary embodiment, relatively large changes in the analyzed characteristics of the video stream108and/or the audio stream110may be used to detect (monitor) a transition between normal speed scenes and quick speed scenes. In an exemplary embodiment, the presentation speed of the currently presented scene may be alternated between the normal speed presentation rate and the quick speed presentation rate upon detection of the transition. Alternatively, detection of the transition may be used to conjunction with analysis of other analyzed characteristics of the video stream108and/or the audio stream110to identify whether the currently presented scene is a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene.

Alternatively, or additionally, embodiments of the media content QS transition system122may be configured to detect (monitor) an occurrence of a scene transition marker. In an exemplary embodiment, the scene transition marker denotes the transition between the normal speed scene and the quick speed scene (and vice-versa). Alternatively, or additionally, the scene transition marker may be used to identify whether the currently presented scene is a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene.

The scene transition marker may be any suitable identifier, trigger, information, or the like, that is incorporated into the media content stream104by the media content QS transition marker system124. A scene transition marker may be incorporated into at least one of the video stream108, the audio stream110, a metadata stream associated with the media content stream104, and/or another suitable location in the media content stream104.

For example, but not limited to, the scene may be identified as a quick speed scene in response to detecting the occurrence of the scene transition marker when the previous scene was a normal speed scene. Then, a subsequent scene may be identified as a normal speed scene in response to detecting the next occurrence of the scene transition marker (since the previous scene was a quick speed scene).

In an exemplary embodiment, the scene transition marker may be a bit flag or the like to identify whether the currently presented scene is a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene. Detecting (monitoring) a bit flag causes the media content QS transition system122to initiate a change in the presentation speed rate. In another embodiment, the scene transition marker may include suitable metadata descriptor that is used to indicate the transition between the normal speed scene and the quick speed scene (and vice-versa), and/or that is used to indicate the scene type. A first value of the bit flag may be associated with the normal speed presentation rate, and the second value or the bit flag may be associated with the quick speed presentation rate. The bit flag may be located any suitable part of the media content stream. In an exemplary embodiment, the bit flag may be located in a predefined location in a header and/or footer of the data file of an image frame. Alternatively, or additionally, the bit flag may be located in a predefined location in the audio portion and/or the metadata portion of the media content stream.

In some embodiments, the metadata descriptor may be dedicated metadata information that may be used to identify whether the currently presented scene is a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene. The metadata descriptor may identify (monitor) the transition between the normal speed scene and the quick speed scene (and vice-versa). Alternatively, the metadata descriptor may be metadata information that describes other characteristics of the currently presented scene. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the metadata descriptor for a scene may be included under the moving picture experts group multimedia content description standard (MPEG-7). MPEG-7 scene descriptors may be used for a variety of purposes unrelated to the embodiments described herein. However, embodiments of the quick speed media content system100may be configured to analyze such MPEG-7 scene descriptors, or other types of scene descriptors used by other formats, to identify the transition between the normal speed scene and the quick speed scene (and vice-versa). Further, an optional scene transition marker may be added into the media content stream104by the media content QS transition marker system124to facilitate detection of scene transitions by the media content QS transition system122.

Alternatively, or additionally, the MPEG-7 scene descriptors, or other types of scene descriptors used by other formats, may be used to determine (monitor) if the currently presented scene is a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene. In an exemplary embodiment, the media content QS transition system122and/or the media content QS transition marker system124are configured to perform a key word search of the MPEG-7 scene descriptors or the other types of scene descriptors used by alternative formats. Certain key words may be associated with a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene. Based on the occurrence of such key words, embodiments may then identify scene transitions, and thereby optionally add a scene transition marker, and/or determine that the currently presented scene is a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene. If multiple key words are identified, then a weighting system may be used where some key words have greater weighting that other key words. Alternatively, or additionally, the number of key words (weighted or unweighted) associated with a normal speed scene may be compared with the number of key words (weighted or unweighted) associated with a quick speed scene.

In some embodiments, scene transition markers are incorporated into the media content stream104by a human operator. The operator is aware of the nature of the programming being presented by the media content stream104. Further, the operator also understands, based upon predefined instructions or other criteria, the scene type of the current scene. That is, the operator intuitively understands which scenes are likely to be a normal speed scene or a quick speed scene. The operator, in such applications, accesses an embodiment of media content QS transition marker system124to add a suitable marker into the media content stream104in accordance with the operator's instructions. For example, a button or suitable controller may be provided for the operator to actuate to cause a scene transition marker to be incorporated into the media content stream104. Alternatively, or additionally, a suitable interface may be available to the operator so that a suitable metadata descriptor may be incorporated into the media content stream104. A first signal received from the operator actuated controller may be associated with the transition marker identifying a normal speed scene. A second signal received from the operator actuated controller may be associated with the transition marker identifying a quick speed scene.

In the various embodiments of the quick speed media content system100, the media content QS transition marker system124may be located at any suitable place within the media content transport system and/or at the customer premises142. Multiple media content QS transition marker systems124may be used.

In some embodiments, the media content QS transition marker system124may be communicatively coupled to, or may be integrated into, the media device102. In such embodiments, the received media content stream104is analyzed at the media device102. Scene transition markers are incorporated into the media content stream104based upon the determination of a change in the currently presented scene type and/or upon an identification of the scene type.

Alternatively, or additionally, an embodiment of the media content QS transition marker system124may be communicatively coupled to, or may be integrated into, one or more of the LPPs126. The media content QS transition marker system124is used to incorporate scene transition markers into the media content stream104as the LPP126is generating and/or processing a particular media content stream104. The scene transition markers may be generated automatically based on analyzed characteristics of the media content stream104, and/or may be manually generated by an operator.

For example, a camera operator filming a sporting event or the like, may use a media content QS transition marker system124to incorporate scene transition markers into the media content stream104as the camera operator is filming. Alternatively, or additionally, a media content QS transition marker system124at the media control center that is integrating a plurality of media content streams104received from a plurality of different cameras filming the sporting event may incorporate scene transition markers into the media content stream104as the different received media content streams104are integrated into a single, cohesive media content stream104representing the sporting event. Alternatively, or additionally, the LPP126may use the media content QS transition marker system124to incorporate scene transition markers into the media content stream104as the media content stream104is further processed to add commercials or the like.

Alternatively, or additionally, an embodiment of the media content QS transition marker system124may be communicatively coupled to the programming stream receive system128and/or the transport channel generation system130. As the programming stream receive system128and/or the transport channel generation system130is processing a particular media content stream104, the media content QS transition marker system124may be used to incorporate the scene transition markers into the media content stream104. For example, the media content QS transition marker system124may be used to incorporate scene transition markers into the media content stream104as the media content stream104is processed to add commercials or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the media content QS transition marker system124may be used to incorporate scene transition markers into the media content stream104as the media content stream104is processed to generate the transport channels132.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of an embodiment of an exemplary media device102. The non-limiting exemplary media device102comprises a program content stream interface202, a processor system204, a memory206, a program buffer208, an optional digital video recorder (DVR)210, a presentation device interface212, and an optional remote interface214.

In this exemplary embodiment, the media content QS transition system122and the optional media content QS transition marker system124are implemented as software logic. Accordingly, the memory206comprises portions for storing the media device logic216, the media content QS transition system122, and the media content QS transition marker system124. In some embodiments, the media device logic216, the media content QS transition system122, and the media content QS transition marker system124may be integrated together, and/or may be integrated with other logic. Alternatively, the media device logic216, the media content QS transition system122, and the media content QS transition marker system124may be implemented as firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

Other media devices102may include some, or may omit some, of the above-described media processing components. Further, additional components not described herein may be included in alternative embodiments.

The functionality of the media device102, here a set top box, is now broadly described. A media content provider provides the media content stream104that is received by the program content stream interface202. One or more optional tuners218in the program content stream interface202selectively tune to a selected media content stream104in accordance with instructions received from the processor system204. The processor system204, executing the media device logic216and based upon a request for a program of interest specified by the user, parses out program content associated with the program of interest. The program of interest is then assembled into the video stream108and the audio stream110, which are then stored by the program buffer208. After buffering, the program content can be streamed out to the media presentation devices112, such as the television114, via the presentation device interface212. Alternatively, or additionally, the parsed out program content may be saved into the DVR210for later presentation. In alternative embodiments, the media content stream104may stored in an alternative storage medium.

The exemplary media device102is configured to receive commands from the user via a remote control220. The remote control220includes one or more controllers222. The user, by actuating one or more of the controllers222, causes the remote control220to generate and transmit commands, via a wireless signal224, to the remote interface214. The commands control the media device102and/or control the media presentation devices112. The wireless signal224may be an infrared signal or an RF signal.

In practice, the media content stream104needs to be buffered and/or saved such that a sufficient duration of media content is available for presenting the quick speed scenes at the quick speed presentation rate. That is, if the media content stream104is being received and presented on a real time basis, embodiments will not be able to present the quick speed scenes at the quick speed presentation rate since the media content stream104is being received in real time.

In one application, the media content stream104is transmitted by some predefined duration ahead of presentation to the user. Thus, when the user is presented the media content stream104, a sufficient duration of media content is available for presenting the quick speed scenes at the quick speed presentation rate. The predefined duration, in an exemplary embodiment, corresponds to a difference between the duration of the media content stream104presented entirely at the normal speed presentation rate and the duration of the media content stream104when the quick speed scenes are presented at the quick speed presentation rate. However, any suitable predetermined duration may be used.

In another application, the media content stream104is processed and saved into the DVR210(or another media storage device). The scene transition markers may be added prior to storage of the media content stream104. Alternatively, or additionally, scene transition markers may be added when the media content stream104is retrieved from storage for presentation. Alternatively, or additionally, transitions between the normal speed scenes and the quick speed scenes may be determined on a real time basis, or near real time basis, as the media content stream104is retrieved from storage for presentation.

In another application, the media content stream104is received from a video on demand (VOD) system (not shown) or other another media storage device that is configured to be controlled by the media device102and/or the user. The scene transition markers may be added prior to storage of the media content stream104. Alternatively, or additionally, scene transition markers may be added when the media content stream104is retrieved from the VOD system or other media storage device. Alternatively, or additionally, transitions between the normal speed scenes and the quick speed scenes may be determined on a real time basis, or near real time basis, as the media content stream104is retrieved from storage for presentation.

When the quick speed scene is presented at the quick speed presentation rate, the media content stream104is retrieved from the DVR210, the VOD system, or other media storage device, at a rate that corresponds to at least the quick speed presentation rate. In another embodiment, the media content stream104is retrieved from the DVR210, the VOD system, or other media storage device, and is then buffered, prior to presentation to the user. In this implementation, the user may have to wait some duration prior to initiation of presentation of the media content stream104that is retrieved from the DVR210, the VOD system, or other media storage device.

In practice, presentation of the quick speed scenes at the quick speed presentation rate is selectable by the user. That is, the user may opt in to have quick speed scenes presented at the quick speed presentation rate, referred to as a quick speed scene presentation mode. Alternatively, the user may opt out such that the quick speed scenes are presented at the normal speed presentation rate, referred to as a normal speed scene presentation mode.

Further, the user may elect to opt in or opt out of the quick speed scene presentation mode at any point during presentation of the media content stream104. That is, the user may elect to have future presented quick speed scenes presented at the quick speed presentation rate at any time. Similarly, at any point in presentation of the media content stream104, the user may elect to opt out of the quick speed scene presentation mode.

Some media content streams104are initially provided to the media device102with scene transition markers incorporated into the media content stream104. The scene transition markers may have been incorporated at any suitable point in the origination and/or processing of the media content stream104. When the scene transition markers are present, an exemplary embodiments of the quick speed media content system100is configured to generate a quick speed graphic notification226that is presented to the user that indicates the availability of presentation of the media content stream104using the quick speed scene presentation mode.

In some embodiments, the quick speed graphic notification226may be a simple pop-up type of graphic or other suitable indicator. The user is then aware of the availability of the quick speed scene presentation mode. The user may actuate one or more of the controllers222on the remote control220to opt in or opt out of the quick speed scene presentation mode. That is, the remote interface214is configured to receive the wireless signal224transmitted from a remote control220, wherein the wireless signal224corresponds to an instruction to operate the media device102in a quick speed scene presentation mode of operation. In some embodiments, no action by the user within some predetermined duration results in automatic selection of a default mode by the media device102. The selected default mode may be to opt out of the quick speed scene presentation mode. Alternatively, the default mode may be to opt into the quick speed scene presentation mode.

In some embodiments, the media device102may permit the user to enter into a menu system and select the quick speed scene presentation mode in a manner that is the same or similar to other user selectable options. After selection, the media device102operates in the selected presentation mode until otherwise changed by the user.

Alternatively, or additionally, the quick speed graphic notification226may be a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI type may present selectable options to the user. For example, an opt in and/or an opt out choice may be presented to the user.

Alternatively, or additionally, a GUI type of quick speed graphic notification226may allow the user to define a presentation speed rate of interest for the quick speed presentation rate. For example, the user may wish to have a faster quick speed presentation rate for a sporting event and a relatively slower quick speed presentation rate for a movie. The user may be permitted to specify a numerical value for the quick speed presentation rate, and/or may be presented a group of quick speed presentation rates to select from.

In some embodiments, commercials, advertisements and/or other scenes not related to the subject matter of the presented media content stream104may be designated as quick speed scenes. Further, the quick speed presentation rate for these types of scenes may be different than the quick speed presentation rate of the quick speed scenes of the presented subject matter in the media content stream104. For example, commercials may be presented at a relatively higher quick speed presentation rate that other quick speed scenes. In some embodiments, the commercials, advertisements and/or other scenes not related to the subject matter of the presented media content stream104may be blocked from being designated as quick speed scenes. Accordingly, such blocked scenes would be presented at the normal speed presentation rate.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the quick speed media content system100are merely possible examples of implementations of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.