Abstract: Multiple user, multiple login access to electronic devices in a communication system is provided. In response to user login requests, login access is controlled by providing multiple users login access to plural electronic devices capable of communicating via the communication system. Each electronic device allows multiple users to be logged on or logged off the electronic device concurrently. User profiles and activity are shared between the plural electronic devices.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a multi-platform application player on a device is provided, comprising: receiving an indication of a first application to run on the device; determining a platform required for the first application to run; identifying a first application player suitable for running an environment compatible with the determined platform, wherein the first application player is capable of running the first application as well as one or more other applications created for the determined platform; loading the first application player in the multi-platform application player; and running the first application in the first application player in the multi-platform application player on the device.

Abstract: A portable license for licensed content is obtained by a user along with a regular license in a local network, such as a home network or other private network. The portable license may be stored in a license server on a portable device, such as a smart phone or a tablet, which functions as a portable license server. The user may take the portable device to another location where it joins another local network. A device in the second network, which does not have a license to play the licensed content, may use the portable license on the portable device to execute the content, enabling the user to enjoy it in multiple environments. The device (e.g., a TV) in the second network may continue to play the content as long as the portable license or another valid license is present in the network.

Abstract: A portable license for licensed content is obtained by a user along with a regular license in a local network, such as a home network or other private network. The portable license may be stored in a license server on a portable device, such as a smart phone or a tablet, which functions as a portable license server. The user may take the portable device to another location where it joins another local network. A device in the second network, which does not have a license to play the licensed content, may use the portable license on the portable device to execute the content, enabling the user to enjoy it in multiple environments. The device (e.g., a TV) in the second network may continue to play the content as long as the portable license or another valid license is present in the network.

Abstract: A method of reception includes detecting that an object has entered a first region of a space at a first time. A time period is measured around the first time. A determination is made whether any object has entered a second region of the space within the time period. Thereafter, a determination is made that the object needs attention when no object is detected entering the second region within the time period.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling a receiving device, the method comprising: detecting a position of a control device operated by a user; detecting horizontal orientation or vertical inclination of the control device; based on the position and the horizontal orientation or vertical inclination of the control device, determining that the control device is pointed at the receiving device as opposed to another receiving device in the vicinity; and causing the control device to control the receiving device at which it is pointed based on the determination that the control device is pointed at the receiving device.

Abstract: A portable license for licensed content is obtained by a user along with a regular license in a local network, such as a home network or other private network. The portable license may be stored in a license server on a portable device, such as a smart phone or a tablet, which functions as a portable license server. The user may take the portable device to another location where it joins another local network. A device in the second network, which does not have a license to play the licensed content, may use the portable license on the portable device to execute the content, enabling the user to enjoy it in multiple environments. The device (e.g., a TV) in the second network may continue to play the content as long as the portable license or another valid license is present in the network.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a multi-platform application player on a device is provided, comprising: receiving an indication of a first application to run on the device; determining a platform required for the first application to run; identifying a first application player suitable for running an environment compatible with the determined platform, wherein the first application player is capable of running the first application as well as one or more other applications created for the determined platform; loading the first application player in the multi-platform application player; and running the first application in the first application player in the multi-platform application player on the device.

Abstract: Multiple user, multiple login access to electronic devices in a communication system is provided. In response to user login requests, login access is controlled by providing multiple users login access to plural electronic devices capable of communicating via the communication system. Each electronic device allows multiple users to be logged on or logged off the electronic device concurrently. User profiles and activity are shared between the plural electronic devices.

Abstract: A method of notification in a virtual receptionist system. The method begins by determining that a guest has arrived. The guest is determined without active participation from the guest. An alert is activated for each greeter in a plurality of greeters designated to greet guests. It is determined whether any greeter has acknowledged a corresponding alert. Thereafter, alerts corresponding to each greeter are de-activated when there is an acknowledgment.