Abstract: A first index to a media content item and a second index to the media content item are stored on a media device. Each first index specifies a location in the media content item at which user input was received to skip a portion of the media content item. Each second index specifies a location in the media content item at which user input was received to resume playback of the media content item. A skip start index for the media content item is identified based on the first indexes. A skip end index for the media content item is identified based on the second indexes. A request for playback of an instance of the media content item is received. The instance of the media content item can be played skipping a portion of the instance of the media content item between the skip start and skip end indexes.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide various techniques for backing up and restoring data and programs at television receiver devices. In some embodiments, various types of data stored locally by television receiver devices may be backed up by uploading the data to a television provider server, cloud-based storage system, and/or other remote storage locations. In the event of a device failure, or other rebuilt or reinstallation process at the television receiver, a receiver set-up process may be implemented to retrieve the receiver backup data from the backup server, and to initiate various set-up processes in which the replacement receiver may use the backup data to implement the various configuration preferences and settings on the new device, re-create the DVR timers, establish new network connections, configure the home device/appliance settings, and the like, automatically based on the receiver backup data.

Abstract: A portable communications device includes a first screen and a second screen. A third screen may be provided. The device includes a housing into in and from which each of the second and/or third screens may be retracted and extended. When retracted, outer edges of the second and/or third screens encase opposing sides of the first screen. A cavity in the housing is provided into which the second and third screens may be retracted. Track mechanisms and bearing mechanisms may support and facilitate extension and retraction of the second and third screens. Spring mechanisms facilitate alignment of the first, second and third screens. Holding and/or cooperative release mechanisms may be used to respectively hold and release the second and third screens within the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide various techniques for backing up and restoring data and programs at television receiver devices. In some embodiments, various types of data stored locally by television receiver devices may be backed up by uploading the data to a television provider server, cloud-based storage system, and/or other remote storage locations. In the event of a device failure, or other rebuilt or reinstallation process at the television receiver, a receiver set-up process may be implemented to retrieve the receiver backup data from the backup server, and to initiate various set-up processes in which the replacement receiver may use the backup data to implement the various configuration preferences and settings on the new device, re-create the DVR timers, establish new network connections, configure the home device/appliance settings, and the like, automatically based on the receiver backup data.

Abstract: Described are devices and methods for providing an extendable screen in a portable communications device. The device may include a first display, at least one second display, and a graphics processor, coupled to each of the first and second display. The graphics processor may be configured to perform computer executable instructions for configuring the communications device to facilitate the presenting of a first graphical image on a first display configured into a portable orientation display configuration, into an expanded orientation display configuration, where the first graphical image is presented on both the first display and the at least one second display, for into a second expanded orientation display configuration where the first graphical image is presented on one of the first display and the at least one second display, while a user interface control is presented on the other of the first display and the at least one second display.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide various techniques for dynamically calibrating digital video recordings of television broadcasts based on analyzes of changes to time data and channel data associated with live television broadcasts. In various embodiments, television receivers may transmit sets of recording schedule data to television broadcast monitor devices, which may receive time data corresponding to live broadcast television programs from various data sources, such as satellite or cable television service providers, social media servers, user devices, and other data sources. Television broadcast monitor devices and/or television receivers may receive and analyze the live television broadcast time data and channel data, and may determine updated recording schedule data which may be used to dynamically reprogram the digital video recorders associated with one or more television receivers.

Abstract: Described are devices and for providing an extendable screen in a portable communications device having a housing, graphics processor, and a display apparatus. The display includes a second screen portion that can be retracted or extended. A first screen portion can present a graphical output when the second portion is retracted, inactive and housed inside the housing. When the second screen portion is extended, it is coplanar with the first screen portion, and an edge of the second screen portion directly abuts an edge of the first screen portion to form a combined display screen. The graphical output can be rendered on the first screen portion in the first display configuration and, in a second format, rendered on the combined display screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a mechanism for a computer user to seamlessly and readily access information that may be supplied by a number of different sources.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide various techniques for programming and authorizing television receivers and other subscriber equipment via Internet Protocol (IP) networks. In some embodiments, a television receiver device (e.g., a satellite television receiver, cable television receiver, etc.) may detect and establish a connection to an IP network. After connecting to an IP network, the receiver may transmit identification data to a backend computer server of a cable or satellite television provider. The backend server may use the receiver identification data to determine television subscription(s) associated with the receiver and/or customer, and may determine and transmit one or more authorization codes back to the television receiver over the IP network. The television receiver may use the authorization codes to program the receiver device to decode and output the television channels and programs corresponding to the subscription.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a mechanism for a computer user to seamlessly and readily access information that may be supplied by a number of different sources.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide various techniques for communication, collaboration, and resource sharing between television receivers operating at separate locations. In some embodiments, a television receiver device may be configured to identify and transmit various receiver data to other associated television receivers at separate physical locations. In order to transmit data from one receiver to another, the transmitting receiver device may establish a connection to an Internet Protocol (IP) network, contact a television provider server to obtain network addresses for one or more related receiver devices, and then transmit the data over the IP network to the related receiver devices. Additional aspects relate to identifying and sharing resources between associated television receivers operating at separate locations.

Abstract: Various arrangements for charging an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be presented. When flying in the vicinity of the UAV docking station, the UAV may identify the UAV docking station based on image recognition of an alignment graphic on a docking platform of the UAV docking station. The UAV may then determine a landing rotational orientation based on the image recognition. The UAV may rotate to the landing rotational orientation. The UAV may land on the docking platform of the UAV docking station in the landing rotational orientation such that electrical contacts of the UAV electrically connect with electrical contacts of the UAV docking station.

Abstract: Described are devices and methods for providing an extendable screen in a portable communications device. The device may include a first display, at least one second display, and a graphics processor, coupled to each of the first and second display. The graphics processor may be configured to perform computer executable instructions for configuring the communications device to facilitate the presenting of a first graphical image on a first display configured into a portable orientation display configuration, into an expanded orientation display configuration, where the first graphical image is presented on both the first display and the at least one second display, for into a second expanded orientation display configuration where the first graphical image is presented on one of the first display and the at least one second display, while a user interface control is presented on the other of the first display and the at least one second display.

Abstract: Disclosure is directed to determining a condition of the television receiver and communicating information regarding that condition to end-points that are external to the television receiver. The television receiver may create a two-dimensional barcode with information regarding the receiver condition and output the two-dimensional barcode for display on a display device. Once displayed on the display device, the two-dimensional barcode may be scanned into a mobile device where the information regarding the receiver condition may be stored, processed and/or forwarded to another location or device.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle docking systems and methods are presented herein. A UAV can hover in a hovering position above a docking pad of the UAV docking system based on positioning measurements. An on-board camera can image a machine-readable code present on the docking pad. The hovering position of the UAV above the docking pad can be adjusted based on imaging of the machine-readable code and ranging measurements to the docking pad. A tether can be extended from the UAV towards the docking pad. The hovering position of the UAV and extension of the tether can be adjusted such that a mating device present on a distal end of the tether engages with a coupling device of the UAV docking pad. The tether can be reeled in to the UAV to assist in lowering the UAV from the hovering position to a landing position on the docking pad.

Abstract: Described are devices and for providing an extendable screen in a portable communications device having a housing, graphics processor, and a display apparatus. The display includes a second screen portion that can be retracted or extended. A first screen portion can present a graphical output when the second portion is retracted, inactive and housed inside the housing. When the second screen portion is extended, it is coplanar with the first screen portion, and an edge of the second screen portion directly abuts an edge of the first screen portion to form a combined display screen. The graphical output can be rendered on the first screen portion in the first display configuration and, in a second format, rendered on the combined display screen.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses and mechanisms for providing an extendable screen in a portable communications device. A portable communications device may be provided with a multi-part screen, a portion of which may be extended to provide an expanded viewing display surface or may be retracted to provide a reduced viewing mode and increased portability. In a reduced viewing mode, a graphical display may be provided on a first, visible portion of a multi-part display screen, where one or more other screen portions are retracted and/or obscured from view in order to provide a portable mode for the communications device. In an extended viewing mode, the one or more other screen portions may be extended and/or brought into the same plane as a first portion of the multi-part display in order to provide increased display size and resolution.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include techniques for dynamically generating a results list based on real-time data gathered from a television receiver, user interaction, and other resources. The systems and methods may include receiving, via the one or more tuners, from the television service provider distribution network, a set of television data, wherein the television data is associated with programming of multiple television channels, receiving a set of user data, wherein the user data includes data associated with a user of the television receiver, receiving an input from the user, wherein the input indicates a preference for a search, determining a list of input results based on the set of television data, the set of user data, and the input, and transmitting the list of television input results, wherein when the list of television input results is received, the list of television input results is displayable on the display device.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle docking systems and methods are presented herein. A UAV may hover in a hovering position above a docking pad of the UAV docking system based on positioning measurements. An on-board camera may image a machine-readable code present on the docking pad. The hovering position of the UAV above the docking pad may be adjusted based on imaging of the machine-readable code and ranging measurements to the docking pad. A tether can be extended from the UAV towards the docking pad. The hovering position of the UAV and extension of the tether can be adjusted such that a mating device present on a distal end of the tether engages with a coupling device of the UAV docking pad. The tether may be reeled in to the UAV to assist in lowering the UAV from the hovering position to a landing position on the docking pad.

Abstract: Disclosure is directed to determining a condition of the television receiver and communicating information regarding that condition to end-points that are external to the television receiver. The television receiver may create a two-dimensional barcode with information regarding the receiver condition and output the two-dimensional barcode for display on a display device. Once displayed on the display device, the two-dimensional barcode may be scanned into a mobile device where the information regarding the receiver condition may be stored, processed and/or forwarded to another location or device.