Abstract: Methods and systems of initiating a backup process of data stored on a computer are described. One method calls for the data to be backed up to be identified. A backup event trigger is defined, and the computer is monitored for the occurrence of the backup event trigger. If the trigger occurs, a balancing heuristic is applied, to determine whether to initiate the backup process.

Abstract: Digital video communication system and method facilitate conservation of communication bandwidth are presented. A present invention method forwards sampled chrominance data to other components in the system. Pixel chrominance values are sampled in accordance with the sampling scheme. The sampled chrominance values (e.g., 422, 420, 411, etc.) are forwarded to another component. For example, a graphics processing unit performs sampling operations and forwards the chrominance sampled information to another component (e.g., a board, a display, etc.). The graphics processing unit can also perform color space conversion before forwarding the chrominance sampled information to the other component. The other component performs up-sampling. For example, a display can perform the up-sampling to generate synthesized full RGB values. The sampled chrominance data can be further compressed (e.g., MPEG, WMV, etc.) before forwarding the sampled chrominance data and before performing the up-sampling.

Abstract: Audio feedback time shifted filtering systems and methods are presented. The systems and methods facilitate separation of program audio feedback from received environmental audio (e.g., audio sensed by a microphone.) The separation of the program audio feedback reduces interference from program content audio feedback on performance of voice recognition operations. In one embodiment of a personal video recorder audio filter method, environmental audio patterns are received, an audio feedback time shift filter process is executed for separating out program content from the environmental audio patterns, and voice recognition is performed on the filtered environment audio patterns (without interference from program audio content feedback). The time shift or deterministic delay provides a closer correlation between program audio content and program audio content feedback received at the microphone and permits input timing compensation to compensate for feedback loop delays.

Abstract: A digital video display response time compensation system and method are presented. A digital video display response time compensation system and method are utilized to direct adjustments in a display presentation. A test pattern response time compensation value determination process for establishing appropriate adjustment levels for a display is performed. A test pattern is displayed; user input on compensation to the test pattern display is received; pixel value calibration settings are determined based upon the user input; and the test pattern display appearance is altered based upon the pixel value calibration settings. After the appropriate pixel illumination adjustment values are establish a pixel value is received. The pixel value is adjusted in accordance with the response time compensation value and a response time compensated pixel value is output.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a computer-controlled method for safely operating a vehicle based electronic system. The method includes receiving a first signal from a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is for identifying the presence of a passenger located in a passenger seat of the vehicle. This may be the configuration of a seat belt associated with the passenger seat. The method further includes receiving a second signal from a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is for determining a weight of the passenger in the passenger seat. Provided the passenger is located in the passenger seat and the weight of the passenger in the passenger seat is above or equal to a threshold value, the method further includes allowing programming functionality of the electronic system while the vehicle is in motion. In one embodiment, the electronic system is a vehicle based navigation system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a computer-controlled method of determining the risk of results of a search engine query before presentation to a client. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises accessing the results of the search engine query at a server side and scanning the results for software developed to harm a computer system, e.g., virus software, malware, etc. The method further includes determining a risk ranking associated with accessing one or more of the results and returning the results and the associated risk to a client, e.g., in a web page result display. Results exceeding a client specified threshold may be eliminated from the results display.

Abstract: Methods and systems of initiating a data backup process on a computer system are described. One method calls for the data to be backed up to be identified. The computer system is monitored for the occurrence of a backup trigger event. If the trigger occurs, a data backup process is initiated.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for communicating data over a network. In some embodiments relating to data transmission, data is divided into a plurality of portions, such that the portions may be transmitted utilizing a plurality of different types of data connections. In other embodiments relating to data receipt, a plurality of portions of data is received utilizing a plurality of different types of data connections, after which the portions may be reassembled.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for adjusting at least one aspect of a programmable graphics and/or audio processor. In use, at least one input parameter and at least one output parameter of a programmable graphics and/or audio processor are identified. Thereafter, at least one aspect of the programmable graphics and/or audio processor may thus be dynamically adjusted. Such adjustment is performed as a function of both the at least one input parameter and the at least one output parameter.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for processing digital audio/video signals are described. In one embodiment, a decoder is configured to process an input signal having an analog television format. The decoder includes a signal detector, and the signal detector is configured to determine whether the input signal incorporates a digital television signal. The decoder also includes a signal extractor connected to the signal detector, and the signal extractor is configured to extract the digital television signal from the input signal based on determining that the input signal incorporates the digital television signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing an audio/video program is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a preferences module configured to coordinate the specification of a presentation setting with a portion of the audio/video program. The apparatus also includes a presentation module coupled to the preferences module. The presentation module is configured to selectively apply the presentation setting to the portion of the audio/video program during subsequent playback of the audio/video program.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dynamically selecting one or more modules of a graphics processor for processing content to support communication of the content over a wireless network link for subsequent display of the content utilizing a display.

Abstract: A system and method are provided including a first graphic processor in communication with a content source. In operation, the first graphics processor is adapted for processing content from the content source. Further included is a second graphics processor in communication with the first graphics processor utilizing a network. The second graphics processor is adapted for further processing the content for display purposes.

Abstract: A method and system for time-shifting video. Specifically, in the method a digital input video signal is received at a processor unit, such as a video processor unit (VPU). A live feed of the digital input video signal is provided as a digital output video signal for display. In parallel, the digital input video signal is stored as video frames. Also, the digital input video signal is recorded for time-shifting. An instruction is received to display a previously seen frame of the digital output video signal. The previously seen frame is repeatedly accessed and provided from that the stored video frames. The previously seen frame that was recorded is accessed when available. Thereafter, the method switches from the previously seen frame stored as video frames to the previously seen frame that was recorded for providing as an output for display.

Abstract: A system, method, and user interface for displaying electronic program guide (EPG) and personal video recorder (PVR) information as navigable three-dimensional images is described. In one embodiment, a three dimensional image is formed in which EPG data is presented on one surface of a three dimensional image and PVR data is presented on at least one other surface of the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for providing positional audio cues for an vehicle warning system. In one embodiment, a sensor disposed in a vehicle detects a warning event and generates a corresponding signal. In response to receiving the signal, a controller uses a positional audio algorithm to generate an audible warning via an audio system associated with the vehicle. The audible warning uniquely identifies the warning event and provides a location cue indicating the location of the warning event. In embodiments of the present invention, a sensor coupled with the controller may detect the proximity of and external object with reference to the vehicle and generate a corresponding signal. In embodiments of the present invention, the audible warnings may comprise steering cues indicating a desired direction, or a wrong direction, to a destination in response to input from a vehicle navigation system.

Abstract: Media center icons are used to navigate a media center. The media center icons may include media device icons, a remote control icon, and media player icons. The media center icons may be used during a setup process, to select between media devices, and to navigate between media devices and media content.

Abstract: A digital video recorder is described. In one embodiment, the digital video recorder includes an event detector configured to define a target region included in a set of video frames. The event detector is configured to detect movement of an object represented in the target region based on a motion vector associated with the object. The digital video recorder also includes an event recorder coupled to the event detector. The event recorder is configured to coordinate storage of at least a portion of the set of video frames in response to the detected movement. The digital video recorder further includes an event notifier coupled to the event detector. The event notifier is configured to generate an event notification in response to the detected movement.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for processing digital audio/video signals are described. In one embodiment, a decoder is configured to process an input signal having an analog television format. The decoder includes a signal detector, and the signal detector is configured to determine whether the input signal incorporates a digital television signal. The decoder also includes a signal extractor connected to the signal detector, and the signal extractor is configured to extract the digital television signal from the input signal based on determining that the input signal incorporates the digital television signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided including a first graphic processor in communication with a content source. In operation, the first graphics processor is adapted for processing content from the content source. Further included is a second graphics processor in communication with the first graphics processor utilizing a network. The second graphics processor is adapted for further processing the content for display purposes.