Abstract: In collection of training data for image recognition, in order to support a reduction in collection of improper images which are not suitable as training data, a learning data collection device includes a processor which is configured to acquire a captured image from an image capturing device, determine whether or not the captured image is suitable as training data, and when the captured image is determined to be not suitable as training data, perform a notification operation to prompt an image capturing person to reshoot a new image for the captured image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to enhance interactive engagement during simultaneous delivery of serial or digital content (e.g., audio, video) to a plurality of users. A machine-based awareness of the context of the content and/or one or more user reactions to the presentation of the content may be used as a basis to interrupt content delivery in order to intersperse a snippet that includes a virtual agent with an awareness of the context(s) of the content and/or the one or more user reactions. This “contextual virtual agent” (CVA) enacts actions and/or dialog based on the one or more machine-classified contexts coupled with identified interests and/or aspirations of individuals within the group of users. The CVA may also base its activities on a machine-based awareness of “future” content that has not yet been delivered to the group, but classified by natural language and/or computer vision processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for adapting a second user input device to resemble a first user input device while preserving new functionalities not available in the first user input device. The systems and methods may identify, based on identifiers of the first and second user input devices, a first and second set of device functionalities provided by the devices. The systems and methods may compare the sets of device functionalities to determine a set of common device functionalities and, in response, modify the display of an input of the second user input device to correspond to visual attributes of an input of the first user input device.

Abstract: A projection apparatus and a direct setting method of a projection image are provided. The projection apparatus includes a projection device, an input interface, and a processing device. The input interface is configured to provide a plurality of setting items. The processing device is coupled to the projection device. When the projection device projects a projection image, the processing device is configured to directly set an image format of the projection image according to a setting signal provided by the input interface in response to selection of one of the setting items. The disclosure provides a fast image format setting function for the projection image.

Abstract: A handheld controller may include controls that are actuatable by a user. The handheld controller may further include one or more sensors that are configured to detect an object in proximity to certain controls, and/or that sense a grip or position of a hand on a handle portion of the controller. Based on data from a sensor(s), certain controls may be enabled and/or disabled. The sensors may therefore be used to determine which controls are being used or are intended to be used, and/or which controls are likely accessible or inaccessible to the user based on sensor data, and to cause one or more controls of the handheld controller to be enabled and/or disabled accordingly.

Abstract: A resource management system may use information regarding the bandwidth status of a downstream communication path to determine what portion of queued content should be sent in the current available bandwidth timeslot. In some embodiments, multiple versions of the same requested content may be available, and the system may select a lower-quality version to send if needed to meet a time deadline included in the original content request.

Abstract: A display device such as a TV has an image capture device to image gestures of a hearing-impaired user. The display device operates in a navigation mode, in which non-sign gestures can be made by the user to navigate a user interface, and a sign mode, in which sign language gestures may be made by the user to enter search terms to search for content.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for utilizing acoustic sensors to detect defects via online or in situ monitoring of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Sensors may capture acoustic waves associated with AM manufacturing operations. The acoustic emissions in combination with other sensing data, such as cameras or thermometers, may be used to characterize the state of the AM process, such as to detect a defect has occurred or confirm a defect has not occurred. When defects are detected, the AM process may be stopped to prevent further processing of a defective part. When defects are predicted as likely to occur, operational parameters of the AM device or process may be adjusted to mitigate the occurrence of a defect. The techniques disclosed herein enable detection of defects that occur underneath the surface of the part being manufactured, as well as correct issues with the AM device or process before a defect occurs.

Abstract: Systems, devices and processes reduce the amount of memory or disk space needed to store encoded video content used in adaptive video streaming by eliminating certain portions of the recorded program from one or more copies of the encoded program. Content occurring before or after a scheduled start of a program, for example, can be retained in only a subset of the encoded copies so that the program content is available to be streamed, but only at certain video qualities. Commercials or other less popular portions may also be eliminated in one or more encoded copies. By eliminating the less-likely-to-be-viewed portions of the content from some (but not all) of the encoded copies, the total amount of storage space needed to store the encoded program is reduced without compromising the ability to play back all portions of the recorded program.

Abstract: A receiving device may assign a remote-control device of the receiving device to a special mode by storing an association of an identifier unique to the remote-control device with the particular special mode. The receiving device may receive a command from the remote-control device and determine that there has been a special mode assigned to the remote-control device based on the stored association of the identifier unique to the remote-control device with the particular special mode. The receiving device will then interpret the command received from the remote-control device according to how commands are to be processed in the special mode. The receiving device having the remote-control device assigned to the special mode may cause the receiving device to execute a different command or process than it would have normally performed when receiving such a command from a remote-control device that is not assigned to the special mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling virtual reality (VR) video playing and an apparatus are provided. In this method, a video server device renders a jump icon in a video image. When a user wants to perform video jump based on video content, a jump icon corresponding to a scene in which the user is interested may be selected to form an input. The video server obtains, based on the input of the user, a jump time of a jump target video corresponding to the jump icon, and plays the jump target video for the user from the jump time. The jump target video may be a video that is being played, or may be another video. According to the application, a video can be switched based on preferences of the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to reducing the secure boot time of software images and includes one or more processors and one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media coupled to the one or more processors and comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause one or more components to perform operations including identifying a software image for a first secure boot, the software image stored in a persistent storage and comprising a kickstart software package and a system software package, fetching the software image, including the kickstart software package and the system software package, from the persistent storage to a memory, verifying one or more digital signatures associated with the software image, booting the kickstart software package of the software image from the memory, and staging the system software package in the persistent storage.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: A game controller includes a case comprising a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a rear side, a left side, a left shoulder portion, a left handle portion, a right side, a right shoulder portion, a right handle portion, and a middle portion; and a plurality of touch controls comprising a first touch control disposed on said left shoulder portion, a second touch control disposed on said right shoulder portion, a third touch control disposed on said left handle portion, and a fourth touch control disposed on said right handle portion, wherein at least two of the touch controls are configured to distinguish a touch of multiple independent fingers each touch being configured to initiate a command.

Abstract: A global speech user interface (GSUI) comprises an input system to receive a user's spoken command, a feedback system along with a set of feedback overlays to give the user information on the progress of his spoken requests, a set of visual cues on the television screen to help the user understand what he can say, a help system, and a model for navigation among applications. The interface is extensible to make it easy to add new applications.

Abstract: An advanced wireless IP STB is provided with multiple built-in antennas capable of capturing plural downstream transmissions simultaneously on dedicated receivers using different modem technologies without the use of wires to the home. The proposed solution facilitates the advanced wireless IP STB being able to receive multiply sourced data traffic, including, for example, IPTV, digital TV, web TV, radio web, internet chat; written, voice and video, GPS tracking locator signals, media player web support, web based video gaming, You Tube and the like video streaming, TV surveillance, video intercom surveillance, and much more. The advanced wireless IP STB is configured to be able to establish a broadband (internet) session through previously assigned or negotiated channel assignments between one or more modems and plural remote wireless infrastructures widely deployed in a municipality, such as WIMAX, LTE, WCDMA, CDMA 1×, TDSCMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 5G or the like.

Abstract: A mobile or transportable device for radio communications include a mobile platform. The mobile platform has at least one antenna; a radio operating component coupled with the at least one antenna for receiving and/or transmitting radio signals; and a microcontroller coupled with the radio operating component, configured such that when a radio signal received by the radio operating component from one of fixed location radio communication facilities is weaker than a threshold value, the microcontroller searches radio communication parameters of a closest radio communication facility to a current location of the mobile or transportable device, and operably retunes the mobile or transportable device according to the radio communication parameters of the closest radio communication facility. According to the invention, certain functions of the mobile or transportable device may be performed remotely away from the mobile platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a speech recognition method and a terminal. The method includes: listening, by a speech wakeup apparatus, to speech information in a surrounding environment; when determining that the speech information obtained by listening matches a speech wakeup model, buffering, by the speech wakeup apparatus, speech information, of first preset duration, obtained by listening, and sending a trigger signal for triggering enabling of a speech recognition apparatus, where the trigger signal is used to instruct the speech recognition apparatus to read and recognize the speech information buffered by the speech wakeup apparatus; and recognizing first speech information buffered by the speech wakeup apparatus and the second speech information obtained by listening, to obtain a recognition result.

Abstract: A system and method for provisioning communications services. A remote device controlled by a user is linked with a provisioning system. A verbal selection of a menu associated with a library is received for performing one or more actions within the provisioning system. One or more verbal commands associated with the menu are received. A determination is made of an action within the library associated with the one or more verbal commands. The action associated with the one or more verbal commands is performed in the provisioning system to provision the communications services.

Abstract: Techniques for determining a view state for a user interface element are described. A first value for a feature key associated with the user interface element is determined in accordance with feature level criteria and a current context. The first value denotes a first view state for the user interface element. A second value for a second view state for the user interface element is determined in accordance with user interface element level criteria and the current context. A final view state for the user interface element is determined in accordance with the first view state and the second view state. The user interface element is rendered in a user interface in accordance with the final view state.

Abstract: Approaches are described for enabling a host computing device to store credentials and other security information useful for recovering the state of the host computing device in a secure store, such as a trusted platform module (TPM) on the host computing device. When recovering the host computing device in the event of a failure (e.g., power outage, network failure, etc.), the host computing device can obtain the necessary credentials from the secure store and use those credentials to boot various services, restore the state of the host and perform various other functions. In addition, the secure store (e.g., TPM) may provide boot firmware measurement and remote attestation of the host computing devices to other devices on a network, such as when the recovering host needs to communicate with the other devices on the network.

Abstract: A media guidance application is provided by which users can define rules for assigning user equipment devices as destinations for media content. For example, a user may define a rule by which selected media content having attributes that satisfy a user-defined condition are downloaded, recorded, or streamed to a particular, user-specified user equipment device. The user may define and manage rules using media guidance menus, and may restrict other users from accessing the rules (e.g., parents restricting children).

Abstract: A method includes providing, via a computing device, a graphical development environment depicting, via a user interface, a representation of one or more pages and widgets, each of the widgets including characteristics. The method also includes receiving, via the computing device, a selection in the user interface of at least two of the widgets to include in a compound widget. The method also includes, responsive to receiving a first instruction to create the compound widget, creating, by the computing device, the compound widget using the selected at least two of the widget. The compound widget includes the characteristics of each of the selected at least two of the widgets. The method also includes, responsive to receiving a second instruction to instantiate the compound widget at least once in the representation of the one or more pages, instantiating the compound widget in the representation of the one or more pages.

Abstract: Disclosed are a voice control method, device and terminal, and the method includes: after a terminal has been triggered into voice control mode, receiving input voice data and obtaining corresponding speech text according to the voice data; matching the speech text with an interface word list corresponding to a current operating interface, wherein the interface word list includes text information of the current operating interface; in response to determining that the speech text matches an interface word list successfully, obtaining in the current operating interface an operation link which corresponds to the speech text; and performing an operation corresponding to the operation link.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating a control device may include receiving identifying information about an appliance, receiving identifying information about a component of the appliance, and sending a query to a remote server including information about the appliance and the component. The remote server may provide a response including configuration information for the control device, with a command for the appliance and a command that is specific to the component. A first input of the control device may be mapped to the command for the appliance, and a second input of the control device may be mapped to the command that is specific to the component, etc. When the second input is received, a command that is specific to the component may be generated.

Abstract: A telecommunications network for a high-rise Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) is provided. In the telecommunications network eliminates much of the wiring and space required for voice, video and data services, electrical closets, security cameras, building automation, fire annunciation systems, hard-wired smoke detectors, hard-wired heat detectors, electrical meters through the use of an integrated Ethernet communication system. Additionally, a video program guide (VPG) is provided that allows a user to interact with multiple streams of video in real time. The VPG includes techniques for displaying multiple streams of data on a single screen for a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a game controller for controlling the play of computerized games, more particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to ergonomics and control systems which can be programmed and customized. A game controller can include removable and replaceable ergonomic grips to accommodate and fit users having small, medium, and large hand sizes. Further, a game controller can include a removable and replaceable gate which can be circular, octagonal, square, diamond, or other geometric shape for customizing the play of at least one joystick or thumbstick control. In addition, a game controller can include customizable paddle controls mounted on the bottom side of the handle portions of the game controller. Alternatively, a game controller can include a plurality of control keys, or touch pad controls mounted on the bottom side of the handle portions.

Abstract: One or more embodiments facilitate a user experience in which a user can conveniently switch between different applications on a mobile device for capturing and interacting with digital content. For example, a content navigation system can identify an application installed on a mobile device having content capturing functionality. In addition, the content navigation system can detect that a graphical user interface associated with the identified content capturing application is displayed via a touch screen on the mobile device. Further, based on detecting that the graphical user interface associated with the content capturing application is displayed, the content navigation system can overlay a graphical element associated with a content management application over the graphical user interface. The graphical element can facilitate convenient switching between different applications on the mobile device.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method is provided to receiving a phone number for a mobile device as part of a process of associating the phone number with a communication profile. A communication system commands a device connected to the communication system and to a mobile device to cause the mobile device to call a verification phone number assigned to the communication system. The communication system receives the phone number of the mobile device via the verification phone number. The communication system also retrieves phonebook data from the mobile device for storage and subsequent use. Receiving phone number, the phonebook data can be performed with minimal efforts on part of the user beyond connecting the mobile device to the device.

Abstract: An interactive television application with mosaic browsing is provided. Selectable cells that may be associated with entities are used to display information corresponding to the entities. Information may include brand marks such as logos or any other suitable entity identifier. A cell may be in focus or it may not be in focus. When a cell is in focus the information displayed in the cell may be different than the information displayed when the cell is not in focus. Users may navigate among cells. The cells may be grouped into regions based on, for example, their association with similar entities.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for functionally extending a capability of a write datagram for RFFE and SPMI devices are provided. A sending device sets a configuration register to indicate an operation mode of a write command and generates a command code field in the write command. A most significant bit of the command code field has a value of 1 and remaining bits of the command code field are defined based on the operation mode. The sending device further includes payload bytes in a payload field of the write command based on the operation mode and sends the write command to a receiver via a bus interface. The sending device may also set a page-address register to include a page-address to be used if page segmented access (PSA) is enabled for the write command and set the configuration register to indicate whether the PSA for the write command is enabled.

Abstract: A pillow remote controller using acoustic commands includes a pillow defining an open interior compartment configured for housing one or more pressure sensors electrically and operably coupled with an electronics enclosure. The electronics enclosure contains various electronic components including a power control and alarm circuit, an audio receive, de-code and function command circuit, a transmitter selector and interface circuit, and various transmitters for transmitting an operating function to an electronic product. The electronics are operable for receiving an acoustic command, de-coding the acoustic command, and providing a function command to the transmitter selector and interface circuit. The function command is interfaced with a particular type of transmitter and transmitted optically or wirelessly to the electronic product. One or more human presence sensors may be operably coupled with the power control and alarm circuit to provide an assurance of human presence before enabling operation.

Abstract: A system capable of generating and storing program data associated with localized content, such as over-the-air television broadcasts. The system may update a knowledge base with the program data to improve natural language understanding (NLU) processing associated with the localized content. For example, a voice enabled device may receive a voice command and the system may perform NLU processing to interpret the voice command, determine content based on the program data and send an instruction to an output device to output the content. The program data may include information about localized content such as channels detected by the output device and/or content broadcast on the channels, including information about an output device, a channel number, call sign, station name, signal strength, etc. associated with a detected channel, and/or a program name, genre, actors, directors, producers, etc. associated with content broadcast on the channel or stored in a local storage device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for processing and interpreting audible commands spoken in one or more languages. Speech recognition systems disclosed herein may be used as a stand-alone speech recognition system or comprise a portion of another content consumption system. A requesting user may provide audio input (e.g., command data) to the speech recognition system via a computing device to request an entertainment system to perform one or more operational commands. The speech recognition system may analyze the audio input across a variety of linguistic models, and may parse the audio input to identify a plurality of phrases and corresponding action classifiers. In some embodiments, the speech recognition system may utilize the action classifiers and other information to determine the one or more identified phrases that appropriately match the desired intent and operational command associated with the user's spoken command.

Abstract: A data service system in an Intelligent Television (TV) includes an internal content provider module configured to provide content to video hardware or display of the Intelligent TV or to a content provider module or application of the Intelligent TV and a subservice configured to provide the internet content provider module with requested data for a pre-defined data model. The internal content provider module is loaded on the Intelligent TV responsive to a user action or a schedule event on the Intelligent TV, and the internal content provider module organizes the received data from the subservice as the content according to a pre-defined format. The internal content provider module includes an EPG data provider, a media data provider, a media browser, a media scanner, and/or a thumbnail engine.

Abstract: A verbal request for an action to be performed in connection with a user's set-top box may be received by a Program Content Manager (PCM) from a voice-enabled input/output device such as a VoIP-enabled device or a mobile communication device. Alternatively, the user may request an action via email, text message, and the like. The PCM receiving the action request may execute, or schedule the request for later execution, depending on whether the request is for a real-time or future action. The user may also request to send an alert or a program recording request to others. Recipients may be able to request further alerts or confirm a program recording invitation if certain criteria are met.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for Internet service providers to enable enhanced user control over content delivery. In an aspect of certain embodiments, these tools can allow the customer to select, on a variety of different bases, whether content should be obtained from the Internet or from a lower-cost source, such as a metropolitan content delivery network (“CDN”) operated by the ISP or a private peering connection with a content source. Both of these options can, for example, avoid accessing content over the Internet and thus can reduce ISP delivery costs. In some embodiments, these cost reductions can be passed to the consumer in the way the ISP accounts for the content delivery.

Abstract: Unlocking digital content embodied in digital readable form on a digital media carrier includes generating a test based on text that is printed in a physical copy of the digital content, prompting a user to input text that appears on a specific page of the physical copy, evaluating whether the user entered the correct word; and if the word was correct, unlocking the digital content.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a smart LED lighting device, including an LED light-emitting unit, an LED power supply unit, a wireless unit configured to send and receive video data, a video processing and controller unit configured to transmit analyzed and processed video data to a projection unit, a projection unit configured to receive and transmit the video data to a lens unit, and a lens unit configured to project produced video data onto a screen. The present disclosure also provides a smart LED lighting system using the smart LED lighting device. The present disclosure provides lighting as well as projection functions, allowing full integration of lighting control and video projection. A wireless communication unit is used to facilitate networking so that online videos can be projected remotely. The disclosed lighting device can also act as a router to provide internet access to connected devices, enhancing user experience.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a conflict between viewing selections of two users. In some aspects, the method comprises generating for display a first media asset on a user equipment device, receiving a second request from a second user to generate for display a second media asset on the user equipment device, determining a first priority and a second priority associated with the first user and the second user, and based on determining that a first scheduled time period of the first media asset and a second scheduled time period of the first media asset overlap and the first priority is higher than the second priority, generating for display on the user equipment device an indication of a conflict between the first request and the second request.

Abstract: A method is implemented on a server system for initiating by voice display of closed captions (CC) for media content. The server system receives a voice message recorded by an electronic device, and determines that the voice message is a first CC initiation request including a user voice command to initiate closed captions and a user voice designation of a display device playing the media content for which closed captions are to be activated. The server system identifies in a device registry a cast device associated in a user domain with the electronic device and coupled to the designated display device, and sends a second CC initiation request to the cast device, thereby enabling the cast device to execute a media play application that controls the designated display device to turn on and display the closed captions of media content currently displayed on the designated display device.

Abstract: An electronic content guide may organize content such as television programs into categories and subcategories. The categories and subcategories may be topical as well as time-based. As a result, the user can select a given time-based criteria and within that time-based criteria select topical subcategories. As a result, the number of programs that may be displayed in any given graphical user interface may be reduced to a manageable level. This may be done without requiring a great deal of scrolling to view selected categories, subcategories and particular programs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus receive first control data associated with a first device, using a radio frequency transceiver and store the first control data in a memory. The method and apparatus detect selection of an operational function of the first device through an interface and use a processor to access the memory for control data corresponding to the operational function. The method and apparatus transmit the control data corresponding to the operational function to control the first device.

Abstract: An electronic content guide may organize content such as television programs into categories and subcategories. The categories and subcategories may be topical as well as time-based. As a result, the user can select a given time-based criteria and within that time-based criteria select topical subcategories. As a result, the number of programs that may be displayed in any given graphical user interface may be reduced to a manageable level. This may be done without requiring a great deal of scrolling to view selected categories, subcategories and particular programs.

Abstract: A set of comments associated with an item of media content is identified. A set of sentiment scores associated with the set of comments is generated, wherein each sentiment score indicates a type of sentiment expressed in a comment. The sentiment profile is generated responsive at least in part to the set of sentiment scores, the sentiment profile indicating the types of sentiment expressed in comments associated with the item of media content and stored in association with the item of media content.

Abstract: An interactive television application with mosaic browsing is provided. Selectable cells that may be associated with entities are used to display information corresponding to the entities. Information may include brand marks such as logos or any other suitable entity identifier. A cell may be in focus or it may not be in focus. When a cell is in focus the information displayed in the cell may be different than the information displayed when the cell is not in focus. Users may navigate among cells. The cells may be grouped into regions based on, for example, their association with similar entities.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a control server from a first terminal, first input selecting a first media device and a second media device. The first media device and the second media device are coupled to a media switch. The method includes updating control data to generate updated control data in response to the first input. The updated control data associates the first media device with a location of a facility. The location is associated with a port number of a particular controller. The method also includes sending a signal from the control server to the media switch to instruct the media switch to send a first video output of the first media device and a second video output of the second media device to the first terminal.