Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that enable dynamic programming and execution of an electronic communications dialog. In one aspect, a configurable messaging system is provided. The system includes a configuration file to describe interface options of a computerized dialog session, wherein the configuration file specifies interface activities and state transitions between the interface options within the configuration file. A state controller executes the interface options during communications activities with the dialog session. The configuration file can also describe prompt elements to solicit information from users or applications.

Abstract: Configuration of user interfaces is described. In an implementation, a method includes receiving a query from a device. The query is for a user interface (UI) from a client. The UI, when executed by the device, is configured to form a request for execution of a control function by the client. A processing of the request determines whether the execution by the client of the control function is permitted. The processing is performed at a head end by using client state data. The hardware and/or software capabilities of the device to execute the UI are detected. The UI is configured based on the hardware and/or software capabilities of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and apparatus for simultaneous presentation of multiple media user interfaces (UIs) based on user presentation settings. In some embodiments, a user may select presentation settings for a specific combination of at least two media UIs. The presentation settings may be stored and then retrieved and used when the specific combination of the at least two media UIs are later selected to be presented simultaneously. In some embodiments, presentation settings for a media UI comprise video and/or audio settings. Video settings may include position and size of a window presenting the media UI. Audio settings may include audio volume setting of the media UI. In some embodiments, each media UI in the combination of at least two media UIs may present a different type of media content (e.g., television content, Internet content, personal content, etc.).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a system for providing interactive content including: an input for receiving a hot key signal related to interactive content, the hot key signal indicative of an availability and a location of an alternate content; and a processor which indicates that the hot key signal has been received, and responsive to receiving an indication that the hot key is accepted, redirects a user to the alternate content, wherein the alternate content is an interactive user interface related to the interactive content.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that enable dynamic programming and execution of an electronic communications dialog. In one aspect, a configurable messaging system is provided. The system includes a configuration file to describe interface options of a computerized dialog session, wherein the configuration file specifies interface activities and state transitions between the interface options within the configuration file. A state controller executes the interface options during communications activities with the dialog session. The configuration file can also describe prompt elements to solicit information from users or applications.

Abstract: A structured voice interaction system includes logic to communicate one or more voice prompts to a caller via a voice channel, and to communicate navigation information for the structured voice interaction system to the caller via a data channel. Voice prompts communicated to the caller via the voice channel connection are coordinated with the navigation information communicated via the data channel connection. Information not referenced by the voice channel prompts, but related to or associated with actions or options referenced by the voice channel prompts, is accessed, identified, and provided over the data channel connection.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A TV-Internet Integration Box allows display of first data broadcast over a TV subscriber channel simultaneously together with second data broadcast over a digital data communications network has respective first and second inputs for receiving at a user premises the first data and the second data according to a user-profile associated with the second data. A combiner unit combines the first data and second data to form a combined video signal; and a video output coupled to the combiner unit conveys the combined video signal to a TV set in a user premises for displaying a first image corresponding to the first data and having superimposed thereon a second image corresponding to the second data. A user at the user premises may interact with the second image for redirecting to the digital data communications network and displaying a program broadcast thereby in at least a portion of the TV set.

Abstract: A method of interfacing between devices in a home network control device includes dividing a screen into at least two areas, assigning a predetermined contents service function to each of the divided screen areas, sensing the position of the screen that an external device approaches and the distance between the screen and the external device reproducing content, and performing the contents service function differently between devices for each screen area according to the position of the screen that the external device approaches and the distance between the screen and the external device.

Abstract: A method and a system of displaying a user interface to control playback and features that may be associated with a prerecorded media. A media player, such as a DVD player, a personal computer, a home media server, a high definition video player, an optical player, a hard drive based player, or a software DVD-ROM player receives streams of video from different media and displays its content. Simultaneously, and without interrupting the video playback, a user interface is overlaid on the video image. The user interface may include menu selections to control the playback of the video including scene selection, settings, and viewing rights. The user interface may include menu selections to control features associated with the video such as Documentaries, Games, Purchases, Activities, Commentaries, Outtakes, Karaoke, Trailers, Songs, Wishlists, and Events.

Abstract: A class changing apparatus includes a link unit configured to be linked with a client device to transmit and receive data. The class change apparatus also includes a storage unit configured to store apparatus information including class information of the client device. The class changing apparatus further includes a control unit coupled to the link unit and the storage unit and controlling operations of the class changing apparatus including a class changing operation, wherein the class change operation includes transmitting at least one command including a command for rebranching into the selected class to the client device through the link unit and registering class information as changed class information in the storage unit in response to detecting a class change request.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to network-based personal support systems and related methods. The systems and methods relate to providing support to a user through various types of interactions between the user and a personal support unit. The systems and methods can also relate to collecting and analyzing data relating to the interactions and further can include adjusting or modifying future interactions with the user based on the analysis of the data.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: In a method of setting a function to an operation control provided in a signal processing apparatus, a display step is carried out to display a block diagram that depicts functions of the signal processing apparatus used for processing or mixing of a plurality of input signals. Then, a selection step is carried out to select a specific function out of the functions depicted in the block diagram. Thereafter, an assignment step is carried out to assign the selected specific function to an operation control of the signal processing apparatus. Practically, an operation control display step is carried out to display a plurality of operation controls of various types provided in the signal processing apparatus for selection of one operation control, so that the assignment step assigns the selected specific function to the operation control selected from the plurality of the operation controls displayed by the operation control display step.

Abstract: A relative viewer interaction level is determined for each of a plurality of video events. An interaction ranking is associated with each of the plurality of video events based upon the relative viewer interaction level for each of the plurality of video events. A video event listing is generated, generally contemporaneously with the plurality of video events. The video event listing based upon, at least in part, the associated interaction ranking of each of the plurality of video events.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided including assets defining 3D models, including 3D icons and scenes, and animations of the 3D models. An offline optimization engine is provided to process data to be acted upon by a graphics engine of a target embedded device. A graphics engine simulator is provided to simulate, on a computer platform other than a target embedded device, select functions of a target embedded device running a graphics engine including API calls that directly calls API functions of a hardware level API of the target embedded device.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing media mixing based on user interaction may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least receiving an indication of shared content to be provided to a plurality of group members, receiving social interaction media associated with at least one of the group members, and mixing the shared content with the social interaction media to provide mixed content having audio mixing performed based at least in part on a configuration of the social interaction media relative to the shared content on a display. A corresponding method and computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: An audio conversation apparatus includes an assignment section for individually assigning units of spatial information which are different from each other, either to parties-to-talk-with each belonging to one of a plurality of predetermined groups, respectively, or to the plurality of predetermined groups, respectively; and a localization section for localizing, in accordance with the units of spatial information assigned by the assignment section, audio data transmitted from outside, and one of a reproduction section connected to the audio conversation apparatus and a reproduction section included in the audio conversation apparatus outputs an audio in accordance with the audio data having been localized by the localization section.

Abstract: A record medium is disclosed. The record medium that is readable by a computer device and on which content data that contain at least one of a video stream and an audio stream and at least one resource file that contains a reproduction control program that controls the reproduction of the content data and data used by the reproduction control program are recorded. The file name of the resource file contains information that represents a language that is normally used when the content data are reproduced and information that represents a language attribute of the resource file.

Abstract: Configurations for a cellular user interface are provided. In one embodiment, a client configuration includes a viewer and a content development kit. A content server distributes cellularized content among several client viewers. Connectors in a scheduled configuration regularly acquire updated content from data sources. An integration server interfaces between the connectors and the content server for distributing content. A monitoring agent assists with content updating upon detecting source changes. A registration server enables cell content update in client viewers through the content server. Cells in the cellularized environment include a visual proxy component and a metadata component. The visual proxy component can be configured for displaying different content at various levels of detail. The metadata component enables intelligent organization and display of content through queries, channels, and data updates.

Abstract: An integrated media user interface is described. In an implementation, a user interface is output that includes a plurality of representations of media, each of the media rendered by the mobile device through execution of a respective one of a plurality of applications. Responsive to selection of at least one of the representations, a corresponding application is located to render the media represented by the at least one said representation. The media represented by the selected representation is rendered through execution of the located application.

Abstract: Various embodiments illustrated and described herein provide one or more of systems, methods, and software operable to process multilayered documents including form fields. Some embodiments, are operable to process a new or modified background layer image to identify input fields, to match the identified fields with metadata in foreground layer data defining interactive input fields, and to modify the mappings of the input fields defined within the foreground layer of a page description language document as a function of identified input fields in the modified background layer image.

Abstract: Embodiments of a secure module recorder system and method for securing recording and storing of information is provided. The system may include at least one secure module and a docking station having at least one receptacle for holding one of the secure modules. The secure module may include a tamper-resistant case, an input port for receiving an analog signal, a recording circuit for converting the analog signal into digitally formatted data, a memory device for storing the digitally formatted data, a playback circuit for reading the digitally formatted data from the memory device and converting the digitally formatted data into an analog playback signal, and an output port for transmitting the analog playback signal. The docking station may further include a first interface for receiving the analog signal from an external device and a second interface disposed within the receptacle for interfacing with the input port of the secure module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing an instant messaging remote control service are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a control point discovers a device. The control point retrieves a device description associated with the device from the device. The device description includes a pointer to a description of a instant messaging remote control service. The control point also retrieves the instant messaging remote control service description from the device. The description of the instant messaging remote control service may define one or more actions for remotely controlling an instant messaging client that is running on the device. The description of the instant messaging remote control service may also define one or more evented state variables that model a state of the instant messaging client. The device may include an instant messaging client which can be remotely controlled using the instant messaging remote control service.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A timeline source is described. In an implementation, a method includes examining a plurality of nodes within a media timeline, where at least two of the nodes reference respective media. The media timeline is for exposure over an API. The media timeline is divided into one or more presentations. Each presentation describes rendering of the media for a particular interval of time.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A system and method for creating, playing and modifying slide shows utilizes a graphic play area for sequentially displaying slides of slide shows. The graphic play area is configured to automatically add one or more objects placed in the graphic play area when a slide is displayed in the graphic play area such that the graphic objects are appended to that slide. Thus, the system and method allows a user to easily modify a slide show by simply placing one or more graphic objects, such as text, onto a slide currently being displayed in the graphic play area.

Abstract: A telephone includes logic to enable the telephone and a structured voice interaction system to exchange navigation information and commands via a data channel connection between the telephone and the structured voice interaction system, the navigation information coordinated with voice prompts and one or more navigation commands exchanged via a voice channel connection. The telephone stores representations of one or more navigation commands provided from the telephone to the structured voice interaction system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for designating a memory region for receiving image frames from an image frame server, the image frames are from a first sequence of image frames. Each image frame in the first sequence of image frames is associated with a time position on a first timeline. A needed image frame is selected, the needed image frame associated with a second time position on a second timeline. The second time position is mapped on the second timeline to a first time position on the first timeline. The image frame server is requested to provide an image frame from the first sequence of image frames at the first time position on the first timeline.

Abstract: A method for interpreting messages, user-defined alert conditions, voice commands and performing an action in response is described. A method for annotating media content is described. A method for presenting additional content associated with media content identified based on a fingerprint is described. A method for identifying that an advertisement portion of media content is being played based on a fingerprint derived from the media content is described. A method of one media device recording particular media content automatically in response to another media device recording the particular media content is described. A method of concurrently playing media content on multiple devices is described. A method of publishing information associated with recording of media content is described. A method of deriving fingerprints by media devices that meet an idleness criteria is described. A method of loading, modifying, and displaying a high definition frame from a frame buffer is described.

Abstract: A system, method and data structure for processing basic client application data types to add thereto extension types and priority levels adapted for use by each of a plurality of set top box classes.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products describe a remote control for consumer electronics devices. The remote control has multiple transceivers simultaneously receiving multiple streams of content, and multiple displays simultaneously presenting the streams of content. The remote control includes means for switching between multiple sources for each stream of content displayed on each display. The multiple sources may include wireless content from a wireless source, cable content from a cable service provider, satellite content from a satellite service provider, broadband content from a broadband service provider, and local content from a local source. The remote control also has a communication mode when a voice over internet protocol telephone call is received. One of the transceivers terminates its stream of content and a processor mutes an audible portion of all other streams of content, and the transceiver begins receiving the communication.

Abstract: A display control apparatus for controlling display in a first display device that displays a predetermined display range of an entire supplied image is provided. The display control apparatus includes an image scaledown unit adapted to scale down a first image based on a scaledown ratio that is preset in accordance with the size of the display range relative to the entire image; and a display control unit adapted to control display of the first image that is scaled down by the image scaledown unit in the first display device.

Abstract: The invention provides a user interface control apparatus and a method thereof, which can enhance operability of a user interface by replacing a presentation of a user interface designed by a developer of an application program with a UI component that is easy to use and is customizable for each user. A client computer acquires application software program that includes an element describing a presentation of a user interface and an element describing a data model expressed in the user interface by having a communication unit access an application server through a network. A UI component search unit searches a personal UI component library for a UI component having a presentation preferred by a user, which is replaceable with an element of the data model. A UI component replace unit replaces a second element of the application software with the searched for UI component.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for updating help content. Initially, information relating to issues associated with software is gathered from a plurality of users. Such software includes a first set of help content. Next, an additional set of help content is gathered based on the information. Further, the additional set of help content is distributed to the users based on an update schedule, utilizing a network. Thus, the additional set of help content is capable of being integrated with the first set of help content and presented to the user via a single interface, utilizing the software.

Abstract: An infotainment system includes a rear entertainment system hub assembly disposed within the rear portion of the interior space of the vehicle. The rear entertainment system hub assembly includes a plurality of entertainment platforms, each adapted to receive and process a respective entertainment medium. The plurality of entertainment platforms is configured to generate at least one audio output signal and at least one video output signal. A user interface is communicatively coupled to the plurality of entertainment platforms and includes a touch-screen display unit adapted to receive user commands. The user interface selects and controls the plurality of entertainment platforms according to the user commands. A plurality of audio output speakers is communicatively coupled to the rear entertainment system hub assembly and receives the audio output signal. At least one video display unit is disposed within the rear portion of the interior space and receives the video output signal.

Abstract: Dynamically configuring an application program at run-time via one or more extension objects. The invention software implements a framework with one or more extension objects providing functionality to an application program and an application manager for integrating the functionality with the application program during execution of the application program. The framework of the invention also formulates and routes application messages between extensible objects of one application program and extensible objects of other application programs implementing a similar, dynamically extensible application program framework. On receipt of messages or notifications, the framework of the receiving application program facilitates the discovery of the intended recipient extension object and routes the message accordingly.

Abstract: An in-vehicle entertainment method includes playing through an in-vehicle audio component a received program content broadcast from a remote location; and receiving, during the playing of the received program content, a user input selecting an identifier. The selected identifier is associated with an electronic device remote from the vehicle. The method further includes transmitting, from the vehicle to the electronic device during the playing of the received program content, an alert identifying the received program content, a channel from which the received program content is playing, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A multimedia control system which may be expanded without creating or modifying source code. The system is based on a master programmable multimedia controller. The master programmable multimedia controller has a list of unique identifiers that indicate valid subordinate programmable multimedia controllers that are eligible to become part of the system. One or more subordinate programmable multimedia controllers having a matching unique identifier to a unique identifier on the master's list may be added to the system to provide additional control ports, increase audio or video processing or switching capacity. A method is provided for determining whether a particular subordinate programmable multimedia controller may be added to the system.

Abstract: The intelligent console method and apparatus of the present invention includes a powerful, intuitive, yet highly flexible means for accessing a multi-media system having multiple multi-media data types. The present intelligent console provides an interactive display of linked multi-media events based on a user's personal taste. The intelligent console includes a graph/data display that can provide several graphical representations of the events that satisfy user queries. The user can access an event simply by selecting the time of interest on the timeline of the graph/data display. Because the system links together all of the multi-media data types associated with a selected event, the intelligent console synchronizes and displays the multiple media data when a user selects the event. Complex queries can be made using the present intelligent console. The user is alerted to the events satisfying the complex queries and if the user chooses, the corresponding and associated multi-media data is displayed.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices;, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: The disclosed technology proceeds by placing an indicator on an object in a live action or pre-recorded video. The indicator may be placed on the object throughout a segment of the video manually, or with the aid of a computer-aided tracking program, sensor (e.g. satellite navigation system), or the like. The indicator is selectable. An example of such is where a user of a video receiving device uses a remote control to toggle through indicators displayed on screen and selects an indicator to receive more information on a person displayed on screen.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are provided that facilitate surveying media sources in a media entertainment system. An index component can provide an index of a set of available media sources in the media entertainment system. In addition, a selection component can displays the set of available media sources and receive selection requests for a subset of the available media sources. Further, a preview component can display a sample of media generated by the selected subset of media sources prior to active engagement thereof. Moreover, one or more aspects can be implemented in a vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: When an electronic message with a voicemail attachment is received, an audio player object and a reply by chat object are displayed simultaneously along with the electronic message. A reply to the electronic message, whether by chat or by email, is associated with the same thread as the electronic message. The electronic message with the voicemail attachment is associated with a conversation thread that may also include chat messages and email messages. In a conversation view of a respective conversation thread, representations of an electronic voicemail message (an electronic message having a voicemail attachment), one or more chat messages and one or more email messages may be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides a media editing system comprising a first input/output port for receiving media projects comprising media to be edited and project instructions from a plurality of sources of media projects. The system further comprises a selector for selecting one of said plurality of media editing subsystems for editing a corresponding selected one of said received media projects. The selection based, at least in part, upon received project instructions. A second input/output port provides received media to be edited to the selected one of a plurality of editing subsystems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for displaying the contents of a file on a display of a computer. Upon receiving an enlargement instruction for performing an enlarged display of a file, a computer detects whether an object included in the file is to be included in an enlarged display range of the file. When it is detected that the object is not to be included in the enlarged display range, the enlarged display range is automatically changed, whereby a user can understand which part of the file the enlarged display range corresponds to without performing a complicated operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates remote browsing, viewing, and manipulating any suitable number of media items from a host location. In particular, the invention involves pulling desired media items from one or more host locations to view and/or edit them on a remote interactive media display, thereby freeing up use of the host location/computer. The media items sent to the remote interactive media display via wireless or wired connection are easily edited, organized, and viewed in any suitable order, arrangement, and timed-cycle with respect to per item viewing as well as viewing of items coincident with a real time calendar. The media items can be annotated and otherwise modified from the remote display and saved to the host location. The remote interactive media frame also includes a local storage for storing media items, thereby facilitating portability of the media frame when disconnected from the host.

Abstract: A processor-based system utilized by a consumer may be controlled and managed by a service provider for the benefit of a retail vendor. The service provider may control the content that is displayed on the client system. For example, the service provider may control the initial sets of graphical user interfaces that are provided to enable the consumer to make service selections. In addition, the consumer may be asked for information that enables the system to customize subsequent information provided to the consumer. As a result, the consumer's processor-based system may be remotely managed and controlled to facilitate communications between a particular retail vendor and a consumer.