Abstract: Provided is a method and system for providing cloud based user interface (UIs) that may store video content and a UI resource in a storage separate from a server, and may control the video content and the UI resource to be synthesized at a subscriber terminal device, thereby significantly decreasing load of a UIs providing server. The method and system for providing cloud based UIs may provide consistent UIs to various set-top boxes and media devices and may easily perform a change and a test of UIs.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring media content at media content locations to identify media content items. The media content locations are identified in social network data stored by a set-top box device. The method includes receiving, at the set-top box device, a command to present image cells to a display device. The command is responsive to an alert sent from the set-top box device. The method also includes presenting the image cells at the display device. At least one of the image cells includes an image corresponding to an identified media content item.

Abstract: A method of multi-source video navigation, comprising: receiving (402) an image sequence, each image of said sequence comprising a plurality of image parts (121, 122, 123, 24, 125, 126), the image parts of said plurality comprising image data arising from synchronized images of respective video streams, each video stream arising from a corresponding source, receiving (414) a selection parameter value (video_ch) arising from a user interface, said value corresponding to one at least of said video streams, and instructing (408) the displaying of the at least one image part, from among the image parts of this plurality, corresponding to the value of the selection parameter received.

Abstract: At least one video stream that is encoded video information, and a management information file indicating attributes relating to the entire recording medium, are recorded in a recording medium. The management information file includes attribute information indicating whether the dynamic range of luminance of an initial video stream, which is played first out of the at least one video stream when the recording medium is inserted into a playback device, is a first dynamic range, or a second dynamic range that is broader than the first dynamic range.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for providing cloud based user interface (UIs) that may store video content and a UI resource in a storage separate from a server, and may control the video content and the UI resource to be synthesized at a subscriber terminal device, thereby significantly decreasing load of a UIs providing server. The method and system for providing cloud based UIs may provide consistent UIs to various set-top boxes and media devices and may easily perform a change and a test of UIs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for maintaining various application installed in an image display device, and more particularly, to a method for operating an image display device, the method allowing a user to more conveniently select and execute applications in configuring selection menus of the applications, and to an image display device using the method. The method comprises: searching for applications which can be used on an image display device; displaying a first application list including selected menu items of the selected applications; and displaying one or more application key screens from among the applications which are included in the first application list. Accordingly, the user of the image display device can be provided, from the image display device, with application menus, which include menu items for running the applications that can be used on the image display device.

Abstract: A system for providing a user with advertising content is provided. The system includes a presence server, an advertising distribution server, and a profiling and targeting component that interact to provide one or more advertisement objects to a user of a computing device based on presence data generated by the user. The presence server receives presence notification messages from the user's computing device and transmits the presence data to the profiling and targeting component. The profiling and targeting component in turn defines an advertising package that directs the transmittal of advertisement objects from the advertising distribution server to the user's computing device. The profiling and targeting component may also create a user profile based on the presence data for defining the advertising package and may further determine a trend of the user based on historical presence data. A method, apparatus, and computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: Described are a method and device for multi-source control of an intelligent miniature projector. With the method, connection of intelligent miniature projector equipment with multiple UEs is established; after a projection request sent by a first UE is received, when it is detected that played content of a second UE is being projected, a switching confirmation prompt is sent to the second UE; and after the second UE's consent for switching is received, the current projection process is stopped, a response to the projection request of the first UE is made, and played content of the first UE is projected.

Abstract: Embodiments are configured in part to pair or associate a portable or personal computing device with a set-top box (STB) to enable use of the paired device with an associated STB. Processing of a displayed visual code can be used to establish a pairing relationship and allow a paired STB to process navigation, control, and/or other commands from a paired device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to video provided over one or more networks. Methods and systems for providing, playing, and/or editing video having multiple tracks of timed text are provided in different embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A secure remote actuation system may comprise a central signal switch and a remote input receptor. The central signal switch may comprise one or more acceptable inputs. The remote input receptor may comprise a user interface for receiving one or more user inputs from a user. The remote input receptor may further comprise a microcontroller for obtaining and comparing the acceptable inputs to the user inputs. In the present invention, the microcontroller obtains the one or more acceptable inputs from the central signal switch after the user begins to use the user interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for digital library channel creation. The disclosed methods and systems utilize a user's digital media library to create and/or simulate one or more broadcast channels for viewing by the user. Channels may be created randomly or according to particular preferences set by the user. In a further aspect, the disclosed methods and systems allow users to broadcast or share their channels with other users.

Abstract: A method for providing an interface for a television device is provided, including the following method operations: identifying available services for consumption on a television device, wherein the available services include two or more of a broadcast television service, an on-demand video service, and an internet content service; determining a current date and time; determining content items available for consumption from each of the available services at the current date and time; determining an allocation of display locations in a cross-platform interface for content items from each of the available services, the allocation defining a relative amount of display locations for each of the available services based on a device profile associated with the television device; assigning content items to the display locations in accordance with the determined allocation.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus, an external apparatus, and a method of controlling a power supply to the external apparatus are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly connect to an external apparatus, a processor configured to control the transceiver to transmit a control packet for turning off the external apparatus to the external apparatus in response to an input corresponding to a power off command of the electronic apparatus being received. The control packet may be generated according to a profile of a short range communication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sharing a media content displayed in a window of the touch input interface of a first electronic device with at least one second electronic device. The first electronic device includes a processor controlling the touch input interface. The method is carried out by the processor and includes the acts of enabling displacement of the window in response to capturing a first touch input indicative of an initiation of a transfer, capturing a continuous touch input across the interface from an initial position in the window, displacing the window with each additional touch input of the continuous touch input, sending an activation message that the media content is to be played on the second device when determining that the window is within a given distance of a virtual representation of the second electronic device on the interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for a software defined network (SDN) controller in a cable television system that virtualizes network elements in the cable television system to provide content delivery and data services through the virtualized network elements. In one embodiment, the SDN controller is operable in a cloud computing environment to balance data traffic through the virtualized network elements. For example, the SDN controller may process a request for content from a user equipment (UE), determine a bandwidth capability of the UE, determine that bandwidth of the requested content exceeds the bandwidth capability of the UE, analyze the bandwidth capacity of the network elements, generate a virtual channel through the network elements based on the bandwidth capacity of the network elements, and to deliver the content to the UE through the virtualized channel.

Abstract: A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide is implemented on user television equipment such as a set-top box. The program guide provides an operator showcase in the form of one or more operator showcase television listings screens, each of which contains a set of television listings information. The sets of television listings information are generated by querying a database of television listings data in a database in the set-top box. Each database query is based on content criteria previously selected by the cable system operator or other service provider. The service provider is also able to define the format with which the television listings information is displayed in the television listings screens. A title and logos may also be selected by the service provider for each screen. The operator showcase television listings screens may therefore by customized and branded by the service provider.

Abstract: A system is provided for the provision of DVR playlists. DVR playlists allow for consumers to manage the availability, arrangement, and type of content to be provided from a DVR such that content items are intelligently added, arranged, played back, and deleted via the DVR playlist. Aspects of the system allow playlists to be created by the system, by the consumer, and in co-operation between the system and the consumer. Content items may also be provisioned, such that a DVR playlist limits playback, while still providing variety and consumer choice. Aspects of the system allow for various seed attributes to affect which content items are automatically chosen to comprise the DVR playlist. Content items may be shared amongst user accounts under a subscriber account so that space on a DVR is more efficiently provisioned.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for controlling a virtual object. The virtual object is controlled by detecting a hand motion of a user and generating an event corresponding to the hand motion. Accordingly, the user may control the virtual object displayed on a 3-dimensional graphic user interface (3D GUI) more intuitively and efficiently.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to streaming of media content. In one example embodiment, an electronic device for playing video content may comprise a user interface, a processor and a memory. The memory may comprise computer program code, which, when run in the processor causes the electronic device to receive a first request to play first video content associated with a first video stream at the user interface, and in response to receiving the first request, pre-buffer data related to the first video stream; while pre-buffering this data and before playing the first video content at the user interface; display (at the user interface) a still image corresponding to a portion of the first video content in a first video tile at a first size; and re-size the first size to a second size such that a zooming-out effect of the displayed still image is provided.

Abstract: Closed caption data for video programs, such as television programs, may be used to implement a video search. In one implementation, a device may perform a search to obtain video programs that are relevant to the search. The search may be performed using an index generated from closed caption data of video programs. The device may additionally present the video programs that are relevant to the search as a matrix of reduced-in-size images sampled from the video programs that are relevant to the search query. The images may be sampled from the video programs near a position in the video programs corresponding to the positions at which the search query is relevant to the video program.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a medical software tools platform that utilizes a surgical display to provide access to medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist those in the operating room, such as a surgeon and their surgical team, with a surgery. For various embodiments, the medical software tools platform and its associated medical software tools are presented on a surgical display (e.g., being utilized in an operating room) over an image stream provided by a surgical camera (e.g., in use in the operating room). Various medical software tools can provide features and functions that can facilitate integration of equipment in an operating room or add medical context awareness to anatomic structures presented in the image stream from the surgical camera.

Abstract: An audio system includes an enclosure, a speaker disposed in the enclosure, an audio source for providing an audio signal, and a controller. The controller is connected to the speaker and configured to drive the speaker according to the audio signal. The audio system further includes a wireless personal area network interface connected to the controller. The wireless personal area network interface can communicate with a wireless mobile device to effect settings changes for the audio system and to perform calibration for the audio system. Calibration can include near and far measurements using the microphone of the wireless mobile device.

Abstract: A method for providing Graphical User Interface (GUI) for selecting a broadcast channel, and a broadcast receiving apparatus having the same are provided. The GUI for selecting a broadcast channel includes a keypad having a pointer to be moved by manipulation of a user on a remote control apparatus and keys selectable by the pointer, and then the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel by using the keypad and the pointer. Accordingly, the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel without using the number keys, so the number keys may be omitted in the remote control apparatus. As a result, miniaturization of the remote control apparatus is possible.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes identifying a computer-based portable program module, automatically altering code in the portable program module to permit display of the module on a television-based display so that the displayed module has a substantially similar appearance on the television-based display as on a computer display, and providing the altered code for execution on a processor connected to a television-based display.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of transmitting and receiving a broadcast signal and an apparatus for receiving the broadcast signal. In the present invention, first program table information describing a broadcasting stream, and second program table information including additional service identifier information of the multiplexed stream and third program table information describing the additional service data for the multiplexed stream are obtained. The additional service can be provided with the additional service data by using the third program table information.

Abstract: A method for providing Graphical User Interface (GUI) for selecting a broadcast channel, and a broadcast receiving apparatus having the same are provided. The GUI for selecting a broadcast channel includes a keypad having a pointer to be moved by manipulation of a user on a remote control apparatus and keys selectable by the pointer, and then the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel by using the keypad and the pointer. Accordingly, the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel without using the number keys, so the number keys may be omitted in the remote control apparatus. As a result, miniaturization of the remote control apparatus is possible.

Abstract: A system for dynamically playing information using conventional feeds and ad-hoc feeds to produce “playable” content includes a device that executes a player engine, the player engine collecting, combining and sequencing items to play based on selection criteria and device context, of text, image, video content by parsing selective tags, patterns, text, identifiers and resource types of interest on resources such as web pages to produce playable content, storing the playable contents results from parsing in a queue of playable feed items, selecting items from the queue to produce an ad-hoc feed and playing the ad-hoc feed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method and system for a companion device to share an application context and authorization context with a consumer premises equipment (CPE) device is described.

Abstract: A music service remote from a local device user identifies matching video and music content. An identification of a piece of media content that is part of a collection or playlist, is received by the service, the selected piece of media content being included in a unified catalog of video and music content that is accessible by the music service. If the selected piece of media content has a matching member in the unified catalog, the matching member replaces the selected piece of media content during playback of the collection on the local device. The service analyzes a collection of media content associated with the user, the content collection being either i) stored locally on the local device, or ii) stored remotely from the local device in a store that is accessible by the music service, or iii) stored using a combination of local and remote storage.

Abstract: Method and systems are provided for displaying playback zone representations in a controller interface for a media playback system. A representation of a first playback zone in the media playback system may be displayed according to a collapsed format, and a representation of a second playback zone in the media playback system may be displayed in a position directly below the representation of the first playback zone. Upon determining that the first playback zone is associated with media content, an updated representation of the first playback zone may be displayed according to an expanded format that is larger than the collapsed format. The representation of the second playback zone may then be displayed in a position directly below the updated representation of the first playback zone.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of transmitting and receiving a broadcast signal and an apparatus for receiving the broadcast signal. In the present invention, first program table information describing a broadcasting stream, and second program table information including additional service identifier information of the multiplexed stream and third program table information describing the additional service data for the multiplexed stream are obtained. The additional service can be provided with the additional service data by using the third program table information.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments to facilitate interactive experiences. Interactive content includes video content that is streamed to a client device, such as a set-top box. Complementary content is transmitted to a controller device, such as a tablet computing system and/or smartphone. Input obtained from the controller device can affect an update to the video content and/or complementary content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tagging a media asset are provided. A plurality of communications is received from a plurality of users. Each of the plurality of communications includes words spoken by a respective one of the users while accessing the media asset and is associated with a media asset play position during which the respective words were spoken. A subset of the plurality of communications is selected for which the associated media asset play position is within a range of play positions, the range of play positions being shorter than the duration of the media asset. A word that a threshold number of the selected communications have in common is identified. The word is cross-referenced with an attribute database to retrieve an attribute associated with the word. The retrieved attribute is assigned to the media asset within the range of play positions.

Abstract: An Intelligent TV having a silo manager, a panel manager and a panel controller. The various managers and controllers managing a global panel and an application panel. The global panel includes various types of information and the various types of input and content available. The global panel includes various information including, for example, Live TV information, on demand information, media center information, application information, HDMI 1 information, HDMI 2 information, HDMI 3 information, component 1 information, component 2 information, AV 1 information, AV 2 information, VGA information, as well as an option to hide undetected inputs. The application panel is dynamic and can optionally change based on one or more of context and content of the underlying application being viewed. The application panel can include various subcategories of information, with the number and type of the subcategories also capable of being dynamic based on the underlying context or content.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that can include iconization and later play of video content items, such as advertisements. During presentation of an online video, video advertisements may be presented. Upon user selection, during or after presentation of a particular video advertisement, the advertisement may cease to be presented, but an icon may be displayed that represents the video advertisement. The icon may be displayed in an area adjacent to the online video display area, which area may include multiple icons. Later, upon user selection of the icon, the video advertisement may be played, or may continue playing, utilizing local storage of the video advertisement. This, in turn, may provide, for example, efficient, convenient user access to the video advertisement, leading to enhanced advertisement performance with minimal intrusive impact on the user experience as a whole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to determination of physical connectivity status of devices based on electrical measurement. An embodiment of a method includes discovering a connection of a first device with a second device, and performing an electrical measurement of the second device by the first device via the connection between the first device and the second device, where performing the electrical measurement includes sensing by the first device of an element of the second device. The method further includes, if the sensing by the first device fails to detect the element of the second device and a predetermined condition for the electrical measurement is enabled, then determining by the first device that the connection with the second device has been lost.

Abstract: A method for operating an image display apparatus is discussed. The method according to an embodiment includes storing a Web site list including a plurality of Web sites and login information for the Web sites, connecting to servers of at least two of the stored Web sites using the stored login information, and displaying a list of the connected Web sites or Web pages of the connected Web sites on at least a part of a display.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating recording of media content events by media devices on remote storage devices are described. Some embodiments provide a remote storage manager as part of a media device, such as a set-top box. In one embodiment, the remote storage manager causes a media content event to be recorded on a remote persistent storage device by receiving the media content event from a program distributor, and then transmitting the media content event to the remote persistent storage device. In another embodiment, the remote storage manager instructs the remote persistent storage device to obtain the media content event from the program distributor, so that the remote persistent storage device can record the media content event without the media content event first being received by the remote storage manager.

Abstract: A decoding apparatus includes at least one data input terminal receiving a program transport stream from an external set-top box. A decoder decodes the program transport stream and a data output terminal outputs the decoded content to an external device. The program transport stream is the same transport stream received by the external set-top box from a service provider.

Abstract: Device association data for peripheral devices, which is data used to connect to the peripheral devices, is maintained and synchronized across multiple computing devices associated with a user account on a service. When a new peripheral device is associated with a computing device, device association data for the new peripheral device is added to the computing device. The device association data for the new peripheral device is also sent to the service, which provides the device association to the other computing devices from which the user logs into his or her account, and those other computing devices in turn automatically associate themselves with the peripheral device. Device use data describing how a user desires to use the peripheral device on one computing device, as well as changes to the device association data on one computing device, can similarly be synchronized across the multiple computing devices.

Abstract: Examples described include transport stream multiplexers that may not need to search for an appropriate source to use to generate a transport stream packet. Instead, the source to use may be indicated by a position (e.g. an entry) in a memory table, e.g. a metadata array. Methods for placing transport stream packets on a transport stream and initializing the metadata array are also described.

Abstract: Presented herein is a method of extending a recording in a media content receiver of a media event that is delayed. In the method, a recording of media content is begun at an expected start time for the media event based on a recording timer, wherein the recording timer indicates the expected start time and an expected end time for the media event. After beginning the recording, the media content being recorded is analyzed to determine an actual start time for the media event. The actual start time is then compared with the expected start time. If the difference between the actual start time and the expected start time exceeds some predetermined value, the expected end time is adjusted to extend the recording. The recording is then ended at the adjusted end time.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods that facilitate employing bandwidth factors to determine, infer, or predict a client device buffer wait time or a client device buffer ratio associated with a video playback on a client device to select an advertisement format for the video and select an advertisement to accompany the video based upon the format.

Abstract: An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for navigating processes associated with providing content. The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of media content, electronic programming guide information, television content, and other content. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the content.

Abstract: A host includes a plurality of Digital Visual Interface (DVI) ports. A controller is configured to receive a single DVI diagnostic request from a source external to the host. The controller is further configured to collect DVI status information associated with each of the plurality of DVI ports in response to the single DVI diagnostic request, and initiate a signal to a display to display the DVI status information associated with the plurality of DVI ports.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing a media file for an augmented reality service are provided. The method includes analyzing at least one media file including a marker track and a virtual object track to be used for providing the augmented reality service; generating image data needed for reproducing an image by extracting video data and/or audio data included in the media file; generating virtual object data for displaying a virtual object by extracting virtual object information included in the media file; and synthesizing the image data and the virtual object data based on the marker track to structure a final image and reproducing the final image on a screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a depth image. A depth image may be generated with reduced noise and motion blur, using depth images generated during different integration times that are generated based on the noise and motion blur of the depth image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for minimizing cable and off-air signal detection on separate cable and off-air input jacks in a set-top terminal with two or more tuners. The systems and methods employ logic to progress through different scan configurations with different input jack/signal detection assignments to minimize signal detection delay. Tuners are pooled for a given input jack/signal assignment, scanned frequencies are queued and carried to the next scan configuration, and user input is employed, whenever possible. The systems and methods are of particular value for retail applications, where users may install cable, off-air, or both sources incorrectly to their set-top terminal's cable and off-air input jacks.

Abstract: A monitor control system capable of reprogramming the function of a LCD monitor. The monitor control system utilizes VGA signal lines for video signal transmission during normal mode of operation and the same VGA signal lines for transmitting erase/record commands and data when the erasable programmable ROM inside the monitor demands reprogramming. Using an isolator circuit in the monitor control system for isolating an erase/record pathway of an erasable programmable ROM from a normal video pathway, data within the erasable programmable ROM can be modified without opening up the monitor casing. Hence, the modification of monitor function is much more convenient.