Abstract: A system which includes a programmable multimedia controller is provided in which flexible user access is provided through a combination of user profiles and usernames/pas swords. A configuration for a given device which may form part of the system or may interoperate with the system may be shared by multiple similar devices. A sharable device configuration is stored by a master device and can be shared by other devices of the same type as the master device.

Abstract: A programmable multimedia controller which may be programmed to provide advanced, diverse telephony services including video phone calls, audio and videoconferencing, voicemail, text messaging and answering machine functions among others. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a touchscreen which is interfaced with the multimedia controller may be used as a virtual telephone, intercom or other communication or control device. By displaying a simulated telephone keypad, intercom controls or other appropriate controls on the touchscreen, a user may access both basic and advanced features and functions in a way that is intuitive and familiar. In an alternative embodiment, a simple remote control may be used with a television to enable user access to the same advanced telephony services as with the touchscreen.

Abstract: In one embodiment, graphics from a general-purpose computer are mixed with video images from a video source. A first interface receives the graphics, the graphics including a plurality of graphics frames, at least some graphics frames including one or more regions having pixels set to one or more predetermined color values. A second interface receives video images from the video source, each video image corresponding to one of the plurality of graphics frames. A video mixer includes logic configured to recognize pixels in the at least some graphics frames that are set to the one or more predetermined color values, and in the one or more regions where the pixels are set to the one or more predetermined color values to mix pixels from the corresponding video image with the graphics frame, to create a plurality of mixed images. One or more output interfaces outputs the mixed images.

Abstract: A web browser-equipped device, such as a personal digital assistant, tablet, notebook or other computer, wireless telephone handset or other device, to function as a remote control unit for a programmable multimedia controller. Web pages served by the multimedia controller to the web browser-equipped device present a user interface which may include programmable background motifs, colors and indicators. The user interface also typically includes one or more user-operable buttons whose functionalities are programmable. A method is provided for automatically converting a user interface device configuration for the multimedia controller into web pages suitable for a browser-equipped device.

Abstract: An audio system includes a general-purpose computer in the audio signal path to provide, or to enhance, pre-amplification functions. In one embodiment, in response to audio signals from a pre-amplifier, a programmable multimedia controller including the general-purpose computer generates control commands and passes these control commands via a signal path back to the pre-amplifier. In a second embodiment, rather than control a separate pre-amplifier, the programmable multimedia controller itself implements the pre-amplification functions. In yet another embodiment, a power amplifier includes the general-purpose computer and pre-amplification functions are implemented there. Also, a display screen shows a virtual control panel that is used to control the pre-amplification of audio signals. The virtual control panel provides a graphical user interface that simulates, replicates, or replaces with an alternate arrangement, the physical controls and readouts found on the control panel of a physical device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multimedia resource is shared among a plurality of devices based upon a physical location of an active wireless endpoint unit within a structure. Devices are associated with corresponding zones within the structure. Each device provides functionality within the device's corresponding zone. Using one of a number of techniques, the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit is determined to be within a particular zone. In response, one or more devices associated with the particular zone are provided with access to the multimedia control resources. Access is withheld to one or more other devices associated with another zone that is remote from the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit.

Abstract: A remote control unit is provided that includes an annular touch sensor for manipulating an annular menuing system displayed on a display device. In response to a user gesturing by scrolling clockwise or counter-clockwise about the annular touch sensor, pressing firmly on the annular touch sensor, or tapping at a particular location on the annular touch sensor, the annular menuing system is manipulated to select particular items. The remote control unit is further configured to implement location-awareness features. Control is adapted to the location of the remote control unit and to the devices located nearby to this location. Similarly the remote control unit is further configured to implement user-awareness features, such that the control is adapted for the individual preferences of different users.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-wall dock for a tablet computer includes a rotatable receiving tray to which a tablet computer is secured. A housing of the in-wall dock is at least partially disposed within a wall cavity of a wall. The receiving tray is rotatably mounted to the housing. The receiving tray is configured to rotate from a first orientation disposed at an acute angle to a front face of the housing to permit engagement of the tablet computer with the receiving tray, to a second orientation that is substantially parallel to the front face of the housing and that prevents removal of the tablet computer from the receiving tray. A lock down mechanism retains the receiving tray in the second orientation. A removable bezel covers at least a portion of a front face of the housing and a front face of the tablet computer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a technique for controlling one or more devices within a physical room of a structure is provided. One or more devices in the structure are coupled, either directly or indirectly, to a programmable multimedia controller configured to issue control commands which, when implemented, change the state of the devices. A virtual room-based user interface is displayed on a display screen. The virtual room-based user interface may include one or more virtual rooms, each virtual room including a substantially photo-realistic depiction of a portion of the structure, including substantially photo-realistic depictions of one or more devices located within the portion of the structure. In response to the selection of a particular substantially photo-realistic visual depiction, the programmable multimedia controller may issue control commands which, when implemented, change the state of a particular device. The appearance of the particular virtual room may be updated to reflect the changed state.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multimedia resource is shared among a plurality of devices based upon a physical location of an active wireless endpoint unit within a structure. Devices are associated with corresponding zones within the structure. Each device provides functionality within the device's corresponding zone. Using one of a number of techniques, the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit is determined to be within a particular zone. In response, one or more devices associated with the particular zone are provided with access to the multimedia control resources. Access is withheld to one or more other devices associated with another zone that is remote from the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multimedia control and distribution architecture is provided. A media server/controller generates a plurality of graphics signals, each graphics signal including a separate user interface to be displayed on a particular device, such as a touch screen unit. A universal extender (UVX) coupled to the media server/controller converts and extends the graphics signals for transmission on a plurality of universal transmission pathways. Each of the plurality of devices receives a graphic signal passed thereto, displays graphics embodied in the graphics signals, and accept user input in response to the graphics signal. For example, the one or more touch screen units may accept a user touch and pass a location of the user touch back on a universal transmission pathway to the UVX, for transmission to the media server/controller. The media server/controller generates control commands and provides the control commands.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multimedia resource is shared among a plurality of devices based upon a physical location of an active wireless endpoint unit within a structure. Devices are associated with corresponding zones within the structure. Each device provides functionality within the device's corresponding zone. Using one of a number of techniques, the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit is determined to be within a particular zone. In response, one or more devices associated with the particular zone are provided with access to the multimedia control resources. Access is withheld to one or more other devices associated with another zone that is remote from the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit.

Abstract: Both an on screen display and a physical programmable remote control have buttons whose functionality may be dynamically reassigned in accordance with a user's navigation through menu levels, states or across different services. The physical programmable remote control, in conjunction with a TV or other video display, provides an intuitive, heads up experience for the user and eliminates the need for multiple physical remote controls. User profiles and zones may be used to customize a user's remote control functionality based on preferences, access controls, location and the like.

Abstract: In one embodiment, multiple touch screen devices are driven from a graphics signal. A general-purpose computer provides a graphics signal of a particular display resolution. A display segmentor is configured to divide each graphics frame of the graphics signal into a plurality of pixel groups, each pixel group associated with a particular touch screen device of the plurality of touch screen devices. The display segmentor is further configured to generate an individual graphics signal from each pixel group, each individual graphics signal having a display resolution that is lower than the particular display resolution. One or more interfaces transmit each individual graphics signal to a different touch screen device of the plurality of touch screen devices.

Abstract: A docking station adapted to receive a touch-sensitive portable control device for communication with a programmable multimedia controller is provided. The docking station has a dedicated, wired redundant communication path coupling the docking station to the programmable multimedia controller for providing effective communication in the absence of wireless or unreliable wireless communications. The docking station is configured to receive signals from the portable control device and to bi-directionally transmit signals to and from said programmable multimedia controller. The portable control device has both wireless and wired compatibility, which includes a touch sensitive user interface configured with configuration information for allowing a user to make selections and enter settings regarding components interfaced with the programmable multimedia controller. The docking station converts the user entered signals into IP messages suitable for transfer over the dedicated, wired redundant communication path.