Abstract: A user interface for visual browsing of content that is optimal for disabled or impaired people is built around a limited set of actions, e.g., SELECT and BACK, or just SELECT. The rest of the useful information is gathered by the act of pointing. The result is a visual browsing capability that allows impaired people much easier access to content and functionality.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing a handheld device, e.g., a free space pointing device, which uses at least one sensor to detect motion of the handheld device. The detected motion can then be mapped into a desired output, e.g., cursor movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing a handheld device, e.g., a free space pointing device, which uses hand tremor as an input. One or more sensors within the handheld device detect a user's hand tremor and identify the user based on the detected tremor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing secure access to cable data are described. A split hardware and/or software architecture are provided to enable general computer access to safe APIs while protecting privileged APIs and operator content.

Abstract: Keyboardless text entry methods and systems are described. Various display tools are used in conjunction with, for example, pointing, scrolling and/or clicking actions to enter text into an interface.

Abstract: a method for navigating a pointer on a graphical user interface (GUI) includes the steps of: scrolling an input device to locate the pointer corresponding to the input device on a point of interest within the GUI, depressing an actuating button associated with the input device on the point of interest, obtaining a detailed view of the point of interest while centering the point of interest on the GUI and maintaining a position of the pointer on the point of interest.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for supplying rich multimedia metadata usable to generate, e.g., sophisticated entertainment user interfaces in the home. These methods and systems can be implemented as a server-based software application that feeds multiple, diverse clients. The server functionality could be distributed, even co-located physically with one or more clients, or centralized. The server aggregates, filters, validates, augments and links metadata from disparate sources. The server transforms the metadata into a more manageable and extensible internal format. The server communicates with client devices using a schema-independent protocol, providing metadata in the appropriate format that suites the clients needs.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing a free space pointing device and methods for free space pointing which provide accurate translation of movement of the free space pointing device into user interface commands, e.g., cursor movement. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a free space pointing device includes a plurality of accelerometers.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a control framework for organizing, selecting and launching media items including graphical user interfaces coupled with an optional free space control device for collection of the basic control primitives of point, click, scroll, hover and zoom which permit for easy and rapid selection of media items, e.g., movies, songs etc., from large or small collections. The remote control maps natural hand movements and gestures into relevant commands while the graphical display uses images, zooming for increased/decreased levels of detail and continuity of GUI objects to provide easy organization, selection and navigation among the media items by a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing techniques for selecting items from a list that can be operated using, for example, a pointing device or a wheel device. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, items are arranged in a list as regions along a three dimensional helical surface. For example, each item can be allocated to a wedge-shaped region along the helical surface. The user can select items by, for example, using a pointing device to pick that item's wedge or by using a wheel device to sequence through the items on the helical surface. Alternatively, a combination of a wheel and pointing device can be used to first scroll the helical surface, and then select an individual item. A clipping plane is used to remove parts of the helical surface from view once the user scrolls past them and reveal the selections in the cycle of the helical surface immediately beneath the clipping plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide graphical user interfaces coupled with an optionally free-space control device for collection of the basic control primitives of point, click, scroll, hover and zoom which permit for easy and rapid selection of media items, e.g., movies, songs etc., from large or small collections. The remote control maps natural hand movements and gestures into relevant commands while the graphical display uses images, zooming for increased/decreased levels of detail and continuity of GUI objects to provide easy navigation among the media items by a user.