Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system and method for identifying and authenticating a user using one or more types of pattern information. Specifically, the present invention provides a convenient user identification and authentication method using pattern information from one or more sources including (1) an audio-input device, (2) an optical-input device and/or (3) an orientation sensing device.

Abstract: An audio video display device (AVDD) includes a display and a processor controlling the display to present an Internet-sourced program. Additionally, the processor causes the display to present a “share” selector element selectable by a user to cause a link associated with the program to automatically be sent to a friend device over a social networking site.

Abstract: A method consistent with certain implementations involves in an audio system having an array of a plurality of loudspeakers and a stored speaker map identifying the geometric relationship between the plurality of loudspeakers and a listening position, identifying a location on the speaker map of a Source Origin of a sound; selecting a method of localizing the Source Origin from a plurality of methods of localizing the Source Origin utilizing the array of loudspeakers; and reproducing the sound emanating from the Source Origin using the selected method. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method consistent with certain implementations involves switching one or more loudspeakers to behave as one or more microphones while remaining loudspeakers behave as speakers. An audible signal is generated and the outputs of the microphones are processed to identify geometric location of loudspeakers. A filter transfer function is generated for the loudspeakers to psycho-acoustically relocate one or more of the loudspeakers from the identified geometric locations when the one or more loudspeakers are used as loudspeakers. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method consistent with certain implementation involves presenting a graphical user interface (GUI) to a user on a display, where the GUI presents a visual representation of a room that is adapted to be adjusted in size and shape by user manipulation of a controller; the GUI has a drop and drag menu adapted to selection of an object from a plurality of objects for placement at any selected position within the room; at least one of the objects comprising a loudspeaker; and where the GUI provides for input of data characterizing the loudspeaker. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method consistent with certain implementations involves at a listening position, capturing a plurality of photographic images with a camera of a corresponding plurality of loudspeakers forming part of an audio system; determining from the plurality of captured images, a geometric configuration representing a positioning of the plurality of loudspeakers connected to the audio system; and outputting the geometric configuration of the plurality of loudspeakers to the audio system. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A process of accessing media resources on Android capable wireless devices running an i-jetty HTTP server from a personal Internet interface device such as the Sony Dash. Activating a servlet on the Android device to transmit an IP address to a Dash capable device and establishing a wireless communication connection from the Dash device to the Android device using the IP address. Operating a service on the Dash device that accesses multimedia resources on the Android device where the Android device dynamically generates multimedia metadata for extraction and display on the Dash device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Available features of each of a group of wireless devices accessible over one of a group of different wireless communication protocol interfaces of a first wireless bridging computing device are registered for sharing. A request for use of an available feature of a first wireless device over a first wireless communication protocol interface is received from a second wireless device over a second wireless communication protocol interface. In response to the request, use of the requested available feature of the first wireless device by the second wireless device is facilitated over the first wireless communication protocol interface and the second wireless communication protocol interface. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A Wireless Connection Utility (WCU) provides a unified user experience for managing various types of wireless connections, including Wireless WANs, Wireless LANs, and Bluetooth networks. The WCU functions as a gateway for a user of a computer to monitor the computer's wireless network status, to switch wireless connections, to configure wireless connection settings, and to diagnose wireless connection problems through a Wireless Helper Utility (WHU). The WCU thus provides a unified U/I layer on the top of the existing operating system components for ease of use.

Abstract: A TV-set is equipped with HDMI and USB connections that allow it to display and run audio-video content from a variety of conventional consumer devices. The TV-set is further equipped to provide a secure HDMI-USB interface that will allow the transfer of licensed high definition content and Internet subscriber services. Such secure HDMI-USB interface also enables a selection of proprietary application modules to be attached. Downloadable user interface templates, much like XML style sheets, are rendered to a user interface displayed on the screen. These are associated with corresponding thumbnails and URI's that allow a user to surf through lists and catalogs of materials, and then to play them in the appropriate formats and provide the machine with a customized controller. A remote commander is simplified, yet expanded to control all the attached devices through interactions with the user interface.

Abstract: A TV-set is equipped with HDMI and USB connections that allow it to display and run audio-video content from a variety of conventional consumer devices. The TV-set is further equipped to provide a secure HDMI-USB interface that will allow the transfer of licensed high definition content and Internet subscriber services. Such secure HDMI-USB interface also enables a selection of proprietary application modules to be attached. Downloadable user interface templates, much like XML style sheets, are rendered to a user interface displayed on the screen. These are associated with corresponding thumbnails and URI's that allow a user to surf through lists and catalogs of materials, and then to play them in the appropriate formats and provide the machine with a customized controller. A remote commander is simplified, yet expanded to control all the attached devices through interactions with the user interface.

Abstract: Automated wireless three-dimensional (3D) video conferencing is provided using a tunerless television device. A 3D video conference is automatically established with a wireless device capable of 3D video conferencing using a wireless communication interface of the tunerless television device. A first and a second two-dimensional (2D) video stream are received, using a camera interface module, from a first and a second video camera associated with the tunerless television device. A merged 3D video stream is created from the first 2D video stream and the second 2D video stream using a 3D video offload processing module operatively coupled to the camera interface module. The merged 3D video stream is sent to the wireless device using the wireless communication interface. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Content selected by a user of a web access television (TV) device is monitored via a profile controller associated with the web access TV device. Social network aspects of a web access TV user profile are automatically configured based upon the monitored content selected by the user. Social networking opportunities for the user are managed via the web access TV user profile. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Aggregated service and feature sharing is provided in a home network, in which users can freely enjoy not only the shared content, but also the unique features provided by each device anywhere in the network. The service sharing feature allows one device to control and use shared hardware or software functionalities provided by other devices in the network.

Abstract: A Wireless Connection Utility (WCU) provides a unified user experience for managing various types of wireless connections, including Wireless WANs, Wireless LANs, and Bluetooth networks. The WCU functions as a gateway for a user of a computer to monitor the computer's wireless network status, to switch wireless connections, to configure wireless connection settings, and to diagnose wireless connection problems through a Wireless Helper Utility (WHU). The WCU thus provides a unified U/I layer on the top of the existing operating system components for ease of use.

Abstract: Firewall ports are opened automatically and randomly by using signals received from a digital TV device such as an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) broadcast source.

Abstract: A networked TV gathers information pertaining to the quality of a wireless link over which the TV receives streamed multimedia content, and presents an indication of the quality to a user, selectively blocks content from display if the quality falls below a threshold, and/or reports poor link quality to a network server for diagnostic action by technical personnel.

Abstract: A Wireless Connection Utility (WCU) provides a unified user experience for managing various types of wireless connections, including Wireless WANs, Wireless LANs, and Bluetooth networks. The WCU functions as a gateway for a user of a computer to monitor the computer's wireless network status, to switch wireless connections, to configure wireless connection settings, and to diagnose wireless connection problems through a Wireless Helper Utility (WHU). The WCU thus provides a unified U/I layer on the top of the existing operating system components for ease of use.

Abstract: Techniques for reporting bandwidth in televisions include displaying bandwidth information for receiving one or more instances of the content and receiving a selection of a given instance of the content in response to the displayed bandwidth information. In addition, the techniques include receiving bandwidth usage history for one or more networks and displaying the bandwidth usage history.

Abstract: A TV seamlessly connects to and controls home automation equipment such as lighting, audio/video control, climate control, etc. The TV provides users with a friendly UI to control the equipment, and furthermore the TV adapts to observed user behavior to automatically establish and change settings based thereon. In addition, based on the content watched (or mode selection) on the TV, the settings of surrounding lighting, temperature and other controlled appliance would be changed by the TV.