Abstract: Systems and methods for changing TV operating mode in accordance with number of viewers present. In some implementations, a method includes: obtaining a total number of viewers of a connected TV, the connected TV having a plurality of operating modes and the total number is one or more; in accordance with a determination that the total number of viewers is within a first predefined range of a plurality of predefined ranges; placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a first operating mode unrelated to media content being displayed on the connected TV; and in accordance with a determination that the total number of viewers is within a second predefined range of the plurality of predefined ranges: placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a second operating mode unrelated to the media content, the second operating mode is different from the first operating mode.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting requested content on public display devices are provided.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms to form a reinforcement structure including dirt processed during drilling of a tunnel. In an embodiment, a device includes a drill head to drill an underground tunnel, where a housing of the device takes in dirt produced by such drilling. A mixer and other components of the device variously condition the dirt to produce a casing material that is subsequently provided to a compactor of the device. The compactor extrudes the casing material through a die. The extruded casing material is eliminated from the device to form a reinforcement structure at one or more sides of the tunnel. In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable is paid out from the device into the tunnel during the drilling, or is pulled into the tunnel by the device during the drilling.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting suggestions of media content are provided. In some implementations, the method comprises: determining an item of media content; determining a probability of the item of media content being watched at one or more times based on at least one of: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a group; and a characteristic of the item of media content; creating a user interface which suggests that the item of media content be watched at one or more times based on the determined probability; and presenting the user interface.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for changing a flexibility of a sheet structure. In an embodiment, a garment or other device includes sheet structure, where an interface region is disposed between overlapping layer portions of a sheet structure. While a pressure differential is maintained between the interface region and a chamber of the garment, a valve of the garment is opened to allow an exchange of fluid between the interface region and the chamber. In another embodiment, the exchange of fluid changes a flexibility of the sheet structure by initiating or alleviating friction jamming between the overlapping layer portions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for videoconferencing using an avatar are described. The presence of a user may be detected by analyzing video captured by a digital camera. The avatar may be provided to a remote device to represent the detected user.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing a television with a second device is provided. The system includes an interfacing unit to enter an interfacing mode between the television mode and the second device; a card storage unit to store a first card and a second card, the first card being presently displayed on the television and the second card being previously displayed on the television; a current card display register to store the first card; an interactive retrieval unit to retrieve a plurality of interactive functions associated with the first card, the plurality of interactive functions configured to instigate an action via the second device; and a display unit to display the first card and the plurality of interactive functions in response to being in the interfacing mode.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable storage mediums are provided for determining the mood of the user, deriving an appropriate lighting scheme, and then implementing that lighting scheme on all devices within a predetermined proximity to that user. Furthermore, when a user begins a task, the devices can track the user and use lighting from nearby screens to offer functional lighting.

Abstract: In accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms for presenting recommended media content items are provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting suggestions of media content are provided. In some implementations, the method comprises: determining an item of media content; determining a probability of the item of media content being watched at one or more times based on at least one of: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a group; and a characteristic of the item of media content; creating a user interface which suggests that the item of media content be watched at one or more times based on the determined probability; and presenting the user interface.

Abstract: System and methods for videoconferencing using an avatar are described. The presence of a user may be detected by analyzing video captured by a digital camera. The avatar may be provided to a remote device to represent the detected user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for changing TV operating mode in accordance with number of viewers present. In some implementations, a method includes: obtaining a total number of viewers of a connected TV, the connected TV having a plurality of operating modes and the total number is one or more; in accordance with a determination that the total number of viewers is within a first predefined range of a plurality of predefined ranges; placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a first operating mode unrelated to media content being displayed on the connected TV; and in accordance with a determination that the total number of viewers is within a second predefined range of the plurality of predefined ranges: placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a second operating mode unrelated to the media content, the second operating mode is different from the first operating mode.

Abstract: A new method of forming a contact opening through multiple layers is described. A first dielectric layer is deposited over semiconductor device structures formed in and on a substrate. A patterned conductor layer is formed overlying the first dielectric layer and covered with a second dielectric layer. A retardation layer having a first etch rate is deposited overlying the second dielectric layer. A third dielectric layer having a second etch rate higher than the first etch rate is deposited overlying the retardation layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for propagating photoelectrons in a semiconductor material and for controlling the direction of photoelectrons produced in a semiconductor material. A selected region of the semiconductor material is irradiated with two beams of light that overlap in space and time. The two interfering light beams have a predetermined phase relationship and are harmonically related such that the frequency of one is approximately a multiple of two of the other. Each of the beams of light produce substantially a same number of photoelectrons in the semiconductor material. As the phase relationship between the two beams is varied, the direction of propagation of the photoelectrons produced, varies.