Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Determining priority of conflicting resource requests using dynamic logic includes analyzing current computer resource availability using cognitive capabilities and determining priority for the computer resources. The method may further include continuously assessing impact of the priority determinations, dynamically configuring the defined logic based on the assessment and modifying the defined logic using machine learning of effectiveness of the priority determinations. The method may also include predicting an urgency of the received computer resources requests and determining a pattern computer resource requests by users.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described herein for enhancing metadata of a recorded items of media content stored on a digital video recorder (DVR) associated with an end user. First metadata associated with the recorded item is determined from the DVR. An aired instance of the first media content is determined in program data from an electronic program guide that corresponds to the recorded item. Second metadata associated with the first media content is retrieved from at least one data source based at least on the identifying information. The first metadata and the second metadata are stored in an end user database in association with the end user.

Abstract: An approach is provided for delivering a configuration based workflow in an IT system. A set of parameters and pre-configured conditions associated with a command initiated for execution are determined. Validation action(s) that validate the command and are included in the configuration based workflow are determined. The validation action(s) are specified by respective interaction(s) with external system(s). Validation action(s) included in the configuration based workflow are performed by completing the interaction(s) with the external system(s) using the set of parameters. It is determined whether the validation action(s) are successfully completed. If the validation action(s) are successfully completed, the execution of the command is continued. If at least one of the validation action(s) is not successfully completed, the execution of the command is discontinued.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable a media device to be controlled from any location via a network-based device. For example, a user, using a control device, initiates a command that identifies media content to be streamed by the media device. The command is transmitted to a proxy device coupled to the media device and a network-based device. The proxy device transmits the command to the network-based device, which translates the command into a format compatible with the media device. The translated command is transmitted to the proxy device, which transmits the translated command to the media device. The media device streams the media content based on the received translated command. Alternatively, the control device and the proxy device are integrated as a single device, which generates and transmits the command to the network-based device, receives the translated command from the network-based device, and transmits the translated command to the media device.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein reduce latency and improve packet delivery when transmitting audio packets from a source device to one or more sink devices. For example, one or more operating modes that introduce latency when transmitting packets may be disabled at the source device and/or sink device(s). Additionally, certain operational behavior of the source device and/or sink device(s) may be changed based on the quality of the channel used to transmit audio packets to further improve the latency. Such operational behavior includes changing the jitter buffer size of the sink device(s), the number of retry attempts performed by the source device when re-transmitting packets that have been lost, and changing the channel used to transmit the audio packets. Embodiments described herein further enable the synchronization of playback between the sink devices to ensure that sink devices playback audio packets in a synchronized fashion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically determining a state signature for consumer electronic device(s) coupled to a switching device and/or other devices communicatively coupled to the consumer electronic device(s). The state signature is indicative of functional state(s) in which the consumer electronic device(s) are in. Such states include a power state, a proximity state, a communication state, and/or an operational state of the consumer electronic device(s). Based on the state signature(s), the switching device may infer which of the consumer electronic device(s) the user would like to use (or is using) and cause action(s) to be performed. Such actions include automatically switching to the AV port(s) to which such consumer electronic device(s) are connected, transmitting command(s) to such consumer electronic device(s), transmitting a notification message to such consumer electronic device(s), etc.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically determining a state signature for consumer electronic device(s) coupled to a switching device and/or other devices communicatively coupled to the consumer electronic device(s). The state signature is indicative of functional state(s) in which the consumer electronic device(s) are in. Such states include a power state, a proximity state, a communication state, and/or an operational state of the consumer electronic device(s). Based on the state signature(s), the switching device may infer which of the consumer electronic device(s) the user would like to use (or is using) and cause action(s) to be performed. Such actions include automatically switching to the AV port(s) to which such consumer electronic device(s) are connected, transmitting command(s) to such consumer electronic device(s), transmitting a notification message to such consumer electronic device(s), etc.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are described to detect and resolve device configuration and/or communication incompatibilities (e.g. incompatible messages, improper addressing, malfunctions) for a communication protocol such as HDMI-CEC.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein reduce latency and improve packet delivery when transmitting audio packets from a source device to one or more sink devices. For example, one or more operating modes that introduce latency when transmitting packets may be disabled at the source device and/or sink device(s). Additionally, certain operational behavior of the source device and/or sink device(s) may be changed based on the quality of the channel used to transmit audio packets to further improve the latency. Such operational behavior includes changing the jitter buffer size of the sink device(s), the number of retry attempts performed by the source device when re-transmitting packets that have been lost, and changing the channel used to transmit the audio packets. Embodiments described herein further enable the synchronization of playback between the sink devices to ensure that sink devices playback audio packets in a synchronized fashion.

Abstract: An approach is provided for delivering a configuration based workflow in an IT system. A set of parameters and pre-configured conditions associated with a command initiated for execution are determined. Validation action(s) that validate the command and are included in the configuration based workflow are determined. The validation action(s) are specified by respective interaction(s) with external system(s). Validation action(s) included in the configuration based workflow are performed by completing the interaction(s) with the external system(s) using the set of parameters. It is determined whether the validation action(s) are successfully completed. If the validation action(s) are successfully completed, the execution of the command is continued. If at least one of the validation action(s) is not successfully completed, the execution of the command is discontinued.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein reduce latency and improve packet delivery when transmitting audio packets from a source device to one or more sink devices. For example, one or more operating modes that introduce latency when transmitting packets may be disabled at the source device and/or sink device(s). Additionally, certain operational behavior of the source device and/or sink device(s) may be changed based on the quality of the channel used to transmit audio packets to further improve the latency. Such operational behavior includes changing the jitter buffer size of the sink device(s), the number of retry attempts performed by the source device when re-transmitting packets that have been lost, and changing the channel used to transmit the audio packets. Embodiments described herein further enable the synchronization of playback between the sink devices to ensure that sink devices playback audio packets in a synchronized fashion.

Abstract: An approach is provided for delivering a configuration based workflow in an IT system. A command initiated for execution is identified as being included in a list of commands. A set of parameters and pre-configured conditions associated with the identified command are determined. Validation action(s) that validate the command and are included in the configuration based workflow are determined. The validation action(s) are specified by respective interaction(s) with external system(s). Validation action(s) included in the configuration based workflow are performed by completing the interaction(s) with the external system(s) using the set of parameters. It is determined whether the validation action(s) are successfully completed. If the validation action(s) are successfully completed, the execution of the command is continued. If at least one of the validation action(s) is not successfully completed, the execution of the command is discontinued.

Abstract: Embodiments are described herein for enabling fast and efficient media content searches across a wide variety of content providers using a graph database. For instance, metadata may be collected from different metadata sources. A graph database is generated that stores and organizes the metadata based on attributes of the metadata and the relationships therebetween. For example, each attribute is assigned to a node of the graph database. The nodes may be connected via an edge that represents a relationship between the nodes. Attributes of metadata retrieved from a first metadata source are associated with attributes of metadata retrieved from a second metadata source. When receiving a query, the graph database is traversed for media content items to recommend to a user. The media content items recommended to the user include items from different content providers that are determined based on the traversal of the nodes of the graph database.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for obtaining enhanced metadata for media content searches. In one embodiment, computer program logic embodies a metadata receiver and a media content metadata matcher and combiner. The metadata receiver receives program metadata for a plurality of programs from a plurality of metadata sources. The media content metadata matcher and combiner is configured to perform a matching process whereby metadata associated with each of the plurality of programs is compared to metadata of each of the other plurality of programs to determine if the compared programs are the same program and if so, to combine the metadata from each program into a single program including enhanced metadata and store such in a database. A subsequent search for a program corresponding to the stored program returns at least some of the metadata associated with the program, and that enables accessing the program.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described herein for enhancing metadata of a recorded items of media content stored on a digital video recorder (DVR) associated with an end user. First metadata associated with the recorded item is determined from the DVR. An aired instance of the first media content is determined in program data from an electronic program guide that corresponds to the recorded item. Second metadata associated with the first media content is retrieved from at least one data source based at least on the identifying information. The first metadata and the second metadata are stored in an end user database in association with the end user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for an adaptive multi-protocol control of a device. A plurality of communication protocols suitable for communication with a particular device may be determined. A request may be received to control the device, such as a via a remote control, voice control, etc. A first communication protocol from among the plurality of communication protocols may be selected to transmit a first control signal. The first control signal may be transmitted to the device using the first communication protocol. In some implementations, a second communication protocol may be selected for transmitting a second control signal to the device, such as where the request may be associated with a plurality of control commands or where the device did not react to the first control signal. As a result, a device may be controlled using one or more communication protocols in an adaptive fashion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: An approach is provided for delivering a configuration based workflow in an IT system. A command initiated for execution is identified as being included in a list of commands. A set of parameters and pre-configured conditions associated with the identified command are determined. Validation action(s) that validate the command and are included in the configuration based workflow are determined. The validation action(s) are specified by respective interaction(s) with external system(s). Validation action(s) included in the configuration based workflow are performed by completing the interaction(s) with the external system(s) using the set of parameters. It is determined whether the validation action(s) are successfully completed. If the validation action(s) are successfully completed, the execution of the command is continued. If at least one of the validation action(s) is not successfully completed, the execution of the command is discontinued.