Abstract: A method of dynamically determining and utilizing an application programming interface within an electronic device is presented. In the method, a definition of an object is received from the application programming interface, wherein the definition describes at least a portion of the application programming interface. The object is then generated based on the definition, wherein the object includes data for controlling the electronic device. The object is transferred to the application programming interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of devices in a distributed network of broadcast devices, such as Set Top Boxes (STBs). Such devices typically require periodic updates as new versions of operating software is developed. However, it is not possible to guarantee that all devices that have received an updated software version are able to operate correctly. The system initiates a test for a STB and monitors in real time the state of the STB as the software download occurs. The state of the STB is reported to a system controller and the results are output to a test engineer. Other devices in the broadcast network can be controlled by the controller and various troubleshooting or operational tests performed.

Abstract: A provider device includes structured data schemas, which may be JSON schemas, that correspond to APIs. A requestor device connects to the provider device and the provider device transmits available schemas. The requestor device receives the available schemas and transmits a communication request that asks for one or more of the available schemas. The provider device receives the communication request, formats information regarding APIs according to the specified schemas, and transmits the formatted information. The formatted information specifies how the requestor device can utilize the APIs. The requestor device generates one or more API commands by processing the formatted data and transmits the API commands to the provider device. The provider device then receives and performs the API commands. Subsequently, the provider device may transmit results to the requestor device, which may evaluate the results.

Abstract: A provider device includes structured data schemas, which may be JSON schemas, that correspond to APIs. A requestor device connects to the provider device and the provider device transmits available schemas. The requestor device receives the available schemas and transmits a communication request that asks for one or more of the available schemas. The provider device receives the communication request, formats information regarding APIs according to the specified schemas, and transmits the formatted information. The formatted information specifies how the requestor device can utilize the APIs. The requestor device generates one or more API commands by processing the formatted data and transmits the API commands to the provider device. The provider device then receives and performs the API commands. Subsequently, the provider device may transmit results to the requestor device, which may evaluate the results.

Abstract: A universal remote control device (100) is provided which is able to operate different electronic devices such as television sets, recorders, set top boxes, and audio systems. The universal remote control device (100) is provided with a database (10) in which control data collected from a plurality of individual physical remote control units (2) is stored in a structured manner. To enable the memory storing the database (10) to be kept small, repetitious and/or redundant control data is omitted. In addition, the database structure uses a hierarchical structure and inheritance. The control data of a physical remote in memory may be stored, therefore, in part in a child physical remote and also in one or more parent or grandparent virtual remotes. Such a structure enables control information which is common to a number of remotes to be stored in just a single occurrence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of devices in a distributed network of broadcast devices, such as Set Top Boxes (STBs). Such devices typically require periodic updates as new versions of operating software is developed. However, it is not possible to guarantee that all devices that have received an updated software version are able to operate correctly. The system initiates a test for a STB and monitors in real time the state of the STB as the software download occurs. The state of the STB is reported to a system controller and the results are output to a test engineer. Other devices in the broadcast network can be controlled by the controller and various troubleshooting or operational tests performed.

Abstract: A television receiver includes a communication interface operable to receive television programming from a television distribution system and to receive profile information, associated with a plurality of profiles, from a server. The television receiver also includes a storage medium and control logic operable to select at least one of the profiles. The communication interface is operable to transmit information specifying the selected profile to the server and receive at least one recording command associated with the selected profile from the server. The control logic is operable to command the communication interface to receive a program specified by the recording command and coordinate storage of the program onto the storage medium.

Abstract: A method of dynamically determining and utilizing an application programming interface within an electronic device is presented. In the method, a definition of an object is received from the application programming interface, wherein the definition describes at least a portion of the application programming interface. The object is then generated based on the definition, wherein the object includes data for controlling the electronic device. The object is transferred to the application programming interface.

Abstract: A universal remote control device (100) is provided which is able to operate different electronic devices such as television sets, recorders, set top boxes, and audio systems. The universal remote control device (100) is provided with a database (10) in which control data collected from a plurality of individual physical remote control units (2) is stored in a structured manner. To enable the memory storing the database (10) to be kept small, repetitious and/or redundant control data is omitted. In addition, the database structure uses a hierarchical structure and inheritance. The control data of a physical remote in memory may be stored, therefore, in part in a child physical remote and also in one or more parent or grandparent virtual remotes. Such a structure enables control information which is common to a number of remotes to be stored in just a single occurrence.