Abstract: Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments provide for overlaying graphics onto a received video content and generating a composite output. The method for overlaying graphics by a first device on top of a video content includes: receiving the video content; overlaying a first graphics on top of the video content; creating a composite output of the video content and the overlaid first graphics; and transmitting the composite output to a television (TV).

Abstract: Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a user interface including an electronic program guide and scrollable visual directories.

Abstract: In one aspect, a widget mechanism for zooming and panning a content item is provided. The widget mechanism includes a first region including a miniaturized and complete version the content item. The widget mechanism further includes a second region including a displayed version of the content item. The displayed version represents a portion of the content item currently displayed on a display. The widget mechanism further includes a third region including a to be displayed version of the content item. The to be displayed version represents a portion of the content item to be displayed on the display upon actuation. The second region is smaller than and within the first region when the content item is zoomed and the second region is coextensive or substantially coextensive with the first region when the content item is fully not zoomed. The third region is adjustable within the first region.

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 3D 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: A visual whiteboard can be provided as an application, or component of a TV internet browser, for operation on a smart TV. The visual whiteboard provides a lightweight social networking mechanism, e.g., for groups who have physical access to the same smart TV. Content identifiers or other group information can be posted to the visual whiteboard by the authorized users for subsequent display on the corresponding smart TV.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a user interface for television control functionality.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a user interface including an electronic program guide and scrollable visual directories.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a user interface including an electronic program guide and scrollable visual directories.

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 3D 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 provide a control framework for organizing, selecting and launching media items including graphical user interfaces coupled with an optional 3D 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 provide a control framework for organizing, selecting and launching media items including graphical user interfaces coupled with an optional 3D 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: A remote control device, e.g., a 3D pointing device, has a ring-shaped or arcuate-shaped housing and at least one sensor mounted within the housing for sensing movement of said remote control device. The housing is adapted to promote a user's arm, hand and wrist to be substantially in a neutral position when the user is holding the remote control device.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments provide for overlaying graphics onto a received video content and generating a composite output. The method for overlaying graphics by a first device on top of a video content includes: receiving the video content; overlaying a first graphics on top of the video content; creating a composite output of the video content and the overlaid first graphics; and transmitting the composite output to a television (TV).

Abstract: A TV Internet browser is described. The TV Internet browser includes features which facilitate the browsing of the Internet from a television including, for example, support for 3D pointing, scrolling and zooming/panning mode control, adaptations to support entry of text into text boxes, searching, and other features.

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 3D 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: A visual whiteboard can be provided as an application, or component of a TV internet browser, for operation on a smart TV. The visual whiteboard provides a lightweight social networking mechanism, e.g., for groups who have physical access to the same smart TV. Content identifiers or other group information can be posted to the visual whiteboard by the authorized users for subsequent display on the corresponding smart TV.

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 3D 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: In one aspect, a widget mechanism for zooming and panning a content item is provided. The widget mechanism includes a first region including a miniaturized and complete version the content item. The widget mechanism further includes a second region including a displayed version of the content item. The displayed version represents a portion of the content item currently displayed on a display. The widget mechanism further includes a third region including a to be displayed version of the content item. The to be displayed version represents a portion of the content item to be displayed on the display upon actuation. The second region is smaller than and within the first region when the content item is zoomed and the second region is coextensive or substantially coextensive with the first region when the content item is fully not zoomed. The third region is adjustable within the first region.

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.