Abstract: Systems and methods for proximity device to device user interface management are disclosed. The systems and methods include a primary user device displaying variable data to a user assigned one or more tasks to be performed. In response to determining that the primary user device is within a predetermined range of an assistive device, the systems and methods pair the two devices, identify task data and/or other data, and modify a user interface displayed on the assistive device, where the modification occurs from device to device communication of displayed variable data and results in variable data from the primary user device being displayed on the assistive device.

Abstract: A communication system for workforce management is formed of a system controller managing a plurality of badges associated with workplace devices and employees within the workplace. The controller receives event indicators from the badges. These event indicators are analyzed by the controller to determine whether a task should be created and performed by at least one of the workplace devices and/or at least one of the employees. Task lists and device assignments are dynamically updated in response to current workplace conditions.

Abstract: A communications terminal (200) including a user interface communicably coupled to a controller is configured to form a group of contacts. In one embodiment, the terminal displays only contacts having at least two attributes in common. In another embodiment, the terminal displays a group of contacts having a social relationship with at least two degrees of social separation relative to a user associated with the group. In another embodiment, a group of contacts is formed upon initiation of an application at the terminal, wherein all contacts in the group are associated with terminals running the same application and are also engaged in a common activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making media consumption more social by suggesting a time when users in a group may engage in live communications while consuming media. First, media-consumption activities of the users in the group are monitored. (For example, the set-top boxes of a cable television system monitor when and what each user watches.) Then, from this and possibly from other information, times when each user will be available for live communications are predicted. Finally, the individual predictions are correlated and, if possible, a future time is suggested when a largest possible number of the users in the group will be available for live communications. Some embodiments use other information, such as electronic calendars, to predict when users may be available. The suggested time may be shown on an electronic program guide for a user watching television and may be added to each user's electronic calendar.

Abstract: A communication system for workforce management is formed of a system controller managing a plurality of badges associated with workplace devices and employees within the workplace. The controller receives event indicators from the badges. These event indicators are analyzed by the controller to determine whether a task should be created and performed by at least one of the workplace devices and/or at least one of the employees. Task lists and device assignments are dynamically updated in response to current workplace conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method whereby content-consumption information is gathered from members of a group. Based on the gathered information, a shared social program guide is created and presented to the member of the group. Group members interact with the shared social program guide to recommend and eventually to select content to consume. The selected content is then rendered to the content-consumption devices of the group members. The rendering is done in a coordinated fashion. To enhance social interaction, the shared social program guide can tell a viewer which other group members are currently available for consuming content. A communication channel can be set up among the group members to coordinate their choices or to allow them to discuss the content being viewed. In some embodiments, the shared social program guide accepts commands that alter the rendering of the chosen content. The altered rendering is coordinated among the viewers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making media consumption more social by suggesting a time when users in a group may engage in live communications while consuming media. First, media-consumption activities of the users in the group are monitored. (For example, the set-top boxes of a cable television system monitor when and what each user watches.) Then, from this and possibly from other information, times when each user will be available for live communications are predicted. Finally, the individual predictions are correlated and, if possible, a future time is suggested when at least some of the users in the group will be available for live communications. Some embodiments use other information, such as electronic calendars, to predict when users may be available. The suggested time may be shown on an electronic program guide for a user watching television and may be added to each user's electronic calendar.

Abstract: A communications terminal (200) including a user interface communicably coupled to a controller is configured to form a group of contacts. In one embodiment, the terminal displays only contacts having at least two attributes in common. In another embodiment, the terminal displays a group of contacts having a social relationship with at least two degrees of social separation relative to a user associated with the group. In another embodiment, a group of contacts is formed upon initiation of an application at the terminal, wherein all contacts in the group are associated with terminals running the same application and are also engaged in a common activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices that facilitate new interactive experiences for users of WiMAX, 4 G, or other media-sharing enabled devices. The methods and devices for delivering primary media content to a set of media systems are configured to coordinate at least one visual media system with other visual media systems to foster sharing of content. The method includes broadcasting a stream of primary media content to the set of visual media systems that are configured to control the stream of primary media content. At least one of the visual media systems can be configured to issue a command to pause the stream of media content. The method also includes generating a notification to be transmitted to the other visual media systems that a command to pause has been received. In this manner, synchronizing the pausing and resuming of playback of media content among the visual media systems can be achieved.

Abstract: There is provided a system for providing status information associated with viewing behavior of media broadcasting. The system comprises a client device that includes a receiver to receive presence data from a remote device and a processor to generate an ambient command based on the presence data. The presence data is associated with broadcast programs of the remote device, and the ambient command represents viewing information of the broadcast program at the remote device. The system also comprises an ambient component that provides an ambient representation of the viewing information based on the ambient command. The ambient component may be an integral part of the client device or a separate component that communicates with the client device via wired or wireless connection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for classifying a driver's activity state use sensor data relating to at least one vehicle operating condition to determine driver activity and classify into one of at least two states. A two state classifier (200) uses inputs related to vehicle monitors (210), driving conditions (212), driver activity (214), vehicle controls (216), and driver identification (218) to set an output (204) to a status corresponding to “maneuver” and “non-maneuver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for classifying a driver's activity state use sensor data relating to at least one vehicle operating condition to determine driver activity and classify into one of at least two states. A two state classifier (200) uses inputs related to vehicle monitors (210), driving conditions (212), driver activity (214), vehicle controls (216), and driver identification (218) to set an output (204) to a status corresponding to “maneuver” and “non-maneuver.