Abstract: A current geographical location of a portable device is used to facilitate selection of channel lineup that is appropriate for a Multi-System Operator (MSO) provider and the current geographical location of the portable device. A program guide GUI of the portable device is then configured using the selected channel lineup. The configured GUI is displayable to a user of the portable device whereupon the configured GUI is available for use in commanding tuning operations of a set-top box.

Abstract: A controller receives from a sensor associated with a window treatment a first data obtained during a controlled closing of the window treatment. A setpoint temperature, a current temperature within a structure, and a weather data is subsequently used to determine that the window treatment needs to be closed in order to hasten a movement of the current temperature towards the setpoint temperature. After an instruction is provided to cause the window treatment to start to close, second data is obtained from the sensor while the window treatment is being closed. The first data is compared to the second data, when the comparison indicates that an obstruction exists in a path of travel of the window treatment, the closing of the window treatment is stopped.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operating mode of a remote device based upon a local user preference setting includes determining a user privacy setting by a user at a local device and storing the user privacy setting. The user privacy setting is conveyed to the remote device and the operational mode of the remote device is modified based upon the transmitted user privacy preference setting. The operational mode of the remote device is returned to the normal operational mode upon meeting a predetermined condition.

Abstract: An entertainment device initiates a configuration process of a controlling device in response to a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device.

Abstract: A custom graphical user interface is displayed in a media device accessed by a plurality of users upon authorization of access by a select user. The media device receives a request to display a custom graphical user interface, determines authorization for access, and receives data indicative of the custom graphical user interface associated with the select user. The media device may also select at least one command code compatible with the media device for configuring a remote control device to command the media device and transmit the command code to the remote control device for provision the remote control device.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: A remote control is configured by using a service access history associated with at least a one of the remote control and a controllable appliance to determine a first service accessible via use of the controllable appliance that is to be associated with the programmable key and by transmitting to the remote control data for use by the remote control in configuring the remote control such that activation of the programmable key will cause the remote control to transmit a command to the controllable appliance to cause the controllable appliance to access the first service and for causing a display of an indicator for the first service in a display of the controlling device that is associated with the programmable key.

Abstract: A controller receives from a sensor associated with a window treatment a first data obtained during a controlled closing of the window treatment. A setpoint temperature, a current temperature within a structure, and a weather data is subsequently used to determine that the window treatment needs to be closed in order to hasten a movement of the current temperature towards the setpoint temperature. After an instruction is provided to cause the window treatment to start to close, second data is obtained from the sensor while the window treatment is being closed. The first data is compared to the second data, when the comparison indicates that an obstruction exists in a path of travel of the window treatment, the closing of the window treatment is stopped.

Abstract: A remote control is configured by using a service access history associated with at least a one of the remote control and a controllable appliance to determine a first service accessible via use of the controllable appliance that is to be associated with the programmable key and by transmitting to the remote control data for use by the remote control in configuring the remote control such that activation of the programmable key will cause the remote control to transmit a command to the controllable appliance to cause the controllable appliance to access the first service and for causing a display of an indicator for the first service in a display of the controlling device that is associated with the programmable key.

Abstract: A programming access device such as, for example, a cable or satellite set top box (STB), a digital video recorder (DVR), a personal computer, and/or a digital media receivers automatically optimizes an order of or filters content choices presented in a content listing, such as a program guide display, favorite channel display, and/or a recording listing display based on the past viewing and/or recording history of a current user or group of users.

Abstract: A programming access device such as, for example, a cable or satellite set top box (STB), a digital video recorder (DVR), a personal computer, and/or a digital media receivers automatically optimizes an order of or filters content choices presented in a content listing, such as a program guide display, favorite channel display, and/or a recording listing display based on the past viewing and/or recording history of a current user or group of users.

Abstract: A non-transitory, computer readable media has instructions stored thereon which instructions, when executed by a processing device of a first smart device, cause the first smart device to receive from a smart lock device on a wireless network which includes the first smart device a communication having data indicative of a state of the smart lock device and to respond to receiving the data by causing a command that has been linked to the state of the smart lock device to be executed.

Abstract: A listing of each of the plurality of appliances is used, with reference to a command and/or protocol database, to configure a software agent to exchange communications, via a one or more communication channels, with each of the plurality of appliances. An action triggering state of at least one of the plurality of appliances is associated with an action. The action is performed when it is determined that a current state of the at least one of the plurality of appliances corresponds to the action triggering state.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are described for propagating a primary alert from a premises monitoring system or device by a home entertainment device. A premises monitoring system or device, such as a security system, smoke detector, fire detector, carbon monoxide detector, baby monitor, smart speaker, etc., emit a primary alert when a predetermined event or condition occurs associated with a monitored premises. An indication of the primary alert is received by one or more home entertainment devices, and at least one of the home entertainment devices causes a secondary alert to occur, for example, an audio notification and/or a visual notification from the at least one home entertainment device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are described for automatically performing home or business-based actions. A predefined geographic boundary may be defined around a home or a business. When a personal communication device inside a vehicle crosses a boundary of the predefined geographic boundary, the personal communication device sends a short range message to a point-to-point transceiver in the vehicle, and the point-to-point transceiver sends a signal directly to a controller in the home or business to automatically perform the one or more home or business-based actions.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: A system and method functions to make an app as installed on a smart device usable to access a service, such as a media streaming service. A presence of a counterpart to the app as installed on an appliance within a home network which includes the smart device is detected. A user credential, such as a username and password combination, that is associated with the counterpart to the app is then identified. The user credential is caused to be automatically associated with the app as installed on the smart device.

Abstract: A listing of each of the plurality of appliances is used, with reference to a command and/or protoctol database, to configure a software agent to exchange communications, via a one or more communication channels, with each of the plurality of appliances. An action triggering state of at least one of the plurality of appliances is associated with an action. The action is performed when it is determined that a current state of the at least one of the plurality of appliances corresponds to the action triggering state.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are described for propagating a primary alert from a premises monitoring system or device by a home entertainment device. A premises monitoring system or device, such as a security system, smoke detector, fire detector, carbon monoxide detector, baby monitor, smart speaker, etc., emit a primary alert when a predetermined event or condition occurs associated with a monitored premises. An indication of the primary alert is received by one or more home entertainment devices, and at least one of the home entertainment devices causes a secondary alert to occur, for example, an audio notification and/or a visual notification from the at least one home entertainment device.