Abstract: A method of recording content at a set top box is provided and includes receiving a request to record multiple episodes of a television program. When a copy of a particular episode that has been previously stored in the memory of the set top box is received, a set top box selectively fails to record that particular episode of the television program. Further, the method includes monitoring metadata within an electronic program guide received at the set top box. Using the metadata, a set top box can determine when the particular episode of the television program is to be received and recorded at the set top box.

Abstract: Systems and method to compress digital video based on human factors expressed as a desirability score are provided. A particular method includes selecting a compression level based on the desirability score for the particular media content. A first compression level is selected when the desirability score is a first desirability score and a second compression level that is higher than the first compression level is selected when the desirability score is a second desirability score that is higher than the first desirability score. The method also includes providing the compression level to an encoder. The encoder compresses the media content based on the compression level.

Abstract: A system and method for collaborative call management are disclosed. A particular method includes displaying a host graphical user interface (GUI) on a device associated with a call host of a collaborative call. The host GUI includes a listing of names of call participants of the collaborative call and one or more controls. The method also includes updating the host GUI after at least one other call participant indicates a desire to speak during the collaborative call by displaying an indicator next to the name of the at least one other call participant.

Abstract: Methods, systems and content have been developed for increasing the bandwidth available to a bandwidth-constrained medium for transmitting digital video content. The content that is to be transmitted is compressed in proportion to the desirability of the content. The desirability of the content is determined by obtaining human-factors data indicative of whether a selected item of content is highly desirable. A desirability score derived from the data is assigned to the content. The desirability score determines the compression level. Feedback systems change the level of compression as the desirability of the content changes with time.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a video stream processing system and to a method of displaying a video stream. In a particular embodiment, the method includes, during a first time period, displaying a first version of a received video stream while recovering a second version of the received video stream, the first version of the received video stream having a lower video display quality than the second version of the received video stream. The first time period begins no more than approximately 100 milliseconds after a detected channel change. The method also includes switching from display of the first version of the received video stream to display of the second version of the received video stream during a second time period.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for operating a telephone to bypass wireline telephone service. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a housing component at least partially defining a first and a second enclosure. The housing component may be part of a Local Exchange Carrier Network Interface Device. In such an embodiment, the first enclosure may represent a service provider access portion, and the second enclosure may represent a customer access portion. The system may also include a door coupled to the housing component. The door may be capable of being releasably secured in a closed position such that the door defines a portion of the first enclosure. A cradle system formed to receive a wireless transceiving device may be secured within the first enclosure in a manner allowing the door to be releasably secured in the closed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a video stream processing system and to a system and method of displaying a video stream. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a video stream to be displayed on a display device. During a first time period, a low resolution version of the video stream is displayed while a full resolution version of the video stream is being recovered. The method further includes synchronizing the low resolution version of the video stream with the full resolution version of the video stream, and, during a second time period after the first time period, switching between display of the low resolution version of the video stream to display of the full resolution version of the video stream.

Abstract: A method of presenting instructions to a user sending an incoming communication to a service center includes presenting a menu to the user. The menu includes a plurality of procedure descriptors to the user. The user is presented, according to a selection of one of the procedure descriptors by the user, a sequence of instructions which enable completion of a procedure described by the selected procedure descriptor. The incoming communication is transferred at a position in the sequence of instructions to a representative. The incoming communication is also transferred back to the same position in the sequence of instructions.

Abstract: A scene of an image sequence is transmitted that has been compressed using a number of foveation zones, each foveation zone being weighted based on a probability of a viewer looking at a corresponding portion of the first scene.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a video stream processing system and to a method of displaying a video stream. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a video stream to be displayed on a display device. During a first time period, a low resolution version of the video stream is displayed while a full resolution version of the video stream is being recovered. The method further includes synchronizing the low resolution version of the video stream with the full resolution version of the video stream, and, during a second time period after the first time period, switching between display of the low resolution version of the video stream to display of the full resolution version of the video stream.

Abstract: A method of presenting instructions to a user sending an incoming communication to a service center includes presenting a menu to the user. The menu includes a plurality of procedure descriptors to the user. The user is presented, according to a selection of one of the procedure descriptors by the user, a sequence of instructions which enable completion of a procedure described by the selected procedure descriptor. The incoming communication is transferred at a position in the sequence of instructions to a representative. The incoming communication is also transferred back to the same position in the sequence of instructions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pattern recognizer configured to identify a match of an image of a portion of a bill to one of a plurality of templates. The pattern recognizer is configured to use a rotation-invariant pattern matching algorithm. The apparatus further includes an output device to provide an indication when the match has been identified.

Abstract: A scene of an image sequence is transmitted that has been compressed using a number of foveation zones, each foveation zone being weighted based on a probability of a viewer looking at a corresponding portion of the first scene.

Abstract: A memory stores built-in images per bill denomination for a plurality of bill denominations. The built-in images may include a corresponding image for each of four corners for each of two sides of the bill denomination. A camera captures an image of a bill. A pattern recognizer matches the image of the bill to one of the built-in images in the memory. An output device reports the denomination of the bill based on the match from the pattern recognizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphical user interface that allows a user to access, maintain, and troubleshoot services over a single digital subscriber line (DSL) through a unified interface. The interface permits the subscriber to simultaneously connect to multiple Internet connections and services.

Abstract: A system provides an audible signal to the user of the system before a control or function is activated by the user. In one embodiment, a remote control can be used with an apparatus, such as a set-top box. When the user places an object near a control of the remote control, a control or function associated with the control may be announced to the user before activating the control. The system can include an apparatus configured to be operated at least in part from a remote control that includes a plurality of controls including a first control. The apparatus includes a control module configured to receive an identification signal from the remote control, wherein the identification signal corresponds to the control, determine a state of the apparatus, determine a function to which the control corresponds, and send another identification signal to an audio system.

Abstract: An interactive voice response system that allows a caller to perform a series of sequential tasks based on an instruction set. The caller is queried after each instruction to ensure that the caller has successfully completed all of the steps. Additionally, provisions are provided to automatically pause the instruction set and present reminders to the caller. Further the caller may elect to repeat instructions, back up the instruction set, receive additional details, transfer to a service representative, or receive summary information.

Abstract: A scene of an image sequence is compressed using a number of foveation zones, each foveation zone being weighted based on a probability of a viewer looking at a corresponding portion of the first scene. Another scene of the image sequence is compressed using a different number of foveation zones, each foveation zone being weighted based on a probability of a viewer looking at a corresponding portion of the second scene.

Abstract: A scene of an image sequence is compressed using a number of foveation zones, each foveation zone being weighted based on a probability of a viewer looking at a corresponding portion of the first scene. Another scene of the image sequence is compressed using a different number of foveation zones, each foveation zone being weighted based on a probability of a viewer looking at a corresponding portion of the second scene.