Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling an electromagnetic energy source is disclosed. Instructions are executed on a processor to display on a computer-human interface display device a user interface region. The user interface region includes a pie-graph. An input is received via the user interface region, where the input is an interaction with the pie-graph that changes one of the radius or a sector of the plurality of the sectors. A power output of one or more of the electromagnetic energy sources is adjusted based on the input.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling an electromagnetic energy source is disclosed. Instructions are executed on a processor to display on a computer-human interface display device a user interface region. The user interface region includes a pie-graph. An input is received via the user interface region, where the input is an interaction with the pie-graph that changes one of the radius or a sector of the plurality of the sectors. A power output of one or more of the electromagnetic energy sources is adjusted based on the input.

Abstract: A client TV in a home entertainment network receives and buffers an audio/video stream from a server, before playing the stream. In the case of buffer underflow, the client TV requests the server to raise the transmission rate. If this causes an ensuing buffer overflow, the client TV requests the server to reset the transmission rate or stop transmitting altogether for a short time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling a plurality of electromagnetic energy sources is disclosed. Instructions are executed on a processor to display on a computer-human interface display device a user interface region. The user interface region includes a pie-graph configured to display a total output power of the plurality of the electromagnetic energy sources. The pie-graph includes a radius that indicates the total output power and a plurality of sectors that indicate percentages of the total output power contributed by each of the plurality of the electromagnetic energy sources. An input is received via the user interface region, where the input is an interaction with the pie-graph that changes one of the radius or a sector of the plurality of the sectors. A power output of one or more of the electromagnetic energy sources is adjusted based on the input.

Abstract: To facilitate simultaneous PLC communication using first and second PLC protocols that are different from each other, frequency bands are dynamically assigned on demand to first and second PLC home networks that use the respective first and second PLC protocols.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling a plurality of electromagnetic energy sources is disclosed. Instructions are executed on a processor to display on a computer-human interface display device a user interface region. The user interface region includes a pie-graph configured to display a total output power of the plurality of the electromagnetic energy sources. The pie-graph includes a radius that indicates the total output power and a plurality of sectors that indicate percentages of the total output power contributed by each of the plurality of the electromagnetic energy sources. An input is received via the user interface region, where the input is an interaction with the pie-graph that changes one of the radius or a sector of the plurality of the sectors. A power output of one or more of the electromagnetic energy sources is adjusted based on the input.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) sticker which stores a key is attached to a new client device. A remote commander in a home network reads the key using a NFC interface and IR-transmits it to a home network server. Once the client is connected to the network, it encrypts its own device information with the key and sends the encrypted information to the server, which decrypts the data with the key sent from the remote commander. In this way, client device registration is executed easily and securely.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling a plurality of electromagnetic energy sources is disclosed. Instructions are executed on a processor to display on a computer-human interface display device a user interface region. The user interface region includes a pie-graph configured to display a total output power of the plurality of the electromagnetic energy sources. The pie-graph includes a radius that indicates the total output power and a plurality of sectors that indicate percentages of the total output power contributed by each of the plurality of the electromagnetic energy sources. An input is received via the user interface region, where the input is an interaction with the pie-graph that changes one of the radius or a sector of the plurality of the sectors. A power output of one or more of the electromagnetic energy sources is adjusted based on the input.

Abstract: GUI presentation in a home network is improved by using a video encoding tailored for GUI, while using normal video encoding for video presentation. Also, GUI command response time is shortened by reserving, for transmission of commands originated by a user input device, a time slot in a contention free period (CFP) of a transmission cycle between a client device receiving the commands and a server executing them.

Abstract: A surveillance system configured for communicating with video cameras and other devices connected over a power-line communication network, such as within a residence, or alternatively a commercial building. The system may be manufactured and installed at low cost without the need to route individual cables to each surveillance video camera or device. Bandwidth within the power-line communication network is preferably dynamically allocated to device streams by a server in response to predetermined and event-driven priorities. By way of example, remote communication is supported for allowing remote access to surveillance data and control of the surveillance system. The system may be implemented as a standalone unit or integrated within existing forms of electronics equipment, such as consumer electronics equipment including a television set, a set-top box, or other forms of video-enabled equipment that is adapted for performing power-line network communication.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) sticker which stores a key is attached to a new client device. A remote commander in a home network reads the key using a NFC interface and IR-transmits it to a home network server. Once the client is connected to the network, it encrypts its own device information with the key and sends the encrypted information to the server, which decrypts the data with the key sent from the remote commander. In this way, client device registration is executed easily and securely.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) is described. The GUI includes first GUI elements that provide a visual representation of the nodes of an audio/video device. In response to user input, a signal is caused to be routed between nodes by manipulating circuitry within the audio/video device. Second GUI elements provide a visual representation of the signals being routed within the electronic device between pairs of first GUI elements (e.g., between nodes). As a result, the user can readily understand which nodes are connected to each other. Thus, for example, a user can easily visualize which source node is providing input to a target node and, by selecting the appropriate GUI elements, can just as easily switch from one source to another or from one target to another.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) sticker which stores a key is attached to a new client device. A remote commander in a home network reads the key using a NFC interface and IR-transmits it to a home network server. Once the client is connected to the network, it encrypts its own device information with the key and sends the encrypted information to the server, which decrypts the data with the key sent from the remote commander. In this way, client device registration is executed easily and securely.

Abstract: A user interface assembly includes a thin display and a control element such as a rotary encoder, rotary switch, or toggle switch. The control element is manipulable by a person to generate an electronic input signal to a processor, with the thin display presenting a feedback indication received from the processor. The thin display is associated with no other control element, such that the control element and thin display establish a modular unit.

Abstract: A user interface assembly includes a thin display and a control element such as a rotary encoder, rotary switch, or toggle switch. The control element is manipulable by a person to generate an electronic input signal to a processor, with the thin display presenting a feedback indication received from the processor. The thin display is associated with no other control element, such that the control element and thin display establish a modular unit.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for implementing and controlling local power line communication (PLC) networks. Some embodiments include a central controller communicationally coupled with a PLC power line, a sensor adaptor coupled between the PLC power line and a consumer product, with the sensor adaptor comprising a current detector that detects a current usage level passed through the sensor adaptor, a PLC interface through which the current usage level is communicated over the PLC power line to the central controller, and an adaptor switch that interrupts current flow to the consumer product in response to a command received over the PLC power line from the central controller when the current usage through the sensor adaptor has a predetermined relationship to a first threshold.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for implementing and controlling local power line communication (PLC) networks. Some embodiments include a central controller communicationally coupled with a PLC power line, a sensor adaptor coupled between the PLC power line and a consumer product, with the sensor adaptor comprising a current detector that detects a current usage level passed through the sensor adaptor, a PLC interface through which the current usage level is communicated over the PLC power line to the central controller, and an adaptor switch that interrupts current flow to the consumer product in response to a command received over the PLC power line from the central controller when the current usage through the sensor adaptor has a predetermined relationship to a first threshold.

Abstract: A PLC cable modem is provided which includes an analog electromagnetic field transducer for generating an electromagnetic field based on an analog electrical signal and also for generating an analog electrical signal based on an electromagnetic field. The PLC cable modem also includes an analog signal processing unit operatively coupled to the analog electromagnetic field transducer and a digital signal processing unit for processing signals received from (or to be sent to) the analog signal processing unit. An interface port is provided for communicating digital signals to and from a data transmission or receiving device.

Abstract: An audio client in a home entertainment system has a detachable remote commander with a display screen. A menu of music available at the server is downloaded to the remote commander from the server over the network and through the client device. The user can easily select a tune he/she wants to listen to using the remote commander. With storage and decoding capability, the commander can be used as a portable audio player.

Abstract: A client TV in a home entertainment network receives and buffers an audio/video stream from a server, before playing the stream. In the case of buffer underflow, the client TV requests the server to raise the transmission rate. If this causes an ensuing buffer overflow, the client TV requests the server to reset the transmission rate or stop transmitting altogether for a short time.