Abstract: Methods for a soft universal remote (SUR) controller are performed by systems and apparatuses. Audio/visual (A/V) devices may be controlled by hardware remote controllers that are not configured to control other devices of an audio/visual system. A SUR controller implemented by an A/V device provides consumable control signals to such other devices based on control signals from the A/V device remote controller. A SUR controller determines another device for which a received control function is directed, and transmits a generated consumable control signal for the control function of the received control signal to the other device. User interfaces are provided by SUR controllers for the configuration of SUR controllers and remote controllers, and for control of other A/V devices via the user interfaces.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods for a soft universal remote (SUR) controller are performed by systems and apparatuses. Audio/visual (A/V) devices may be controlled by hardware remote controllers that are not configured to control other devices of an audio/visual system. A SUR controller implemented by an A/V device provides consumable control signals to such other devices based on control signals from the A/V device remote controller. A SUR controller determines another device for which a received control function is directed, and transmits a generated consumable control signal for the control function of the received control signal is provided to the other device. User interfaces are provided by SUR controllers for the configuration of SUR controllers and remote controllers, and for control of other A/V devices via the user interfaces.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods for a soft universal remote (SUR) controller are performed by systems and apparatuses. Audio/visual (A/V) devices may be controlled by hardware remote controllers that are not configured to control other devices of an audio/visual system. A SUR controller implemented by an A/V device provides consumable control signals to such other devices based on control signals from the A/V device remote controller. A SUR controller determines another device for which a received control function is directed, and transmits a generated consumable control signal for the control function of the received control signal is provided to the other device. User interfaces are provided by SUR controllers for the configuration of SUR controllers and remote controllers, and for control of other A/V devices via the user interfaces.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are described for intelligent device integration. A device (e.g., an HDMI “smart” switch) with multiple communication interfaces (e.g., HDMI, LAN, BT, IR) may monitor communications for control signals from multiple controllers configured to control respective devices (e.g., HDMI source, sink and/or switch devices). A device LAN may couple HDMI source and sink devices and non-HDMI devices. LAN communications may be monitored for device and control information. Control signals from controllers may be used to control devices that the controllers and their control signals are not configured to control. Interpreted control decisions may be based on, for example, an interpreted control in the context of a detected configuration and/or state of devices. A device may, thereby, expand the utility of incompatible controllers (without reprogramming), integrate an environment of incompatible devices and controllers, and provide relief to end-users.

Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, devices, and apparatuses are described for auto-detection and adaptive configuration of high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) ports. Unique systems and circuits allow HDMI repeaters to automatically detect if an HDMI device that has been connected thereto, via an HDMI port, is an HDMI source (source mode) or an HDMI sink (sink mode). The unique systems and circuits may be adaptively configured to allow the HDMI port to function as an HDMI input or an HDMI output based on the automatic detection. Methods corresponding to the functions performed by the systems and apparatuses are provided, and computer readable storage media with computer program instructions encoded thereon for enabling processing devices to perform the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described herein for determining distances and angles between speakers and other home theater components for performance of calibration operations and functions. Distances are determined through timing playback of sweep signals from a reference speaker to the speakers, and also by timing playback the sweep signals between the speakers and a capture device at a desired listening position. Angles between the speakers and other theater components are determined based on the distances, and locations or mappings of the speakers and other theater components are determined from the angles and distances. The locations/mappings are utilized to perform different calibration operations. The calibration operations improve the user audio experience for speakers that are located in non-optimal positions for speaker configurations.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable the transmission of infrared (IR) signals via an AV cable containing a plurality of signal lines. In embodiments, an IR receiver, and IR emitter, and/or logic circuitry may be integrated within an AV cable (e.g., an HDMI cable) to enable transmitting signals from an IR remote control device to a media device that may be located behind a physical obstruction through which IR signals are unable to pass. By utilizing one or more signal lines of an AV cable to transmit IR signals, existing AV communication protocols may continue to be utilized in a user's home entertainment system. In this manner, a user may be able to locate one or more media devices (e.g., home entertainment devices) in a physically remote location, such as in a cabinet or closet, without sacrificing any IR signaling functionality.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable the transmission of infrared (IR) signals via an AV cable containing a plurality of signal lines. In embodiments, an IR receiver, and IR emitter, and/or logic circuitry may be integrated within an AV cable (e.g., an HDMI cable) to enable transmitting signals from an IR remote control device to a media device that may be located behind a physical obstruction through which IR signals are unable to pass. By utilizing one or more signal lines of an AV cable to transmit IR signals, existing AV communication protocols may continue to be utilized in a user's home entertainment system. In this manner, a user may be able to locate one or more media devices (e.g., home entertainment devices) in a physically remote location, such as in a cabinet or closet, without sacrificing any IR signaling functionality.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described herein for determining distances and angles between speakers and other home theater components for performance of calibration operations and functions. Distances are determined through timing playback of sweep signals from a reference speaker to the speakers, and also by timing playback the sweep signals between the speakers and a capture device at a desired listening position. Angles between the speakers and other theater components are determined based on the distances, and locations or mappings of the speakers and other theater components are determined from the angles and distances. The locations/mappings are utilized to perform different calibration operations. The calibration operations improve the user audio experience for speakers that are located in non-optimal positions for speaker configurations.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for a media cable. The media cable includes a plurality of conductors, a first connector at a first end of the media cable configured to connect to a first device, a second connector at a second end of the media cable configured to connect to a second device, and a detection circuit. The first connector and the second connector each include a respective plurality of terminals coupled to the plurality of conductors. The detection circuit includes detection logic configured to detect at least one of a state or a state change of at least one of the first device, the second device, or the media cable and an indicator configured to generate a notification of the at least one of the state or the state change.