Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for distributing content outside the confides of a television so as to enhance user experience of the content. An example media device embodiment operates according to a method that includes receiving a data stream containing content and at least one non-TV experience trigger; causing the content to be played on the TV; and providing the non-TV experience trigger to at least one appropriate accessory device in a manner synchronous with playing the content on the TV, to thereby extend playback of the content beyond the TV.

Abstract: The invention provides an annular shroud configured to be positioned around a tree stand. The annular shroud has one or more display panels configured to display digital images about a perimeter of the tree stand. In some embodiments, the invention further includes a tree stand display assembly comprising a tree, a tree stand supporting the tree in an upright orientation, and the annular shroud around the tree stand.

Abstract: An information display apparatus includes a display and a controller. The display displays widgets that include a main widget and a plurality of sub-widgets that indicate states of devices or states of functions installed on the devices. The controller executes a process of placing a plurality of sub-widgets to the main widget; a process of setting the device or the function that is associated with each of the plurality of sub-widgets; a process of setting a condition for the device or a condition for the function that is associated with each of the plurality of sub-widgets; and a process of setting a relationship between conditions set for the plurality of sub-widgets and a condition set for the main widget.

Abstract: A media system includes a plurality of set-top boxes coupled to a coax network and a controller. The controller displays a first passkey to a user in response to receiving a request from the user to activate playback of a media content on a particular set-top box. The set-top box receives the first passkey from the user and determines whether the user is authorized to activate playback of the media content by comparing the first passkey received from the user with a second passkey obtained from a passkey module on the set-top box. When the user is determined by the set-top box to be authorized to activate playback of the media content, the set-top box determines a radio frequency channel of the coax network according to the first passkey received from the user and begins playback of the media content received on the radio frequency channel on a display device.

Abstract: A restocking system includes a first compartment for storing consumable items; a restocking suggestion unit configured to receive restocking suggestions from a remotely located server; an output interface configured to output the restocking suggestions to a user; and a first hardware button located in an interior of the first compartment. The first hardware button is configured to: after a first restocking suggestion is output by the output interface, prompt the user to provide a confirmation input regarding the first restocking suggestion; send a respective confirmation signal to the remotely located server if the first hardware button is activated by the user within a preset time window after the first restocking suggestion is output; and send a respective rejection signal to the remotely located server if the first hardware button is not activated within the preset time window. A corresponding restocking method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A voice-assisted restocking system includes: a first compartment for storing a plurality of consumable items; a restocking suggestion unit that is configured to receive voice-based restocking suggestions from a remotely located digital assistant server over a network communication interface; a voice output interface configured to output the voice-based restocking suggestions to a user; and a first hardware button that is located in the interior of the first compartment, wherein the first hardware button is configured to: after a first voice-based restocking suggestion from the digital assistant is output by the voice output interface, prompt the user to provide a confirmation input regarding the first voice-based restocking suggestion; and send a respective confirmation signal to the remotely located digital assistant when the first hardware button is activated by the user. A corresponding voice-assisted restocking method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A video output apparatus includes an operation device that outputs an operation signal according to an operation, an operation signal processor that receives the operation signal and executes a process, and a storage that stores a plurality of programs and an association between the operation signal and any of the plurality of programs. The operation device includes a definition operation part to which a function achieved by any of the plurality of programs can be allocated, and the plurality of programs includes a function allocation setting program for outputting an operation image for allocating the function to the definition operation part. The storage stores, as an initial association, an association between an operation signal due to an operation on the definition operation part and the function allocation setting program.

Abstract: The present application discloses a controlling apparatus for controlling an application of an electronic apparatus. The controlling apparatus includes a first determination logic configured to determine whether an audio volume level of the electronic apparatus is adjusted lower than a threshold audio volume level; and a termination logic configured to automatically terminate the application based on a determination that the audio volume level of the electronic apparatus is adjusted lower than a threshold audio volume level.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus which generates an input signal when a mobile information terminal contacts a display surface and makes a wireless communication with the contacting mobile information terminal, it is difficult to make an appropriate display by discriminating whether a contact object is a mobile information terminal or a user's finger. To accomplish this, when a mobile information terminal (200) is placed on a touch panel (104), this placement is recognized based on a wireless communication response (701), and a processing menu for the terminal is displayed. On the other hand, if the user's finger (300) is placed, since no wireless communication response (701) is detected, it is recognized that the contact object is not the mobile information terminal (200), and a general manipulation menu is displayed.

Abstract: Upon receiving a command signal transmitted from a remote controller (100), based on contents of the received command signal, a setter of an electrical apparatus sets a time interval for prohibition of operation from an operation terminal. During the time interval set by the setter, an operation controller of the electrical apparatus does not control based on the received command signal, even if a command signal transmitted from the operation terminal is received via a HEMS controller.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for gaming headset with enhanced off-screen awareness. One or more components may be identified or detected in input audio signals, which may meet particular positioning criteria based on a user receives output audio signals corresponding to the input audio signals. The input audio signals may then be processed, with the processing comprising adjusting the one or more components and/or one or more other components in the output audio signals, with the adjusting based on characteristics of the one or more components as perceived by the user when receiving the output audio signals. The positioning criteria may comprise a position of a source of at least one of the one or more components relating to the user.

Abstract: A display apparatus including a display which displays content, a communicator configured to communicate with a remote controller and an external device, and a controller. The controller being configured to, upon receiving a control command from the external device, control operation of the display apparatus based on the received control command, control the received control command to be transmitted to the remote controller, and control the communicator to transmit the received control command to the external device through the remote controller.

Abstract: A passenger control unit (PCU) network is provided for a passenger aircraft having passenger seats in a plurality of zones, each zone having at least one column of seats, and each column having at least one row of seats. The PCU network includes a direct current (DC) power distribution system, and a plurality of wired PCUs, one PCU associated with each passenger seat and coupled to the DC power distribution system. Each PCU has a processor and system memory and a standard data and power interface, the processor being programmed for differential peer-to-peer communication with adjacently interconnected PCUs throughout the PCU network and with an external system of the aircraft.

Abstract: An exemplary land mobile radio control head and method are provided. In one embodiment, the control head has the capability to utilize halo light of the control head to implement a multi-function indicator that communicates a state of the land mobile radio. In another embodiment, the control head has the capability to provide buffer images constructed from data received from the land mobile radio into a video stream for rendering on an electroluminescent display. In another embodiment, the control head provides the capability for a user to modify a configuration stored on the land mobile radio that defines one of several display modes to be utilized in generating data for use in forming images to be rendered on an electroluminescent display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating a communication device is disclosed. An system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an authentication system having a controller element that receives from a communication device over a packet-switched network a terminal ID and a request to authenticate said communication device, generates a first registration ID, stores the first registration ID and a first communication identifier, transmits the first registration ID to the communication device, receives from an interactive response system a second communication identifier and a second registration ID that the interactive response system received during a communication session with the communication device over a circuit-switched network, and authenticates the communication device in response to detecting a match between the first and second communication identifiers and the first and second registration IDs. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An aftermarket digital signal router that is installed in a vehicle when a factory loudspeaker system is replaced with an aftermarket loudspeaker system. The digital signal router comprises a first and a second analog signal receiver to receive at least two sources of audio from the vehicle. It also comprises a vehicle data transceiver that receives digital data from the vehicle's data network. It processes audio signals based on the data and status of the vehicle's data network and transmits the processed audio signals to an aftermarket amplifier. In some embodiments, the digital signal router is flashable with different versions of firmware so that it can work with different types of vehicle while transmitting audio that is compatible to most aftermarket amplifiers. The digital signal router is also adapted to handle potential conflict of two audio streams based on the signals of the vehicle's data network.

Abstract: A wireless device includes a processor, a memory, a wireless interface, and a voice interface. The processor is configured to select a language for the voice interface by detecting a second wireless device, establishing ongoing communications with the second wireless device, identifying a language used by a user interface of the second wireless device, and configuring the voice interface to use the same language as the user interface of the second wireless device.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for efficiently accessing Internet resources are disclosed. The system, method and apparatus employ a portable device for receiving and transmitting information such as contact information, voting information and medical information, for example.

Abstract: An intelligent hub for interfacing with other devices and performing smart audio or video source selection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using audible tones generated by a vehicle driver's use of a tone actuator in a vehicle. The vehicle generates an audible tone which is capable of being heard by the driver as well as being received by a processor in the vehicle, the processor accessing a memory table correlating each distinct tone with a distinct vehicle control function. The processor outputs a signal to select the vehicle control function corresponding to the generated tone.

Abstract: An apparatus and system that ensures that defined equipment systems are monitored and checked before the equipment may be used is described. The invention includes apparatus that encourages the equipment operator to perform specified monitoring checks on specified systems at specified intervals, and requires that the check is done by the operator physically removing a check device such as a crankcase or transmission dipstick, radiator cap, air filter, and so on. Failure to perform the required monitoring task results in the equipment being disabled or locked out so that the operator is unable to use the equipment; for example, a starter motor may be locked out so that the engine cannot start until a specified monitoring check has been completed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for testing a passenger service unit (PSU) of a cabin of a vehicle are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves installing a test interface panel (TIP) in the cabin of the vehicle such that the TIP is connected to a power source and is able to communicate with the PSU. The method further involves connecting a user interface to the TIP. Also, the method involves sending at least one command, from the user interface, to the PSU via the TIP. Further, the method involves sending, at least one response, from the PSU.

Abstract: Method of dynamically adapting user volume input range on mobile device having global volume range starts by receiving a volume input selection from a user that is level included in user volume input range. User volume input range is a portion of global volume range. Device's processor then detects ambient noise level surrounding device and adjusts user volume input range from current portion of global volume range to different portion of global volume range based on detected ambient noise level. Volume input selection remains at the same level included in user volume input range after user volume input range is adjusted. Processor may identify sound profile that corresponds to ambient noise level being detected and adjusts user volume input range to a different portion of the global volume range based on identified sound profile. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a remote commander including an input section which accepts input of operation information from a user, a communication section which communicates with a control target device via a radio signal, a service information-acquisition section which acquires, from the control target device via the communication section, service identification information for identifying each of one or a plurality of services which the control target device is capable of providing the remote commander with, and a notification section which selects any of one or a plurality of pieces of the service identification information acquired by the service information-acquisition section based on the operation information, the input of which is accepted by the input section, and which notifies the control target device of the selected service identification information via the communication section.

Abstract: A method for performing coding resource management is provided, where the method is applied to a processing circuit. The method includes: with regard to a specific coding operation, selecting a specific module from a hardware module and a program module; and performing the specific coding operation by utilizing the specific module. In particular, the step of selecting the specific module from the hardware module and the program module further includes: based upon at least one characteristic of the specific coding operation, default settings, and/or user settings, selecting the specific module from the hardware module and the program module. An associated processing circuit is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which a wireless controller, such as a smart remote controller or smartphone, for example, may interact with a media device through an adaptive, two-way feedback control scheme. The wireless controller may receive signals from a media player that comprise control information associated with an application on the media player. The wireless controller may then display a control page or user interface on a touch screen. A layout of the control page may be configured based on the control information received by the wireless controller. Once displayed, the control page may enable a user to provide one or more instructions to the wireless controller through the touch screen. The wireless controller may communicate to the media player the instructions provided to the wireless controller. Those instructions are communicated to the media player to control the operation of the application on the media player.

Abstract: A portable electronic device having an input device for receiving a gesture based input from a user is used to control a navigation operation of an appliance. The portable electronic device receives via the input device the gesture based input and uses one or more parameters stored in a memory of the portable electronic device and one or more characteristics associated with the gesture based input to cause the portable electronic device to transmit a navigation step command to thereby control the navigation operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A universal remote control device (10) is programmed by determining layout properties of an existing remote control device (12) that must be replaced by the universal remote control device (10). Information identifying at least part of said layout properties is input into a selection system (14, 18). A command set for the universal remote control device (10) is selected dependent on said information. The universal remote control device (10) is programmed to implement the selected command set.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: status information input means for inputting status information indicating an operating state and power consumption of each of a plurality of electronic appliances targeted for connection from the plurality of electronic appliances; list screen generating means for generating a list screen that associates the status information inputted from each of the plurality of electronic appliances with the plurality of electronic appliances; and a display control means for controlling display means for displaying the list screen thereon.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a voice recognition unit for recognizing a voice of a name of food, a memory for storing location information of the food received in a storage chamber, a controller for determining the voice recognized by the voice recognition unit and searching a storage location of the food voice-recognized in accordance with the recognized voice, and a voice output unit for outputting a voice message on the storage location information of the food searched by the controller.

Abstract: A system, method, and machine-readable medium are disclosed for the controlled, non-real-time conveyance of digital content for playback. Digital content and associated metadata are marked, rated, categorized, and then converted into encoded digital data. The resulting encoded digital data is transmitted as a plurality of data streams through a communications facility such as a satellite, wireless, or physical network. The data streams are received by a content receiver where they are decoded into metadata and digital content for controlled conveyance and playback. A digital content management module comprising a content selection algorithm compares metadata associated with candidate digital content to a predetermined content selection profile. If the metadata matches predetermined selection parameters of the selection profile, the candidate digital content and its associated metadata are stored in a machine-readable medium for controlled conveyance and playback.

Abstract: An audio signal interpolation device is presented, including an input unit for receiving an input audio signal, a phase splitting unit for splitting the input audio signal, a high range interpolation unit for interpolating a high range component into the signal, a phase combining unit for combining an in-phase component signal with a differential phase component, a high-pass filter for high-pass filtering the audio signal from by the phase combining unit, a delay unit for producing a delayed audio signal, and an addition processing unit for adding the delayed audio signal to the audio signal output from the high-pass filter.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a media player or portable media device can enable a user to navigate and discover content or other media assets. The media player may analyze broadcasts and other content streams to determine currently playing and forthcoming content. The media player may switch from one source of content to another to find content that matches user preferences or criteria. The media player may generate playlists based on the matching content, and switch between sources of the matching content automatically. In some embodiments, the media player may receive user input to browse content using a navigation stream. Content associated with stations within the navigation stream may be output. As if the user were tuning a radio dial, the media player may determine what content to played back for each station. The media player may procure content and generate playlists to represent each station focus on by the user.

Abstract: An audio enabled control menu system, method and device is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include an encoder including an input device actuation of the encoder by an operator of the control menu device; memory including a menu structure and a plurality of audio segments stored in the memory; and a microcontroller in operable communication with the encoder and the memory, the microcontroller further configured to receive menu navigation input from the encoder and output one of the plurality of audio segments in response to the menu navigation input, the microcontroller further configured to execute predetermined control actions in response to the menu navigation input. Embodiments of the invention transmit menu options to an operator in an audio format such that the operator can browse and select menu options with one hand and does not need to look at a visually displayed menu.

Abstract: A server for producing at least one speech dialogue application stores a formal description of a speech dialogue programmed into the description language and speech models for dialogue steps of the speech dialogue. A broadcasting transmitter digitally transmits produced speech dialogue applications to a radio set of mobile end terminals which are arranged in the transmission area thereof.

Abstract: An electronic system including a user interface for transmitting an operational parameter control signal in response to manual manipulation of the user interface. A processor is coupled to the user interface and adjusts an operational parameter of the electronic system in response to receiving the operational parameter control signal. An actuatable device is actuated by a user. In response to the user actuation, the actuatable device prevents the processor from adjusting the operational parameter of the electronic system.

Abstract: A control method for a handheld terminal, including the steps of: reproducing and outputting a piece of music in accordance with a reproduction list; detecting motion of the terminal in real space and determining whether or not the detected motion corresponds to a motion situation where the terminal is moving in real space; obtaining, on the basis of motion information derived from the motion of the terminal, the movement distance of the terminal in real space when the terminal is determined to be in a motion situation where the terminal is moving in real space; comparing the movement distance with a predetermined distance determination threshold and determining whether or not the movement distance exceeds the distance determination threshold; and changing the reproduction list of music to be reproduced, when the movement distance is determined to exceed the distance determination threshold.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes an alarm control. A method for controlling an alarm includes determining whether an input fact to analyze an exceptional situation of an alarm operation is generated; analyzing the exceptional situation by rule using at least one fact; and when there is an alarm which is placed in the exceptional situation, cancelling the alarm.

Abstract: A method is provided for transmitting a multimedia content from a server to a radiocommunication terminal, wherein the content comprises at least one multimedia, called initial, scene, and a series of instructions for moving the initial scene. The method includes transmitting an initial portion of the content from the server to the terminal, recording and reconstructing the initial portion on the terminal, transmitting at least one complementary portion of the content from the server to the terminal in the form of a complement to at least one portion previously received by the terminal in response to the request thereof, recording the complementary position, and reconstructing the multimedia scene updated according to the request from the portions previously received by the terminal.

Abstract: A conference control device includes: a communication processing unit which performs transmission/reception processing of conference information containing voice information and image information between the conference control device and a plurality of video conference terminal devices through a network; an information collecting unit which collects information on connection paths between the conference control device and the respective video conference terminal devices; a grouping unit which sorts the plurality of video conference terminal devices into a plurality of groups based on information on the connection paths collected by the information collecting unit; a band monitoring unit which monitors a use band of the communication processing unit in accordance with every group; and a bandwidth control unit which is, when the group having the use band of less than a predetermined value is detected by the band monitoring unit, controls the bandwidth of the video conference terminal devices belonging to the gr

Abstract: An electronic device includes: a main unit operable by remote control using a remote controller, wherein the main unit includes a display section having a display screen, a main unit operation section performing input operation, and a main unit control section which performs both control operation corresponding to the operation of the main unit operation section and control operation corresponding to the operation of the remote controller, and the main unit control section displays a first guide screen for guiding the operation of the main unit operation section on the display screen as a first guide operation when detecting that the main unit operation section has been operated, and displays a second guide screen for guiding the operation of the remote controller on the display screen as a second guide operation when detecting that the remote controller has been operated.

Abstract: An electronic system including a user interface for transmitting an operational parameter control signal in response to manual manipulation of the user interface. A processor is coupled to the user interface and adjusts an operational parameter of the electronic system in response to receiving the operational parameter control signal. An actuatable device is actuated by a user. In response to the user actuation, the actuatable device prevents the processor from adjusting the operational parameter of the electronic system.

Abstract: A disclosed set top box or other type of multimedia handling device (MHD) is configured to support a toggle volume feature that enables the end user to toggle between two or more substantially different audible volume settings using a single push of a single remote control button or other type of control, e.g., a touch screen control. In some embodiments, the MHD includes a processor, storage media accessible to and readable by the processor, a remote control interface in communication with the processor, a multimedia decoder, and an audio digital-to-analog converter. The remote control interface receives input from a remote control device. The multimedia decoder module receives and processes multimedia streams. The decoder generates a decoder audio output and a decoder video output. The DAC processes the decoder audio output and produces an audio signal having a particular volume level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tethered digital butler consumer electronics product and method. The tethered digital butler, of a price and form factor suitable for consumer electronics markets of developed and developing countries, includes a communications and multi-media console and a wireless remote. The remote may resemble a handheld personal computer (HPC), a palm-held personal computer (PPC or PDA) or a smart phone, but has a low cost and feature set supported by the console that is novel in the consumer electronics market. In particular, this disclosure relates to combining telephone service, device control and, optionally, a fingerprint reader for easy user identification/authorization and personalization. As another option, a camera can be incorporated into the remote, thereby enabling video conferencing and other visual features.

Abstract: A remote control for a sound system includes a first type of wireless system for transmitting commands for controlling operation of a sound output device. The remote control also includes a second type of wireless system for wirelessly transmitting signals that represent sounds created by a first human voice to a first portable audio storage device which can be electrically temporarily connected to the sound output device.

Abstract: An AV equipment control device includes a detecting portion that detects a state of a signal line which is connected to a controlled object equipment to transmit an audio signal or a video signal, a control signal generating portion that generates a control signal to control the controlled object equipment, a deciding portion that decides a state of the controlled object equipment based on a detected content of the detecting portion, and a controlling portion that controls the control signal generating portion based on a decision result of the deciding portion.

Abstract: An address configuration circuit and a method for sharing a series bus connected to a first device between two secondary devices by a configuration within each secondary device of a different address, including, in a configuration phase, the temporary configuring of an output terminal of each secondary device in a mode of reading of the voltage present on this terminal to select one address out of two within the device.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for locating a lost remote control. The method includes receiving user input, at a controlled device, the user input requesting to locate a lost remote control for the controlled device. The method further includes lowering a volume of the output of content associated with the controlled device responsive to the user input and transmitting a message from the controlled device to the remote control, the message requesting the remote control to activate an indicator device (e.g., sound, visual, physical or the like) of the remote control.