Abstract: A method including: transmitting, by a control device, a first portion of content comprising a first portion of a signal corresponding to a multimedia presentation characteristic of a peripheral device; receiving, when an adjustment of the signal is below an adjustment threshold, a first instance of an input indicating a request to change the multimedia presentation characteristic; in response to receiving the first instance of the input, adjusting a second portion of the signal and transmitting a second portion of the content comprising the adjusted second portion of the signal; receiving, when the adjustment of the signal is at or above the adjustment threshold, a second instance of the input; and transmitting, in response to receiving the second instance of the input, a communication signal to the peripheral device to adjust a peripheral device control of an output of the multimedia presentation characteristic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The present disclosure relates to control a client device using a server device based on context data indicating a circumstance of a user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes sending, by one or more processors of one or more computing devices, first instructions to a patient electronic device causing the patient electronic device to display a first graphical user interface that facilitates a hearing test between a patient and a provider of the hearing test. The computer-implemented method further includes sending, by the one or more processors, second instructions to a provider electronic device causing the provider electronic device to display a second graphical user interface that facilitates the hearing test.

Abstract: A virtual gateway software application may be configured to receive immediate command instructions for local connected devices from each of: a user and a remote server on the Internet; via a wireless LAN or a short-range communication protocol. The application may relay the immediate command instructions to one or more of the connected devices via the wireless LAN or the short-range communication protocol while the device on which the application resides is within the particular building environment. It may store delayed command instructions for the local connected devices from each of: the user, and the remote server on the Internet; and relay one or more of the delayed command instructions from the mobile communication device to one or more of the connected devices via the wireless LAN or the short-range protocol.

Abstract: A method including: transmitting, by a control device, a first portion of content comprising a first portion of a signal corresponding to a multimedia presentation characteristic of a peripheral device; receiving, when an adjustment of the signal is below an adjustment threshold, a first instance of an input indicating a request to change the multimedia presentation characteristic; in response to receiving the first instance of the input, adjusting a second portion of the signal and transmitting a second portion of the content comprising the adjusted second portion of the signal; receiving, when the adjustment of the signal is at or above the adjustment threshold, a second instance of the input; and transmitting, in response to receiving the second instance of the input, a communication signal to the peripheral device to adjust a peripheral device control of an output of the multimedia presentation characteristic.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device according to an embodiment includes a microphone, a communicator comprising communication circuitry, and a processor configured to control the communicator to transmit a control command to an external audio device for reducing an audio output level of the external audio device in response to a trigger signal for starting a voice control mode being received through the microphone and to control the electronic device to operate in the voice control mode.

Abstract: A communication device and a detachable antenna with dynamic antenna tuning is provided. The detachable antenna comprises: an electrically insulating base; a main antenna and a first antenna element, at the base, respectively operable at independent first and second given frequencies. The device further comprises: a memory associating the first and second given frequencies; an antenna port configured to detachably receive the base of the detachable antenna; a second antenna element, at the antenna port, operable to wirelessly interact with the first antenna element when the base of the detachable antenna is received at the antenna port; a circuit configured to detect wireless interactions between the second antenna element and the first antenna element; and a controller configured to: select the first given frequency using the second given frequency, as detected via the circuit; and, thereafter wirelessly communicate via the main antenna operated at the first given frequency.

Abstract: Suggesting words includes, during a collaborative session involving a plurality of participants, determining a first subject domain of interest for at least one participant of the collaborative session that is not a presenter and selecting, using a processor, at least one word within the first subject domain. The word can be provided to a communication device of the participant designated as the presenter and not to any other communication device of a participant.

Abstract: A method for enabling communicating between users, using a vision-based monitoring system. The method includes monitoring an environment for events, by the vision-based monitoring system and making a determination that a detected event involves a local person, in the monitored environment. The method further includes, based on the determination, identifying at least one remote person to be contacted, identifying a communication channel to the at least one remote person, and providing a notification to the at least one remote person, via the identified communication channel.

Abstract: A system for remotely and interactively controlling visual and multimedia content displayed on and rendered by a web browser using a telephony device. In particular, the system relates to receiving a voice input (e.g., dual tone multi-frequency DTMF input, spoken input, etc.) from a telephony device (e.g., a landline, a cellular telephone, or other system with telephone functionality, etc.) via a wide-area network to an intermediary computer that is configured to control the rendering of one or more web pages (or other web data) by a standard web browser.

Abstract: Steps of a method of case matching for a tutor user are implemented by a server that stores a plurality of tutee cases each including a lecturing location and a subject demand, and a tutor user registration corresponding to the tutor user and including a tutor location, a lecturing subject and a commuting distance limit. The server determines whether the tutee cases include a target tutee case of which the subject demand matches the lecturing subject and a commuting distance between the lecturing location of which and the tutor location is not greater than the commuting distance limit. When the determination is affirmative, the server generates a filtered case result indicating the target tutee case.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a control method thereof includes an image forming unit to form images, a main control unit to control operations of the image forming unit; a switching unit to selectively supply an operating voltage to the main control unit according to a level of the voltage control, a power mode selecting unit to convert an on state or an off state according to a user's operation, a first voltage determining unit to determine a level of the control voltage according to the state of the power mode selecting unit, and a second voltage determining unit to determine the level of the control voltage in parallel with the first voltage determining unit, according to the control signal output from the main control unit.

Abstract: A doorbell conversion device includes a power input terminal, a power output terminal, two doorbell trigger terminals, a power conversion unit, and a trigger signal unit. The power conversion unit is coupled between the power input terminal and the power output terminal for generating a sensing signal in response to an electric potential of the power output terminal. While the electric potential of the power output terminal is grounded, the power input terminal and the power output terminal are disconnected. In contrast, the power input terminal and the power output terminal are connected. The trigger signal unit is coupled between the power conversion unit and the two doorbell trigger terminals for controlling the two doorbell trigger terminals to be opened or shorted based upon the sensing signal. While the electric potential of the power output terminal is grounded, the two doorbell trigger terminals are shorted. In contrast, they are opened.

Abstract: A head mount display and method for outputting an output of the same are discussed. The method includes outputting a first task from the head mount display, the first task including at least one of a first video output and a first audio output; recognizing a portable device, which outputs a second task including at least one of a second video output and a second audio output; determining whether the first and second video outputs are swapping targets, if the portable device is recognized; swapping the first video output with the second video output if the first and second video outputs are determined to be swapping targets; determining whether the first and second audio outputs are swapping targets, if the portable device is recognized; and swapping the first audio output with the second audio output if the first and second audio outputs are determined to be swapping targets.

Abstract: Provided is a method of adjusting volume of an audio signal output from an electronic device, the method including: connecting the electronic device and a mobile terminal; receiving, by the electronic device, at least one of setting information regarding adjusting of the volume of the audio signal and usage history information of the at least one mobile terminal; receiving, by the electronic device, event generation information from the at least one mobile terminal; determining, by the electronic device, a volume adjusting operation to be performed on the audio signal based on the at least one of the setting information and the usage history information, and the event generation information; and adjusting the volume of the audio signal according to the volume adjusting operation.

Abstract: A method including: transmitting, by a control device, a first portion of content comprising a first portion of a signal corresponding to a multimedia presentation characteristic of a peripheral device; receiving, when an adjustment of the signal is below an adjustment threshold, a first instance of an input indicating a request to change the multimedia presentation characteristic; in response to receiving the first instance of the input, adjusting a second portion of the signal and transmitting a second portion of the content comprising the adjusted second portion of the signal; receiving, when the adjustment of the signal is at or above the adjustment threshold, a second instance of the input; and transmitting, in response to receiving the second instance of the input, a communication signal to the peripheral device to adjust a peripheral device control of an output of the multimedia presentation characteristic.

Abstract: A method includes: when a first terminal determines to start to execute a voice service, sending a first message to a third terminal, where the first message is used to trigger the third terminal to determine that a location relationship between a second terminal and the first terminal meets a preset condition, and when the second terminal is playing audio by using a loudspeaker, sending a second message to the second terminal, where the second message is used to control the second terminal to adjust a playing mode; and when the first terminal determines to stop executing the voice service, sending a third message to the third terminal, where the third message is used to trigger the third terminal to send a fourth message to the second terminal, and the fourth message is used to control the second terminal to restore the playing mode before the adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for providing notifications in a communication network of a plurality of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In an aspect, a supervisor device in the communication network detects a notification directed to a wireless mobile device in the communication network and sends at least one instruction to at least a first IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices to reduce an operating volume or suspend operation of the first IoT device. The first IoT device receives the at least one instruction from the supervisor device and reduces the operating volume of the IoT device or suspends the operation of the IoT device in response to the at least one instruction.

Abstract: A virtual gateway software application may comprise a graphical user interface, and be configured to receive immediate command instructions for local connected devices from each of: a user, via the graphical user interface; a remote server on the Internet; and a physical network bridge of at least one of the connected devices via a wireless LAN or a short-range communication protocol. The application may relay the immediate command instructions to one or more of the connected devices via the wireless LAN or the short-range communication protocol while the device on which the application resides is within the particular building environment. It may store delayed command instructions for the local connected devices from each of: the user, via the graphical user interface; and the remote server on the Internet; and relay one or more of the delayed command instructions from the mobile communication device to one or more of the connected devices via the wireless LAN or the short-range protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling multimedia presentation characteristics among a plurality of devices are disclosed. An electronic device (100) is capable of communication (109) with a peripheral device (102) to play back content (107) on the peripheral device (102). The content (107) has an associated a multimedia presentation characteristic signal, for example an audio signal (108). When the electronic device (101) receives a user input request to adjust a system volume, the device is configured to adjust either the associated audio signal or an output volume level of the peripheral device (102). Once this adjustment reaches a threshold, the device is configured to adjust the other of the associated audio signal or the output volume level of the peripheral device (102). The decision of which control to adjust first and which to adjust second can be user defined. The process can be repeated when more than two devices are included in the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for building and reconfiguring audiovisual equipment in a video production system. A wiring cradle may be installed in the video production system and one or more electrical or optical connections may be established between the wiring cradle and another element of the video production system. Electrical connections may be established through the wiring cradle between a video processing component mounted in the wiring cradle and at least one other component of the video production system according to an interconnection configuration for the video production system. The wiring cradle physically secures the wiring cradle to a rack or enclosure. Electrical connection may be established by automatically connecting inputs or outputs based on an interconnection configuration maintained in non-volatile storage provided in the wiring cradle.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, upon a restart, does not activate, if an accepted restart instruction is not an instruction by a remote control accepted from an information processing apparatus, an application for remotely controlling the image forming apparatus from the information processing apparatus, and, upon a restart, does activate, if the restart instruction is an instruction by the remote control, the application.

Abstract: A speech recognition system that also automatically recognizes and acts in response to significant audio interruptions. Received audio is compared with stored acoustic signatures of noises which may trigger a change in device operation, such as pausing, loudening or attenuating of content playback after hearing a certain audio interruption, such as a doorbell, etc. If the received audio matches a stored acoustic model, the system alters an operational state of one or more devices, which may or may not include itself.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that permit two users to physically interact with one another from a distance using their telecommunication device are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a connection between the telecommunication devices may be established and an indication of inputs at the first and second telecommunication devices received. The inputs may be verified to have been input at the telecommunication devices either substantially simultaneously or overlapping in time. A signal may be sent to the telecommunication devices instructing them to provide a physically perceptible output responsive to verification of substantially simultaneous or overlapping inputs. The physically perceptible outputs may comprise photographs or video clips taken or recorded substantially simultaneously by the telecommunications devices responsive to the substantially simultaneous or overlapping inputs.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a location via a called telephony communication device is disclosed. The method at the called telephony communication device includes receiving (304) a request from a calling telephony communication device. Further, the method includes determining (306) whether the received request is for monitoring the location. The method further includes automatically transmitting (308) audio/video data captured via the called telephony communication device to the calling telephony communication device when the received request is determined to be one for monitoring the location.

Abstract: A system and method for remote home monitoring and intercom communication. An indicator is received for activating an interactive feature of a telephone. A determination is made whether the indicator authorizes the interactive feature. The audio interface of the telephone is activated.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including, in response to an activation event, sending information to a biometric input device to activate the biometric input device. The operations further include receiving biometric data corresponding to a particular user from the biometric input device. The operations include determining whether an identification of the particular user matches the biometric data. In response to determining that the identification of the particular user matches the biometric data, a service is provided to a device associated with the particular user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that permit two users to physically interact with one another from a distance using their telecommunication device are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a connection between the telecommunication devices may be established and an indication of inputs at the first and second telecommunication devices received. The inputs may be verified to have been input at the telecommunication devices either substantially simultaneously or overlapping in time. A signal may be sent to the telecommunication devices instructing them to provide a physically perceptible output responsive to verification of substantially simultaneous or overlapping inputs.

Abstract: A modem apparatus including means for communicating authentication information of a host along a first path to prompt a first validation for receiving data over the first path, and means for communicating identifying information of the modem apparatus and a request for network resource allocation over the first path to prompt a second validation after the first validation, the second validation enabling the reception of data over a second path that has a higher rate of transmission than the first path.

Abstract: A phone system can include a phone terminal that includes a biometric data input device. Methods of using the phone terminal can include receiving biometric data of a user at the phone terminal and comparing the biometric data to saved biometric data. A comparison of the received and saved biometric data can be performed to locate one or more configuration files for a user, to authenticate or otherwise confirm the identity of a party, perform another activity, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the biometric data, other data, or a combination thereof can be used to access one or more configuration files that can be used to configure a phone terminal or a data processing system outside of the phone terminal. In another embodiment, the identity of a calling party, a called party, one or more other parties, or any combination thereof can be authenticated or otherwise confirmed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for broadcasting media events, the method including the steps of providing a sequence of media events in a first server, the sequence of media events including at least one media event of a first type and a plurality of media events of a second type; playing the sequence from the first server to a second server prior to a predetermined broadcast time; and storing at the second server at least a part of the sequence received from the first server.

Abstract: An interface for interactive control of alarm systems using an intermediate gateway. A request for access to an account for interactive alarm system control is received from a remote device by an intermediate gateway. The request for access from the remote device is authenticated by the intermediate gateway based on an authentication parameter. After authenticating, the intermediate gateway identifies an alarm system and attributes of the alarm system associated with the request for access. Here, for example, the intermediate gateway identifies the operating characteristics for remote access to the alarm system. Further, the interactive gateway may receive a prompt from the remote device. Based on the prompt, the intermediate gateway may communicate with the alarm system according to its identified attributes and in response to the prompt, to query or update at least one setting of the alarm system.

Abstract: A system and method for remote home monitoring and intercom communication. An indicator is received for activating an interactive feature of a telephone. A determination is made whether the indicator authorizes the interactive feature. The audio interface of the telephone is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for implementing a garage door monitoring system coupled to a garage door opener. The door monitoring system allow a user to actuate the door under control via a network connection. In at least one embodiment, the door monitoring system is controlled by a cell phone or networked appliance capable of transmitting information and data via a cellular telephone network. The door monitoring system provides the added advantage of allowing a remote user to view the areas or regions near to the door under control prior to actuating the door. At least one embodiment comprises a method to validate reception of the pictures or video clips of the areas or regions near to the door prior to enabling the system to actuate the door. In another embodiment a pass code is embedded into the pictures or video provided to the remote user.

Abstract: An electronic device may be controlled with a remote control device. The remote control device may be moved in a first manner to cause the electronic device to scroll through an ordered sequence. The remote control device may be moved in a second manner to cause the electronic device to select an entry from the ordered list. During scrolling of the ordered sequence, audio feedback regarding the nature of an associated entry may be provided to the user.

Abstract: The present invention enables the remote activation of a device by a packet-switched service, e.g., VoIP network service for the purposes of receiving calls identified as urgent from a pre-identified calling party when the device is disabled. The present invention enables registered users to select the calling parties they wish to receive emergency calls from.

Abstract: A universal combination cordless phone/remote control device for simultaneously answering incoming phone calls, messages, texts, etc., while operating a television and peripheral equipment includes a remote control side for controlling and operating the television and peripheral equipment and a cordless phone side for controlling various standard telephonic operations with both the remote control side and the cordless phone side including electrical charging contacts that engage charging contacts located on the upper surface of a portable lightweight charging cradle when the control device is placed upon the charging cradle for electrical charging.

Abstract: A controlling system for an electronic peripheral device is provided. The controlling system comprises an electronic peripheral device having a plurality of communication interfaces and a plurality of functions, at least one terminal device connectable to one of the communication interfaces of the electronic peripheral device via one of communication networks so that the terminal device can use one of the plurality of functions based on as to through which communication interface an instruction from the terminal device is received when the at least one of the plurality of functions is determined to be available, a function availability setting system, by which availability of at least one of the plurality of functions to the terminal device is set, and a function execution controlling system which controls execution of the at least one of the plurality of functions based on as to through which communication interface the instruction is received.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for implementing a garage door monitoring system coupled to a garage door opener. The door monitoring system allow a user to actuate the door under control via a network connection. In at least one embodiment, the door monitoring system is controlled by a cell phone or networked appliance capable of transmitting information and data via a cellular telephone network. The door monitoring system provides the added advantage of allowing a remote user to view the areas or regions near to the door under control prior to actuating the door. At least one embodiment comprises a method to validate reception of the pictures or video clips of the areas or regions near to the door prior to enabling the system to actuate the door. In another embodiment a pass code is embedded into the pictures or video provided to the remote user.

Abstract: A method is presented for providing alarm notification and two-way voice communication for a hybrid data/voice system. In one embodiment, the method comprises sending an alarm notification from a communication device to an alarm forwarding service, recognizing an ID of the communication device, using said ID to create a three-way call among the alarm forwarding service, the communication device and a central station, and initiating a two-way voice communication between said communication device and the central station. In another embodiment, the method comprises sending an alarm notification from a communication device to an alarm forwarding service, establishing a connection from said alarm forwarding service to said communication device, using said connection to create a three-way call among the alarm forwarding service, the communication device and a central station, and initiating a two-way voice communication between the communication device and the central station.

Abstract: A method is presented for providing alarm notification and two-way voice communication for a hybrid data/voice system by sending an alarm from a communication device to a central station receiver via a data transmission method, associating the alarm with a telephone number operating with a voice transmission method, and initiating the two-way voice communication between the communication device and a voice receiver. In one embodiment, associating includes selecting a line number and telephone number, verifying the number's availability, and if the number is available, sending it to the communication device. In another embodiment, associating includes forwarding the alarm from the alarm forwarding service to a receiver, sending a telephone number to the communication device, contacting the telephone number from the communication device, and using a voice transmission method to create a three-way call among the alarm forwarding service, the communication device and the central station.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for announcing a calling party from a communication device. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a call processing system (102) can have a controller (108) for processing calls in a communication system (100). The controller can be programmed to detect (504) an incoming call initiated by a third party communication device over a first voice channel, transmit (508) to a communication device (115, 116) over a control channel a notification signal associated with the incoming call, detect (512) a connection made by the communication device to a second voice channel, transmit (518, 521) to the communication device over the second voice channel audio signals that identify a calling party, and link (524) the first and second voice channels upon detecting over the control channel a call acceptance action by the communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and a method for a visitor reception service in absence. The present invention is applied to the system including a central server (HNSN) controlling devices and delivering their control statuses in being connected to the mobile network, and a gateway which interconnects with said HNSN through network and has connections with a plurality of devices, characterized in that the above gateway includes a Tel-Box (7) including a ring signal detection part detecting the number of sounding times of ring signal in the case that a call connection is requested from outside for a call path switching, an on/off hook detection part detecting on/off hook with an indoor telephone (12, 13, 14). According to the present invention, the convenience capable of doing reception for a visitor everywhere at once, irrespective of the place where the user having mobile station is can be provided.

Abstract: A data transmission/reception system provides the recipient of image data with flexible options for handling the image data. The system transmits notification mail to a cellular phone owned by the recipient when transmitting facsimile data from a transmitting facsimile machine to a receiving facsimile machine. The recipient transmits a command from the cellular phone indicating how the facsimile data received by the receiving facsimile machine should be handled. In response to the command received from the cellular phone, the receiving facsimile machine either forms an image based on the facsimile data on paper or forwards the facsimile data to another facsimile machine near the recipient. Accordingly, the recipient can transmit a forwarding command instructing the receiving facsimile machine to transmit the facsimile data to a facsimile machine nearby when the recipient is in a remote location, thereby enabling the recipient to view an image based on the facsimile data at any time.

Abstract: A dynamic service application is stored and executed on a mobile or wireless communication device (e.g., a cellular telephone) to enable it to be programmed without specialized hardware, software, and other proprietary information. For example, dynamic service application programs or scripts may be entered directly by a user or may be received as a wireless or radiated digital message transmission. The dynamic service application executes the dynamic service application script, which is of a format to accommodate wireless or radiated transmission and storage on the device. The dynamic service application script may be written directly by a user on a computer or a mobile communication device or may be written with the aid of scripting “wizard” software that runs on a computer and guides the writing of script without the user having to work directly with the dynamic service application script.

Abstract: A remote call center utilizes both cell phone and satellite communication networks to transmit data messages to a vehicle equipped with both a telematics module and a SDAR module. The telematics module and the SDAR module are both coupled to a vehicle data bus, and a software communication token containing a current budget is assigned to a selected module in response to a vehicle turn-off event. The module possessing the communication token determines the available signal strength on its respective communication network. If the available signal strength is adequate for reliable data communication with the call center, the module retains possession of the token and periodically wakes-up to check for incoming messages from the call center. If the available signal strength is inadequate, the module possessing the token passes the token to the other module, after which that module periodically wakes-up to check for incoming messages from the call center.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control system, a remote server, a remote control agent, and a remote control method. According to the present invention, when controlling the remote apparatus to perform a target service, remote apparatus information and service information are searched and a service plan is generated based on the searched remote apparatus information and service information for execution of the target service. In addition, a remote apparatus control process generated by the service plan and the process is performed. Therefore, users can easily control the remote apparatus and can be provided desired services.

Abstract: An electronic device may be controlled with a remote control device. The remote control device may be moved in a first manner to cause the electronic device to scroll through an ordered sequence. The remote control device may be moved in a second manner to cause the electronic device to select an entry from the ordered list. During scrolling of the ordered sequence, audio feedback regarding the nature of an associated entry may be provided to the user.

Abstract: An interactive system for managing and remotely monitoring and effecting the connection status of a customer utility load network is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the interactive system are utilized for customer loads that correspond to the distribution of electrical energy. The interactive system is preferably provided through a web-based application that offers a plurality of selectable services to a user. Security information is preferably required for a user to gain access to the system. Services provided may comprise a read service for providing metered customer utility data, a usage and/or demand notification service for alarming a user when utility usage and/or demand exceeds a defined threshold amount, and/or a connection service for setting a utility load as either connected or disconnected. A control system is preferably provided in conjunction with the web-based application to interface the application to other components involved in the interactive system.