Abstract: A user interface (e.g., on remote control device) for controlling an audio playback device. The user interface includes an input region operable to select from a plurality of entities for providing audio content to the audio playback device, and a display for displaying information associated with the entities. The user interface is configured to allow a user to preview the information associated with the entities via the display prior to selection of one of the entities for providing audio content for playback on the audio playback device.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for use in electronic and online advertising. Techniques are provided in which an advertiser provides information specifying a time-spaced sequence of advertisements to be targeted and served to a particular user, across a number of different devices and screens. Each advertisement in the sequence may be served to the user while the user is using a particular electronic device. The sequence of advertisements as a whole may be optimized with regard to eliciting a particular response from the user, and each advertisement may be optimized regarding its order in the sequence and the type of device or screen on which it is to be served.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grouping video tracks in a video editing timeline comprises displaying a plurality of video tracks in a video editing timeline; receiving a selection of video tracks to be grouped from the plurality of video tracks that are displayed; displaying the video tracks selected for grouping as a single video track in the video editing timeline; and applying an indicator identifying the video tracks as grouped in the video editing timeline.

Abstract: The playback of content from a playlist is disclosed. A user may influence the probability of a specific item from a content playlist being selected during the execution of a pseudo-random (shuffle) algorithm.

Abstract: A remote control device comprises a housing cover configured to mate with a touch-enabled surface configured to receive input gestures, and a battery holder disposed between the housing cover and the touch-enabled surface. A first plurality of magnets is disposed in the housing cover. A second plurality of magnets is disposed in the battery holder. The first plurality of magnets in the housing cover is attracted to the second plurality of magnets in a first position of the housing cover relative to the battery holder. The first plurality of magnets in the housing cover is repelled from the second plurality of magnets in a second position of the housing cover relative to the battery holder. The first position and the second position share a rotational axis normal to the touch-enabled surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may allow applications and information to be clustered together in ways that simplify and automate various tasks. Other embodiments may present a graphical user interface to the user that allows the user to choose from a matrix of information categories and applications that can help provide that information. Still other embodiments may provide different user interface methods based on status awareness.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is disclosed. The mobile terminal displays a progress bar for controlling the playback of content, selects two points on the progress bar, and upon receipt of a predetermined operation on the two points, controls the playback of the content, which has a playback portion between the two points. Accordingly, time-based content can be managed more efficiently through the progress bar.

Abstract: A GUI providing method and a GUI providing apparatus are provided. According to the GUI providing method, a GUI from among GUIs for an external apparatus connected to a video apparatus is determined and displayed. Accordingly, if there are many GUIs for an apparatus, a GUI most suitable for the current circumstance is automatically determined and provided to a user.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a legacy application. The method includes visually capturing a series of movements. The method also includes recording the series of movements at a first time as a recorded series of movements. Moreover, the recorded series of movements includes at least a command that is configured to control a legacy application. Furthermore, the method includes invoking the recorded series of movements at a second time.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for allowing sharing of notes and ideas between electronic devices. The presence of a number of electronic devices is determined. A determination is made that the electronic devices are to be part of a shared workspace. A shared workspace is generated for the electronic devices. The shared workspace is displayed on a display screen of at least one of the electronic devices. The shared workspace that is displayed may be based on the capabilities of the electronic device. The shared workspace that is displayed may reflect the location of the electronic devices.

Abstract: A set of media playback and device settings data from each home appliance of a first set of home appliances is stored on a central server and/or sent to a remote control device upon initiation of a suspend command by a user. The stored media and devices states may be used at a later time to control the first set of home appliances, or a user may, after relocating to a second set of home appliances, initiate a resume state command whereupon media playback and device settings data from the central server and/or remote control device controls each home appliance in the second set of home appliances to bring about the same or substantially similar media and device states as in the first set of home appliances.

Abstract: An image selection method includes receiving a collection of images and optionally, filtering the collection of images. The filtering may include removing images that are near-duplicates of other images in the collection. A plurality of features is extracted from each of the images in the optionally-filtered collection. The optionally-filtered collection of images is considered as a time-ordered sequence of images and is segmented to form a sequence of segments. Each segment includes at least one of the images. The segmenting of the sequence of images is based on the extracted features and positions of the images in the sequence of images. Images from the segments are selected to form a sub-collection of the images.

Abstract: A content processing device is configured to receive data requested according to a specified parameter and also to receive an incoming video signal, and is further configured to receive a request to purchase at least one item after providing a data interface and at least a subset of the requested data for display on a video display.

Abstract: A configuration apparatus includes a user interface allowing a user to initiate configuration of at least a target configurable device selected from a plurality of configurable devices. A command module is coupled to the user interface for dynamically generating a sequence of commands required to configure the target configurable device. The sequence of commands includes commands for entering a hidden service-configuration menu of the target configurable device. A communication module is coupled to the command module for transmitting the sequence of commands to the target configurable device.

Abstract: A method for providing quick access to functions from a locked screen may include receiving an indication of entry of an activation input at a user terminal while the user terminal is displaying a locked screen, causing a launch of an application associated with performance of a function associated with the application from the locked screen and without completion of an unlock procedure in response to the activation input, enabling the function to be performed while the activation input is provided, and causing the user terminal to revert to the locked screen in response to removal of the activation input. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of indexing a previously digitally recorded program of an audio and video program comprising: first, downloading the digital recording of the audio and video program; second, downloading from a server an index of the digital audio and video program to be associated with the digital recording of the audio and video program so as to navigate the digital recording of the audio and video program; third associating the index to the digital audio and video recording enabling a user of the digitally recorded audio and video program to navigate the digital recording of the audio and video program according to the index; and fourth, enabling the user to navigate the indexed associated digital recording of the audio/video program using the index applied to the digital recording of the audio and video program among many other aspects not allowed regarding the length of this abstract.

Abstract: A content downloader system including a display for displaying a user interface enabling a user to select content to be downloaded and initiate downloading; a set-top-box coupled to the display for providing the user interface and for receiving an Indication of the content to be downloaded; and a content downloader coupled to and separate from the set-top-box, the content downloader for receiving the content. The content downloader has at least one memory component for storing content, at least one input/output connection for communicating to electronic devices, optionally including a removable memory card and optionally including an encryption/decryption unit. The content downloader may have an identification whereby its identity is authenticated by the content provider.

Abstract: A method and system analyze session data. In some embodiments, the method accesses session data, identifies multiple sessions contained in the session data, and identifies multiple events that occurred within each of the multiple sessions. The method determines a temporal relationship between the multiple events in each session and analyzes the multiple sessions to aggregate events associated with the multiple sessions. The method then generates a graphical representation of the aggregated events.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling the download of a set of media files with a specific order and specific contents and, more particularly, to enabling a download manager to automatically receive the information it requires to retrieve those elements required to replicate a streaming edit through local playback after the downloads complete.

Abstract: A video-on-demand (VOD) content delivery system has a VOD Application Server which manages a database of templates ordered in a hierarchy for presentation of video content elements of different selected types categorized in hierarchical order. The templates include those for higher-order displays which have one or more links to lower-order displays of specific content. The VOD Application Server, in response to viewer request, displays a high-order templatized display, and in response to viewer selection of a link, displays the lower-order display of specific content. The hierarchical templatized displays enable viewers to navigate to an end subject of interest while having a unique visual experience of moving through a series of displays to the end subject of interest. For example, the higher-order display may be a product ad and the lower-order display may be an ad for a local retailer of the product.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for managing a mute state of a participant in a teleconference may include detecting, based on analysis of at least one characteristic of audio data received from a microphone associated with the participant or image data received from a camera associated with the participant, whether the participant is attempting to speak to other teleconference participants. The method may also include providing an alert to the participant in response to a detecting that the participant is attempting to speak to other conference participants while the microphone is muted.

Abstract: A video-on-demand (VOD) content delivery system has a VOD Application Server which manages a database of templates ordered in a hierarchy for presentation of video content elements of different selected types categorized in hierarchical order. The templates include those for higher-order displays which have one or more links to lower-order displays of specific content. The VOD Application Server, in response to viewer request, displays a high-order templatized display, and in response to viewer selection of a link, displays the lower-order display of specific content. The hierarchical templatized displays enable viewers to navigate to an end subject of interest while having a unique visual experience of moving through a series of displays to the end subject of interest.

Abstract: An electronic device with one or more processors, memory and a display obtains information about a first and second sequence of media items. The device plays an initially-displayed media item of the first sequence and while playing the initially-displayed media item in a respective region of the display, detects a media-change input. In response to the input, when the media-change input corresponds to movement in a first direction, the device ceases to play the initially-displayed media item in the respective region and plays a first media item that is adjacent to the initially-displayed media item in the first sequence. When the media-change input corresponds to movement in a second, different, direction, the device ceases to play the initially-displayed media item in the respective region of the display and plays a second media item in the respective region, where the second media item is from the second sequence of media items.

Abstract: A method includes receiving inputs indicative of a user state of each user of a group of users. The inputs include sensor inputs from one or more and/or user inputs received from a graphical user interface. The method includes determining a collective user state for each user based on the received inputs and determining one or more possible activities for the group of users and one or more predicted outcomes for each activity based on the collective user states. The method includes executing one or more behaviors that evaluate the one or more possible activities and/or the corresponding one or more predicted outcomes, selecting one or more activities based on the evaluations of the one or more possible activities and/or the corresponding one or more predicted outcomes, and sending results including the selected one or more activities from the computing device to one or more screens.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are described in which a plurality of mediums are selectively programmed with media content to provide an integrated entertainment experience to consumers. The content that is provided on different mediums is synchronized to provide different events, perspectives or experiences associated with a common storyline. Additional embodiments of the present invention are described in which commercial sponsorship of a program is provided within a storyline, such that sponsors are identified for purposes of brand recognition, or products and services from the sponsor are advertised/marketed or otherwise made directly available for purchase by consumers through synchronized programming of media content among a plurality of mediums.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling one or more components coupled to a display or TV. Remote application software is provided on the TV for communicating a first signal between remote control and the processor via a receiver coupled to the processor, the remote application software comprises a graphical user interface for output on the, wherein the graphical user interface allows a user to assign the buttons on the remote keypad first to one or more commands that operate one or more external devices coupled to the display.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling, enhancing, archiving, and analyzing social media related to an event are disclosed. In some instances, the method includes: aggregating, using a computing device, posts made to at least one social media platform by a plurality of posters to identify a plurality of posts related to an event; filtering the identified plurality of posts related to the event to identify a plurality of relevant posts; and broadcasting the plurality of relevant posts for display on at least one display.

Abstract: A media player can identify one or more elements of a media presentation and select an element of the media presentation for generating output. The elements may be identified in a playlist or elsewhere. For example, the playlist may specify a composition of a plurality of visual, audio, or other elements for generating output or other behavior in parallel and/or in series over the course of the media presentation. The media player can comprise a playback component configured to utilize at least one selectively-enabled functional component of the media player to generate output based on evaluating the trait(s) exposed by the selected element. Traits may be determined based on analyzing media types or other data regarding the elements of the presentation.

Abstract: A system, process and software that incorporate the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a condition that causes an impaired perception of an original media content item during a presentation. A media content modification is determined, wherein application of the media content modification to the original media content item results in a modified media content item. The modified media content item, when presented to the media presentation device, ameliorates the impaired perception of the media content item. The media content modification is applied to the original media content item resulting in the modified media content item. The modified media content item is presented at the media presentation device contemporaneously with the original media content item, allowing different viewers to observe the modified media content item simultaneously with the original. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting multiple images of entities associated with media items in a media list are provided. A method may include identifying a first entity associated with a first media item in a media list. The first media item may be associated with a first time period. A second entity associated with a second media item may be identified in the media list. The second media item may be associated with a second time period. Next, from a database of entity images, a first image of the first entity may be selected based on the first time period and a second image of the second entity may be selected based on the second time period. As a result, the first image and the second image may be presented in an interface during activation of the media list.

Abstract: An graphical user interface for providing a digital platform including interactive tools to a plurality of content providers to enable broadcasting via digital streaming by the content providers, side-loading and cross selling between content providers, connecting one or more content providers with each other and with selected content consumers is disclosed.

Abstract: When a user enters text into an application, the application can utilize an auto-complete feature to provide the user with estimations as to a complete term a user is attempting to enter into the application. Visualization can be provided along with an estimation to disclose the likelihood the estimation is what the user intends to enter. Furthermore, a rationale can be provided to the user for the reason an estimation was provided to the user.

Abstract: A computerized method of presenting information from a variety of sources on a display device. Specifically the present invention describes a graphical user interface for organizing the simultaneous display of information from a multitude of information sources. In particular, the present invention comprises a graphical user interface which organizes content from a variety of information sources into a grid of tiles, each of which can refresh its content independently of the others. The grid functionality manages the refresh rates of the multiple information sources. The present invention is intended to operate in a platform independent manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating media playlists, or selecting a media asset, according to a “shape” selected by a user. Specifically, a user may “shape” the playlist by designating specific sub-categories of media assets that should be presented at selected times in the playlist. The media application then interpolates the sub-categories for a media asset between the selected times such that adjacent media assets have smooth categorical transitions (e.g., feature incremental changes in the range of sub-categories).

Abstract: During reproduction of an audio or audiovisual document, a document is read from a recording medium. The audio or audiovisual content of the non impaired sequences, which represent sequences of the document which are not defective, are fully recorded. Impaired sequences of the document, which are defective sequences of the document are not recorded, but are represented by an identifier and information corresponding to the duration of the impaired sequences. The recorded sequences are then reproduced and a graphics menu representing the content of the document is displayed. The menu indicates the location of the impaired sequences with respect to the non impaired sequences and the duration of the impaired sequences.

Abstract: Monitoring user activity on a mobile device is described. In one aspect, video content is received and played to a user of the mobile device. The monitoring activity detects an interruption of playback of the video content and determines an event associated with the interruption. The event is stored in the mobile device and communicated to a remote device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may use, for example, a method for sending a set-top box an identification of the media player, receiving operational instructions from the set-top box according to the emulator executed by the set-top box that emulates a user interface of the media player by presenting a representation of the media player in a graphical user interface, and transmitting media content to the set-top box according to the operational instructions. The emulator can be supplied to the set-top box by way of a multimedia system communicatively coupled to the set-top box. The user interface presented by the set-top box by way of the emulator substantially mimics functions of the media player. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive multi-view module identifies a plurality of media items associated with a real-world event, each of the plurality of media items comprising a video portion and an audio portion. The interactive multi-view module synchronizes the audio portions of each of the plurality of media items according to a common reference timeline, determines a relative geographic position associated with each of the plurality of media items and presents the plurality of media items in an interactive multi-view player interface based at least on the synchronized audio portions and the relative geographic positions.

Abstract: A user interface for visually presenting media content items available for time-shifted playback. The user interface includes a first plurality of preview images having an aspect ratio and a first size. The user interface also includes a second plurality of preview images having the same aspect ratio and a second size, smaller than the first size. Each preview image visually represents a different media content item available for time-shifted playback. Each preview image is spatially-sorted in an array according to a temporal order with which that media content item is added to the array. Preview images having the first size alternate between being aligned above and being aligned below two side-by-side preview images having the second size.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficient display of, and navigation through, a large database by displaying and selecting objects, e.g., graphic elements, in a grid associated with the content of the database are provided. The method includes providing a first subset of graphic elements from a database of graphic elements, the first subset of graphic elements arranged in a grid pattern, adjusting a position of one of the graphic elements in the first subset on the display in response to a user input indicating movement of the one graphic element in a horizontal and vertical direction, and providing a second subset of graphic elements from the database of graphic elements, the second subset of graphic elements including the one graphic element in the first subset at the point central on the display.

Abstract: A method comprising displaying the list of content on a display and receiving a selection for a first content including a first video content and a first audio content. The method may include displaying a menu of a plurality of additional audio content on the display, wherein displaying the menu of the plurality of additional audio content includes displaying a rating of each of the plurality of additional audio content based on ratings provided by users of each of the plurality of additional audio content. The method may also include receiving a selection of one of the plurality of additional audio content and playing the first content while simultaneously playing the selected one of the plurality of additional audio content.

Abstract: A teleprompter system and method include use of a touch-screen interface positioned intermediate to the user and a camera such that the camera captures the user's image through a transparency of the touch-screen interface. The touch screen interface is coupled to a computer and is operably connected so as to enable user control and manipulation of interactive media content generated by the computer. A video mixing component integrates images captured by the camera with interactive media content generated by the computer, as may be manipulated by the user via the touch-screen interface, to generate a coordinated presentation. The coordinated presentation can be received by one or more remote devices. The remote devices can further interact with at least the interactive media content.

Abstract: A service providing method providing at least one of service provided from a plurality of contents provider to clients includes receiving metadata related to at least one of service provided from the contents provider; converting the received metadata into the metadata of XML format; and providing the metadata of the XML format to the clients.

Abstract: A server configured to form part of a data protection group, wherein the server comprises a memory, a transceiver configured to receive a request to store a data file from another device, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver and configured to acquire the request to store a data file, write the data file to a container in the memory, and encode the container contents when the container becomes full to generate a plurality of encoded blocks, wherein the transceiver is further configured to distribute the plurality of encoded blocks over peer servers in the data protection group.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive search user interface is provided. The user interface allows for search results to be customized by the user. The user interface includes a discovery bar of multimedia content that includes additional media content, advertisements, and features that are recommended to users. The discovery bar of multimedia content is customizable based upon user command input. The user interface also includes methods and graphical interface in which to resolve recording conflicts.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for providing a graphical user interface via an operating system. The graphical user interface may be configured to permit a user to define a plurality of modes, one of the modes being a current mode. The method may also include permitting a user to select an updated mode of the plurality of modes, the updated mode being different from the current mode. The computer-implemented method may further include transmitting a message indicating that the updated mode has been selected to a configuration interface associated with at least one application running on the operating system. Numerous other variations and embodiments are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Abstract: An interactive presentation environment for eMeetings or the like that provides participants with more control over what they see and hear. The interactive presentation environment may comprise a meeting recorder adapted to create a recording of a live meeting and a navigation control for selecting a portion of the recording to view during the live meeting. The interactive presentation environment may further comprise a timeline control containing a first graphical indicator associated with a live position and a second graphical indicator associated with a current position, a bookmark control adapted to mark a portion of the recording for archiving, and a display operatively connected to the meeting recorder and the navigation control.

Abstract: A display apparatus is disclosed. The display apparatus includes a display to display contents on a screen and a controller to control the display to display a feedback user interface (UI) on the screen which is generated based on a user preference of the contents, and the feedback UI may include at least one of a poll UI which is related to the contents or a control UI that is used to control playback timing of the contents.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes displaying, within a user interface in a digital media system, a media pane, and a project pane, displaying, within the media pane, a thumbnail group representing a media item, the thumbnail group comprising one or more thumbnails, enabling a user to select, from the thumbnail group, a segment of the media item, and enabling a user to transfer the selected segment to the project pane.

Abstract: A storage machine holds instructions executable by a logic machine to receive a digital representation of a spoken command. The digital representation is provided to a speech recognizer trained with a user-specific grammar library. The logic machine then receives from the speech recognizer a confidence rating for each of a plurality of different media items. The confidence rating indicates the likelihood that the media item is named in the spoken command. The logic machine then automatically plays back the media item with a greatest confidence rating.