Abstract: A system and method for determining the characteristics of a device coupled to a client device are disclosed. A method, according to one embodiment, includes driving a display device with a first video output signal formatted according to a first video interface specification; responsive to driving the display device, soliciting user input based on information included in the first video output signal; determining a characteristic of the display device based on the user input; and driving the display device according to the determined characteristic.

Abstract: A mobile terminal configured to couple with a user-removable interface module includes a connector configured to couple or otherwise contact the removable interface module, a controller configured to determine whether a coupling exists between the mobile terminal and the removable interface module, and a touchscreen display configured to display the first group of icons responsive to the determining that the coupling does not exist and display the second group of icons responsive to the determining that the coupling exists, wherein each of the first group of icons relates to a function that is associated with the mobile terminal and which are each controllable responsive to user input to the touchscreen display, and wherein each of the second group of icons relates to a function of the mobile terminal that is associated with the removable interface module and which are each controllable responsive to user input to the touchscreen display.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: Graphical user interface material map objects are specified by a collection of attribute-value pairs, the collection of which comprises a complete description of the material map and may be used by a rendering engine to create a visual representation of the material map at any resolution. That is, material map representations in accordance with the invention are resolution independent. Another benefit of representing material maps in accordance with the invention is that they may be encrypted to prevent unauthorized inspection or use.

Abstract: This invention provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that operates in connection with a machine vision detector or other machine vision system, which provides a highly intuitive and industrial machine-like appearance and layout. The GUI includes a centralized image frame window surrounded by panes having buttons and specific interface components that the user employs in each step of a machine vision system set up and run procedure. One pane allows the user to view and manipulate a recorded filmstrip of image thumbnails taken in a sequence, and provides the filmstrip with specialized highlighting (colors or patterns) that indicate useful information about the underlying images. The programming of logic is performed using a programming window that includes a ladder logic arrangement.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, which comprises the following: aggregating a plurality of records in accordance with an aggregation specification, wherein the records are part of a dimensionally-modeled fact collection; graphically representing the records in un-aggregated form; graphically representing the records in aggregated form; and causing the graphical representation of the records to be switched between aggregated form and un-aggregated form based on a user indication.

Abstract: A method of providing a graphical user interface (GUI) and a multimedia apparatus using the same are provided, the method including: dividing a list display area into a plurality of sub-areas; and displaying a plurality of related lists regarding the multimedia content on the plurality of sub-areas, respectively. Accordingly, a plurality of related lists are displayed on a plurality of divided areas, and the scroll directions of the lists are independently decided according to each area. Therefore, a user can find desired content with greater convenience.

Abstract: An optical record/playback apparatus and a control method thereof are disclosed. The optical record/playback apparatus has an easy mode to automatically initialize an optical disk loaded on the optical record/playback apparatus, regardless of a type of an optical disk, when the optical disk has not been initialized, and the easy mode set to display a same main menu when a menu button is manipulated.

Abstract: A class changing apparatus includes a link unit configured to be linked with a client device to transmit and receive data. The class change apparatus also includes a storage unit configured to store apparatus information including class information of the client device. The class changing apparatus further includes a control unit coupled to the link unit and the storage unit and controlling operations of the class changing apparatus including a class changing operation, wherein the class change operation includes transmitting at least one command including a command for rebranching into the selected class to the client device through the link unit and registering class information as changed class information in the storage unit in response to detecting a class change request.

Abstract: A computing device entertainment mode system comprises a computing device comprising at least one indicator element disposed thereon, the computing device configured to be placed into an entertainment mode of operation such that, in response to being placed in the entertainment mode of operation, an illumination intensity level associated with the at least one indicator element is automatically decreased.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A television Widget movement method involves providing access to a plurality of Widget programs to a television Widget host processor; receiving a dedicated command from a remote controller that activates the plurality of Widget programs, wherein the Widget programs, when in a Display mode, display Widget representations on a display; receiving a command from the remote controller that establishes one of the plurality of displayed Widget programs as the Widget program that is currently in focus; and receiving a command from the remote controller that places the Widget program that is currently in focus in a Move Mode, wherein the Widget representation can be moved about the display while in Move Mode. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of dual-screen interactive digital television (IDTV), which is implemented by applying modality-independent remote console technology. The system has two ends, referred to as host IDTV and handheld device. The host IDTV includes a host IDTV content, an IDTV middleware, a host graphic user interface (host GUI), and a server-side remote console control protocol. The handheld device includes a handheld IDTV content, an interface generator, a handheld GUI, and a client-side remote console control protocol. In the invention, the DTV content may only have a dual-screen execution mode. The DTV content may also switch between single-screen and dual-screen modes.

Abstract: Various embodiments illustrated and described herein provide one or more of systems, methods, and software operable to process multilayered documents including form fields. Some embodiments, are operable to process a new or modified background layer image to identify input fields, to match the identified fields with metadata in foreground layer data defining interactive input fields, and to modify the mappings of the input fields defined within the foreground layer of a page description language document as a function of identified input fields in the modified background layer image.

Abstract: A computer connectable image display apparatus for presentation is provided. The image display apparatus has a candidate information obtaining unit, a selection screen display unit, a presentation execution instruction unit, and a drawing screen display unit. The candidate information obtaining unit obtains selection candidate information generated by the computer relating selection candidates for a presentation subject file. The selection screen display unit generates and displays a selection screen for selecting the presentation subject file based on the selection candidate information. The presentation execution instruction unit makes the computer to execute the selected presentation subject file by sending selection results with the selection screen. The drawing screen display unit captures and displays a computer drawing screen drawn by the computer.

Abstract: A method for replicating application data, the method including monitoring at least one application running on a first computer, detecting an inactivity trigger on the first computer, and, responsive to detecting the inactivity trigger, copying data associated with the software application, and placing the copied data in a network-accessible location.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A television includes multiple interfaces, a storage medium, an updating module, a processing module and a display module. The multiple interfaces are mounted on a housing of the television, for connecting to peripheral devices. The storage medium stores a table comprising logos of the multiple interfaces and names of the peripheral devices connected to the multiple interfaces. The updating module receives the names of the peripheral devices and updates the table with the names of the peripheral devices. The processing module reads the data of the table stored in the storage medium and converts the data of the table into image signals. The display module visually displays a menu based on the image signals. The menu shows the logos of the multiple interfaces and the names of the peripheral devices connected to the multiple interfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects, a trigger corresponding to media content is retrieved from a storage device. The trigger includes a time-shift parameter identifying how much playback of the media content can be time-shifted while keeping the trigger valid. A determination is made, based at least in part on a current time and the time-shift parameter, whether the trigger is valid during playback of the media content.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus may be controlled in response to selecting an advertisement displayed in connection with a productivity or communication application software program being operated on a video processing apparatus. The advertisement includes control information, which is used by the video processing apparatus to control an operating mode thereof. The control information may include both time and channel data as well as a recording data for programming a timer. Alternately, the control information may only include program data, which is passed to the electronic program guide to determine the time and channel information associated with the program data.

Abstract: A BD-ROM has recorded therein an AV Clip generated by multiplexing a video stream and a graphics stream. The graphics stream represents an interactive display to be overlayed with the video stream, and includes a sequence of three Button State groups. The interactive display includes a plurality of buttons, each of which changes from a normal state to a selected state, and from the selected state to an active state, according to a user operation. In the three Button State groups in the graphics stream, the first-order group (N-ODSs) is made of a plurality of pieces of graphics data, which represent normal states of the buttons, the second-order group (S-ODSs) is made of a plurality of pieces of graphics data, which represent selected states of the buttons, and the third-order group (A-ODSs) is made of a plurality of pieces of graphics data, which represent active states of the buttons.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products describe a remote control for consumer electronics devices. The remote control has multiple transceivers simultaneously receiving multiple streams of content, and multiple displays simultaneously presenting the streams of content. The remote control includes means for switching between multiple sources for each stream of content displayed on each display. The multiple sources may include wireless content from a wireless source, cable content from a cable service provider, satellite content from a satellite service provider, broadband content from a broadband service provider, and local content from a local source. The remote control also has a communication mode when a voice over internet protocol telephone call is received. One of the transceivers terminates its stream of content and a processor mutes an audible portion of all other streams of content, and the transceiver begins receiving the communication.

Abstract: A programming interface for a media management application is described herein. The programming interface allows a media bundle to induce a media presentation at the media management application. More particularly, a media bundle can be provided at a client device, and the media bundle can include program instructions that at least in part use the programming interface to cause the media presentation to be provided at the client device. The media presentation can make use of digital media assets that are stored at a media library on the client device, that are stored within the media bundle, or that are remotely accessible to the client device. The media presentation can provide a multimedia experience for the user of the client device.

Abstract: A display control apparatus for controlling display in a first display device that displays a predetermined display range of an entire supplied image is provided. The display control apparatus includes an image scaledown unit adapted to scale down a first image based on a scaledown ratio that is preset in accordance with the size of the display range relative to the entire image; and a display control unit adapted to control display of the first image that is scaled down by the image scaledown unit in the first display device.

Abstract: A portable telephone device with incorporated projector 10 displays the contents of a received email upon a main liquid crystal display device 204 This portable telephone device with incorporated projector 10 projects the contents of the received email after having changed its vertical-horizontal ratio (its row-column ratio) so that the number of characters in the horizontal direction becomes greater, as compared to the display screen of the main liquid crystal display device 204, upon which the numbers of characters being displayed vertically and horizontally are equal.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a local computing device that includes a display and a touchscreen interface. The device is operable to establish a remote network computing session with a host computer system, transmit touch event information associated with touch events, receive graphical display information corresponding to a host image associated with the host computer system, translate the graphical display information from host coordinates to local coordinates, update the local image based on the graphical display information, the local image comprising a selected portion of the host image, and, in response to mouse movement events caused by associated touch events, change the selected portion of the host image while keeping a cursor in the center of the display, except when the center of the selected portion is within a predetermined limit of an edge of the host image, thereafter move the cursor relative to the local display.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for adjusting a viewing experience associated with a display device. During use, a user interface capable of being used for adjusting the viewing experience associated with the display device is automatically displayed, in response to an event that potentially affects the viewing experience associated with the display device.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices;, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: An electronic program guide that assists a user to navigate through a variety of digital and analog feeds made available by digital television technology is provided. Features such as allowing the user to purchase items, allowing the user to choose the content of the display screen, enabling more efficient use of black areas, among others are provided. Default settings based on prior user settings is provided to allow for an automatically customized environment. This automatic customization may entail, for example, the automatic resizing of windows based on the user's prior preferences. Also provided is a feature that allows for the automatic activation of a local or remote application through the user's set-top box based on the content currently being viewed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for controlling application software while switching between session in a multi-session computing environment. An apparatus includes memory coupled to switching logic and application program managing logic. The switching logic is configured to selectively switch console control of a computing device between at least two user kernel sessions that are maintained in the memory. The application program managing logic is configured to selectively control at least one application program that is operatively configured within at least one of the user kernel sessions. For example, the application program managing logic can be configured to stop the operation, restart certain application programs, notify application programs about switching events, and/or adjust the playback of audio and/or video signals associated certain application programs.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for activity-based control of multiple consumer electronic devices independent of a state of the consumer electronic devices. In an embodiment a remote control apparatus for controlling consumer electronic devices includes a user interface, a consumer electronic device interface, a transition-based controller and control logic. The transition-based controller generates transition commands to control multiple consumer electronic devices independent of keeping track of state information. A transition command includes a pre-defined sequence of consumer electronic device commands that can be transmitted to transition the consumer electronic devices from one user experience to another. A method for activity-based control of multiple consumer electronic devices independent of a state of the consumer electronic devices is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates remote browsing, viewing, and manipulating any suitable number of media items from a host location. In particular, the invention involves pulling desired media items from one or more host locations to view and/or edit them on a remote interactive media display, thereby freeing up use of the host location/computer. The media items sent to the remote interactive media display via wireless or wired connection are easily edited, organized, and viewed in any suitable order, arrangement, and timed-cycle with respect to per item viewing as well as viewing of items coincident with a real time calendar. The media items can be annotated and otherwise modified from the remote display and saved to the host location. The remote interactive media frame also includes a local storage for storing media items, thereby facilitating portability of the media frame when disconnected from the host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for displaying the contents of a file on a display of a computer. Upon receiving an enlargement instruction for performing an enlarged display of a file, a computer detects whether an object included in the file is to be included in an enlarged display range of the file. When it is detected that the object is not to be included in the enlarged display range, the enlarged display range is automatically changed, whereby a user can understand which part of the file the enlarged display range corresponds to without performing a complicated operation.

Abstract: A method and system to preview video content. The system comprises an access component to receive a search request and a loader to simultaneously stream a plurality of videos associated with the search request. The system may further comprise a trigger to detect a pointer positioned over a first video and a mode selector to provide the first video in a preview mode.

Abstract: Various “media-components” are provided in a “multi-media center.” In modular architecture, a module-controller communicates with media-modules provided for various media-components. A media-module can include or obtain data pertaining to a particular media-component, identify media-player(s), and access information related to their media. However, the media-modules are isolated from each other, and the module-controller effectively controls output generated in response to user input. A user interface library is provided for the media-modules. Media-modules can obtain a template or other tools from the library and construct their user interface (e.g., menus). Media-modules can also identify a media-player that can be initiated in response to user input. Subsequently, the media-controller forwards user input to the media-player.

Abstract: A multimedia prompting apparatus, method, and computer program generate and provide a dynamic multimedia prompt to a video client. The dynamic multimedia prompt includes at least two video clips. The multimedia prompting apparatus, method, and computer program generate the dynamic multimedia prompt by selecting at least one of the video clips based at least partially on information provided by the video client.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of performing multiple tasks in a portable terminal are provided, in which menu functions of the portable terminal can be implemented while continuing to play the music. The multi-tasking apparatus includes a controller for performing controlling to implement at least one menu function while playing a music file and a display unit for displaying an indication that the music file is being played during the implementation of the menu function.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to presentation of content to mobile users. In the method, data associated with presentation of content is transmitted from a communication system, the data including information regarding an event. The data is received at mobile user equipment and stored in a memory of the mobile user equipment. In response to the event, presentation of the content is triggered. The presentation is based on the data stored in the memory of the mobile user equipment.

Abstract: In a television broadcasting system intended to present information pertaining to a main broadcast program to viewers, a ground-wave broadcast station produces and broadcasts the main program in the conventional manner and a CS (communication satellite) broadcast station which is supplied with main program composition information and various source data from the ground-wave station produces supplemental broadcast programs for the main program. The CS station also produces symbolic labels indicative of the content of the supplemental programs, and broadcasts the supplemental programs and symbolic labels together. An IRD (integrated receiver/decoder) unit of a viewer's receiver set receives the broadcast signals from the ground-wave station and CS station, and displays the main program and the symbolic labels of supplemental programs together on a display unit.

Abstract: A system for supplying streaming media or other media sources to clients, where said system minimizes the lag time perceived by the user during negotiation between media sources by outputting the media content remaining in the buffer while the system is negotiating connection and buffering information from a second media source.

Abstract: A switching method includes: when a control unit receives a first command signal and determines that a host computing device is turned off and a power source is disabled, configuring the control unit to operate a switch unit in a first switch state and to enable the power source, thereby enabling audio and video playback of the host computing device; and when the control unit receives a second command signal and determines that the host computing device is turned off and the power source is disabled, configuring the control unit to operate the switch unit in a second switch state and to enable the power source, thereby enabling audio and video playback of an audio-and-video reproducing device. A computer system that includes the control unit, the host computing device, the power source, the switch unit, and the audio-and-video reproducing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided and includes a receiving section for receiving content data, a selection area movement instructing section for receiving an operation signal to instruct movement of a selection area and giving an instruction corresponding to the operation signal, a selection area displaying section for moving the selection area according to the instruction given by the selection area movement instructing means, a link display position information extracting section for extracting display position information of a link display from the content data, a link selection instructing section for receiving an operation signal to instruct a selection of a predetermined link and giving an instruction corresponding to the operation signal, a link selection controlling section for selecting the link instructed by the link selection instructing means, and a sending the link destination section for sending a request for replying content data.

Abstract: A method for providing a user interface configured using three frames for a Digital Media Player (DMP) in a Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) system. Each of all source, renderer, and menu items of the DLNA system is set to one axis of a set of axes. Two predetermined axes of the set of axes and a contents list are selected according to selection by a DMP user of an operation to be performed within the DLNA system. A user interface of the DMP is configured using two frames for displaying the two predetermined axes and one frame for displaying the contents list.

Abstract: An audio-video (AV) signal transceiving processing device which includes a AV decoder, a bridge, and a bus interface, wherein the bus interface is a PCMCIA, CardBus, or Express Card bus interface. The AV decoder is used to receive an analog video signals and a corresponding analog audio signal, and output a first digital video signal and a corresponding first digital audio signal. The bridge is used to receive the first digital video signal and the first digital audio signal, and output a second digital video signal and a second digital audio signal, which are compliant to a bus interface standard, to a computer through a bus interface that is compliant to the bus interface standard.

Abstract: A rendering engine that enables access to alternate content determines, based on an accessibility mode, a list of focusable elements associated with a document to be rendered. If the accessibility mode is inactive, the list of focusable elements includes elements that are, by default, focusable. If the accessibility mode is active, the list of focusable elements also includes elements that have associated alternate content, but that are not, by default, focusable. When an accessibility mode is active and an element with associated alternate content is selected, the alternate content is rendered.

Abstract: A system and method for switching presentation of media between two or more processes without interruption is described. This system and method can enable a user to enjoy media presented in a process and then switch the presentation of that media to another process without interruption in the media. Further, this system and method can enable a user to switch back and forth between media presentation within one application and another application without interruption.