42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Platform as a service (PAAS) featuring computer software platforms for connecting, managing, and monitoring third-party entertainment and gaming software applications used through an electronic hub; Software as a Service (SaaS) featuring voice-activated software for connecting, managing, and monitoring digital entertainment media streaming devices, video recorders, audio-video receivers, digital audio and video recorders and players, and electronic display screens
Embodiments are provided for automatically determining the power state of a consumer electronic device, such as a television. For instance, a switching device may transmit a reference audio signal to a consumer electronic device for playback thereby. An audio signal captured by a microphone is compared to a reference audio signal. If a level of similarity between the captured audio signal and the reference audio signal meet a threshold condition, then a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered on. Otherwise, a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered off, in a standby state or muted.
G06F 1/3218 - Monitoring of peripheral devices of display devices
G08B 21/04 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to non-activity, e.g. of elderly persons
G10L 15/22 - Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialog
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
Embodiments described herein enable remote control of a mobile device. A representation of a screen displayed on a mobile device is obtained by an emulating device. The emulating device transmits the representation of the screen to a first computing device. The emulating device receives, from the first computing device, a control command comprising instructions to perform an action with respect to the mobile device. The emulating device converts the control command to an input command based on an input device emulated by the emulating device. The emulating device transmits the input command to the mobile device. In a further aspect, control of the mobile device by external devices is restricted to input devices capable of interfacing with an accessibility interface of the mobile device to provide input user interface commands. In this further aspect, the emulating device interfaced with the accessibility interface.
A63F 13/23 - Input arrangements for video game devices for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console
A63F 13/2145 - Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types for locating contacts on a surface, e.g. floor mats or touch pads the surface being also a display device, e.g. touch screens
G06F 3/0487 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
4.
INFRARED COVERAGE, SELECTION, AND CALIBRATION IN A MEDIA SYSTEM
Embodiments are described herein for providing infrared (IR) coverage in a media system, IR codeset selection, and/or calibration of IR blasters. In one aspect, a triggering event is detected and an action to be performed by a device is determined. It is determined that the device is controllable using IR signals. An IR command signal including instructions to perform the action is transmitted to the device. In another aspect, a codeset is selected. A determination of whether a signature signal associated with a device indicates a state corresponding to a command including an IR code of an IR codeset transmitted to the device is made. If so, the IR codeset is associated with the device. Otherwise, another command including an IR code of another IR codeset is transmitted. In another aspect, an IR blaster is calibrated based on whether a signature signal indicates a state corresponding to a transmitted command.
Systems, methods, and computer readable storage medium are described for media presentation device or microphone calibration via event detection. An adjustment event is detected based on an analysis of a received signal. A determination to adjust at least one of a volume setting of a media presentation device or a gain setting of a microphone is made based at least on the detected adjustment event. Responsive to the determination, a first command is transmitted to at least one of the media presentation device or the microphone. In an aspect, the received signal is an audio data signal received from a listening device. In another aspect, the received signal is a command signal received from a second computing device via a network interface, the command signal comprising instructions to adjust the volume setting of the media presentation device, the second computing device remotely located and associated with a second user.
Systems and methods are described for automatic processing state control of a microphone of a listening device. A signal is received. A first event is detected based on an analysis of the signal. A determination to enable processing of audio captured by a microphone of a listening device is made based at least on the detected first event. Responsive to said determination, a first command is transmitted to the listening device. The first command includes instructions to enable processing of the audio captured by the microphone. In a further aspect, a determination to cease processing of audio captured by the microphone is made based on a detected second event. Responsive to the determination to cease processing, a second command is transmitted to the listening device to cease processing audio captured by the microphone.
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
downloadable mobile application software for connecting, managing, monitoring, and remotely controlling televisions through an electronic hub; downloadable mobile application software for placing and connecting video calls and livestream, setting reminders and notifications, and enabling voice control of televisions; universal remote controls for televisions and connected devices in the nature of video recorders, audio-video receivers, and digital audio and video recorders and players; computer hardware; computer hardware, namely, electronic hubs for digital media streaming devices, televisions, video recorders, audio-video receivers, digital audio and video recorders and players Software as a Service (SaaS) services featuring voice-activated software for connecting, managing, and monitoring digital entertainment media streaming devices, video recorders, audio-video receivers, digital audio and video recorders and players, and electronic display screens; providing temporary use of a non-downloadable web-based software application for connecting, managing, monitoring, and remotely controlling televisions through an electronic hub; providing temporary use of a non-downloadable web-based software application for placing and connecting video calls and livestream, setting reminders and notifications, and enabling voice control of televisions
8.
Automatic testing of home entertainment automation systems for controlling connected devices
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for testing communication with a device. A multimedia receiver may be communicatively coupled to a media device, such as a source media device. The multimedia receiver may transmit a test command to control the source media device using a communication protocol. A video frame output by the source media device may be obtained. Based at least on the video frame, it may be determined whether the source media device received the test command. In response to a determination that the source media device received the test command, an indication may be stored that the source media device may be controlled using the communication protocol.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
Embodiments are provided for automatically determining the power state of a consumer electronic device, such as a television. For instance, a switching device may transmit a reference audio signal to a consumer electronic device for playback thereby. An audio signal captured by a microphone is compared to a reference audio signal. If a level of similarity between the captured audio signal and the reference audio signal meet a threshold condition, then a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered on. Otherwise, a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered off, in a standby state or muted.
G08B 21/04 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to non-activity, e.g. of elderly persons
G10L 15/22 - Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialog
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
Embodiments are provided for automatically determining the power state of a consumer electronic device, such as a television. For instance, a switching device may transmit a reference audio signal to a consumer electronic device for playback thereby. An audio signal captured by a microphone is compared to a reference audio signal. If a level of similarity between the captured audio signal and the reference audio signal meet a threshold condition, then a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered on. Otherwise, a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered off, in a standby state or muted.
G06F 1/3218 - Monitoring of peripheral devices of display devices
G08B 21/04 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to non-activity, e.g. of elderly persons
G10L 15/22 - Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialog
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described herein for the automatic determination of a state of a consumer electronic device via power monitoring. A switching device receives a power signature signal associated with a consumer electronic device. The power signature signal is compared to one or more reference power signatures. A determination of whether a level of similarity between the power signature signal and the one or more reference power signatures meets a threshold condition is made. If so, a determination that the consumer electronic device is in a state associated with the one or more reference power signatures is made. In response to determining that the level of similarity between the power signature signal and the one or more reference power signatures does not meet the threshold condition, a corrective action is performed. In another aspect, a reference power signature is calibrated for a consumer electronic device.
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for recommending content based on content being engaged with by a user's social media contacts. For example, embodiments described herein advantageously provide a user with content recommendations that are based on what other people associated with the user (e.g., via a social media service) are consuming. For instance, content being engaged with by a user's social media contacts are monitored via multimedia devices utilized by the user and his contacts and/or are inferred via social media posts of the user's contacts. Once the content is determined, the user is provided with recommendations for that contact. The recommendations may be provided to the user while the user is watching content and/or browsing for content. The recommendations may also be provided based on periodicity of the media content.
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies or resolving scheduling conflicts
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04L 51/52 - User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail for supporting social networking services
A switching device is enabled to automatically perform one or more actions based on one or more notifications received thereby. A notification may be received by a device communicatively coupled to the switching device, or alternatively, may be internally-generated. Upon receiving the notification, the switching device utilizes a notification-to-action mapping to determine which action(s) are to be performed based on the notification received. The action(s) include automatically switching the switching device to a device coupled to a port thereof and/or automatically launching an application executing on that device in order to view the notification and/or content associated with the notification. In other example, the action(s) may include sending the notification to another device, such as a user's mobile phone and/or causing an application executing on the mobile phone to be launched in order to view the notification and/or content associated with the notification.
G06F 16/783 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using metadata automatically derived from the content
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
Embodiments described herein enable a user to share content with another user. In embodiments, a portion of the multimedia content presented by an output device (e.g., a streaming media player, a set-top box, etc.) may be selected for sharing (e.g., with one or more user(s)). Information associated with the multimedia content may be further determined (e.g., metadata, a service or source device providing the content, a time, an identification, etc.). Upon receiving a selection to share the multimedia content, a user-interactive identifier (e.g., a hyperlink) and at least one of the information and the portion of the multimedia content may be transmitted to enable the user(s) to access the content. In this manner, access to multimedia content may be easily and quickly shared with another user with relatively low user effort.
H04L 51/08 - Annexed information, e.g. attachments
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfacesContent or additional data rendering
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
H04N 21/4788 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
16.
Targeted crawler to develop and/or maintain a searchable database of media content across multiple content providers
A system is described that includes an electronic program guide (EPG) data receiver and a media content catalog enhancer. The EPG receiver is configured to receive EPG data from an EPG data provider. The media content catalog enhancer is configured to determine that an item of media content identified by the EPG data comprises new media content and, in response to determining that the item of media content identified by the EPG data comprises new media content, to cause a web crawler to crawl a source website associated with the new media content to obtain information about the new media content and to store the obtained information about the new media content in a database, the database comprising a catalog of media content that is searchable by an end user to identify and access content for playback via an end user device.
H04N 21/2665 - Gathering content from different sources, e.g. Internet and satellite
H04N 21/278 - Content descriptor database or directory service for end-user access
H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
17.
Device identification and power state determination using media device information
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for determining a power state of a device. Identification data may be received, e.g., in a media device hub, from one or more devices coupled to the device hub. In some example implementations, the devices coupled to the device hub may comprise an intermediate device coupled to the hub via a first multimedia cable and a sink media device coupled to the intermediate device via a second multimedia cable. Attributes may be identified in the received identification data, such as attributes relating to one or more of the coupled devices. The attributes may be associated with one or more of the devices that are coupled to the device hub. Based on an association of attributes, a power state of one or more of the devices coupled to the hub may be determined.
H04N 5/63 - Generation or supply of power specially adapted for television receivers
H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
18.
Automatic switching device operation determination based on received notifications
A switching device is enabled to automatically perform one or more actions based on one or more notifications received thereby. A notification may be received by a device communicatively coupled to the switching device, or alternatively, may be internally-generated. Upon receiving the notification, the switching device utilizes a notification-to-action mapping to determine which action(s) are to be performed based on the notification received. The action(s) include automatically switching the switching device to a device coupled to a port thereof and/or automatically launching an application executing on that device in order to view the notification and/or content associated with the notification. In other example, the action(s) may include sending the notification to another device, such as a user's mobile phone and/or causing an application executing on the mobile phone to be launched in order to view the notification and/or content associated with the notification.
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
G06F 16/783 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using metadata automatically derived from the content
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
H04N 21/485 - End-user interface for client configuration
Methods for a soft universal remote (SUR) controller are performed by systems and apparatuses. Audio/visual (A/V) devices may be controlled by hardware remote controllers that are not configured to control other devices of an audio/visual system. A SUR controller implemented by an A/V device provides consumable control signals to such other devices based on control signals from the A/V device remote controller. A SUR controller determines another device for which a received control function is directed, and transmits a generated consumable control signal for the control function of the received control signal to the other device. User interfaces are provided by SUR controllers for the configuration of SUR controllers and remote controllers, and for control of other A/V devices via the user interfaces.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for sharing content viewed by a user. Multimedia content may be presented by an output device to an audience. A selection of a portion of the multimedia content is selected for sharing by an audience member. Additionally, synchronized combinations of captured real-time media content with played-back digital content are generated by systems and devices. A media content stream from a source device that is to be played back by a sink device is buffered. Messages pertaining to the capture of a first media clip are received from a media capture device, and based on the messages, a portion of the buffered content stream is identified and extracted to generate a second media clip. Combined media content is generated by combining the first and the second media clips, and the combined media content is stored for later playback and sharing.
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video streamElementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clockClient middleware
21.
System and method for social multi-platform media playback synchronization
Embodiments and techniques described herein advantageously permit multiple users in disparate physical locations, using different devices and media content providers, to each initiate playback of selected media content, and to continuously temporally synchronize each playback with every other playback through analysis of the information corresponding to each playback (e.g., audio recording of the playback, information corresponding to the video playback and/or closed captioning information).
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video streamElementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clockClient middleware
H04N 21/8547 - Content authoring involving timestamps for synchronizing content
H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
22.
Automatic screen navigation for media device configuration and control
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.
H04N 5/445 - Receiver circuitry for displaying additional information
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersectionsConnectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
23.
Automatic testing of home entertainment automation systems for controlling connected devices
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for testing communication with a device. A multimedia receiver may be communicatively coupled to a media device, such as a source media device. The multimedia receiver may transmit a test command to control the source media device using a communication protocol. A video frame output by the source media device may be obtained. Based at least on the video frame, it may be determined whether the source media device received the test command. In response to a determination that the source media device received the test command, an indication may be stored that the source media device may be controlled using the communication protocol.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically determining a state signature for consumer electronic device(s) coupled to a switching device and/or other devices communicatively coupled to the consumer electronic device(s). The state signature is indicative of functional state(s) in which the consumer electronic device(s) are in. Such states include a power state, a proximity state, a communication state, and/or an operational state of the consumer electronic device(s). Based on the state signature(s), the switching device may infer which of the consumer electronic device(s) the user would like to use (or is using) and cause action(s) to be performed. Such actions include automatically switching to the AV port(s) to which such consumer electronic device(s) are connected, transmitting command(s) to such consumer electronic device(s), transmitting a notification message to such consumer electronic device(s), etc.
H04N 5/63 - Generation or supply of power specially adapted for television receivers
H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
25.
Seamless setup and control for home entertainment devices and content
Embodiments described herein enable a switching device to automatically select AV port(s) coupled to electronic device(s) that a user would like to use to watch and/or listen to content. The AV port(s) may be automatically selected based on receiving a command, determining that a particular remote control device is being used, and/or determining that a particular piece of content has been selected. Upon detection of such events, a source device for providing content is identified from among a plurality of source devices. Thereafter, an AV port from among a plurality of AV ports to which the identified source device is connected is identified. The identified AV port is then selected so that the identified source device becomes connected to an AV port to which a sink device is connected. In this way, the switching device can provide content from the identified source device to the sink device for presentation thereby.
A switching device is enabled to automatically perform one or more actions based on one or more notifications received thereby. A notification may be received by a device communicatively coupled to the switching device, or alternatively, may be internally-generated. Upon receiving the notification, the switching device utilizes a notification-to-action mapping to determine which action(s) are to be performed based on the notification received. The action(s) include automatically switching the switching device to a device coupled to a port thereof and/or automatically launching an application executing on that device in order to view the notification and/or content associated with the notification. In other example, the action(s) may include sending the notification to another device, such as a user's mobile phone and/or causing an application executing on the mobile phone to be launched in order to view the notification and/or content associated with the notification.
G06F 16/783 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using metadata automatically derived from the content
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
Embodiments described herein reduce latency and improve packet delivery when transmitting audio packets from a source device to one or more sink devices. For example, one or more operating modes that introduce latency when transmitting packets may be disabled at the source device and/or sink device(s). Additionally, certain operational behavior of the source device and/or sink device(s) may be changed based on the quality of the channel used to transmit audio packets to further improve the latency. Such operational behavior includes changing the jitter buffer size of the sink device(s), the number of retry attempts performed by the source device when re-transmitting packets that have been lost, and changing the channel used to transmit the audio packets. Embodiments described herein further enable the synchronization of playback between the sink devices to ensure that sink devices playback audio packets in a synchronized fashion.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for testing communication with a device. A multimedia receiver may be communicatively coupled to a media device, such as a source media device. The multimedia receiver may transmit a test command to control the source media device using a communication protocol. A video frame output by the source media device may be obtained. Based at least on the video frame, it may be determined whether the source media device received the test command. In response to a determination that the source media device received the test command, an indication may be stored that the source media device may be controlled using the communication protocol.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described herein for enhancing metadata of a recorded items of media content stored on a digital video recorder (DVR) associated with an end user. First metadata associated with the recorded item is determined from the DVR. An aired instance of the first media content is determined in program data from an electronic program guide that corresponds to the recorded item. Second metadata associated with the first media content is retrieved from at least one data source based at least on the identifying information. The first metadata and the second metadata are stored in an end user database in association with the end user.
G06K 9/32 - Aligning or centering of the image pick-up or image-field
G06F 16/483 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using metadata automatically derived from the content
G06F 16/00 - Information retrievalDatabase structures thereforFile system structures therefor
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for obtaining enhanced metadata for media content searches. In one embodiment, computer program logic embodies a metadata receiver and a media content metadata matcher and combiner. The metadata receiver receives program metadata for a plurality of programs from a plurality of metadata sources. The media content metadata matcher and combiner is configured to perform a matching process whereby metadata associated with each of the plurality of programs is compared to metadata of each of the other plurality of programs to determine if the compared programs are the same program and if so, to combine the metadata from each program into a single program including enhanced metadata and store such in a database. A subsequent search for a program corresponding to the stored program returns at least some of the metadata associated with the program, and that enables accessing the program.
G06F 16/483 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using metadata automatically derived from the content
H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for identifying devices coupled a media device hub. A device map in the media device hub may create a map entry that associates a first device, a port to which the first device was at least previously coupled, and a first key of the first device. A second key is obtained from a media device that is coupled to a current port of the media device hub. A determination is made whether the second key is the same as the first key stored in the device map. If the first and second keys are the same, a determination is made whether the current port to which the second device is coupled is different than the port indicated in the device map. If the current port is different than the indicated port, the device map is updated to indicate the first device as coupled to the current port.
H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
G09G 5/00 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
32.
Device identification and power state determination using media device information
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for determining a power state of a device. Identification data may be received, e.g., in a media device hub, from one or more devices coupled to the device hub. In some example implementations, the devices coupled to the device hub may comprise an intermediate device coupled to the hub via a first multimedia cable and a sink media device coupled to the intermediate device via a second multimedia cable. Attributes may be identified in the received identification data, such as attributes relating to one or more of the coupled devices. The attributes may be associated with one or more of the devices that are coupled to the device hub. Based on an association of attributes, a power state of one or more of the devices coupled to the hub may be determined.
H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/4367 - Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
G09G 5/00 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for an adaptive multi-protocol control of a device. A plurality of communication protocols suitable for communication with a particular device may be determined. A request may be received to control the device, such as a via a remote control, voice control, etc. A first communication protocol from among the plurality of communication protocols may be selected to transmit a first control signal. The first control signal may be transmitted to the device using the first communication protocol. In some implementations, a second communication protocol may be selected for transmitting a second control signal to the device, such as where the request may be associated with a plurality of control commands or where the device did not react to the first control signal. As a result, a device may be controlled using one or more communication protocols in an adaptive fashion.
Embodiments described herein enable detection of remote control activity. For example, a determination may be made whether an RF remote control is in use by detecting a non-RF signal transmitted by the RF remote control. The non-RF signal need not actually control any device, but it may be used to detect when the RF remote control is in use. An AV switch may detect an RF remote control is in use by detecting a non-RF signal. For example, when a user uses an RF remote (e.g., to control an STB with an RF signal) the use may be detected by detecting a non-RF (e.g., an IR signal) signal and the AV switch may use the detection, for example, to control a TV (e.g., turn on), control the switch (e.g., port selection for a TV to display STB output) and/or other devices.
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
G08C 17/00 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
36.
Automatic screen navigation for media device configuration and control
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.
H04N 5/445 - Receiver circuitry for displaying additional information
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
37.
Automatic screen navigation for media device configuration and control
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.
H04N 5/445 - Receiver circuitry for displaying additional information
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
38.
Seamless setup and control for home entertainment devices and content
Embodiments described herein enable a switching device to automatically select AV port(s) coupled to electronic device(s) that a user would like to use to watch and/or listen to content. The AV port(s) may be automatically selected based on receiving a command, determining that a particular remote control device is being used, and/or determining that a particular piece of content has been selected. Upon detection of such events, a source device for providing content is identified from among a plurality of source devices. Thereafter, an AV port from among a plurality of AV ports to which the identified source device is connected is identified. The identified AV port is then selected so that the identified source device becomes connected to an AV port to which a sink device is connected. In this way, the switching device can provide content from the identified source device to the sink device for presentation thereby.
Embodiments described herein enable a switching device to automatically select AV port(s) coupled to electronic device(s) that a user would like to use to watch and/or listen to content. The AV port(s) may be automatically selected based on receiving a command, determining that a particular remote control device is being used, and/or determining that a particular piece of content has been selected. Upon detection of such events, a source device for providing content is identified from among a plurality of source devices. Thereafter, an AV port from among a plurality of AV ports to which the identified source device is connected is identified. The identified AV port is then selected so that the identified source device becomes connected to an AV port to which a sink device is connected. In this way, the switching device can provide content from the identified source device to the sink device for presentation thereby.
Embodiments described herein enable a media device to be controlled from any location via a network-based device. For example, a user, using a control device, initiates a command that identifies media content to be streamed by the media device. The command is transmitted to a proxy device coupled to the media device and a network-based device. The proxy device transmits the command to the network-based device, which translates the command into a format compatible with the media device. The translated command is transmitted to the proxy device, which transmits the translated command to the media device. The media device streams the media content based on the received translated command. Alternatively, the control device and the proxy device are integrated as a single device, which generates and transmits the command to the network-based device, receives the translated command from the network-based device, and transmits the translated command to the media device.
H04N 21/6332 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client
H04N 21/222 - Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server or cable television Head-end
H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
Embodiments described herein enable a media device to be controlled from any location via a network-based device. For example, a user, using a control device, initiates a command that identifies media content to be streamed by the media device. The command is transmitted to a proxy device coupled to the media device and a network-based device. The proxy device transmits the command to the network-based device, which translates the command into a format compatible with the media device. The translated command is transmitted to the proxy device, which transmits the translated command to the media device. The media device streams the media content based on the received translated command. Alternatively, the control device and the proxy device are integrated as a single device, which generates and transmits the command to the network-based device, receives the translated command from the network-based device, and transmits the translated command to the media device.
H04N 21/6332 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client
H04N 21/222 - Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server or cable television Head-end
H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfacesContent or additional data rendering
H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for source device detection. Source device detection may be performed for a variety of types of connectors such as cables or board/substrate connectors across which a DC voltage or stable presence signal is normally supplied during connections when the power signal of the connector is not present. An alternating power source is coupled to a capacitor of known capacitance via a switch. The capacitor is in series with an effective capacitance of a sink device, a connector, and a source device. When the switch is open, the voltage between the capacitor and the effective capacitor is read to determine if a source device is present and On, and when closed, if the source device is present and Off or in Stand-By, or not present. The methods, systems, and apparatuses described include tunability for the capacitor based on temperature and effective capacitance variations.
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically determining a state signature for consumer electronic device(s) coupled to a switching device and/or other devices communicatively coupled to the consumer electronic device(s). The state signature is indicative of functional state(s) in which the consumer electronic device(s) are in. Such states include a power state, a proximity state, a communication state, and/or an operational state of the consumer electronic device(s). Based on the state signature(s), the switching device may infer which of the consumer electronic device(s) the user would like to use (or is using) and cause action(s) to be performed. Such actions include automatically switching to the AV port(s) to which such consumer electronic device(s) are connected, transmitting command(s) to such consumer electronic device(s), transmitting a notification message to such consumer electronic device(s), etc.
H04N 5/63 - Generation or supply of power specially adapted for television receivers
H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
Systems and methods are described for identifying items of media content from across multiple content-providing entities for playback or recommendation to a user. In accordance with embodiments, a user of a media content delivery device is identified and a usage profile corresponding to the user is obtained. The usage profile identifies, for each of a plurality of content-providing entities, one or more items of media content that have been obtained from the content-providing entity and watched by the user. An unwatched item of media content may then be identified based on the usage profile and information about the unwatched item of media content may be provided to the device for presentation to the user. Alternatively, an item of media content identified in the usage profile may be played back to the user or a means for playing back the item of media content may be provided via the device.
H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
45.
DETERMINING STATE SIGNATURES FOR CONSUMER ELECTRONIC DEVICES COUPLED TO AN AUDIO/VIDEO SWITCH
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically determining a state signature for consumer electronic device(s) coupled to a switching device and/or other devices communicatively coupled to the consumer electronic device(s). The state signature is indicative of functional state(s) in which the consumer electronic device(s) are in. Such states include a power state, a proximity state, a communication state, and/or an operational state of the consumer electronic device(s). Based on the state signature(s), the switching device may infer which of the consumer electronic device(s) the user would like to use (or is using) and cause action(s) to be performed. Such actions include automatically switching to the AV port(s) to which such consumer electronic device(s) are connected, transmitting command(s) to such consumer electronic device(s), transmitting a notification message to such consumer electronic device(s), etc.
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
46.
Determining distances and angles between speakers and other home theater components
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described herein for determining distances and angles between speakers and other home theater components for performance of calibration operations and functions. Distances are determined through timing playback of sweep signals from a reference speaker to the speakers, and also by timing playback the sweep signals between the speakers and a capture device at a desired listening position. Angles between the speakers and other theater components are determined based on the distances, and locations or mappings of the speakers and other theater components are determined from the angles and distances. The locations/mappings are utilized to perform different calibration operations. The calibration operations improve the user audio experience for speakers that are located in non-optimal positions for speaker configurations.
Embodiments described herein enable the transmission of infrared (IR) signals via an AV cable containing a plurality of signal lines. In embodiments, an IR receiver, and IR emitter, and/or logic circuitry may be integrated within an AV cable (e.g., an HDMI cable) to enable transmitting signals from an IR remote control device to a media device that may be located behind a physical obstruction through which IR signals are unable to pass. By utilizing one or more signal lines of an AV cable to transmit IR signals, existing AV communication protocols may continue to be utilized in a user's home entertainment system. In this manner, a user may be able to locate one or more media devices (e.g., home entertainment devices) in a physically remote location, such as in a cabinet or closet, without sacrificing any IR signaling functionality.
H04B 10/00 - Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
G08C 23/06 - Non-electric signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems using light waves, e.g. infrared through light guides, e.g. optical fibres
H04Q 11/00 - Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
Embodiments described herein enable a user to share content with another user. In embodiments, a portion of the multimedia content presented by an output device (e.g., a streaming media player, a set-top box, etc.) may be selected for sharing (e.g., with one or more user(s)). Information associated with the multimedia content may be further determined (e.g., metadata, a service or source device providing the content, a time, an identification, etc.). Upon receiving a selection to share the multimedia content, a user-interactive identifier (e.g., a hyperlink) and at least one of the information and the portion of the multimedia content may be transmitted to enable the user(s) to access the content. In this manner, access to multimedia content may be easily and quickly shared with another user with relatively low user effort.
H04N 21/4788 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
49.
AUTOMATIC SCREEN NAVIGATION FOR MEDIA DEVICE CONFIGURATION AND CONTROL
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.
H04N 5/445 - Receiver circuitry for displaying additional information
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
Methods for a soft universal remote (SUR) controller are performed by systems and apparatuses. Audio/visual (A/V) devices may be controlled by hardware remote controllers that are not configured to control other devices of an audio/visual system. A SUR controller implemented by an A/V device provides consumable control signals to such other devices based on control signals from the A/V device remote controller. A SUR controller determines another device for which a received control function is directed, and transmits a generated consumable control signal for the control function of the received control signal is provided to the other device. User interfaces are provided by SUR controllers for the configuration of SUR controllers and remote controllers, and for control of other A/V devices via the user interfaces.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for a media cable. The media cable includes a plurality of conductors, a first connector at a first end of the media cable configured to connect to a first device, a second connector at a second end of the media cable configured to connect to a second device, and a detection circuit. The first connector and the second connector each include a respective plurality of terminals coupled to the plurality of conductors. The detection circuit includes detection logic configured to detect at least one of a state or a state change of at least one of the first device, the second device, or the media cable and an indicator configured to generate a notification of the at least one of the state or the state change.
H01R 13/641 - Means for preventing, inhibiting or avoiding incorrect coupling by indicating incorrect couplingMeans for preventing, inhibiting or avoiding incorrect coupling by indicating correct or full engagement
Methods for a soft universal remote (SUR) controller are performed by systems and apparatuses. Audio/visual (A/V) devices may be controlled by hardware remote controllers that are not configured to control other devices of an audio/visual system. A SUR controller implemented by an A/V device provides consumable control signals to such other devices based on control signals from the A/V device remote controller. A SUR controller determines another device for which a received control function is directed, and transmits a generated consumable control signal for the control function of the received control signal is provided to the other device. User interfaces are provided by SUR controllers for the configuration of SUR controllers and remote controllers, and for control of other A/V devices via the user interfaces.
Embodiments described herein enable detection of remote control activity. For example, a determination may be made whether an RF remote control is in use by detecting a non-RF signal transmitted by the RF remote control. The non-RF signal need not actually control any device, but it may be used to detect when the RF remote control is in use. An AV switch may detect an RF remote control is in use by detecting a non-RF signal. For example, when a user uses an RF remote (e.g., to control an STB with an RF signal) the use may be detected by detecting a non-RF (e.g., an IR signal) signal and the AV switch may use the detection, for example, to control a TV (e.g., turn on), control the switch (e.g., port selection for a TV to display STB output) and/or other devices.
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
G08C 17/00 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Electronic hub computer hardware featuring built-in voice-activated software for connecting, managing, and monitoring entertainment devices, namely, digital media streaming devices, electronic gaming devices, digital video recorders, and video reception and display devices, namely audio-video receivers, digital audio and video recorders and players, electronic display screens; computer hardware. Platform as a service (PaaS) featuring computer software platforms for connecting, managing, and monitoring third-party entertainment and gaming applications, all through an electronic hub; Software as a Service (SaaS) featuring voice-activated software for connecting, managing, and monitoring entertainment devices, namely, digital media streaming devices, electronic gaming devices, digital video recorders, and video reception and display devices, namely audio-video receivers, digital audio and video recorders and players, electronic display screens.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Computer hardware
(2) Electronic hub computer hardware featuring built-in voice-activated software for connecting, managing, and monitoring entertainment devices, namely, digital media streaming devices, electronic gaming devices, digital video recorders, and video reception and display devices, namely audio-video receivers, digital audio and video recorders and players, electronic display screens (1) Platform as a service (PaaS) featuring computer software platforms for connecting, managing, and monitoring third-party entertainment and gaming applications, all through an electronic hub; Software as a Service (SaaS) featuring voice-activated software for connecting, managing, and monitoring entertainment devices, namely, digital media streaming devices, electronic gaming devices, digital video recorders, and video reception and display devices, namely audio-video receivers, digital audio and video recorders and players, electronic display screens
58.
Automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.
G06K 9/18 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints using printed characters having additional code marks or containing code marks, e.g. the character being composed of individual strokes of different shape, each representing a different code value
H04N 5/765 - Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
Methods, systems and apparatuses are described for intelligent device integration. A device (e.g., an HDMI “smart” switch) with multiple communication interfaces (e.g., HDMI, LAN, BT, IR) may monitor communications for control signals from multiple controllers configured to control respective devices (e.g., HDMI source, sink and/or switch devices). A device LAN may couple HDMI source and sink devices and non-HDMI devices. LAN communications may be monitored for device and control information. Control signals from controllers may be used to control devices that the controllers and their control signals are not configured to control. Interpreted control decisions may be based on, for example, an interpreted control in the context of a detected configuration and/or state of devices. A device may, thereby, expand the utility of incompatible controllers (without reprogramming), integrate an environment of incompatible devices and controllers, and provide relief to end-users.
Methods, systems and apparatuses are described to detect and resolve device configuration and/or communication incompatibilities (e.g. incompatible messages, improper addressing, malfunctions) for a communication protocol such as HDMI-CEC.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for remote control device usage detection. A smart battery may be inserted into a remote control device. The smart battery provides power to the remote control device as well as monitors the power consumption when a particular one or more interface elements of the remote control is interacted with by an end user. The power consumption information is transmitted to a receiver, which may identify the remote control device and/or the interface element(s) that has been interacted with based on the received data.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
G01R 31/36 - Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
Methods, systems and apparatuses are described to detect and resolve device configuration and/or communication incompatibilities (e.g. incompatible messages, improper addressing, malfunctions) for a communication protocol such as HDMI-CEC.
An electrical apparatus includes a frame, a speaker connected to the frame, a digital signal processor in communication with the speaker to receive audio data and control data to control the speaker, the digital signal processor connected to the frame, and a lamp base coupler electrically connected to the speaker and receiver, the lamp base coupler detachably connectable to a power source, when the power source is present. A method of steering the diffused sound field includes, broadcasting at least one calibration audio signal through a plurality of speakers (M) in an audio system, receiving the calibration audio signal in a plurality of microphones spaced apart and positioned about at a listening position, and calculating respective relative speaker placement angles relative to the listening position between each of the plurality of speakers in response to receipt of the calibration audio signal in the plurality of microphones.
A loudspeaker system is described that includes a loudspeaker and an extender. The loudspeaker can be positioned on the ground and the extender can be optionally connected thereto. When the extender is connected to the loudspeaker, the loudspeaker is capable of selectively sending high-frequency components of an input audio signal to the extender and the extender is capable of playing back such high-frequency components to produce high-frequency audio. Due to the fact that an audio-producing apparatus of the extender can be positioned at a higher elevation than the loudspeaker, the high-frequency audio (which is more directional than lower-frequency audio) can be produced at a height that is likely to match that of the ear height of a user as opposed to producing the audio at floor height.
A remote control is described herein that is configured to sense a variety of user input types on a specific button and that can also sense a variety of user input types on a click pad or region/location of the click pad. By utilizing these capabilities, the remote control can provide a very powerful and versatile user interface. Furthermore, the foregoing can be achieved with only a relatively small number of buttons, thus also providing a user interface that is simple, clean and elegant.
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
H04N 21/4227 - Remote input by a user located remotely from the client device, e.g. at work
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
H04B 1/20 - Circuits for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for source device detection. Source device detection may be performed for a variety of types of connectors such as cables or board/substrate connectors across which a DC voltage or stable presence signal is normally supplied during connections when the power signal of the connector is not present. An alternating power source is coupled to a capacitor of known capacitance via a switch. The capacitor is in series with an effective capacitance of a sink device, a connector, and a source device. When the switch is open, the voltage between the capacitor and the effective capacitor is read to determine if a source device is present and On, and when closed, if the source device is present and Off or in Stand-By, or not present. The methods, systems, and apparatuses described include tunability for the capacitor based on temperature and effective capacitance variations.
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
A unified search system is described herein. The unified search system is configured to enable, in a control device (e.g., a remote control), a user to input a search query. The unified search system includes a plurality of content providing device interfaces configured to interface the control device with a plurality of content providing devices. Each content providing device interface is configured to receive the search query from the user input interface, format the search query according to a corresponding input device type, and provide the formatted search query to one or more corresponding content providing devices. Search results received from the content providing devices are displayed at a display of the control device and/or at another display (e.g., a television).
Embodiments described herein enable a media device to be controlled from any location via a network-based device. For example, a user, using a control device, initiates a command that identifies media content to be streamed by the media device. The command is transmitted to a proxy device coupled to the media device and a network-based device. The proxy device transmits the command to the network-based device, which translates the command into a format compatible with the media device. The translated command is transmitted to the proxy device, which transmits the translated command to the media device. The media device streams the media content based on the received translated command. Alternatively, the control device and the proxy device are integrated as a single device, which generates and transmits the command to the network-based device, receives the translated command from the network-based device, and transmits the translated command to the media device.
H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systemsAnalogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
H04N 21/6332 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client
H04N 21/222 - Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server or cable television Head-end
H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
Embodiments described herein reduce latency and improve packet delivery when transmitting audio packets from a source device to one or more sink devices. For example, one or more operating modes that introduce latency when transmitting packets may be disabled at the source device and/or sink device(s). Additionally, certain operational behavior of the source device and/or sink device(s) may be changed based on the quality of the channel used to transmit audio packets to further improve the latency. Such operational behavior includes changing the jitter buffer size of the sink device(s), the number of retry attempts performed by the source device when re-transmitting packets that have been lost, and changing the channel used to transmit the audio packets. Embodiments described herein further enable the synchronization of playback between the sink devices to ensure that sink devices playback audio packets in a synchronized fashion.
Techniques are described herein for a multimode graphical user interface (GUI), where a first mode of the GUI uses an unguided navigation model and a second mode uses a guided navigation model in which the GUI is distilled down to only its most critical elements. This may be achieved by sequentially displaying a single user interface element and removing all other user-interface elements of the GUI. The second mode of the GUI may lead a user through multiple options one at a time, thus creating a guided navigation model. The second mode may be initiated upon detecting a certain event (e.g., a period of inactivity, an explicit command from the user, etc.). The multimode GUI may be used to guide a user through one or more recommended items of media content from one or more different content-providing sources.
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/0481 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
73.
Automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
G06K 9/18 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints using printed characters having additional code marks or containing code marks, e.g. the character being composed of individual strokes of different shape, each representing a different code value
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
computer hardware; computer software for audio and video application, namely, for streaming audio and video and monitoring and control of other electronic devices providing temporary use of non-downloadable cloud-based software for streaming audio and video and for control of other electronic devices; software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for streaming audio and video and for control of other electronic devices
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
computer hardware; computer software for audio and video application, namely, for streaming audio and video and monitoring and control of other electronic devices providing temporary use of non-downloadable cloud-based software for streaming audio and video and for control of other electronic devices; software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for streaming audio and video and for control of other electronic devices
Embodiments disclosed herein enable detection and improvement of the quality of the audio signal using a mobile device by determining the loss in the audio signal and enhancing audio by streaming the remainder portion of audio. Embodiments disclosed herein enable an improvement in the sound quality rendered by rendering devices by emitting an test audio signal from the source device, measuring the test audio signal using microphones, detecting variation in the frequency response, loudness and timing characteristics using impulse responses and correcting for them. Embodiments disclosed herein also compensate for the noise in the acoustic space by determining the reverberation and ambient noise levels and their frequency characteristics and changing the digital filters and volumes of the source signal to compensate for the varying noise levels.
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
H03G 3/30 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices
Embodiments disclosed herein enable detection and improvement of the quality of the audio signal using a mobile device by determining the loss in the audio signal and enhancing audio by streaming the remainder portion of audio. Embodiments disclosed herein enable an improvement in the sound quality rendered by rendering devices by emitting an test audio signal from the source device, measuring the test audio signal using microphones, detecting variation in the frequency response, loudness and timing characteristics using impulse responses and correcting for them. Embodiments disclosed herein also compensate for the noise in the acoustic space by determining the reverberation and ambient noise levels and their frequency characteristics and changing the digital filters and volumes of the source signal to compensate for the varying noise levels.
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
H03G 3/30 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices
Embodiments disclosed herein enable detection and improvement of the quality of the audio signal using a mobile device by determining the loss in the audio signal and enhancing audio by streaming the remainder portion of audio. Embodiments disclosed herein enable an improvement in the sound quality rendered by rendering devices by emitting an test audio signal from the source device, measuring the test audio signal using microphones, detecting variation in the frequency response, loudness and timing characteristics using impulse responses and correcting for them. Embodiments disclosed herein also compensate for the noise in the acoustic space by determining the reverberation and ambient noise levels and their frequency characteristics and changing the digital filters and volumes of the source signal to compensate for the varying noise levels.
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
H03G 3/30 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices
Embodiments described herein enable a switching device to automatically select AV port(s) coupled to electronic device(s) that a user would like to use to watch/listen to content. The AV port(s) may be automatically selected based on receiving a command, determining that a remote control device is being used, and/or determining that a particular piece of content has been selected. Upon detection of such events, a source device for providing content is identified from among a plurality of source devices. Thereafter, an AV port from among a plurality of AV ports to which the identified source device is connected is identified. The identified AV port is then selected so that the identified source device becomes connected to an AV port to which a sink device is connected. Thus, the switching device can provide content from the identified source device to the sink device for presentation thereby.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for performing a calibration process for synchronizing audio signals with video signals. The calibration process may be performed between one or more devices of an entertainment system and a handheld device. Device(s) (e.g., a television and speaker(s)) of the entertainment system are configured to playback video signal(s) and audio signal(s), respectively. The handheld device is configured to determine an amount of synchronization error between the audio signal and the video signal, determine a synchronization correction value based on the determined amount, and provide the synchronization correction value to device(s) of the entertainment system. The device(s) may use the synchronization correction value to correct the delay between the video signal and the audio signal such that the video signal and the audio signal are synchronized.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.
Embodiments described herein enable a switching device to automatically select AV port(s) coupled to electronic device(s) that a user would like to use to watch and/or listen to content. The AV port(s) may be automatically selected based on receiving a command, determining that a particular remote control device is being used, and/or determining that a particular piece of content has been selected. Upon detection of such events, a source device for providing content is identified from among a plurality of source devices. Thereafter, an AV port from among a plurality of AV ports to which the identified source device is connected is identified. The identified AV port is then selected so that the identified source device becomes connected to an AV port to which a sink device is connected. In this way, the switching device can provide content from the identified source device to the sink device for presentation thereby.
Methods, systems, circuits, devices, and apparatuses are described for auto-detection and adaptive configuration of high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) ports. Unique systems and circuits allow HDMI repeaters to automatically detect if an HDMI device that has been connected thereto, via an HDMI port, is an HDMI source (source mode) or an HDMI sink (sink mode). The unique systems and circuits may be adaptively configured to allow the HDMI port to function as an HDMI input or an HDMI output based on the automatic detection. Methods corresponding to the functions performed by the systems and apparatuses are provided, and computer readable storage media with computer program instructions encoded thereon for enabling processing devices to perform the methods are also provided.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for configuring television speakers. A television may be configured to operate as a center channel speaker for an audio system. Television speakers may be calibrated according to other speakers utilized by the audio system. The handling of HDMI commands by the television may modified such that the television speakers and the audio system speakers concurrently produce sound.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G06K 9/18 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints using printed characters having additional code marks or containing code marks, e.g. the character being composed of individual strokes of different shape, each representing a different code value
H04N 5/765 - Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor
Embodiment disclosed herein enable detection and improvement of the quality of the audio signal using a mobile device by determining the loss in the audio signal and enhancing audio by streaming the remainder portion of audio. Embodiments disclosed herein enable an improvement in the sound quality rendered by rendering devices by emitting an test audio signal from the source device, measuring the test audio signal using microphones, detecting variation in the frequency response, loudness and timing characteristics using impulse responses and correcting for them. Embodiments disclosed herein also compensate for the noise in the acoustic space by determining the reverberation and ambient noise levels and their frequency characteristics and changing the digital filters and volumes of the source signal to compensate for the varying noise levels.
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
H03G 3/30 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices
An electrical apparatus includes a frame, a speaker connected to the frame, a digital signal processor in communication with the speaker to receive audio data and control data to control the speaker, the digital signal processor connected to the frame, and a lamp base coupler electrically connected to the speaker and receiver, the lamp base coupler detachably connectable to a power source, when the power source is present. A method of steering the diffused sound field includes, broadcasting at least one calibration audio signal through a plurality of speakers (M) in an audio system, receiving the calibration audio signal in a plurality of microphones spaced apart and positioned about at a listening position, and calculating respective relative speaker placement angles relative to the listening position between each of the plurality of speakers in response to receipt of the calibration audio signal in the plurality of microphones.
