| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20090276564 | Systematic memory shift for pre-segmented memory - A method of extending the life of a segmented memory device, consistent with certain embodiments involves providing a segmented memory device having a plurality of user defined segments with each segment having a starting and an ending address, and wherein the size and number of the segments is user defined; determining that a threshold number of write operations has been reached by reference to a write counter; copying data from a specified one of the segments to a temporary storage location; shifting the starting and ending address of each segment by a specified address increment; moving data stored in each segment except the specified segment by the specified address increment such that all data in the memory device has been shifted by the specified increment except for the data in the specified one of the segments, wherein data at a last segment is fragmented to wrap from an end of the memory device's addressable locations to a beginning of the memory device's addressable locations; copying the data from the specified one of the segments from the temporary storage location to a location shifted by the shift increment; and redefining the segments so that the user definitions remain applicable to the size and number of segments defined by the user, but with the addresses shifted by the specified increment. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090287748 | Simplified data transfer using segmented memory - In certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, a method of storing data on a segmenting data storage device involves designating an arrangement of a plurality of data segments on the segmented data storage device, wherein the data segment arrangement includes designation of a size and a filename extension for files that can be stored on each of the plurality of data segments, with other filename extensions being excluded from storage in the segment; coupling an external device to an interface port of the data storage device; designating a data segment for associating with the external device; and transferring only data having a filename extension matching the filename extension of the designated data segment to or from the external device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090292826 | Active port selection and data storage or transfer queueing - In certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, a method of carrying out a data storing or data transfer operation using a segmented data storage device involves designating an arrangement of a plurality of data segments on the segmented data storage device, wherein the data segment arrangement includes designation of a size and a filename extension for files that can be stored on each of the plurality of data segments, with other filename extensions being excluded from storage in the segment; coupling an external device to an interface port of the data storage device to initialize communication with the external device; designating a data segment for associating with the external device in a first data transfer programming operation; carrying out a first data transfer operation, transferring only data having a filename extension matching the filename extension of the designated data segment to or from the external device; prior to completion of the first data transfer operation, carrying out a second data transfer programming operation that involves the external device, such second data transfer programming operation including selecting the interface port to which the external device is connected; simulating the coupling of the external device to the interface port of the storage device so as to re-initialize communication with the external device; and carrying out the second data transfer operation. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090292838 | Simplified data transfer using intermediary - In certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, a method of transferring data from a source device to a destination device, using an intermediate device having pre-segmented storage involves receiving a user input associating a file type with a segment of the pre-segmented storage device; receiving a user input selecting a source port of the intermediate device; receiving a user input selecting a destination port of the intermediate device; receiving a user input selecting a segment of the pre-segmented storage device; determining a file type from the association of the selected segment of the pre-segmented storage device; and transferring the files of the determined file type from the source device to the destination device, wherein only files of the determined file type are transferred. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20100041480 | UNIVERSAL GAME CONSOLE CONTROLLER - A universal game console controller that has an LCD presenting, depending on what type of game console a user has input, a controller key layout for a first type of game console or a controller key layout for a second type of game console. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100057968 | MODULAR FLEXIBLE SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE FOR TV - Rather than have a unique code set per TV product, a common code base is provided to service multiple products and even multiple product lines. Embedded systems can be upgraded through a network connection. The software architecture provides a flexible approach to supporting multiple product offerings through a plug-in modular middle-ware and to providing standardized hardware acceleration for both 2D and 3D graphics. The plug-in capability provides for feature additions and upgrades after sale. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100088746 | SECURE EBOOK TECHNIQUES - A computing system for delivering content includes one or more servers communicatively coupled to one or more ebooks. A given ebook may send a request for content at a specified location to a server. The request is received at the server with an identifier of the given ebook and/or user. The server determines if the ebook can access the content at the specified location based on the identifier of the ebook and/or user. If the ebook and/or user are allowed to access the content, the server streams a predetermined portion of the content to the ebook for display to a user. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100095291 | SOFTWARE UPGRADE USING SINGLE SOURCE CHANNEL - An automatic data downloader (ADD) causes a source device communicating with the ADD to download available software for destination devices using a single predetermined update channel. The software is received by the ADD from the source device and stored. Upon connecting to destination device that is compatible with downloaded software, the ADD sends the software to the destination device. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100118210 | TECHNIQUES FOR IMPLEMENTING A CURSOR FOR TELEVISIONS - Techniques for implementing a cursor or other similar widget for televisions include outputting a graphical user interface including a widget and any combination of objects on a television Thereafter one or more key events may be received from a remote control. The graphical user interface can be updated by moving the widget in response to each direction key activation if the one or more key events indicate activation of one or more direction keys on the remote control. In addition, a function designated by a given object may be initiated in response to the activation of the enter key if the widget is determined to be proximate the given object. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100138867 | AUDIOVISUAL USER INTERFACE BASED ON LEARNED USER PREFERENCES - A method and apparatus for providing an audiovisual user interface based on learned user preferences is described. In one implementation, the method involves collecting a set of user preferences for a user; providing a metadata stream associated with an audiovisual input; comparing elements within the metadata stream with the set of user preferences to form a comparison; and outputting a message to the user if the comparison indicates that the metadata stream matches one or more elements of the set of user preferences. The message may be output either acoustically or visually, and may relate to the audiovisual input, which may be audio, video, or both audio and video. The audiovisual input may be blocked based on a restricted message, and may be accessed upon a successful password query. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100180292 | TV tutorial widget - In certain implementations, a television tutorial Widget method involves providing a tutorial Widget running on a television processor to produce video images rendered as a video overlay that overlays the picture on a television display. The tutorial Widget: loading upon receipt of a command to run the tutorial Widget; identifying an operating state of the television set; retrieving and presenting a list of available tutorial videos associated with the operating state of the television set in the video overlay; identifying a tutorial video selected by a user; and retrieving and playing the tutorial video selected by the user in the video overlay. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100192219 | TEMPORALLY SYNCHRONIZED VIDEO DISPLAY UNIT SCREENSAVER OR WALLPAPER BASED ON USER PREFERENCES - A method of generating an audiovisual object such as a wallpaper or screensaver keyed to a user's preferences, local time, and location, comprising: collecting a set of user preferences for a user; providing a metadata stream associated with an audiovisual input; comparing elements within the metadata stream with the set of user preferences to form a comparison; and outputting an audiovisual object to the user's video display unit if the comparison indicates that the metadata stream matches one or more elements of the set of user preferences. User preferences may be collected from user habits based on metadata streams associated with the audiovisual input, or may be directly input by the user. The methods above may also be stored on a computer readable medium. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100242077 | TV search - A device consistent with certain embodiments has a television receiver and an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) receiver. A decoder decodes television programming from either of the television receiver or the IPTV receiver. A programmed processor(s) retrieves metadata relating to television programming, IPTV content, any installed Widgets, and the television (TV) receiver device's function, all of which are considered search targets. The programmed processor stores tags from the metadata in a database and associates the tags with their targets. A search engine searches the database for tags in response to a search query and to retrieve the associated target on command. The control processor executes the target by either tuning to the target's program content or by launching or resuming a Widget or TV device function. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20110032423 | ADAPTIVE USER PROFILING FOR TV-CENTRIC HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM - A TV seamlessly connects to and controls home automation equipment such as lighting, audio/video control, climate control, etc. The TV provides users with a friendly UI to control the equipment, and furthermore the TV adapts to observed user behavior to automatically establish and change settings based thereon. In addition, based on the content watched (or mode selection) on the TV, the settings of surrounding lighting, temperature and other controlled appliance would be changed by the TV. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110072478 | BANDWIDTH REPORTING FOR TELEVISIONS - Techniques for reporting bandwidth in televisions include displaying bandwidth information for receiving one or more instances of the content and receiving a selection of a given instance of the content in response to the displayed bandwidth information. In addition, the techniques include receiving bandwidth usage history for one or more networks and displaying the bandwidth usage history. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110080529 | MULTI-POINT TELEVISION MOTION SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system is disclosed for controlling operation of an electronic device, such as a TV. The system includes a first sensor located at or near the electronic device and a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor, wherein the first and second sensors are configured to detect motion of a user within an operating zone associated with the electronic device. A processor is coupled to the electronic device and the first and second sensors, the processor being configured to input a signal from the first and second sensors. Memory is coupled to the processor, the memory comprising a sensing algorithm configured to process the input signal from the first and second sensors and determine the location of the user with respect to the operating zone. The processor is configured to send a control command to the electronic device based on an output of the sensing algorithm. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110099263 | Automated social networking television profile configuration and processing - Content selected by a user of a web access television (TV) device is monitored via a profile controller associated with the web access TV device. Social network aspects of a web access TV user profile are automatically configured based upon the monitored content selected by the user. Social networking opportunities for the user are managed via the web access TV user profile. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110102684 | Automatic capture of data for acquisition of metadata - A television receiver device consistent with certain implementations has a display associated with the television receiver device. A filter converts a stream of audio/video content that is to be displayed on the display associated with the television receiver device into a stream of digital audio data. A buffer stores a sample of the digital audio data. A modem transmits the sample of audio data from the buffer to a content identification server and that receives metadata identifying the audio data from the content identification server. A display processor renders at least a portion of the metadata to the display. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110119341 | Device-Service Affiliation Via Internet Video Link (IVL) - A registration request message for affiliation with a service provider using an Internet video link (IVL) communication feature hosted by an Internet video link (IVL) server is received from an IVL device by the IVL server, where the IVL communication feature utilizes an IVL communication module to provide a communication interface with the service provider. The IVL device is registered with the IVL communication feature. A registration response message is sent to the IVL device acknowledging the affiliation with the service provider using the IVL communication feature. IVL communication feature messages are processed between the registered IVL device and the service provider. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 05-19-2011 |
