Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080198870 | NETWORK CONNECTIONS FOR MEDIA PROCESSING DEVICES - A media processing device includes a wireless network interface to establish a wireless network connection and a wired network interface to establish a wired network connection. The wired network connection is established if a network is connected to the wired network interface and the wireless network connection is established if the network is disconnected from the wired network interface. | 08-21-2008 |
20080301167 | Method and User Interface for Searching Media Assets Over a Network - Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention pertains to progressive searching of remote media items from a search user interface. Another embodiment of the invention pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement can present and permit navigation of categorized media items. The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of media items related to another media item (such as a media item that has been selected and played). The search user interface can, but need not, be part of the user interface arrangement. The user interface arrangement and/or the search user interface can be presented on a display device associated with a client device. In one embodiment, the display device can be a television and the client device can be an electronic apparatus that can couple to the media server via a network. | 12-04-2008 |
20080301260 | Method and User Interface for Accessing Groups of Media Assets - Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement enables user scrolling or browsing with respect to a list or set of information pertaining to media items, where the list or set can be expanded to include information for additional media items that are subsequently acquired. The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of categorized media items. The user interface arrangement can be presented on a display device associated with a client device. In one embodiment, the display device can be a television and the client device can be an electronic apparatus that can couple to the media server via a network. | 12-04-2008 |
20080301734 | Method and User Interface for Accessing Media Assets Over a Network - Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement can present and permit navigation of categorized media items. The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of media items related to another media item (such as a media item that has been selected and played). Another embodiment relates to progressive searching of remote media items from a search user interface. The search user interface can, but need not, be part of the user interface arrangement. The user interface arrangement and/or the search user interface can be presented on a display device associated with a client device. In one embodiment, the display device can be a television and the client device can be an electronic apparatus that can couple to the media server via a network. | 12-04-2008 |
20080301739 | Hierarchical User Interface for Accessing Related Media Assets - Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement can present and permit navigation of media items related to another media item (such as a media item that has been selected and played). The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of categorized media items. Another embodiment relates to progressive searching of remote media items from a search user interface. The search user interface can, but need not, be part of the user interface arrangement. The user interface arrangement and/or the search user interface can be presented on a display device associated with a client device. In one embodiment, the display device can be a television and the client device can be an electronic apparatus that can couple to the media server via a network. | 12-04-2008 |
20090177989 | User Interface for Selection from Media Collection - Among other things, techniques and systems are disclosed for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) to user. A system includes a content source and a GUI communicatively connected to the content source. The GUI includes a user input area to receive user input and a display area to display available content items from the content source based on the received user input. The display area includes a presentation of the available content arranged in one or more rows. Each row includes a user selectable area to display at least one visual indication that represents one or more of the available content items. Each row includes a holding area to display another visual indication that represents other available content items not displayed in the user selectable area. The display area includes highlighting positioned over one of the available content items. | 07-09-2009 |
20100011299 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SYNCING A USER INTERFACE ON A SERVER DEVICE TO A USER INTERFACE ON A CLIENT DEVICE - A system, method, and computer-readable medium for method for syncing a user interface on a server device to a user interface on a client device are disclosed. The method includes broadcasting a signal from a server device to a client device when the server device presents an active user input interface on a display screen, wherein the active user input interface illustrates input from a user via a remote control that is separate from the client device, wherein the remote control requires multiple steps for inputting a character. The method next includes establishing a connection between the server device and the client device if certain pre-defined criteria are met. Next the method includes transmitting parameters for displaying a client user input interface on the connected client device that is associated with the active user input interface, including loading existing data in an input field of the active user input interface into a client input field on the client device. The method then includes receiving character input sent from the connected client device to the server device via the client user input interface, wherein the character is received via a single step. The method then includes updating the input field of the active user input interface with the received character input from the client user input interface, and removing the client user input interface on the client device upon the occurrence of an event. | 01-14-2010 |
20100057576 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO INSERTION INTO MEDIA STREAM OR FILE - Systems, methods, and computer readable-media for presenting sub-videos in a media presentation are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a media bundle having a media presentation and a sub-video bundle to a playback device, the sub-video bundle comprising at least one of a video clip and a reference to a video clip, wherein the media presentation includes a plurality of locked segments, unlocking a segment of the media presentation for display to a user by playing a selected unlocking sub-video from the sub-video bundle such that the unlocked segment of the media presentation is playable, and receiving media impressions reported in the form of sub-video playback behavior of the playback device. In one aspect, a media bundle includes at least one of an episode file, a reference to an episode file, metadata, sub-video break locations, and sub-video unlocking information. The playback device can be an online playback device. The online playback device can transfer the media bundle to an offline playback device for playback. A media bundle can further include episode expiration information and sub-video expiration information, such that the playback device will not display any portion of the media bundle when a sub-video in the sub-video bundle is expired or when the episode is expired. In one aspect, at least one segment of the episode is unlocked when the user pays a fee in lieu of playing a sub-video. All or part of the media bundle can be protected by a digital rights management scheme. | 03-04-2010 |
20100123598 | System and Method for Capturing Remote Control Device Command Signals - Methods, systems, and apparatus for identifying protocols. In one aspect, a method includes comparing characteristics of a wireless signal received from a remote control to characteristics associated with a set of protocols. The method also includes assigning a score, based upon the comparison, to each protocol included in the plurality of protocols. The method also includes identifying a protocol from the set of protocols based upon the assigned scores. The identified protocol is substantially similar to a protocol associated with the wireless signal. | 05-20-2010 |
20100123834 | System and Method for Capturing Remote Control Device Command Signals - Methods, systems, and apparatus for learning remote control command signals by a media processing device. In one aspect, a method includes activating a learning mode of operation, presenting an instruction to actuate a control associated with a secondary remote control device, capturing a command signal transmitted by the secondary remote control device while the learning mode is active, generating a mapping that associates a representation of the captured command signal with a media processing device function, and storing the generated mapping in a profile corresponding to the secondary remote control device. Further, a control symbol identifying the control associated with the secondary remote control device can be displayed. Additionally, a progress bar can be displayed indicating a period for which the control is to be actuated. | 05-20-2010 |
20100185982 | Rendering Icons Along A Multidimensional Path Having A Terminus Position - Icons are arranged in foreground background positions in an interface environment to define a multidimensional path extending from a terminus. The icons transition between the foreground position and the background positions along the multidimensional path. Each icon corresponds to a content-specific menu item. | 07-22-2010 |
20100223646 | Method and User Interface for Accessing Groups of Media Assets - Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement enables user scrolling or browsing with respect to a list or set of information pertaining to media items, where the list or set can be expanded to include information for additional media items that are subsequently acquired. The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of categorized media items. The user interface arrangement can be presented on a display device associated with a client device. In one embodiment, the display device can be a television and the client device can be an electronic apparatus that can couple to the media server via a network. | 09-02-2010 |
20100228740 | COMMUNITY PLAYLIST MANAGEMENT - System and method in tangible computer-readable media are disclosed for facilitating community interaction with a playlist. A host system communicates with a plurality of portable devices to transmit information about the items in the playlist. Users of the portable device queue additional selections or vote on media items in the playlist. Based on user voting the playlist is rearranged to accommodate the preferences of the community. Both registered and guest users participate in managing the playlist. Such a system and method can be particularly useful in a variety of social gathering situations. | 09-09-2010 |
20100235792 | Content Abstraction Presentation Along A Multidimensional Path - Content abstractions are emerged in to an ingress terminus of a multidimensional path and depth transitioned through the multidimensional path to an egress terminus. The content abstractions are eliminated at the egress terminus. | 09-16-2010 |
20100277337 | DIRECTIONAL TOUCH REMOTE - The present system and method is particularly useful for remotely controlling a device having one or more menus via a remote touch interface having at least an unstructured primary input area. A user can provide inputs to a touch interface without needing to view the interface and yet still achieve the desired response from the remotely controlled device. The primary input area of the touch interface may or may not have a background display, such as on a touch screen, but the primary input area of the touch interface should be unstructured and should not have independently selectable items, buttons, icons or anything of the like. Since the touch interface is unstructured, the user does not have to identify any selectable buttons. Instead the user can input a gesture into the interface and watch the remotely controlled device respond. The system does not provide any other visual confirmation. | 11-04-2010 |
20110154394 | User Interface With Menu Abstractions And Content Abstractions - Media menu items are generated within a media interface environment. Media menu item abstractions are generated, one of the media menu item abstractions arranged in a foreground position, and one or more of the media menu item abstractions arranged in background positions in the media interface environment. Selection of a media menu items transitions to a corresponding content menu interface. | 06-23-2011 |
20120207444 | Transport Controls for a Media Device - A method of scanning content comprises receiving an input signal indicating that content being displayed is to be scanned, sensing a duration of the received input signal, and scanning the content at a rate based at least in part on the sensed duration of the received input. | 08-16-2012 |
20120304066 | Menu Overlay Including Context Dependent Menu Icon - A video device displays video in one of a plurality of contexts in an onscreen display area. In response to the menu command, the video device generates a menu overlay within the onscreen display area while maintaining the video within the menu overlay, and generates within the menu overlay a context icon based on the selected context. | 11-29-2012 |
20130097286 | PAIRING A MEDIA SERVER AND A MEDIA CLIENT - A system for use in presenting media content includes a media server configured to provide media content and a media client configured to obtain the media content from the media server and to present the media content on a device. The media client is configured to generate a first code and to transmit information to the media server. The information identifies the media client and the information indicates that the media client is available for pairing. The media server is configured to reply to the information with a second code that corresponds to the first code in order to enable pairing between the media server and the media client. | 04-18-2013 |
20130152131 | Method and user interface for accessing groups of media assets - Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement enables user scrolling or browsing with respect to a list or set of information pertaining to media items, where the list or set can be expanded to include information for additional media items that are subsequently acquired. The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of categorized media items. The user interface arrangement can be presented on a display device associated with a client device. In one embodiment, the display device can be a television and the client device can be an electronic apparatus that can couple to the media server via a network. | 06-13-2013 |
20140304329 | PAIRING A MEDIA SERVER AND A MEDIA CLIENT - A system for use in presenting media content includes a media server configured to provide media content and a media client configured to obtain the media content from the media server and to present the media content on a device. The media client is configured to generate a first code and to transmit information to the media server. The information identifies the media client and the information indicates that the media client is available for pairing. The media server is configured to reply to the information with a second code that corresponds to the first code in order to enable pairing between the media server and the media client. | 10-09-2014 |
20140359467 | DIRECTIONAL TOUCH REMOTE - The present system and method is particularly useful for remotely controlling a device having one or more menus via a remote touch interface having at least an unstructured primary input area. A user can provide inputs to a touch interface without needing to view the interface and yet still achieve the desired response from the remotely controlled device. The primary input area of the touch interface may or may not have a background display, such as on a touch screen, but the primary input area of the touch interface should be unstructured and should not have independently selectable items, buttons, icons or anything of the like. Since the touch interface is unstructured, the user does not have to identify any selectable buttons. Instead the user can input a gesture into the interface and watch the remotely controlled device respond. The system does not provide any other visual confirmation. | 12-04-2014 |