Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090070696 | System and Method for Programming a Remote Control Device - A method for programming a remote control device is disclosed and can include displaying a virtual remote control device at a display device. The virtual remote control device is a virtual rendition of a first remote control device to be programmed. The method can further include detecting when a first button is pressed on the first remote control device and indicating a corresponding button on the virtual remote control device. | 03-12-2009 |
20090245494 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECORDING COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to monitor incoming and outgoing calls associated with one or more communication devices, identify communication identifiers initiating the incoming calls and communication identifiers targeted by the outgoing calls, determine one or more related communication identifiers for each of the initiating and targeted communication identifiers, record in a communications log the incoming calls with the initiating communication identifiers and one or more related communication identifiers, and record in the communications log the outgoing calls with the targeted communication identifiers and one or more related communication identifiers. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 10-01-2009 |
20090288115 | Systems and Methods for Determining User Output Preferences - A method is disclosed for determining audiovisual output preference. The method comprises providing first and second stimuli having respective sets of audio and visual characteristics. The method receives a user selection between the first and second stimuli, and includes the set of audio and visual characteristics corresponding to the selected stimuli in the audiovisual output preference. | 11-19-2009 |
20090319607 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING CALENDAR EVENTS - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a presence system having a controller to transmit to a calendar system presence information of a subscriber of the presence system for recording said presence information in a calendar event. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 12-24-2009 |
20100015999 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHARING LOCATION INFORMATION - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portable communication device having a controller to request location information from one or more non-portable wireless access points, receive one or more location coordinates from the one or more non-portable wireless access points, determine which of the one or more non-portable wireless access points is closest to the portable communication device according to one or more wireless signals generated by the one or more non-portable wireless access points, and record the location coordinate supplied by the closest non-portable wireless access point. Each of the one or more non-portable wireless access points can determine its location coordinate with a location receiver. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 01-21-2010 |
20100050270 | Control of Access to Content Received from a Multimedia Content Distribution Network - A disclosed method for controlling access to content provided by a multimedia content delivery network includes detecting a remote control signal, determining identification information and action information in the remote control signal, generating a CPE code based on a combination of the identification and action information, and performing a content control action based on the CPE code. The identification information may indicate a setting of a switch of the remote control device or a user of the remote control device. Generating the CPE code may include generating a first CPE code when the identification information indicates a first user and generating a different CPE code when the identification information indicates a second user. Generating the CPE code may still further include accessing parental control restrictions associated with a user or user class indicated by the identification information and generating a CPE code in compliance with the parental control restrictions. | 02-25-2010 |
20100104024 | REMEDIATION OF TELEVISION SIGNALS USING A NETWORK BACK-CHANNEL - A method for remediating broadcast digital television signals is disclosed. A television signal is buffered by a multimedia client, and analyzed for errors. If errors are detected, replacement data for the corrupted data are requested from a service provider using a network back-channel. The replacement data are obtained from the broadcasting entity and sent back to the multimedia client. The replacement data are used to generate and display a faultless version of the digital television signal. | 04-29-2010 |
20100119051 | Methods, Systems, and Products for Providing Ring Tones - Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for processing a ring tone. A communication is processed from a calling number to a called number. An electronic database is queried for the calling number, and contact information associated with the calling number is retrieved. A ring tone database is queried for the contact information, and the ring tone database stores an association between the contact information and a ring tone. The ring tone associated with the contact information is retrieved and processed to alert the called number to the communication from the calling number. | 05-13-2010 |
20100122306 | System and Method for Tagging Video Content - A method of tagging video content includes receiving video content at a set-top box device via a private video distribution access network. The method also includes receiving a tag associated with the video content at the set-top box device and sending the tag to a tag management system via the private video distribution access network. Further, the method includes sending a request for content associated with the tag to the tag management system and receiving the video content at the set-top box device. | 05-13-2010 |
20100134338 | VIRTUAL UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL - A method for providing a virtual, universal remote control feature includes displaying a virtual remote interface for an electronic device. A user interaction with an element of the virtual remote interface is detected. The virtual remote interface element is mapped to a device-function code. The device-function code is provided to a code transmitter. The device-function code corresponds to a control command associated with the electronic device. | 06-03-2010 |
20100144368 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHARING LOCATION DATA IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK - A system and method for sharing location data amongst wireless communication devices uses a token system to grant permission to share location data. The tokens may be created automatically as the result of user activation of a different function. Location data may be exchanged when two wireless communication devices, authorized to exchange location data, are within a predetermined distance from each other. Location data may also be automatically exchanged upon the occurrence of a scheduled calendar event within a wireless communication device. Location data may be exchanged a single time or can be exchanged on a continuous or periodic basis so long as the token still exists. The token may be destroyed manually by some user activity or may be terminated automatically. | 06-10-2010 |
20100149982 | System and Method for Controlling Streaming Content in a Cellular Telephone - A method includes receiving a plurality of control parameters at a first mobile communications device, and storing the control parameters in a memory of the first mobile communications device. The method also includes setting a plurality of first Internet Protocol data flow restrictions for a respective plurality of ports first of the first mobile communications device based on the settings in the memory. A device for implementing the method is also disclosed. | 06-17-2010 |
20100153995 | RESUMING A SELECTED VIEWING CHANNEL - A method and system for resuming a desired program on a selected viewing channel is provided using a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN). A user of the MCDN may select a primary channel for viewing the desired program transmitted by the MCDN. The MCDN may also transmit channel metadata for detecting interruptions to programs. During an interruption to the desired program, the user may become distracted, for example, by selecting a second viewing channel. A resume alert may be provided to indicate that the interruption has ended and that the desired program has resumed. | 06-17-2010 |
20100158533 | REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION - Signals from a remote control device may be received in a first viewing area and retransmitted to a second viewing area to control customer premises equipment (CPE) devices in the second viewing area. In some embodiments, signals are translated for compatibility with the CPE devices in the second viewing area. A repeater in the first viewing area may receive infrared signals encoded with a remote control command and retransmit the remote control command with an RF signal to a receiver in the second viewing area. The repeater may be incorporated into a multimedia processing resource such as a set-top box. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161801 | MULTIMEDIA PROCESSING RESOURCE WITH DISTRIBUTED SETTINGS - Presentation settings for a multimedia processing resource (MPR) are distributed to other MPRs. Example presentation settings include brightness, contrast, and tint. Security credentials may be required before a receiving MPR accepts presentation settings from a delivering MPR. MPR presentation settings may be delivered over a wired or wireless local area network, for example. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162331 | MULTIMEDIA PROCESSING RESOURCE WITH INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE - A multimedia processing resource (MPR) includes interactive voice response capabilities. A user may control MPR commands and functions over a telephone interface. For example, through a telephone connection a user may receive a listing of electronic programming guide data, may schedule a multimedia program for recording, or may receive a report related to a multimedia program that is viewed at the present time. | 06-24-2010 |
20100302057 | PROGRAMMING A UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL USING AN IDENTIFYING DEVICE MARK - A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a new remote controlled device having a digital mark is disclosed. A digital representation of the mark is generated and sent to a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) server, along with MCDN account information. The digital mark may be used to retrieve programming codes, which are sent to client premises equipment (CPE) at an MCDN client identified by the MCDN account information. The CPE may be instructed to reprogram the URC to control the new device using the programming codes. The digital mark may be scanned and sent to the server using wireless telephony service provided by the MCDN service provider. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302058 | PROGRAMMING A UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL VIA DIRECT INTERACTION - A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. A user may be instructed to operate a control element of an original remote control (ORC) of the remote-controlled device. The control element of the ORC may be operated with consumer-premises equipment of the MCDN, which receives a code associated with the control element. The code may be used to identify the remote-controlled device and obtain corresponding programming codes. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device. | 12-02-2010 |
20110003587 | METHODS, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR CHANGING RING METHOD BASED ON TYPE OF CONNECTED DEVICE - Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for changing alert setting of a communication device are provided. An operative connection of a communication device to a connected device is detected. Based on the operative connection to the connected device, it is determined whether an alert setting for the communication device should be changed. In response to determining that the alert setting should be changed, the alert setting for the communication device is automatically changed. The connected device is a network interface, a power adapter, and/or a headset | 01-06-2011 |
20110010745 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING COMMUNICATION SERVICES - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a device including a base station communicatively coupled to a communication system, and a communicative device communicatively coupled to the base station for providing voice communication services to a user, wherein the communicative device serves as a proxy to make telephone calls on behalf of a set-top box presenting media services to a presentation device. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 01-13-2011 |
20110012710 | DEVICE CONTROL BY MULTIPLE REMOTE CONTROLS - A method and system for remotely controlling a remote-controlled device (RCD) includes receiving an instruction from a remote control (RC). The instruction may include an RC code and a control code. The RC code may identify the RC and the control code may identify an operation to be performed on the RCD. RC codes matching an authorized set of RC codes may cause the control code to be accepted, since the RC is authorized. If a non-matching RC code is received, the control code may be rejected as coming from a prohibited RC. An authorization mode on the RCD may allow modification of the authorized set of RC codes. | 01-20-2011 |
20110029887 | Social Utility Grid - Information is gathered regarding a first party. Social relationships between the first party and other parties are determined by transforming the gathered information into the social relationships. Relationship types of the social relationships between the first party and the other parties are determined by transforming the gathered information into the relationship types. Relationship strengths of the social relationships between the first and the other parties are determined by transforming the gathered information into the relationship strengths. The social utility grid is generated based on the social relationships between the first party and the other parties, the relationship types of the social relationships, and the relationship strengths of the social relationships. | 02-03-2011 |
20110037611 | PROGRAMMING A UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL USING MULTIMEDIA DISPLAY - A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. A plurality of selectable objects representing different remote-controlled devices is displayed. A user may select an object and thereby determine an identity of the remote-controlled device. Programming codes for the identified remote-controlled device may be obtained and used to program the URC to control the remote-controlled device. | 02-17-2011 |
20110037637 | PROGRAMMING A UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL VIA DIRECT INTERACTION - A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. Programming codes for the remote-controlled device may be transferred from an original remote control using a programming interface. The transfer may be performed directly with the URC. The transfer may also be performed using consumer-premises equipment of a multimedia content distribution network. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device. | 02-17-2011 |
20110109490 | PROGRAMMING A UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL VIA DIRECT INTERACTION WITH AN ORIGINAL REMOTE CONTROL - A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. A user may be instructed to operate a control element of an original remote control (ORC) of the remote-controlled device. The ORC may be operated directly with the URC, which may so receive a programming code from the ORC. The programming code may be used by the URC to determine an identity of the remote-controlled device and/or the ORC. Based on the identity, the URC may obtain corresponding programming codes for the remote-controlled device. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device. | 05-12-2011 |
20110115664 | PROGRAMMING A REMOTE CONTROL USING REMOVABLE STORAGE - A method and system for programming, using a removable storage, a remote control apparatus providing universal remote control functionality is disclosed. A removable storage module may be introduced into the remote control apparatus. Programming codes for a remote-controlled device controllable by the remote control apparatus may be transferred from the removable storage module. Executable code for configuring the remote control apparatus may also be transferred. The programming codes may be assigned to control elements of the remote control apparatus. The remote control apparatus may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device. | 05-19-2011 |
20110131605 | System and Method to Identify an Item Depicted when Media Content is Displayed - A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a set-top box device, media content from a media content server. The media content includes one or more metadata tags associated with one or more items depicted when the media content is displayed. The computer-implemented method includes sending the media content to a display device. The computer-implemented method also includes receiving a first user selection to visually identify the one or more items. The computer-implemented method also includes receiving a purchase request to purchase at least one of the one or more items depicted. | 06-02-2011 |
20120124059 | ADDRESS BOOK AUTOFILTER - A mechanism is provided for filtering an address book. Contacts are read of the address book of a user. An operative connection is maintained to a social networking site related to the user. Social networking communication data of the user is extracted from the social networking site. The contacts are ranked in the address book based on the social networking communication data of the user. | 05-17-2012 |
20120233208 | Methods, Systems, and Products for Providing Ring Tones - Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for processing a ring tone. An electronic database is queried for a calling number, and contact information associated with the calling number is retrieved. A ring tone database is queried for the contact information, and the ring tone database stores an association between the contact information and a ring tone. The ring tone associated with the contact information is retrieved and processed to alert a called number to a communication from the calling number. | 09-13-2012 |
20130059621 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A NETWORK - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network element having a controller to obtain network information associated with establishing a network among a group of communication devices, and provide the network information to a plurality of network set-up devices removably connected to the network element, where each of the plurality of network set-up devices is connectable with a communication device of the group of communication devices to provide at least a portion of the network information to the communication device, and where the network is established based at least in part on the at least a portion of the network information. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 03-07-2013 |
20130080924 | System and Method for Presenting Calendar Events - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a presence system having a controller to transmit to a calendar system presence information of a subscriber of the presence system for recording said presence information in a calendar event. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 03-28-2013 |
20130099954 | VIRTUAL UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL - A method for providing a virtual, universal remote control feature includes displaying a virtual remote interface for an electronic device. A user interaction with an element of the virtual remote interface is detected. The virtual remote interface element is mapped to a device-function code. The device-function code is provided to a code transmitter. The device-function code corresponds to a control command associated with the electronic device. | 04-25-2013 |
20130139197 | Systems and Method of Controlling Access to Media Content - A system and method of controlling access to media content are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a viewing request at a set-top box device at a user premises. The method also includes retrieving a permission policy stored at the set-top box device and identifying a wireless device associated with the permission policy. Further, the method includes fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a first relative proximity to the set-top box device, and not fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a second relative proximity to the set-top box device. | 05-30-2013 |
20130207788 | PROGRAMMING A UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL VIA DIRECT INTERACTION - A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. Programming codes for the remote-controlled device may be transferred from an original remote control using a programming interface. The transfer may be performed directly with the URC. The transfer may also be performed using consumer-premises equipment of a multimedia content distribution network. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device. | 08-15-2013 |
20130283309 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TAGGING VIDEO CONTENT - A method of tagging video content includes receiving video content at a set-top box device via a private video distribution access network. The method also includes receiving a tag associated with the video content at the set-top box device and sending the tag to a tag management system via the private video distribution access network. Further, the method includes sending a request for content associated with the tag to the tag management system and receiving the video content at the set-top box device. | 10-24-2013 |
20140080516 | System and Method for Sharing Location Information - In a particular embodiment, a method includes requesting, at a first communication device, location information from multiple communication devices. The method also includes recording, at the first communication device, a particular location coordinate received from a closest communication device of the multiple communication devices. The method further includes adjusting the particular location coordinate based on triangulation data associated with the closest communication device. | 03-20-2014 |
20140091937 | NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING AWARENESS OF AN INTERACTIVE SURFACE - A system for providing awareness of an interactive surface is disclosed. The system may include a processor that is communicatively linked to an interactive surface. The processor may determine a position and a velocity of an object that is within range of the interactive surface based on one or more of media content, vibrations, air movement, sounds and, global positioning data associated with the object. Additionally, the processor may determine if the object has a trajectory that would cause the object to collide with the interactive surface based on the information associated with the object. If the processor determines that the object has a trajectory that would cause the object to collide with the interactive surface, the processor can generate a notification. | 04-03-2014 |
20140293138 | VIRTUAL UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL - A method for providing a virtual, universal remote control feature includes displaying a virtual remote interface for an electronic device. A user interaction with an element of the virtual remote interface is detected. The virtual remote interface element is mapped to a device-function code. The device-function code is provided to a code transmitter. The device-function code corresponds to a control command associated with the electronic device. | 10-02-2014 |