2270 results about "Multiple device" patented technology

An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. The operation of applications such as web browser applications, home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.

Systems and processes are disclosed for controlling television user interactions using a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can interact with a television set-top box to control content shown on a television. Speech input for the virtual assistant can be received from a device with a microphone. User intent can be determined from the speech input, and the virtual assistant can execute tasks according to the user's intent, including causing playback of media on the television. Virtual assistant interactions can be shown on the television in interfaces that expand or contract to occupy a minimal amount of space while conveying desired information. Multiple devices associated with multiple displays can be used to determine user intent from speech input as well as to convey information to users. In some examples, virtual assistant query suggestions can be provided to the user based on media content shown on a display.

A method for providing configurable access to media in a media-on-demand system also can include delivering the media to a first client device in a format compatible with the first client device; interrupting the delivery of the media; recording a bookmark specifying a position in the media where the interruption occurred; and resuming delivery of the media to a second client device, the resumed delivery beginning at a position in the media specified by the recorded bookmark. The method further can include identifying device properties for each of the first and second client devices; delivering the media to the first client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the first client device; and, delivering the media to the second client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the second client device.

We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.

Data is collected from a set of devices. The data is associated with the devices, mobile application programs (apps), web applications, users, or combinations of these. A norm is established using the collected data. The norm is compared with data collected from a particular device. If there is a deviation outside of a threshold deviation between the norm and the data collected from the particular device, a response is initiated.

Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.

Various gaming-related services are provided, including but not limited to security services, harm minimization services, player identification services, bonusing/progressive services, accounting services, financial/banking services, network tunneling services, cheating detection services, etc. Such services may be provided, at least in part, by software agents that can be configured for different platforms and/or operating systems. Some software-based player tracking methods of the invention can aggregate data from multiple devices used by a player for gaming.

When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

Methods, devices, and computer programs are presented for creating a unified data stream from multiple data streams acquired from multiple devices. One method includes an operation for receiving activity data streams from the devices, each activity data stream being associated with physical activity data of a user. Further, the method includes an operation for assembling the unified activity data stream for a period of time. The unified activity data stream includes data segments from the data streams of at least two devices, and the data segments are organized time-wise over the period of time.

In an environment including multiple electronic devices that are each capable of being controlled by a user's voice command, an individual device is able to distinguish a voice command intended particularly for the device from among other voice commands that are intended for other devices present in the common environment. The device is able to accomplish this distinction by identifying unique attributes belonging to the device itself from within a user's voice command. Thus only voice commands that include attribute information that are supported by the device will be recognized by the device, and other voice commands that include attribute information that are not supported by the device may be effectively ignored for voice control purposes of the device.

A power adapter is provided that includes a base adapter configured to perform power conversion to supply power requirements of an electronic device from a power source. The power adapter converts the power signal from the power source into power signal compatible with the first electronic device. Input and output connectors provide coupling to the power source and electronic device, respectively. An accessory adapter can be provided and can be configured to be removably coupleable to the base adapter for modular operation. The accessory adapter can be configured to provide another power signal to power a second electronic device. Multiple accessory adapters can be added to provide power requirements for multiple devices. Security keys can be used to authenticate the power supply for security and verification purposes.

Techniques for providing friction-free transactions using geolocation and user identifiers are described herein. These techniques may ascertain a user's location based on a location of a mobile device. A transaction between the user and a merchant may be completed with zero or minimal input from the user based on the geolocation of the mobile device and the user identifiers. In some implementations, a transaction initiated earlier is completed when the mobile device arrives at the merchant. Additionally, a parent-child or similar relationship may be established between multiple devices. Security on the mobile device based may be provided by biometric identification and calculation of variance from regular movement patterns. Advertisements may be sent to the mobile device based on bids from merchants near to the mobile device. Promotions may be sent to the mobile device when more than a threshold number of mobile devices are located at the same merchant.

A single graphic user interface enabling a computer user to store, print, back up or send an electronic file to multiple locations. The electronic file can be sent on multiple paths to multiple devices in multiple formats.

A method is provided for synchronizing the playback of a digital audio broadcast on a plurality of network output devices by inserting an audio waveform sample in an audio stream of the digital audio broadcast. The method includes the steps of outputting a first unique signal as part of an audio signal which has unique identifying characteristics and is regularly occurring, outputting a second unique signal so that the time between the first and second unique signals must be significantly greater than the latency between sending and receiving devices, and coordinating play of audio by an audio waveform sample assuring the simultaneous output of the audio signal from multiple devices. An algorithm in hardware, software, or a combination of the two identifies the audio waveform sample in the audio stream. The digital audio broadcast from multiple receivers does not present to a listener any audible delay or echo effect.

A method is disclosed for carrying out network device provisioning and configuration, and communication of other information to a network device, automatically and in an assured manner. A configuration service receives a request from a network device to provide configuration information. The configuration service retrieves a template representing the configuration from a storage location, e.g., a directory service. The configuration service also retrieves one or more parameter values specific to the device. Device-specific values are instantiated for the generic parameters in the template, based on the retrieved values. The resulting configuration is stored in XML format using XML tags to delimit configuration commands, tested for well-formed-ness, and syntax checked. A reliable transport protocol carries the configuration information to the device. At the device, a configuration agent syntax checks the embedded configuration information, and then applies the configuration information to the device. As a result, automatic network provisioning may be accomplished remotely, without requiring a skilled technician to visit customer premises to carry out configuration. The process may be integrated with an event service to enable multiple devices to concurrently receive re-configuration without special synchronization logic.

A splined multilumen body for use in elongated medical devices is provided for carrying multiple conductors, wires or cables to multiple device components along the device body. Open lumens may be provided through which medical devices or therapies may be delivered. The multilumen body is constructed from a generally tubular outer member having inward-radiating splines that mate with outward-radiating splines on a generally tubular inner member. Lumens formed between sets of mated splines isolate conductors carried therein. Interaction of mated splines provides good torque transfer between outer and inner members. Materials for fabricating outer and inner members may be selected to achieve desired torque transfer properties, flexibility, and surface friction.

When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

Multi-user, multi-computing device collaborative work experience is provided. One or more computing devices, including wired and wireless personal computers, laptop computers, servers, handheld mobile computing devices, for example, mobile telephones, tablet type computers, slate type computers and the like, may be linked together to allow users of such devices to engage in a collaborative work session. Information for each user engaged in the collaborative work session may be displayed on the one or more devices along with any content such as agenda items, documents, data, images, and the like. User participation may be tracked, and information on user participation, work session communications and content may be stored for subsequent use.

Enables multiple devices of a same user to logon automatically. An example of a method includes: registering the user and the user's multiple user devices with a Multiple Device Authentication (MDA) apparatus; authenticating at least one of the user's registered devices by the MDA apparatus and selecting the authenticated device as a master device; selecting one or more slave devices from the registered user devices; adding the selected master device and one or more selected slave devices to an active device table; if a user device accessing the MDA apparatus is in the active device table, causing the user device logon directly and automatically without first authenticating the user device. Operation of authentication is needed only once to enable user's multiple devices to logon the server automatically and conveniently. Seamless switch between different devices can be implemented, resulting in improved single-sign-on solution over the prior art.

A method and system are provided for allocating usage of network resources in a communication network. In an embodiment, a quality of service profile assigned to a user account is established where the user account comprises user information for a first wireless device and a second wireless device. A first usage request from the first wireless device is received and registered for access to the communication network. Use of the communication network is allocated to the first wireless device based upon the quality of service profile. A second usage request is received and registered from the second wireless device for access to the communication network. Use of the communications network is allocated to the second wireless device based upon the quality of service profile and the use of the communication network by the first wireless device.

Systems and methods for wireless power transfer are disclosed. Primary windings generate magnetic fields which are inductively coupled to secondary windings to transfer power in a wireless manner. One embodiment includes a plurality of tiles of magnetic cores and windings for the primary windings. The tiles can be arranged in a magnetic segment with windings of tiles being orthogonal with respect to windings of adjacent tiles. For example, a winding of a first tile can be horizontal, and windings of adjacent tiles can be vertical. One embodiment further groups these magnetic segments into larger entities, wherein each magnetic segment can be independently activated. One embodiment includes a magnetic amplifier or an electronic device for secondary side control of power. This permits multiple devices to be powered or charged to be able to regulate power or charging independently from one another.

A method is provided for synchronizing the playback of a digital audio broadcast on a plurality of network output devices by inserting a control track pulse in an audio stream of the digital audio broadcast. The method includes the steps of outputting a first control track pulse as part of an audio signal which has unique identifying characteristics and is regularly occurring, outputting a second control track pulse so that the time between the first and second control track pulses must be significantly greater than the latency between sending and receiving devices, and coordinating play of audio at the time of the occurrence of the transmission of the second control track pulse assuring the simultaneous output of the audio signal from multiple devices. The control track pulses have a value unique from any other portion of the audio stream. The digital audio broadcast from multiple receivers does not present to a listener any audible delay or echo effect.

The present disclosure generally relates to interfaces and techniques for media playback on one or more devices. In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes a display, one or more processors, and memory. The electronic device receives user input and, in response to receiving the user input, displays, on the display, a multi-device interface that includes: one or more indicators associated with a plurality of available playback devices that are connected to the device and available to initiate playback of media from the device, and a media playback status of the plurality of available playback devices.

Methods and systems for scheduling media content presentation across multiple devices are disclosed. A media planner application generates media event presentation schedules for one or more users based on user-scheduled media events and automatic media event recommendations. Media events can be scheduled for presentation on multiple user devices, including portable devices. Media event recommendations can be generated based at least in part on user preferences and habits, such as user media preferences, device availability, device usage, device connectivity, and user mood.

A system and method for pricing a classified advertisement. The method includes receiving a classified advertisement from an advertiser to be distributed to at least one of multiple device types. The classified advertisement may be substantially simultaneously formatted for at least two of the device types. The classified advertisement may be displayed as formatted for presentation by the device type(s). A price may be determined and displayed for the classified advertisement as formatted for presentation by the device type(s).

The embodiment of the invention discloses a method and a device for consulting resource in D2D (Device To Device) communication. The method comprises the steps that: a current device receives resource demand information sent by the other device in a current super frame, and the resource demand information comprises a service priority level of the other device, a beacon time slot of a beacon of the other device and/or the amount of resource applied by the other device; and the resource position which can be distributed for the current device can be calculated according to the service priority level of the other device, the beacon time slot of the beacon of the other device and/or the amount of the resource applied by the other device by the current device. By adopting the method or the device disclosed by the embodiment of the invention, the phenomenon that the same resource is competed by multiple devices is avoided, and the efficiency of consulting the resource between the devices is increased.

A data synchronization method for more than three networked devices including at least one client and one server for efficiently synchronizing data among multiple devices supporting a Synchronization Markup Language (SyncML) protocol is provided. The data synchronization method includes determining whether a data item indicated by synchronization information contained in a synchronization request message exists in a change log table of the server, when a server receives the synchronization request message sent by a first client, and updating the change log table by adding the data item indicated by the synchronization information and transmitting a synchronization request message containing a data identifier and the change log of the data item to a second client, if a data item indicated by the synchronization information does not exist, otherwise, ending data synchronization by transmitting a synchronization response message containing status information to the first client.

Methods for operating robotic devices (i.e., “robots”) that employ adaptive behavior relative to neighboring robots and external (e.g., environmental) conditions. Each robot is capable of receiving, processing, and acting on one or more multi-device primitive commands that describe a task the robot will perform in response to other robots and the external conditions. The commands facilitate a distributed command and control structure, relieving a central apparatus or operator from the need to monitor the progress of each robot. This virtually eliminates the corresponding constraint on the maximum number of robots that can be deployed to perform a task (e.g., data collection, mapping, searching). By increasing the number of robots, the efficiency in completing the task is also increased.

A network management system is provided that allows a user to configure multiple devices according to a consistent set of policies. The system includes a device learning module that can read configuration data from a network device and automatically match that configuration data to existing policies and components of policies within the system. The device learning module also identifies unknown configuration data, which does not match any existing policy. The system further includes a grammar builder that can parse the unknown configuration data and construct a component or policy from the unknown data, by matching the unknown data to a grammar of configuration commands for the network device. The system also provided auditing capabilities, where policies are compared to running network configurations, and differences are identified.

A system and method is disclosed herein that provides a multi-device, multi-screen experience where original content, other content, and associated data can interact and flow between a primary display device and one or more secondary devices. More particularly, the system and method disclosed herein provides for the delivery and management of digital media content to an end user by providing the multi-device, multi-screen experience where original content, other content, and associated data can interact and flow between devices. The system and method enables an individual to create a virtually universal home commerce and monitoring ecosystem by integrating a device into their home Wi-Fi and content consumption systems.