Abstract:
A media discovery module (MDM) is described that facilitates a user's access to desired media items. The MDM presents a series of arrays of media items to the user. The user's selection within any array governs the composition of media items that are presented in a subsequent array. Different linking criteria can define the relationship among arrays. In one case, the MDM uses a time-based linking criterion, allowing a user to examine a media item at increasing levels of temporal granularity. In another case, the MDM uses a subject matter-based criterion, allowing a user to examine one or more media items at increasing levels of detail with respect to a subject matter index. The MDM can employ various tools to establish the relationship among media items, including image analysis tools, audio analysis tools, metadata analysis tools, and so on.
Abstract:
A system coupled to a display device, such as, for example, a television, having a screen. The system display media content on the screen. The system receives a command to display on the screen an electronic program guide. In response to the command, the system displays, concurrently with displaying the media content, a first dynamic video program within a first portion of the screen.
Abstract:
Video insertion is described for unavailable content. In an implementation, a method includes determining whether a portion of each of a plurality of content items is available for output by a client and generating an EPG for output by the client. The EPG includes a plurality of cells, each of which describes a respective one of the content items. The EPG is configured based on the determining such that when the portion of the respective content item is available, the EPG includes the portion when output, and otherwise the EPG includes a video insertion when output that does not include the portion.
Abstract:
A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing intuitive navigation within a menuing system. In a first mode of operation, an electronic display of the thermostat displays a population of tick marks arranged in an arcuate arrangement including a plurality of background tick marks, a setpoint tick mark representing a setpoint temperature, and an ambient temperature tick mark representing an ambient temperature, the setpoint temperature being dynamically changeable according to a tracked rotational input motion of a ring-shaped user interface component of the thermostat. In a second mode, the a plurality of user-selectable menu options is displayed in an arcuate arrangement along a menu option range area, and respective ones of the user-selectable menu options are selectively highlighted according to the tracked rotational input motion of the ring-shaped user interface component.
Abstract:
A thermostat is described for controlling air temperature in a building. The time associated with causing the controlled air temperature to reach a target temperature is estimated and displayed to a user. Input from a user indicating the target temperature can be received and the estimating and displaying can be carried out in real time. The thermostat can be wall-mounted or the user input can be received and estimated time can be displayed using a remote device, for example that communicates wirelessly with other components of the HVAC system.
Abstract:
A method is described for identifying faults relating to an HVAC system, such a clogged filter. Sensor data is used to estimate HVAC system efficiency. Trends in system efficiency are then used to identify faults such as clogged filters. The sensor(s) can include one or more of the following types: optical sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity sensor, resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared sensor. The efficiency estimation can also be based on conditions external to the building, such as data from exterior sensors and/or data gathered from third parties such as government or private weather stations. The efficiency estimation can also be based on performance metrics such as the time used to reach a set point temperature. The fault identification includes filtering out non-fault related events.
Abstract:
A light source package for selectively interrupting power to a light source is provided. An optical element is positioned to reflect a reflected portion of the light from the light source. The reflected portion impinges upon a base that includes a roof panel with a light source side and a sensor side that is opposite to the light source side. The light source side of the roof panel receives the reflected portion of the light and transmits a transmitted portion of the light through the roof panel. The sensor side of the roof panel includes a recess in which a sensing component is located. The sensing component receives the transmitted portion of the light and is configured to interrupt power to the light source when the transmitted portion of the light is below a threshold.