Patents by Inventor Leon J. Stanger

Leon J. Stanger has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9917564
    Abstract: An audio loudness data collection module collects and stores audio data. The data can be stored for a first time period. A monitoring system can access and store the audio data collected and stored by the loudness data collection module according to a second time period. The stored audio data can be processed and displayed to a user in a number of ways. The data can also be used to provide loudness data control. For example, a loudness data control module can perform an audio AGC function to control audio loudness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Culwell, Daniel M. Miner, Heather N. Truong, Uy X. Nguyen, Leon J. Stanger, James A. Michener
  • Publication number: 20170359047
    Abstract: An audio loudness data collection module collects and stores audio data. The data can be stored for a first time period. A monitoring system can access and store the audio data collected and stored by the loudness data collection module according to a second time period. The stored audio data can be processed and displayed to a user in a number of ways. The data can also be used to provide loudness data control. For example, a loudness data control module can perform an audio AGC function to control audio loudness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin S. Culwell, Daniel M. Miner, Heather N. Truong, Uy X. Nguyen, Leon J. Stanger, James A. Michener
  • Patent number: 9729120
    Abstract: An audio loudness data collection module collects and stores audio data. The data can be stored for a first time period. A monitoring system can access and store the audio data collected and stored by the loudness data collection module according to a second time period. The stored audio data can be processed and displayed to a user in a number of ways. The data can also be used to provide loudness data control. For example, a loudness data control module can perform an audio AGC function to control audio loudness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Culwell, Daniel M. Miner, Heather N. Truong, Uy X. Nguyen, Leon J. Stanger, James A. Michener
  • Patent number: 9485010
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptively controlling a transmission signal for transmission to at least one receiver in a terrestrial region is disclosed. The method selects a transmission signal mode having a modulation scheme, code scheme, and code rate from a plurality of transmission signal modes according to received information, generates a transmission signal according to the selected mode, and transmits the generated transmission signal to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The DirecTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest C. Chen, Joseph Santoru, Patrick J. Loner, Shamik Maitra, Donald J. Breier, Leon J. Stanger, Dennis Lai, Tung-Sheng Lin, Guangcai Zhou
  • Patent number: 8584183
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Arsenault, Leon J. Stanger
  • Publication number: 20110173653
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Arsenault, Leon J. Stanger
  • Patent number: 7948559
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing audio and video portions of a media program signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of detecting an audio event in the audio portion of the media program signal, measuring the timing interval from the audio event to a subsequent video synchronization pulse in the video portion of the media program signal, and storing the timing interval in a third portion of the media program signal. The apparatus comprises a voice detector for detecting an audio event in the audio portion of the media program signal, a timer for measuring the timing interval from the audio event to a subsequent video synchronization pulse in the video portion of the media program signal, and a processor for storing the timing interval in a third portion of the media program signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon J. Stanger
  • Patent number: 7948558
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing audio and video portions of a media program signal is disclosed. In a transmitting embodiment, the method comprises the steps of identifying a video event according to an video event discriminant in the video signal, and inserting a timing signal into the audio signal, and the apparatus comprises a video analysis module for identifying a video event according to an video event discriminant in the video signal, a timing signal generator for generating a timing signal, and a mixer for inserting the timing signal into the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon J. Stanger, James A. Michener
  • Patent number: 7926078
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Arsenault, Leon J. Stanger
  • Patent number: 7817184
    Abstract: Methods of testing receiver video fidelity are disclosed. One example method includes producing a video test signal; coupling the video test signal into an input of the receiver, wherein the video test signal is configured to cause a decoder to output a step function signal upon processing the video test signal; coupling the step function signal to a display rate converter; and measuring signal characteristics of signals provided at a receiver output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Michener, Leon J. Stanger, Michael R. Munsell
  • Patent number: 7376159
    Abstract: A system and method for adding auxiliary data DA to an output data stream from a statistical multiplexer is disclosed. An auxiliary multiplexer accepts a statistically multiplexed data stream, and substitutes auxiliary data packets for null data packets. The auxiliary multiplexer controls the number of null packets in the statistically multiplexed data stream by controlling the target bandwidth BT of the statistical multiplexer, or by modifying the statistical multiplexer equation to make the auxiliary data stream a participant in the negotiation process of allocating throughput among the data sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon J. Stanger, Hanno Basse, James A. Michener, Robert H. Plummer, Richard K. Newman
  • Publication number: 20080079851
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing audio and video portions of a media program signal is disclosed. In a transmitting embodiment, the method comprises the steps of identifying a video event according to an video event discriminant in the video signal, and inserting a timing signal into the audio signal, and the apparatus comprises a video analysis module for identifying a video event according to an video event discriminant in the video signal, a timing signal generator for generating a timing signal, and a mixer for inserting the timing signal into the audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Leon J. Stanger, James A. Michener
  • Patent number: 7212248
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing audio and video portions of a media program signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of detecting an audio event in the audio portion of the media program signal, measuring the timing interval from the audio event to a subsequent video synchronization pulse in the video portion of the media program signal, and storing the timing interval in a third portion of the media program signal. The apparatus comprises a voice detector for detecting an audio event in the audio portion of the media program signal, a timer for measuring the timing interval from the audio event to a subsequent video synchronization pulse in the video portion of the media program signal, and a processor for storing the timing interval in a third portion of the media program signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: The DirecTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon J. Stanger
  • Publication number: 20040223084
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for border processing of video information in video distribution systems are disclosed. According to one aspect, the disclosed methods and apparatus store a video frame including picture content, determine an expansion coefficient for expansion of the video frame, expand the picture content of the video frame to fill at least a portion of a frame raster and output the expanded picture content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Leon J. Stanger
  • Publication number: 20040148634
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: HUGHES ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert G. Arsenault, Leon J. Stanger
  • Publication number: 20040100582
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing audio and video portions of a media program signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of detecting an audio event in the audio portion of the media program signal, measuring the timing interval from the audio event to a subsequent video synchronization pulse in the video portion of the media program signal, and storing the timing interval in a third portion of the media program signal. The apparatus comprises a voice detector for detecting an audio event in the audio portion of the media program signal, a timer for measuring the timing interval from the audio event to a subsequent video synchronization pulse in the video portion of the media program signal, and a processor for storing the timing interval in a third portion of the media program signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Leon J. Stanger
  • Patent number: 6701528
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Arsenault, Leon J. Stanger
  • Patent number: 5440591
    Abstract: A circuit for preserving a predetermined timing relationship between a synchronization signal including periodic sync codes and a digital signal composed of successive frames of which the nominal duration is equal to the period of the sync codes includes a delay device connected to receive the digital signal. The delay device is selectively adjustable to impose a controllable delay on propagation of the digital signal. A FAW detector detects a frame alignment word in the digital signal, and a time measurement circuit measures the time that elapses between occurrence of a sync code and detection of a frame alignment word. A delay adjustment circuit is responsive to the time measurement circuit to adjust the delay imposed by the delay device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: The Grass Valley Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Liron, Leon J. Stanger
  • Patent number: 5416474
    Abstract: A communication network for providing communication between multiple sources and multiple destinations includes a source selector (34; 70, 72; 90, 98) having a plurality of input terminals (22) for connection to respective sources (30), at least one output terminal (20; 100), and crosspoint elements (38; 80, 82; 92, 98) for connecting any selected set of the input terminals to the output terminal. A destination selector (18; 100) has at least one input terminal (20) connected to the output terminal of the source selector, a plurality of output terminals (24) for connection to respective destinations (30), and crosspoint elements (28; 102) for connecting the input terminal of the destination selector to any selected set of the output terminals of the destination selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Utah Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Brion Johnson, Michael B. Lackey, Leon J. Stanger, Ronald C. Ward
  • Patent number: 5123032
    Abstract: An analog "blue" signal detector detects when the amplitude of a spectral component of an input signal associated with a blue signal exceeds a given level for a predetermined period of time to provide an indication that the blue signal is present. When the blue signal is removed, the indication is rapidly removed also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: The Grass Valley Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Hershberger, Leon J. Stanger