Patents by Inventor Michael Ficco
Michael Ficco 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).
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Patent number: 8572639Abstract: Techniques of adapting an advertisement previously broadcast or in the process of being broadcast are disclosed. An advertisement selection factor is generated in order to adapt ads to a particular recipient. The advertisement selection factor can be derived from a database of information concerning the recipient and/or from data input by the recipient. The ad may be adapted in a variety of ways including replacing a broadcast ad segment with another segment. The replacement ad segment may be stored in a local device such as a set-top box or hardware card of a TV or PC and selected according to the advertisement selection factor. The replacement ad segment is synchronized with the on-going broadcast to produce a seamless ad. Alternatively, an ad processing can change audio or visual characteristics of the ad according to the ad selection factor. Such ad processing also includes dynamical texture mapping, object replacement, object addition, and audio/video data layering.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael Ficco
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Patent number: 8312490Abstract: A personal video on-demand system and method which permits a user to receive available content using a single tuner and perform one of a plurality of operations on the available content. These operations include recording two or more signals, where one or both may be simultaneously viewed, recording one or more signals and playing back one or more signals, playing back two or more signals, watching one or more signals while recording one or more other signals, viewing two or more signals live, or viewing at least one signal live, while viewing one or more signals in a playback mode. These operations also include selecting an even based on actor, actress, director, etc.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Yap, Michael Ficco, Robert Davis
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Publication number: 20090327451Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for aircraft multimedia distribution, including a multimedia server provided within an aircraft of an airline and a multimedia communications network within the aircraft coupled to the multimedia server. The multimedia server is configured to distribute, over the aircraft multimedia communications network, multimedia in-flight to a device of a passenger for at least one of viewing, listening and purchasing by the passenger.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael Ficco
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Publication number: 20090320069Abstract: A method and system which temporally sorts data such as program guide data for example, to ensure that near-term data (i.e. most likely to be used, or “now data”) is always available for rapid access from a physical memory location such as a high-speed temporal cache. The method incorporates two low-priority background processes or algorithms, termed “event horizons” into the storage and manipulation of the data so that applications using the data may be run without having to always access a mass storage device. The method and system are highly applicable to all set top boxes (STBs) used in various communication systems such as satellite communication, Cable-TV and DVB systems. The method and system are economical in that superior STB and/or system performance may be obtained with the inclusion of lesser amounts of expensive high-speed RAM.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ficco, Lou King, Sean Lee
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Patent number: 7610602Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for aircraft multimedia distribution, including a multimedia server provided within an aircraft of an airline and a multimedia communications network within the aircraft coupled to the multimedia server. The multimedia server is configured to distribute, over the aircraft multimedia communications network, multimedia in-flight to a device of a passenger for at least one of viewing, listening and purchasing by the passenger.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael Ficco
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Publication number: 20080276282Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for efficient storage of data for use by an application, including a set top box. The set top box including a physical memory, a bulk storage device, and a memory management unit (MMU) coupled between the application and the physical memory and the bulk storage device. The physical memory and the bulk storage device are configured to store the data. The MMU is configured to translate a virtual address provided by the application to a physical address used by one of the physical memory and the bulk storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Lou King, Michael Ficco, John May, Jorge Guzman, Yong Gao
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Patent number: 7409703Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for efficient storage of data for use by an application, including a set top box. The set top box including a physical memory, a bulk storage device, and a memory management unit (MMU) coupled between the application and the physical memory and the bulk storage device. The physical memory and the bulk storage device are configured to store the data. The MMU is configured to translate a virtual address provided by the application to a physical address used by one of the physical memory and the bulk storage device.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Lou King, Michael Ficco, John May, Jorge Guzman, Yong Gao
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Publication number: 20070127887Abstract: A method and device for performing enhanced recording, editing and management features for content in a communication system. The device may be a set top box (STB) for example, and preferably a STB equipped with digital video recording (DVR) capabilities. The method offers users an ability to select, record and manipulate desired program content using mutually exclusive menus, or directly from an electronic program guide (EPG). This is done by displaying various parameter menus of selectable parameters for recording operations, so as to select one or more parameters via a suitable user interface in order to effect a desired recording feature or function.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: June 7, 2007Inventors: Adrian Yap, Michael Ficco
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Patent number: 7099472Abstract: An approach is provided for storing and retrieving digital audio/video data. A system bus of fixed width transfers data bits. The data bits form a bit pattern. An interface is coupled to system bus and is configured to alter the bit pattern of the data bits, according to a prescribed scheme. A hard disk drive is coupled to the interface and is configured to store the altered data bits. The approach has particular applicability to a digital set-top box for a direct satellite television system.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: The DirecTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael Ficco
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Publication number: 20050166224Abstract: Techniques of adapting an advertisement previously broadcast or in the process of being broadcast are disclosed. An advertisement selection factor is generated in order to adapt ads to a particular recipient. The advertisement selection factor can be derived from a database of information concerning the recipient and/or from data input by the recipient. The ad may be adapted in a variety of ways including replacing a broadcast ad segment with another segment. The replacement ad segment may be stored in a local device such as a set-top box or hardware card of a TV or PC and selected according to the advertisement selection factor. The replacement ad segment is synchronized with the on-going broadcast to produce a seamless ad. Alternatively, an ad processing can change audio or visual characteristics of the ad according to the ad selection factor. Such ad processing also includes dynamical texture mapping, object replacement, object addition, and audio/video data layering.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2005Publication date: July 28, 2005Inventor: Michael Ficco
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Patent number: 6922845Abstract: A set top box (STB) includes multiple processors that handle either real time or non-real time functions within the STB. One of the processors may perform substantially all of the real time operations, such as control of a data pipeline to the STB, conditional access, and control of a program guide stored within the DVR. The other processor may control substantially all non-real time functions that are executed within the STB, such as graphics user interface and browser functions. The STB may be embodied as a digital video recorder (DVR). The additional processor(s) provide for increased overall system bandwidth, improved system security and greater system stability for an STB and/or DVR configured with these multiple processors, as compared to a conventional STB having a single micro-controller or processor.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: The DirectTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Yap, Michael Ficco, Robert Davis
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Patent number: 6868292Abstract: A method and system of controlling devices with digitally stored content. Devices such as home electronic appliances, lighting systems, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, home security systems and home entertainment systems are controlled from a single, centralized device. A set top box (STB) stores scripts that include program content for controlling the operation of a plurality of these devices from the STB. A user of the STB selects the desired scripts, and the STB accesses the selected scripts from storage based on a triggering mechanism such as time, content, event, etc. The STB selectively controls operation of certain devices designated in the script. The method provides ease of control over multiple and diverse devices, applications and media within a user's own home environment, with more functionality and flexibility than currently available.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ficco, Adrian Yap, Ernest Seah, Rajeshwari Karthikeyan
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Publication number: 20040199933Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for maintaining a consistent volume level as the user changes channels in a settop box adopted for use in a television system, wherein the steps comprise selecting a reference channel and adjusting the gain of a pre-amp so that the mean output level of the pre-amp remains the same on the new channel. The system and method also provides for allowing multiple users to specify unique channel volume configurations for one, some or all the channel receivable by a settop box, and for dynamically adjusting audio amplification to maintain the output audio in an acceptable range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventor: Michael Ficco
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Patent number: 6608993Abstract: An audio data file-handling device which may receive one or more audio data files from a base station. This file transfer may be accomplished utilizing wireless transmissions. Furthermore, the base station may accumulate one or more audio data files from a variety of content sources and communication paths. An audio data file distribution system which accumulates audio data files in a base station and uploads at least one accumulated audio data file to an audio data file handling device. A user interface, such as a wireless control unit, may send a trigger signal to the base station either directly or via the audio data file-handling device. This triggering signal triggers the upload of audio data files from the base station to the audio data file-handling device. The triggering signal may also be generated upon a vehicle start condition or upon the arrival of a designated time. Furthermore, cellular or other wireless networks may be utilized to transfer audio data files over long distances.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Hughes Electronics CorporationInventor: Michael Ficco
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Publication number: 20030043260Abstract: A digital videophone answering device (DVAD) that utilizes the functionality of a device such as a set top box (STB) equipped with a digital video recorder (DVR). The system includes an exemplary DVAD operatively connected to or integral with an STB equipped with DVR. A memory within the DVR is used by the DVAD for storing a plurality of parameters and data associated with the DVAD; and a processor within the DVR controls DVAD functionality and display of parameters associated with DVAD.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Adrian Yap, Michael Ficco, Robert Davis
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Publication number: 20020188956Abstract: A method and system which temporally sorts data such as program guide data for example, to ensure that near-term data (i.e. most likely to be used, or “now data”) is always available for rapid access from a physical memory location such as a high-speed temporal cache. The method incorporates two low-priority background processes or algorithms, termed “event horizons” into the storage and manipulation of the data so that applications using the data may be run without having to always access a mass storage device. The method and system are highly applicable to all set top boxes (STBs) used in various communication systems such as satellite communication, Cable-TV and DVB systems. The method and system are economical in that superior STB and/or system performance may be obtained with the inclusion of lesser amounts of expensive high-speed RAM.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventors: Michael Ficco, Lou King, Sean Lee
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Publication number: 20020178451Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for aircraft multimedia distribution, including a multimedia server provided within an aircraft of an airline and a multimedia communications network within the aircraft coupled to the multimedia server. The multimedia server is configured to distribute, over the aircraft multimedia communications network, multimedia in-flight to a device of a passenger for at least one of viewing, listening and purchasing by the passenger.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventor: Michael Ficco
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Publication number: 20020154055Abstract: A satellite communication system including an interface device for distributing satellite signals received from an outdoor unit (ODU) to a plurality of indoor units (IDUs) connected to a local area network (LAN), at a particular site. Only two cables, a power cable and a cable connected to the LAN, must be installed between the interface device and the site containing the IDUs. Accordingly, the installation of IDUs at a site is simplified and has the flexibility of allowing future satellite based services to be added without requiring the installation of new cables between the ODU and the IDUs. The satellite communication system also permit flexibility among connected devices, including to which other devices they are connected, how they are connected to other devices and what types of connections are used.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Robert Davis, Michael Ficco, Peter Pardee
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Publication number: 20020147992Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for efficient storage of data for use by an application, including a set top box. The set top box including a physical memory, a bulk storage device, and a memory management unit (MMU) coupled between the application and the physical memory and the bulk storage device. The physical memory and the bulk storage device are configured to store the data. The MMU is configured to translate a virtual address provided by the application to a physical address used by one of the physical memory and the bulk storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Lou King, Michael Ficco, John May, Jorge Guzman, Yong Gao
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Publication number: 20020092021Abstract: A method and device for performing enhanced recording, editing and management features for content in a communication system. The device may be a set top box (STB) for example, and preferably a STB equipped with digital video recording (DVR) capabilities. The method offers users an ability to select, record and manipulate desired program content using mutually exclusive menus, or directly from an electronic program guide (EPG). This is done by displaying various parameter menus of selectable parameters for recording operations, so as to select one or more parameters via a suitable user interface in order to effect a desired recording feature or function.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Adrian Yap, Michael Ficco