Patents by Inventor Stephen P. Dulac

Stephen P. Dulac 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).

  • Publication number: 20210304167
    Abstract: Secure content transfer systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. Disclosed example systems include a client device for use at a physical location and a media server for use at the physical location. The example media server includes a security device to determine a first encryption secret based on a first encryption key and to determine a second encryption secret based on a second encryption key. The media server also includes a decrypter to decrypt received encrypted content for requested content based on the first encryption secret and an encrypter to re-encrypt the decrypted content data for the requested content based on the second encryption secret. In addition, the media server includes an interface to send the re-encrypted content data to the client device, wherein the client device is to decrypt the re-encrypted content data based on the second encryption secret to access the requested content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Peter M. Klauss, Stephen P. Dulac, David N. Schlacht, Hanno Basse, Thomas H. James
  • Patent number: 10977631
    Abstract: Secure content transfer systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. Disclosed example systems include a client device for use at a physical location and a media server for use at the physical location. The example media server includes a security device to determine a first encryption secret based on a first encryption key and to determine a second encryption secret based on a second encryption key. The media server also includes a decrypter to decrypt received encrypted content for requested content based on the first encryption secret and an encrypter to re-encrypt the decrypted content data for the requested content based on the second encryption secret. In addition, the media server includes an interface to send the re-encrypted content data to the client device, wherein the client device is to decrypt the re-encrypted content data based on the second encryption secret to access the requested content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Peter M. Klauss, Stephen P. Dulac, David N. Schlacht, Hanno Basse, Thomas H. James
  • Patent number: 9967521
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide content on demand in content broadcast systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a first portion of a program via broadcast signal and receiving a second portion of the program via an Internet protocol (IP) based signal. The example method may further comprise combining the first and the second portions and at least one of store the combined first and second portions in a file or playback the combined first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Peter M. Klauss, Stephen P. Dulac
  • Publication number: 20180046949
    Abstract: Secure content transfer systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. Disclosed example systems include a client device for use at a physical location and a media server for use at the physical location. The example media server includes a security device to determine a first encryption secret based on a first encryption key and to determine a second encryption secret based on a second encryption key. The media server also includes a decrypter to decrypt received encrypted content for requested content based on the first encryption secret and an encrypter to re-encrypt the decrypted content data for the requested content based on the second encryption secret. In addition, the media server includes an interface to send the re-encrypted content data to the client device, wherein the client device is to decrypt the re-encrypted content data based on the second encryption secret to access the requested content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Peter M. Klauss, Stephen P. Dulac, David N. Schlacht, Hanno Basse, Thomas H. James
  • Patent number: 9819982
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates a plurality of upcoming content metadata that includes a content title to the user device. The user device displays the upcoming content metadata and selects at least one upcoming content metadata from the plurality of upcoming content metadata to form selected data. The user device communicates the selected data to the head end. The head end adjusts head end communication parameters for the content associated with the selected data based on the selected data and communicates the content to a user device based on the head end communication parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Romulo Pontual, John L. Norin, Robert G. Arsenault, Raynold M. Kahn, Sui-Ky Ringo Ling, Luke J. Crook, John D. Choi, Michelle L. Vagnati, Stephen P. Dulac
  • Patent number: 9811789
    Abstract: Secure content transfer systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. An example system includes a content server to encrypt content according to an encryption key, and to transfer the encrypted content, the encryption key and a license to a client that supports a digital rights management technology. The example system further includes a broadcast system headend to determine the encryption key, wherein the broadcast system headend is physically separate from the content server, and a digital rights management license server to provide the license.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Peter M. Klauss, Stephen P. Dulac, David N. Schlacht, Hanno Basse, Thomas H. James
  • Publication number: 20170272700
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide content on demand in content broadcast systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a first portion of a program via broadcast signal and receiving a second portion of the program via an Internet protocol (IP) based signal. The example method may further comprise combining the first and the second portions and at least one of store the combined first and second portions in a file or playback the combined first and second portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Peter M. Klauss, Stephen P. Dulac
  • Patent number: 9743121
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to conditionally authorize content delivery at broadcast headends in pay delivery systems are disclosed. An example method includes generating a broadcast signal, receiving an authorization request to download a program from a receiver station, determining an authorization for the download and sending the authorization to a point-to-point content delivery server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Stephen P. Dulac, Hanno Basse, Peter M. Klauss, Deanna R. Kidd, Maria G. Popoli
  • Publication number: 20170064356
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to conditionally authorize content delivery at broadcast headends in pay delivery systems are disclosed. An example method includes generating a broadcast signal, receiving an authorization request to download a program from a receiver station, determining an authorization for the download and sending the authorization to a point-to-point content delivery server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Stephen P. Dulac, Hanno Basse, Peter M. Klauss, Deanna R. Kidd, Maria G. Popoli
  • Publication number: 20170024667
    Abstract: Secure content transfer systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. An example system includes a content server to encrypt content according to an encryption key, and to transfer the encrypted content, the encryption key and a license to a client that supports a digital rights management technology. The example system further includes a broadcast system headend to determine the encryption key, wherein the broadcast system headend is physically separate from the content server, and a digital rights management license server to provide the license.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Peter M. Klauss, Stephen P. Dulac, David N. Schlacht, Hanno Basse, Thomas H. James
  • Publication number: 20160360255
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates a plurality of upcoming content metadata that includes a content title to the user device. The user device displays the upcoming content metadata and selects at least one upcoming content metadata from the plurality of upcoming content metadata to form selected data. The user device communicates the selected data to the head end. The head end adjusts head end communication parameters for the content associated with the selected data based on the selected data and communicates the content to a user device based on the head end communication parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Romulo PONTUAL, John L. NORIN, Robert G. ARSENAULT, Raynold M. KAHN, Sui-Ky Ringo LING, Luke J. CROOK, John D. CHOI, Michelle L. VAGNATI, Stephen P. DULAC
  • Patent number: 9485469
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide content on demand in content broadcast systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a first portion of a program via broadcast signal and receiving a second portion of the program via an Internet protocol (IP) based signal. The example method may further comprise combining the first and the second portions and at least one of store the combined first and second portions in a file or playback the combined first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The DirecTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Peter M. Klauss, Stephen P. Dulac
  • Patent number: 9456247
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates a plurality of upcoming content metadata that includes a content title to the user device. The user device displays the upcoming content metadata and selects at least one upcoming content metadata from the plurality of upcoming content metadata to form selected data. The user device communicates the selected data to the head end. The head end adjusts head end communication parameters for the content associated with the selected data based on the selected data and communicates the content to a user device based on the head end communication parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Romulo Pontual, John L. Norin, Robert G. Arsenault, Raynold M. Kahn, Sui-Ky Ringo Ling, Luke J. Crook, John D. Choi, Michelle L. Vagnati, Stephen P. Dulac
  • Patent number: 9137556
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates metadata for a plurality of content including the content titles. The system also includes the user device that generates a screen display comprising the plurality of content titles from the metadata and generates a selection corresponding to a first content title from a user interface, the user device adds metadata for the first content title to a queue and displays the queue in a priority order on the screen display. The user device is tuned to receive content corresponding to the first content title and stores the content in a storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Romulo Pontual, John L. Norin, Robert G. Arsenault, Raynold M. Kahn, Sui-Ky Ringo Ling, Luke J. Crook, John D. Choi, Michelle L. Vagnati, David Eric Shanks, Steven Kasakitis, Eric J. Bennett, Kenny C. Chen, Stephen P. Dulac
  • Patent number: 8996421
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to conditionally authorize content delivery at broadcast headends in pay delivery systems are disclosed. An example method includes generating a broadcast signal, receiving an authorization request to download a program from a receiver station, determining an authorization for the download and sending the authorization to a point-to-point content delivery server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Stephen P. Dulac, Hanno Basse, Peter M. Klauss, Deanna R. Kidd, Maria G. Popoli
  • Patent number: 8849434
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control audio leveling in media presentation systems are described. An example method for controlling audio leveling in a media presentation system includes receiving data including media content and metadata and selecting an audio leveling technique to be used in an audio leveling process based on the metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Romulo Pontual, Stephen P. Dulac
  • Patent number: 8804035
    Abstract: A method and system for communicating text descriptive data has a receiving device that receives a data signal having text description data corresponding to a description of a video signal. A text-to-speech converter associated with the receiving device converts the text description data to a first audio signal. A display device in communication with the text-to-speech converter converts the first audio signal associated with the receiving device to an audible signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Casavant, Brian D. Jupin, Stephen P. Dulac
  • Patent number: 8775319
    Abstract: Secure content transfer systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. An example system includes a content server to encrypt content according to an encryption key, and to transfer the encrypted content, the encryption key and a license to a client that supports a digital rights management technology. The example system further includes a broadcast system headend to determine the encryption key, wherein the broadcast system headend is physically separate from the content server, and a digital rights management license server to provide the license.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Peter M. Klauss, Stephen P. Dulac, David N. Schlacht, Hanno Basse, Thomas H. James
  • Patent number: 8769581
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting program guide information describing a second set of programs to subscribers is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is implemented in a network broadcasting a first signal having a first set of programs and a second signal having a second set of programs. The method comprises the steps of broadcasting first program guide information describing the first set of programs to the subscribers on a first service channel on a first signal and broadcasting second program guide information describing the second set of programs to a subset of the subscribers on the first service channel on a second signal, wherein a fundamental signal characteristic of the second signal differs from the fundamental signal characteristic of the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence N. Chapman, Stephen P. Dulac, Robert G. Arsenault
  • Patent number: 8561096
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for processing viewing usage data in a set-top box. A set-top box (STB) receives, via broadcast, distinct programmable instructions for data collection, data manipulation, and data reporting for viewing usage data. The STB then obtains/collects raw viewing usage data in accordance with the instructions for data collection. Once collected, the STB manipulates the raw viewing usage data to create a report in accordance with the instructions for data manipulation. The report is then transmitted from the set-top box to a centralized data mining system in accordance with the instructions for data reporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Dulac