Operating With Other Appliance (e.g., Tv, Vcr, Fax, Etc.) Patents (Class 348/14.04)
  • Publication number: 20150009274
    Abstract: Provided is a method for providing a home security service through an originating terminal in a communication system. The method includes transmitting a call connection request signal for requesting a call to a destination terminal, transmitting a home security service request signal for requesting a home security service to be operated and identification information of the originating terminal if a missed-call notification signal is received from the destination terminal, and receiving, through the destination terminal, audio and video signals for video communication transmitted from a television connected with the destination terminal through a gateway if authorization for operating the home security service is approved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Chi-Hong Cho, Dong-Keon Kong, Do-Young Kim, Se-Hoon Kim, Nae-Hyun Lim
  • Patent number: 8928725
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a web optimized user device is provided. The web optimized device reduces complexity and facilitates interaction with web-based services and content. The web optimized device can be configured without a hard drive, facilitating integration of web-based services into a computing experience. The web optimized device presents a user interface that integrates video chat functionality into every aspect of the computer content accessed. In particular, a display manager manages the user interface presented and integrates video chat displays and features into the content displays in a content and/or context aware manner. These displays permit a user to intuitively interact with the video chat content and features while the user changes content, for example, web-based services, web-based applications, and other media content, without interruption of or interference from the video chat content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Litl LLC
    Inventors: Robert Sanford Havoc Pennington, Aaron Tang, John Chuang, Chris Bambacus, Eben Eliason, Chris Moody, Johan Bilien
  • Patent number: 8922616
    Abstract: System and method for user interfaces using remote control devices. More specifically, these user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. These user interfaces may allow a user to quickly browse and filter lists of items, efficiently provide input (e.g., having multiple data types), customize directional and/or mute functionality of the remote control, perform camera control (e.g., for videoconferencing), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Wayne E. Mock
  • Patent number: 8912898
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lites Out, LLC
    Inventors: Brent D. Arnold, Brian K. Reinle, Scott H. Galaise
  • Patent number: 8913727
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a presence transmission method includes: controlling communication of a call via a network; transmitting, via the network, presence indicating a current status; and executing predetermined functions. If a specific function that causes delay in answering an incoming call is to be executed among the predetermined functions, presence indicating that it takes time to answer an incoming call is transmitted via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Fujihito Numano
  • Patent number: 8908106
    Abstract: A mobile device stores a TV application for serving as a remote control capable of controlling a TV receiver. The mobile device starts the process of starting the TV application and transmits, to the TV receiver, control signals to turn on the TV receiver before the TV application has been started. More particularly, the mobile device transmits the control signals to turn on the TV receiver while performing the process of starting the TV application. When the mobile device has started the TV application and then the TV receiver has been turned on in normal mode, a user can control the TV receiver by using the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Mori
  • Publication number: 20140354761
    Abstract: According to a general embodiment of the present invention, a computer, tablet or smart phone executable application is provided, allowing a user of the application to activate pairing of the device and a video conference session allowing e.g. for streaming of duo video content or other forms of presentations streams of the video conference session from video conference infrastructure like MCUs, conference bridges or servers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Pexip AS
    Inventor: Havard GRAFF
  • Patent number: 8902277
    Abstract: A first index corresponding to a first conversation operation and a second index corresponding to a second conversation operation are selectably displayed on a screen of a video output device. When a communicator receives a conversation request from another device, a controller determines whether the first index or the second index is selected on the screen or whether an operating member is operated. If the first index is selected, the controller performs the first conversation operation. If the second index is selected, the controller performs the second conversation operation. If the operating member is operated, the controller performs the second conversation operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Takao, Kazuo Fujimoto, Shigeaki Watanabe, Masafumi Kouzuki, Masaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 8902278
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems and methods for visualizing, analyzing, and managing telepresence devices operating in a telepresence network of healthcare facilities. A user may selectively view a global view of all telepresence devices, telepresence devices within a particular region, the details of a particular telepresence device, and/or the details of a particular healthcare facility. At one viewing level, a user may view a plan view map of a healthcare facility and visualize the navigational history of a telepresence device. At another viewing level, a user may view a plan view map of a healthcare facility and visualize telemetry data of a patient associated with a selected room. At another viewing level, a user may selectively view various graphical representations of telepresence device statistics and usage information with respect to health ratings for each of a plurality of patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Intouch Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Pinter, Greg Brallier, Scott Ross
  • Patent number: 8896654
    Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for providing communication between multiple content viewers. First video data is captured of a first user located locally with respect to a presentation device and transmitted to a base station located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The base station transmits a composite signal that includes video content provided by a content source communicatively coupled the base station and further includes second video chat data captured of a second user located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The composite signal is responsively presented by the presentation device to the first user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Dish Network L.L.C., Echostar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Max S. Gratton, Desmond Ottmar
  • Patent number: 8892087
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone that receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Ackley
  • Patent number: 8885108
    Abstract: A TV control device, for an external TV device includes a storage unit storing a user identification code and user setting data corresponding to the user identification code, and a wireless communication unit transmitting a control signal to the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data, wherein the external TV device determines a TV setting of the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data when the external TV device receives the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hannstar Display Corp.
    Inventors: Yi-Ming Pai, Chin-Sheng Lee, Yu-Tsung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140320584
    Abstract: A method to enhance a video call experience on a data processing device includes detecting, through a processor of the data processing device communicatively coupled to a memory, an incoming video phone call thereto. The method also includes transmitting, through the processor, display data associated with a display of the data processing device to a target display to be rendered thereon upon the detection of the incoming video phone call. The target display is external to the data processing device and communicatively coupled thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventor: Abhishek Kumar
  • Publication number: 20140320585
    Abstract: A method of presenting program content to a user moving in a multiple zone home entertainment system using a wireless home entertainment hub comprises causing program content to be presented to a user using a first set of sink devices in a first zone, where each sink device of the first set of sink devices is registered with the wireless home entertainment hub. An indication that the user is in a second zone of the home entertainment system is received. The program content is caused to be presented to the user using a second set of sink devices in the second zone, where each sink device of the second set of sink devices is registered with the wireless home entertainment hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Porto Vinci Ltd., LLC
    Inventor: Patrick T. Igoe
  • Patent number: 8872880
    Abstract: A system may include a device that receives requests to initiate a videoconference call. The requests may include an indication of a service priority tier that should be applied to the call and first and second client devices for the call. The system may determining bandwidth availability in a network and determine, based on the bandwidth availability and based on the indication of the service priority tier of the call, whether to admit the videoconference call to the network. The device may provision, when it is determined to admit the call to the network, traffic policies corresponding to one or more network devices, where the policies are determined based on the service priority tier of the videoconference call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Taras Matselyukh, Scott Stevens, Vijay Kamisetty, Darpan Gogia, Naveen Udoshi, Gregory A. Sidebottom
  • Patent number: 8875179
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) having a controller to join a multicast group having an associated multicast address, wherein the multicast address is associated with a first content type of a plurality of content types, access encoded content associated with the first content type from the multicast address, wherein the encoded content is transmitted by at least one source associated with the multicast group to the multicast address, decode the accessed encoded content, and display the decoded content on a channel mapped to the multicast address. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Jason Savard, Michael Raftelis
  • Patent number: 8866969
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a receiver which receives a broadcasting signal, a display which displays an image based on the received broadcasting signal, a communication unit which communicates with a mobile device, and a controller which determines whether the mobile device interferes with at least one channel of a plurality of broadcasting channels received through the receiver, and controls the display to display a user interface (UI) indicates a user whether image noise has resulted from channel interference by the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seok-woo Yong
  • Patent number: 8860774
    Abstract: A video conferencing/presentation system includes a PC docking station and a room media unit. The dock includes speakerphone and tactile user interface. The wall-mounted RMU, including a wide field camera and speaker(s), is coupled to a monitor. The dock communicates with the RMU. A speakerphone mic captures room audio. During conferencing, room audio and camera video are sent to a docked PC; the PC communicates with remote nodes using video chat software, sending room A/V; remote A/V is received from the PC by the dock, and transmitted for RMU output. During presentation, room audio, and/or PC media software presentation, may be output through the RMU, or to the PC for remote transmission. The dock provides the PC network access. Dock/RMU may each be equipped with a bidirectional transceiver, which uses prioritized opportunistic sequencing to assemble/disassemble a combined media/control packet stream over a cable, and transfer power from dock to RMU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: New Vad, LLC
    Inventors: Robin Sheeley, Darrin Thurston, Tim Wall, Roger Holschbach
  • Patent number: 8860772
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a digital broadcast receiver, including: a video telephone module connected to a communication network; a program table generator configured to generate a program table of broadcast programs; and a display control module configured to display the program table on a screen so as to be superimposed on a video transmitted to the video telephone module at a first predetermined time that comes after the video telephone module has been off-hooked and the video transmitted to the video telephone module has been displayed on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshito Yamada
  • Patent number: 8849268
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which data can be shared with a counterpart terminal in the course of a phone call. The present invention includes a touchscreen, a sensing unit configured to sense an action of a user, a communication unit configured to communicate with a counterpart terminal via at least one of a first communication network and a second communication network, and a controller, in response to a first user command inputted via at least one of the touchscreen and the sensing unit in the course of performing a voice call to the counterpart terminal via the first communication network, controlling a first data sharing screen with the counterpart terminal to be displayed on the touchscreen, the controller controlling a data sharing via the first data sharing screen to be performed together with the voice call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yunjin Cho, Sunmi Choi, Sunjung Lee, Yusol Ha, Junghoon Chu, Jungmin Lee, Heonjae Jung, Taeyong Kim, Seongki Sohn
  • Publication number: 20140253665
    Abstract: A home videoconferencing system interfaces with traditional set-top boxes and typical home A/V equipment. The system includes a camera, a microphone, and a codec module. The module can couple to a modem connected to a television network and can couple to a display and a set-top box. Alternatively, the module can connect to a network for exchanging videoconference data and can connect between the set-top box and the display. The set-top box can connect to the television network on its own.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Nietfeld, Krishna Sai, Edward W. Brakus, Edward Gonen, Shai Toren, Boris Rakhlin
  • Patent number: 8831531
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measuring a signal quality between an entertainment device and a remote control. The entertainment device, for example, may include, but is not limited to, a signal receiver, a memory configured to store a predetermined data sequence, and a controller coupled to the signal receiver and the memory. The controller may be configured to receive a data sequence from the signal receiver, compare the received data sequence to the predetermined data sequence, and generate signal quality data on the received data sequence based upon the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Langer, Pujitha Davuluri
  • Patent number: 8830297
    Abstract: An Open Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform is provided. By providing remote medical services to users in the Open IPTV environment using a remote medical service providing apparatus including: an application programming interface (API) calling unit to call, when receiving a request for receiving a remote medical service from a counselor's terminal, an API of an Open Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform; and a service provider to provide the remote medical service to a user through the API, it is possible to provide remote medical service operators with environments where they can develop and share various remote medical to services and content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Eung-Ha Kim, Sun-Joong Kim, Won-Joo Park, Kee-Seong Cho, Won Ryu
  • Publication number: 20140240441
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include a communication terminal, a communication method, and a communication control program stored on a non-transitory recording medium, each of which is capable of communicating with a counterpart terminal via a network. While communicating with a counterpart communication terminal being a first counterpart terminal, the communication terminal displays, on a display, second-terminal-specific information regarding an image forming apparatus as a candidate of a second counterpart terminal. In response to a user instruction that selects the image forming apparatus as the second counterpart terminal, the communication terminal communicates with the selected image forming apparatus to transmit image data to the selected image forming apparatus through the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Hiroshi HINOHARA, Hiroyuki KANDA, Kenji TANAKA, Takahiro ASAI
  • Patent number: 8803939
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for realizing videophone are provided in the present invention. The method includes setting different videophone modes; and selecting the videophone mode for a user to perform a video conversation by using the selected videophone mode. The apparatus includes a setting module and a control module which is connected with the setting module. With the method and apparatus for realizing videophone according to the present invention, the user can select a normal conversation or a preset audio/video mode according to requirements in the process of the videophone conversation so as to achieve different video effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Tao Xue
  • Publication number: 20140218460
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a media controller having computer instructions to execute a soft-phone client application on the media processor, receive an audio call or a video call originating from an IP Multimedia Subsystem network where the calls are directed to the media processor by a gateway having a switch that routes the audio call or video call in accordance with a destination address included in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header message, and selectively answer one of the audio call or the video call. The computer instructions can be operable to present an audio portion of the audio call through a speaker of a presentation device when an audio call is answered. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Thomas P. Benzaia, Bernard Ku, Lakshminarashimhan Naidu
  • Patent number: 8786666
    Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Binu Kaiparambil Shanmukhadas, Ashish Goyal
  • Patent number: 8780167
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for virtual presence communication systems that provide both local and remote participants in a conference with a more realistic and engaging conferencing experience. A virtual presence communication system comprises a projection screen, an image-generating unit, at least one communication port, and a video camera, where each is configured to couple to a chair having a seat and a seatback portion. The virtual presence communication system may be integrated with the chair, which can be positioned proximate to a conference table, desk, podium, or other suitable location. The projection screen may be positioned in an angled relationship with a video screen or other image-generating device. The video screen may provide an image of the remote participant that is reflected by the projection screen. The chair also may include a video camera that is configured to generate a video feed that is supplied to the remote participant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Business and Technology Services, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Daddi
  • Patent number: 8780160
    Abstract: A portable terminal equipped with a projector and a method for displaying data using the portable terminal provides capabilities for both conferencing and video presentations. When a projection function is selected in the portable terminal while the portable terminal is making a video call with other portable terminal, presentation data that will be output via the projector is transmitted to another portable terminal. The presentation data and image data transmitted from the other portable terminal is output via the projector of the portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han Shil Choi, Ki Choon Gong, Tae Young Kim, Sung Bae Kim
  • Patent number: 8754779
    Abstract: A system comprising multiple devices that are operable when servicing a device-under service is described. A DAQ device is operable to generate input data from input signals received from the device-under-service and to transmit the input data to a display device via a wireless network. The DAQ device comprises multiple buffers to store the input data. One of the buffers stores two frames of the input data, which can be live input data or historical input data. At any one time, a display at the display device visually presents one frame of input data for each respective input channel of the DAQ device. At any one time, a display at the DAQ device visually presents a half-frame of input data for each respective input channel of the DAQ device. Another buffer at the DAQ device can store more than two frames of input data including historical input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy G. Ruther, Ronald A. Lattanzi
  • Patent number: 8738072
    Abstract: One feature discloses a method operational at a multimedia mobile call transfer device, the method comprising: receiving a first video data associated with a multimedia call from a mobile device; receiving a first audio data associated with the multimedia call from the mobile device; processing the received first video data and the received first audio data; transmitting the processed first video data to a multimedia device for display on the multimedia device; and transmitting the processed first audio data to the multimedia device for play on speakers of the multimedia device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Razmig Hagop Messerian
  • Patent number: 8730028
    Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Rovi Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Putterman, Gregory Peters, Richard Bullwinkle, Kim R. Dykeman, Brad Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20140125756
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an audiovisual apparatus, which includes an audiovisual capturing unit, an audiovisual broadcast unit, and a transmission cable module. The two ends of the transmission cable module are respectively connected to the audiovisual capturing unit and the audiovisual broadcast unit. The transmission cable module has a video cable group for transmitting video signals and an audio cable group for transmitting audio signals suitable for reducing echo. The audio cable group includes a cable for providing a digital clock for the audio signal, a cable for providing a clock for the left right channel switching audio signal, a cable for inputting serial audio signal, and a cable for outputting serial audio signal. With this arrangement, the audio signals captured by the audiovisual capturing unit and transmitted by the transmission cable module to the audiovisual broadcast unit can be effectively removed of echo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: AZUREWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: CHI-HSING HSU, MING-SHUN CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140118466
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing a remote financial service using a remote video banking machine, and more particularly, to a method of providing a remote financial service using a remote video banking machine that has a document processing module and a video consultation supporting module integrally incorporated into a banking machine, so as to perform a financial transaction, wherein respective procedures for a financial transaction of a customer is guided through a screen of a display, and at the same time, if necessary, remote video face-to-face consultation with an officer is supported, and various certificate documents related to the financial transaction can be directly submitted from a remote position through the document processing module during the financial transaction, so that the customer can remotely and easily perform complicated financial transactions, such as deposit and withdrawal as well as a new account opening or a loan, through an informal branch provided with the r
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Nautilus Hyosung Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Ik CHANG, Sung Suk HONG
  • Patent number: 8712319
    Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user using her/his own mobile communication device to control content on a content publishing device. The mobile communication device uses information received from a data tag on the content publishing device to communicate with a content server providing the content to be published on a content publishing device and run a program on the content server allowing the mobile communication device to at least temporarily control the data published on the content publishing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Tahnk Wireless Co., LLC
    Inventor: Einar Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 8711199
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) having a controller to operate the STB coupled to an interactive television network as an audio visual answering machine using a digital video recorder forming a part of the STB, use at least one camera coupled to the STB to capture video, use at least one microphone coupled to the STB to capture audio, present video from at least a calling party on a television set coupled to the STB, and present audio from at least the calling party on speakers coupled to the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Haifeng Bi
  • Patent number: 8711200
    Abstract: A television appliance comprising: a television receiver for receiving television signals and outputting the television signal of a selected channel to a screen; a network interface for accessing a packet-based network; a memory storing a communication client application; and processing apparatus arranged to execute the communication client application. The client application is configured to maintain a list of contacts and allow a user of the media appliance to establish communication events with the contacts via the network interface and packet-based network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Skype
    Inventors: Helen Blackburn, David Dinka, Gisela Gier, Mark Philip McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20140111598
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system to provide the ability for a user to make audio and/or audio-video phone calls simultaneously while watching (co-viewing) provider video content in remote locations. A control system is provided to set up call, direct provider video content, and provide for the phone calls and video content to be delivered and then synchronized. The phone calls may be routed by the control system to PSTN destinations or Internet based destinations and calls made or received may be bridged to other Internet based sources. The provider video content may be provided directly from its source or routed through NAT traversal or through the control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Garry M. Paxinos, Anastasios Kyriakides, Kenneth Alvin Hosfeld, Anastasios Nicholas Kyriakides, II
  • Patent number: 8704866
    Abstract: A method of presenting program content to a user moving in a multiple zone home entertainment system using a wireless home entertainment hub comprises causing program content to be presented to a user using a first set of sink devices in a first zone, where each sink device of the first set of sink devices is registered with the wireless home entertainment hub. An indication that the user is in a second zone of the home entertainment system is received. The program content is caused to be presented to the user using a second set of sink devices in the second zone, where each sink device of the second set of sink devices is registered with the wireless home entertainment hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick T. Igoe
  • Patent number: 8689249
    Abstract: Provided is a method of receiving digital television programming content from a television service provider, receiving a first user input of a selected digital television programming content, receiving a message from a system, in response to receiving the message, causing a notification to be displayed on the television as an overlay over the displayed television programming content, receiving a first user command, determining a first control message to transmit to the system in response to receiving the first user command, transmitting the first control message. Also provided is a system including a video camera, an entry way security system, an HVAC system, a lighting system, an alarm system, or other system. User inputs may be received via a remote control to a set top box or from a computing device at a remote computer system through the internet and/or a mobile telephone network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Angelo J. Pino, Mohammed Sattar
  • Patent number: 8683501
    Abstract: A method and system to permit TV viewers to interact with program content broadcast over a subscriber network, such as cable, satellite, internet, or cellular telephone. The details of the ability for the viewer to interact is embedded as data in the program signal. The subscription provider broadcasts a visual indicator as a small icon during programming that informs the viewer that interaction is permitted. The viewer then uses a remote control to purchase products, vote on events, respond to polls, download files, request information, and request callback actions. The TV viewer uses the remote control to send information to a set-top box front-end application, and to iteratively create transactions that are batched and then sent to a back-end core application and database which then handles fulfillment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: icueTV, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Huegel
  • Patent number: 8670437
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for service acquisition. In an aspect, a method is provided for service acquisition. The method includes generating one or more channel switch video (CSV) signals associated with one or more multimedia signals, encoding the CSV signals and the multimedia signals to produce error coded blocks, and encapsulating the error coded blocks into a multiplex signal. In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for service acquisition. The apparatus includes a source encoder configured to generate one or more channel switch video (CSV) signals associated with one or more multimedia signals, an error encoder configured to encode the CSV signals and the multimedia signals to produce error coded blocks, and a packer configured to encapsulate the error coded blocks into a multiplex signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon Kent Walker, Phanikumar Bhamidipati, Vijayalakshmi R. Raveendran
  • Patent number: 8667162
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a mobile streaming adaptor includes a processor configured to receive media content from a remote camera, process the received media content by capturing, encoding and encapsulating the media content at a mobile electronic device, connect to a remote streaming server through function of a mobile networked device; and stream the encapsulated media content to the mobile networked device for communication of the encapsulated content to the remote streaming server through an Internet Protocol (IP) network for real-time distribution to a communication device. A corresponding computer program product and method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jen-Yu Yu, Hsin-Hua Lee, Chong-Yie Chang, Yeh-Kai Chou
  • Publication number: 20140049556
    Abstract: A video call center process and system can create cost effective video programs for television transmission from a multiplicity of simultaneous video callers with much less supporting staff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas R. Wolzien
  • Patent number: 8654929
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for querying for an interactive assistant for communication over a network via the set-top box. Communications are initiated between a subscriber and an interactive assistant. A diagnostic data log is uploaded from the set-top box to the interactive assistant. Based on the communications between the subscriber an interactive assistant and the diagnostic data log, diagnostic protocols are executed within the set-top box to generate a diagnostic report. The interactive assistant provides feedback analytics via the set-top box based on the communications between the subscriber and the interactive assistant, the diagnostic data log and the diagnostic report. Firmware solutions are downloaded to the set-top box based on results from the diagnostic report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Cassanova
  • Patent number: 8656447
    Abstract: A Headend system including a video codec to encode a video sequence yielding an encoded video sequence having video packets, a multiplexer, a signal generator to receive a notification of a splice point, analyze at least some of the encoded video packets based on the notification in order to find a random-access-point-packet, the random-access-point being a point from which to start decoding the encoded video sequence by the rendering device so that the video sequence may be rendered for output from the splice point, create a timing signal estimating a location of the random-access-point-packet in the encoded video sequence, and output the timing signal to the multiplexer or transmission equipment. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Tal Pasternak, Keith Millar, Len Sundy, Avraham Poupko
  • Patent number: 8654176
    Abstract: A television (100) includes: an image data receiving section (105) for receiving, from the outside, image data storing therein process specifying information; and a controlling section (107) for controlling an image processing section (103) so as to carry out a process specified by the process specifying information stored in the received image data. Thus, it is possible to cause the television (100) to carry out the desired process by causing the television (100) to receive the image data including the process specifying information for specifying the process which should be carried out by the television (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masafumi Takahashi, Tatsuo Sudo, Takuya Kinoshita, Katsuo Doi, Mitsunori Nojima, Kenji Mameda, Takashi Nakajima, Aya Enatsu, Yohei Iwami, Toshihide Hagawa, Azusa Umemoto, Minehiro Konya
  • Patent number: 8646012
    Abstract: A system, method, and web-based application platform enabling a television viewer to utilize an Internet device to request a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server to stream a selected video to the viewer's Set Top Box (STB). An Internet Protocol (IP) connection is established between the Internet device and an application executing at a web site, and an Internet device identifier is passed to the application. The application communicates with the VOD server to obtain a listing of available videos, and provides the listing to the Internet device. When the viewer selects a video, the application accesses an equipment-mapping table, which associates the Internet device identifier with an STB identifier. The application then sends the STB identifier and a request for the selected video to the VOD server, which delivers the video to the STB over a television delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ericsson Television Inc
    Inventors: Alan Rouse, Charles Dasher
  • Patent number: 8643692
    Abstract: Video conferencing using a set-top box in a cable television services system is provided. A video call may be received over a network connection from a calling party device at a receiving set-top box in the cable television services system. The video call may be displayed on a display device connected to the receiving set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Kellee Willis
  • Patent number: 8619136
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying security content from a set top box to a television. In one embodiment, the television receives media content for display. Security content from one or more wireless cameras replaces the media content in response to receiving an alert from the one or more wireless cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jamie C. Howarter, Charles M. Lesher