Abstract: A satellite communication system using hierarchical modulation to transmit a plurality of modulated signals to sub-regions within a region. Each modulated signal includes high priority content and low priority content. The system includes a satellite equipped with a plurality of satellite transmitters coupled to a plurality of antenna elements, e.g. a phased array of antenna elements. The antenna elements are utilized selectively to direct a modulated signal from a satellite transmitter to a distinct sub-region. The satellite transmitters and antenna also cooperate to broadcast the high-priority content to the region such that a ground receiver traveling from a first sub-region to an adjacent second sub-region adjacent will not experience a loss of high-priority content. First low-priority content of a first modulated signal directed to the first sub-region is independent of second low-priority content of a second modulated signal directed to the second sub-region.

Abstract: A method for emitting a message relating to a determined type of information to be exchanged between an aircraft and a ground base reception method, and corresponding devices. The method determines a level of a securement associated with the determined type by a correspondence table, and emits the message according to a protocol having the determined level of securement.

Abstract: Various systems and methods allow control information to be provided between a set top box (STB) or other receiver and the outdoor unit (ODU) associated with the satellite antenna over a control network in a network format, such as an IEEE 802.15.4 or other peer-to-peer network format. The ODU includes a network interface that receives instructions from the television receiver via a control network in a peer-to-peer network format. Received satellite broadcast signals are received, converted, demodulated or otherwise processed in response to the instruction received via the control network. The resulting signal is transmitted across a cable connection to the television receiver to thereby allow viewing of the television content by the viewer.

Abstract: A media device including a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media from a plurality of broadcast sources where the broadcast receiver is tunable to a first broadcast source. The media device also includes a data store that stores a list of contact identifiers where each contact identifier is associated with a broadcast source. The media device includes a user interface that: i) provides a prompt to a user to enable the user to initiate contact with the first broadcast source, and ii) receives a user indication to initiate contact with the first broadcast source. The media device further includes a transceiver that initiates the contact with the first broadcast source by sending a communications session request via a communications network to the first broadcast source that includes a contact identifier associated with the first broadcast source.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) receiver that is configured to rapidly acquire GPS signals in space applications and a method for rapidly acquiring GPS signals in space applications is disclosed. In an embodiment, the GPS receiver includes, but is not limited to, a GPS signal acquisition component. The GPS signal acquisition component is adapted to acquire a GPS signal by receiving data from the GPS signal and processing the data to detect the GPS signal.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are related to a dual-mode controller. A device may include a controller configured to convey a signal to a low-noise block (LNB) via a transmission line and circuitry configured to sense at least one parameter of the transmission line. The device may further include logic coupled to the circuitry and configured to determine whether the transmission line is available for transmission based on the at least one sensed parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing broadband signals to a portable user device is disclosed. Broadband signals, such as satellite radio signals, are received at a base station having a plurality of antennas. The content of the broadband signals are then encoded using space time coding (STC), and the STC encoded broadband content is transmitted from the plurality of antennas via a first wireless network protocol. The STC encoded broadband content can be received at a portable user device having a plurality of antennas or at a wireless access point having a plurality of antennas, which then transmit the broadband signals via a second wireless network protocol.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interaction of satellite and Internet protocol features in content delivery systems are presented. Using such systems and methods, the delivery of some content to the same product by Satellite delivery, other content by IP delivery, and still other content by both Satellite and IP delivery can enhance the utility of both the content and the product for an end user and can further optimize the costs and quality of service associated with delivering the content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented to allow one receiver architecture to be used for the reception of two different SDARS signals. Common receiver functions can be utilized to process each signal, thereby obviating the need to duplicate hardware elements. For example, it can be assumed that both signals will not be received at the same time, thus allowing for considerable hardware reuse and lowering the cost of an interoperable receiver.

Abstract: A transceiver receives linearly polarized signals from two geostationary satellites. The transceiver includes a first and second waveguide to form two receiving beam patterns with a maximum gain in angular directions different from each other. At one end of each waveguide, two receiving elements orthogonal to each other are provided. Four converting units convert, using a common local oscillator, the carrier frequency of the four signal components received from the two pairs of receiving elements into an intermediate frequency. A combining unit linearly combines the converted signal components, based on weights representing phase shifting and/or amplification of signal components. A weight input unit receives the weights to be used in the combining unit.

Abstract: A network-enabled audio device that provides a display device that allows the user to select playlists of music much like a jukebox is disclosed. The user can compose playlists from disk files, CD's, Internet streaming audio broadcasts, online music sites, and other audio sources. The user can also select a desired Web broadcast from a list of available Web broadcasts. In addition, the user can play standard audio CD's and MP3 encoded CD's and have access to local AM/FM stations. Further, the software, the user controls, and the display in the network-enabled audio device are operably configured and connected such that the user can listen to playlists that include CD's and other audio sources just as the user would choose a playlist in a jukebox.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for filtering generally-broadcast messages received by a movable unit based on current spatial position, stored trajectory history, and probable future trajectories. A current spatial position of the movable unit is received and stored to form a stored trajectory history. A generally-broadcast message relating to a target geographical region is also received and stored. Potential trajectories of the movable unit are then computed over a pre-determined time based on at least one of the current spatial position, a current travel direction of the movable unit, and the stored trajectory history of the movable unit. The generally-broadcast message is then disseminated in response to at least one potential trajectory crossing into the target geographical region during the pre-determined time period. The generally-broadcast message may also be disseminated on the basis of specified user preferences.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a broadcasting service in a single frequency broadcasting network, and a system thereof. The apparatus for receiving broadcasting signals includes an RF receiver configured to receive an RF broadcasting signal having identification information to identify a broadcasting signal transmitter and down-convert the received RF broadcasting signal; a reception characteristic measurer configured to measure reception characteristics of the RF broadcasting signal based on the identification information and generate reception characteristic information; and a reception characteristic transmitter configured to transmit the reception characteristic information to a broadcasting system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data processing method, the data processing method including receiving a broadcasting signal where mobile service data are multiplexed with main service data, extracting transmission-parameter-channel signaling information and fast-information-channel signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data, parsing first program table information describing virtual channel information of an ensemble and a service provided by the ensemble using the fast-information-channel signaling information, the ensemble corresponding to a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, obtaining information representing that second program table information, which includes a descriptor describing event information of the mobile service data, is received, from the first program table information, parsing the second program table information, and storing the event information and displaying service guide information including the event information.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, apparatuses and products for managing location services in wireless networks. One aspect provides for broadcasting an identifier from a terrestrial wireless device in a determinable position; repeatedly changing the identifier broadcast from the terrestrial wireless device; and associating a current identifier broadcast from the terrestrial wireless device with a physical location. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-band low-profile, low-volume two-way mobile panel array antenna system is described. Operation of the antenna may automatically switch between bands based on various user-entered parameters.

Abstract: A protocol independent interface for processing, within a mobile device, protocol aiding data received at a call processor with a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) interface, where the protocol aiding data is produced according to a Geolocation Server Station protocol is disclosed. The protocol independent interface may include a means for receiving, at the GPS interface, the protocol aiding data received at the call processor, means for converting the received protocol aiding data to interface data that is transparent to the Geolocation Server Station protocol, and means for passing the interface data to a GPS module.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus comprises: a plurality of tuners; and a controller that controls a frequency of a local oscillation signal from each tuner such that a frequency of a synthetic signal generated by multiplying the local oscillation signals from the plurality of tuners by each other does not fall in a frequency band of a channel selected by each tuner. Deterioration in reception quality due to the multiplication of the local oscillation signals is prevented.

Abstract: Capability checking to examine a computing device's capabilities to determine if the device supports a software defined radio to communicate according to a specific wireless protocol. Applicants have appreciated that as the reliance on software defined radio increases, numerous potential options may be available to a user for performing wireless communication. Applicants have appreciated the desirability of providing the ability to discover the capabilities of a user's computer to determine whether it is capable of supporting one or more wireless protocols.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a plurality of local channel signals that includes a monitoring system for receiving the plurality of local channel signals and for converting channel signals into RF signals. The system also includes a combiner for combining the RF signals with national signals to form a combined signal and an integrated receiver decoder and a router communicating at least one of the combined signals to an input of the integrated receiver decoder. A display associated with the integrated receiver decoder displays at least one of one of the RF signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will permit for the transmission of vertical and horizontal or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. The system of the present invention will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. This satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system of the present invention will provide for the signals received from the satellite to be converted to standard frequencies so as to permit for signals to travel via existing wiring which the present day amplifiers can transport in buildings, high-rises, hospitals, and the like so that satellite broadcasting can be viewed by numerous individuals by way of a single satellite antenna.

Abstract: A receiving unit 28 includes a tuner circuit board 104 that receives a satellite signal. The tuner circuit board 104 demodulates and decodes the satellite signal to form a second signal. The second signal is provided to a processor board 112 that is separated from the tuner and formats the second signal to form an audio signal and a video signal. An integrated bus 100 couples the tuner circuit board 104 and the processor circuit board 112. The integrated bus 100 comprises the second signal, the audio signal and the video signal.

Abstract: A method of processing broadcast data includes: receiving a broadcast signal including a group including mobile service data, FIC data, TPC data and known data sequences; demodulating the broadcast signal; compensating channel distortion generated in the demodulated broadcast signal based upon at least one of the known data sequences; decoding the FIC data and the TPC data from the channel distortion compensated broadcast signal; extracting the signaling information table from the channel distortion compensated broadcast signal; identifying a stream where keys to decrypt the mobile service data are obtained using the extracted signaling information table; and decrypting the mobile service data using the keys. The group further includes data blocks. First, fourth, fifth and sixth known data sequences are inserted into third, fifth, sixth and seventh data blocks, respectively. Second and third known data sequences are inserted into a fourth data block.

Abstract: A mobile transceiver device can communicate with a separate broadcast radio receiver, to receive metadata concerning a main program being received by the broadcast radio receiver. The mobile transceiver device uses the metadata to formulate a request or search query, send the request or search query over a WLAN or cellular data network transceiver, to one or more sources of additional information, which respond with additional information. The additional information can comprise more detailed metadata about the main program as well as content and programming that facilitate a commerce transaction. For example, more detailed metadata can include song lyrics and album art when the main program is a song, while if the main program is an advertisement, the additional information can comprise information for furthering completion of a transaction.

Abstract: A broadcast radio event such as a song or a concert promotion, and a plurality of radio data fields corresponding to the event such as RTplus information, are received at a device. A user selects to display broadcast radio options simultaneous with receiving the broadcast radio event. Then is displayed a set of user-selectable options, at least one o which is derived from at least one of the radio data fields. In various embodiments, each time a new set of radio data fields are received, the set of displayed options is updated, with certain provisions to ‘freeze’ the displayed set of options. Examples of a derived option include a link to an Internet page, a phone number or email address, and posting a time and place of an advertised event to a calendar. A method, device, computer program product, and apparatus are detailed.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include converting multi-channel circuit switched voice data to packet-switched voice over internet protocol (VoIP). A multi-channel connection originating from one or more customer premise equipment private branch exchanges can be terminated at a channel to packet gateway device. Call data originating from multiple customer premise equipment telephony devices can be received through the multi-channel connection associated with the one or more customer premise equipment private branch exchanges, and can be processed at the channel to packet gateway device responsive to call control instruction information. The payload data associated with the call data can be packaged according to predetermined packaging rules and transmitted according to VoIP.

Abstract: An end user can sample a radio or television broadcast, generate a user representation of the broadcast sample, and send the user representation to a comparison system, which also receives known representations of content broadcast by multiple different stations. The known representations are stored in a continuous fashion, and represent actually broadcast content. The comparison system identifies the source of the broadcast sample by comparing the user representation to the known representations associated with each of the different stations. By comparing two representations of content that was actually broadcast, a broadcast source can be identified without requiring the use of watermarks, timestamps, or a database of discreet content items.

Abstract: A system and method for automated activation of a radio, or content receiver, used to receive subscription radio services such as XM or Sirius radio. A wireless communications device with a short range data link wirelessly communicates with the content receiver to control the content receiver and receive a unique identification code from the content receiver. The wireless communications device also has its own unique identification code. The wireless communications device transmits an activation request message over a long range wireless communications link to a control station. The activation request message contains the receivers unique identification code and the communications device's own unique identification code. The control station maintains a database of valid identification codes that is used to authenticate the request. If the control station receives a valid request, an activation signal is sent to the receiver to allow operation of the receiver.

Abstract: A multimedia information receiving apparatus receives multimedia information which is transmitted by a broadcast system and receives multimedia information which is simultaneously transmitted by another transmission system such as IP communications, and generates one received information by selecting elements having a few errors from elements of demodulated broadcast system information and elements of demodulated other transmission system information and then arranging the selected elements.

Abstract: Embodiments provide power-efficient mechanisms for communicating small amounts of information to receiver devices within a mobile broadcast system. A generic transport mechanism enables transmitting data relevant to upper layer protocols in a lower layer sub-channel so multiple information summary flows can share the same physical layer sub-channel. Data fields are added to the Overhead Information Service (OIS) channel to provide power-efficient logical channels for carrying the summary information. Data from the power-efficient logical channels are provided to an upper protocol layer that receives the information summary flows. Information summary flow may carry a version number of an information flow in the broadcast signal, codes or other information. Receiver devices periodically monitoring the OIS receive the information summary flows.

Abstract: An outdoor broadband unit implements full IP-based routing between a wide area network (WAN)-side interface (such as a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) air interface) and a local area network (LAN)-side interface (such as a home network using MoCA protocol). The outdoor broadband unit maintains a routing table for all connections through an internal routing system based on matching between WAN-side Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and/or ports and LAN-side IP addresses and/or ports. The outdoor broadband unit may support both connection-oriented transport layer routing (such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)) and connectionless transport layer routing (such as User Datagram Protocol (UDP)).

Abstract: A hybrid broadcast receiver and method of operating a memory in the receiver. The memory is used to store received data being processed in the receiver. The receiver is configured to receive both a terrestrial signal broadcast by a terrestrial transmitter and a satellite signal broadcast by a satellite transmitter. Terrestrial data from the terrestrial signal is stored in a terrestrial portion of the memory that includes a top end or first location of the memory. Satellite data from the satellite signal is stored in a satellite portion of the memory that includes a bottom end or last location of the memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to enable a fixed or a mobile ground based slave stations (VSAT: Very Small Aperture Terminal) in a communication network to receive TDM transmissions from and transmit TDMA burst transmissions to one or more ground-based gateway stations in a networking system that employs one or more geosynchronous satellites. Each gateway station transmits on one or more forward TDM channels to the slave stations; however, one primary gateway acts as the master station at any given time which transmits the network control messages to the slave stations (VSATs) that control their TDMA transmission behavior on the network.

Abstract: Systems and devices for receiving satellite signals are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling a data unit receiver or a data unit sender. The data unit receiver or sender comprise a gap response procedure for responding to gaps in the sequence of data units received at the receiver. A reordering detection procedure S12 is provided for detecting a reordering indication indicative of a potential re-ordering of data units in the course of a transmission from sender to receiver, and the gap response procedure is adapted in response to detecting a re-ordering indication.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing interactive services to a set of mobile devices is provided, comprising: providing at least one set of first information adapted for over-the-air broadcast to a set of mobile devices by at least one first facility, wherein the first information is selected from the group comprising program content, basic information and cloud content; providing at least one set of second information adapted for transmission to at least one of the mobile devices by at least one second facility, wherein the second information is selected from the group comprising non-linear information, on-demand information, cloud content and user-defined content, and wherein the second facility comprises a transmitter selected from the group comprising a short range wireless transmitter in intermittent communication with at least one of the mobile devices and a long range wireless transmitter; and receiving at least one set of third information based on information selected from the group comprising the fi

Abstract: An Internet protocol low noise block downconverter (IP LNB) assembly, within a satellite reception assembly, may be operable to determine location information and/or time information of the IP LNB assembly, via a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module in the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may provide services based on the determined location information and/or the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may communicate the determined location information and/or the determined time information to a wireless communication device for determining location information of the wireless communication device. The IP LNB assembly may determine location information of a wireless source device, based on the determined location, information and the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly along with a plurality of other location information and a plurality of corresponding other time information associated with a plurality of other IP LNB assemblies.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for determining link performance metrics for satellite communication terminals. Using link performance metrics and link performance difference metrics, signal modulation and coding may be decided. Link performance metrics may be determined for individual terminal uplinks and downlinks. Fixed and dynamic link adaptation mechanisms are also disclosed that utilize link performance metrics and link performance difference metrics determined under clear sky and dynamic conditions.

Abstract: A wireless communications device may include a portable housing and a temperature-compensated clock circuit carried by the portable housing. The device may further include a wireless receiver carried by the portable housing for receiving timing signals, when available, from a wireless network, and a satellite positioning clock circuit carried by the portable housing. A clock correction circuit may be carried by the portable housing for correcting the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon timing signals from the wireless network when available, and storing historical correction values for corresponding temperatures. The clock correction circuit may also correct the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon the stored historical correction values when timing signals are unavailable from the wireless network, and correct the satellite positioning clock based upon the temperature-compensated clock circuit.

Abstract: An outdoor broadband unit receives a current time and maintenance mode parameters from a network device. The outdoor broadband unit also determines a mode associated with selection of an antenna beam, provided on an antenna of the outdoor broadband unit, based on at least one of the current time and the maintenance mode parameters. The outdoor broadband unit further selects an antenna beam or a serving cell to use based on the determined mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing data. The method of processing data includes receiving a broadcasting signal where mobile service data are multiplexed with main service data, extracting transmission-parameter-channel signaling information and fast-information-channel signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data; obtaining first program table information describing virtual channel information of an ensemble and a service provided by the ensemble using the fast-information-channel signaling information, the ensemble the ensemble corresponding to a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, obtaining information indicating that second program table information, which describes an additional service provided by the ensemble, is included in the ensemblem and parsing the second program table information according to the obtained information; and providing the additional service by using the second program table information.

Abstract: A method for specifying content of interest using a digital radio broadcast receiver is described. A digital radio broadcast signal includes first audio content and first program data, wherein the first program data includes information identifying a first item, and includes second audio content and second program data, wherein the second program data includes information identifying a second item. A user command entered at a user interface during reception of audio content is registered, indicating a user's interest in either the first or second audio content. It is determined whether there is an ambiguity in the content of interest. If there is an ambiguity, a first data structure is stored for the first audio content, and a second data structure is stored for the second audio content. The first data structure includes the information identifying the first item, and the second data structure includes the information identifying the second item.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing satellite network utilization is disclosed. The method includes delivering a message to a communication device in the satellite network where a confirmation is received from a satellite network gateway that a message is intended for the communication device, scheduling a notification for the communication device at a scheduled time, and at the scheduled time, instructing the satellite network gateway to send the notification to the communication device. The notification causes the communication device to request the message from the network gateway upon receipt of the notification by the communication device. Scheduling may be coordinated within an alert window time period of the communication device when it is listening for notifications. The start time of the alert window time period may be provided by an application gateway, that along with the communication device, receive network time data to remain synchronized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will permit for the transmission of vertical and horizontal or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. The system of the present invention will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. This satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system of the present invention will provide for the signals received from the satellite to be converted to standard frequencies so as to permit for signals to travel via existing wiring which the present day amplifiers can transport in buildings, high-rises, hospitals, and the like so that satellite broadcasting can be viewed by numerous individuals by way of a single satellite antenna.

Abstract: One or more circuits of a satellite reception assembly may be operable to receive a satellite signal, recover content carried in the satellite signal, and broadcast a signal carrying the content for reception by one or more mobile devices. The satellite reception assembly may be mounted to the residence of a satellite subscriber. The signal carrying the content may be frequency locked to a reference signal that is available to the satellite reception assembly and to one or more other satellite reception assemblies. The reference signal may be a GNSS signal. The one or more circuits may communicate with the one or more mobile devices to provide a key to the one or more mobile devices, where the key is required for descrambling and/or decryption of the content carried in said signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to vehicle media and communications systems and/or providing communications network and/or satellite network access in a vehicle. Specifically, the disclosed methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to providing access to data, communications and/or satellites using a modular vehicle media and communications system.

Abstract: A satellite reception assembly may receive signals on a block of frequencies that encompasses channels of one or more wireless networks. The satellite reception assembly may convey information about signals received on the block of frequencies to a centralized location which may utilize the information to determine characteristics, such as coverage area and/or usage, of the wireless network(s). Additionally or alternatively, such information from a plurality of satellite reception assemblies may be aggregated and made available to third parties which may use the aggregate information, in combination with knowledge about the wireless network(s), to determine characteristics of the wireless network(s).

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.

Abstract: A method for delivering a stored message to a satellite radio receiver is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to retrieve the message, receiving the message, encoding the message for satellite transmission, and transmitting the message for delivery to the satellite radio receiver.