Abstract: A method, client application and user terminal, the method including providing a packet-based communication system for conducting voice or video calls over a packet-based network and providing an instance of a client application enabling a first user terminal to access the packet-based communication system. The client application is configured so as when executed on the first terminal to receive an input from multiple different audio and/or video input transducers of the first terminal, to analyze those inputs in relation to one another, and based on that analysis to select at least one audio and/or video input transducer and/or output transducer of the first terminal for use in conducting a voice or video call with a remote user terminal via the packet-based communication system.

Abstract: A method of tagging video content includes receiving video content at a set-top box device via a private video distribution access network. The method also includes receiving a tag associated with the video content at the set-top box device and sending the tag to a tag management system via the private video distribution access network. Further, the method includes sending a request for content associated with the tag to the tag management system and receiving the video content at the set-top box device.

Abstract: A method for providing applications to one or more requesting devices is provided. The method comprises a step of first receiving an application request from the one or more requesting devices. The method includes extracting details of the request. Further markup language structure for corresponding page of the application is generated. The markup language structure is generated by invoking page handlers which includes contacting business logic layer to get information required to be embedded in the corresponding page. The output page is then provided to the requesting device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer-readable medium providing licensing rights for media content that follows a subscriber so that the subscriber may experience the media content on various content distribution platforms. In particular embodiments, the systems, methods, and computer-readable medium transfer licensing rights for a user for particular media content that is associated with a first device on a first distribution platform so that the rights are associated with a second device on a second distribution platform. As a result, in various embodiments, the user is able to experience the particular media content with the use of the second device on the second distribution platform.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the transmission of data between a client device and a remote device over a wireless telephone network. More particularly, data from a client device is modulated into an audio signal and transmitted to a wireless telephone. The wireless telephone receives the audio signal and places a phone call to a remote device over a wireless telephone network. During the phone call, the wireless telephone transmits the audio signal across a voice channel of the wireless telephone network to the remote device. The remote device receives and decodes the audio signal to extract the transmitted data.

Abstract: A method of providing information to a viewer having a reading device, a television, an input device, and an output device includes transmitting a first digital signal to the reading device. The first digital signal includes information for display on the television. When the reading device receives the first digital signal, the reading device sends a first reading device signal to the television for display to the viewer. The first reading device signal includes information derived from the first digital signal. An output device digital signal is provided to the output device if the viewer sends an input device signal to the reading device by pressing on the input device when the first reading device signal is displayed to the viewer. The output device digital signal includes information for the output device to provide image and/or text related to the information displayed to the viewer.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a digital broadcast receiver that features a video telephone module, a program table generator, an input receive module and a display control module. The video telephone module establishes a video telephone communication with an external apparatus and receives a video telephone image from the external apparatus during the video telephone communication. The video telephone image is displayed on a screen during the video telephone communication. The program table generator generates a program table of broadcast programs while the display control module controls a display, where the program table is superimposed on the video telephone image during video telephone communications and transitions into a channel menu. The channel menu presents information of the selected one of the broadcast program and allows the user to perform at least one of a recording operation and a program display operation on the selected one of the broadcast program.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program code which when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to effect the method, for pre-fetching web content. Preferably, a proxy server performs the pre-fetching. Techniques such, for example, as executing Javascript in pre-fetched pages, modifying pre-fetched pages to address URL generation involving random numbers or dates, using cookie information or browser specifics when performing pre-fetching of pages, and injecting Javascript to measure response time may be performed, by way of example.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program code which when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to effect the method, for pre-fetching web content. Preferably, a proxy server performs the pre-fetching. Techniques such, for example, as executing Javascript in pre-fetched pages, modifying pre-fetched pages to address URL generation involving random numbers or dates, using cookie information or browser specifics when performing pre-fetching of pages, and injecting Javascript to measure response time may be performed, by way of example.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus includes: a communication unit which receives a video content and property information of the video content from an external supply source; a video processor which processes the video content; and a controller which controls the video processor to adjust a property of the video content based on the property information of the video content received through the communication unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying which video segment is being displayed on a screen of a television system. The video segment is identified by deriving data from the television signals, the derived data being indicative of the video segment being displayed on the screen. This feature can be used to extract a viewer's reaction (such as changing the channel) to a specific video segment (such as an advertisement) and reporting the extracted information as metrics. The systems and methods may further provide contextually targeted content to the television system. The contextual targeting is based on not only identification of the video segment being displayed, but also a determination concerning the playing time or offset time of the particular portion of the video segment being currently displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing remote access to interactive media guidance applications are provided. In particular, the systems and methods for providing remote access to interactive media guidance applications provided herein generally relate to enhancing remote access capabilities by providing algorithms and techniques for managing and correcting disparities that may be found between program listings data used by the interactive media guidance application and the remote access server.

Abstract: Provided is a remote control terminal, including: a first terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with a control-target information processing apparatus by using a first wireless communication system, to control the information processing apparatus; a second terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with the information processing apparatus by using a second wireless communication system, the second wireless communication system being higher in speed than the first wireless communication system; a camera unit configured to obtain video data; and a first controller configured to control the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit to transmit the video data obtained by the camera unit to the information processing apparatus by using the second wireless communication system.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box (STB) having a controller to communicate with a location server on an interactive TV network used by the STB to find a mobile communication device of a targeted party, receive information from the location server that monitors a communication network to find a location of the mobile communication device when the mobile communication device approaches or traverses a predetermined boundary or approaches a targeted location where the targeted party carries the mobile communication device operating on the communication network that has location determining functionality, and presents the location of the mobile communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to support video services by creating a display frame, such as a picture-in-picture display frame, on an active video display device, such as a television (TV), when an incoming call is received are disclosed. The calling party identification and the service logic to manipulate the call are displayed within the display frame. The network can provide service logic functions such as, but are not limited to, answering the call, sending to call to voice mailbox, providing a busy tone to the calling party, and forwarding the call to another SoIP endpoint.

Abstract: A system and method for managing voicemail locally through a set-top box. A call is received from a caller. The call is intercepted utilizing a set-top box. An indicator is displayed to a television in communication with the set-top box. The indicator being indicative of the message being recorded. One or more messages are visually represented to a user in response to the user selecting a channel of the set-top box, the channel being associated with voicemail. The one or more messages are managed in response to user input received through a re remote control in communication with the set-top box.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the transmission of data between a client device and a remote device over a wireless telephone network. More particularly, data from a client device is modulated into an audio signal and transmitted to a wireless telephone. The wireless telephone receives the audio signal and places a phone call to a remote device over a wireless telephone network. During the phone call, the wireless telephone transmits the audio signal across a voice channel of the wireless telephone network to the remote device. The remote device receives and decodes the audio signal to extract the transmitted data.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a voicemail system through a set-top box. A call may be received from a caller. The call is intercepted utilizing a voicemail system available through a network. The voicemail system is operable to store one or more messages. A user selection is received to access the voicemail system utilizing a set-top box. An interface for the voicemail system is displayed to a user. The interface is displayed on a display in communication with the set-top box. The one or more voicemail accounts are managed based on user input.

Abstract: A method comprise associating a first user system with a first user and associating a second user system with a second user. The first user system is in communication with the second user system via a communication network, and the second user system comprising an electronic sensor having a known sensing area. A request transmitted from the first user system via the communication network is received at the second user system. The request is for initiating a communication session between the first user and the second user. When the second user other than provides a response to the request within a predetermined period of time, data is sensed within the known sensing area using the electronic sensor of the second user system. The sensed data is analyzed. When a result of the analyzing is indicative of the second user being available, a notification signal is transmitted from the second user system to the first user system, via the communication network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing caller identification information are provided. A method of providing caller identification information may include receiving caller identification information associated with a first communication device at a video processing device via a wireless communication. The method may also include selecting a first display profile associated with the first communication device from a plurality of display profiles. The method may also include generating a display in accordance with the first display profile. The display may include data related to the caller identification information.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium operating in a mobile device server having computer instructions to execute a web server application in the mobile device server. The web server application can be operable to cause a media processor to invoke a software application in the mobile device server. The mobile device server can support voice communications over a cellular communication system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing outbound telephone calling through an integrated set-top box includes a telephone connection, a media signal connection, and a modem. A user may input a telephone number to the set-top box to initiate an outbound telephone call. The set-top box modem dials the telephone number via the telephone connection to the publicly switched network. Once the call is connected, the user may take the call using a telephone connected to the home telephone network or through a speaker and microphone integrated with or connected to the set-top box. A status of the outbound telephone call may be displayed on a screen connected to the set-top box. A user may also initiate a telephone call to a number displayed on the screen as part of media signal. The on-screen telephone number may be provided along with the media signal or may be extracted from the media signal using character recognition software.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating a source device transmitting a video segment. In the method, the video segment is received from the source device over a communication network. The video segment comprises a number of frames. Identification data indicating the source device is also received over the communication network. Each of the frames of the video segment is marked with a form of the identification data. Access information is transmitted over the communication network for accessing the marked video segment.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter 10 has a high-side transistor QH as a switching element and a low-side transistor QL as a synchronous rectifier element. A first primary electrode D and secondary primary electrode S of the high-side transistor QH are connected to an input voltage VIN and an external terminal T1, respectively. A detection transistor QD is provided in a row with the high-side transistor QH, and the ON voltage of the high-side transistor QH when ON is output as detection voltage VQD from the detection transistor QD. The output detection voltage VQD is added to a feedback voltage VFB1 by an adder CB, and inputted to a comparator CMP1. The ON period of a one-shot pulse PS1 outputted from the comparator CMP1 is regulated so as to be in direct proportion to the sum of the detection voltage VQD and the feedback voltage VFB1.

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.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing access to content are disclosed. The method is performed at least in part at a client computer system having a processor and memory. The method includes executing a host application associated with a first party. In some implementations, the host application is a media player. The method further includes initiating a secure communication channel between the host application and a server associated with the first party. The method further includes executing a supplemental application associated with a second party. The method further includes accessing, with the supplemental application, content licensed to the first party, wherein the licensed content is accessible to the supplemental application via the secure communication channel subject to terms of a licensing agreement. In some implementations, the content is media content, such as music, movies, and the like.

Abstract: An improved packet handler for VoIP cable modems and other high-speed digital devices includes a direct communication link via hardware among internal processing components. Incoming and outgoing digital information packets are filtered into MAC packets, voice PDU packets, and non-voice PDU packets, such that priority can be given to relaying voice packets and minimizing potential voice delay within the cable network. Hardware components, including specialized logic circuitry, modify voice packets to an appropriate signal form for subsequent signal processing or signal transmission. Proprietary bus communication protocols can also be provided to facilitate relay of packets between a central processing unit (CPU) and a digital signal processor (DSP) within a VoIP cable modem. Line cards including subscriber line interface circuit (SLIC) and subscriber line audio processing circuit (SLAC) components provide analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion functionality.

Abstract: Techniques for call integration are provided. Call logs associated with multiple voice accounts are acquired and integrated as an integrated call log. The integrated call log is presented at a display. A user can take a variety of actions on the integrated call log as a whole or on individual entries within the integrated call log.

Abstract: Instant messaging (IM) is provided between a TDD/TTY user and an entity. The user may use a TDD device to initiate a call with the entity. One or more converters may convert a TDD message from the user's device to IM, which is then provided to a recipient of the call, such as a representative of a company. The converter(s) may also convert IM from the representative into a TDD message that may then be provided to the user on the TDD device.

Abstract: An interactive assistant for managing telephone communications and services is disclosed. In one of many possible method embodiments, a chat interface is provided to a device associated with an intended recipient of an incoming voice call. A chat message from the intended recipient is received through the chat interface. The chat message is presented to a calling party associated with the incoming call prior to a disposition of the call being determined. In other embodiments, an interface provides controls for individually managing calls on a conference call, without affecting other calls on the conference call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) to a telephone line via a coaxial cable used for delivering direct broadcast satellite signals to the IRD. One embodiment comprises a port coupler, coupled to a telephone line and to the coaxial cable, and a client unit, coupled between the port coupler and the IRD, wherein the port coupler connects the IRD to the direct broadcast satellite signals and connects the IRD to the phone line via the client unit, and at least satellite signals, satellite control signals, telephone data signals, and telephone system protocol signals travel on the coaxial cable between the client unit and the port coupler.

Abstract: A remote control device is operative to enable and facilitate user control of video systems that are operative to provide one or more three-dimensional (3D) viewing effects. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device includes a user input terminal having an input element operative to receive user inputs to adjust at least one of a volume setting and a channel setting of a video system, and further operative to receive user inputs to adjust a three-dimensional (3-D) viewing effect of the video system. A transmitter is operative to transmit control signals to the video system in response to the user inputs.

Abstract: A system and method for time-shifting and chase-play for an IPTV system. A control channel is established between an originating user's set top box (STB) and an IPTV Application Server (IPTV-AS) utilizing SIP signaling over an IP Multimedia Subsystem. For time-shifting, the STB sends a start time-shifting command to the IPTV-AS over the control channel, and the IPTV-AS sends a start recording command to a Network Private Video Recorder (N-PVR). When the user is ready to resume viewing, the STB sends a start chase-play command to the IPTV-AS to establish a unicast channel. The IPTV-AS sends a playback command to the N-PVR to begin playback of the time-shifted content.

Abstract: Techniques for call integration with a television set-top box (STB) are provided. Call logs associated with multiple voice accounts are acquired and integrated as an integrated call log. The integrated call log is presented within a display to a user. The user can take a variety of actions on the integrated call log as a whole or on individual entries within the integrated call log.

Abstract: Cable communication systems and methods to provide voice and/or data services to subscriber premises via a cable plant that conveys upstream information over an upstream path bandwidth, and a cable modem system including one or more demodulation tuners to receive and demodulate one or more upstream radio frequency (RF) signals. An RF signal includes an encoded carrier wave having a carrier frequency of between approximately 5 MHz and 25 MHz that is modulated using quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) with voice and/or data information constituting at least some of the upstream information. A modulation order of the QAM for the first upstream RF signal is at least 32 and as high as at least 256, and at least one demodulation tuner of the cable modem system is configured to receive and demodulate the first upstream RF signal.

Abstract: A radio-over-fiber (RoF) hybrid wired/wireless transponder is disclosed that is configured to provide both wireless and wired communication between a hybrid head-end and one or more client devices. The hybrid transponder includes optical-to-electrical (O/E) and electrical-to-optical (E/O) conversion capability and is configured to frequency multiplex/demultiplex electrical “wired” signals and electrical “wireless” signals. The electrical wireless signals are wirelessly communicated to the client device(s) via a multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system within a cellular coverage area. The electrical wired signals are communicated to the client device(s) via a wireline cable that plugs into a wireline cable port on the transponder. The hybrid RoF system includes a hybrid head-end capable of transmitting and receiving wired and wireless optical signals, and an optical fiber cable that is optically coupled to the hybrid head-end and to at least one hybrid transponder.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for receiving interaction information relating to a first mobile communication facility, weighting content based at least in part on the interaction information, and ordering the content for presentation on a second mobile communication facility based at least in part on the weighting.

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: A wireless multimedia content brokerage service can provide for real time selective content extraction in a manner that allows users to easily obtain, at a mobile device, one or more portions of a real time multimedia composite content presentation. The brokerage service ensures that the experience is transparent from the point of view of the user, and additionally does not require any specific interaction between the user and the display, or interaction between the user and the content service provider (or providers). Instead, the brokerage service handles the transactional details involved in subscribing to content and in obtaining, formatting, and forwarding content to the mobile device. Additionally, since the content of interest is not forwarded from the display itself and since some embodiments of the system do not rely on any interactivity at the display to identify the display device or content, relatively unsophisticated display devices can be used.

Abstract: Enhanced telephony computer user interfaces seamlessly integrate and leverage the features of personal computers and telephones. The manner in which media is presented at a computing system can also be modified automatically in response to detected telephone operations. These modifications can include pausing media in response to a detected telephone call and/or adjusting a volume of the media presentation. The media presentation/volume can also be resumed/restored upon detecting that the telephone call has terminated.

Abstract: An antenna transmission control device has a base-station-side and an antenna-side multiplexer circuit. There is an alternating protocol transfer between these two multiplexer circuits to control components close to the antenna. The current-alarmed or protocol-alarmed signals present at the antenna-side terminals of the multiplexer provided on the antenna side can be measured or detected by the multiplexer circuits and supplied to the transmission link together with a terminal-dependent or load-dependent protocol.

Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting messaging services via a set-top box. A set-top box establishes communications with a user device. The set-top box receives a message from the user device, and stores the message for inclusion in a messaging log. The set-top box presents content of the messaging log via a display coupled to the set-top box. According to one embodiment, the set-top box receives network address information of the user device, maps the network address information to location information, and retrieves information from a data repository based on the location information. In another embodiment, the user device acquires information about a program being experience by a user via the set-top box, and generates a message to provide presence status information to a social network service based on the program information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling data transmission for a multimedia/broadcast service (MBS) in a broadband wireless access system. In a data transmission control method for a multicast broadcast service (MBS) in a broadband wireless access system, the present invention includes the steps of receiving information for a downlink burst profile suitable for receiving MBS data from at least one mobile subscriber station, selecting a downlink burst profile suitable for transmitting the MBS data using the information for the downlink burst profile, and transmitting the MBS data to the at least one mobile subscriber station using the selected downlink burst profile.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to an arrayed media converter (AMC) that has an array of Wavelength Division Multiplexing-Passive Optical Network (WDM-PON) Optical Network Units (ONUs) for terminating an optical channel in the feeder or distribution portion of a telecommunication network. The ONU converts an optical signal from the optical channel into at least one electrical signal for transmission to a customer premises. Thus, the AMC serves as an interface between at least one WDM-PON link and at least one conductive connection, such as a twisted pair. In one exemplary embodiment, the AMC comprises a sealed housing that is environmentally hardened to protect the AMC from environmental conditions, including changes in weather. Such an AMC may be used to provide a robust, cost effective Fiber To The Curb (FTTC) solution, but the AMC may be used at other points within the network, if desired.

Abstract: A system for distributing and selecting audio and video information using a coaxial cable network includes a jukebox unit connected by a modulator to the cable television distribution network. A channel is allocated to the transmission of audio or video information. A device effects user interaction with the television for the remote selection of at least one audio or video information item from a plurality of information items to be transmitted by this channel using the cable network. An identifier identifies the ordering television, and a billing device accommodates for billing selections to the user.

Abstract: A server may be used to handle at least some of processing of content retrieved via and/or derived from Internet access operations of a plurality of set-top boxes (STBs). Resource allocation and/or utilization, and/or tasks or applications performed in the server during the processing may be configured based on control data, which may be determined by the server and which may comprise capabilities of links between the server and each of the plurality of STBs, requirements of the tasks, characteristics of the content and/or the Internet access operations, user preferences and/or interactions, and/or content provider preferences. The server may dynamically reconfigure the tasks and/or resources based on monitoring of its operations and/or changes of the control data. Configuring tasks and/or resources may comprise time slicing access to resources that are commonly used during concurrent servicing of at least some of the plurality of STBs by the support server.

Abstract: A method and system for multicasting video signals over a network. A standard definition picture-in-picture multicast video signal is encoded from a video signal. A common network address is assigned to the standard definition picture-in-picture multicast video signal for both standard definition picture-in-picture video content and high definition video content.

Abstract: Provided is a remote control terminal, including: a first terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with a control-target information processing apparatus by using a first wireless communication system, to control the information processing apparatus; a second terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with the information processing apparatus by using a second wireless communication system, the second wireless communication system being higher in speed than the first wireless communication system; a camera unit configured to obtain video data; and a first controller configured to control the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit to transmit the video data obtained by the camera unit to the information processing apparatus by using the second wireless communication system.

Abstract: An emergency response system, method of responding to emergencies and a computer program product therefor. Networked provider computers are distributed over a geographical area that includes multiple regions with at least one providing computing capability to each region and each region receiving emergency response resources during emergencies from an emergency response computer. During any local emergency the area emergency response computer provides a local response and notifies other emergency response computers for other regions that are potentially affected by the emergency.