Abstract: The present technology provides solutions that enable accurate measuring of frequency response on a network (e.g., cable network, fiber optic network) through frequency sweep testing. In various embodiments, the present technology provides a remote transmitter test unit that can be physically deployed at various points in a network. The present technology provides for on demand sweep testing. A remote transmitter test unit or headend test unit can periodically transmit a query message and, based on a response to the query message, can initiate a sweep test. The present technology provides for automatic generation of a sweep profile for a sweep test. Based on an analysis of a frequency spectrum on a network, the sweep profile provides parameters for conducting a sweep test. The present technology provides for Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) table generation and OFDM sweep testing.

Abstract: Techniques for identifying faults in a collaborative computing system including a plurality of disparate, geographically separated computing systems are described herein. An intelligent monitoring (IM) server computing system may receive data from the plurality of computing devices and may monitor the health of the collaborative computing system. The IM server computing system may analyze the data and identify one or more faults associated with a portion of the collaborative system (e.g., an associated computing device, platform, network, etc.). In some examples, the IM server computing system may be configured to identify potential future faults associated with the portion of the collaborative system. Based on the fault, the IM server computing device may determine an action to take to remedy the fault and/or prevent the potential future fault. The IM server computing device may either automatically perform the action or send a notification to the associated computing system to perform the action.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system actuates a control processor connected to a network, and configures the control processor to receive signals from equipment of a service provider, so that the control processor is enabled to control remote devices. The processing system selects a device, configures the selected device for control by the control processor, and selects a streaming service to be associated with the selected device. The streaming service delivers audiovisual content in a first stream and provides, via an application programming interface of the streaming service, a control command to the control processor in a second stream. The control processor translates the control command to a device command and transmits the device command to control the selected device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a bit slicing circuit with a processing circuit. The processing circuit receives discrete frequency power estimates based on an S-FSK waveform received by an S-FSK receiver associated with the bit slicing circuit. The discrete frequency power estimates are representative of digital logic levels in a series of data frames modulated using S-FSK to form the S-FSK waveform. Each data frame including at least one word. Each word includes bit periods. The processing circuit receives SNR parameters that represent a dynamic SNR for the respective discrete frequency power estimates in relation to the series of data frames. The processing circuit selects a bit slicing technique from a set of available bit slicing techniques to generate data bit values for bit periods of the discrete frequency power estimates based on the SNR parameters. A method for performing bit slicing in an S-FSK receiver is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs encoded on computer storage medium, for identifying a first user access event that failed authentication at the first computing device; creating a transaction block of a distributed ledger based on the first user access event; determining that data indicating the first user access event is not included by the distributed ledger, and in response, adding the transaction block to a temporal vector space of the distributed ledger; sharing, to each other computing device of the local network, the transaction block, wherein each of the others computing devices of the local network updates a local copy of the distributed ledger to include the transaction block in the temporal vector space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting leakage in a cable network system are disclosed. In at least some illustrative embodiments, a system may include a digital tagger operable to generate a digital tag including a chirp signal configured to be placed on a downstream signal path of the cable network system, and a cable network test instrument configured detect the digital tag in wireless signal data received from the cable network system when a point of ingress is presented in the cable network system. The network test instrument may be operable to provide a user-perceptible indication when the digital tag is detected to inform a technician or other user that a flaw in the cable network system is nearby.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a BS transmits, on a set of resources, a first communication to each of a plurality of UEs. The BS receives ACKs to the transmitted first communications from a first subset of UEs, and determines that a second subset of UEs fails to ACK the transmitted first communication (e.g., via implicit or explicit NACKs). The BS configures a group scheduling message that indicates an allocation of the set of resources to the second subset of UEs (e.g., a different subset of the set of resources being allocated to each UE in the second subset of UEs) based on a predetermined resource reallocation scheme. The BS transmits the group scheduling message to the second subset of UEs, and transmits, on the set of resources, a second communication to each UE in the second subset of UEs in accordance with the indicated allocation from the group scheduling message.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that includes collecting operational data from a plurality of premises devices over a satellite service provider network for subscribers of the satellite provider network, wherein the operational data includes premises device data for each premises device of a subscriber, detecting an error indication in premises device data of one of the plurality of premises devices, determining a mitigation action to the error indication in the premises device data for the one of the plurality of premises devices, determining if the error indication in the operational data is indicative of a system wide problem for a type of equipment of the one of the plurality of premises devices, and updating the type of equipment across the satellite provider network with the mitigation action responsive to determining that the error is indicative of the system wide problem. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a change over application distributes video content received from multiple origination sources. The change over application computes a first score based on a portion of first origination video content received from a first origination source, where the first origination source is associated with a first IP address. The change over application then determines a second origination source of second origination video content based on the first score and a selection criterion, where the second origination source is associated with a second IP address. Subsequently, the change over application transmits portions of the second origination video content received from the second origination source to the destination as portions of the distribution video content. Advantageously, unlike previous approaches to optimizing distribution video content, because a processor executes the change over application, dedicated hardware is not required.

Abstract: Non-disruptive sweep measurements using low power coherent signals overcome the limitations of prior art frequency response systems for cable networks. Modulated or unmodulated, e.g. continuous wave (CW), test signals are transmitted into the network at a first or input point (input point is in the head end for forward sweep; input point is in the field for reverse sweep). The test signals are transmitted continuously at multiple frequencies, so as a composite they form a wideband, OFDM-like (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) waveform. A receiver at a second or output point generates power reading measurements, from which the frequency response of the network is produced.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed relating to proximity detection of devices and targeted information services, such as information campaigns. Disclosed methods provide targeted campaigns to a user, such as targeted campaigns to presentation devices based on proximity of user devices near the information devices. Other methods provide targeted campaigns across various applications, while other methods provide for scheduling campaigns to premises device identifiers based on an event schedule, and other methods provide a hierarchal system for monitoring different sets of premises device identifiers when a user device can monitor for a limited number of premises device identifiers at a time.

Abstract: RF coupling circuitry includes a first coupled signal output node, a second coupled signal output node, an RF coupler, RF filtering circuitry, and attenuator circuitry. The RF coupler is configured to couple RF signals from an RF transmission line to provide coupled RF signals. The RF filtering circuitry is coupled to the RF coupler and configured to separate RF signals within a first RF frequency band in the coupled RF signals from RF signals within a second RF frequency band in the coupled RF signals. The attenuator circuitry is coupled between the RF filtering circuitry, the first coupled signal output node, and the second coupled signal output node. The attenuator circuitry is configured to attenuate the RF signals within the first RF frequency band and the RF signals within the second RF frequency band.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting QAM levels used for providing cloud services to customer premise devices on a per customer premise device basis based on determined communication channel signal to noise ratios. One exemplary method embodiment of providing cloud services to a customer premise device (CPE) includes the steps of: determining a signal to noise (SNR), at a first time, on a first communications channel between a network node and the CPE; selecting based on the SNR a cluster node from a plurality of cluster nodes to use to provide a cloud service to the CPE using a second communications channel, at least a first cluster node and a second cluster node in the plurality of cluster nodes using different Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) levels to communicate with customer premise devices, and using the selected cluster node to provide the cloud service to the CPE.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to transmit content to an external apparatus through a cable; an information acquisition unit configured to acquire cable-length information that represents a cable length to the external apparatus; and a controller configured to control an operation of the transmission unit based on the cable-length information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

Abstract: In response to a request initiated by a user at a user terminal, selected entertainment programming content, when broadcast, is recorded at a location remote from the user terminal. The request is communicated through a communications network, e.g., cable TV network, which is also used for transmission of entertainment programming content to user terminals. The recorded programming content is stored in a storage space at the remote location, which is allocated to the user terminal. In response to a review request from the user terminal, the recorded programming content is retrieved from the storage space allocated thereto, and transmitted to the user terminal through the communications network. The presentation of the recorded programming content may be manipulated by the user to perform rewinding, pausing and fast-forwarding thereon.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring video assets provided by a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes an expert test monitoring platform (ETMP) configured to emulate MCDN client systems at a facility of an MCDN service provider. The ETMP may allow execution of ETMP scripts that specify remote control commands to send to a desired plurality of multimedia handling devices representing emulated MCDN clients. The ETMP scripts may be manually or automatically initiated and may be configured with execution parameters specifying, among other aspects, a number of iterations to repeat. Results recorded when the ETMP script executes may be retrieved and used to generate reports.

Abstract: The network monitoring system collects transmission and/or receive power level information from a plurality of customer premise devices connected to the same distribution node for each of a plurality of network distribution nodes. For an individual network distribution node, the network monitoring system calculates a set of fluctuation parameters including a group power level deviation metric, e.g., a modified standard deviation ratio. The network monitoring system evaluates the generated fluctuation parameters and responds, e.g., outputting a fluctuations report, modifying a data collection profile being used by a set of customer premise devices corresponding to a distribution node, commanding diagnostics to be performed on a portion of the network and/or directing a service technician.

Abstract: A system, a method and a computer program product for monitoring a screen configuration process for a sequence of medical images on a remote client are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a central server includes a rendering module and a marker generator in order to mark the sequence of images to be displayed as a DESIRED sequence of images and transfer it to the remote client. In addition to a remote-client application, an observer module and a warning signal transmitter are provided on the remote client. The observer module is used to compare the DESIRED sequence of images with the ACTUAL sequence of images. In the event of a lack of conformity, the warning signal transmitter issues a warning signal on the remote-client monitor.

Abstract: In an approach to determining speech effectiveness, a computer receives speech input. The computer determines, based, at least in part, on the received speech input, whether the speech input is one of: a conversation with words spoken by two or more people during a predetermined time interval, and a presentation with words spoken by one person and not any other person during a predetermined time interval. The computer detects at least one problem with the speech input. If the speech input is the presentation, the computer weights, by a first factor, the detected at least one problem with the speech input based on the speech input being a presentation and not a conversation, and if the speech input is a conversation, the computer weights, by a second factor, the detected at least one problem with the speech input based on the speech input being a conversation and not a presentation.

Abstract: A method for performing channel scan within a multi-channel broadcasting program receiver includes: calculating a plurality of frequency representatives of intermediate frequency (IF) signals of one or more received multi-channel broadcasting program signals within a specific band of a plurality of bands; and locating a video IF signal out of the IF signals according to the frequency representatives in order to determine a frequency of a video carrier corresponding to the specific band, wherein the frequency of the video carrier is utilized as a reference for tuning to an associated channel. An associated multi-channel broadcasting program receiver includes a tuner, a processing module, a memory and a controller. The tuner is arranged to select one of a plurality of channels. In particular, the controller controls channel scan and further utilizes the frequency of the video carrier corresponding to the specific band as the reference for tuning to the associated channel.

Abstract: A system and method extending mobile video data across multiple display hardware platforms is disclosed. The system incorporates a mobile user interface device (MUD) interacting with a video control unit (VCU) to present display video content (DVC) on a video display unit (VDU). The MUD and VCU coordinate to control their respective display content in real-time based on a specific integrated user interaction context (UIC) provided by the MUD to the VCU. The VCU executes the UIC to control the merging in real-time of primary video content (PVC) and secondary video content (SVC) that are combined to form the DVC. Video content processed by the VCU as PVC/SVC input may be sourced from external video sources (EVS) directly connected to the VCU and/or data sourced from a computer communications network (CCN) via routing through the MUD and/or VCU.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and analyzing transient video anomalies in AV broadcast networks includes AV signal monitors associated with each decoding device in the network for monitoring AV signals received by their associated video decoding device for detecting signal anomalies which are outside predetermined signal parameter levels during normal operation of the broadcast network.

Abstract: A local gaming machine is in communication with a remote gaming machine over a data network. The local gaming machine may include a storage medium. The local gaming machine may further include an interface for communicating with the remote gaming machine over a network. The local gaming machine may include a controller. The controller is configured to establish communications between the gaming machine and the remote gaming machine through the interface. The controller is further configured to initiate a game streaming session with the remote gaming machine in which output data from an instance of a game application is initiated from the remote gaming machine to the gaming machine. The controller is configured to detect an interrupt in the game streaming session. The controller is further configured to, after the interrupt is detected, determine whether the outcome of the instance of the game application has been received.

Abstract: A broadcasting transmitting apparatus configures one broadcasting channel as at least two video streams, generates a program map table (PMT) representing configuration information of a stream included within the broadcasting channel, sets a program type provided through the corresponding broadcasting channel within the PMT, multiplexes the at least two video streams and signaling information, and transmits the multiplexed two video streams and signaling information through a broadcasting network.

Abstract: A Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Management Center (DMC) coupled to a DSL network includes a data collection module that receives information regarding the DSL network from a plurality of sources. An analysis module is coupled to the data collection module to analyze the received information and issue a command for one or more of a plurality of DSL performance enhancement devices to optimize their operation. A command signal generation module is coupled to the analysis module to receive the issued command from the analysis module and generate a corresponding command signal for transmission to one or more of the DSL performance enhancement devices.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring video assets provided by a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes an expert test monitoring platform (ETMP) configured to emulate MCDN client systems at a facility of an MCDN service provider. The ETMP may allow execution of ETMP scripts that specify remote control commands to send to a desired plurality of multimedia handling devices representing emulated MCDN clients. The ETMP scripts may be manually or automatically initiated and may be configured with execution parameters specifying, among other aspects, a number of iterations to repeat. Results recorded when the ETMP script executes may be retrieved and used to generate reports.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and measuring analog signal levels, current and reflected power (SWR) in an electric utility substation environment. The apparatus includes selective measurement capabilities for at least five individual frequencies, respectively, and includes programmable event recording and remote alarms. The apparatus will provide data to support in-band spectral analysis of recorded events, and can be located at any point along an associated communication path. The apparatus is non-intrusive and will not affect any existing signals present on an associated communication path.

Abstract: A wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a frequency hopping communication circuit, a power spectral density circuit and a control circuit. The frequency hopping communication circuit includes a channel map. The frequency hopping communication circuit selects one of channel in a channel map to connect to another frequency hopping communication circuit according to the channel map. The power spectral density circuit for generating a power spectral density signal by measuring spectrums on all channels connected to the frequency hopping communication circuit. The control circuit receives the power spectral density and output statistical distribution data to the frequency hopping communication circuit. The frequency hopping communication circuit updates the channel map according to the statistical distribution data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for measuring multicast latency are disclosed. According to one method, the method includes emulating one or more Internet protocol television (IPTV) user devices by generating channel leave and join requests. The method further includes monitoring network responses to the channel leave and join requests and calculating, during a cycle of channel leave and join requests for a user device and prior to repeating the cycle, at least one metric of latency associated with the channel leave and join requests.

Abstract: A handheld leakage detector for finding digital signal leaks in a HFC network, comprises a radio receiver, a leakage receiver, leakage sampler, a correlator, and a display. The radio receiver receives samples of the digital signal taken from the HFC network, called “reference samples.” The leakage receiver receives a leakage signal, which is a leaked version of the digital signal from the HFC network. The leakage sampler samples the leakage signal to form leakage samples. The correlator performs a cross-correlation of the reference samples and the leakage samples, to produce a correlation function. An optimizable value is determined from the correlation function. The value generally becomes more optimized as the detector approaches the leak. The leak is sought by iteratively changing the position of the detector until the value becomes substantially optimized or the leak is found.

Abstract: A method of operating a first networking device includes receiving, from a media server, a cable length request message. The cable length request message includes data indicative of a length of a first networking cable arranged between the media server and the first networking device. The method includes determining a cumulative cable length based on the length of the first networking cable and a length of a second networking cable arranged between the first networking device and a media client. The method includes, in response to presence of a second networking device between the first networking device and the media client, sending a further cable length request message to the second networking device indicating the cumulative cable length. The method includes, in response to absence of the second networking device, sending a cable length response message to the media server indicating the cumulative cable length.

Abstract: “Cradle-to-grave” treatment of leaks begins with technicians logging leakage signal strengths and GPS latitude and longitude coordinates in technicians' vehicles as the technicians go about their daily assignments. Leakage signal strengths and GPS latitude and longitude coordinates are then uploaded to a leakage server. The server calculates leak latitude and longitude coordinates and signal strengths. The system sends the leakage signal strengths and/or calculated leak latitude and longitude coordinates to technicians' vehicles, for example, as components of, or attachments to, work orders. The latitudes and longitudes are converted by GPS navigators in the technicians' vehicles to turn-by-turn directions to the calculated leak locations. The technicians drive to the leaks, identify and repair them, and close the work orders.

Abstract: System and methods for inferring network topology are described, including a method comprising determining a normalized transmit power of a first device, identifying a second device based upon a parameter of the second device and the normalized transmit power of the first device, and generating a topology including the first device and the second device based upon at least one of the normalized transmit power of the first device and the parameter of the second device.

Abstract: A server device is configured to store quick code information, where the quick code information includes a particular operation of a group of operations and a particular condition code of a group of condition codes; receive diagnostic information from a video client, of a group of video clients, where the diagnostic information includes a condition code that corresponds to a condition associated with the video client; determine that the condition code matches the particular condition code of particular, stored quick code information; determine, from the particular quick code information, the particular operation corresponding to the particular condition code; perform an automatic remote repair to remedy the condition, on the video client, based on the particular operation; and send, to the video client, a notification that the condition has been remedied based on the automatic remote repair when the automatic remote repair remedies the condition on the video client.

Abstract: A method of mapping a network path in which a geographic path of cables of a network between a geographic location of a network component and a geographic location of a terminal network element is estimated electronically using Keyhole Markup Language (KML) data. A geographically accurate street map is populated with the geographic location of the network component, the geographic location of the terminal network element, and the estimated geographic path. The map is capable of being displayed with the use of geospatial software implementing KML encoding. A signal processing electronic device for populating a display of an interactive graphical user interface with network path mapping information and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the above referenced operations are also provided.

Abstract: A system for multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) remote monitoring and management includes a gateway and multiple local nodes. The gateway communicates with a service provider. The local nodes perform local diagnostics and communicate diagnostic results to the gateway. The gateway and the local nodes form a MoCA remote entity (MoRE) system. The gateway receives and aggregates diagnostic results of the MORE system and facilitates access to aggregated diagnostic results for the service provider.

Abstract: A cable network data analytics system is configured to aggregate spectrum data sets of one or more readable devices connected to one or more cable networks. The spectrum data sets may include video spectrum data. The video spectrum data may be indicative of performance aspects of one or more standard channels of the cable network. The aggregated spectrum data may be analyzed against predetermined performance requirements such that an alert may be generated if one or more performance aspects do not meet the predetermined performance requirements.

Abstract: A system for servicing a display device is performed remotely through a network server. The server establishes a connection with the display device, transmits a first signal through the connection to instruct the display device to automatically perform a predetermined function, receives a captured image derived from a screen of the display device after performance of the predetermined function, and transmits a second signal through the connection to control at least one feature of the display device.

Abstract: A videoconference system includes a plurality of computers associated with the system to collectively send and receive video data streams. A video encoding program is stored in a memory and is executable by at least a first computer. When executed, the executing computer encodes video data using one or more encoding parameters. A decode information set request monitoring program is stored in a memory and is executable by at least the first computer, causing the first computer to perform the steps of monitoring the network for receipt of a decode information set request message and responding to the received request message by querying the received message for an ID and, if the ID of the received message corresponds to a video data stream generated from the first computer, communicating the corresponding decode information set including the encoding parameters to at least a computer that transmitted the message.

Abstract: A device having a test module configured to connect with a server through a cellular telephone network and a wireless area network. The test module is also configured to initiate, in the server, a diagnostic test of an Internet Protocol television network and a set-top box device. The test module is further configured to receive information indicating problems with the Internet Protocol television network and the set-top box device, and to display the information on a display.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus to allow an operator of a broadcast communication system, such as a cable television or satellite television service to provide some examples, to diagnose performance of this communication system remotely. The operator of a first communication device, such as a cable modem termination system (CMTS) to provide an example, may remotely diagnosis performance problems, or potential performance problems, occurring at a second communication device, such as a cable modem (CM) to provide an example, or a group of second communication devices. For example, the operator of the first communication device may view a spectrum analysis of communication signals being routed to, processed by, and/or provided by the second communication device, or group of second communication devices, to diagnose the performance problems, or the potential performance problems, in real time.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing a video processing apparatus comprises means for receiving from the video processing apparatus a video output representative of a test sequence, the test sequence comprising a plurality of frames, each frame comprising an image of a respective different one of a plurality of frame identifiers; means for obtaining a sequence of sets of frame data from the video output, each set of frame data representative of a frame; and means for processing each set of frame data to determine the frame identifier for that frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality of a video is provided. The method comprises: generating a frame loss pattern of the video by indicating whether each frame in the video is lost or successfully transmitted; and evaluating the quality of the video as a function of the generated t came loss pattern.

Abstract: A method includes detecting, at a video head-end of a video distribution network, a signal populating an ultra high frequency white space frequency. The method includes determining that the ultra high frequency white space frequency is one of a plurality of ultra high frequency white space frequencies with a potential to interfere with video traffic at the video head-end. The method also includes sending an alert from the video head-end to a network management system. The alert indicates the potential of the signal to interfere with video traffic delivered via the video head-end.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a method and system for continuous detection of dead and impaired IPTV streams by introducing a hardware block to continuously monitor all IPTV streams for health without software intervention as disclosed in the embodiments herein. Each IPTV packet header is looked up in the multicast forwarding database (TCAM) table. When there are matching entries, the packets are metered and compared with the expected rate for the IPTV stream. A periodic scan of all the meters in hardware is carried out. If any stream is received less than its expected rate, an “impaired error” counter is incremented for the particular stream.

Abstract: A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring video assets provided by a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes an expert test monitoring platform (ETMP) configured to emulate MCDN client systems at a facility of an MCDN service provider. The ETMP may be used to obtain remote control response metrics, along with internal performance data, for client systems in the ETMP. Historical metrics and historical data may be logged along with the release version for the client systems, which may then be used to correlate operational performance when analyzing client system characteristics.

Abstract: A dual-port testing apparatus is provided for testing a cable network at two test points. The testing may comprise demodulation of a same data packet at the test points, decoding the data packet, performing spectral analysis of the signal, etc. Testing results may be correlated with one another, both visually and by using pre-defined test metrics comprising a weighted sum of demodulation and decoding parameters such as modulation extinction ratio and a codeword error.

Abstract: Non-disruptive sweep measurements using low power coherent signals overcome the limitations of prior art frequency response systems for cable networks. Modulated or unmodulated, e.g. continuous wave (CW), test signals are transmitted into the network at a first or input point (input point is in the head end for forward sweep; input point is in the field for reverse sweep). The test signals are transmitted continuously at multiple frequencies, so as a composite they form a wideband, OFDM-like (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) waveform. A receiver at a second or output point generates power reading measurements, from which the frequency response of the network is produced.

Abstract: A user may purchase in a retail outlet a host device for receiving cable services. The cable operator needs to provide a point-of-deployment (POD) module for insertion into the host device to realize out-of-band communications, and provide conditional access to premium subscription channels. Security measures are implemented to detect removal of the host device from its connection to a broadband communications system. If its removal is unauthorized, the service area in which the host device is located may be identified when it is reconnected to the system. In addition, a transmission device in the host device may be activated to transmit detectable signals to help recover the host device.