Satellite Video Distribution System Patents (Class 725/63)
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Patent number: 8032910Abstract: A system comprising first input means for receiving a transport stream from an external source, second input means for receiving an input from a memory, means for connecting the first and second input means to an interface which is arranged to provide an output stream to a decoder. The second input means is arranged to provide an output to the interface in such a form that the interface does not distinguish between the output from the first and second input means.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventors: David Lewis, Howard Gurney
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Patent number: 8031717Abstract: When stored stream data is deleted/edited, the packet sequence completely included in a deletion range is deleted from the stream data, and the stream data is segmented into first stream data before the start point of the deletion range and second stream data after the end point of the deletion range. First and second stream management data corresponding to the first and second stream data are generated. The index value of the packet including the start point of the deletion range is written in the header of the first stream management data. The index value of the packet including the end point of the deletion range is written in the header of the second stream management data. In addition, an index base value for correcting the index value is written in the header of the second stream management data.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Jun Sato, Yuji Kawashima
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Patent number: 8023888Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for acquiring and demodulating a data stream transmitted in a communication system. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises finding a boundary of a physical layer frame (PLFrame) in the data stream, finding a first 26 bits of a Unique Word (UW) associated with the data stream, finding a scrambling code utilizing the UW, and using a decoding procedure to determine a modulation type and code rate used for desired signals within the data stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Santoru, Guangcai Zhou, Ernest C. Chen, Dennis Lai, Shamik Maitra
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Patent number: 8023883Abstract: A method of operating a mobile device includes determining a location of the mobile device, determining a local market area for the mobile device in response to the location. The method further includes broadcasting a local market signal for a first network in a first market and a second local market signal for the first network in a first market. The mobile device selects one of the first local market signal and the second local market signal in response to the local market for the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Sean S. Lee, Kevin Lilly, Yonghong Zhao, Scott D. Casavant
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Patent number: 8022966Abstract: A video, audio and graphics system uses multiple transport processors to receive in-band and out-of-band MPEG Transport streams, to perform PID and section filtering as well as DVB and DES decryption and to de-multiplex them. The system processes the PES into digital audio, MPEG video and message data. The system is capable of decoding multiple MPEG SLICEs concurrently. Graphics windows are blended in parallel, and blended with video using alpha blending. During graphics processing, a single-port SRAM is used equivalently as a dual-port SRAM. The video may include both analog video, e.g., NTSC/PAL/SECAM/S-video, and digital video, e.g., MPEG-2 video in SDTV or HDTV format. The system has a reduced memory mode in which video images are reduced in half in horizontal direction only during decoding. The system is capable of receiving and processing digital audio signals such as MPEG Layer 1 and Layer 2 audio and Dolby AC-3 audio, as well as PCM audio signals. The system includes a memory controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Alexander G. MacInnis, Chengfuh Jeffrey Tang, Xiaodong Xie, Greg A. Kranawetter, Vivian Hsiun, Francis Cheung, Sandeep Bhatia, Ramanujan Valmiki, Sathish Kumar Radhakrishnan
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Patent number: 8023887Abstract: The present invention concerns a telecommunication network for establishing radiofrequency links between at least one gateway and ground terminals via a multispot telecommunication satellite. The network includes a service zone composed of a plurality of cells each including a plurality of ground terminals, the said service zone being split into N sub-zones, N being an integer strictly greater than 1, each sub-zone having a capacity profile evolving in time over a given period and presenting a maximum value, the said maximum values of each of the capacities being shifted with regard to time and a multispot satellite including a transponder including amplification of the signals emitted by the gateway on the forward link and the signals emitted by the cells on the return link and a continuous power supply system of the amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Eutelsat SAInventors: Hector Fenech, Emmanuel Lance
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Patent number: 8024759Abstract: A frequency translation module for delivering satellite signals to Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs). The module comprises at least one input for receiving polarized satellite signals, wherein at least one input is coupled to at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), at least one legacy output, the legacy output coupled to the input through a multiswitch, wherein each legacy output selects a polarization of a satellite signal based on a Legacy IRD command directly to the multiswitch, and at least one combined output, the combined output coupled to the multiswitch through an interface, wherein at least one new IRD selectively commands the frequency translation module such that each new IRD receives a portion of a satellite signal based on commands received from each IRD.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
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Publication number: 20110225614Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for sharing a content viewing experience among geographically separated participants. An invitation to view a common audio-video content item may be distributed to a plurality of individual clients of geographically separated participants in the content viewing experience. The invitation may include, for example, a description of the common audio-video content item, a time the common audio-video content item is available for distribution, means for accepting the invitation, and/or a comment. When an acceptance of the invitation is received, the common audio-video content item may be distributed to the individual clients of participants that accepted the invitation during the time the common audio-video content item is available for viewing. The individual clients of participants that accepted the invitation may then play the common audio-video content item under the common control of one of the clients.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: R. Michael Peters West, Robert Francis Shambro
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Patent number: 8019080Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for providing a content service. A method of providing a content service includes generating a plurality of pieces of decryption information according to a continuous period of using a broadcasting service with respect to predetermined contents, encrypting the contents, and decrypting the encrypted contents using the decryption information.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyoung-shick Kim, Myung-soo Chang, Sang-hyeon Kim
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Patent number: 8015587Abstract: A system and method for monitoring direct broadcast satellite signals. In a most general embodiment, the invention (10) includes a mechanism (20) for receiving direct broadcast wireless signals encoded in accordance with a DSS transport protocol. The received signals are analyzed with respect to various parameters and an output is provided in response thereto. In a specific embodiment, the wireless signals are transmitted via satellite and plural integrated receiver decoders (20) are used, one with an associated channel, to receive the wireless signals and provide audio, video, program guide and conditional access signals in response thereto. These signals are analyzed by software (100) running on a computer (56) which outputs alarm data on the detection of anomalies in the received signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Jason Jensen, Ronald D. Allen
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Publication number: 20110214152Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for executing applications, wherein said system is organized by layers and is designed to be used in an open broadcasting television system (land or satellite), and said system is capable of allowing the execution of applications produced by television broadcasters in the different hardware present in the Set-top Box and/or television set present at the viewer's residence.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2009Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Weber George Canova, David Estevam de Britto, Marcio Antonio Ramos Alves, Aquinaldo Rangel Boquimpani, Hernan Rafael Perrone, Alexandre de Azevedo Moreira, David Campelo, Fabiano Ramos, Heitor Jose Miranda de Almeida
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Patent number: 8005765Abstract: A method for scheduling and usage of bandwidth wherein data is transmitted to an artificial intelligence model for analysis and assigned a ranking. An event resource allocation model analyzes the ranking and determines how to compress the associated video. The event resource allocation model also determines when to compress the remotely stored video and transmit to a central data center where the video may be reviewed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: STARSAT, LLCInventors: Ken W. Anderson, Stephen A. Schwager
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Patent number: 8006271Abstract: A method includes performing Reed Solomon (RS) and Cyclic Redundancy Check encoding on mobile data and a table including access information of the data and information identifying a stream where data decryption keys are obtained, thereby forming an RS frame, which is divided into groups. Each group includes a portion of the RS frame data, known data sequences, fast information channel (FIC) data, and transmission parameter channel (TPC) data. The FIC data includes information for rapid mobile service acquisition. The TPC data includes information for indicating an FIC data update. A broadcast signal including the groups is transmitted. The RS frame size is L (rows)×N (column size of the RS frame) bytes. Each row has an M-byte header, leaving the remainder available for data. Data in the rows are packed into the rows end-to-end, with possible wrapping around at the end of each row to the next row.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Sang Kil Park, In Hwan Choi, Jae Hyung Song, Chul Soo Lee
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Patent number: 8001572Abstract: A reception system includes a baseband processor receiving a broadcasting signal including mobile service data and main service data, the mobile service data including first service data and second service data, a table handler parsing a table from an RS frame and extracting signaling information of the second service data, a frame handler extracting the second service data from the RS frame on the basis of the extracted signaling information, and a conditional access handler releasing the conditional access of the extracted second service data on the basis of conditional access information of the extracted signaling information.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Sang Kil Park, In Hwan Choi, Jae Hyung Song, Chul Soo Lee
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Patent number: 8000647Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for connecting a set-top box (STB) to the Internet over existing and future wireless networks, combining television with wireless Internet access. A conventional television is used in combination with a STB that has a wireless or wired keyboard, a power supply, and audio/visual connections for connecting the STB to the television. In an embodiment, a wireless telephone is placed in a docking station on top of the STB, providing the user with both data (when docked) and voice capabilities (when being used simply for telephone calls). CDMA, CDPD, or other wireless technologies may used for connection to the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: George E. Hill
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Patent number: 7992174Abstract: Provided are a method and system for determining system time in a satellite based cable data communication system. The system includes a satellite modem termination system configured to transmit data frames to a receiver in a predetermined symbol rate. Each frame includes a corresponding number of symbols and has a time stamp (i) indicative of the frame's time of transmission and (ii) positioned within the frame at a location common to all of the frames. The method includes receiving at least two consecutively transmitted data frames within the receiver and registering the time stamp of the first received data frame within the receiver to produce a first time stamp. Also, the time stamp of the second received data frame is registered within the receiver to produce a second time stamp. The time of transmission of the second transmitted data frame is updated, wherein the updating is a function of the first time stamp, the second time stamp, the corresponding number of symbols, and the symbol rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Alan Gin, Jen-Chieh Chien
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Patent number: 7992185Abstract: In a TS information sharing system, digital broadcast receivers and a digital-broadcast-compliant TV receive TS information separately and may transfer the received TS information to each other in a peer-to-peer manner or may transfer and store the received TS information into a server. Thus, the digital broadcast receivers and the digital-broadcast-compliant TV can retrieve, from the server, TS information that the digital broadcast receivers and/or the digital-broadcast-compliant TV have not yet received. The invention can be applied to a receiver for receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Satoshi Kanda
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Patent number: 7987486Abstract: A signal distribution and control system where signals are distributed and control signals transmitted via a single coaxial cable. Integrated Receiver/Decoder (IRD) units communicate with a Frequency Translation Module (FTM) for construction of a custom data signal for delivery to all IRDs coupled to a given FTM. The commands sent by the IRDs to control the FTM inform the FTM which signals are of interest and should be placed on the custom data signal, also called the combined IRD channels. Previously installed IRDs that cannot generate the new commands are still supported in the system via legacy ports in the multiswitch.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
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Patent number: 7979882Abstract: A method for providing a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) service to a terminal communicable with different communication networks. The DMB service method includes receiving a broadcasting program over a DMB network; receiving the broadcasting program over a Wireless Broadband (WiBro) network upon failure to receive the broadcasting program signal from the DMB network; and upon receipt of the broadcasting program signal back from the DMB network, interrupting the broadcasting program received from the WiBro network and receiving the broadcasting program over the DMB network.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joon-Young Choi, Jin Park
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Patent number: 7975281Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver and a control method thereof are disclosed. The control method of the digital broadcast receiver includes receiving a broadcast signal into which mobile service data and main service data are multiplexed, extracting transmission parameter channel (TPC) signaling information and fast information channel (FIC) signaling information from a data group in the received mobile service data, acquiring a program table describing virtual channel information and a service of an ensemble, which is a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, using the extracted FIC signaling information, selectively detecting a first message descriptor mapped with time information or a second message descriptor not mapped with time information, using the acquired program table, performing a control operation to display a message defined in the detected message descriptor.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Young Hun Song, In Hwan Choi, Chul Soo Lee, Jae Hyung Song, Min Sung Kwak
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Patent number: 7970132Abstract: A controller receives an encrypted media stream (“EMS”) and an identifier indicative of a selected content key from a headend. The EMS is encrypted with an encryption key and can be decrypted with a corresponding decryption key which is determinable from the selected content key. The controller receives indexes and content keys from the headend prior to receiving the EMS. Each index respectively corresponds to an identifier with one index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The content keys correspond to the indexes with one content key corresponding to the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The controller selects the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key upon receiving the EMS, determines the selected content key from the selected index, determines the decryption key from the selected content key, and decrypts the EMS with the decryption key.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Comcast Cable Holdings, LLCInventors: James William Fahrny, Charles L. Compton
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Patent number: 7966634Abstract: A method for information exchange, comprises the steps of producing information transmissions in a broadcast standard; sending the information live from a studio; digitizing the sent data and then transmitting the digitized data via satellite as IP multicast packets; receiving the data by a TV decoder and feeding them into a data and/or communications network; installing software on a data processing equipment, like PCs or workplace computers, in which the software, after the data processing device has been connected to the data and/or communications network, permits receiving of information transmissions and use of at least part of the functions furnished by the information transmission; dialing via a portal to access an information transmission; and using the functions furnished by the information transmission via communications connections between the data processing equipment and studio for an interactive information exchange.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Edgar Hoppe, Henning Bloch, Melanie Knoop, Jürgen Briam, Carsten Janz, Peter Bobrowski, Clemens Goeke, Kerstin Nowak, Sandra Schurz, Heiko Thoms
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Patent number: 7958531Abstract: An automatic level controlled system for delivering satellite signals to at least one Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The system includes a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, an automatic level controller, coupled to the inputs, for adjusting a signal strength associated with each the satellite signals such that each of the signal strengths are within a predetermined range, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least one input of the multiswitch is coupled to the automatic level controller, and an interface, wherein at least one of the outputs of the multiswitch provides a signal to the interface, such that at least one new IRD coupled to an output of the interface receives a portion of a satellite signal based on commands sent to the interface from the new IRD.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
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Publication number: 20110131615Abstract: A source-channel combined coding method including: determining whether a channel signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is varied or not; when it is determined that the channel SNR is varied, selecting a MODCOD suitable for the channel SNR by referring to a first table defining an SNR threshold value at which data transmission is performed without an error, for each MODCOD designating a low density parity check (LDPC) code rate and a modulation scheme; calculating a source coding rate by using an effective information bit rate of the selected MODCOD; extracting network abstraction layer (NAL) units for each layer from an inputted video frame so as to satisfy the calculated source coding rate, and packetizing the extracted NAL units; binding packets to configure a baseband (BB) frame; and LDPC coding and modulating the BB frame through the code rate and the modulation scheme which are designated by the selected MODCOD.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: In Ki LEE, Dae Ig Chang, Kwang Deok Seo, Won Sup Chi
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Patent number: 7948943Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The method includes receiving a data processing method includes receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, acquiring transmission-parameter-channel signaling information including transmission parameter information of the mobile service data, and fast-information-channel signaling information, acquiring binding information describing a relationship between at least one ensemble transferring the mobile service data and a first virtual channel contained in the at least one ensemble by decoding the fast-information-channel, and acquiring status information of the first virtual channel, displaying content data contained in the mobile service data according to the binding information and the status information of the first virtual channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jae Hyung Song, In Hwan Choi, Jong Yeul Suh, Jin Pil Kim, Chul Soo Lee
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Patent number: 7950038Abstract: Multiple systems for delivering satellite signals are described.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
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Patent number: 7945932Abstract: A bandwidth-limited system for delivering satellite video signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
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Publication number: 20110113454Abstract: A television provider receives content from a plurality of users. The user generated content is aggregated and scheduled for broadcast across a channel of the television provider. The user generated content is then broadcast at the scheduled time for reception by communication devices associated with the television provider.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Nicholas Newell, Markus Wayne Jackson
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Patent number: 7937731Abstract: A combination of new hardware at the subscriber site, hardware and services at the satellite broadcasting center and new installation procedures provide a cost-effective approach for verifying “callback” functionality. The required test and monitoring hardware may be provided as an external test CAM and call progress monitor (CPM) or integrated into the IRD. The satellite broadcast center is provided with a call responder & data test system (CRDTS) that is set up to automatically receive and evaluate test calls over a back channel and a call recording system (CRS) that records the test results and notifies the billing center of a successful installation. The installer installs the dish and IRD, verifies “callback” functionality by placing a test call that is evaluated by the CRDTS, and then calls a customer service representative (CSR) to complete the service authorization process. The CSR checks the CRS to verify that the “callback” function is operational and authorizes payment to the installer.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: James D. Allen
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Patent number: 7934234Abstract: In a digital television system, a receiver/decoder (or “set-top-box”) can download one or more of several applications which can be run by the receiver/decoder to provide interactivity with the user. The applications include: an Internet browser application which uses a PSTN connection to make Internet requests and the television signal path to receive Internet responses; a shopping application operable in an “impulse” mode and a “catalogue” mode; a banking application; a quiz application which runs in synchronization with a quiz television programme; a magazine browser application; and a weather or traffic application.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Thierry Furet, Bernard Agasse, Claire Frezal-Hugonet, Hongtao Liao, Jacques Moly, Christophe Declerck, Liang Rui Yang
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Patent number: 7934228Abstract: An apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an insertion module 166 inserting a source identifier into the plurality of signals, an encoder 182 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210 to form a combined signal. A processing system 200 compares the source identifier to an expected source. When the source identifier corresponds to the expected source, the processing system 200 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal. When the source identifier does not correspond to the expected source, the processing system 200 changes the combined signal. A modulator 214 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal. A system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Daniel M. Miner
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Publication number: 20110083152Abstract: A system and method for providing communications service to individual units of a multiple dwelling unit (“MDU”) is disclosed. The system may comprise a communications service unit configured to distribute communications signal to at least one unit of a MDU via at least one cable, wherein the at least one cable are distributed along the exterior of the MDU, one or more network interface elements communicatively coupled to the at least one cable, wherein each of the one or more network interface elements are positioned near a window of the MDU, and an antenna communicatively coupled to each of the one or more network interface elements, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit the communications signal to one or more network elements in at least one unit of the MDU.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING, INC.Inventors: Michael Anthony Centore, III, Richard Lee Harvey
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Patent number: 7904244Abstract: A location may be determined by accepting location information from at least two sources using at least two location technologies, for each set of location information from each source, adjusting the location information using at least one of (A) confidence in the source, (B) error range of the source, (C) an error model for the source, and (D) application-specific context information, and combining adjusted locations to generate a final location these location technologies assume a degree of cooperation. The location technologies may include a combination of a “tag” that is placed on the object to be tracked, and one or more receivers/transmitters that work in concert with the tag to locate the object.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Sarimo Technologies, LLCInventor: Binay Sugla
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Patent number: 7900230Abstract: An intelligent switching network for delivering satellite signals to a plurality of Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The network comprises a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least some of the inputs are coupled to the plurality of inputs and receive the satellite signals, and an interface, coupling the plurality of IRDs to the outputs of the multiswitch through the interface on a single cable, wherein the interface controls the flow of signals from the plurality of IRDs to the multiswitch and controls the flow of satellite signals to the plurality of IRDs based on commands from the IRDs to the interface.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
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Patent number: 7895630Abstract: Entertainment content is delivered in an encrypted digital format from a home base via satellite to individual lodging properties (sites) having an in-room entertainment system. Each digital file containing content (such as a movie) is accompanied by a sites file which identifies the name of the content file and the sites to which the content file is being transmitted. Each site includes a host computer, a digital content receiver, a digital content server guest terminals in the guest rooms, and a distribution network for distributing content from the digital content server to the guest terminals. The digital content receiver receives the transmitted digital content and sites files, and provides the files to the digital content server for storage and later use.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: LodgeNet Interactive CorporationInventors: Lee R. McKenna, Clay B. Meyer, James L. Fenno
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Patent number: 7895629Abstract: A system for a mobile wireless device to receive and display a video stream while preventing overflow or starvation of its receive buffer by requesting changes to the video streaming or encoding rates and by controlling the video playback frame rate. The current receive buffer level is used to make comparisons with several thresholds, the results of which are used to trigger actions. If the current receive buffer level has risen above a start level, then playback of the video can begin. If the current receive buffer level rises above an early detection threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to slow its streaming rate. If the current receive buffer level rises above a high level threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to stop streaming the video. If the current receive buffer level drops below a low level threshold, then the playback frame rate is slowed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Jun Shen, Venson Shaw
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Patent number: 7895631Abstract: Disclosed is a set-top box capable of delivering television, internet service, video phone service, video-on-demand, and other media services to a consumer. One portion of the set-top box interacts with a CDMA network for the purpose of receiving wireless internet, video-on-demand, videophone and other IP services. Another portion of the device is satellite-enabled. The satellite portion of the device enables the user to also receive satellite service. Because the set-top box works to receive satellite programming and wireless CDMA network communications, it is not terrestrially-bound. This means it is not bound to be included within a cable, telephone, or other wired circuit network.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventor: John C. Stark
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Patent number: 7890047Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a plurality of user devices 110 and a content delivery network 120 that is in communication with the plurality of user devices 110. The content delivery network 120 communicates a participation signal to each of the plurality of communication devices. The content delivery network 120 communicates a secure authorization message signal to each of the plurality of user devices. The content delivery network 120 authenticates the participation signal for each of the plurality of user devices and, after authentication, communicates the content to the plurality of users.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Deanna R. Kidd, Raynold M. Kahn
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Patent number: 7889695Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The method includes receiving a data processing method includes receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, acquiring transmission-parameter-channel signaling information including transmission parameter information of the mobile service data, and fast-information-channel signaling information, acquiring binding information describing a relationship between at least one ensemble transferring the mobile service data and a first virtual channel contained in the at least one ensemble by decoding the fast-information-channel, and acquiring status information of the first virtual channel, displaying content data contained in the mobile service data according to the binding information and the status information of the first virtual channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jae Hyung Song, In Hwan Choi, Jong Yeul Suh, Jin Pil Kim, Chul Soo Lee
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Patent number: 7870575Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing different versions of media programs is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of segmenting media program data collectively describing different versions of the media program into a plurality of media segments wherein each media segment is includes at least one component associated with one or more attributes having one or more attributes values; generating a mapping of each attribute value with a pointer to the component of the segment of the media program data having the attribute associated with the attribute value; generating a manifest from the mapping and from data describing an authorized media program version authorized for display at the display entity; and transmitting the media program data and the manifest to the display entity.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Mary A. Spio
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Publication number: 20100333131Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate secure content sharing between a plurality of receiving devices, such as set-top boxes. One embodiment is a system with a distribution server communicatively coupled via a satellite communication system to a plurality of set-top boxes that are located at different customer premises. The distribution server is operable to provide access control information via the satellite communication system to a first set-top box and a second set-top box of the plurality, with the access control information enabling the first set-top box to securely share content of the first set-top box with the second set-top box. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.Inventors: Scott Michael Parker, David C. Belt
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Patent number: 7861270Abstract: A system and method suitable for processing television signals includes a local collection facility that has a primary receiver and a primary encoder forming a broadcast signal in response to a first channel signal received at the receiver. The system also includes a remote facility having a monitoring system monitoring the local collection facility at the remote facility. A back-up receiver at the local facility tuning to the first channel, generating a back-up receiver signal for the first channel and communicating the back-up receiver signal to the remote facility from the local collection facility. The monitoring system displays the back-up receiver signal. The remote facility switches the broadcast signal to correspond to the back-up receiver signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Darren M. St. Laurent, Daniel M. Miner, David T. Boltz, Carl D. Ostrom, Mitchell B. Wasden
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Patent number: 7861279Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for increasing a channel change speed in a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) receiving terminal. The apparatus includes a DMB buffering unit for buffering DMB data, a DMB extractor for extracting only DMB data of a currently set channel, and a controller for setting a changed channel into a DMB signal-receiving unit so that a DMB program can be output using extracted DMB data. DMB data output from the DMB signal-receiving unit is stored in the DMB buffering unit, and DMB data according to a channel set by the user is extracted. Thus, a channel change can be performed without stopping or restarting a DMB receiving operation of the DMB receiving unit, and the time required for the channel change is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventor: Hyung-Jun Kim
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Patent number: 7856002Abstract: A system and method for wireless communication having a device coordinator selection capability are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises determining a coordinator priority of each device based on a static priority table, the table assigning a priority to each type of devices. The method further comprises selecting a first device among the plurality of devices as the coordinator based at least in part on the coordinator priority of each device, and a coordinator candidate from the plurality of devices except the current coordinator, based on the coordinator priority of each device and probing results.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiangping Qin, Harkirat Singh, Huai-Rong Shao, Chiu Ngo
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Patent number: 7840178Abstract: A media broadcast and distribution system is disclosed which substitutes storage for communications, allowing more efficient use of scarce bandwidth resources. One embodiment allows a terrestrial FM broadcaster to offer a larger number of higher quality audio channels than current satellite radio services such as Sirius and XM Satellite Radio. This embodiment also has features that offer a better user experience than with personal audio devices such as Apple's iPod™. Another embodiment allows satellite radio services to expand their video offerings.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Inventor: Martin Edward Hellman
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Patent number: 7835692Abstract: A communication system and method of communicating signals to a plurality of different types of receivers is provided. The communication system includes at least one transmitter that transmits a high priority signal and a low priority signal that are hierarchically modulated and transmitted as a single frequency network. At least one satellite receives and re-transmits at least one of the high priority and low priority signals. At least one of the plurality of receivers include a processor that performs the steps of storing the hierarchically modulated signal, demodulating the high priority signal from the hierarchically modulated signal, decoding the demodulated high priority signal, re-encoding the high priority signal, and processing the stored hierarchically modulated signal based upon the re-encoded high priority signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Glenn A. Walker, Eric A. Dibiaso
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Patent number: 7836470Abstract: System and method of common synchronisation for bursts transmitted over an uplink connection in an integrated multispot satellite communication system (S) in a multimedia broadcasting network for setting up bi-directional communication with a satellite with return channel. The common burst synchronisation (4) is produced in such a way that the transmission rate in the downlink direction (P2; U2; C2) from the satellite is a whole multiple of the network clock reference.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Fernando Ortega Rodriguez, Maria Africa Rodriguez Martinez
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Patent number: 7822381Abstract: A system is provided for generating a remapped audio stream at digital audio broadcast radios from a first audio stream using content insertion to allow tiered subscription services. A remapped audio stream is rebranded by extracting segments from the first audio stream relating to channel identification segments and disk jockey talking segments and replacing them with stored audio items (e.g., commercials, different channel identification segments and different disk jockey talking segments). Stored audio items for insertion are broadcast to the radios with messages for controlling the scheduling of insertion at the radios, and the storage and deletion of these audio segments at the radios. Stored audio items and messages can be sent using a different, localized broadcast system from that used to transmit the source audio stream to permit market-specific commercial insertion. Group file format for delivery permits intermittently used radios to receive the stored audio items and messages.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: XM Satellite Radio Inc.Inventors: G. David Mantel, Paul D. Marko
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Publication number: 20100269143Abstract: A novel system and method for electronic delivery of command, control information to many land and aerial devices, simultaneously or individually, and transmission of video, audio, location, and other information from devices to user defined entities such as network management centers, and devices over defined geographic areas utilizing inter-connected communications satellites. Satellites receive data packets which may include command, control, monitoring, video, audio, sensor, graphics, response, and other data, redistributes them to multiple destination addresses within other systems and subsystems and radiates source power to devices. Display centers receive video, audio, and sensor data, stores the data files for playback on command, and creates maps utilizing geographic information software and other displays suitable for electronic displays. Operators are able to view and hear video camera output in real-time, or delayed, and issue commands, in any geographic area where devices are present.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventor: Irving Rabowsky
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Publication number: 20100262999Abstract: Programming stream communication systems and methods are operable to communicate programming streams to a media transmit facility. An exemplary embodiment receives at the media transmit facility a first packetized programming stream (PPS), the first PPS including a first programming stream (PS) generated by a first local programming provider (LPP); receives at the media transmit facility a second PPS, the second PPS including a second PS generated by a second LPP; multiplexes the first PS and the second PS into a transport channel; and communicates the transport channel from the media transmit facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Martin Curran