Receiver Patents (Class 725/68)
  • Patent number: 8621525
    Abstract: Multiple systems for delivering satellite video signals are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a module comprising a multiswitch, the multiswitch selectively directing the satellite video signals to a plurality of outputs of the multiswitch, an interface for delivering the satellite video signals to at least one receiver, and a power inserter, coupled between the interface and the at least one receiver, for controlling the flow of signals between the multiswitch and the at least one receiver, wherein the power inserter continuously flows the satellite video signals to the at least one receiver while selectively flowing commands between the module and the at least one receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
  • Patent number: 8621530
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a group of user receiving devices includes a local headend in communication with the group of user receiving devices through a local network. A management control system of the local headend generates a control signal and simultaneously communicates the control signal to the group of user receiving devices through the local network. The group of user receiving devices is controlled in response to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge H. Guzman, Drew T. Chen, Richard B. Tatem
  • Patent number: 8615780
    Abstract: An Internet protocol low noise block downconverter (IP LNB) assembly, which is within a satellite reception assembly, may be operable to determine location information and/or time information of the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may provide services based on the determined location information and/or the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly. The location information and/or the time information of the IP LNB assembly may be determined via a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module in the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may communicate the determined location information and/or the determined time information to a wireless communication device for determining location information of the wireless communication device. The IP LNB assembly may determine location information of a wireless source device based on a signal received from the wireless source device, the determined location information and the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Curtis Ling, Timothy Gallagher, Glenn Chang
  • Publication number: 20130340007
    Abstract: A method, computer program, and reception apparatus, and information providing apparatus. The method includes receiving content from a content source, and displaying the received content on a display. The reception apparatus 20 receives a first trigger associated with the received content. The reception apparatus retrieves a trigger parameters table (TPT) based on the first trigger. The TPT includes at least one event associated with one or a combination of a trigger identifier and a first media time of the received content, and is stored in a memory of the reception apparatus. Further, the reception apparatus determines whether to process the at least one event included in the TPT based on one or a combination of a protocol version and one or more capabilities defined in the TPT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Mark EYER
  • Patent number: 8611809
    Abstract: A broadcast satellite single wire interface comprises a low noise block amplifier module having multiple outputs, a plurality of filter banks, each filter bank coupled to each of the outputs of the low noise block amplifier module in a respective fashion and comprising a plurality of filters, and a plurality of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, each A/D converter coupled to a filter in the plurality of filters in the plurality of filter banks in a respective fashion, wherein the A/D converters directly sample incoming downconverted broadcast satellite signals and the sampled incoming downconverted broadcast signals are output on a single wire in a stacked output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Popoli
  • Publication number: 20130332967
    Abstract: A signal reception assembly may comprise a housing configured to support receipt and handling of a plurality of signals, including signals from different sources. The different sources may correspond to satellite and non-satellite (e.g., terrestrial) broadcasts. The signal reception assembly may comprise a satellite reception assembly. The housing may comprise circuitry incorporating an integrated stacking architecture for supporting and/or providing channel and/or band stacking whereby particular channels or bands, from satellite signals that are received via a satellite capturing component (e.g., satellite dish) and from terrestrial signals that are received via a terrestrial reception component (e.g., diversity terrestrial antenna), may be combined onto a single output signal that may be communicated from the signal reception assembly to a gateway device (e.g., STB).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Glenn Chang
  • Patent number: 8606193
    Abstract: An RF transceiver integrated circuit has a novel segmented, low parasitic capacitance, internal loopback conductor usable for conducting IP2 self testing and/or calibration. In a first novel aspect, the transmit mixer of the transceiver is a current mode output mixer. The receive mixer is a passive mixer that has a low input impedance. In the loopback mode, the transmit mixer drives a two tone current signal to the passive mixer via the loopback conductor. In a second novel aspect, only one quadrature branch of the transmit mixer is used to generate both tones required for carrying out an IP2 test. In a third novel aspect, a first calibration test is performed using one quadrature branch of the transmit mixer at the same time that a second calibration test is performed using the other quadrature branch, thereby reducing loopback test time and power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jin-Su Ko, Michael Kohlmann, Bahman Ahrari
  • Patent number: 8601517
    Abstract: A method for reestablishing presentation of a paused media program is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) located in a building can have a controller element that presents a media program to a media device operable only in the building, pauses presentation of the media program responsive to a pause request, generates a departure mark that identifies a presentation point in the media program associated with the pause request, receives a request to resume presentation of the media program from the departure mark at a portable communication device capable of maintaining communications with the STB outside the building, and transmits to the portable communication device a presentation of the media program from the departure mark. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Juan Cordoba
  • Patent number: 8572661
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for receiving satellite television signals. A centralized system component may be provided in association with the satellite antenna. The centralized system component includes at least one or more tuners and one or more demodulators. The centralized component may provide output through a network adaptor that provides output through a single output, which is a coaxial cable in one embodiment. The centralized component may send output in the form of packetized data directed to one or more set-top boxes by way of a network transaction. The set-top box or boxes may be operable to receive the network transaction and to process the data, as appropriate, for display on a TV/monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Stephen Strong, Frederick R. Tuck, Daniel Alexander Landreth
  • Publication number: 20130283322
    Abstract: The component, fully integrated onto a monolithic substrate, includes a tuner, a demodulator, and a channel decoder. The overall filtering is carried out in two parts, a baseband analog filtering and a digital Nyquist filtering removing the information of adjacent channels. It outputs a stream of MPEG data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: PIERRE BUSSON, BERNARD LOUIS-GAVET, PIERRE-OLIVIER JOUFFRE
  • Patent number: 8566882
    Abstract: Systems, method and apparatus are described for facilitating the collection of data from television receivers. First and second television receivers exchange data over a wireless communication link. The first television receiver transmits the data received from the second television receiver to a data collection system associated with a television provider. The data collection system processes the received data to analyze the operation of the second television receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Rajiv Singh Cullen Pal
  • Patent number: 8559871
    Abstract: Provided are a satellite VSAT apparatus and a control method thereof. The satellite VSAT apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can switch a modulation type of a signal to be transmitted from an indoor unit (IDU) to the outdoor unit to a linear or non-linear type in a case in which outputting of a transmitted signal is not controlled to an outdoor unit due to limitations, that is, there is no function such as an automatic signal level control in a block up-converter (BUC), a case in which transmission output limitation is large due to a lot of interference requirements for an adjacent channel, a case in which the number of adjacent channels (carriers) is large, or a case in which adjacent channel interference is large due to a frequency in a satellite multi-beam environment and polarization reuse, in a satellite VSAT apparatus system which aims at a low-priced user terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Pan Soo Kim, Jae Hee Han, Dae Ig Chang, Ho Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20130268978
    Abstract: A multiband receiver comprising an integrated diversity antenna system is operable to receive satellite and terrestrial television. The multiband receiver captures spectrum comprising satellite television channels and/or terrestrial television channels and demodulate the satellite television channels and/or the terrestrial television channels. The diversity antenna system is integrated on a board or substrate within the multiband receiver. The multiband receiver discriminates between satellite television signals and non-satellite television signals in the captured spectrum and also discriminates between the terrestrial television signals and non-terrestrial television signals in the captured spectrum. The multiband receiver generates output satellite television channel content from the demodulated satellite television channels and also generates output terrestrial television channel content from the demodulated terrestrial television channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Alan Trerise, Curtis Ling
  • Publication number: 20130268977
    Abstract: A satellite television system comprises a satellite dish, a terrestrial television receiver integrated within the satellite dish, and an integrated satellite and terrestrial TV set-top box. The satellite dish integrated satellite and terrestrial TV set-top box receive satellite television signals via the satellite dish and receive processed terrestrial television signals from the terrestrial television receiver integrated within the satellite dish. The satellite dish integrated satellite and terrestrial TV set-top box generate output satellite television channel content from the received satellite television signals and output terrestrial television channel content from the processed terrestrial television signals. The terrestrial television receiver may comprise a plurality of integrated demodulators and the terrestrial television receiver capture, utilizing a plurality of integrated demodulators, a corresponding plurality of terrestrial television channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Curtis Ling, Glenn Chang
  • Publication number: 20130268979
    Abstract: An electronic device may be operable to sample a signal during an analog-to-digital conversion using an analog-to-digital converter in the electronic device, and the signal may comprise a wide bandwidth and a plurality of channels. The electronic device may adaptively change a sample rate of the sampling to move aliasing out of a region of one or more desired channels of the plurality of channels. The electronic device may change the sample rate using a variable oscillator in the electronic device. The change of the sample rate may comprise, for example, increasing or decreasing the sample rate by a particular percentage. In response to the change of the sample rate, the electronic device may perform, using a variable rate interpolator in the electronic device, variable rate interpolation. The variable rate interpolator may comprise, for example, a finite impulse response filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: MaxLinear, Inc.
    Inventors: Raja Pullela, Glenn Chang
  • Patent number: 8549566
    Abstract: A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing an NRT service in a broadcast receiver includes receiving and processing a signaling information table including detail information of each content in the NRT service and indication information indicating whether the content is available on internet, acquiring internet access information of each file belonging to content available on the internet through File Delivery Table (FDT) of File Delivery over Unidirection Transport (FLUTE) based on the indication information, and downloading files belonging to the content by accessing the internet based on the acquired internet access information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Yeul Suh, Gomer Thomas, Jae Hyung Song, Jin Pil Kim, Ho Taek Hong, Joon Hui Lee
  • Patent number: 8549564
    Abstract: A wireless access system comprises a base station and a control system. The base station wirelessly broadcasts a pilot signal including a network access provider identifier that identifies a wireless video service. The base station wirelessly receives a wireless video uplink request from a wireless video device in response to the pilot signal. The control system processes reservation data for the base station to determine if the wireless video device has a current wireless video uplink reservation and directs the base station to provide a wireless video uplink to the wireless video device if the wireless video device has the current wireless video uplink reservation. The base station wirelessly receives video data from the wireless video device over the wireless video uplink as directed by the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: John Michael Everson, Jarrod A. Nichols, Jason R. Delker, Bradley Allen Kropf
  • Patent number: 8549565
    Abstract: Multiple systems for delivering satellite signals are described. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention comprises a receive antenna, including at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), and a module, coupled to and proximate the receive antenna, the module comprising a multiswitch, coupled to the LNB, for directing the satellite signals received by the LNB to a plurality of outputs of the multiswitch, a plurality of tuners, respectively coupled to the outputs of the multiswitch, for tuning to a plurality of specific portions of the satellite signals in a respective fashion, the specific portions of the satellite signals selected based on commands received from a plurality of receivers, and an interface for delivering the specific portions of the satellite signals to the plurality of receivers, wherein the specific portions of the satellite signals are combined into a single combined signal and delivered to the plurality of receivers on a single output of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
  • Publication number: 20130247115
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a selection of a television program to record may be received by a television receiver. The television program may be broadcast on a first television channel and as part of a first transponder stream. A plurality of television channels that are transmitted as part of the first transponder stream may be determined. A user interface may be presented that permits a user to select from the plurality of television channels transmitted on the first transponder stream. A selection of a second television channel from the plurality of television channels may be received. In response to the selection of the first television program to record and the selection of the second television channel from the plurality of television channels, record the first television channel and the second television channel via a single tuner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Danny Jean Minnick
  • Publication number: 20130239152
    Abstract: A system includes a converter to receive a receiving a satellite signal at first transport frequencies and to convert the satellite signal to second transport frequencies and a processor. The processor removes a radio frequency portion from the satellite signal without altering a sequence of media contents of a moving picture experts group portion of the satellite signal and without altering a quality of the media contents of the moving picture experts group portion. The processor determines whether the media contents include an error and corrects the error in the moving picture experts group portion with error correction data of the satellite signal. The processor encrypts the media contents to produce an encrypted digital moving picture experts group transport stream signal. The processor also sends the encrypted digital moving picture experts group transport stream signal to a modulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. (formerly known as SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.)
    Inventor: AT& T Intellectual Property I, L.P. (formerly known as SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.)
  • Patent number: 8528025
    Abstract: An apparatus coupled to, or integrated with, a tuner. This apparatus, which may be referred to herein as a “compensator,” may operate to adjust a frequency of the tuner to counteract drift or error that may cause the tuner to erroneously tune to an inaccurate or undesired frequency. The compensator may be implemented as hardware or software, and may be stand-alone or integrated into the tuner and/or LNBF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Edmund F. Petruzzelli
  • Patent number: 8522037
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for user authentication required for conducting online financial institution transactions. The disclosed embodiments leverage the capabilities of platforms other than conventional personal computers and laptops, such as gaming consoles and wireless devices. Unique intrinsic user activities, such as controller motions or activities, built-in hardware signatures or other input data are used as the authentication mechanism, so as to provide a higher degree of security in the overall authentication process by lessening the likelihood of password replication or interception during network communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel P. Shnowske, William Treadwell, Todd Keith Inskeep, Helene Urban Mele
  • Publication number: 20130219436
    Abstract: An equipment (4) for video TV/radio signal and data reception systems adapted to be connected to at least one aerial (2), which transmits a signal to it, and to be connected by means of a single cable (12) to a user (16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16n) is described. According to the invention, said equipment (4) comprises a satellite/terrestrial receiver (5) for each user (16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16n), said receiver (5) sending out a channel (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7n) associated exclusively with a frequency band (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9n) and said frequency band (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9n) being associated exclusively with a user (16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e) and said equipment (4) comprising means adapted (17) to remotely change said outgoing channel (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7n) from the satellite/terrestrial receiver (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Karl Mantinger
  • Publication number: 20130219435
    Abstract: Various arrangements for television channel tuning are presented. Receiving equipment may receive an indication of a first television channel for tuning. The receiving equipment may determine the first television channel is not available. A second television channel that carries the same content as the first television channel may be identified. The second television channel may be available for tuning. The receiving equipment may tune to the second television channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventor: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
  • Patent number: 8495695
    Abstract: A digital broadcasting system for transmitting/receiving a digital broadcasting signal and a data processing method are disclosed. A program table information has an identifier identifying mobile service data and main service data in a broadcasting signal. The program table information is multiplexed with the mobile service data and main service data. Then, broadcast receiving system can receive and output the mobile service data by parsing the program table information and using the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Pil Kim, In Hwan Choi, Kook Yeon Kwak, Byoung Gill Kim, Jin Woo Kim, Hyoung Gon Lee, Jong Moon Kim, Won Gyu Song
  • Publication number: 20130179927
    Abstract: A network module receives network global positioning system (GPS) signals and that transmits a video signal to a remote device that includes time stamps that are based on the network GPS signals. The network module receives a device parameter from the remote device that indicates that local GPS signals are available to the remote device. The network module reduces a frequency of the time stamps when the device parameter indicates that local GPS signals are available to the remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventor: BROADCOM CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8479234
    Abstract: A system of local television signals includes a plurality of local collection facilities. Each a local collection facilities includes a plurality of primary receiver decoder circuit modules comprising a first receiver decoder circuit module. The first receiver decoder circuit module receives a first channel signal and forms a first decoded signal. The local collection facility also includes an encoder in communication with the first receiver decoder circuit module forming an encoded signal. A multiplexer multiplexing the first encoded signal into a multiplexed signal and a network switch communicating the multiplexed signal through a network. Collectively, the plurality of local collection facilities communicates a plurality of multiplexed signals through the network. The system also includes a remote collection facility in communication with the plurality of local collection facilities that generate an output signal in response to the plurality of multiplexed signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren M. St. Laurent, Daniel M. Miner, David T. Boltz, Carl D. Ostrom, Mitchell B. Wasden
  • Publication number: 20130160059
    Abstract: A data delivery system leverages existing satellite infrastructure to deliver massive data sets (e.g., genomic data) to last-mile, remote or rural, locations. The system repurposes existing high-capacity satellite links normally used to broadcast entertainment content by creating customized channels specifically adapted to delivering large data sets to be stored upon computer systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: NANT HOLDINGS IP, LLC
    Inventor: Nant Holdings IP, LLC.
  • Patent number: 8458750
    Abstract: In one form, the present teachings provide a method and apparatus for broadcasting an event. The method includes receiving data related to an event via an uplink. Another aspect of the method includes determining whether the data is broadcast on a recurring basis. The method also includes determining whether a transponder channel associated with multiplexed program channels has any unused data or bandwidth to broadcast a portion of the data along with the multiplexed program channels. Additionally, the method includes broadcasting the portion of the data in a data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Echostar Technologies LLC
    Inventor: David Christopher St. John-Larkin
  • Patent number: 8458752
    Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Sik Yun, In Hwan Choi, Kook Yeon Kwak, Hyoung Gon Lee, Won Gyu Song, Jin Pil Kim, Jong Moon Kim, Jin Woo Kim, Byoung Gill Kim
  • Patent number: 8452228
    Abstract: A media device including includes a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media from a plurality of broadcast sources where the broadcast receiver is tunable to a first broadcast source. The media device also includes a data store that stores a list of contact identifiers where each contact identifier is associated with a broadcast source. The media device includes a user interface that: i) provides a prompt to a user to enable the user to initiate contact with the first broadcast source, and ii) receives a user indication to initiate contact with the first broadcast source. The media device further includes a transceiver that initiates the contact with the first broadcast source by sending a communications session request via a communications network to the first broadcast source that includes a contact identifier associated with the first broadcast source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Allen P. Haughay, Jr., Ryan Perry
  • Publication number: 20130133012
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a home cable network may comprise, for example, in a premises-based wired network (network), receiving by a root node network controller (NC), signals that conform to first protocols, where the signals may be received from sources external to the premises. The received signals may be bridged to conform to a second communications protocol and communicated to one or more networked devices comprising a television set top box downstream from the root node device where, for example, only signals conforming to the second communications protocol may be communicated. The first protocol signals may comprise data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), cable television, satellite television, fiber-to-the-home, and/or digital subscriber (DSL) signals. The second communications protocol may, for example, comprise a multimedia over cable alliance (MoCA) standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Curtis Ling, Timothy Gallagher
  • Patent number: 8443412
    Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A time zone identifier is inserted into program table information of a broadcasting signal and the broadcasting signal is transmitted/received. The digital broadcasting system can calculate a local time of a region, in which the digital broadcasting system is located, using the time zone identifier. Accordingly, although the position of the digital broadcasting system is changed, it is possible to process the broadcasting signal related to the local time without an error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Hyung Song, In Hwan Choi, Kook Yeon Kwak, Byoung Gill Kim, Won Gyu Song, Jin Pil Kim, Jin Woo Kim, Hyoung Gon Lee, Jong Moon Kim
  • Patent number: 8442584
    Abstract: Provided are a method and an accessory apparatus for receiving and reproducing DMB data. The DMB accessory apparatus receives DMB data, converts data formats of the received DMB data into multimedia data formats which can be reproduced by a typical mobile terminal, and transmits the DMB data converted into the mobile terminal reproducible data formats to the mobile terminal. Accordingly, even a mobile terminal, which does not have a function of receiving and reproducing DMB data, can reproduce the DMB data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Seong-Han Jeong, Ki-Tae Lee, Gi-Sok Oh
  • Patent number: 8427588
    Abstract: A TV receiver transmits video data from its tuner unit to its monitor unit via wireless transmission by using a channel shared with radar. When the tuner unit receives a program to be viewed, a recorder/player starts recording of the received program. When wireless transmission of the received program cannot be started on time at the program start time because of detecting an unused channel for wireless transmission, or when a radar wave in the shared channel is detected after starting wireless transmission and then wireless data transmission is interrupted, the recorder/player plays back on a time-shift basis the program recorded on the recording medium, and the program data played back is transmitted to the monitor unit. The TV receiver is capable of preventing the user from missing a program that he wants to view even when wireless data transmission is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunobu Kimura
  • Patent number: 8422982
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for energizing a multi-channel LNBF containing multiple LNB(s) the LNBF connected to multiple IRDs. The number of IRDs present is detected. If more than one IRD is present, all LNBs are energized. If only one IRD is detected, power sufficient to supply the LNB the IRD has selected is supplied. Identification of which LNB the single IRD has selected may be determined by monitoring the presence of a desired voltage, frequency tone, and or series of frequency tones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Raven NC LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Baird, Jonathan Walker
  • Patent number: 8422648
    Abstract: A method for providing text messaging services to subscribers in a telecommunications network is presented. Each of the subscribers has subscriber equipment that includes a telephone and television equipment. The method includes receiving first key stroke data corresponding to at least one text character associated with a text message, the first key stroke data having been input by the subscriber on a telephone, and providing first text prediction data, obtained from a lookup of the first key stroke data in a text prediction database, for display via the television equipment, the first text prediction data including predicted text for the text character in the text message being created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Metaswitch Networks Ltd
    Inventor: Chris Mairs
  • Patent number: 8418210
    Abstract: A satellite television ground system, particularly for a make or break satellite television signal system, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are in communication with each other via a single coaxial cable and an optional separate single conductor for power. The satellite television ground system is operative to measure and reverse frequency conversion errors utilizing DSP techniques, allowing for more precise generation and transmission of uplink signals from the satellite television ground system. Control data for the system is sent via a low data rate connection on a power cable thereof, or by a narrowband signaling channel via a coax cable. The system also utilizes a single reference oscillator to drive the various frequency synthesizers and the like. The satellite television ground system utilizes related oscillators for the uplink and downlink sections. Carrier frequency offset in the downlink is measured in a carrier tracking loop part of a television signal demodulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Paul Gothard Knutson, Kumar Ramaswamy, Max Ward Muterspaugh
  • Patent number: 8411798
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a receiver. A group identifier or modulation and coding scheme is sent in a physical layer header. This group identifier or modulation and coding scheme, or both, determine whether the corresponding physical layer frame should be fully demodulated and decoded. If it is not necessary to fully demodulate and decode the physical layer frame, the receiver may disable its demodulator, decoder, or both. This results in a power savings. A hub device sends the group identifier or modulation and coding scheme in the physical layer header. This allows receivers that are not addressed by the group identifier, or modulation and coding scheme, to disable at least a portion of their circuitry. Disabling at least a portion of circuitry saves power consumption and dissipation. The hub device may also send control messages to tell the receiver which group identifiers, or modulation and coding schemes, they should respond to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Aakash Sahai, David Meyer
  • Patent number: 8387104
    Abstract: A method and a device for transmitting a transport stream according to a digital television-transmission standard for stationary and/or mobile receivers with program and service data for a national and a regional broadcast determines the transmission capacity in the transport stream provided in each case for the national and the regional broadcast through a first multiplexer within a centrally positioned headend. The first multiplexer then fills the transport stream with program and service data for national broadcast within the transmission capacity of the transport stream provided for the broadcast and marks the transmission capacity provided within the transport stream for the regional broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Rusch-Ihwe, Norman Herzog
  • Patent number: 8381251
    Abstract: A method and device for test receiving alternative reception frequencies without interrupting the reception of specific user terminating information by use of only one reception chain. In certain information streams, such as that of a terrestial digital video broadcasting system (DVB-T), there is no provisions for time slots when an alternative reception frequency can be test received without interrupting flow of information. According to the invention the continuous flow of information is classified into specific user terminating information which is desired by the receiver in question, or user of, and into other information. The behavior of the specific user terminating information is used to determine when an interruption of the other information can occur for test receptions of alternative reception frequencies without interrupting the reception of the specific user terminating information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: TB Invent AB
    Inventor: Anders Lindberg
  • Patent number: 8381260
    Abstract: A media content receiver receives a message including an address. The receiver processes the address to determine whether the address is associated with the media content receiver. Additionally, if a removable circuit device is installed in the receiver, the receiver processes the address to determine whether the address is associated with the installed removable circuit device. If the address is associated with the media content receiver, the receiver processes the message. If the address is associated with the removable circuit device, the receiver transfers the message to the removable circuit device, which then processes the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Nicholas Brandon Newell
  • Publication number: 20130042280
    Abstract: While receiving content from a source via a first connection, a receiver determines the connection is interrupted, selects an alternative source, and continues to receive the content from the alternative source via a second connection. In some implementations, the alternative source may be a server. In implementations, the alternative source may be additional receivers configured in a peer-to-peer arrangement. In various implementations, after the receiver determines that the first connection is interrupted, the receiver may utilize the second connection until finished receiving the content, continue receiving the content utilizing the first connection once no longer interrupted, or determine that the second connection is interrupted and select an additional alterative source to continue receiving the content from via a third connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mi Chen
  • Publication number: 20130019270
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an integrated antenna and satellite dish. Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus, including a satellite dish, a wireless antenna coupled to the satellite dish and a coupling box communicatively coupled to the satellite dish and the wireless antenna. Additional exemplary embodiments include a content communication method, including receiving a satellite signal, receiving a first wireless signal, performing coupling box processing on the satellite signal and the wireless signal, transmitting the satellite signal and the wireless signal to a set top box and performing set top box processing on the satellite signal and wireless signal. Further exemplary embodiments include a content communication system, including a satellite dish for receiving content from a satellite, a wireless antenna for receiving content from a wireless network and a coupling box for processing the content from the satellite and the content from the wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Zellner, Neale Hightower, SR.
  • Patent number: 8356321
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling receiving circuit module includes a remote facility, an IP network and a local collection facility in communication with the remote facility through the IP network. The local collection facility includes a plurality of primary receiving circuit modules having a first encoder. The local collection facility generates a receiving circuit module monitoring signal. The local collection facility communicates the monitoring signal to the remote facility through the IP network. The monitoring system generates a receiving circuit module control signal in response to the monitoring signal communicates the receiving circuit module control signal to the receiving circuit module through the IP network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoang D. Pham, Jeanet C. Mika, Douglas E. Ribordy, Daniel M. Miner
  • Patent number: 8340709
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication device including: a cable port to which an external device is connected; a reading unit that reads identification information from the external device; a determination unit that determines whether the external device is the source-side wireless communication device; an authentication memory unit that performs an authentication process with the source-side wireless communication device; a wireless communication unit that performs a wireless communication with the source-side wireless communication device; and a physical address processing unit that controls the source-side wireless communication device to store a physical address of a source-side device calculated based on from the read identification information of the sink-side device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tomokazu Yuasa
  • Patent number: 8340654
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for display and control of video data on a mobile device provides simultaneous multiple video data display of groups of video sources and selection of video data for single, larger viewing. Control of the camera source of the video data is provided for the mobile device user, such as by manipulation of a multi-touch sensitive screen to pan, tilt and zoom. Image capture from the video screen and marking of the captured image is provided. Activation of video data streams and groups of video data streams for display on the mobile device is provided by transfer of activation information to the mobile device via email. Notification of events monitored by the video source or by other sensors is sent to users of the mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Lextech Labs LLC
    Inventors: R. Alex Bratton, Nathan Robbins Petersen
  • Patent number: 8331849
    Abstract: A method for managing a digital multimedia broadcasting channel includes receiving a broadcast data frame that includes an occurrence change field, and performing a service update responsive to reconfiguration version data defined within the occurrence change field. Alternatively, the method includes transmitting a broadcast data frame that includes an occurrence change field, and causing a receiving terminal to perform a service update for a new channel responsive to reconfiguration version data defined within the occurrence change field. A digital multimedia broadcast terminal includes a receiver for receiving a broadcast data frame that includes an occurrence change field, and a controller configured to generate a control signal causing a service update responsive to reconfiguration version data defined within the occurrence change field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hye Won Eum
  • Patent number: 8325277
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display; a receiver which receives a broadcasting signal including a program with a data format; an image processing part which processes the received program according to an available data format; and a controller which controls the image processing part to display a message informing that both data formats are not matched on the display if the data format of the received program is not matched with the available data format to be processed by the image processing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeon-jung Choi, Dong-il Mo
  • Patent number: 8327413
    Abstract: A digital cable broadcast processing apparatus and a method thereof. A power supply supplies power, and an out-of-band (OOB) receiver receives additional OOB information from a transmission system. A cable card to descramble the received OOB information is mounted in an interface, and a controller controls the power supply in accordance with the presence and absence of the cable card, and accordingly controls the power supply to the OOB receiver. Whether or not the cable card is mounted is determined, and power is cut off or supplied in accordance with the result of the determination. As a result, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented when the cable card is not mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-yong Son