Abstract: A Download Control Message instructs a set-top terminal in a cable television system to located and immediately begin downloading a code or other data object available over the cable system. The Download Control Message specifies, for example, the size, name, version and location (URL or transport stream and PID) of the object to be acquired by the set-top terminal. The terminal accordingly can begin immediate acquisition of the object. An address or other characteristic associated with the Download Control Message allows the system operator to target the Message to a particular set-top terminal or group of terminals.

Abstract: An on-demand server configured to dynamically control and optimize memory utilization while minimizing access to disk storage by monitoring content addressable memory (CAM) usage so as to remove the content from resident CAM memory and page the same adaptively and to eliminate creating separate files for trick playback of content streamed to a customer. The method and system dynamically uses the current concurrency count of the contents to optimize memory utilization so as to swap content in and out of memory as the concurrency values change in conjunction with an on-demand memory based server to provided advantages of optimizing the usage of server resources.

Abstract: Methods are described for identifying a dominant impairment on a communication channel impaired by an interference issue. The methods include systematic examination of total power loading, systematic examination of signal power reduction, statistical examination of communication channel noise power, and systematic examination of interleaver effectiveness. Each relates to automatically diagnosing and characterizing distortion-based interference issues by monitoring the performance of a communication channel during a testing procedure. These methods enable a technician or engineer to remotely diagnose distortion-based interference issues relatively quickly without having to use external test equipment and without having to deploy technicians to various locations within the cable plant. A system by which these methods can be implemented is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (200) for delivering conditional access information to a conditional access controlled device (120) incompatible with the conditional access transmission protocol. The conditional access information is delivered through a conditional access controlled device (110) compatible with the conditional access transmission protocol via a home network connection (130) between the conditional access controlled devices and according to a home network transmission protocol with which both conditional access controlled devices are compatible.

Abstract: Information needed to generate an encoded version of a matrix of j transform coefficients c0 . . . cj?1 representing a block of digital video data is determined by forming a numerical signature ? of the matrix and looking up a value for the information needed in an array employing the signature ? as an index to the array.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for reserving a set of requested rights. In one example, the digital rights data associated with digital content information is found in a remaining rights file using a license index. A portion of the digital rights data is subsequently reserved. A determination is made as to whether a content download associated with the digital content information is successful. If the content download is unsuccessful, then the reserved portion of the digital rights data is cancelled. Alternatively, if the content download is successful, then the remaining rights file is updated to reflect a use of the portion of the digital rights data.

Abstract: Multiple public/private key pairs of varying levels of security are used to provide a high level of security while still allowing fast processing of encrypted information. The lower-security level includes keys that are small in length, that are changed relatively often, and that require less or fewer resources to implement their functions. When it is required to change key pairs of low security, a key pair at a higher security level (i.e., longer length keys) than the lower-security level keys is used to transfer the new lower-security public keys to devices using those keys. The higher-security keys can, in turn, be changed at a frequency lower than the lower-security keys. The higher-security keys require a higher level of resources to perform their coding operations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing a secured system time reference to a subscriber device, e.g., a set top box or a receiver. In one embodiment, the system time reference is provided in a secure system time message that is broadcasted to a plurality of subscriber devices. Each subscriber device has a security device or software application that is capable of determining whether the received system time reference is legitimate. If the system time reference is determined to be legitimate, a local time reference is synchronized with said received system time reference.

Abstract: A system and method are described in which power is inductively supplied to a product or a package containing a product. This power is received via a coil and used by a light source to further enhance the presentation of the product or packaging. The illuminated light draws more attention to the product or package and thereby increases the probability that a prospective buyer will buy the product. Power is supplied to the package via a coil mounted to a shelf system. The frequency of the power supplied to the shelf coil may be changed to change the frequency at which the light source in the product or package illuminates.

Abstract: An on-demand server system herein includes a memory controller that coordinates access to one or more flash-based memory devices. The flash devices store large amounts of video content that can be selectively viewed on-demand by each of multiple destinations over a respective network. In addition to having access to an array of flash memory devices, the memory controller has access to a corresponding read buffer and write buffer. Use of the read buffer and the write buffer enable the memory controller to switch between transferring data stored in the write buffer to the array of memory devices and transferring the data in the array of memory devices to the read buffer. The write buffer stores on-demand video content that can be selected for viewing by different users. The read buffer stores segments of the on-demand video content currently streamed to the users.

Abstract: A method for sending a variable length response message in a master-slave communication system begins by issuing a command from a master device to a slave device. A response message is generated by the slave device. The length of the response message is determined by the slave device and is communicated from the slave device to the master device. The master device requests the rest of the response message from the slave device, and the slave device then sends the rest of the response message to the master device.

Abstract: An arrangement for simulating a short depth of field in a captured videophone image is provided in which the background portion of the image is digitally segregated and blurred to render it indistinct. Thus, the displayed video of a user in the foreground is kept in focus while the background appears to be out of focus. Image tracking or fixed templates are used to segregate an area of interest that is kept in focus from the remaining captured video image. Image processing techniques are applied to groups of pixels in the remaining portion to blur that portion of the captured video image. Such techniques include the application of a filter that are alternatively selected from convolution filters in the spatial domain (e.g., mean, median, or Gaussian filters), or frequency filters in the frequency domain (e.g., low-pass or Gaussian filters). User-selectable control is optionally implemented for controlling the type of foreground/background segregation technique utilized (i.e.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless DSL routing without signal interference is disclosed herein. The system includes a DSL interface, a WLAN interface, and a power system. The WLAN interface is isolated from the rest of the system by various isolation and signal interference reduction techniques. The system can be implemented in a single printed circuit board.

Abstract: A system and method for providing expanded functionality from a remote control handset, wherein multiple command functions are effected by the actuation of a single key or control surface. A remote control handset is programmed to recognize the actuation of keys or control surfaces associated with multiple-functionality. In response to a standard actuation (such as the momentary depression of that key) of a multiple-functionality key, a primary remote control signal is generated by the remote control handset for purposes of controlling a first remote system or component. The remote control handset is further adapted to test for and recognize a non-standard actuation (such as double-clicking or prolonged depression) of a multiple-functionality key, and responsively generate a second remote control signal.

Abstract: A system (10), apparatus (12) and method (40) for providing content channels to end users based on end user wish lists. The method includes a domain channel manager apparatus accessing a plurality of end user wish lists maintained at end user devices, such as end user residential gateways and home servers. The domain channel manager accesses the plurality of wish lists and aggregates the wish list items, organizing and ranking the wish list items if necessary. Based on the aggregated wish list items from the plurality of end users, the domain channel manager retrieves content from all available content sources, such as content providers and existing content repositories. The domain channel manager creates content channels based on the retrieved content and offers those content channels to end users whose preferences match the content of the particular channel offered.

Abstract: A method of processing television content metadata in a communications system. The system includes a consumer device (e.g., a set-top box and/or television) in communication with an auxiliary display device (e.g., webpad). A broadcast television channel video image signal and the metadata are received by the consumer device. A single video image frame of the broadcast television channel video image signal is captured when a predefined indicator is detected in the metadata. The metadata is modified by changing the predefined indicator to an image identifier associated with the single video image frame. The single video image frame is converted to a well-known format, and the consumer device sends the modified metadata and the converted single video image frame to the auxiliary display device for display thereon.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for providing third party authentication when requesting content and/or services from an application server (106). The method is applicable to key management protocols that utilize the concept of tickets. The method and system include a client (102) being coupled with a third party application server (107), wherein the client submits a request for content from the third party application server and the third party application server returns requested information and corresponding authentication. The client further couples with a first application server (106), wherein the client submits a key request (KEY_REQ) including the third party server information and corresponding authentication to the first application server. The first application server authenticates the third party server information and verifies client authorization based on third party information.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for providing decentralized load sharing, e.g., providing a protocol that can be used to address load balancing without the need of a central proxy device. Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention addresses the decentralized load sharing problem, by allowing a group of servers to detect when more than one server attempts to process the same “work request” from a client. To address the potential conflict, each server will implement a back-off strategy for negotiating which server will actually process the work request.

Abstract: A method for enabling at least one of a plurality of user devices to provide a service flow is described. In one example, a code is transmitted to a home identification device (HID) to be combined with an HID identification number. The combined response, which is comprised of the code and the HID identification number, is then transmitted from the HID and received by the user device(s). If the combined response is equivalent to at least one predetermined match key, which is stored in the user device(s), that user device(s) provides the service flow to a respective television(s).