Patents Assigned to Cox Communications
  • Publication number: 20120162515
    Abstract: Allowing a user of a mobile computing device to link the mobile computing device and its associated network or system to a subject piece of hardware operating via a second network or system is provided. After the mobile computing device is linked to a given hardware device, functional operation of the hardware device and access to accounts associated with the hardware device may be provided to the linked mobile computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Douglas Lee, Yousef Wasef Nijim
  • Publication number: 20120159528
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for measuring audience participation over a distribution network. An example method may include delivering media content to a viewer's CPE over a distribution network and delivering an audience measurement application associated with the media content over the distribution network. The audience measurement application can be configured for execution by the viewer's CPE, and can be programmed to generate at least one inquiry for display to the viewer in association with viewing the media content and to request at least one response by the viewer to be entered via the viewer's CPE. The method may further include receiving response information associated with the response to the inquiry from the viewer's CPE over the distribution network, and determining the viewer's participation level associated with the media content based at least in part on the response information received from the viewer's CPE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Roy R. Toney, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120158445
    Abstract: A Geo-spatial Enterprise Mapping System (GEMS) application may be utilized for determining a cost associated with providing a service to a point of interest by utilizing data from a web-based mapping service application in conjunction with data from a service provider database. Maps may be utilized with polylines representing fiber and coax spans, and markers to display device, customer, and prospect information to provide a user with a quick overview of a potential profitability of a particular area or point of interest. A proximity of customers and groups of customers to a service provider network may be displayed and visible to a user in an intuitive manner. A serviceability and profitability of potential customers may be determined, as well as locating prospective customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Connie Ann Dufford, Daniel Michael Hoffman, Trip McCabe, Bruce Beeco
  • Publication number: 20120154437
    Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media are provided for presenting program guide information using a mosaic of video sources broadcast in a television services system. An application program executed on a television services set-top box generates a matrix of still images representing multiple video sources presently being broadcast in the television services system. The matrix of still images is presented as a video mosaic representing current program guide information in the television services system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Francisco Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8204486
    Abstract: An improved visual voicemail system is provided. When a call is made to a wireless telephone device and a voicemail message is deposited for the called party, the voicemail message is transcribed to generate a text version of the deposited voicemail message. The transcribed voicemail message is sent to the called mobile telephone device to allow the user to read the text version of the voicemail message. Embedded with transcribed text voicemail message is a link that maps to a unique telephone number that is assigned to the original audio voicemail message from the text voicemail message was transcribed. If the called party selects the link, the called party's mobile telephone device or other receiving computing device places a call to the storage location of the original audio version of the voicemail message to listen to the audio version of the voicemail message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Brock, Angelise Carter
  • Publication number: 20120151509
    Abstract: A system, method and device for providing a mobile application across smart phone platforms to enable consumer connectivity and control of media. The viewing experience of the individual is improved by the added control and the advertising experience is enhanced by ensuring advertisements are relevant and actionable. A system for providing interactivity between a mobile device and content includes a content provider providing content for presentation on a display device and a mobile device configured with a media management module communicating to provide user interactivity with the content. The media management module enables individualized consumer media services for the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Joseph McCarthy, Keith Alan Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20120136658
    Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing broadband content based upon passive presence detection of users are provided. A sample of ambient audio may be collected by a customer premise device configured to output programming content received from a service provider. One or more audio components associated with the output of the customer premise device may be removed. Following the removal, a remainder of the collected sample may be compared to one or more stored user voice samples. Based at least in part on the comparison, one of an identity of a user or one or more user characteristics may be determined. Based at least in part on the determination, the content output by the customer premise device may be customized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edgar V. Shrum, JR., John Civiletto
  • Publication number: 20120135684
    Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing broadband content based upon passive presence detection of users are provided. A user device in proximity to a customer premise device may be detected. The customer premise device may be configured to output programming content received from a service provider. An identifier of the detected user device may be determined. Based at least in part on the identifier, an identity of a user may be determined. Based at least in part on the identity of the user, content that is output by the customer premise device may be customized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edgar V. Shrum, JR., John Civiletto
  • Patent number: 8191104
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing multiple session-based services at a terminal, an exemplary apparatus includes a memory configured to support a plurality of software layers including a service layer communicating with terminal resources via a root layer disposed therebetween; and a processor, for executing instructions associated with a plurality of service layer applications, a root layer application and a control mechanism; each of the service layer applications communicating with terminal resources to provide thereby a respective user interface; wherein the control mechanism selectively causing at least one of the service layer applications to enter an active state, the user interface associated with a service layer application being adapted in response to the service layer application entering the active state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald F. Gordon, Sadik Bayrakeri, Jeremy S. Edmonds, Yong Ho Son, Edward A. Ludvig, Mike R Colligan
  • Publication number: 20120131629
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for recording broadband content are provided. A user command to record desired content included in broadband content output by a service provider may be received by a programming processing component configured to receive the output broadband content. The programming processing component may determine whether the desired content will be recorded by the programming processing component. If it is determined that the desired content will be recorded by the programming processing component, then the desired content may be stored by the programming processing component in at least one memory. If it is determined that the desired content will not be recorded by the programming processing component, then a request to record the desired content may be communicated by the programming processing component to a content recording server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edgar V. Shrum, JR., John Civiletto
  • Publication number: 20120124632
    Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying channel maps are provided. A predetermined channel map for a customer of a service provider may be identified. The predetermined channel map may include information mapping at least one of frequencies and program identifiers included in a broadband communications signal to a plurality of channels. The broadband communications signal may be output by the service provider. Based upon information associated with the customer, the predetermined channel map may be modified. Information associated with the modified channel map may then be output for communication via a service provider network to a programming processing component associated with the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Alan Rothschild, Julius Bert Bagley
  • Publication number: 20120115451
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for dynamically forwarding incoming calls and/or messages to different mobile communications devices (“MCDs”). In one embodiment, a method may include: storing associations between multiple MCDs and a user and identifying that at least one of the MCDs is inactive and that at least one of the MCDs is active. The method may further include: receiving an incoming call or message intended for the at least one inactive MCD; and if only one of the MCDs is active, causing the incoming call or message to be forwarded to the one active MCD; and if more than one of the MCDs is active, either: (a) causing the incoming call or message to be forwarded to at least one of the active MCDs or (b) not causing the incoming call or message to be forwarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Pujan K. Roka
  • Publication number: 20120115444
    Abstract: Hybrid communications voicemail systems and methods are disclosed. A wireline telephone number may be operatively associated with a wireless telephone voicemail box such that calls placed to the wireline telephone number and subsequently routed to voicemail may be routed to the wireless telephone voicemail box. Thus, the user of both wireline and wireless telephones may check voicemail messages at a single wireless voicemail box. Parents or supervisors may check voicemail messages or converted text messages deposited for children or employees at the single wireless voicemail box. A wireless telephone user may allow calls to be routed to his/her wireless telephone from his/her wireline telephone if he/she cannot be reached at the wireline telephone or as designated by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas David Gravino, Radhakrishnan Gopinath, Michael L. Poffenberger
  • Publication number: 20120112877
    Abstract: Automated device/system setup based on user presence information is provided. When a user of one or more electronic devices or systems moves into the presence of the one or more devices or systems, detection or determination of the user's presence may be used to apply setup or settings changes to the one or more devices or systems. The user's presence relative to the one or more devices or systems may be detected according to a variety of means. A wireless device carried by the user may be detected by a wireless presence detector. Online/offline status of a user with respect to an Internet connection may be used to detect/determine presence of the user. Use of a wireline or wireless telephone, cable television set-top box or other device connected to a services provider may be used to determine presence information for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas David Gravino, Gopinath Radhakrishnan, Michael L. Poffenberger
  • Publication number: 20120095833
    Abstract: A recommendation may be provided. First, program content may be determined to suggest to a user. Next, it may be determined that the program content is currently unavailable on a content delivery system. Then a recommendation may be made to a provider of the program content to provide the currently unavailable program content to the content delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Carl Bleyl
  • Publication number: 20120093157
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving performance in an HFC architecture are provided. Incoming data associated with a plurality of signals to be included in a downstream data signal may be received, and the incoming data may be mapped to a plurality of symbols representative of the signals. Data bits for each symbol may be mapped to at least one data register. The contents of the at least one register may be read by one or more digital-to-analog converters to facilitate a direct radio frequency synthesis, and the output of the one or more digital-to-analog converters may be provided to one or more electro-optic conversion devices configured to output a downstream data signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Keith Alan Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20120096164
    Abstract: Cross product/service management of subscriber products/services is provided. When multiple product/services orders or instructions are received for a shared service or resource (e.g., a unified voicemail box/system) from two or more order or instruction entry systems (e.g., wireline and wireless telephone systems), the multiple orders or instructions are passed to a shared product/services provisioning manager for management of the orders or instructions with respect to the shared service or resource. If the orders require a change to the shared service or resource, the orders or instructions are mediated for concurrent or otherwise conflicting requests to the shared service or resource. Mediated requests are formatted for receipt and use by the shared service or resource and are then passed to a network element responsible for the shared service or resource for implementation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Bregenzer, Edward Christopher Girard, Veenod Kurup, Mark Patsy
  • Publication number: 20120086851
    Abstract: Side loading of content elements is provided. A selection of a content element from a terminal device may be received and a content format associated with the terminal device may be identified. If the content element is not available in the identified content format, the content element may be transcoded from a current content format to the identified content format and the content element may be transferred to the terminal device in the identified content format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edgar V. Shrum, JR., Francisco Gonzalez
  • Patent number: D661275
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Pujan K. Roka
  • Patent number: D661276
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Pujan K. Roka