Patents Assigned to EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
  • Performing social networking functions using matrix codes
    Patent number: 9092830
    Abstract: A matrix code reader may detect a matrix code, which may be displayed along with content and include information identifying the content. The matrix code reader may obtain user information associated with a social networking service and, based at least on the content information and the user information, may transmit an instruction to the social networking service to perform a social networking service function. The matrix code reader may obtain the user information and/or the instruction to perform the social networking service function from information included in the matrix code, from a non-transitory storage medium of the matrix code reader, from a user, and so on. In some implementations, the matrix code reader may determine that additional information or a confirmation to transmit the instructions is needed and may prompt a user for the additional information or confirmation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Echostar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark H. Gomez, Jason Anguiano
  • APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF 3-D SHUTTER GLASSES TO ONE OF A PLURALITY OF PRESENTATION DEVICES
    Publication number: 20150208062
    Abstract: Three dimensional (3-D) program content viewing system in a media environment with different media presentation devices detects a first synchronization signal transmitted from a first synchronization signal source, wherein the first synchronization signal is associated with first 3-D program content and includes a first signal identifier. The system detects a second synchronization signal transmitted from a second synchronization signal source, wherein the second synchronization signal is associated with second 3-D program content and includes a second signal identifier. The system then receives a selection of one of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal and discriminates between the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal based upon the first signal identifier and the second signal identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jon Richardson, Stephen Strong, Eric Holley, Frederick Tuck, Grant Turpin
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IGNORING UNINTENTIONAL KEY PRESSES
    Publication number: 20150208013
    Abstract: Various arrangements are described for ignoring inadvertent remote control key presses. A remote control may detect multiple key presses associated with various commands. It may be determined whether the first key press and the second key press have occurred within a predefined threshold time period. If the key presses occurred within the threshold time period, the first command and the second command may be ignored. Additional or alternate factors may be considered in determining whether one or more key presses of the remote control should be ignored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Alisson Friedrich
  • TELEVISION RECEIVER STORAGE MANAGEMENT
    Publication number: 20150208119
    Abstract: Various arrangements are presented that may involve receiving from a television service provider, timers that are used to record a managed channel array. Each of these timers define a television channel, a time period, and a date. The received timers may be set at a television receiver. User input may be received that specifies an undesired television channel that is not to be recorded according to the received plurality of timers, the undesired television channel being part of the managed channel array. An amount of storage space for the managed channel array excluding the undesired television channel may be calculated. Storage space may be allocated based upon the calculated amount of storage space for the managed channel array excluding the undesired television channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Casagrande, Yunfeng Yang, Mark Templeman, Kranti Kumar Kilaru, Germar Schaefer
  • Apparatus, systems and methods for monitoring the transmission of media content events
    Patent number: 9088453
    Abstract: Systems and methods are operable for monitoring the transmission of media content events. An exemplary embodiment receives a media content stream at a media device from a media content transmission device at a first transmission rate, wherein the media content stream comprises at least one media content event selected for presentation on a media presentation device; stores at least a portion of the media content stream in a media device buffer; calculates a buffer metric; transmitting the buffer metric to the media content transmission device; and receives the media content stream from the media content transmission device at a second transmission rate based on the transmitted buffer metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Eric Holley, Stephen Strong, Frederick Tuck, Jon Richardson
  • Method and apparatus for recording a video program for user instruction
    Patent number: 9088819
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing the user instructional information describing the operation of their television receiving device system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael T. Dugan, David A. Kummer
  • Recording additional channels of a shared multi-channel transmitter
    Patent number: 9088763
    Abstract: A method for recording multiple pieces of content with a single tuner. A content delivery network can include multiple channels organized into bands with several channels per band. These bands can be transmitted on an up-link such as to a satellite. The bands can be relayed to receivers at the end user locations. The end user receivers can tune to one, two, or some other fraction of the total number of transmitted bands. When a user selects a program to view and/or record, a tuner of the receiver tunes to the band that includes the channel that includes the program. The method prompts the user regarding the other channels that form the set of channels on that band, and solicits input for recording one or more concurrent programs of the band, which can all be recorded on the single receiving tuner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Henry Gregg Martch, William Beals, Dave Kummer, Mark Jackson, Dan Minnick
  • Multi personal area network (PAN) radio with shared transmitter
    Patent number: 9088343
    Abstract: A multi-personal area network (PAN) transceiver includes two or more receiver modules for simultaneously monitoring traffic broadcast on different PANs, but a shared transmitter that switches between the different PANs as needed for transmitting data. The shared transmitter reduces the circuitry that would otherwise be required to transmit on multiple PANs while the multiple receiver modules preserve the ability to monitor traffic on multiple networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: William Michael Beals
  • System and method for creating, receiving and using interactive information
    Patent number: 9075807
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for implementing and using interactive information. In one embodiment, a user may specify certain information that should be collected by the embodiment. The embodiment may monitor or search through one or more data streams for all information matching or corresponding to the user's specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Christopher St. John-Larkin
  • Enhanced smartcard reader with multi-level reading contacts
    Patent number: 9076050
    Abstract: An enhanced smartcard reader having a row of first reading contacts, a row of second reading contacts, and a row of third reading contacts. The first reading contacts have arm portions that are cantilevered off a first mounting member of the reader, the second reading contacts have arm portions that are cantilevered off a second mounting member of the reader, and the third reading contacts have arm portions that are cantilevered off a third mounting member of the reader. The third mounting member is located vertically distanced from the second mounting member, and the arm portions of the third reading contacts directly overlay the arm portions of the second reading contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jerome A. LaPalme, William Michael Beals
  • Apparatus and methods for resolving recording conflicts of a digital video recorder
    Patent number: 9077948
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which facilitate the resolution of recording conflicts of a digital video recorder (DVR). A DVR identifies a recording conflict between a first recording timer associated with a first television program and a second recording timer associated with a second television program. A communication is initiated to a communication device associated with a user of the digital video recorder to inform the user of the recording conflict. Responsive to the communication, the user provides information to the DVR via the communication device requesting to resolve the recording conflict. The DVR utilizes the provided information to modify one or more of the conflicted recording timers to resolve the conflict.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: David A. Kummer
  • TRANSPONDER LOSS AND JOIN-IN-PROGRESS CHANNEL MONITORING
    Publication number: 20150189376
    Abstract: A set top box includes a first tuner configured to receive a first signal representing media content transmitted at a first resolution and a second tuner configured to receive a second signal representing the media content transmitted at a second resolution. A processing device is configured to monitor the second tuner to determine if the second tuner is receiving the second signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Bazata
  • Video vehicle entertainment device with driver safety mode
    Patent number: 9071788
    Abstract: This document relates to a vehicle entertainment device 1 having a driver safety mode and an enhanced audio playback function. The device 1 detects whether the vehicle in which the entertainment device is situated is in motion, or if the driver is preparing to drive the vehicle momentarily. If either of these conditions is detected, the processor 20 acts to disable the video playback on the screen 3 of the entertainment device. At the same time, the processor 20 causes an audio descriptor track corresponding to the disabled video to be played through the speakers 4 of the entertainment device. The audio descriptor track is in addition to the main audio track accompanying the video and provides a verbal description of the content of the video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Antony Michael Dove, Neale Hall
  • Channel tuning redirect
    Patent number: 9071799
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Terry Pattison, Dan Minnick, Scott Fillingim, Mike Cavanaugh
  • Apparatus, system, and method for multi-bitrate content streaming
    Patent number: 9071668
    Abstract: An apparatus for multi-bitrate content streaming includes a receiving module configured to capture media content, a streamlet module configured to segment the media content and generate a plurality of streamlets, and an encoding module configured to generate a set of streamlets. The system includes the apparatus, wherein the set of streamlets comprises a plurality of streamlets having identical time indices and durations, and each streamlet of the set of streamlets having a unique bitrate, and wherein the encoding module comprises a master module configured to assign an encoding job to one of a plurality of host computing modules in response to an encoding job completion bid. A method includes receiving media content, segmenting the media content and generating a plurality of streamlets, and generating a set of streamlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst
  • Radio frequency antenna carried on a smart card
    Patent number: 9070070
    Abstract: A smart card apparatus and related systems are presented here. The smart card apparatus includes a dielectric substrate forming a card body, a card circuit module carried by the dielectric substrate, and a radio frequency (RF) antenna arrangement carried by the dielectric substrate. The RF antenna arrangement is physically and electrically isolated from the card circuit module, and RF signals communicated by the RF antenna arrangement are unrelated to native functionality of the card circuit module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Phuc H. Nguyen
  • Storage device management techniques for a remote storage digital video recorder that handles multiple bitrate content
    Patent number: 9071873
    Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RS-DVR) system is disclosed. The RS-DVR system includes a network interface to communicate data between the RS-DVR system and a subscriber system via a network, a file system module coupled to the network interface, an ingest agent coupled to the file system module to receive encoded media segments that represent media content files encoded at a plurality of different bitrates; and a storage architecture coupled to the file system to store the encoded media segments, resulting in stored media segments. The RS-DVR carries out a number of functions and operations to service multiple subscribers and associated subscriber systems, such as various storage device management operations, file structure techniques, assignment of recorded media to subscribers, file system indexing, and supporting shared and per-subscriber content rights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Drew Major, Darren Major
  • Systems and methods for reducing disruptions in recorded programming
    Patent number: 9071811
    Abstract: Various embodiments reduce disruptions in recorded programming, by automatically recording retransmissions of prior programming. In one embodiment, a recording manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The recording manager detects a disruption in a recorded program. In response, the recording manager automatically records, or schedules a recording of, a later transmission of the same program. 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Phuc H. Nguyen
  • COMMUNICATIONS VIA A RECEIVING DEVICE NETWORK
    Publication number: 20150181367
    Abstract: A receiving device system arranged to distribute voice communications includes first and second receiving devices, each having a personal area network (PAN) transceiver, a programming transceiver to receive multimedia content, and a local area network (LAN) transceiver. The second receiving device is configured to accept input data via its PAN transceiver from a communications device, initiate communications with the first receiving device via the LAN, and communicate voice data received via the second PAN transceiver to the first receiving device via the LAN. The voice data is passed to a communications device via the PAN transceiver of the first receiving device. Users associated with each of the two communications devices may carry on a voice conversation via voice data being passed through each of the two receiving devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Phuc H. Nguyen, Christopher William Bruhn
  • CUSTOMIZED VIDEO MOSAIC
    Publication number: 20150181132
    Abstract: Various arrangements for outputting a customized video mosaic are presented. Based on received user input, it may be determined that a customized video mosaic is to be output for presentation. A plurality of television channels to be presented as part of the customized video mosaic may be determined. One or more tuners may be tuned based on the determined plurality of television channels to be presented. The plurality of television channels may be output for presentation to a presentation device. Each of these television channels may be presented by the presentation device as live video simultaneously as part of the customized video mosaic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Kummer, Luke VanDuyn, Morgan Kirby