Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to implement and facilitate cross-fading, interstitials and other effects/processing of two or more media elements in a personalized media delivery service to experience consistent high quality. The effects or crossfade processing may occur on the broadcast/publisher/server-side, but may be personalized to a specific user, allowing a personalized experience for each user, where the processing burden is minimized on the downstream side/client device. This approach enables a consistent user experience, independent of client device capabilities. A large-scale personalized content delivery service may be implemented by limiting the processing to the first and last chunks of any file. In exemplary embodiments, this type of processing may easily be accommodated in cloud computing technology, where first and last files are extracted and processed within the cloud to meet the required load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a personalized radio channel playlist by simultaneously buffering multiple received channels from one or more source streams, and then selecting songs or tracks to playback from the buffered channels. Users can specify favorite channels for building their personal playlists, or multiple default playlist channels can be provided by genre or channels related in some other way. Navigation tools permit users to skip ahead and backward in the playback stream. A personalized radio channel playlist can be implemented as (1) content selected from buffered channels based on user preferences for artists, songs and the like, or (2) as a Mix Channel in which content from selected buffered channels is automatically mixed for playback in response to selection of a preset button assigned to the Mix Channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling pre-compensation of timing offsets in OFDM receivers without invalidating channel estimates are described. Timing offset estimations may be sent along with the received OFDM symbols for FFT computation and generating a de-rotated signal output. The timing offset estimation may provide a reference point for dynamic tracking of timing for an OFDM signal and estimated based on an integral value associated with the OFDM signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for increasing geospatial resolution of traffic information by dividing known location intervals into a fixed number of sub-segments not tied to any one map providers format, efficient coding of traffic information, and distribution of traffic information to end-user consuming devices over one or more satellite based broadcast transport medium and data communications network. Nationwide traffic service which can be encoded and distributed through a single broadcast service may be described herein. Aggregating traffic data from segments of multiple location intervals, into predefined and predetermined flow vectors, and sending flow vectors within a data stream to users may be described herein. Confidence levels obtained from raw traffic data can (i) be disclosed to drivers/users to supplement a very low signal (or no signal) speed and congestion report, and (ii) used in various system algorithms that decide what local anomalies or aberrations to filter out as noise.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided to inform a user of a broadcast stream, which has multiple, concurrently received channels of program content, about recommendations of a subset of the content currently playing across the available channels or to be played within a selected future time period. The subset of content is selected based on user preferences and system data (e.g., program topic and channel affinities among the broadcast content and channels) to recommend a more diverse subset of content than would be discovered if only user preferences were employed to make the selection of recommended content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining synchronization of repeater networks with Global Positioning System (GPS) signals using phase locked loops (PLLs) and based on generation of predicted control words for controlling local oscillator frequencies is described. The predicted control words can be generated based on performing a linear fit of control words generated over a predetermined duration of time. Phase locked loops with additional false GPS pulse identification and GPS signal loss compensation circuitry can enforce a false pulse count threshold and/or an error threshold. The additional circuitry and prediction of control words can overcome errors in GPS receiver outputs and maintain accuracy of signal timings across single frequency networks using inexpensive local oscillators.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a non-data-aided (NDA) approach to advanced OFDM timing are provided. This approach allows for accurate OFDM symbol timing and synchronization by avoiding inter-symbol interference (ISI) in multipath environments where an earliest arriving signal may not be the strongest signal. The NDA approach may rely on generating and applying a bias correction to a combined correlation result of the multi-path signals.

Abstract: Satellite provisioning of cell service for an in-vehicle telematics control unit (“TCU”) is presented. Thus, a truly carrier independent TCU is facilitated. A TCU may be provided with a cellular modem and two or more SIM cards, each associated with a cellular carrier that has approved the modem and their SIM card. The TCU may also be provided with connectivity to a satellite, such as, for example, via an SDARS antenna and processing module, that can receive and process SDARS audio and data signals. When a user desires to change from one of the cellular carriers to another, provisioning data for the new carrier's SIM, now already in the telematics system, may be (i) sent over the satellite, (ii) received at the satellite antenna, and (iii) passed to a telematics processor. The telematics processor, in turn, may (iv) deliver the provisioning data to the cell modem, which may then (v) program the appropriate SIM with the provisioning data, thus allowing cellular communications on the new carrier's network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing automatic frequency control are provided. Instead of relying on individual frequency tuners for each channel of a multi-channel receiver system, the present subject matter uses a single frequency tuner for receiving each channel of the multi-channel receiver system. A locked demodulator may be designated as a reference demodulator and frequency offset values associated with the reference demodulator may be applied to other demodulators of the multi-channel receiver. These frequency offset values may be used by individual demodulators of each channel for correcting corresponding frequency offsets.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for efficient cross-fading of compressed domain information streams on a user/client device. Exemplary systems may provide cross-fade between AAC/Enhanced AAC Plus information streams, between MP3 information streams, or between information streams of unmatched formats. These systems are distinguished in that cross-fade is directly applied to compressed bitstreams so a single decode operation is performed on the resulting bitstream. Thus, a set of frames from each input stream associated with the time interval in which a cross fade is decoded, and combined and recoded with a cross fade or other effect now in the compressed bitstream. Once sent through the client device's decoder, the user hears the transitional effect. The only input data that is decoded and processed is that associated with the portion of each stream used the crossfade, blend or other interstitial, and thus the vast majority of input streams are left compressed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interaction of satellite and Internet protocol features in content delivery systems are presented. Using such systems and methods, the delivery of some content to the same product by Satellite delivery, other content by IP delivery, and still other content by both Satellite and IP delivery can enhance the utility of both the content and the product for an end user and can further optimize the costs and quality of service associated with delivering the content.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for generating music recommendations based on combining song and user influencers with channel rule characterizations are presented. Such systems and methods output a playlist, which may be delivered as an information stream of audio on a user or client device, such as a telephone or smartphone, tablet, computer or MP3 player, or any consumer device with audio play capabilities. The playlist may comprise various individual audio clips of one genre or type, such as songs, or of multiple types, such as music, talk, sports and comedy. The individual audio clips may be ordered by a sequencer, which, using large amounts of data, generates both (i) user independent and (i) user dependent influencer weightings for each clip, and then combines all of such influencer weightings into a combined play weighting W for a given audio clip, for a given user.

Abstract: A system and method provide an enhanced listening experience for a user of a radio receiver or other device that receives broadcast or streamed content having a plurality of program channels. The method and system buffer designated channels at the receiver and, when switching among channels, play back the buffered designated channels during reception from a selected point therein depending on the channel or other criteria. When switching to a different channel during reception, a user is able to hear content in a buffered program channel with music from the start of a song, for example, whereas content in a channel with news, talk radio, or live sports is played back from live reception, even though the content segments are transmitted at different start times relative to their selected times for playback following a channel change. User controls allow navigation among buffered designated channels during reception.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments of the present invention systems and methods are provided to implement and facilitate cross-fading, interstitials and other effects/processing of two or more media elements in a personalized media delivery service so that each client or user has a consistent high quality experience. The effects or crossfade processing can occur on the broadcast, publisher or server-side, but can still be personalized to a specific user, thus still allowing a personalized experience for each individual user, in a manner where the processing burden is minimized on the downstream side or client device. This approach enables a consistent user experience, independent of client device capabilities, both static and dynamic.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for cross-fading (or other multiple clip processing) of information streams on a user or client device, such as a telephone, tablet, computer or MP3 player, or any consumer device with audio playback. Multiple clip processing can be accomplished at a client end according to directions sent from a service provider that specify a combination of (i) the clips involved; (ii) the device on which the cross-fade or other processing is to occur and its parameters; and (iii) the service provider system. For example, a consumer device with only one decoder, can utilize that decoder (typically hardware) to decompress one or more elements that are involved in a cross-fade at faster than real time, thus pre-fetching the next element(s) to be played in the cross-fade at the end of the currently being played element.

Abstract: An enhanced broadcast data service with reports locations of traffic enforcement camera locations (e.g., red light cameras and speed cameras) to users. Traffic enforcement camera information is aggregated, verified (e.g., particularly as to traffic enforcement camera type) and stored (e.g., at a server). A broadcast signal comprising program channels and at least one data channel having traffic enforcement camera information is transmitted to a plurality of receivers. Receivers store at least a subset of the traffic enforcement camera information available from the server and synchronize to it using periodic transmitted updates. Receivers compare receiver location data with stored camera location data, and display or generate audible alerts when the receiver is within a selected geographic range of a traffic enforcement camera. Alerts can be filtered as to camera type. A alerts can employ different color camera icons superimposed on a screen map depending on camera type or whether the camera is newly added.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a personalized radio channel playlist by simultaneously buffering multiple received channels from one or more source streams, and then selecting songs or tracks to playback from the buffered channels. Users can specify favorite channels for building their personal playlists, or multiple default playlist channels can be provided by genre or channels related in some other way. Navigation tools permit users to skip ahead and backward in the playback stream. A personalized radio channel playlist can be implemented as (1) content selected from buffered channels based on user preferences for artists, songs and the like, or (2) as a Mix Channel in which content from selected buffered channels is automatically mixed for playback in response to selection of a preset button assigned to the Mix Channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling pre-compensation of timing offsets in OFDM receivers without invalidating channel estimates are described. Timing offset estimations may be sent along with the received OFDM symbols for FFT computation and generating a de-rotated signal output. The timing offset estimation may provide a reference point for dynamic tracking of timing for an OFDM signal and estimated based on an integral value associated with the OFDM signal.

Abstract: System, devices and methods are provided to automatically initiate an enhanced 911 (E911) call from a telematics control unit (TCU) (e.g., a TCU deployed with cellular modem or mobile phone in a vehicle) to an answering point (e.g. public safety answering point or access point (PSAP)). A wireless carrier (e.g., mobile service center (MSC)) employs a positioning determining entity (PDE) and algorithm to improve caller location determination using information provided by the TCU (e.g., GPS and dead reckoning information generated at the vehicle) and network location information when needed, and provides PDE estimated location of the caller to the PSAP (e.g., using a data channel and optionally a voice channel) to mitigate errors in TCU location data and reduce potentially conflicting location information provided to PSAPs from TCUs and wireless carriers or other phone service providers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented to facilitate caching of programming from broadcast and/or content streaming services to a user device for local playback. In addition, metadata can be provided to guide the user in selecting, caching, or playing the cachable content. In some exemplary embodiments, a receiver or other user device can automatically select the programming to be cached based on a user's historical topic interest and listening history. In some exemplary embodiments, the metadata can also include DRM information that can limit the ability of a user to playback the content, so as to comply, if necessary, with operative legal requirements related to usage of the content.