Abstract: A method, system, computer medium, and other embodiments for integrating unrelated web hosted services with stand-alone media-based devices are provided. Users can access and control the media-based device conveniently with a web-browser through various portals on the Internet. In one embodiment, users access the media-based device through one or more unrelated web portals, so as to control and to program the media-based device in a single web session, and to see information both stored on the media-based device and originating from third-party online sources of information and services in a single integrated presentation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Turbo encoding uses a set of rate-compatible Turbo Codes optimized at high code rates and derived from a universal constituent code. The Turbo Codes have rate-compatible puncturing patterns. The method comprises: encoding a signal at a first and second encoder using a best rate 1/2 constituent code universal with higher code rates, the first encoder and the second encoder each producing a respective plurality of parity bits for each information bit; puncturing the respective plurality of parity bits at each encoder with a higher rate best puncturing patterns; and puncturing the respective plurality of parity bits at each encoder with a lower rate best puncturing pattern. In a variation, the best rate 1/2 constituent code represents a concatenation of polynomials 1+D2+D3 (octal 13) and 1+D+D3 (octal 15), D a data bit. A Turbo Encoder is provided which has hardware to implement the method.

Abstract: An approach is provided for encoding short frame length Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes. An encoder generates a LDPC code having an outer Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem (BCH) code. Structure is imposed on the LDPC codes by restricting portion part of the parity check matrix to be lower triangular and/or satisfying other requirements such that the communication between bit nodes and check nodes of the decoder is simplified. Further, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) encoder is supplied to encode the input signal according to a CRC code. This approach has particular application in digital video broadcast services over satellite.

Abstract: A method of increasing utilization of user link bandwidth for a code division multiple access communications system is disclosed that includes the steps of selecting a set of orthogonal complex codes each having a code length that is greater than a code length of an optimum real code and less than or equal to a spreading code length; and transferring symbols across at least one of a plurality of user links to or from at least one of a corresponding plurality of user terminals wherein the symbols are represented by a corresponding one of the set of orthogonal complex codes.

Abstract: An approach is provided for decoding a low density parity check (LDPC) coded signal. Edge values associated with a structured parity check matrix used to generate the LDPC coded signal are retrieved from memory. The edge values specify the relationship of bit nodes and check nodes, and are stored within memory according to a predetermined scheme that permits concurrent retrieval of a set of the edge values. A decoded signal corresponding to the LDPC coded signal is output based on the retrieved edge values.

Abstract: A packet containing a request for content is initially received at a content filtering router. The packet comprises a destination Internet Protocol (IP) address of a content server that stores the content and a bogus IP address. It is ascertained that the destination IP address is on a list of approved destination IP addresses and the packet is routed in accordance with the destination IP address. Alternatively, it is ascertained that the destination IP address is on a list of probably unapproved destination IP addresses and the packet is routed in accordance with an alternative IP address to a content filtering server. In this alternative, at the content filtering server the bogus IP address is used to determine a content filtering category and it is ascertained whether the destination IP address with the content filtering category should be filtered based upon a list of IP addresses and associated content filtering categories.

Abstract: A host name query is received by a modem from a client computer. The host name query is simultaneously transmitted from the modem to a plurality of Domain Name System (DNS) servers. A response is returned to the client computer from the modem, where the response is based on the host name query and any responses received from the DNS servers. In a preferred embodiment at least one address associated with the host name query is acquired from the DNS servers. The client computer then sends a request for content to the address. If more than one address is returned, all but one of the addresses is eliminated. This can be done by rejecting all but the most recent address, or rejecting all addresses not provided by a service provider DNS server.

Abstract: A method of providing forward error correction for data services uses a parallel concatenated convolutional code which is a Turbo Code comprising a plurality of eight-state constituent encoders wherein a plurality of data block sizes are used in conjunction with said Turbo Code. A variation uses the method in a cellular radio system. Another variation uses the method in both forward and reverse likes of a cellular radio system.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting satellite signal lock in a satellite receiver system is disclosed. The system includes a first filter that isolates a noise frequency from the satellite signal, a second filter that isolates a service frequency from the satellite signal, circuits that derive a value indicative of the difference between a noise component and a service frequency component and output a difference signal level, a first comparator that determines whether the difference signal level is greater than a first threshold level, and a second comparator that determines whether the difference signal level is greater than a second threshold level.

Abstract: A set top box (STB) includes multiple processors that handle either real time or non-real time functions within the STB. One of the processors may perform substantially all of the real time operations, such as control of a data pipeline to the STB, conditional access, and control of a program guide stored within the DVR. The other processor may control substantially all non-real time functions that are executed within the STB, such as graphics user interface and browser functions. The STB may be embodied as a digital video recorder (DVR). The additional processor(s) provide for increased overall system bandwidth, improved system security and greater system stability for an STB and/or DVR configured with these multiple processors, as compared to a conventional STB having a single micro-controller or processor.

Abstract: A modular mobile terminal for a satellite system is disclosed in which the satellite system has a ground station and a network such as a telephone network coupled to the ground station. Each of the mobile terminals has a radome layer and a support layer having a plurality of circuit traces formed thereon. An element module is coupled between the support layer and the radome layer. Each element module comprises a housing and a radiating patch having a feed therethrough. A dielectric layer is coupled adjacent to the radiating patch. A ground plane is disposed adjacent to the dielectric layer on the opposite side of the dielectric layer as the radiating patch. A plurality of circuit chips is coupled to the ground plane. The support layer of the array has a plurality of circuit traces formed thereon. A plurality of interconnections between the circuit chips and the plurality of traces connect the traces and the circuit chips.

Abstract: A method employing a casting head having a variably displaceable cavity surface. The casting head comprises a cavity, at least partially formed by plurality of surfaces, including a carrier surface adjacent the cavity, and a variably displaceable drive surface for controlling a pressure of a viscous casting material in a region proximate the carrier surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the casting head further comprises a doctor blade, disposed proximate the carrier surface, forming a gap therebetween for egress of the casting material. In another embodiment of the casting head, the variably displaceable drive surface is comprised of a piston. The piston is actuated by a driver-controlled motor according to a pre-determined displacement program, or according to the level of the casting material in the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously receiving a first signal from a non-terrestrial source and a second signal from a terrestrial source on the same or overlapping channels using a receive antenna with posteriorly-directed sidelobes is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one terrestrial transmitter transmitting information on at least one frequency simultaneously usable by at least one satellite transmitting to a satellite receive antenna having a sensitivity characterizable by a primary sensitive axis directed substantially at satellite. The terrestrial transmitter includes a azimuthal gain characteristic directed substantially away from the Earth's Equator. In an alternative embodiment, the terrestrial transmitter is disposed at a location defining a vector angularly displaced from the primary sensitive axis by an angle of less than 90 degrees. A method of transmitting information is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for beamforming signals for an array of receiving or transmitting elements includes the steps of selecting a beam elevation and azimuth and grouping elements of an antenna array into element ensembles that are substantially aligned with a wavefront projection on the antenna array corresponding to the selected beam elevation and azimuth.