Patents Examined by Brian Pendleton
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Patent number: 8191094Abstract: A channel-selection filter. The channel-selection filter helps a user navigate to a desired channel. In particular, the channel-selection filter presents a filtered channel list to the user when the user issues one or more channel-filtering commands. The filtered channel list narrows a list of all available channels to those channels that correspond to the channel-filtering commands issued by the user. When presented with a filtered channel list, the user can select a channel from the filtered channel list. The user can also issue additional channel-filtering commands to further narrow the list of channels presented in the filtered channel list.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Frederic Azera, Colin Acton, Cory Cirrincione, Michael Hayton, Erick Fejta
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Patent number: 8191092Abstract: A method and system for replacing and obscuring titles and/or descriptions pertaining to individual pieces of recorded content. In one embodiment, the method enables a user, such as a parent, to rename titles and replace descriptions for selected pieces of content, thereby obscuring the content information for those pieces of content from other users, such as children. In another embodiment, the method enables an administrative user (e.g., a parent) to define allowed access levels and assign the same to various users of the system. The administrative user is also enabled to assign access levels to individual pieces of content. In response to a user selection to view content information pertaining to recorded content, the system identifies the user and determines whether to display an original title/description or a new title/description based on the allowed access levels assigned to the user and the respective access levels assigned to the pieces of content.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: JLB Ventures LLCInventor: Yakov Kamen
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Patent number: 8191089Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for inserting advertising in a video program, wherein appropriate advertisements are displayed at scheduled times in the process of a video program, characterized by matching image frames of a video program with object information and providing matching scores when an object information corresponding to an image frame; and inserting an advertisement corresponding to the object information having the matching score into the corresponding image frame in the video program.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Wei-Shing Liao, Kuan-Ting Chen, Winston H. Hsu
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Patent number: 8189109Abstract: A digital image converting apparatus with auto-correcting phase and a method thereof are provided. The digital image converting apparatus includes a phase controller, a delay locked loop (DLL), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a position adjuster. The phase controller selects one of preset phases for outputting and continuously changes the output preset phase for controlling a clock signal produced by the delay locked loop. The ADC converts an analog display frame according to the adjusted clock signal. After all the preset phases are output in sequence, the phase controller can obtain an optimal phase for converting the display frame according to the smallest front porch of horizontal scan line and the smallest back porch of horizontal scan line of a digital display frame produced by the position adjuster.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: ITE Tech. Inc.Inventors: Ming-Ho Kuo, Yi-Hua Lin
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Patent number: 8191098Abstract: A multi-source bridge content distribution system links multiple content owners with access network operators or content distribution providers leasing space on access networks so that multi-media content can be provided from multiple content owners to consumers through a multi-source bridge or data center. Content files and associated content owner preference settings are provided from a plurality of content sources or providers to the multi-source data center. Files stored at the data center or locally at an access network are provided to subscribers through the local access network Content files are provided if the content owner preference settings are a sufficient match with service provider access network preference settings set up by the service provider using the access network to provide content to subscribers.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Verimatrix, Inc.Inventors: Robin Ross Cooper, Thomas A. Munro
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Patent number: 8185926Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for providing media streams, the method include the steps of: receiving live media streams at a first path; providing a live media stream from the first path to a client, in response to a request to provide the live media stream to the client; and retrieving media related information and providing a non-live media stream from a second path to a client, in response to a request to provide the live media stream to the client.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: ARRIS Group, Inc.Inventors: Ran M. Oz, Amir Hirschhorn
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Patent number: 8181211Abstract: An apparatus can include a modem and a conditioning device can be provided and coupled at a signal transmission line of a CATV system at a premise of a user according to embodiments of the application. The apparatus can provide selected information (e.g., Table 1) upstream for use that can improve operations or increase capabilities at one or more users.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Olson, David Kelma, Joseph Lai, Noah Montena, Steven K. Shafer
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Patent number: 8181196Abstract: An audience measurement system generates signatures of unknown pieces of content viewed by panel members, and generates reference signatures of known pieces of content. The signatures of the unknown pieces of content are stored and transmitted to a central processing site, where they are compared with the reference signatures for their identification. A scanning engine finds matches between the signatures of the unknown and the known contents, and stores matches so as to build “tracking segments”, i.e., strings of matches that indicate a coincidence between the unknown content and one or more known pieces of content for a certain period of time, and associates the unknown content to the known piece of content with the longest tracking segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLCInventor: Fernando D. Falcon
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Patent number: 8174623Abstract: The present invention provides a device and an image adjustment method by simultaneously adjusting the luminance and the chrominance of an image. The device comprises a luminance analysis device, a contrast adjusting device, a luminance adjusting device, a chrominance compensation device and a luminance gain adjusting device. The method comprises steps of: generating a maximum input luminance signal, an average input luminance signal and a minimum input luminance signal according to an input luminance signal; generating a contrast value according to at least one of the maximum input luminance signal and the average input luminance signal; generating an input luminance offset according to the input luminance signal and the minimum input luminance signal; generating an output chrominance signal according to the contrast value and an input chrominance signal; and generating an output luminance signal according to the input luminance offset and the contrast value.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Mstar Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Yi-Fan Chen, Yun-Hung Shen, Chao-Ting Kao
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Patent number: 8176508Abstract: The present invention verifies the transmission of a data stream, such as an advertisement, to a receiver in a data network, such as a television set in a cable television network. In particular, the present invention develops and stores a data stream fingerprint prior to transmission of the data stream. During transmission of the data stream, a verifier compiles the fingerprint from the transmitted data stream and compares it to the pre-developed and stored fingerprint. If the fingerprint signal characteristics are within predetermined parameters, the transmission is considered successful.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Time Warner CableInventors: David Franklin, Louis Williamson
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Patent number: 8176517Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic display of next or future television program information when tuned to a television channel. Acquired or received program information for a television program to be shown next or later on the currently tuned television channel is automatically displayed on the currently tuned channel. In this manner, a viewer is provided with information regarding a next or future television program on the television channel currently being watched without active intervention by the viewer. According to an aspect of the invention, if a new or next television program guide or program information (update) is received before the end of a current television program, the television apparatus automatically updates the display of program information according to the information included in the newly received program guide.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Bret David Hawkins, James Duane Tenbarge
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Patent number: 8176509Abstract: Methods and systems for post-processing video to identify interests based on clustered user interactions are provided. A client application program running on a set-top box is provided to enable a user to interactively select a point of interest within video content being played via the set-top box. The selected points of interest of multiple users is aggregated, and clusters of the points of interest are determined. Objects associated with the clusters are determined by analyzing video segments containing the clustered points of interest. Messages related to the objects are created and sent to the relevant users that indicated selection of points of interest which correlate to the objects.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.Inventors: Mike Folgner, Ryan Cunningham
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Patent number: 8166497Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to collect metering information associated with media presented media presentation devices are disclosed. A disclosed example system for collecting metering information includes a media meter to generate media monitoring information in response to media presented by a media presentation device. The example system also includes a peripheral memory device removably couplable by an audience member to the media meter to receive the media monitoring information.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US) , LLCInventor: Paul M. Mears
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Patent number: 8164687Abstract: An output of a conventional color-difference inter-field interpolating unit (10) and an output obtained by a color-difference 4:2:0 inter-field interpolating unit (11) and a color-difference intra-field line interpolating unit (12) as a progressive signal through inter-field interpolation by changing a 4:2:2 color-difference signal into a 4:2:0 color-difference signal are switched by a color-difference static image processing method selecting/mixing unit (14) in accordance with an output or the like of a detecting unit (13) for detecting a characteristic of an image signal. Thus, it is possible to realize color-difference signal IP conversion static image processing in which degradation of a correct 4:2:2 color-difference signal is suppressed and jaggy is reduced with respect to a 4:2:2 color-difference signal obtained through interpolation of a 4:2:0 signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Yoichiro Miki
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Patent number: 8159611Abstract: The resent invention provides a television receiver including: a radio frequency section for an electromagnetic wave type remote control, the radio frequency section configured to transmit and receive an electromagnetic wave to and from the electromagnetic wave type remote control; and a retaining section configured to retain said radio frequency section for the electromagnetic wave type remote control; wherein said radio frequency section for the electromagnetic wave type remote control includes a radio frequency circuit board section, an antenna part, and a ground connecting section, said retaining section includes a conductive column support standing on a bezel, a column support standing on said bezel, and a conductive sheet metal parallel with said bezel and fixed to said conductive column support.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Shusuke Tomonaga
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Patent number: 8161517Abstract: A system and method for determining a fault in a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network segment. A two-way client uses a two-way query interface to acquire information indicative of the two-way operational status of subscriber CPE units associated with a subscriber number from a two-way validation server. Using the operational status of the subscriber CPE units, a fault may be associated with either the CPE units or with network facilities other than the two or more CPE units.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Time Warner Cable, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Bowen, William H. Berger
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Patent number: 8161509Abstract: A television broadcasting device 1 transmits a television signal onto which control data for controlling a browser function of a television receiver 2 has been multiplexed. A television screen generating section 20 generates a television screen based on the received television signal. A browser display instruction obtaining section 71, a URL obtaining section 72, and a display style information obtaining section 73 extract the control data multiplexed onto the television signal. When a browser display instruction 111 is received, a microcomputer 51 receives a content 102 corresponding to a URL 112 from a server 3, and generates a browser screen based thereon. A screen combining section 30 combines the browser screen with the television screen in accordance with display style information 113 received from the microcomputer 51. Thus, it is possible to display the browser screen in a combined form with the television screen in accordance with a display style designated by a broadcaster of the television signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Masahiro Takatori
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Patent number: 8154669Abstract: A system includes a light source, a driving module and a processing unit. The light source includes a red, green and blue light emitting diodes. The driving module is electrically coupled to the red, green and blue light emitting diodes. The driving module is for controlling a driving current outputted to each of the red, green and blue light emitting diodes. The processing unit is communicatively coupled to the driving module. The processing unit receives a video signal containing display information which is inputted into a display screen and is to be displayed thereon. The processing unit analyzes the video signal and determines color temperature of the display information, and outputs a first controlling signal to the driving module for synchronously adjusting the color temperature of the light emitted from the light source to be substantially equal to that of the display information displayed on the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc.Inventors: Chun-Wei Wang, Chih-Ming Lai
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Patent number: 8156530Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a television having a controller to determine an access plan associated with a mobile communication device that is capable of wirelessly receiving broadcast video content, present one or more options for adjusting the access plan where the one or more options include wireless access for the television to the broadcast video content, and receive a selection of the one or more options, wherein the access plan is adjusted based on the selection. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Spondon Dey
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Patent number: 8156532Abstract: A video program production system of efficiently and flexibly producing a video program. For viewing, a composition table providing apparatus provides each terminal with composition table data in which items required for the production of the video program are arranged and a variety of information is described in the items. Each terminal, namely, each terminal of each work group is permitted to view the composition table data. Each work group views the composition table data any time in time of need, and the work group can learn the content, described in the composition table data, such as instructions for work, and work results of other groups. Based on the content, the work group performs required jobs.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Mitsutoshi Shinkai