Patents Examined by Brian Pendleton
  • Patent number: 8601514
    Abstract: Within a media center extension device, a first media signal is received from a media source and encoded into a first media stream, which is sent via a network to a personal computer media center. Within the personal computer media center, the first media stream is stored within a storage device, such as a hard disk drive. Also within the personal computer media center, a second media stream is retrieved from the storage device, which is sent via the network to the media center extension device. Within the media center extension device, the second media stream is decoded into a second media signal, which is rendered for display on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Kellum, Charles R. Broadus
  • Patent number: 8601520
    Abstract: In the wireless HDMI converter, appropriate audio data input switching is performed, and, when an instruction is received, an audio data extraction unit extracts audio data from video and audio data received by an HDMI input interface from an STB, and an optical audio output interface outputs the extracted audio data to a home theater, thereby avoiding failure of wireless communication by a wireless interface or deterioration of the quality of such wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Yoshida, Makoto Funabiki, Tetsuya Sato
  • Patent number: 8595786
    Abstract: A receiving system and a method of processing broadcast signal. The receiving system includes a signal receiving unit, an equalizer, a block decoder, and an RS frame decoder. The signal receiving unit receives and demodulates a broadcast signal. The equalizer channel-equalizes a data group included in the demodulated broadcast signal. The block decoder performs turbo-decoding on mobile service data of the channel-equalized data group. And, the RS frame decoder determines a number of CRC errors of an RS frame including the turbo-decoded mobile service data, generates a reliability map including reliability information corresponding to each data byte of the RS frame. Herein, the reliability information is set-up as a soft value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In Hwan Choi, Byoung Gill Kim, Won Gyu Song, Jin Woo Kim, Hyoung Gon Lee
  • Patent number: 8589987
    Abstract: A system and method for managing bandwidth used by videos in a wireless telecommunications network is provided. In one embodiment, the videos originate at mobile devices generating videos of a single event such as a concert, sporting event, graduation, or other event attended by multiple users. The mobile devices may communicate the videos to social networking websites where the videos may be viewed by multiple users. Embodiments of the present invention conserve bandwidth by selecting one or more of the videos of the single event to send to each of the destinations specified by all of the videos capturing the event. An instruction is then sent to each of the mobile devices generating nonselected video streams to discontinue transmission of the video streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Woojae Lee, Lyle T. Bertz, Cesar Perez, Ryan Patrick Dreiling, Jason D. Cole
  • Patent number: 8589984
    Abstract: An in-show product advertisement and purchase system is disclosed. The system effectively promotes product advertisement as well as enables customers to conveniently purchase the desired products directly from a displaying medium during the advertisement. The system establishes a linkage between show content and advertised products such that customers have practical impression and experience about what the advertised products embody in real life. The system is a TV version of an online store. The system is an interactive and listable method for advertisement. The in-show products are updateable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Ravi Acharya, William F. Mann, III
  • Patent number: 8584177
    Abstract: A method of controlling delivery of video programs from video distribution equipment to video receiver devices includes receiving messages at the video distribution equipment from a mobile terminal operated by a user. The messages contain user defined identifiers that are associated with equipment identifiers of different ones of the video receiver devices. The user defined identifiers are stored associated with the equipment identifiers in a subscriber account. Delivery of video programs from the video distribution equipment to the video receiver devices is controlled in response to commands received from the mobile terminal which request delivery of identified video programs to identified ones of the user defined identifiers. Related video distribution equipment and mobile terminals are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ericsson Television Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dasher, Chris Phillips
  • Patent number: 8584176
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a selection of a channel at a set-top box device. In response to the selection of the channel, a still image associated with a program is displayed at a display device. The method further includes receiving a multicast stream of video content associated with the selected channel at the set-top box device. At least a portion of the multicast stream is received while the still image is displayed at the display device. The method also includes transmitting the video content to the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Wenge Chen
  • Patent number: 8584173
    Abstract: A method of automatically selecting between a first video programming channel and a second video programming channel in a video content receiver is presented. In the method, the receiver receives video programming carried over at least one of the first channel and the second channel, as well as scheduling information regarding the two channels. The receiver also receives a channel selection for one of the two channels, such as from a user. In response to the channel selection, the receiver compares the scheduling information for the first channel to a current time value. If the scheduling information indicates the first channel is not currently carrying video programming that is available for presentation to the user, the receiver selects the second channel for presentation to the user; otherwise, the receiver selects the first channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Norris Moran, Michael Cavanaugh, Anand Menon
  • Patent number: 8578411
    Abstract: Controlling the admission of interactive television iTV applications to an iTV application distribution system is accomplished through the use of iTV application profiles that enumerate sets of allowed functions and behaviors for the iTV applications within the distribution system. In general, the profiles comprise filters that enable various functions within the distribution system, and may be applied to the iTV applications according to any of a number of bases. The distribution system includes an interface or console adapted to permit a system operator to create the application profiles and establish rules for attaching the profiles to the iTV applications, and an application profile engine configured to automatically validate the iTV applications against the profiles according to those rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: TVWorks, LLC
    Inventors: John Carney, David deAndrade
  • Patent number: 8578427
    Abstract: A method of swapping channels in a broadcast system includes a broadcast operation channel management system receiving broadcast operation channel swap data for a first station and a second station. The channel swap data comprises an effective date, a first station identifier and a first position and a second station identifier and a second position. A traffic scheduling system database communicates a first channel mapping data for a first channel to the broadcast operation channel management system. The traffic scheduling system database communicates a second channel mapping for a second channel to the broadcast operation channel management system. The broadcast operation channel updates the first channel mapping to form a first updated first channel mapping by setting a first end date of the first channel mapping to the effective date for the first station and communicating the first updated first channel mapping to the traffic scheduling database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T Hayes, Trang V Luu, Mark T Takamoto, Jonathan L Tronson, Gilbert Zaldivar
  • Patent number: 8578437
    Abstract: Methods for reducing ingress in a neighborhood node of a cable communication system. The node includes an RF hardline coaxial cable plant and multiple subscriber service drops to convey upstream information from multiple subscriber premises over an upstream path bandwidth. A test signal having a frequency falling within the upstream path bandwidth is transmitted proximate to one or more potential points of ingress into the hardline cable plant. Based on signal amplitudes at the test signal frequency representing test signal ingress into the hardline cable plant, one or more faults in the hardline cable plant are specifically identified and remediated so as to significantly reduce a noise power in the node in at least a portion of the upstream path bandwidth below approximately 20 MHz. In one example, hardline plant-related and/or subscriber-related faults are remediated so as to significantly reduce ingress arising from terrestrial short wave radio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Certusview Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Ronald Totten, Travis Halky
  • Patent number: 8578422
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for selecting services in a television system using graphical indications displayed on a screen. The invention comprises in particular the steps of: (a) determining a first list (30) of services, the first list being a subset of a second list; (b) displaying at least a part of the first list, ordered according to a predetermined criterion; (c) selecting a service present in the second list, but not in the first list; (d) displaying a visual indicator (39) marking the relative location, according to the predetermined criterion, of the selected service in the first list (30). The invention also relates to the terminal for the implementation of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: William Renault, René Gauthier, Sandra Jensen
  • Patent number: 8572650
    Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device. The receiver includes a processor for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. The receiver is arranged to respond to the information data to output for display data derived from said image data and said information data and representing an inter-active image. The receiver is responsive to viewer manipulation of the control device to vary the interactive image and to establish a telecommunications link to a remote site for on-line interaction via the interactive image between the viewer and the remote site. The interactive image may form part of an interactive services interface comprising a broadcast entry level and plural broadcast interactive levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: British Sky Broadcasting Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, David Holliday, Robin Crossley, Alun David Webber, Nicholas James
  • Patent number: 8572660
    Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a content repository 274 storing a plurality of content files associated with the content distribution system. A transport processing system 250 communicating with the content distribution system, a terrestrial communication network 132, and a content delivery network 280 communicating with the content distribution system 260 and the terrestrial network. The content distribution system assigns a satellite category or a broadband category to each of the plurality of content files in response to the satellite category. The content distribution system communicates the content to the transport processing system. The transport processing system communicates the content through a satellite from the transport processing system to a user device. The content distribution system, in response to the broadband category, communicates the content to the content delivery network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Xavier D. Riley, Diem V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8572649
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request associated with a user for media-related programming information, obtaining a plurality of media episode indicators for a time period associated with the request and with the user, and generating code for displaying the plurality of media episode indicators in a calendar associated with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Gossweiler, III, Mehran Sahami, III, Manish G. Patel, John Blackburn, David A. Brown, Neha Gupta, Thomas H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8572648
    Abstract: A receiving system and a data processing method are disclosed. The receiving system includes a receiving unit, a demodulator, a first handler, and a second handler. The receiving unit receives a broadcast signal including fast information channel (FIC) data, mobile service data, and a service signaling channel, the FIC data including a field indicating that a table signaling service guide bootstrap information to the service signaling channel is included therein, and the mobile service data and the service signaling channel are packetized into an RS frame belonging to a desired ensemble. The demodulator demodulates the received broadcast signal. The first handler acquires service guide bootstrap information from the table included in the service signaling channel. And, the second handler accesses a service guide announcement channel by using the service guide bootstrap information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Hyung Song, Jin Pil Kim, Jong Yeul Suh, Chul Soo Lee, In Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 8566893
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using tokens to link the television and the Internet platforms. The tokens are tightly encoded into the content and a registry controls the linking of the television content to specific Internet-based content. The registry also polices the validity of the tokens and optionally provides the token owner with continued control over the Internet content associated with that token. When the two platforms are linked successfully, the consumer receives quality content, while being protected from unwanted Internet content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rakuten, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kokernak, Madeleine Noland
  • Patent number: 8566869
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein that provide a TV receiver that supports a set of existing iTV standards and proprietary iTV implementations. Further, the TV receiver can be extended to support additional iTV standards and proprietary iTV implementations. A digital television data stream is received and processed by a client. The digital television data stream is analyzed to determine which interactive television format is present. A registry of interactive television virtual machines is searched to determine whether a virtual machine is registered for the interactive television format. Each of the interactive television virtual machines is adapted for one of the interactive television formats. If a virtual machine that matches the interactive television format is found, it is loaded and hosted. Hosting the virtual includes providing services to the virtual machine through common application programming interfaces (APIs) machine includes. The common APIs may be used by any virtual machine that is loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Goziker, Toby Steele, Tim Zobel, Pavel Glozman, Ross Hewit
  • Patent number: 8566884
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying user selection preferences of an identified user having accessed the network, the identifying based on an accumulation of user selection inputs executed by the identified user, relative to input options presented to the user and identifying respective available network items, the accumulation including an identification of the input options not having been selected by the identified user; determining a group of network users having a highest correlation of shared interests with the identified user, based on identifying preferred network items for the identified user, and identifying first network users providing highest relative user affinity values for each of the preferred network items; and determining at least one of new network items most likely to be preferred by the identified user, based on determining, from among network items not presented to the identifier user, the preferred network items for each of the first network users in the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Toebes, Ari Daniel Scheinman, Eric Chan
  • Patent number: 8561108
    Abstract: Viewing episodes of a video series in order allows for a good viewing experience and understanding of episode content of the individual episodes. Functionality can be implemented in a video recording device and/or at a content provider to collect data about viewing behavior to determine if a user(s) tends to view episodes of a series in order. The video recording device and/or content provider can also keep track of partially or fully viewed episodes and episodes that are ready for viewing to avoid acquiring already viewed episodes Being able to quickly catch up on missed episodes will allow for easier introduction to a video series and prevent viewers from abandoning programs. In addition, requests for particular episodes can be leveraged for dynamic episode scheduling and dynamic setting of advertisement rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kulvir S. Bhogal, Gregory J. Boss, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell