Patents by Inventor Benjamin Mui

Benjamin Mui has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10764647
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. An embodiment may relate to a device that includes a plurality of respective tuning channels. The device includes a controller configured to transmit a registration query and receive a registration request from a client device. The registration request may include a client identifier and a tuner quantity. The tuner quantity may indicate the number of tuners associated with the client device. The controller may assign at least one tuning channel to the client device based on the tuner quantity. Furthermore, the controller may transmit a registration confirmation message to the client device. The registration confirmation message may include the respective tuning channel identifier of the at least one assigned tuning channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Mui, Kushan Shah, Bradley T. Ito
  • Patent number: 10153790
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. Example embodiments may include frequency shifting an intermediate frequency (IF) signal down-conversion from the microwave-band. As an example, down-conversion involving local oscillators may lead to frequency drift due to varying temperature and/or humidity conditions. Correcting for the frequency drift may provide an opportunity to remove or filter excess bandwidth. Further embodiments may include receiving, in a tuning request, information about a transponder type. A frequency translation module may be adjusted based, at least in part, on the transponder type related to the IF signal being input into the frequency translation module. Such frequency-shifting and transponder-specific filtering may allow Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM) devices to provide output signals with narrower bandwidth, which may improve signal quality, cable run length, reduce power demands, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kushan Shah, Benjamin Mui
  • Patent number: 10085070
    Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to configuring out-of-home streaming between a mobile device and a set top box (STB). Internet connectivity establishment (ICE) agents, installed on the mobile device and the STB, determine telemetry information via communication with network address translator (NAT) servers. Communication agents, installed on the mobile device and the STB, translate the telemetry information into a format acceptable to a communication server. The communication server exchanges the telemetry information between the mobile device and the STB and maintains a persistent connection with the STB. The communication agents connect the mobile device to the same communication server that the STB is persistently connected to. Media content is streamed directly from the STB to the mobile device if a direct connection between the STB and mobile device is established and via the NAT servers if a direct connection cannot be established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: David Bibayoff, Christopher J. Cugno, Siva Subramanian Venkataramani, Gerard V. Talatinian, Benjamin Mui, Mark C. Guidarelli, Vishal Arya, Pankaj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20180160186
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. An embodiment may relate to a device that includes a plurality of respective tuning channels. The device includes a controller configured to transmit a registration query and receive a registration request from a client device. The registration request may include a client identifier and a tuner quantity. The tuner quantity may indicate the number of tuners associated with the client device. The controller may assign at least one tuning channel to the client device based on the tuner quantity. Furthermore, the controller may transmit a registration confirmation message to the client device. The registration confirmation message may include the respective tuning channel identifier of the at least one assigned tuning channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Mui, Kushan Shah, Bradley T. Ito
  • Publication number: 20180123618
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. Example embodiments may include frequency shifting an intermediate frequency (IF) signal down-conversion from the microwave-band. As an example, down-conversion involving local oscillators may lead to frequency drift due to varying temperature and/or humidity conditions. Correcting for the frequency drift may provide an opportunity to remove or filter excess bandwidth. Further embodiments may include receiving, in a tuning request, information about a transponder type. A frequency translation module may be adjusted based, at least in part, on the transponder type related to the IF signal being input into the frequency translation module. Such frequency-shifting and transponder-specific filtering may allow Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM) devices to provide output signals with narrower bandwidth, which may improve signal quality, cable run length, reduce power demands, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kushan Shah, Benjamin Mui
  • Patent number: 9924233
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. An embodiment may relate to a device that includes a plurality of respective tuning channels. The device includes a controller configured to transmit a registration query and receive a registration request from a client device. The registration request may include a client identifier and a tuner quantity. The tuner quantity may indicate the number of tuners associated with the client device. The controller may assign at least one tuning channel to the client device based on the tuner quantity. Furthermore, the controller may transmit a registration confirmation message to the client device. The registration confirmation message may include the respective tuning channel identifier of the at least one assigned tuning channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Mui, Kushan Shah, Bradley T. Ito
  • Patent number: 9859926
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. Example embodiments may include frequency shifting an intermediate frequency (IF) signal down-conversion from the microwave-band. As an example, down-conversion involving local oscillators may lead to frequency drift due to varying temperature and/or humidity conditions. Correcting for the frequency drift may provide an opportunity to remove or filter excess bandwidth. Further embodiments may include receiving, in a tuning request, information about a transponder type. A frequency translation module may be adjusted based, at least in part, on the transponder type related to the IF signal being input into the frequency translation module. Such frequency-shifting and transponder-specific filtering may allow Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM) devices to provide output signals with narrower bandwidth, which may improve signal quality, cable run length, reduce power demands, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kushan Shah, Benjamin Mui
  • Patent number: 9768488
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Romulo Pontual, Henry Derovanessian, Benjamin Mui, Gustave R. Stroes
  • Publication number: 20170188114
    Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to configuring out-of-home streaming between a mobile device and a set top box (STB). Internet connectivity establishment (ICE) agents, installed on the mobile device and the STB, determine telemetry information via communication with network address translator (NAT) servers. Communication agents, installed on the mobile device and the STB, translate the telemetry information into a format acceptable to a communication server. The communication server exchanges the telemetry information between the mobile device and the STB and maintains a persistent connection with the STB. The communication agents connect the mobile device to the same communication server that the STB is persistently connected to. Media content is streamed directly from the STB to the mobile device if a direct connection between the STB and mobile device is established and via the NAT servers if a direct connection cannot be established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bibayoff, Christopher J. Cugno, Siva Subramanian Venkataramanian, Gerard V. Talatinian, Benjamin Mui, Mark C. Guidarelli, Vishal Arya, Pankaj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20170013319
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. An embodiment may relate to a device that includes a plurality of respective tuning channels. The device includes a controller configured to transmit a registration query and receive a registration request from a client device. The registration request may include a client identifier and a tuner quantity. The tuner quantity may indicate the number of tuners associated with the client device. The controller may assign at least one tuning channel to the client device based on the tuner quantity. Furthermore, the controller may transmit a registration confirmation message to the client device. The registration confirmation message may include the respective tuning channel identifier of the at least one assigned tuning channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Mui, Kushan Shah, Bradley T. Ito
  • Publication number: 20170012650
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. Example embodiments may include frequency shifting an intermediate frequency (IF) signal down-conversion from the microwave-band. As an example, down-conversion involving local oscillators may lead to frequency drift due to varying temperature and/or humidity conditions. Correcting for the frequency drift may provide an opportunity to remove or filter excess bandwidth. Further embodiments may include receiving, in a tuning request, information about a transponder type. A frequency translation module may be adjusted based, at least in part, on the transponder type related to the IF signal being input into the frequency translation module. Such frequency-shifting and transponder-specific filtering may allow Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM) devices to provide output signals with narrower bandwidth, which may improve signal quality, cable run length, reduce power demands, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kushan Shah, BENJAMIN MUI
  • Patent number: 9461693
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. Example embodiments may include frequency shifting an intermediate frequency (IF) signal down-conversion from the microwave-band. As an example, down-conversion involving local oscillators may lead to frequency drift due to varying temperature and/or humidity conditions. Correcting for the frequency drift may provide an opportunity to remove or filter excess bandwidth. Further embodiments may include receiving, in a tuning request, information about a transponder type. A frequency translation module may be adjusted based, at least in part, on the transponder type related to the IF signal being input into the frequency translation module. Such frequency-shifting and transponder-specific filtering may allow Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM) devices to provide output signals with narrower bandwidth, which may improve signal quality, cable run length, reduce power demands, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kushan Shah, Benjamin Mui
  • Patent number: 8982004
    Abstract: A method and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises pointing the reflector to a position along an orbital arc used in the satellite configuration, commanding a Single Wire Multiswitch circuits which is coupled to the reflector of the antenna to output a signal from at least one satellite at the orbital slot, and adjusting the reflector to maximize reception of the signal from the orbital slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Santoru, John L. Norin, Dipak M. Shah, Gustave R. Stroes, David J. Kuether, Shamik Maitra, Benjamin Mui, Ernest C. Chen
  • Publication number: 20130212616
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a user interface comprises an auxiliary remote control device having an auxiliary remote control device identifier associated therewith and a receiving unit comprising a filter module having a filter feature for filtering content data from a set of available content data in response to an auxiliary remote control device identifier received at the receiving unit. The filter module forms filtered available content data less than the set of available content data. The receiving unit displays the user interface having the filtered available content data associated with the auxiliary remote control device on a display associated with the receiving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Goswitz, Jorge H. Guzman, Benjamin Mui, David N. Schlacht, Joseph Santoru, John L. Norin, Shannon A. Kallin, Sean S. Lee, Drew T. Chen, Scott D. Casavant
  • Patent number: 8044872
    Abstract: A method and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises pointing the reflector to an orbital slot used in the satellite configuration, wherein only one satellite in the orbital slot transmits first circularly polarized signals, and adjusting the reflector to maximize reception of the first circularly polarized signals from the orbital slot. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a reflector, a power meter coupled to the reflector, wherein the power meter and reflector are tuned to receive first circularly polarized signals, and an alignment mechanism, coupled to the reflector, wherein the alignment mechanism is manipulated to point the reflector at an orbital slot wherein only one satellite in the orbital slot transmits the first circularly polarized signals, and to adjust the reflector to maximize reception of the first circularly polarized signals from the orbital slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustave R. Stroes, Benjamin Mui
  • Patent number: 7978142
    Abstract: A method and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises coarsely pointing the reflector to an orbital slot used in the satellite configuration, wherein at least one satellite in the orbital slot transmits first circularly polarized signals, and adjusting the reflector to maximize reception of the first circularly polarized signals from the orbital slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustave R. Stroes, Benjamin Mui
  • Patent number: 7912427
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of systems for testing the delivery of satellite and cable television signals are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Santoru, David J. Kuether, Benjamin Mui, Shamik Maitra, Dipak M. Shah, Romulo Pontual, James R. Butterworth, Philip J. Goswitz, Ernest C. Chen, Gustave R. Stroes, Bradley T. Ito
  • Patent number: 7783248
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a primary uplink site and a diverse uplink site includes a satellite and a communication line that couples the primary uplink site and the diverse uplink site. The primary uplink site receives television signals and communicates the signals over the communication line using a video-over-internet protocol. The primary site forms primary uplink signals and selectively communicates the primary uplink signals to the satellite. The diverse uplink site receives the television signals from the primary uplink site through the communication line and forms the diverse uplink signals and selectively communicates the diverse uplink signals to the satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Cecilia C. Comeaux, Wayne Ladrach, Benjamin Mui, Hanno Basse
  • Patent number: 7693483
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a satellite communication system with regional redundant sites and a central site includes a satellite and a regional site uplinking regional uplink signals to the satellite and condition signals to a terrestrial communication link. The satellite generates regional downlink signals from the regional uplink signal. A central site receives the regional downlink signals from the satellite and terrestrially receives the condition signals and generates control signals for the regional site through the terrestrial communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Norin, Cecilia C. Comeaux, Benjamin Mui
  • Publication number: 20080209478
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of systems for testing the delivery of satellite and cable television signals are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Santoru, David J. Kuether, Benjamin Mui, Shamik Maitra, Dipak M. Shah, Romulo Pontual, James R. Butterworth, Philip J. Goswitz, Ernest C. Chen, Gustave R. Stroes, Bradley T. Ito