Patents by Inventor Erik Christopher Metz

Erik Christopher Metz 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: 6323793
    Abstract: An HFC return path system uses digital conversion and transport at the fiber optic node, so as to replace analog laser technology with a high-speed baseband digital technology, thereby providing immunity from the troublesome analog laser impairments, enabling longer distances to be covered, potentially avoiding the need for hub repeater hardware required in analog systems, among other benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Landis Howald, Erik Christopher Metz, Timothy J. Brophy
  • Patent number: 5978855
    Abstract: Set-top terminals utilized in broadband broadcast networks are becoming increasingly intelligent (programmable). However, transmitting executable code, data and interactive audio/video materials through a selectively dedicated link requires an extensive, broadband point-to-point broadband network, which is prohibitively expensive to implement for large numbers of customers. The present invention provides for downloading application software and transmitting audio/video information through one channel of a digital broadcast network. The network also provides two-way, low-speed data communications capacity, e.g. for signaling and/or interactive text services. Signaling via data communication with a text server controls downloading of executable code from the digital broadcast channel into a programmable digital set-top terminal. Execution of the downloaded code in turn controls selective capture and presentation of audio and video segments received over one of the digital broadcast channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Christopher Metz, Paul Andrew Zimmerman, Jr., Laszlo Erdely, Jr., Colin Joseph deSa, Henry G. Hudson, Jr., John W. Darr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5768539
    Abstract: Set-top terminals utilized in broadband broadcast networks are becoming increasingly intelligent (programmable). However, transmitting executable code, data and interactive audio/video materials through a selectively dedicated link requires an extensive, broadband point-to-point broadband network, which is prohibitively expensive to implement for large numbers of customers. The present invention provides for downloading application software and transmitting audio/video information through one channel of a digital broadcast network. The network also provides two-way, low-speed data communications capacity, e.g. for signaling and/or interactive text services. Signaling via data communication with a text server controls downloading of executable code from the digital broadcast channel into a programmable digital set-top terminal. Execution of the downloaded code in turn controls selective capture and presentation of audio and video segments received over one of the digital broadcast channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Christopher Metz, Paul Andrew Zimmerman, Jr., Laszlo Erdely, Jr., Colin Joseph deSa, Henry G. Hudson, Jr., John W. Darr, Jr.