Patents by Inventor John L. Norin
John L. Norin 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).
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Patent number: 9456247Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates a plurality of upcoming content metadata that includes a content title to the user device. The user device displays the upcoming content metadata and selects at least one upcoming content metadata from the plurality of upcoming content metadata to form selected data. The user device communicates the selected data to the head end. The head end adjusts head end communication parameters for the content associated with the selected data based on the selected data and communicates the content to a user device based on the head end communication parameters.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Romulo Pontual, John L. Norin, Robert G. Arsenault, Raynold M. Kahn, Sui-Ky Ringo Ling, Luke J. Crook, John D. Choi, Michelle L. Vagnati, Stephen P. Dulac
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Publication number: 20160079665Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining signals received from a direct broadcast satellite system with signals received from a wireless network, includes a satellite antenna for receiving the signals from the direct broadcast satellite system; and a wireless network antenna, co-located with the satellite antenna, for receiving the signals from the wireless network. The wireless network antenna includes an antenna assembly that is rotated by a controller based on characteristics of the signals received from the wireless network. The controller energizes and de-energizes a motor to mechanically rotate the antenna assembly to properly align the wireless network antenna to communicate with the wireless network. The wireless network antenna comprises a closed cylinder, wherein the antenna assembly is rotatably mounted within the closed cylinder, such that, upon command from the controller, the motor engages the antenna assembly to mechanically rotate the antenna assembly about a central axis of the closed cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.Inventors: John L. Norin, Robert F. Popoli, Dipak M. Shah
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Patent number: 9231741Abstract: Systems and methods for communication are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a communications system, comprising at least one transmitter station and at least one receiver station, the transmitter station and receiver station communicating using an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) schema, wherein OFDM signals are transmitted in a notched frequency band arrangement such that at least one other transmission within a notch of the notched frequency band is used outside of the communications system.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: John L. Norin
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Patent number: 9210456Abstract: A system and method for determining unauthorized use of a first user device associated with a local network that includes a plurality of user devices associated with a user account. A comparison module compares a first master identifier determined within the local network and an expected master identifier generated outside the local network. A disable module generates an error signal in response to comparing.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Kuriacose Joseph, John L. Norin, Scott D. Casavant, Yangyang Shi
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Patent number: 9160441Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining signals received from a direct broadcast satellite system with signals received from a wireless network, includes a satellite antenna for receiving the signals from the direct broadcast satellite system; and a wireless network antenna, co-located with the satellite antenna, for receiving the signals from the wireless network. The wireless network antenna includes an antenna assembly that is rotated by a controller based on characteristics of the signals received from the wireless network. The controller energizes and de-energizes a motor to mechanically rotate the antenna assembly to properly align the wireless network antenna to communicate with the wireless network. The wireless network antenna comprises a closed cylinder, wherein the antenna assembly is rotatably mounted within the closed cylinder, such that, upon command from the controller, the motor engages the antenna assembly to mechanically rotate the antenna about a central axis of the closed cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: John L. Norin, Robert F. Popoli, Dipak M. Shah
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Patent number: 9137556Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates metadata for a plurality of content including the content titles. The system also includes the user device that generates a screen display comprising the plurality of content titles from the metadata and generates a selection corresponding to a first content title from a user interface, the user device adds metadata for the first content title to a queue and displays the queue in a priority order on the screen display. The user device is tuned to receive content corresponding to the first content title and stores the content in a storage device.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Romulo Pontual, John L. Norin, Robert G. Arsenault, Raynold M. Kahn, Sui-Ky Ringo Ling, Luke J. Crook, John D. Choi, Michelle L. Vagnati, David Eric Shanks, Steven Kasakitis, Eric J. Bennett, Kenny C. Chen, Stephen P. Dulac
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Patent number: 9124933Abstract: A system and method for determining unauthorized use of a set top box includes a terrestrial signal determination module in the set top box that receives terrestrial signals from a terrestrial source comprising terrestrial signal identifiers. A memory in the set top box stores expected terrestrial signal identifiers for a location of the user device. The user device also includes a comparison module comparing the received terrestrial signal identifier to the location-based terrestrial signal identifiers and a disable module disabling the user device from receiving satellite signals in response to comparing.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Sean S. Lee, Scott D. Casavant, Kuriacose Joseph, John L. Norin
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Patent number: 8982004Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 8978084Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for processing media content for display on a monitor. A home media center (HMC), that includes a server receiver, acts as a central location for recording, distribution, and scheduling of tasks and system resources. The HMC receives a client request from a first client receiver and a legacy request or informs the receiver that the request cannot be fulfilled. Different coding technologies are used to provide video, audio, and data services to the client receiver and the legacy receiver.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Hanno Basse, John L. Norin, Raynold M. Kahn
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Patent number: 8719875Abstract: A receiving unit 28 includes a tuner circuit board 100 that receives a first signal that may include a satellite signal. The tuner circuit board 100 demodulates the satellite signal to form a second signal. The second signal is provided to an internet protocol (IP) and control module circuit board 102 that is separated from the tuner circuit board 100. The internet protocol (IP) and control module circuit board 102 formats the second signal to form an IP encapsulated signal. The IP encapsulated signal is communicated to a device 44 so that a display 46 may be generated.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Scott D Casavant, Linh H Nguyen, John L Norin
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Patent number: 8712318Abstract: Systems and devices for receiving satellite signals are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: John L. Norin
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Publication number: 20140036819Abstract: Systems and methods for communication are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a communications system, comprising at least one transmitter station and at least one receiver station, the transmitter station and receiver station communicating using an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) schema, wherein OFDM signals are transmitted in a notched frequency band arrangement such that at least one other transmission within a notch of the notched frequency band is used outside of the communications system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: John L. Norin
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Patent number: 8634484Abstract: The Energy spectral density of OFDM signals inherently rolls off slowly. Slow OFDM spectral rolloff has system level implications traditionally mitigated by some combination of the following: addition of bandlimiting filtering; use of significant guard bands of zeroed tones; and, guard time shaping. Each of these techniques negatively impact system performance and/or flexibility. This application presents a methodology for active cancellation of out of band spectral energy. The technique can be used by itself or in conjunction with above traditional methods to help control out of band emission. Examples of the use of the new technique are provided. Computational cost of the new technique is also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Popoli, John L. Norin
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Patent number: 8627382Abstract: Systems for delivering satellite signals to multiple dwelling units (MDUs). A system in accordance with the present invention comprises an antenna for receiving the satellite signals, a conversion unit, coupled to the antenna, for stacking the satellite signals onto a single cable, a distribution unit, coupled to the conversion unit, wherein the distribution unit distributes the stacked satellite signal to a plurality of outputs, and at least one customer device, coupled to an output of the plurality of outputs, wherein each unit in the MDU uses the customer device to destack the stacked satellite signals for delivery to a receiver.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Dipak M. Shah, John L. Norin
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Publication number: 20130288593Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining signals received from a direct broadcast satellite system with signals received from a wireless network, includes a satellite antenna for receiving the signals from the direct broadcast satellite system; and a wireless network antenna, co-located with the satellite antenna, for receiving the signals from the wireless network. The wireless network antenna includes an antenna assembly that is rotated by a controller based on characteristics of the signals received from the wireless network. The controller energizes and de-energizes a motor to mechanically rotate the antenna assembly to properly align the wireless network antenna to communicate with the wireless network. The wireless network antenna comprises a closed cylinder, wherein the antenna assembly is rotatably mounted within the closed cylinder, such that, upon command from the controller, the motor engages the antenna assembly to mechanically rotate the antenna about a central axis of the closed cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: John L. Norin, Robert F. Popoli, Dipak M. Shah
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Patent number: 8571464Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing coverage and throughput in a wireless communication system. An antenna for use in a wireless communications system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a plurality of antenna elements, an antenna selection switch, coupled to the plurality of antenna elements, and a control system, coupled to the antenna selection switch, wherein the control system selectively energizes the plurality of antenna elements to create a communications link to a device in the wireless communications system through the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: John L. Norin
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Publication number: 20130212616Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 8509158Abstract: Systems and methods for communication are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a communications system, comprising at least one transmitter station and at least one receiver station, the transmitter station and receiver station communicating using an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) schema, wherein OFDM signals are transmitted in a notched frequency band arrangement such that at least one other transmission within a notch of the notched frequency band is used outside of the communications system.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: John L. Norin
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Patent number: 8106842Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: John L. Norin
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Publication number: 20110289522Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates metadata for a plurality of content including the content titles. The system also includes the user device that generates a screen display comprising the plurality of content titles from the metadata and generates a selection corresponding to a first content title from a user interface, the user device adds metadata for the first content title to a queue and displays the queue in a priority order on the screen display. The user device is tuned to receive content corresponding to the first content title and stores the content in a storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Romulo Pontual, John L. Norin, Robert G. Arsenault, Raynold M. Kahn, Sui-Ky Ringo Ling, Luke J. Crook, John D. Choi, Michelle L. Vagnati, David Eric Shanks, Steven Kasakitis, Eric J. Bennett, Kenny C. Chen, Stephen P. Dulac