Patents by Inventor Michael R. Munsell

Michael R. Munsell 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: 9564988
    Abstract: A communication system includes a content repository storing a content file and a video transport processing system receiving the content file and dividing the content file into a plurality of content file portions, forming a leading data portion, determining a cyclic redundancy check value, forming a trailing data portion with the cyclic redundancy check value therein, forming a content data stream from the leading data portion, the plurality of content file portions and trailing data portion. The system also includes a system communicating the content data stream to a user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, James A. Michener
  • Patent number: 9225939
    Abstract: A system for delivering satellite signals to a plurality of display platforms. A system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a first transmission system for delivering the satellite signals to a first display platform via at least one satellite, and a second transmission system, coupled to the first transmission system, for delivering at least a portion of the satellite signals to at least one second display platform, the first transmission system and the second transmission system transmitting in a substantially simultaneous manner, wherein the second transmission system transmits a data stream formatted for compatibility with the at least one second display platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Deanna R. Kidd, Michael R. Munsell, An P. Vuong, Darren J. Wolford, Mitchell B. Wasden, Howard M. Buckley
  • Patent number: 9060096
    Abstract: A communication system includes a content repository 274 storing a content file and a video transport processing system 273 in communication with the content repository 274. The video transport processing system 273 receives a plurality of conditional access information, stores a relative time of arrival of each of the plurality of conditional access information and encrypts the content file using the plurality of conditional access information and the relative time of arrival to form an encrypted content file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Mitchell B. Wasden, James A. Michener, Raynold M. Kahn, Maria G. Popoli
  • Patent number: 9055316
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 182 encodes the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210. The multiplexer 210 combines the transport streams to form a combined signal and inserts a digital video effect into the combined signal. A modulator 214 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal. A system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Carl Ostrom, Mitchell B. Wasden
  • Patent number: 8964734
    Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a content management system 221 determining a programming schedule and a video transport processing system 223 receiving a content file in forming a transport stream from the content file having a plurality of packets, each having a header with a first packet identifier in the header and a data portion. The communication system 100 further includes a content repository 274 storing the content in a satellite transport processing system 250 changing the first packet identifier to a second packet identifier in response to the programming schedule and communicating the transport stream to a user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Diem V. Nguyen, Michael R. Munsell, Xavier D. Riley
  • Patent number: 8619822
    Abstract: A system and method of generating an output signal includes a receiving system generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 162 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. The system also includes a local area network 130 routing the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210 to form a combined signal, a modulator 214 modulating the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forming the output signal from the modulated signal. In one aspect, the output signals may be satellite uplink signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Hanno Basse, Daniel M. Miner, Mitchell B. Wasden
  • Patent number: 8255954
    Abstract: A broadcast system includes a program guide system, a traffic and scheduling system having a traffic and scheduling database having a program schedule therein. The system also includes a broadcast operation channel management system initiating a channel mapping change or channel definition change using the program schedule and communicating a change notification to a traffic scheduling system from the broadcast operation channel management system, extracting channel data from the channel mapping or channel definition change. The broadcast operation channel management system communicates the channel data to a program guide system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo Barroso, Trang V Luu, Michael R Munsell, Dien V Nguyen, Xavier D Riley, Jason Y Shimizu, Mark T Takamoto, Gilbert Zaldivar
  • Patent number: 8239913
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format and communicating the plurality of signals simultaneously through a primary path and a secondary path. A digital video effects module 240 inserting a digital video effect into at least a first signal of the plurality of signals in a primary path. An encoder 182 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer to form a combined signal. A modulator 210 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Carl Ostrom, Mitchell B. Wasden
  • Patent number: 8185922
    Abstract: A system and method for distributing requested content includes a content management system 12 and a device 14 such as a set top box that selects a selection corresponding to content in the content management system 12 and transmits a first material identification to the content management system. The content management system 12 transmits the content to the device with a second material identification associated therewith. The device 14 receives the content and the second material identification and compares the first material identification to the second material identification. When the second material identification corresponds to the content, the device continues downloading the content. When the second material identification does not correspond to the content, downloading of the file is discontinued. A content prefix may also be used alone or in combination with the material identification. The content is prevented from being transmitted if the content prefix does not correspond to the content type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Deanna R. Kidd, Mitch C. Jacobs, Aspandyar M. Jijina, Sui-Ky R. Ling, Michael R. Munsell, Xavier D. Riley, Jeffrey L. Sharkey, Haydee C. Silva, Ranny Q. Sue
  • Patent number: 7817184
    Abstract: Methods of testing receiver video fidelity are disclosed. One example method includes producing a video test signal; coupling the video test signal into an input of the receiver, wherein the video test signal is configured to cause a decoder to output a step function signal upon processing the video test signal; coupling the step function signal to a display rate converter; and measuring signal characteristics of signals provided at a receiver output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Michener, Leon J. Stanger, Michael R. Munsell
  • Publication number: 20090228931
    Abstract: A broadcast system includes a program guide system, a traffic and scheduling system having a traffic and scheduling database having a program schedule therein. The system also includes a broadcast operation channel management system initiating a channel mapping change or channel definition change using the program schedule and communicating a change notification to a traffic scheduling system from the broadcast operation channel management system, extracting channel data from the channel mapping or channel definition change. The broadcast operation channel management system communicates the channel data to a program guide system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Eduardo Barroso, Trang V. Luu, Michael R. Munsell, Dien V. Nguyen, Xavier D. Riley, Jason Y. Shimizu, Mark T. Takamoto, Gilbert Zaldivar
  • Publication number: 20090031371
    Abstract: A system 100 includes a content repository 274 storing a content file and a video transport processing system. The video transport processing system 223 receives a plurality of conditional access information, receives the content file from the content repository, encrypts the content file using the plurality of conditional access information to from an encrypted content file, determines broadband information, forms a content stream from the encrypted content file and the broadband information and stores the content stream in the content repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Hanno Basse
  • Publication number: 20090028328
    Abstract: A communication system includes a content repository 274 storing a content file and a video transport processing system 273 in communication with the content repository 274. The video transport processing system 273 receives a plurality of conditional access information, stores a relative time of arrival of each of the plurality of conditional access information and encrypts the content file using the plurality of conditional access information and the relative time of arrival to form an encrypted content file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Mitchell B. Wasden, James A. Michener, Raynold M. Kahn, Maria G. Popoli
  • Publication number: 20090031189
    Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a content repository 274 storing a content file and a video transport processing system 223 receiving the content file and dividing the content file into a plurality of content file portions, forming a leading data portion, determining a cyclic redundancy check value, forming a trailing data portion with the cyclic redundancy check value therein, forming a content data stream from the leading data portion, the plurality of content file portions and trailing data portion. The system also includes a system communicating the content data stream to a user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, James A. Michener
  • Publication number: 20090028087
    Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a content management system 221 determining a programming schedule and a video transport processing system 223 receiving a content file in forming a transport stream from the content file having a plurality of packets, each having a header with a first packet identifier in the header and a data portion. The communication system 100 further includes a content repository 274 storing the content in a satellite transport processing system 250 changing the first packet identifier to a second packet identifier in response to the programming schedule and communicating the transport stream to a user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: DIEM V. NGUYEN, MICHAEL R. MUNSELL, XAVIER D. RILEY
  • Publication number: 20080244642
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format and communicating the plurality of signals simultaneously through a primary path and a secondary path. A digital video effects module 240 inserting a digital video effect into at least a first signal of the plurality of signals in a primary path. An encoder 182 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer to form a combined signal. A modulator 210 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Carl Ostrom, Mitchell B. Wasden
  • Publication number: 20080240258
    Abstract: A system and method of generating an output signal includes a receiving system generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 162 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. The system also includes a local area network 130 routing the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210 to form a combined signal, a modulator 214 modulating the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forming the output signal from the modulated signal. In one aspect, the output signals may be satellite uplink signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Hanno Basse, Daniel M. Miner, Mitchell B. Wasden
  • Publication number: 20080244663
    Abstract: A method and system for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format, a router system 186 selecting a first signal from the plurality of signals, a digital video effects module 240, 242 inserting a digital video effect into the first signal and an encoder 182, 190 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams. The system also includes a multiplexer 210, a local area network 130 routing the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer to form a combined signal, a modulator 214 modulating the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forming the output signal from the modulated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Carl Ostrom, Mitchell B. Wasden
  • Publication number: 20080239162
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 182 encodes the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210. The multiplexer 210 combines the transport streams to form a combined signal and inserts a digital video effect into the combined signal. A modulator 214 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal. A system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Carl Ostrom, Mitchell B. Wasden
  • Publication number: 20080239163
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format, a digital video effects module 240 inserting a digital video effect into at least a first signal of the plurality of signals, an encoder 182 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer to form a combined signal. The modulator 210 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal. A system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Carl Ostrom, Mitchell B. Wasden