Patents by Inventor Neil R. Diener

Neil R. Diener 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: 8374113
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to reduce or restrict the bandwidth consumed by multicast video streams on wireless links, such as wireless IEEE 802.11 links. At a central multicast video transcoder apparatus configured to communicate with one or more access point devices operating in a wireless local area network, one or more multicast video streams are re-encoded the one or more multicast video streams to produce a corresponding one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams that have a reduced bandwidth from a bandwidth of the received multicast video streams. The one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams are thus adapted for wireless transmission by access point devices to wireless client devices in the wireless local area network. The one or more access point devices receive the one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams and process the one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams depending on conditions in a radio channel used by the access point device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Meier, Neil R. Diener
  • Patent number: 8369305
    Abstract: At a plurality of first devices, wireless transmissions are received at different locations in a region where multiple target devices may be emitting. Identifier data associated with reception of emissions from target devices at multiple first devices is generated. Similar identifier data associated with received emissions at multiple first devices are grouped together into a cluster record that potentially represents the same target device detected by multiple first devices. Data is stored that represents a plurality of cluster records from identifier data associated with received emissions made over time by multiple first devices. The cluster records are analyzed over time to correlate detections of target devices across multiple first devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil R. Diener, Gary L. Sugar, Brian Donald Hart, Igal Gutkin, David Kloper
  • Publication number: 20130012134
    Abstract: At a wireless device operating in an unlicensed frequency band, energy received at a plurality of antennas is analyzed to detect interference on a channel in the unlicensed frequency band. The type of interference detected in the received energy is determined. Parameters are then generated for a nulling filter based on the type of interference detected in the received energy. The nulling filter is applied to the received energy at the plurality of antennas to produce a spatially filtered output. The spatially filtered output is evaluated to determine whether to send a transmission on the channel in the unlicensed frequency band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Hang Jin, Li Guo, Paul J. Stager, Neil R. Diener, Matthew A. Silverman
  • Patent number: 8331312
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to reduce contention (interference) between bursts associated with multiple isochronous traffic flows. Generally, the techniques involve, at a plurality of wireless access point devices and/or a plurality of wireless client devices in a wireless network, initiating bursts of wireless transmissions carrying isochronous traffic from wireless access point devices to their associated client devices and/or from wireless client devices to their respective wireless access point devices at start times that are scheduled so as to reduce a likelihood of interference between multiple bursts of wireless transmissions for different isochronous traffic flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D Hart, Neil R Diener, Lu Qian
  • Publication number: 20120264388
    Abstract: Interference in an unlicensed frequency band is spatially filtered out from received signals at a wireless device operating in the unlicensed frequency band. Energy received at a plurality of antennas of the wireless is device is analyzed to detect interference in the unlicensed frequency band. The detected interference is classified by type. Parameters for a nulling filter are generated or selected based on the type of interference detected in the received energy. During a time interval when it is expected to receive desired signals, the nulling filter is applied using the parameters to signals obtained from energy received at the plurality of antennas during the time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Li Guo, Hang Jin, Paul J. Stager, Neil R. Diener, Matthew A. Silverman, Chandra Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 8175539
    Abstract: A system, method, software and related functions are provided for managing activity in a radio frequency band that is shared, both in frequency and time, by signals of multiple types. An example of such a frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band. Radio frequency energy in the frequency band is captured at one or more devices and/or locations in a region where activity in the frequency band is happening. Signals occurring in the frequency band are detected by sampling part or the entire frequency band for time intervals. Signal pulse energy in the band is detected and is used to classify signals according to signal type. Using knowledge of the types of signals occurring in the frequency band and other spectrum activity related statistics (referred to as spectrum intelligence), actions can be taken in a device or network of devices to avoid interfering with other signals, and in general to optimize simultaneous use of the frequency band with the other signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil R. Diener, Karl A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110299448
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to reduce or restrict the bandwidth consumed by multicast video streams on wireless links, such as wireless IEEE 802.11 links. At a central multicast video transcoder apparatus configured to communicate with one or more access point devices operating in a wireless local area network, one or more multicast video streams are re-encoded the one or more multicast video streams to produce a corresponding one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams that have a reduced bandwidth from a bandwidth of the received multicast video streams. The one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams are thus adapted for wireless transmission by access point devices to wireless client devices in the wireless local area network. The one or more access point devices receive the one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams and process the one or more wireless-friendly multicast video streams depending on conditions in a radio channel used by the access point device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Meier, Neil R. Diener
  • Publication number: 20110205998
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to reduce contention (interference) between bursts associated with multiple isochronous traffic flows. Generally, the techniques involve, at a plurality of wireless access point devices and/or a plurality of wireless client devices in a wireless network, initiating bursts of wireless transmissions carrying isochronous traffic from wireless access point devices to their associated client devices and/or from wireless client devices to their respective wireless access point devices at start times that are scheduled so as to reduce a likelihood of interference between multiple bursts of wireless transmissions for different isochronous traffic flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brian D. Hart, Neil R. Diener, Lu Qian
  • Publication number: 20110090939
    Abstract: A system, method, software and related functions are provided for managing activity in a radio frequency band that is shared, both in frequency and time, by signals of multiple types. An example of such a frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band. Radio frequency energy in the frequency band is captured at one or more devices and/or locations in a region where activity in the frequency band is happening. Signals occurring in the frequency band are detected by sampling part or the entire frequency band for time intervals. Signal pulse energy in the band is detected and is used to classify signals according to signal type. Using knowledge of the types of signals occurring in the frequency band and other spectrum activity related statistics (referred to as spectrum intelligence), actions can be taken in a device or network of devices to avoid interfering with other signals, and in general to optimize simultaneous use of the frequency band with the other signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Neil R. Diener, Karl A. Miller, William R. Seed, Thomas H. Scholl
  • Publication number: 20090327333
    Abstract: At a plurality of first devices, wireless transmissions are received at different locations in a region where multiple target devices may be emitting. Identifier data associated with reception of emissions from target devices at multiple first devices is generated. Similar identifier data associated with received emissions at multiple first devices are grouped together into a cluster record that potentially represents the same target device detected by multiple first devices. Data is stored that represents a plurality of cluster records from identifier data associated with received emissions made over time by multiple first devices. The cluster records are analyzed over time to correlate detections of target devices across multiple first devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Neil R. Diener, Gary L. Sugar, Brian Donald Hart, Igal Gutkin, David Kloper
  • Patent number: 7620396
    Abstract: Techniques for monitoring radio frequency (RF) activity in a frequency band where licensed spectrum service is occurring. One or more monitoring devices are deployed at one or more locations in the coverage area of a licensed spectrum service provider. For example, the monitoring device may be integrated into a base station of a licensed spectrum service provider. Each monitoring device receives RF energy and detects whether the radio frequency energy contains activity not associated with the licensed spectrum service provider and whether there is a violation of a secondary usage policy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Andrew Floam, Gary L. Sugar, Neil R. Diener
  • Publication number: 20090046625
    Abstract: A system, method, software and related functions are provided for managing activity in a radio frequency band that is shared, both in frequency and time, by signals of multiple types. An example of such a frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band. Radio frequency energy in the frequency band is captured at one or more devices and/or locations in a region where activity in the frequency band is happening. Signals occurring in the frequency band are detected by sampling part or the entire frequency band for time intervals. Signal pulse energy in the band is detected and is used to classify signals according to signal type. Using knowledge of the types of signals occurring in the frequency band and other spectrum activity related statistics (referred to as spectrum intelligence), actions can be taken in a device or network of devices to avoid interfering with other signals, and in general to optimize simultaneous use of the frequency band with the other signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Neil R. Diener, Karl A. Miller, William R. Seed, Thomas H. Scholl
  • Patent number: 7460837
    Abstract: An intelligent spectrum management (ISM) system and method that includes sophisticated features to detect, classify, and locate sources of RF activity. The system comprises one or more radio sensor devices positioned at various locations in a region where activity in a shared radio frequency band is occurring. A server is coupled to the radio sensor devices and aggregates the data generated by the sensor devices. Data collected and processed by the server from the sensors may be coupled to a console application that displays the data in desirable user interface format. According to one aspect, the server continuously stores spectrum analysis data pertaining to activity in a frequency band over time and/or protocol analysis data pertaining to analysis of packets transmitted in the frequency band according to a communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil R. Diener
  • Patent number: 7444145
    Abstract: An intelligent spectrum management (ISM) system and method that includes sophisticated features to detect, classify, and locate sources of RF activity. The system comprises one or more radio sensor devices positioned at various locations in a region where activity in a shared radio frequency band is occurring. A server is coupled to the radio sensor devices and aggregates the data generated by the sensor devices. The server receives data from each of the plurality of sensor devices and executes functions to process the data. One feature of the system is to correlate data collected from the sensor or from suitably equipped devices that operate (and may move about) in a space with locations where provocation of that data occurs. To this end, radio frequency energy is received at each of a plurality of known positions (e.g., the sensors) in a space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil R. Diener
  • Patent number: 7424268
    Abstract: A system, method, software and related functions are provided for managing activity in a radio frequency band that is shared, both in frequency and time, by signals of multiple types. An example of such a frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band. Radio frequency energy in the frequency band is captured at one or more devices and/or locations in a region where activity in the frequency band is happening. Signals occurring in the frequency band are detected by sampling part or the entire frequency band for time intervals. Signal pulse energy in the band is detected and is used to classify signals according to signal type. Using knowledge of the types of signals occurring in the frequency band and other spectrum activity related statistics (referred to as spectrum intelligence), actions can be taken in a device or network of devices to avoid interfering with other signals, and in general to optimize simultaneous use of the frequency band with the other signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil R. Diener, Karl A. Miller, William R. Seed, Thomas H. Scholl
  • Patent number: 7408907
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing communication with a plurality of wireless client devices operating in a radio frequency band shared by other types of devices, comprising a step of controlling at least one parameter associated with radio communication with each of the plurality of wireless devices based on the radio frequency environment associated with each corresponding one of the plurality of wireless client devices. Spectrum profile information describing the radio frequency environment (activity in the frequency band) at a wireless client device is sent to the wireless base station device (where the parameter controls are made) from either a wireless client device or another radio device in the proximity of one or more wireless client devices that is capable of generating the spectrum profile information. The spectrum profile information may include information identifying signals that are occurring in the frequency band in the proximity of a wireless client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil R. Diener
  • Patent number: 7269151
    Abstract: A system and method for managing the spectrum utilization of a frequency band that is shared, both in frequency and time, by multiple devices. At one or more devices operating in the frequency band, pulses associated with signals occurring in the frequency band are detected by sampling part or all the frequency band for a time interval. From the detected signal pulses, the signals can be classified. In addition, overall spectrum activity can be measured. Using classification information for signals detected in the frequency band, policies can be executed so that a device may take certain actions in order to avoid interfering with other signals, or to optimize simultaneous use of the frequency band with the other signals. Signal detection occurs at one or more devices operating in a frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Cognio, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil R. Diener, Karl A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7184777
    Abstract: An intelligent spectrum management (ISM) system and method are provided that includes sophisticated features to detect, classify, and locate sources of RF activity. The system comprises one or more sensors positioned at various locations in a region where activity in a shared radio frequency band is occurring and a server coupled to the sensors. Each sensor monitors communication traffic, such as IEEE WLAN traffic, as well as classifies non-WLAN signals occurring in the frequency band. The server receives data from each of the plurality of sensors and that executes functions to process the data supplied by the plurality of sensors. In particular, the server aggregates the data generated by the sensors and generates event reports and other configurable information derived from the sensors that is interfaced to a client application, e.g., a network management station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cognio, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil R. Diener, David S. Kloper, Anthony T. Collins
  • Patent number: 7142108
    Abstract: Monitoring for unauthorized RF energy emitted or transmitted in a particular zone or portion of a building, etc. Radio frequency energy is received in a region that encompasses a zone in which it is desired to monitor for unauthorized radio frequency energy. At least one characteristic of the received radio frequency energy is analyzed to determine whether unauthorized radio frequency energy is occurring in the zone. Unauthorized RF energy may be detected by analyzing at least one spectral characteristic of the received radio frequency energy and comparing the at least one spectral characteristic with data associated with authorized and/or unauthorized radio frequency energy. Alternatively, signal classification techniques can be applied to data derived from the received radio frequency energy to classify by type signals contained in the received radio frequency energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Cognio, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil R. Diener, David S. Kloper, D. Andrew Floam
  • Patent number: 7116943
    Abstract: A system and method for classifying signals occurring in a frequency band. One or more characteristics of one or more signals in the frequency band are detected using any suitable technology, such as a device that can generate characteristics of signal pulses detected in the frequency band. Data pertaining to the signal pulses is accumulated over time. The accumulated signal data is compared against reference data associated with known signals to classify the one or more signals in the frequency band based on the comparison. The accumulated data may include one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration, time between pulses and number of different active pulses, and wherein the reference data associated with each of a plurality of known signals comprises one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration and time between pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Cognio, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Sugar, Neil R. Diener, Karl A. Miller