Receiver For Satellite Broadcast Patents (Class 455/3.02)
  • Patent number: 7941503
    Abstract: A system and method of providing personalized broadcast transmissions Broadcasting-Party-Designated Recipients over a mobile telecommunications Radio Area Network is provided. The Broadcasting Party can send multimedia content for a personalized broadcast to an IMS Application Server in a SIP Message and broadcast the multimedia content to the mobile telecommunications terminals of the Broadcasting-Party-Designated Recipients. The personalized broadcast transmission can be generating using a plurality of unicast transmissions or a multicast transmission made to a multicast channel/address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Benco, Maria Rg Azada
  • Patent number: 7936846
    Abstract: A system and method of achieving a reduced time for first fix in a global positioning system receiver (GPS). The GPS receiver includes a low gate count sequential multitap correlator (102) in combination with a digital signal processor (106) and a down converter (101). The low gate count sequential multitap correlator (102) conducts sequential correlation on the incoming GPS signals using a multitapping and pipelining scheme. The multitapping process involves tapping the shift register and simultaneously correlating the signal samples and tapped chips. The pipelining process includes sampling data, mapping incoming samples, shifting carrier acquisition code, multiplying and accumulating the code and signal products. The digital signal processor conducts the frequency search.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Accord Software & Systems Pvt. Ltd.
    Inventors: Muralikrishna Srikantiah, Nagaraj Channarayapatna Shivaramaiah
  • Patent number: 7929931
    Abstract: A broadcast receiver which can receive broadcast by directly selecting a discretionary broadcast station from all the receivable broadcast stations. The broadcast receiver is provided with a broadcast receiving section having broadcast station searching means for searching a carrier frequency of the receivable broadcast station. The receivable carrier frequencies searched by the broadcast station searching means are displayed as a list of broadcast station information on a display section, a specification from the list of broadcast station information displayed on the display section is accepted by operation of an operating section, and broadcast of the carrier frequency corresponding to the accepted specification is permitted to be received by the broadcast receiving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruhiko Nakamura, Haruhito Watanabe, Mamoru Oda
  • Patent number: 7925167
    Abstract: A satellite or spacecraft in low Earth orbit, when in eclipse and not illuminated by sunlight, represents a low-bandwidth datastream through modulation of a source of uncollimated light, such as a set of light emitting diodes. Transmission modes include generating patterns in the color, intensity or polarization of a light source, or precise timing control of a strobe signal. A ground station tracks the satellite in a telescope, stewing the telescope to follow the satellite as it moves across the sky, recording light generated by the satellite with a light sensor such as a video camera. The datastream is regenerated through analysis of recorded video. Satellite downlink is initiated by detection of eclipse, by command via radio uplink, or in response to a periodic automatic timer. In an alternative embodiment, the satellite represents the datastream through modulation of its effective albedo or reflective flux during periods of solar illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Marek J. Kozubal, Terence Sean Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110081855
    Abstract: A receiving device receives one or more signals, each signal including transponder identifying information. The receiving device processes the transponder identifying information to determine which signals are receivable by the receiving device. Based upon the receivable signals, the receiving device modifies its operational behavior accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: STEVEN M. CASAGRANDE, JASON MICHAEL ANGUIANO, WILLIAM NORRIS MORAN, MICHAEL J. CAVANAUGH
  • Patent number: 7920823
    Abstract: Capability checking to examine a computing device's capabilities to determine if the device supports a software defined radio to communicate according to a specific wireless protocol. Applicants have appreciated that as the reliance on software defined radio increases, numerous potential options may be available to a user for performing wireless communication. Applicants have appreciated the desirability of providing the ability to discover the capabilities of a user's computer to determine whether it is capable of supporting one or more wireless protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Vishesh M. Parikh, Thomas W. Kuehnel, Deyun Wu, Christian Huitema, David Jones, Andrew Baron
  • Patent number: 7920824
    Abstract: A storage and playback device is capable of being detachably coupled to an output device, such as speakers of an automobile. The device includes a wireless transceiver to receive compressed digital content automatically from a computer system via a wireless local area network based on user defined preferences input into the computer system. The wireless transceiver is communicably coupled to the wireless local area network when the wireless transceiver is a predetermined distance from a wireless local area network access point. The device also includes a decoder and converter to decompress and convert the digital content. The decompressed and converted digital content is sent to be played on the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Viviana Research LLC
    Inventors: Craig M. Janik, Nick Kalayjian, Bruce Edwards
  • Patent number: 7920895
    Abstract: A system for controlling signal processing in a multi-network device is disclosed and may include one or more circuits that enable receiving of a digital video broadcast signal. The one or more circuits may enable processing a channel of the digital video broadcast signal according to a first selection. At least one channel of the digital video broadcast signal may include broadcast multimedia content. The one or more circuits may enable receiving a cellular communication signal and processing the cellular communication signal according to a second selection. The broadcast multimedia content may include Internet content. The one or more circuits may enable storing at least a portion of the received digital video broadcast signal and at least a portion of the received cellular communication signal in a commonly accessible memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Pieter Gert Wessel van Rooyen
  • Patent number: 7917111
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring broadcast programs from the beginning of the programs is provided. The system includes a tuner configured to receive and decode broadcast signals and provide programming as an output. The system also includes a buffer coupled to the tuner that stores programming from the tuner and provides buffered programming as an output delayed in time from the programming provided by the tuner. The system further includes processing circuitry coupled to the tuner and buffer that determines if the tuner is selected as a source for programming, and if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected. The processing circuitry provides the tuner programming as an output of the system if a program is not in progress when the tuner is selected, and provides the buffered programming as an output of the system if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis E. Szczublewski, Laci J. Jalics
  • Patent number: 7917081
    Abstract: A vehicle system interface, comprising: an antenna for receiving satellite or terrestrial broadcast of digital radio signals; a radio receiver circuit for demodulating and decoding the digital radio signals; a FM audio modulator and transmitter circuit, the FM audio modulator and transmitter circuit being configured to condition and re-transmit audio content of the digital radio signals as a first re-transmitted FM signal containing audio data capable of being transmitted wirelessly; a vehicle bus interface circuit configured to receive and transmit a plurality of operational signals; a housing for the FM audio modulator and transmitter circuit, the radio receiver circuit and the vehicle bus interface; a connector configured to interface with a diagnostic link connector of the vehicle, the connector being in operable communication with the vehicle bus interface circuit; and wherein the vehicle system interface receives and transmits the plurality of operational signals through the diagnostic link connector of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Voto, Joseph A. Damato, Massimo Baldini
  • Patent number: 7917080
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously receiving a first signal from a non-terrestrial source and a second signal from a terrestrial source on the same or overlapping channels using a receive antenna with posteriorly-directed sidelobes is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one terrestrial transmitter transmitting information on at least one frequency simultaneously usable by at least one satellite transmitting to a satellite receive antenna having a sensitivity characterizable by a primary sensitive axis directed substantially at satellite. The terrestrial transmitter includes a azimuthal gain characteristic directed substantially away from the Earth's Equator. In an alternative embodiment, the terrestrial transmitter is disposed at a location defining a vector angularly displaced from the primary sensitive axis by an angle of less than 90 degrees. A method of transmitting information is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7912459
    Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a mobile device for providing an entertainment presentation to a user. The method comprises downloading a multimedia presentation control software by the mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes a controller and a smart chip operable to support electronic commerce transactions, registering a first action by the mobile device in response to a first smart chip event caused by the user, activating a function of the multimedia presentation control software in response to the first action, and providing the entertainment presentation to the user of the mobile device using the multimedia presentation control software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Katsunosuke Endo, Yuji Endo, Nahoko Kato, Michiko Kohyama, Emiko Kuroda, Junichi Murata, Makoto Sasaki, Kumiko Terakado, Geoffrey Wexler
  • Patent number: 7912420
    Abstract: For individual reception of signals of television, radio and other services provided for by means of geostationary telecommunication satellites there is designed a change-over switch of external units of fixed aerials with a system of individual switches controlled by means of standard pulses generated by a satellite receiver. The change-over switch is provided with a command decoding unit (7), having an input (71) being connected to an output terminal (4) for connection to a satellite receiver and outputs (72) being connected to control inputs of individual switches, while the command decoding unit (7) is provided with a circuitry for a transfer of mechanical positioning equipment standard control commands to pulses controlling individual switches (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: EMP-Centauri, s.r.o.
    Inventors: Petr Hajciar, Michal Pokorny
  • Patent number: 7912422
    Abstract: Methods and systems for demodulation of open-loop GPS radio occultation signals are provided. An occulted GPS radio signal where the atmosphere-induced modulation on the phase is up to 180 degrees may be recorded by a radio occultation receiver. The radio signal may be concurrently received by a second receiver where the atmosphere-induced phase modulation is below 90 degrees and where the Navigation Data Message (NDM) bit sequence can be readily extracted. The extracted NDM bit sequence may be used to demodulate the occulted GPS radio signal and a 4-quadrant phase extractor may then be used to determine the phase and amplitude of the radio occultation signal. The phase and amplitude modulations after removal of NDM may be used for inversion, e.g., retrieval of the atmospheric parameters such as the bending angle, refractivity and deriving of the meteorological parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Inventors: Christian Rocken, Sergey V. Sokolovskiy
  • 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: 7912006
    Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving system and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The method a method for controlling a digital broadcast receiving system includes the steps of receiving a broadcast signal having mobile service data and main service data multiplexed therein, extracting transmission parameter channel (TPC) signaling information and fast information channel (FIC) signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data, acquiring a program table, by using the IP signaling channel within an ensemble included in the received broadcast signal, and controlling the system to create a list of channels mapped with all ensembles transmitted through at least one physical frequency, by using the acquired program table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hyup Lee, In Hwan Choi, Jeong Woo Kim, Chul Soo Lee, Jae Hyung Song
  • Patent number: 7907889
    Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiver temporarily stores data about a digital broadcasting program currently being viewed and listened-to at a time when the reception state thereof is good in the form of transport packets or packets of a data broadcasting content, or in the form of a screen still image, and, when the reception state has gotten worse, plays back the stored data as an alternative image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yuka Fujita, Koichi Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20110059690
    Abstract: A band translation method and device for selecting two or more desired frequency bands of data and bandstacking the two or more desired frequency bands of data into a single output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C
    Inventor: Edmund F. Petruzzelli
  • Patent number: 7904019
    Abstract: A tuner included in a digital broadcast receiver tunes a broadcast signal from a transmitter via a re-transmitter. A demodulator demodulates the broadcast signal, and an identification information detector detects identification information of a re-transmission service provided by the re-transmitter from the demodulated broadcast signal. A decoder arranged to decode the modulated broadcast signal, and a controller controls operation of the decoder based upon the identification information detected by the identification information detector. The identification information of the re-transmitter may directly include information identifying a type of the re-transmission service (e.g., a free or charged service) or may include a unique ID number of the re-transmission service, which could be used by the broadcast receiver to determine service type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kook Yeon Kwak, Woo Suk Ko, Jung Sig Jun, Jong Woong Shin, Sang Chul Moon
  • Patent number: 7900230
    Abstract: An intelligent switching network for delivering satellite signals to a plurality of Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The network comprises a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least some of the inputs are coupled to the plurality of inputs and receive the satellite signals, and an interface, coupling the plurality of IRDs to the outputs of the multiswitch through the interface on a single cable, wherein the interface controls the flow of signals from the plurality of IRDs to the multiswitch and controls the flow of satellite signals to the plurality of IRDs based on commands from the IRDs to the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
  • Patent number: 7899395
    Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and systems are provided for electrically isolating two devices while transferring power and RF signals therebetween. An electrical isolation apparatus includes an isolation transformer that operates to transfer electrical power between first and second devices. The electrical isolation apparatus also includes a decoupling device that transfers radio frequency (RF) signals between the first and second devices. The isolation transformer and the opto-isolator cooperatively operate to electrically isolate the first device from the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Henry Gregg Martch, Kirk Lenzie, Sam Chaisitti, Paul Langer
  • Patent number: 7899390
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for broadcasting media events, the method including the steps of providing a sequence of media events in a first server, the sequence of media events including at least one media event of a first type and a plurality of media events of a second type; playing the sequence from the first server to a second server prior to a predetermined broadcast time; and storing at the second server at least a part of the sequence received from the first server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Clear Channel Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee Littlejohn, David C. Jellison, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7890078
    Abstract: A dual band WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) communications technique is provided where a frequency synthesizer unit generates an LO (Local Oscillator) signal at a frequency between both frequency bands and two downconversion units and/or two upconversion units are provided. One of the units performs conversion between the LO signal and an IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal while the other conversion takes place between the IF signal and a zero-IF or low-IF signal. Signal processing is performed on the zero-IF or low-IF signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfram Kluge, Sascha Beyer, Jeannette Zarbock
  • Patent number: 7889695
    Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The method includes receiving a data processing method includes receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, acquiring transmission-parameter-channel signaling information including transmission parameter information of the mobile service data, and fast-information-channel signaling information, acquiring binding information describing a relationship between at least one ensemble transferring the mobile service data and a first virtual channel contained in the at least one ensemble by decoding the fast-information-channel, and acquiring status information of the first virtual channel, displaying content data contained in the mobile service data according to the binding information and the status information of the first virtual channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Hyung Song, In Hwan Choi, Jong Yeul Suh, Jin Pil Kim, Chul Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7890047
    Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a plurality of user devices 110 and a content delivery network 120 that is in communication with the plurality of user devices 110. The content delivery network 120 communicates a participation signal to each of the plurality of communication devices. The content delivery network 120 communicates a secure authorization message signal to each of the plurality of user devices. The content delivery network 120 authenticates the participation signal for each of the plurality of user devices and, after authentication, communicates the content to the plurality of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Deanna R. Kidd, Raynold M. Kahn
  • Patent number: 7881657
    Abstract: A method and system of performing high-throughput identifications of broadcast content is provided. A device can send a content identification query, which includes a sample of content being broadcast, to a server to request an identity of the content. The server will perform a computational identification of the content, return the result to the device, and store the result. For all subsequently received content identification queries requesting an identity of content being broadcast from the same source and in a time during which the content is still being broadcast from the source, the server will send the stored content identification in response to the subsequent queries. If a subsequent content identification query does not request the identity of content being broadcast from the same source or is not received during the time that the content is still being broadcast, the server will perform a computational identification of a content sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Shazam Entertainment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Avery Li Chun Wang, Chee Wong, Jonathan Symons
  • Patent number: 7881663
    Abstract: Provided are a beacon signal generating apparatus and a phase synchronizing apparatus using the same for establishing a phase synchronization while tracking a phase variation of a Timing Source Oscillator (TSO) of a satellite using a simpler scheme at an earth station, in making a phase synchronization between a clock signal of an On board Switch (OBS) embedded in the satellite and that of the earth station in a Satellite Switched Time Division Multiple Access (SS-TDMA) satellite communication system. The inventive beacon signal generating apparatus embedded in a satellite comprises a frequency oscillator for creating a TSO frequency, a beacon signal generator for multiplying the TSO frequency to be matched with a beacon signal frequency to generate a beacon signal synchronized with the TSO frequency, and a transmitter for transmitting the beacon signal to each of earth stations to recovery a frequency synchronized with the TSO frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jin-Ho Jo, Seong-Pal Lee
  • Patent number: 7881658
    Abstract: A method and system for entertainment and information services delivered via mobile telecommunication devices include a communication network, and a station communicatively linked to the communication network. The station includes an output and an interface. Also included is a head-end having at least one database configured to store programs including an audio content. The head-end receives a request from the station for a desired one of the programs, verifies the request, transmits a first portion of the desired program to the station, and records an association between the identification and the desired program. The head-end further suspends transmission of a second portion of the program based upon detection of an indication to suspend transmission. The head-end further transmits the second portion of the program based upon detection of an indication to resume transmission and stored bookmark data indicating the starting location in the program of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jordan K. Weisman, William G. Redmann
  • Patent number: 7881692
    Abstract: An integrated low-IF (low intermediate frequency) terrestrial broadcast receiver and associated method are disclosed that provide an advantageous and cost-efficient solution. The integrated receiver includes a mixer, local oscillator generation circuitry, low-IF conversion circuitry, and DSP circuitry. And the integrated receiver is particularly suited for small, portable devices and the reception of terrestrial audio broadcasts, such as FM and AM terrestrial audio broadcast, in such portable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: G. Tyson Tuttle, Dan B. Kasha
  • Patent number: 7877064
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, apparatus and systems for delivery of digital data to stationary receivers over a terrestrial wireless link at a low data rate using a new coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (COFDM) scheme. Digital data is encoded and modulated using coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (COFDM) to produce a data stream. The data stream is communicated to a stationary receiver via a terrestrial wireless link having a ratio of (i) 50% coherence bandwidth to (ii) allocated channel bandwidth of not greater than 50%. The COFDM scheme employed by the present invention overcomes the degradation of multipath fading induced by terrestrial channels, such as the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) broadcast channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7877089
    Abstract: A method, apparatus for providing at least near continuous broadcast services to one or more terrestrial receiver stations is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of satellites, each satellite in an inclined, elliptical geosynchronous orbit, each satellite providing a portion of the at least near continuous broadcast service to the terrestrial receiver. In one embodiment, the system also comprises a receiver station having an legacy antenna modified so as to include a sensitivity pattern substantially matched to the track of the apparent position of the satellites actively broadcasting information to the receiver stations. The present invention is also embodied in a method for receiving at least near continuous broadcast service from at least one of a plurality of satellites at a time, each satellite in an inclined, elliptical, geosynchronous orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur W. Wang
  • Patent number: 7869937
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing a multimedia broadcasting in a portable terminal having a navigation module, while a vehicle is being driven. The method includes steps of: proceeding to a vehicle driving mode, if it is recognized that the vehicle is currently being driven when the multimedia broadcasting data is outputted; confirming at least one vehicle driving function set as the vehicle driving mode in the vehicle driving mode and driving navigation module, and then acquiring vehicle driving information; and reflecting the acquired vehicle driving information in the vehicle driving function and then outputting the multimedia broadcasting data after applying the vehicle driving function to the multimedia broadcasting data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Soon-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 7869759
    Abstract: System and method for communicating data in a multibeam satellite system having feeder beams associated with a plurality of gateways and a plurality of service beams associated with a plurality of user subscriber terminals utilizing frequency re-use by service beams between a satellite and a plurality of subscriber terminals, wherein the service beams are transmitted to and from the satellite by re-using at least one common frequency channel of the service beam, such that the beam allocation is asymmetric among available frequency channels. The result is a potential for reduction of transponder resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles N. Pateros, Mark D. Dankberg
  • Publication number: 20110003543
    Abstract: A satellite broadcasting system for communication between a satellite hub and a range of ground stations in which a set having a predetermined number of MODCODS is available for data transmission from the satellite hub to the ground stations. Each MODCOD in use in the hub requires additional hub resources, and the system uses a MODCOD limiter for limiting the number of MODCODs in operation at a given time to a subset smaller than said predetermined number of MODCODS, thereby reducing overall resource usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Elbit Systems Land and C41 - Tadiran Ltd.
    Inventor: Shaul Laufer
  • Patent number: 7865136
    Abstract: A vehicular audio/visual system that receives a transmitted electric wave of video or sound, and that outputs the electric wave by switching to an output mode corresponding to user's instruction from among output modes corresponding to multiple types of media includes: a positional information detecting unit that detects positional information of a vehicle; a receiving area storage unit that stores at least one of an area in which the electric wave can be received and an area in which it is difficult to receive the electric wave; a receiving area determination unit that refers to the receiving area storage unit on the basis of the detected positional information and determines whether the electric wave can be received; an output mode switching unit that prohibits an output mode that outputs the electric wave as video or music from being entered when it is determined that the electric wave cannot be received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Shitanaka
  • Patent number: 7865135
    Abstract: A method for receiving satellite broadcasting includes: amplifying an inputted satellite broadcasting signal; converting the amplified signal to a baseband signal by mixing the amplified signal with a center frequency of a selected channel; and varying a channel bandwidth of the baseband signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang Jae Park
  • Patent number: 7860448
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method 1) prompts a user for a description of localized broadcast content that is to be broadcast by a particular broadcast affiliate, and 2) transmits the description of the localized broadcast content to a broadcast content provider. In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method 1) receives a request for localized broadcast content specifying a particular broadcast affiliate; 2) retrieves a description of the localized broadcast content associated with the particular broadcast affiliate; and 3) displays the description of the localized broadcast content to a recording artist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Excelsior Radio Networks, LLC
    Inventor: Skeet Skaalen
  • Patent number: 7856207
    Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and systems are provided for electrically isolating two devices while transferring power and RF signals therebetween. An electrical isolation apparatus includes an isolation transformer that operates to transfer electrical power between first and second devices. The electrical isolation apparatus also includes a decoupling device that transfers radio frequency (RF) signals between the first and second devices. The isolation transformer and the opto-isolator cooperatively operate to electrically isolate the first device from the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Henry Gregg Martch, Kirk Lenzie, Sam Chaisitti, Paul Langer
  • Patent number: 7853197
    Abstract: A satellite receiving antenna at a user location receives satellite signals at a first frequency from a satellite. The satellite signals travel along a satellite signal route encompassed within an aperture of the satellite receiving antenna. A terrestrial transmitter transmits signals at the first frequency along a wireless transmission route from the transmitter to the user location. The terrestrial transmitter is located with respect to the user location so that the wireless transmission route is outside of the aperture of the satellite receiving antenna. Also the terrestrial transmission power is controlled so that the terrestrial signals present at the user location result in terrestrial input signals from the satellite receiving antenna which are below an interference signal power level with respect to satellite input signals produced by the satellite receiving antenna. Thus, the terrestrial signals do not interfere with the satellite signals even though they are transmitted at a common frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventors: Carmen Tawil, Saleem Tawil
  • Patent number: 7852905
    Abstract: Implementation of an improved matched filter system for despreading a PN code from a spread spectrum signal utilizes a matched filter system that may be broadly conceptualized as a system that optimizes the number of multipliers and adders utilized by the system in despreading a PN code from a spread spectrum signal. This lowers the power consumption of the improved matched filter system and increases the speed at which the system despreads the PN code from the spread spectrum signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: SiRF Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Underbrink, Steven A. Gronemyer
  • Publication number: 20100311321
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Norin
  • Patent number: 7848303
    Abstract: A Multi-carrier Switch Converter (“MCSC”) for multiplexing a plurality of input signals received at the MCSC into a single MCSC output signal is disclosed. The MCSC may include a Multi-port Selector Switch, wherein the Multi-port Selector Switch receives the plurality of input signals and produces a Multi-port Selector Switch output, wherein the Multi-port Selector Switch output includes a plurality of switched output signals and a frequency translation block in signal communication with the Multi-port Selector Switch, wherein the frequency translation block receives the Multi-port Selector Switch output and frequency translates each switched output signal of the plurality of switched output signals to plurality of translated signals, wherein each translated signal has a fixed carrier frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Mats Lindstrom, Reza Moazzam, James Moniz
  • Publication number: 20100304663
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing both commercial-free content and commercially sponsored content in a flexible manner to various subscriber classes of digital audio radio are presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, lower tier subscribers can, for example, sample commercial free content as experienced by higher tier subscribers by means of flexible channel authorization. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention new non-subscribers can be allowed to sample some of the commercial content (such as, when, for example, a default UPC is stored in the radio before shipment) before choosing to subscribe. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a digital audio radio (receiver) can include a controller operable to receive and store an Uplink Package Code (UPC) in the digital audio radio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Sirius XM Radio inc.
    Inventors: Richard Andrew Michalski, Jeffrey Eric Malinsky, Mark Rindsberg
  • Patent number: 7844213
    Abstract: Systems for delivering a plurality of broadcast programs where the transmitter and receiver roll-off factors are mismatched. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a transmitter comprising a modulator, and a plurality of receivers, each receiver in the plurality of receivers receiving the plurality of broadcast programs, each receiver in the plurality of receivers further comprising a demodulator; wherein the modulator has a first root-raised cosine filter having a first roll-off factor and each receiver has a second root-raised cosine filter having a second roll-off factor, the first roll-off factor being smaller than the second roll-off factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest C. Chen, Joseph Santoru, Shamik Maitra, Dennis Lai, Tung-Sheng Lin, Guangcai Zhou
  • Patent number: 7840178
    Abstract: A media broadcast and distribution system is disclosed which substitutes storage for communications, allowing more efficient use of scarce bandwidth resources. One embodiment allows a terrestrial FM broadcaster to offer a larger number of higher quality audio channels than current satellite radio services such as Sirius and XM Satellite Radio. This embodiment also has features that offer a better user experience than with personal audio devices such as Apple's iPod™. Another embodiment allows satellite radio services to expand their video offerings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Martin Edward Hellman
  • Patent number: 7840180
    Abstract: A system includes a satellite fleet (102, FIG. 1), in which each satellite receives uplink signals from an uplink hub (104), and transmits downlink signals in at least one directed beam (112). In an embodiment, downlink signals include television content, which is transmitted within a frequency range between about 3.7 and 4.2 Gigahertz. The satellites follow Molniya orbits (1001-1006, FIG. 10), orbit nodes are equally separated, and the satellite phasing is maintained to provide continuous communication within a coverage area. A system also includes user equipment systems (1300, FIG. 13), which include highly-directional, non-tracking antennas (1302) adapted to receive the downlink signals. In an embodiment, a method includes the satellites maintaining orbit phasings, with respect to other satellites, so that the satellite enters an active orbit segment and initiates transmission of downlink signals as a second satellite exits an active orbit segment and ceases transmission of the downlink signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Harold A. Rosen
  • Publication number: 20100291862
    Abstract: A broadcasting satellite receiving converter IC includes a switch circuit and a voltage generating source. Disposed in front of the broadcasting satellite receiving converter IC are two first amplifying circuits which amplify differently polarized BS signals, respectively, and a second amplifying circuit. The switch circuit receives, from a BS tuner, a DC voltage signal for controlling switching of polarized signals to be received, and detects the strength of the received DC voltage signal, thereby determining which of the first amplifying circuits to use. Depending on the strength of the DC voltage signal detected by the switch circuit, the voltage generating source supplies either the first amplifying circuits and the second amplifying circuit with positive and negative voltages through a plurality of terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Takeshi Mitsunaka, Masahiko Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7836471
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for receiving a satellite DMB capable of minimizing a video broadcast channel switching time and a method thereof. In the method, time taken to bit de-interleave broadcasting data of the video broadcast channel is reduced thereby to minimize a delay time generated at the time of switching channels. In a satellite DMB receiver having a CDM demodulator for demodulating broadcasting data coded by a Walsh code and having a broadcasting data channel decoding unit for decoding the coded broadcasting data, the satellite DMB receiving apparatus comprises a CDM demodulator for demodulating a Walsh code of at least one broadcast channel, and at least one broadcasting data channel decoding unit for decoding more than one broadcast channel, and a selecting unit for selecting a channel to be viewed by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Nam-Shin Cho
  • Patent number: 7835692
    Abstract: A communication system and method of communicating signals to a plurality of different types of receivers is provided. The communication system includes at least one transmitter that transmits a high priority signal and a low priority signal that are hierarchically modulated and transmitted as a single frequency network. At least one satellite receives and re-transmits at least one of the high priority and low priority signals. At least one of the plurality of receivers include a processor that performs the steps of storing the hierarchically modulated signal, demodulating the high priority signal from the hierarchically modulated signal, decoding the demodulated high priority signal, re-encoding the high priority signal, and processing the stored hierarchically modulated signal based upon the re-encoded high priority signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Walker, Eric A. Dibiaso
  • Patent number: RE42261
    Abstract: A satellite gateway is coupled to a communications network and is operative to communicate with a communications satellite. A terrestrial terminal interface subsystem is operative to communicate with the satellite gateway via the communications satellite using a first radio interface and to communicate with terminals over a geographic area using a second radio interface. The communications network may be a wireless communications network, and the satellite gateway is configured to communicate with a base station controller of the wireless communications network, such that the terrestrial terminal interface subsystem may provide one or more satellite-linked terrestrial base stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis