Alarm System Using Television Network Patents (Class 725/108)
  • Patent number: 11974205
    Abstract: In one implementation, a wireless security system premises gateway component includes a first local area wireless communication component adapted to communicate wirelessly with plural wireless security system sensors distributed at a premises; a second local area wireless communication component adapted to communicate wirelessly with a general purpose mobile communications device; a communications interface component adapted to communicate with a wide area communications network that is located remotely of the premises; a security system controller component adapted to communicate with the general purpose mobile communications device to provide state information regarding the security system and to provide control inputs to the security system; and a single gateway housing configured and sized to house the first local area wireless communication component, the second local area wireless communication component, the communications interface component, and the security system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Resolution Products, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Saldin, Brian K. Seemann, Robert C. Hendrickson, David J. Mayne
  • Patent number: 11825140
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed to correlate census measurement data with panel data. An example system includes accessing means to access a message sent from a requesting device in response to accessing media that includes a tag causing the requesting device to send the message to a monitoring entity with an identification of a geographic location of the requesting device and media identifying information. The example system also includes identification means to determine locations of a plurality of panelist homes and compare the geographic location of the requesting device with the locations of the panelist homes. The example system also includes associating means to identify a user of the requesting device as a panelist residing at the first panelist home and associate the media identifying information with panelist data associated with the first one of the panelist homes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventor: F. Gavin McMillan
  • Patent number: 11800539
    Abstract: An electronic user device includes inclusion list storage with electronically readable memory, for storing an inclusion list and the inclusion list indicating included logical IDs. The device also has a security module app that receives a cellular broadcast message and extracts logical IDs therefrom. This processes a targeted cellular broadcast message embedded in the payload of the cellular broadcast message, based on whether a logical ID, also embedded in the payload, of the targeted cellular broadcast message is on the inclusion list. It then formats it for consumption by an electronic user device app that receives data via a data channel when available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Lynk Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyghe Robert Speidel, Zheng Liu, Mahmoud Khafagy, Martin Harris
  • Patent number: 11778267
    Abstract: A technique is described for converting a variety of video streams from transmission sources into a single designated video stream on a client device. As an example, a converter device may receive video streams from multiple transmission sources and select the video stream to convert and output on a client device based on the signal quality. In some examples, the converter device may switch between transmission sources. The converter device may measure the time offset between the video streams of the transmission sources and buffer one of the video streams to align the timing of the video streams, so the user does not detect a timing delay while viewing the video content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: DISH Wireless L.L.C.
    Inventor: Anand Menon
  • Patent number: 11727355
    Abstract: A healthcare management system and method provide efficient and secure access to private information. A portable physical device, referred to herein as a Personal Digital Key or “PDK”, stores one or more profiles in memory. The biometric profile is acquired in a secure trusted process and is uniquely associated with an individual that is authorized to use and is associated with the PDK. The PDK can wirelessly transmit the identification information including a unique PDK identification number and the biometric profile over a secure wireless channel for use in an authentication process. The PDK is configured to wirelessly communicate with a reader. A provider interface coupled to the reader, and the reader is further configured to receive profile information from the PDK. The healthcare management system also includes an auto login server configured to communicate with the provider interface to allow access to information in a patient database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: PROXENSE, LLC
    Inventors: John J. Giobbi, Ryan Gallivan, Kent Yundt
  • Patent number: 11588809
    Abstract: A certified application is installed onto a content creation device and a mobile certified application is installed onto a mobile device, the applications establish first and second trust relationships with the cloud service. The certified application and mobile certified application establish the third trust relationship via a proximity network. The mobile certified application generates a first ephemeral key pair having a private part. The certified application generates a second ephemeral key pair having a private part. The mobile certified application requests a service from the content creation device involving the transfer of data between the content creation device and the cloud service. The data is protected by at least one of the first and second ephemeral key pairs in response to invocation of the service. The service results in the data being stored at the cloud service and/or rendered at the content creation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Alejandro E. Brito, Eric A. Bier, Marc E. Mosko, Shantanu Rane
  • Patent number: 11328727
    Abstract: Provided is a system for recording a voice about a working state, etc., linking the recorded voice to position information, and converting the recorded voice into a text. In a voice detail recording system (1), a control unit (10) executes an acquisition module (11) to acquire a voice and a position where the voice is uttered. In addition, the control unit (10) executes a voice recognition module (12) to perform voice recognition on the acquired voice. In addition, the control unit (10) executes a specification module (13) to specify Web content linked to the position acquired by executing the acquisition module (11). In addition, the control unit (10) executes a recording module (14) to record details obtained by executing the voice recognition module (12) to perform the voice recognition in the Web content specified by executing the specification module (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: OPTIM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunji Sugaya
  • Patent number: 10586443
    Abstract: A method for checking the relationship between a process alarm of a process object displayed visually on an operator client of a process control system and output acoustically, wherein an operator server of the process control system is provided with an alarm message component for preparing process alarms to be output acoustically and for transmitting these process alarms to an alarm output, and is provided with an alarm display component for preparing process alarms to be output visually and for transmitting these process alarms to the operator client, on which the process alarms can be displayed, where the output of the respective acoustic process alarms can be deactivated via an operator input on the operator client such that an operator can determine at any time whether an inconsistency is present between an alarm output acoustically and visually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Benjamin Lutz
  • Patent number: 10306291
    Abstract: An entertainment device initiates a configuration process of a controlling device in response to a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Arling, Patrick H. Hayes
  • Patent number: 10287723
    Abstract: A laundry washing machine with a human interface configured to receive information, specifying for each item, introduced into the washing machine to be washed, essential information including a typology and a description of its characteristics. The laundry washing machine also has a memory means configured to memorize the essential information, and a data management means configured to use said information to determine the most appropriate washing program among multiple washing programs, chosen taking into account the items singularly specified through said essential information when they are introduced in said washing machine. The data management means is also configured to report to a user, by means of an output means, the presence of at least a conflicting laundry item into the washing machine, after having determined on the basis of said essential information which conflicting laundry item is unsuitable to be washed by means of the selected washing program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Saronikos Trading and Services, Unipessoal LDA
    Inventor: Robert James
  • Patent number: 10198925
    Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving occupancy data associated with a home. The method may further include automatically selectively broadcasting an audio stream to at least one of a plurality of speakers in the home based, at least in part, on the received occupancy data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Stricker, Craig Matsuura, Ryan Carlson, John Vogelsberg, Michael Allen Tupy, Matthew Mahar, Matthew J. Eyring, Clint Gordon-Carroll, Jeremy B. Warren, James Ellis Nye, Jefferson Lyman
  • Patent number: 10097877
    Abstract: An entertainment device initiates a configuration process of a controlling device in response to a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Arling, Patrick H. Hayes
  • Patent number: 10038932
    Abstract: An entertainment device initiates a configuration process of a controlling device in response to a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Arling, Patrick H. Hayes
  • Patent number: 9826266
    Abstract: An entertainment device initiates a configuration process of a controlling device in response to a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Arling, Patrick H. Hayes
  • Patent number: 9451314
    Abstract: An entertainment device initiates a configuration process of a controlling device in response to a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Arling, Patrick H. Hayes
  • Patent number: 9041812
    Abstract: Real-time access by a requestor to surveillance video is conditionally pre-authorized dependent on the existence of at least one pre-specified automatically detectable condition, and recorded in a data processing system. A requestor subsequently requests real-time access to the surveillance video (e.g., as a result of an alarm), and if the pre-specified automatically detectable condition is met, access is automatically granted, i.e., without the need for manual intervention. An automatically detectable condition could, e.g., be an alarm condition detected by a sensor at the site of the video surveillance. Alternatively, it could be a locational proximity of the requestor to the site of the video surveillance. Alternatively, it could be a previously defined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Billau, Vincenzo V. Di Luoffo, Dan P. Dumarot, Matthew J. Paschal, Brandon W. Schulz, James E. Woodbury
  • Patent number: 8959562
    Abstract: A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Garner, Tomoko Shintani
  • Patent number: 8955022
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for securing property are presented. Video content viewed by a user may be detected, and the user may be automatically prompted to change settings on a security system based on the detecting. A comparison of the current time with the duration of the video content may serve as the basis for such prompting. Additionally, a premise security system may be placed in a learning mode. Changes in position of a security sensor may be detected and used to set a permitted range of motion for the sensor. Further, a plurality of security sensor profiles may be stored, and each profile may identify a different predefined permitted range of motion of a sensor. The addition of a new sensor to a premise may be detected, and a user may be prompted, on a display, to identify a profile to be used for the new sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Poder, Mike Cook
  • Patent number: 8941557
    Abstract: An electronic display apparatus comprising a control device and an electronic display panel that can be turned off by the control device. In order to support an energy-saving state in which information can continue to be displayed at least to a certain extent, an electrochromic display is additionally provided that is switchable into different display states by the control device. The invention furthermore relates to an installation appertaining to automation technology, and to a method for operating an electronic display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Edgar Frank, Benjamin Kohler, Jörg Middel, Wolfgang Riedl, Christian Strömsdörfer, Frank Volkmann, Michael Wieczorek, Sebastian Wittig
  • Patent number: 8931001
    Abstract: A non-transitory tangible computer readable medium is disclosed, containing a computer program for distributing video data over an electrical power line, the computer program including but not limited to instructions to receive first video data and second video data concurrently at a first internet protocol television client device over an electrical power line from a second and third controllable devices in response to the detecting the first event data in the first location at the first controllable device; instructions to create at a first client end user device, a client created internet protocol television channel and insert the client created channel into an existing electronic program guide for the first and second video data; and instructions to send the electronic program guide to a second client end user device for selection and display of the first and second video concurrently at a display for the second client end user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Brian B. Wilson, Roger A. Cockrell, Steven M. Wollmershauser
  • Patent number: 8925007
    Abstract: A live performance is monitored by analyzing an input data stream comprising real-time updates related to the live performance. Different sets of excitement levels, excitement curves, alerts and teasers are generated based on the analysis and reported to a plurality of subscribers using any of a variety of mobile communication and/or computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Thuuz, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Joseph Packard, Robert John Barcklay, Alan Levin, Michael Bruce Schmier
  • Patent number: 8909697
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program code which when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to effect the method, for pre-fetching web content. Preferably, a proxy server performs the pre-fetching. Techniques such, for example, as executing Javascript in pre-fetched pages, modifying pre-fetched pages to address URL generation involving random numbers or dates, using cookie information or browser specifics when performing pre-fetching of pages, and injecting Javascript to measure response time may be performed, by way of example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hughes Network Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas M. Dillon, Daren C. Brantley
  • Patent number: 8898714
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying which video segment is being displayed on a screen of a television system. The video segment is identified by deriving data from the television signals, the derived data being indicative of the video segment being displayed on the screen. This feature can be used to extract a viewer's reaction (such as changing the channel) to a specific video segment (such as an advertisement) and reporting the extracted information as metrics. The systems and methods may further provide contextually targeted content to the television system. The contextual targeting is based on not only identification of the video segment being displayed, but also a determination concerning the playing time or offset time of the particular portion of the video segment being currently displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cognitive Media Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Zeev Neumeier, Edo Liberty
  • Patent number: 8806525
    Abstract: A method to optimize reception of entitlement management messages in a subscriber unit that is part of a Pay-TV system. The subscriber units are set up to a default reception channel for receiving default entitlement management messages such as the ones addressed to all or a group of subscriber units controlled by the management system. When one or a plurality of operating parameters of a specific subscriber unit needs to be modified, the security module sends an information signal to the subscriber unit which switches to a specific reception channel. In this case only specific entitlement management messages, also called positive addressing entitlement management messages, are received for performing the operating parameters modification of the concerned subscriber units. Once the modification is executed, the subscriber unit switches back to the default reception channel to be ready for receiving default entitlement management messages again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Nagravision, S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Nicolas
  • Patent number: 8719887
    Abstract: A system includes a receiver and a communication interface. The receiver is adapted to tune to an audio/video portion over a transport medium. The communication interface is adapted to receive announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video content directed to a first addressable location and to receive a special announcement directed to the first addressable location. The special announcement indicates availability of the announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video program, and the announcement data is associated with the tuned audio/video content and indicates enhancement data is being transmitted. The controller is adapted to redirect the announcement data to a second addressable location other than the first addressable location in response to the special announcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne J. Carr
  • Patent number: 8656443
    Abstract: A server may be used to handle at least some of processing of content retrieved via and/or derived from Internet access operations of a plurality of set-top boxes (STBs). Resource allocation and/or utilization, and/or tasks or applications performed in the server during the processing may be configured based on control data, which may be determined by the server and which may comprise capabilities of links between the server and each of the plurality of STBs, requirements of the tasks, characteristics of the content and/or the Internet access operations, user preferences and/or interactions, and/or content provider preferences. The server may dynamically reconfigure the tasks and/or resources based on monitoring of its operations and/or changes of the control data. Configuring tasks and/or resources may comprise time slicing access to resources that are commonly used during concurrent servicing of at least some of the plurality of STBs by the support server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus Kellerman, Xuemin Chen, Vladimir Silyaev, David Erickson
  • 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: 8613030
    Abstract: A wireless video camera system including a single or dual HDTV digital camera; a system for the wireless transmission of uncompressed single or multiple SMPTE 292M, HDSDI data streams over an RF band; and automatic self-pointing transmitting and receiving antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Philip S Kossin, John E Nelson
  • Patent number: 8595763
    Abstract: A live performance is monitored by analyzing an input data stream comprising real-time updates related to the live performance. Different sets of excitement levels, excitement curves, alerts and teasers are generated based on the analysis and reported to a plurality of subscribers using any of a variety of mobile communication and/or computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Thuuz, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Joseph Packard, Robert John Barcklay, Alan Levin, Michael Bruce Schmier
  • Patent number: 8595781
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying which video segment is being displayed on a screen of a television system. The video segment is identified by deriving data from the television signals, the derived data being indicative of the video segment being displayed on the screen. This feature can be used to extract a viewer's reaction (such as changing the channel) to a specific video segment (such as an advertisement) and reporting the extracted information as metrics. The systems and methods may further provide contextually targeted content to the television system. The contextual targeting is based on not only identification of the video segment being displayed, but also a determination concerning the playing time or offset time of the particular portion of the video segment being currently displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cognitive Media Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Zeev Neumeier, Edo Liberty
  • Patent number: 8589994
    Abstract: A data collection and distribution system for monitoring aircraft in flight, on the ground and at the gate or terminal for monitoring critical and catastrophic events, managing the emergency during such an event, and for investigating the event. The system generates, transmits and collects critical data generated by monitoring equipment onboard an aircraft or other commercial transport and selectively displays the data on a cockpit display console as well as for downloading, transmitting and displaying data at external monitoring and response stations, including fixed ground stations, roving ground stations and chase aircraft or vehicles. Digital surveillance information is collected, processed, dispatched, and log via remote control and access. The system includes a variety of system appliances such as surveillance cameras, sensors, detectors, and panic buttons and accommodates legacy equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: David A. Monroe
  • Patent number: 8584189
    Abstract: A system and method for sending an emergency communication from a set-top box. A user and location of the user is associated with the set-top box. An indicator of an emergency is received through the set-top box. The user and the location associated with the set-top box are determined in response to receiving the indicator. A database returns the user and the location utilizing an identifier of the set-top box. An emergency communication is sent indicating the location through a media network in communication with the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: David E. Emerson, Gary W. Lafreniere, Michael S. Goergen, David C. Lando
  • Patent number: 8509727
    Abstract: A system and method for providing Emergency Alert System (EAS) notifications over Internet Protocol (IP) delivery platforms, including a proxy server coupled to an emergency alert system receiver, a subscriber management database coupled to the proxy server, and an instant messaging server coupled to the proxy server and to the subscriber management server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Brad Medford, Kevin B. Walker, Robert B. Hill, Thomas Scott Webster
  • Patent number: 8452344
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for embedding event notification into multimedia content being reproduced on an electronic device are provided herein. The method may include causing reproduction of multimedia content on said electronic device, detecting an event that requires notification of a user of said electronic device and responsive thereto applying a modification to said reproduction of said multimedia content, according to said event, wherein said modification achieves a user-perceivable variation in said reproduced multimedia content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Antti Eronen, Pauli Laine
  • Patent number: 8370907
    Abstract: A connection between a monitoring device and a remote user is accomplished securely over the Internet by using a communication channel with public/private key encryption to connect the two locations and by performing authentication of a user at the local monitoring device rather than at a device server at the remote location, thereby effectively removing the device server as vulnerable point for attack. In particular, when a remote user attempts to log in, via a web browser or interactive telephone system, the encrypted channel is established using the public/private key of the device and the device server proxies the log-in request to the monitored device. The device itself is then responsible for granting or denying access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: DeviceCo LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Potter, Tinsley A. Galyean
  • Patent number: 8253558
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a location of a set-top box. An indicator of an emergency is received through the set-top box. The location of the set-top box is determined utilizing global positioning information. A message indicating the emergency and the location is sent through a satellite in communication with the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Emerson, Gary W. Lafreniere, Michael S. Goergen, David C. Lando
  • Patent number: 8225361
    Abstract: Techniques to remotely monitor and control operations performed by one or more head-ends (or servers) in an information distribution system. In one implementation, a monitor and control unit communicates with various elements (e.g., an IPG service manager and a session manager) within each head-end to receive information relating to the operations of the head-end. This information may include status and/or indications of possible error conditions relating to (1) various operations (e.g., encoding, multiplexing, and so on) performed by the head-end, and (2) the transport streams being transmitted from the head-end. The received information may then be forwarded to one or more remote devices (e.g., pagers, cellular phones, PDAs) designated to receive the information. Response messages may also be received from the remote devices and forwarded to the appropriate head-end, which may adjust its operation as indicated by commands included in the messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Feinberg, Eugene Gershtein, Donald F. Gordon, Yong Ho Son, Sadik Bayrakeri
  • Patent number: 8212883
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for performing a method of distributing video data over an electrical power line. The system includes but is not limited to a processor in data communication with a computer readable medium and a computer program comprising instructions embedded in the computer readable medium, the computer program further comprising instructions to detect first event data at a first controllable device in an internet protocol television system; instructions to send second event data over the electrical power line to a second controllable device in the internet protocol television system from the first controllable device in response to the detecting the first event data at the first controllable device; and instructions to receive video data concurrently at a first internet protocol television client device over the electrical power line from the first and second controllable devices in response to the detecting the first event data at the first controllable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T IP I, LP
    Inventors: Brian B. Wilson, Roger A. Cockrell, Steven M. Wollmershauser
  • Patent number: 8184002
    Abstract: A method, a device, and a system for receiving an emergency event alert are provided, which relate to a field of communication applications. As long as communication between a user terminal and a bearer network is normal, no matter whether the user terminal is watching live television programs, the user terminal can receive the emergency event alert in time. The method is as follows. A receiving unit discovers an emergency event alert service. The receiving unit is attached to the emergency event alert service. The receiving unit receives an emergency event alert message sent by a distributing unit. An emergency event alert receiving unit device includes a discovering and processing module, a service attachment processing module, and a message reception processing module. Through attachment to the emergency event alert service, the user terminal can receive the emergency event alert in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dewen Zhang, Youzhu Shi, Ni Zhang, Lingzhi Mao, Zhongbao Zhang, Baojian Qi
  • Publication number: 20120096502
    Abstract: An integrated broadcast distributing apparatus and method capable of obtaining integrated broadcast including Cable Television (CATV) broadcast, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) broadcast and real time terrestrial broadcast is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Byung-Ho YAE, Jong-Dae Park
  • Patent number: 8159334
    Abstract: A tangible computer readable medium includes instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to communicate with a multicast alert server to receive a multicast emergency alert message via a multicast-enabled network of an Internet Protocol television system. The multicast emergency alert message includes data related to a location code and data related to a set-top box action. The computer program further includes instructions to execute the set-top box action when the location code matches location information stored at a set-top box device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John McClenny, Thomas Webster, Michael Thomas Raftelis
  • Publication number: 20110277004
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a device relaying an IPTV service by an apparatus using the IPTV service are provided. The apparatus includes an application driving unit which drives an application that is used to access the IPTV service, and a browser driving unit which drives a browser that provides the application with a driving environment for the application to access the IPTV service, wherein the browser comprises at least one application programming interface (API) related to controlling the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In-Chul Hwang, Ho Jin, Eun-Hee Rhim, Mun-Jo Kim
  • Patent number: 8006259
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for collecting usage information in real-time for a computing device receiving digital content for presentation, such as to enable various types of real-time content modifications or content-related service enhancements. In some situations, real-time information is collected about Set-Top Boxes that allow viewers to receive various types of content (e.g., video broadcasts such as single-channel or multi-channel television programming, audio broadcasts, media-on-demand, etc.) and to interact with the content and with related services in various ways, such as information about content viewing and types of viewer interactions. Having access to information related to content viewing and to various types of user interactions provides a variety of benefits, with real-time or near real-time collection of such information enabling dynamic modifications to provided content, functionality, and services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nokia Siemens Networks GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eddie Drake, Xiping Long, Padmaja Vrudhula
  • Patent number: 7936254
    Abstract: A set-top box device is disclosed. The set-top box device includes a processor and a memory device accessible to the processor. The memory device includes instructions to communicate with a multi-cast alert server to receive a multicast emergency alert message. The multicast emergency alert message includes data related to a location code and data related to a set-top box action. The memory device stores location information and includes instructions to execute the set-top box action when the location code matches the location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John McClenny, Thomas Webster, Michael Thomas Raftelis
  • Patent number: 7827581
    Abstract: A customer premises installation has a wireless multimedia center (WMC) for reception from one or more signal sources and for distribution of segments of signals from signal sources through the wireless multimedia center to a plurality of end units, in which the signals include video signals and broadband data. The wireless multimedia center receives all the signals and distributes segments of said signals via a transmitter. The video signals are transmitted by orthogonal frequency division multiplexing in which all signals are added together and summed as an orthogonal array having dimensions of time, frequency and amplitude, to transmit spread spectrum multiplexed signals. Each pulse has sufficiently long individual pulse widths to defeat multi-path, reflection and absorption phase induced losses. The video signals are distributed to one or more end units. The end units communicate with the wireless multimedia center, controlling which segments of which signals are distributed to each end unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: BE Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuvia Eiger, Uriel Berchin
  • Patent number: 7817570
    Abstract: A method and system for providing automated diagnostics of networks using multiple virtual circuits are disclosed. For example, the method receives a ticket indicating a problem. The method then determines if the problem is associated with a configuration mismatch and determines if the problem is associated with at least one physical channel supporting a plurality of virtual circuits. The method then verifies status of each of the plurality of virtual circuits if the problem is not associated with the configuration mismatch or the at least one physical channel. The method then reports a result of verifying the status of each of the plurality of virtual circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Anderson, Paritosh Bajpay, Roberta Bienfait, Mojgan Dardashti, Mark Hunt, Jackson Liu, Zhiqiang Qian, Michael John Zinnikas
  • Patent number: 7757249
    Abstract: A terrestrial digital television receiver includes a tuner, a demodulator, a demultiplexer, a decoder, and a controller. The tuner receives a terrestrial television signal having an emergency alert table which contains text representing an emergency alert message. The demodulator demodulates the television signal and the demultiplexer demultiplexes the emergency alert table from the demodulated signal. The decoder parses the text data representing the emergency alert message, and the controller control operation of a display device such that the emergency alert message is scrolled across a predetermined portion of a video screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Pil Kim, Chang Sik Yun
  • Patent number: 7746378
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing, managing and cataloguing video tracks generated by a video surveillance system. Systems and methods operating in accordance with the present invention receive video tracks from a video surveillance system; analyze them for particular categories of, for example, objects or events, assign unique identifying tags to the video tracks; and save them in highly-cross-referenced databases so that video tracks containing, for example, particular objects or events can be easily searched for and recalled. In addition, the present invention provides browsing facilities for viewing events that have just elapsed, events that are occurring in near real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chiao-Fe Shu, Arun Hampapur, Max Lu
  • Patent number: 7706252
    Abstract: A fault location system (FLS) for a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network. The FLS comprises an interactive map, a datastore, an object generator, and a display server. The datastore receives identifying information and status information of customer premises equipment (CPE) units connected to the HFC cable network. The object generator associates the identifying information and the status of CPE units with an object and further associates graphical attributes with the object. The display server graphically displays the object on the interactive map at location coordinates indicative of the street address, and graphically displays the object according to its graphical attributes. When used with a processor, the FLS applies algorithms to non-responsive CPE units selected from the interactive map to identify possible common sources of a fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce L. Catter, Scott C. Saunders, Ennis McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 7694323
    Abstract: A user may purchase in a retail outlet a host device for receiving cable services. The cable operator needs to provide a point-of-deployment (POD) module for insertion into the host device to realize out-of-band communications, and provide conditional access to premium subscription channels. Security measures are implemented to detect removal of the host device from its connection to a broadband communications system. If its removal is unauthorized, the service area in which the host device is located may be identified when it is reconnected to the system. In addition, a transmission device in the host device may be activated to transmit detectable signals to help recover the host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. LaJoie, James J. Braun