Connection To External Network At Receiver (e.g., Set-top Box) Patents (Class 725/110)
  • Patent number: 10231022
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting media content using integrated content sources are provided. In some implementations, systems for presenting media content using integrated content sources are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that is configured to: receive a control signal corresponding to a user input; generate at least one tuning instruction based on the control signal; transmit the tuning instruction to a tuner; and transmit graphical content and a set of instructions to the display device, wherein the set of instructions contains information about overlaying the graphical content on video content generated based on the tuning instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Dureau, Majd Bakar
  • Patent number: 10204617
    Abstract: An information processing device determines whether a predetermined condition with regard to information processing has been met, changes a character for vocalization when the predetermined condition has been met, and generates a sound signal of a synthesized voice obtained by vocalizing the character for vocalization that has been changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Ishikawa, Osamu Ohshima, Eiji Akazawa, Naoki Yamamoto, Yuki Murakami
  • Patent number: 10162489
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a display and a controller configured to display at least one piece of video content on the display, to extract at least one text from at least one of an image and sound included in at least a portion of the video content and to display the at least one text on at least one specific position of the display, wherein the at least one specific position is related to at least one point of the video content, from which the at least one text is extracted. According to the present invention, video content can be manipulated more conveniently by displaying images and sound included in the video content as text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kang Lee, Hyangseok Chae, Kwonseung Yang, Suyeon Kim, Heesoo Kang, Eunkyung Kim
  • Patent number: 10142705
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing content are disclosed. An example method can comprise a first device receiving a video content item via a first communication link. The video content item can comprise a plurality of fragment identifiers. A plurality of audio content items and metadata associated with the plurality of audio content items can be generated based on the video content item. At least one of the plurality of audio content items and the metadata associated with the at least one of the plurality of audio content items can be transmitted to a second device via a second communication link. The video content item and the one of the plurality of audio content items can be synchronized, based on at least one fragment identifier associated with the video content item and the metadata associated with one of the plurality of audio content items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Danial Holden, Cherie Cremer
  • Patent number: 10127438
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for tracking puts and takes of inventory items by subjects in an area of real space. A plurality of cameras with overlapping fields of view produce respective sequences of images of corresponding fields of view in the real space. In one embodiment, the system includes first image processors, including subject image recognition engines, receiving corresponding sequences of images from the plurality of cameras. The first image processors process images to identify subjects represented in the images in the corresponding sequences of images. The system includes second image processors, including background image recognition engines, receiving corresponding sequences of images from the plurality of cameras. The second image processors mask the identified subjects to generate masked images. Following this, the second image processors process the masked images to identify and classify background changes represented in the images in the corresponding sequences of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: STANDARD COGNITION, CORP
    Inventors: Jordan E. Fisher, Daniel L. Fischetti, Brandon L. Ogle, John F. Novak, Kyle E. Dorman, Kenneth S. Kihara, Juan C. Lasheras
  • Patent number: 10097803
    Abstract: A display processing apparatus includes a primary processing chip configured to receive a first ultra-high-definition video image and generate sub-branch primary image signals, and secondary processing chips coupled to the primary processing chip and to each other. Each of the secondary processing chips is configured to receive and process one of the sub-branch primary image signals to generate a first output image signal, receive and process an image section signal obtained from a second ultra-high-definition video image to generate a second output image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ran Duan
  • Patent number: 10070188
    Abstract: A method of processing a non-real time service of a broadcast receiver, which receives and processes a service being transmitted in non-real time, and a broadcast receiver are disclosed. Herein, the method of processing a non-real time service of a broadcast receiver includes receiving a signaling information table including additional information on contents configuring a non real time service and a content identifier for each content, acquiring the additional information on contents and the content identifier for each content from the signaling information table, storing contents being downloaded through a FLUTE or an internet in a storage medium, based upon the additional information on contents and the content identifier for each content, and displaying a list of recordings including the contents stored in the storage medium, wherein a list of recordings screen displaying the list of recordings includes at least one of a content name, a channel name, a date of recording, and a content size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jae Hyung Song, Jong Yeul Suh, Gomer Thomas, Jun Hui Lee, Jin Pil Kim, Ho Taek Hong, Kwan Suk Kim, Chang Sik Yun
  • Patent number: 10057606
    Abstract: According to various embodiments of the disclosed technology, it is possible for content owners to better control the presentation of owned multimedia assets. Implementations of embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure leverage the specificity and greater breadth of detailed information about the multimedia asset of temporal metadata to enable content owners to associate business rules with particular content elements of the multimedia asset. After being notified of a match through the traditional fingerprinting process, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure can programmatically identify the exact content elements contained within the uploaded multimedia file, and accordingly apply the applicable rules. Content owners may create a list of business rules associated with particular temporal metadata tags of a multimedia assets so that fine-grained rule application is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lindsay, Lena Bareket, Nimesh Narayan, Yoomi Koh Poon
  • Patent number: 10047971
    Abstract: A comprehensive home automation system enables a real-time communication between the house and the owner. The system offers a set of monitoring, notifying and other automated functions around the house to homeowners. The home automation system includes a central control unit (CCU) and a plurality of end nodes that provide different measurements and control functions. A low-rate wireless personal area network is also provided for communications with the end nodes. The CCU enables the system to analyze and react to events in predetermined ways, and ultimately to self-learn the homeowner's daily routine and to act in an anticipatory fashion. The end nodes include multiple detectors, light switches, controllers for HVAC, wall outlets and extension cords, home entertainment systems, video surveillance devices, and the like. The end nodes also may be Zigbee enabled devices that include detectors for fire, intrusion, flood, total air quality, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ametros Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Dorjderem Nyamjav, Tulgabaatar Dashdorj
  • Patent number: 10028004
    Abstract: A system for compensating for the effect of a live television program airing beyond a previously determined end time on the provision of channel guides, pop up program reminders, and/or video recording of television programs by network interface devices of a subscription based television service provider. First data messages are generated and communicated by a computer of the live television program's source configured with messaging software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Brady Anderson
  • Patent number: 10009633
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and computer readable media are provided for distributing data with multi-tiered encoding. For example, a system for transmission of data streams to endpoints is provided that includes: encoders, each encoder configured to encode a data stream according to at least one encoding parameter; virtual transmitters organized into groups based on at least one transmission characteristic; each group of virtual transmitters configured to receive encoded data from an associated one of the encoders; each virtual transmitter of the plurality of virtual transmitters configured to transmit the encoded data to an associated one of the plurality of endpoints; and at least one controller configured to monitor transmission characteristics of the plurality of virtual transmitters and to adjust membership of the virtual transmitters in the plurality of groups based on the monitored transmission characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: DEJERO LABS INC.
    Inventors: David Sze, Cameron Kenneth Smith, Todd Schneider, Bogdan Frusina
  • Patent number: 9998773
    Abstract: A response time until initial presentation decreases in such cases as reception of a service and reproduction of reception data after accumulation of the reception data. Identification information based on which a packet handled with priority is identifiable is inserted into each of transmission packets at the time of transmission of a transmission stream containing the transmission packets disposed successively in the transmission stream. For example, each of the transmission packets is a multilayered packet containing a multiplexed transport packet in the uppermost layer. For example, the identification information is inserted into packets in a part or all of layers of each of the multilayered packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ikuo Tsukagoshi
  • Patent number: 9986267
    Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a system. The method includes receiving live broadcasting of a segment of a video content from a live encoder; recording the segment in a video database of the non-transitory memory, receiving edits to the segment from a producer to produce an edited segment, encoding the edited segment to produce an encoded edited segment, and transmitting a network address of the encoded edited segment to a content management system (CMS) for distribution to a plurality of user devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Yang, Josef Bell
  • Patent number: 9973812
    Abstract: A multi-screen interaction method is provided that includes sending, by a source device, device parameters of the source device to a target device that accesses a local area network where the source device is located, and receiving device parameters of the target device that are sent by the target device; sending, by the source device, media information of media content to the target device; requesting, by the target device, the media content from a network server according to the media information and the device parameters of the target device; sending, by the network server according to the device parameters of the target device, media content corresponding to the device parameters of the target device to the target device; and finding, by the target device, a play state of the media content that is being played by the source device, and playing the media content according to the play state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bo Huang
  • Patent number: 9955224
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a predetermined comment of a number of predetermined comments that relate to a content item being presented by the media processor. A selection is identified of a characteristic of the content item of a number of predetermined characteristics of the content item. Posts are presented on a display device that is presenting the content item, wherein the posts are a subset of a group of posts related to the content item, and wherein the posts are selected based on the selection of the characteristic of the content item. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nadia Morris, N. Peter Hill, Troy C. Meuninck, Virginia S. Ng
  • Patent number: 9918144
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for enhancing the viewing experience of video content by analyzing the content to determine where enhanced sensory experience events may be appropriate, by identifying devices at the viewing location and devices personal to the viewer that can be controlled to provide an enhanced sensory experience, and by activating those devices in a way that is synchronized with the presentation of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeremy Mickelsen, Adam Schafer, Bradley Wolf
  • Patent number: 9912995
    Abstract: A method of processing an interactive service and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving uncompressed audio content or uncompressed video content from an external decoding unit, extracting identifiers of frames from the received content periodically, submitting requests containing the identifiers and receiving a trigger for the content when a new segment is detected or when an event activation needs to be communicated to the receiver, wherein the trigger indicates the current time of the contents and references a particular interactive event in an application parameter table or signals that the event is to be executed now or at a specified future time, wherein the application parameter table includes information about at least one of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sejin Oh, Jinpil Kim, Seungjoo An, Jinwon Lee, Kyungho Kim, Kyoungsoo Moon
  • Patent number: 9912969
    Abstract: A live streaming video sharing system. Implementations may include a video camera, portable computing device, video streaming server, database, application server, web server, and a portable computing device associated with a user operatively coupled together. The video camera sends a live stream of video data wirelessly to the portable computing device. The computing device associated with a user receives a live stream of video data from the web server, processes the live stream of video data, and generates a computer interface. The computer interface may include a public computer interface including a public channel and an invisible computer interface including an invisible shares channel associated with the user including an icon corresponding with one or more invisible shares, each invisible share corresponding with a live stream of video data and each invisible share not retrievable using a search form in the computer interface, the application server, and the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignees: Arizona Board of Regents acting for and on behalf of Northern Arizona University, Deep Blue Intention, LLC
    Inventors: Lee Bliss, Jenean M. Perelstein, John C. Georgas, Britt Weber Mullen, Bryce Evan Carey, Waylon Jay-Shije Dixon, Chad Michael Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 9894366
    Abstract: A method is provided to manage playback of adaptive bitrate streaming video using using a stall time delay. The method includes pausing playback of a segment of a variant when a playback point reaches a download point, marking a stall time that marks a point in time in the segment at which playback was paused, determining a remaining playback time, determining a remaining download time, selecting an offset time, determining a wait time, determining a resume time, and waiting to resume playback at least until the download point reaches the resume time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Mattias Blomqvist
  • Patent number: 9894505
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a networked media station providing a variety of features including a wireless network interface, a wired network interface, a peripheral interface, and a multimedia interface. The wireless network interface(s) allows the device to communicate to serve as a wireless base station or repeater and/or a bridge between a wireless and a wired network. The peripheral interface allows the device to communicate with a variety of peripherals, and, in conjunction with the network interface(s), allows sharing of a peripheral among multiple networked computers. The multimedia interface allows the device to be used with entertainment devices for streaming of multimedia information from a network connected computer to the entertainment device. Control of various aspects of the device is preferably controlled from a network connected computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Philip F. Kearney, III, Robert Dale Newberry, Jr., Jeffrey L. Robbin, David Heller, Christopher R. Wysocki, Stephen Anderson Davis
  • Patent number: 9877070
    Abstract: Systems and methods allow playback of a media stream received via a network. The media stream is received and stored in a buffer prior to playback. Responsive to receiving the user command to change the content of the media stream, the buffer is flushed prior to receiving the changed content in the media stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SLING MEDIA INC.
    Inventors: Jason Gary Krikorian, Blake Gary Krikorian, Bhupendra Natwerlal Shah, Alexander Gurzhi, Satish Iyer
  • Patent number: 9877076
    Abstract: A device, system and method are provided to dynamically manage bandwidth for audiovisual communications and content distribution. The device, system and method may include dynamic qualification of content or channels for distribution in accordance with one or more distribution models, such as a broadcast distribution model and a narrowcast distribution model (e.g., a multicast distribution model and/or a unicast distribution model). In some embodiments, the qualification may be based on demand as reflected in requests for, or access to, content from user terminals. In some embodiments, based on changes in demand for content, a requalification of the content in terms of one or more distribution models may take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Amit Garg, Tom Brown
  • Patent number: 9872063
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of transmitting a broadcast signal. The method of transmitting the broadcast signal according to the present invention proposes a system capable of supporting a next-generation broadcast service in an environment that supports next-generation broadcasting using a terrestrial broadcast network and an Internet protocol network. In addition, the present invention proposes an efficient signaling scheme for both the terrestrial broadcasting network and the Internet protocol network in the environment that supports next-generation broadcasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seungryul Yang, Minsung Kwak, Kyoungsoo Moon, Woosuk Ko, Sungryong Hong, Jangwon Lee
  • Patent number: 9872028
    Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for receiving unfiltered feedback information from a network interface component of a wireless display pipeline and receiving display region-specific information from a region update component of the wireless display pipeline. Additionally, a coding policy associated with wireless display content may be adjusted based on the unfiltered feedback information and the display region-specific information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Yiting Liao, Vallabhajosyula S. Somayazulu, Paul S. Diefenbaugh, Krishnan Rajamani, Kristoffer D. Fleming
  • Patent number: 9866506
    Abstract: A method of controlling group chatting in a portable device, and a portable device performing the same, which are capable of extracting and displaying a dialog of a certain conversation partner on a sub-chatting window are provided. The method includes detecting a request for an extraction of a dialog for at least one certain conversation partner from conversation partners in the group chat, extracting the dialog of the at least one certain conversation partner from one or more dialogs in the group chat, and displaying the extracted dialog on a sub-chatting window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eunyeung Lee
  • Patent number: 9860598
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting a media stream for display based on reducing a time duration required to consume a media asset are presented herein. A first media stream, where the presentation of the media asset began at a first time, is generated for display. A second media stream, that started presenting the media asset at a second time, is stored in memory. The first media stream is generated for display for a time period and the stored second media stream is generated for display after this time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Vishwas Sharadanagar Panchaksharaiah, Vikram Makam Gupta
  • Patent number: 9838745
    Abstract: A method and system provides information and purchasing services for products placed in multimedia content. Product metadata coordinated in time with the multimedia content may be used to determine the product and obtain product information. A user may send a notification at a time when the product occurs in the multimedia content, and the time may be used to coordinate the product metadata. Product information may be provided to the user. The user may be given the option to purchase the product. Validation of the user may occur in order to authorize the purchase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce Barnes, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Patrick J. Kenny
  • Patent number: 9831967
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for accessing broadcast media items and segments from non-broadcast sources. In response to detecting that a user has not finished listening to a broadcast segment (e.g., a radio segment), an electronic device can automatically identify and access an alternate, non-broadcast source for the same broadcast segment (e.g., a corresponding podcast episode). Using the electronic device, a user can play back the segment from the non-broadcast source, starting playback at the last position of the broadcast segment when the user stopped listening to the broadcast. In some embodiments, the electronic device can update library counts (e.g., play counts and new/not new tags) based on media items and segments played back as part of a media broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ingrassia, Jeffery Lee
  • Patent number: 9832528
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprising an operation of identifying what programming content is currently being transmitted or is scheduled to be displayed by an electronic device that is adapted to receive programming content from a live content broadcaster. A lookup of networked content providers having stored content associated with the programming content is performed and metadata associated with the stored content is obtained. Then, relational information from the metadata is produced. The relational information is output for rendering at least one advanced option icon that is adapted to provide enhanced viewing functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Stephane Lejeune
  • Patent number: 9832532
    Abstract: Advertisements are presented to users via one or more delivery methods, such as a cable-television network and the Internet. An interactive product information screen allows the user to review information about a product to be purchased and, if desired, save purchase information associated with the user and the product at a central server. Subsequently, the user requests to review the saved purchase information either via the cable-television network or the Internet and can complete the transaction using either avenue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: CSC Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Agabob, Adam Labelson, Patricia Gottesman, Pete Caramanica, Ernest Chen
  • Patent number: 9807464
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a computer-implemented method that includes identifying metadata related to television programming being presented on a display device. The method further includes extracting one or more keywords from the metadata. The method further includes generating multiple search suggestions based on the keywords and first search results based on one or more of the search suggestions. The method further includes presenting the search suggestions and the first search results together on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Vincent Dureau, Salahuddin Choudhary, Benjamin Ling, Shalini Pai, Dennis Miloseski, Justin Koh, Rich Bragg, Alok Chandel
  • Patent number: 9800916
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for generation of interactive programming. An interactive programming server embeds interactive components into a video signal. The interactive programming server receives content from a content source and interactive components from an interactive component source and uses the content and interactive components to generate an interactive Video On Demand (iVOD) interactive program. The iVOD interactive program is transmitted to a participant who views the content and interacts with the interactive components of the iVOD interactive program. The participant's responses to the content is transmitted back to the interactive programming server where the participant responses are incorporated into new content which is used to generate new iVOD interactive programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MediaIP, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad W. Shusman
  • Patent number: 9800915
    Abstract: A distribution system for transmitting media content programs to premises equipment via a satellite transmission path addresses signal degradation caused by atmospheric conditions and other factors. Upon detection of a degradation of the satellite signal, the system may begin transmitting the content using an alternative signal path, such as a terrestrial IP network. The satellite transmission path is brought back on line after the satellite link is restored. Alternatively, the system may begin recording the signal in the media distribution system for transmission via the satellite link after the link is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignees: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P., AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Gilboy, Matthew Pitz
  • Patent number: 9769503
    Abstract: An information processor making up a home network system together with a terminal device. The information processor includes an identification request processing section, a publishing section, and a command execution section. The identification request processing section is configured to extract, from reproduced content, signature data indicating the features of the content, generate a query including at least the extracted signature data and transmit the query to an identification server so as to receive a response indicating the identification result of the reproduced content returned from the identification server in response to the query. The publishing section is configured to publish, to the terminal device, a command to operate the identification request processing section from the terminal device. The command execution section is configured to operate the identification request section in response to the command from the terminal device so as to transfer the response to the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Saturn Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Yasuaki Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 9760360
    Abstract: An installation system for a multiple device, multiple application solution may include options for installing and configuring one or more of the devices as virtual machines. The installation system may start from bare hardware, install a virtual machine host, and configure one or more devices as virtual machines. The installation system may provide a set of predefined configurations from which an administrator may choose, and some embodiments may provide various algorithms or optimization routines to select an appropriate configuration based on intended uses or other factors. The configurations may be customized to create one or more documents that may be consumed during the installation process to automate many configuration settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Bourne
  • Patent number: 9749370
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a single card solid-state play out server for retrieving or receiving content from a network or cloud based storage, and playing content according to an automated playlist received from a media distribution and management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: GRASS VALLEY CANADA
    Inventor: Ian Fletcher
  • Patent number: 9736543
    Abstract: A set-top box device includes a network interface module and a client interface module. The network interface module is configured to receive interactive content instructions and an interactive content notification over an Internet protocol data connection, and to receive an associated on-demand content video stream from a television service provider. The network interface module is also configured to connect to a website containing product information for a product associated with the on-demand content video stream. The client interface module is configured to output the on-demand content video stream, to output the interactive content notification concurrently with the on-demand content video stream in response to outputting a portion of the on-demand content video stream and based on the interactive content instructions, and to output the website currently with the on-demand content video stream in response to a selection of the interactive content notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Sposato, Orestis Manthoulis
  • Patent number: 9723350
    Abstract: A control device is provided. The control device includes a communication interface unit which requests and receives menu information from a broadcast receiver, a determination unit which determines a control mode of the control device, a user interface unit which displays the received menu information in a user interface window according to the determined control mode, and a control unit which, if a command to control the broadcast receiver is input through the user interface unit, controls the communication interface unit to transmit the input control command to the broadcast receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joo-youn Kim, Yong-hwan Kwon, Jung-a Kim, Bum-jin Lee
  • Patent number: 9721284
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for communicating a primary display comprising information that facilitates visual presentation of a view of a game space to a primary client device and facilitating purchases of content for use in the game through a secondary client device such as a user's smartphone. The system may include a game device that allows a user to play a video game or otherwise interact with a virtual environment using the primary client device and purchase content for use in the video game using a secondary client device while playing the video game using the primary client device. The purchased content may be integrated into the game space such that purchased content is available for use while the user is playing the video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington
  • Patent number: 9716914
    Abstract: Systems and methods for blocking inappropriate or undesired media content. Commercials are reviewed and assigned ratings or other attributes. Metadata including one or more flags identifying a commercial's rating or other attribute is embedded or inserted into media guidance application data for the commercial or for the media content during which the commercial is to be displayed. The media guidance application data is then sent to a viewer's equipment. The equipment receives the media guidance application data, parses the data for the metadata, and then determines if the commercial can be displayed based on parental control restrictions set by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. McCarty, Marvin Charles Carlberg
  • Patent number: 9712881
    Abstract: A system and method of displaying messages at a television is described. The method of displaying messages at a television includes: establishing communication over the Internet between a television and a server. A user-generated communication is received at the television from the server. A notification is displayed on the television that the user-generated communication has been received. The user-generated communication is displayed on the television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Ling Jun Wong
  • Patent number: 9712866
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a Set-Top Box (STB) that in addition to outputting a TV signal to an external TV set also supports conferencing between different users located at different locations. When a user is engaged in a conferencing session he may at the same time also view and listen to a TV program on the TV set. The STB of the present disclosure is able to cancel audio disturbances in the outgoing audio signal of the session that might be caused by the TV audio signal played by the TV speaker penetrating the session as a result of being received by the video conferencing microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: COMIGO LTD.
    Inventor: Menahem Lasser
  • Patent number: 9712880
    Abstract: Techniques provide for converged wireline and wireless services in part by employing a set-top box (STB) with machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. The STB, associated with an access point, such as a femtocell, can be used to send/receive messages, including video, to/from user equipment (UE) via a core network. A monitoring system includes a sensor component that is triggered under specified conditions, and the STB records events in response to the trigger, where a recorded event can be sent as a message to the UE. The STB or associated remote control can indicate a received message to a user, who can view the message on the STB, remote control, or associated television. A meter component is associated with the STB via the femtocell or other desired connection. The STB can receive and store utility meter readings for validation or dispute by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Fan, Jennifer K. Lam, Cheng P. Liu
  • Patent number: 9699415
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, programming content and program-related content (PRC) cues are delivered to a subscriber via an interactive multi-service distribution network. The PRC cues comprise interactive visual elements that may be used to create a PRC object that is selectable by a subscriber. Upon selection of a PRC object, the subscriber receives PRC through a communication service separate from the video programming delivery service, VOD service, PVR service, and NDVR service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Peter Stern, Joan Gillman
  • Patent number: 9674566
    Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory or storage device) for optimization of authorization codes (or identifications, IDs) for delivery of multimedia content such as video channels using unique grouping of sources (to be delivered to users) into content packages assigned new authorization codes. Then each original content package may be represented by a combination of uniquely grouped packages assigned with a plurality of corresponding new codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC
    Inventors: James Herbert Alexander, Timothy Paul Germain, Michael P Malecek, Brian Clements
  • Patent number: 9668012
    Abstract: A computer program product for notifying a viewer of content relevant to the viewer's interests is provided. A computer identifies an identity of a viewer of a display device, wherein the display device is displaying a first video feed. A computer determines a plurality of preferences of the viewer. A computer retrieves a profile of the viewer, wherein the profile includes the plurality of preferences of the viewer. In response to a determination that a content of a second video feed that is available for viewing on the display device matches at least one of the plurality of preferences of the viewer, a computer generates a notification of the second video feed. In response to receiving an acceptance of the notification, a computer sends a command to the display device to display the second video feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Craig M. Trim
  • Patent number: 9654816
    Abstract: Synchronizing a video feed with internet content displayed on a second device is described. In some implementations, a first device (e.g., a set-top box) can receive a video stream, extract URLs from the video stream and transmit the URLs to a web server for storage. The web server can respond to requests from a web browser on a second device (e.g., a laptop, tablet computer, etc.) to get the URL associated with the video stream. The second device can use the URL to display internet content associated with the video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jérôme Chevillat, Torsten Butz
  • Patent number: 9635410
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing companion services to customer premises equipment (CPE) using an IP-based service infrastructure. The infrastructure allows IP-enabled devices such as tablet PCs, smart phones, PDAs, and laptop computers to provide supplementary services to target systems and devices located at customer premises. Target systems and devices (CPE) may be TVs, PCs, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, or other electronics. An embodiment is disclosed which allows a mobile device to provide companion services to a television through a link with a set-top box in a cable TV network using the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: FOURTHWALL MEDIA, INC.
    Inventors: Louis P. Slothouber, Aaron Ye, Jeffrey W. Johnston
  • Patent number: 9628857
    Abstract: An Internet Protocol television system includes a set-top box that receives requests to display video streams being transmitted to a household. In response to the request, the set-top box provides a list of the video streams to a display device. The list includes options to terminate transmission of one or more of the streams. This allows a user to determine which video streams should be transmitted when bandwidth limitations are reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Marc Sullivan, Gregory Edwards, Joan Pearl
  • Patent number: 9628457
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and other mechanisms for authenticating wireless customer premises equipment (CPE) at a service location by transmitting an authentication trigger signal via a first communication mechanism associated with the service location toward CPE associated with the service location; monitoring a second communication mechanism associated with the service location to detect therefrom any received authentication trigger response signals; and authenticating only CPE associated with a received authentication trigger response signal, wherein at least one of the first and second communication mechanisms comprises a local infrastructure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC
    Inventor: James A. Rolls, IV