Transmission Network Patents (Class 725/118)
  • Patent number: 8866915
    Abstract: Image data from a CMOS sensor with 10 bit resolution is reformatted in real time to allow the data to stream through communications equipment that is designed to transport data with 8 bit resolution. The incoming image data has 10 bit resolution. The communication equipment can transport image data with 8 bit resolution. Image data with 10 bit resolution is transmitted in real-time, without a frame delay, through the communication equipment by reformatting the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Dan E. Bower, David A. Bloom, James R. Curry
  • Publication number: 20140304759
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transmission apparatus, including: an application data transmission section adapted to transmit data of an application for HbbTV; and an AIT transmission section adapted to transmit an AIT including an application profile which represents one or more additional functions to the application and is configured from a first bit region of high-order n bits and a second bit region of Lower-order (16?n) bits which represent presence or absence of functions allocated to bit positions thereof with a bitmap structure and wherein, in the first bit region, values for changing over the functions to be allocated to the bit positions in the second bit region are set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Dewa, Naohisa Kitazato
  • Patent number: 8848785
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a compact representation of a cumulative bit curve formed from piece-wise straight line approximations between upper and lower bounds about an actual cumulative bit curve (CBC). In one embodiment the lower bounds are found by applying a constraint such that if a delivery rate was to be calculated using the count at the lower bound it would result in a delivery rate which was greater than the delivery rate that would be calculated using the actual CBC data by a particular amount, for example 10%. The actual CBC data is then used as an upper bound. As a result, the approximated CBC will lie for each GoP between the actual CBC value and the lower bound, with the result that one can be certain that any data rate that is calculated using the approximation will be at least as high as a data rate that is calculated using the actual CBC data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: British Telecommunications Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Michael Erling Nilsson, Stephen Clifford Appleby, Rory Stewart Turnbull, Ian Barry Crabtree
  • Patent number: 8848745
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for allowing a first processor to access flash or other non-volatile memory that is associated with a second processor. The first processor obtains parameters that allow the initialization of an internet protocol (IP) stack. The parameters can be obtained using the trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP), for example. The first processor communicates with the second processor using a socket protocol, sending a command word that represents either a read or write command. The command word specifies where in the non-volatile memory the access is to occur, and for how many bytes. Information is then returned to the first processor, allowing the first processor to verify the success of the access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Pinar Taskiran, Karthik Balasubramanian, Jean Cyr
  • Patent number: 8843978
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning bandwidth to a network based on two or more different service levels. In an exemplary embodiment, video on-demand (VOD) session requests within a service group of an HFC cable network are assigned bandwidth such that maximum opportunity is given to grant HD VOD request among SD VOD requests, while meeting the goal of minimizing service disruption by spreading the sessions over multiple QAM channels, and limiting the maximum number of active VOD sessions of any kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Glen Hardin
  • Patent number: 8842223
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a transmitter apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a transmitter system capable of easily transmitting a wideband signal. The transmitter apparatus includes: a first acquisition unit that obtains first transmission control information; a second acquisition unit that obtains second transmission control information similar to information input to another transmitter apparatus; and a generating unit that processes transmission target data based on a parameter contained in the first transmission control information and generates data including the processed transmission target data and the second transmission control information. The present technology can be applied to a transmitter apparatus that transmits a DVB-C2 signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Takahashi, Lachlan Bruce Michael, Takashi Yokokawa, Naoki Yoshimochi, Takahiro Okada
  • Patent number: 8843982
    Abstract: A video server determines a frequency at which various content titles are accessed, and forms and communicates to downstream client devices a first data carousel of metadata about at least some of the various content titles, the metadata about a particular content title included in the data carousel or not according to how frequently the particular content title is accessed. The video server forms and communicates to downstream edge server devices a second data carousel comprising metadata about at least some of the various content titles, the second carousel updated more frequently than the first data carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Cliff Aaby, Byron Griffin
  • Patent number: 8843983
    Abstract: Techniques are described for a server to decompose a source video data stream to generate a plurality of video data streams. The video data streams may be combinable with one another. In particular, the frames of each plurality of video data streams may be combinable with the frames of the other plurality of video data streams. The plurality of video data streams may be available for download by a client device. The client device may combine and recompose two or more of the plurality of video data streams for presentment. In particular, the client device may combine frames from two or more of the plurality of video data streams to generate combined frames for presentment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Ari Gronning
  • Patent number: 8839293
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 8839332
    Abstract: A system for delivering content to users from a content provider including a transmission system for transmitting content in a series of segments and a plurality of receivers, each of the receivers comprising a memory, a processor, and an output driver. The memory may have stored therein instructions that, when executed, will cause the processor to perform the following steps: (1) comparing each of the received segments to any previously stored segments to determine whether each received segment has been previously stored; (2) for a particular received segment that has not been previously stored, storing the segment in the memory; (3) for a particular received segment that has been previously stored, determining whether the received segment is missing data and, if it is, retrieving the missing data, if available, from the corresponding previously stored segment; and (4) providing each of the received segments to the output driver along with any missing data retrieved from the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Martin Murray
  • Patent number: 8839331
    Abstract: A method of channel processing is provided wherein multiple reduced-bandwidth “processing blocks” may be combined at RF to allow for the continuous and flexible placement of multiple-channels across the full or partial CATV output band. Each reduced-bandwidth processing block is associated with a fixed-frequency upconversion. In order to allow for continuous agile channel placement, the processing blocks overlap one another in frequency at RF. In the case where it is not necessary that the full CATV band be available to the combined output, the number of required processing blocks and upconversion paths is reduced and individual processing blocks and upconversion paths may be used to cover multiple non-contiguous frequency bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Vecima Networks Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Howlett, Gerald Harron, Michael Jaspar
  • Patent number: 8839333
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving Ultra High Definition (UHD) broadcasting service in a digital broadcasting system are provided. The method includes receiving a TS through a transport channel, determining whether or not the TS includes information about an association relation with other TSs, analyzing the information about the association relation from the TS, determining whether or not the TS includes information about a program provided in association with the other TSs based on the information about the association relation, extracting the information about the program from the TS, and obtaining the program based on the information about the program. In accordance with the present invention, high definition broadcasting service can be provided because a broadcasting program having a great transmission bandwidth can be transmitted and received in a digital broadcasting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Joon Young Jung, Dong Joon Choi, Nam Ho Hur
  • Patent number: 8832755
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to remove the dependence on the IP layer (OSI layer three) in Video-on-Demand (VoD) transport networks. The present invention replaces the IP layer with Ethernet layer two addressing and even layer one, allowing connectivity in access/aggregation networks without IP layer three capabilities. The present invention enables STBs to communicate with VoD controllers, servers, and the like at layer two and/or layer one, eliminating the need for layer three routing capabilities in access/aggregation networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gazier, Morteza Ghodrat, Ian H. Duncan
  • Patent number: 8832766
    Abstract: Methods and systems of handling channel changes in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a channel change request; determining whether the channel change request is user-initiated; setting at least one channel change parameter to a value based on the determination; and performing a channel change using the at least channel change parameter having the set value. An exemplary system comprises: a channel acquisition component, memory, and a processor. The processor is programmed by code, stored in memory, to: receive a channel change request; determine whether the channel change request is user-initiated; and instruct the channel acquisition component to perform a channel change using at least channel change parameter. The channel change parameter has a value that is based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: William C. VerSteeg, John M. Schlarb, Guy Atkinson Meador, III
  • Patent number: 8832754
    Abstract: A set top box client in an enhanced television system stores a table associating time references with events. The table is accessed to synchronize the delivery of events to an enhanced television application that is associated with an underlying video program. The enhanced television system delivers broadcast video, video-on-demand and video from a storage component such as a personal video recorder or a digital video disk player. The enhanced television system further provides an application that provides enhancements to an associated video program by overlaying a user interface, by providing overlaid graphical and/or text information or by providing additional audio information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: TVWorks, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Thompson, Mark Vickers
  • Patent number: 8832767
    Abstract: A frequency band selection device that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on the premise of a user includes at least two signal path sets between a tap side and a premise side. Each signal path set includes two discrete signal paths, a high frequency signal path for a downstream bandwidth and a low frequency signal path for an upstream bandwidth. The high frequency signal path and the low frequency signal path are separated by a cut-off transition frequency that is different for each signal path set. The device further includes a switch controller having at least two discrete switch positions. The switch controller chooses one of the switch positions as a result of an information signal. Each of the switch positions corresponds to a respective one of the signal path sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Olson, David Kelma, Joseph Lai, Steven K. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20140250484
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems, methods, apparatus and means are provided to determine an amount of a delay when transmitting a signal from a remote broadcast location to a studio location over a transmission link, operate a delay engine to insert the amount of the delay in a studio audio/video feed, and operate a switch to switch from the studio audio/video feed to a remote audio/video feed, the delay in the studio audio/video feed inserted prior to the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: David Andrew Duennebier, Samuel Joseph Reisner
  • Patent number: 8819746
    Abstract: A network device for a network including a network controller adapted to provide Ethernet communication capability and CEC (consumer electronics control) communication capability, and a database generator unit adapted to generate a device database containing information about the network devices being member of the home entertainment network and/or an operation history database containing information about network device operations tasked by a user of a network device of the network. A method for controlling and re-routing audio, video and data streams in a network, includes: generating a device database containing information about the network devices being member of the network and/or an operation history database containing information about network device operations tasked by a user of a network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Europe Limited
    Inventor: Armin Mank
  • Patent number: 8819755
    Abstract: A data communication architecture delivers a wide variety of content, including audio and video content, to consumers. The architecture employs channel bonding to deliver more bandwidth than any single communication channel can carry. The architecture includes intermediate network devices that may receive content and send content using different groups of communication channels. The network device may process content received across a first set of communication channels for transmission across a second set of communication channels different from the first set. Such processing may preserve a program order of the content during delivery to a destination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Rajesh Shankarrao Mamidwar, Xuemin Chen, Victor Hou
  • Patent number: 8817780
    Abstract: Received data packets are groomed to improve performance of MPEG-2 transport stream packet in a digital video broadcasting system. Multitude of crosschecking techniques are applied to ensure that crucial pieces of information such as the packet identifier (PID) field, the continuity counter (CC) field, table ID, section length, IP header checksum, table and frame boundaries, application data table size are corrected if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: MaxLinear, Inc.
    Inventors: Sridhar Ramesh, Sugbong Kang, Brenndon Lee
  • Patent number: 8813155
    Abstract: A method for receiving service information (SI) for building a channel map in an internet protocol television (IPTV) receiver and the IPTV receiver thereof are provided. The method includes receiving a provisioning information table which includes information of location to receive a first stream carrying a master SI table and parsing the received provisioning information table, receiving the first stream carrying the master SI table which includes information of location to receive a second stream carrying other SI tables based on the parsed provisioning information table and parsing the received first stream, parsing the second element in the received first stream, receiving the second stream carrying the other SI tables, and parsing the other SI tables, wherein the IPTV does not leave the first stream and leave the second stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Joon Hui Lee, Jae Hyung Song, Gomer Thomas
  • Patent number: 8813160
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method, system and user device for obtaining a key frame in a streaming media service. The method includes: setting a threshold time for receiving a key frame, receiving video data by a client from a streaming media server, and analyzing the video data, when the network state is normal, sending a request for adjusting a video key frame generating frequency to the streaming media server if a video key frame is not received by the client in the threshold time; when the request is received, the streaming media server determines whether to adjust the video key frame generating frequency, if so, then adjusts the video key frame generating frequency according to the request of the client. The application of the invention can improve the quality of the streaming media service, and advance the experience level of the streaming media service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Guoqiang Shang
  • Patent number: 8804718
    Abstract: A method is provided for pruning an MP2MP tree. The method includes (a) in a first node of an MP2MP LSP tree, the MP2MP LSP tree including a plurality of nodes, determining whether the first node has only a single replication branch for the MP2MP LSP tree, the single replication branch representing a downstream path to only a second node of the plurality of nodes, (b) in response to determining that the first node has only a single replication branch for the MP2MP LSP tree, sending a message to the second node indicating that the second node should refrain from sending upstream traffic towards the first node, and (c) in response to determining that the first node does not have only a single replication branch for the MP2MP LSP tree, refraining from sending a message to the second node indicating that the second node should refrain from sending upstream traffic of the MP2MP LSP tree towards the first node. Apparatus are also provided for use in practicing certain embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: IJsbrand Wijnands, Arjen Boers
  • Patent number: 8806558
    Abstract: A machine-implementable method for uniquely watermarking a content object according to end user identity includes transcoding an original content object to a format that is compatible with end user systems, and storing the transcoded content object where it is accessible by one or more points of presence (POPs) of a content delivery network. One of the POPs receives identifying information associated with a specific one of the end user systems. A digital watermark engine adds uncorrected digital watermark information correlating to the end user system, to the content object, to form a uniquely watermarked content object. The uncorrected digital watermark information is correctable by error correction capability of the specific end user system to deliver a version of the content object that is indistinguishable by a human from the original content object. The method further includes transmitting the uniquely watermarked content object to the specific end user system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Limelight Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Cassidy, Brandon Smith
  • Patent number: 8806557
    Abstract: A method of adjusting the transmission station parameters in a digital video broadcasting network, includes determining, in at least one area element of a geographic area of interest, delays among signals received from a plurality of transmission stations; calculating, based on the determined delays, transmission delays to be applied to the transmission stations of the plurality, wherein the calculated transmission delays are adapted to reduce the delays among the received signals; and applying the calculated transmission delays to the transmission stations of the plurality. The choice of the timing parameters is based on a repetition of a random perturbation of a control parameter and the consequent evaluation of the result of the result obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Telecom Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Indro Francalanci, Daniele Franceschini, Paola Bertotto
  • Publication number: 20140215546
    Abstract: Systems and methods for use in distributing video are provided. A first video distribution node includes a video processor configured to receive a video stream from a second video distribution node, and send the video stream to a third video distribution node, such that the video stream is sent substantially near real-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: The Boeing Company
  • Patent number: 8793722
    Abstract: A process for secure distribution of video sequences coded in accordance with a nominal stream format including visual data and data for configuration of decoding of the stream that does not represent the visual data, wherein, prior to transmission to client equipment, an analysis is made of the stream for generating a modified main stream having a format of the nominal stream and having pictures/images modified by modification of the data for configuration of decoding, and complementary digital information of any format including digital information suitable to permit reconstruction of modified pictures, then, for separately transmitting the modified main stream and complementary digital information generated from a server to the client equipment, and wherein a synthesis of a stream in the nominal format is calculated on the client equipment as a function of the modified main stream and the complementary information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nagra France
    Inventors: Daniel Lecomte, Sebastien Georges
  • Patent number: 8793753
    Abstract: An approach is described that includes determining that a remote device has moved outside of a pre-defined area associated with a digital video recorder (DVR), and transmitting program data from the DVR to the remote device while the remote device remains outside of the pre-defined area. Another approach includes a digital video recorder (DVR) having a memory and a processor. The DVR operates to: receive an incoming transmission signal; transmit a selected program to a primary display device; determine that a remote device has moved outside of a pre-defined area; and transmit program data corresponding to the selected program to the remote device while the remote device remains outside of the pre-defined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kulvir S. Bhogal, Gregory J. Boss, John J. Gontkof, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8793754
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transmission apparatus, including: an application data transmission section adapted to transmit data of an application for HbbTV; and an table transmission section adapted to transmit an table including an application profile which represents one or more additional functions to the application and is configured from a first bit region of high-order n bits and a second bit region of lower-order (16-n) bits which represent presence or absence of functions allocated to bit positions thereof with a bitmap structure and wherein, in the first bit region, values for changing over the functions to be allocated to the bit positions in the second bit region are set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Dewa, Naohisa Kitazato
  • Patent number: 8793743
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for multicast broadcast multimedia service (MBMS)-assisted content distribution in a wireless communication network. A proxy terminal may include an MBMS access client configured to receive and cache an MBMS transmission including media data and metadata. The proxy terminal may further include a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) server module configured to transmit at least a portion of the media data to a user equipment (UE) of the wireless communication network via an HTTP transmission. The media data and metadata may be in a dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (DASH) format. The proxy terminal may be included in an evolved Node B (eNB), the UE, or another UE of the wireless communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Ozgur Oyman
  • Patent number: 8793725
    Abstract: A system and method for data transmission in a DLNA network environment are disclosed. The data transmission system includes a content creation unit creating at least one content, a content correlation check unit checking a created content to classify the created content by category and a conversion content creation unit extracting header information and body information of the classified content and converting the extracted information into preset type information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chul Seung Kim, Yun Je Oh, Joon Oo Kim, Wong Sang Kwon
  • Patent number: 8789124
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an interactive, multi-platform video network. In another aspect, the invention provides a dynamic scheduling method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Music Choice
    Inventors: Stephen D. Malaby, Bryan J. LeBlanc, Dow Seng Lam, Mateti Siva Ram, Ivan Fokin, Peter H. D. Glenn, Robert A. Decker, Fei Wan, Qingrui Liu, Angelica Casey, Alan Christopher Hummel, Kevin Todd Boone
  • Patent number: 8782729
    Abstract: Producing advanced HFC CATV cable systems while easing the burden of backward compatibility. The system improves CATV data carrying capacity by moving RF QAM modulators from the cable head end to various individually or group addressed optical fiber nodes supplying neighborhood CATV cables, and sending data from the cable head IP backbone to the nodes over optical fiber as IP data packets. For high backward compatibility, the system digitizes legacy RF waveforms, or demodulates legacy QAM waveforms to QAM symbols, also transmits these over the optical fiber as IP data packets, and then reconstitutes back to original waveforms as needed. The system is thus able to easily handle legacy NTSC, FM, QPSK waveforms and do partial (QAM symbol level) compression of legacy QAM waveforms to and from multiple nodes without requiring additional optical fiber wavelengths. The system may use non-standard upstream/downstream CATV frequency splits, filter bank receivers, and FPGA/DSP/ASIC methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Gainspeed, Inc.
    Inventor: Shlomo Selim Rakib
  • Patent number: 8782727
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for implementing adaptive video stream testing are presented. In particular, installation of a digital rights management (DRM) client is validated. Furthermore, a decrypted video stream at a particular bitrate is received in response to validating a DRM client. Data throttling is implemented to simulate one or more network speeds for the decrypted video stream. Additionally, video playback time is measured for a codec at the one or more network speeds and it is determined whether the video playback time for the codec exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A test report is generated that lists the codec and the video playback time for the codec at the one or more network speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Guru Nagarajan, Andrew Flynn
  • Patent number: 8776144
    Abstract: An Internet Protocol (IP)-based mobile TV system and a method for synchronizing the rendering of a streaming service are provided. In the IP-based mobile TV system, a plurality of mobile terminals receives a streaming service from network equipment, along with both a sequence of Network Time Protocol (NTP) time stamps corresponding to the streaming service and a synchronization clock. Each mobile terminal recovers an NTP reference clock for rendering the received streaming service according to both the synchronization clock and a synchronization time difference value, and then renders the received streaming service according to both the recovered NTP reference clock and the received NTP time stamps. Accordingly, the plurality of mobile terminals in the IP-based mobile TV system is able to render the received streaming service synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hsin-Ta Chiao, Jhih-Wei Jiang
  • Patent number: 8776160
    Abstract: Methods and systems of handling channel changes in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a request for access to a downstream network connected to the DHCT; determining a source of the request for access; and setting at least one parameter to a value based on the determined source; and performing a channel change using the at least one parameter having the set value An exemplary system comprises: a channel acquisition component, memory, and a processor. The processor is programmed by code, stored in memory, to: receive a channel change request; determine whether the channel change request is user-initiated; and instruct the channel acquisition component to perform a channel change using at least one parameter. The parameter has a value that is based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: William C. VerSteeg, John M. Schlarb, Guy Atkinson Meador, III
  • Patent number: 8776161
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for video processing, such as transcoding, storage, quality testing, and the like, in network edge devices. The present invention embeds various video processing capabilities within a network to provide advantages, such as superior per-user video handling, reduced network bandwidth, increased service offerings, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Gazier, Ian Duncan, Daniel Rivaud
  • Patent number: 8769595
    Abstract: A content transmission selection system is disclosed. The content transmission selection system receives requests from viewers for specific video content items. Using characteristics of the designated content item, the content transmission selection system determines whether to transmit the content item over a broadcast network or a broadband network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P
    Inventors: James H. Gray, Robert A. Koch
  • Patent number: 8762476
    Abstract: A direct memory-to-memory to streaming protocol driver for a media content playback system is provided. In one embodiment, the direct memory-to-memory to streaming protocol driver is a Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA). In general, the RDMA to streaming protocol driver utilizes an RDMA-enabled network interface to obtain media content from a remote content distribution server. In order to emulate a streaming protocol layer of a network stack such as, for example, the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), the RDMA to streaming protocol driver encapsulates the media content according to the streaming protocol to provide streaming media content. The streaming media content is then provided to an associated streaming protocol-based playback function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Qurio Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Evans, Thomas A. Roberts, James Evans
  • Patent number: 8763062
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling information available at a network element located at a first hierarchical level in a content distribution network. A method includes determining a subset of content using content forecast information, comparing the determined subset of content to a subset of content available to the network element located at the first hierarchical level, generating a request adapted for modifying the available subset of content in response to a difference between the determined and available subsets of content, and propagating the request toward a network element at a second hierarchical level in the content distribution network, where the first and second hierarchical levels are different. The content may include any information adapted for being distributed from a server to a subscriber terminal (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Christian Thomas Hermsmeyer, Dieter Stoll, Wolfgang Thomas
  • Patent number: 8756643
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an interactive media system includes generating, by a first communication system, an information signal and a display signal for display by an electronic medium, transferring the information signal by a wireless signal transfer network, receiving and processing the information signal by a server, providing, by the server, data included in the information signal to a functional network, wherein the server retrieves return data from the functional network and provides the return data to a second communication system, generating, by the second communication system, a return information signal and providing the return information signal to the wireless signal transfer network, and transferring, by the wireless signal transfer network, the return information signal to the first communication system, which generates the display signal for display on the electronic medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajiv V. Joshi, Suchitra R. Joshi
  • Patent number: 8756644
    Abstract: A method, computer readable medium and an apparatus for providing supplemental information related to a character featured on a broadcast television program, wherein the supplemental information is not broadcast along with the broadcast television program. A viewer can request specific supplemental information associated with the broadcast television program through a telephone or electronic network interface. In some embodiments, a service controller transmits the requested supplemental information such that an audio component of the supplemental information does not conflict with the audio component of the broadcast television program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Publication number: 20140165125
    Abstract: A broadcasting transmitting apparatus of providing a multi-picture may include a multi-picture generator configured to divide an acquired video into a first video and a second video; a first video encoder configured to encode the first video; a second video encoder configured to encode the second video; a multiplexer configured to multiplex the first and second videos to a single stream video; and a transmitter configured to modulate the multiplexed single stream video to transmit the modulated single stream video to a receiving apparatus through a broadcasting network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Gwang Soon LEE, Hyun LEE, Won Sik CHEONG, Nam Ho HUR
  • Patent number: 8752106
    Abstract: A mesh network sensor and video surveillance system and method for providing communication between a base system having at least one wireless sensor capture device SCD and other SCD(s) and at least one input capture device ICD and other ICD(s), wherein the SCD(s) are capable of smart cross-communication with each other and with the ICD(s) and where the where the ICD(s) are capable of smart cross-communication with each other and offer remote access to their inputs and the SCD(s) inputs via a server computer, including the steps of providing this base system; at least one user accessing the ICD and SCD inputs remotely via a user interface through a remote server computer and/or electronic device communicating with it, for providing a secure sensor surveillance system with extended inputs range and wireless smart cross-communication for monitoring a target environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Smartvue Corporation
    Inventor: Martin A. Renkis
  • Patent number: 8752098
    Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver and a control method thereof are disclosed. The digital broadcast receiver includes a reception unit for receiving a broadcast signal which mobile service data and main service data are multiplexed, an extractor for extracting transmission parameter channel signaling information and fast information channel signaling information from a data group in the received mobile service data, an acquirer for acquiring a program table describing virtual channel information and a service of an ensemble by using the extracted fast information channel signaling information, the ensemble being a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, a detector for detecting a descriptor defining Internet access information corresponding to the mobile service data by using the acquired program table, and a controller for controlling such that the Internet access information of the detected descriptor and the mobile service data are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Hun Song, In Hwan Choi, Chul Soo Lee, Jae Hyung Song, Sang Hyup Lee
  • Patent number: 8739238
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a presentation device having a controller that performs operations including enabling a supply of power to a portable battery operated device from a presentation port where the presentation port is a high definition multimedia interface port by trickle charging a rechargeable battery of the portable battery operated device through the presentation port, and receiving from the portable battery operated device an audio-visual signal for presentation at the presentation device through the presentation port. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Ahmad Ansari
  • Patent number: 8736763
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a content synchronizing method includes: first transmitting when receiving an acquiring request for reference time to determine a timing to synchronize a plurality of pieces of content executed by a plurality of modules with each other from a first module out of the modules, the acquiring request for the reference time to a second module out of the modules; receiving source information indicating an acquisition source of the reference time from the second module; and acquiring reference time information indicating the reference time from the acquisition source indicated by the source information, wherein second transmitting to the first module, together with the reference time information, processing time information indicating processing time from receiving the acquiring request until transmitting the reference time information, the processing time information being used to calculate a time lag between time in the first module and the reference time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshikata Tobita
  • Patent number: 8732778
    Abstract: A mobile broadcast service center and a mobile wireless network to deliver broadcast video to mobile wireless devices. When the mobile broadcast service center receives a request to deliver a broadcast video channel to a target mobile wireless device, it designates as target an intermediate node in the network that serves the target mobile wireless device. The mobile broadcast service center first determines if an existing channel bundle is routed to the target intermediate node. If this first determination is negative, the mobile broadcast service center routes a new channel bundle to the target intermediate node, including the requested broadcast video channel. If the first determination is positive, the mobile broadcast service center then determines if the requested broadcast video channel is in the existing channel bundle. If this second determination is negative, then it adds the requested broadcast video channel to the existing channel bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jun Shen, Yung Shirley Choi-Grogan, Ming Zhang
  • Patent number: 8732786
    Abstract: A distributed stream processing system including a plurality of storage devices, at least one of which is configured to process at least one segment of a data stream, thereby producing a changed segment of the data stream, and provide output of at least the changed segment of the data stream, and a server configured to accept the output of the storage devices and combine the output into a transport stream. A method for combining a plurality of data streams including using one or more storage devices for processing at least one segment of a data stream, thereby producing a changed segment of the data stream, and providing output of at least the changed segment of the data stream, and combining the output of the storage devices into a combined data stream. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Fabrix TV Ltd.
    Inventors: Nir Drang, Tomer Amiaz, Ram Ben-Yakir
  • Patent number: 8732781
    Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr., Mark A. Wood