Abstract: A user of a combined mobile telephone and IPDC receiver (10) accesses a WAP portal (16) through the Internet (82) and/or a mobile telephone network (81). The WAP portal (16) provides a service menu, comprising a number of links to service menus further down in the hierarchy or to IPDC services. The WAP portal (16) is provided with information relating to IPDC services by an IPDC operator (80). This information includes at least the name of the service, the IP address and the port number relating to each service. The information may additionally include a Network Information Table, IP/MAC Notification Table and Program Mapping Table, although this information may be provided to the mobile terminal instead by broadcast from a DVB transmitter (13).

Abstract: A method for downloading and displaying a video program using a mobile terminal that includes a first radio access network having a first data transfer rate and a second radio access network having a second data transfer rate faster than the first data transfer rate. The downloaded video program is displayed at a predetermined playback rate. Excess portions of the downloaded video program that result when a rate at which the video program is downloaded exceeds the predetermined playback rate are buffered. A third data transfer rate that is lower than the first transfer rate is calculated in response to the predetermined playback rate, the buffered excess portions and the time duration of the remainder of the video program. The third data transfer rate is negotiated with the first network for downloading the video program when the difference between the first and third data transfer rates exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an integrated antenna and satellite dish. Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus, including a satellite dish, a wireless antenna coupled to the satellite dish and a coupling box communicatively coupled to the satellite dish and the wireless antenna. Additional exemplary embodiments include a content communication method, including receiving a satellite signal, receiving a first wireless signal, performing coupling box processing on the satellite signal and the wireless signal, transmitting the satellite signal and the wireless signal to a set top box and performing set top box processing on the satellite signal and wireless signal. Further exemplary embodiments include a content communication system, including a satellite dish for receiving content from a satellite, a wireless antenna for receiving content from a wireless network and a coupling box for processing the content from the satellite and the content from the wireless network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented to allow the extension of a DOCSIS cable modem service over a wireless link. According to the invention a wireless hub transceiver is connected to a distribution coax cable of a DOCSIS based system. The downstream data are transferred over a wireless link to a remote subscriber radio frequency (RF) unit connected to a cable modem that provides the downstream data to the subscriber. Similarly, upstream data are sent from the subscriber cable modem over the wireless link to the wireless hub transceiver where such data are inserted back to the distribution coax cable.

Abstract: A wireless data-transferring apparatus performs wireless communication with an information-processing terminal. The data-transferring apparatus includes a unit for receiving broadcast program data, a unit for compression-encoding the broadcast program data received by the receiving unit, and a communications control device. The communications control device is configured to perform data-transfer between an external network and the information-processing terminal, in accordance with requests transmitted by radio signal from the information-processing terminal, and to transmit, by radio signal, data received from the external network and the compression-encoded broadcast program data to the information-processing terminal in a time-divided fashion when the communications control device receives the compression-encoded broadcast program data provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: Recorded audiovisual programs are aggregated for archival storage on another storage medium, such as a DVD. As related programs are temporarily recorded on a DVR, the lengths of the programs are summed and compared to the recording capacity of the DVD. When a sufficient number of programs have been temporarily recorded, a message is presented prompting the user to transfer the recordings to a DVD. Portions of the recorded programs, such as commercial messages, may be edited or deleted before transfer to the DVD. When programs are recorded onto a DVD, program information may also be recorded to assist in navigating among the recorded programs. The program information may also be used for the purpose of printing appropriate labels using a personal computer system.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SUB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

Abstract: A system for the efficient distribution of live and stored audio/video streams to multiple subscribers without degrading normal data delivery services. The system segments one or more frequency bands into sub-bands, or channels, each of which is capable of carrying encoded audio, video, and other data streams, to a plurality of subscribers. Each channel transmitted in the system provides full-duplex operation so that each subscriber may indicate what specific services are desired, such as audio/video broadcast, two-way data transfer, video library access, pay-per-view video, interactive video, and audio file transfer. A transmission headend facility (‘hub’) broadcasts multiple channels of video/audio data (e.g., Internet data) in unicast mode via a shared media transmission facility to multiple subscribers. Simultaneously, selected video/audio/data is transmitted in Internet Protocol multicast mode over one or more channels of the segmented frequency band.

Abstract: Method, device and system for capturing and processing viewing data, which viewing data relates to the viewing behavior of users when viewing video data. Data about lines of sight of a user relative to the viewed video data are determined by projecting video data directly on the retina of the user and current eye positions of the user being thereby determined, which are transmitted by a telecommunications network to a central unit for further processing. In the further processing current eye positions are compared with predefined values, and predefined actions are triggered on the basis of the result of this comparison and/or the viewing data being stored in the central unit, and, for example later, being evaluated statistically.

Abstract: Mobile terminals capable of transmitting and receiving HTML data etc. are prepared for actualizing simple bidirectional communications specified in a local area, and some broadcasting channels are prepared for ensuring the communications between the mobile terminals. A contrivance is that a receiver is able to transmit a return mail with respect to the broadcasting data received via the broadcasting channel, and the bidirectional communications at a stage just before persons concerned meet directly each other can be actualized.

Abstract: A method for creating a video clip for a mobile device using a video processing system is provided. The method includes uploading at least one video file to the video processing system, the video processing system including a video editor module, editing using the video editor module to produce a video clip from the video file, saving the video clip to a video processing system database, and downloading the video clip to a client system.

Abstract: The extended range of optical data communication is enabled through the use of intermediary relay stations spaced fairly far apart. IRDA communicatiOn, as is well known, uses very short duration optical pulses to send data up to 1 Mbit/sec; this has the concomitant effect of minimizing LED duty cycle and preventing excessive heating. The invention uses a number of integrated pulses to represent a single bit instead of utilizing a one-to-one correspondence between pulses and bits. Processing software causes the transmitter to “stutter” or repetitively emanate the identical pulse representing a bit of information. Sufficient photons are thereby gathered at a receiver to reach a predetermined threshold. A tradeoff of the data transmission frequency in this invention is that as signal intensity drops by a factor of 100 when distance increases by a factor of 10 yielding a distance/intensity ratio of 1/10.

Abstract: A method of processing high definition video data to be transmitted over a wireless medium is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes communicating a data frame having a format of: i) a packet header, ii) a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) portion, wherein the MPDU portion includes a plurality of transmit data units (TDUs), wherein each TDU includes only uncompressed video data unit, and iii) a plurality of tail bits separately located from the MPDU portion. Another embodiment provides a group parser which allows for efficient convolutional encoding of the WiHD video data. According to at least one embodiment, the system provides the high transmission efficiency of the WiHD video data.

Abstract: A broadband data broadcast system that allows rich multimedia content to be delivered to a plurality of subscribers is disclosed. The broadband data broadcast system operates by multiplexing a plurality of rich multimedia digital information streams together at a centralized data broadcast center. The data broadcast center then broadcasts the multiplexed digital information stream on a broadcast medium such as satellite broadcasts, radio frequency broadcasts, or digital television broadcasts. A large number of receiver systems receive the broadcast signal and demodulate the broadcast signal to retrieve the multiplexed digital stream. The receiver system extracts a subset of digital information streams that the particular receiver system's owner has designated are of interest. The receiver system caches the interesting digital information stream for later access. The receiver system outputs the interesting digital information streams to a client system upon demand.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selectively capturing content and delivering the captured content to mobile communications devices via wireless communications are disclosed. In some embodiments, a mobile unit sends a request for content to a nearby content server, to which the content server may respond with a list of available content items. The mobile unit may send a second, refined request for a specific content item. The content server may send the requested content item to the mobile unit, or the content server may send a pointer to the mobile unit, which indicates a network location from which a user may later retrieve the actual content item. In another embodiment, a mobile unit sends a request to a content server for presently displayed content. The content server may capture a screen image and send the captured image to the mobile unit. Alternatively, the content server may send the file in a native file format of the file from which the displayed content was generated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selectively capturing content and delivering the captured content to mobile communications devices via wireless communications are disclosed. In some embodiments, a mobile unit sends a request for content to a nearby content server, to which the content server may respond with a list of available content items. The mobile unit may send a second, refined request for a specific content item. The content server may send the requested content item to the mobile unit, or the content server may send a pointer to the mobile unit, which indicates a network location from which a user may later retrieve the actual content item. In another embodiment, a mobile unit sends a request to a content server for presently displayed content. The content server may capture a screen image and send the captured image to the mobile unit. Alternatively, the content server may send the file in a native file format of the file from which the displayed content was generated.

Abstract: A communication system including a first terminal device connected to first and second networks, having only a reception function with respect to the first network and transmission and reception functions with respect to the second network, the first network being a radio network according to IEEE 802.11 and the second network being a radio network slower than the first network, and a second terminal device connected to the first and second networks, having at least a transmission function with respect to the first network and transmission and reception functions with respect to the second network is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented to allow the extension of a DOCSIS cable modem service over a wireless link. According to the invention a wireless hub transceiver is connected to a distribution coax cable of a DOCSIS based system. The downstream data are transferred over a wireless link to a remote subscriber radio frequency (RF) unit connected to a cable modem that provides the downstream data to the subscriber. Similarly, upstream data are sent from the subscriber cable modem over the wireless link to the wireless hub transceiver where such data are inserted back to the distribution coax cable.

Abstract: A projector and a mobile terminal are connected wirelessly in two-way communication, and thus the projector is controlled by the mobile terminal. Also, projection data is exchanged between the mobile terminal and the projector, or between a data server connected to a network and the projector using a command of the mobile terminal. Furthermore, when a plurality of mobile terminals send projection data simultaneously, a communication enabled state is established with only one mobile terminal by a predetermined procedure, or one projector's projection screen is divided in order to project a plurality of projection data simultaneously.

Abstract: A transmitter in a digital return link for use in an HFC network includes an analog to digital converter for digitizing a broadband analog RF input. The A/D converter has a parallel bit stream output. A serializer converts the parallel bit stream from the converter to a serial bit stream. An electroabsorption modulated laser converts the serial bit stream to an optical serial bit stream for transmission over the HFC network.

Abstract: A method of use provides an extremely efficient manner of ordering a radio program occurring at approximately the time presented, minimizing the need to remember any details. The method is embodied in a range of tactile and voice controls which people in motion need to have. Security options include voice signatures, button sequences and fingerprint identification. User feedback is embodied in both audio and visual display formats. A method of controlling a radio is claimed which provides for placing an order, querying the ordering system for additional information, initializing a user's identifying signature, initializing a session by identifying a user, if the user is not properly identified, blocking access to ordering, and in certain embodiments, calling the police. A radio device is claimed supporting an IF signal source containing essential information on the radio program, an embedded controller, user interface as well as a radio transceiver by which the ordering transaction is carried out.

Abstract: The method and device carry out communication between a settop box and a target network through nay of a number of head ends. When a connectivity between the settop box and the target network through a first head end is lost, a call is initiated over a wireless communication link. A second, alternative, head end is selected based on the settop box, the first head end and the target network. Subsequently, the settop box is coupled through the second head end to the target network.

Abstract: A system for two-way communication between a television viewer operating a remote control unit to control a television and a television signal or other information provider located at a central site. A set-top box coupled to the television includes an infrared receiver to receive command signals from the remote control unit, a pager transmitter to transmit messages to the television signal or other information provider, and a pager receiver to receive confirmation messages from the television signal or other information provider. Also included is a controller to control reception of command signals from the remote control unit, reception of a television signal, display of the television signal on the television, translation of the command signals into messages to be sent by the pager transmitter, reception of confirmation messages from the pager receiver, and display of received confirmation messages on the television.

Abstract: This invention is a system and method for synchronizing interaction of a communication network (206) with a broadcasting network (208). The system (300) comprises a transmission synchronization engine (302), a wireless gateway (118), a program listing source (308, 310, 312), and a program content source (324). The wireless gateway (118) is capable of wireless communication with a mobile station (102) of the communication network (206) and provides location information about the mobile station (102) to the transmission synchronization engine (302). The program listing source (308, 310, 312) is capable of providing a current program listing for broadcast by the broadcasting network (208) based on the location information of the mobile station (102) to the transmission synchronization engine (302). The program content source (324) is capable of providing enhanced program content for one or more programs of the current program listing to the transmission synchronization engine (302).

Abstract: A wireless data-transferring apparatus performs wireless communication with an information-processing terminal. The data-transferring apparatus includes a unit for receiving broadcast program data, a unit for compression-encoding the broadcast program data received by the receiving unit, and a communications control device. The communications control device is configured to perform data-transfer between an external network and the information-processing terminal, in accordance with requests transmitted by radio signal from the information-processing terminal, and to transmit, by radio signal, data received from the external network and the compression-encoded broadcast program data to the information-processing terminal in a time-divided fashion when the communications control device receives the compression-encoded broadcast program data provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: An information delivery system includes receiving platforms to receive data communicated from a transmitting source according to a unidirectional transfer protocol over a link. At least some receiving platforms process the received data to determine if a portion of expected data is missing. If so, a receiving platform is able to generate and send a request for the missing data according to a supplemental protocol that is separate from the unidirectional transfer protocol. The transmitting source is able to receive the request for missing data and to retransmit the missing data. The data may include ancillary information (e.g., enhancement data) associated with audio/video content (e.g., television content). By adding the supplemental protocol to enable requests for missing data, a unidirectional transfer protocol that is not reliable is made reliable as a mechanism is provided to ensure receipt of the transmitted data.

Abstract: A broadband data broadcast system that allows rich multimedia content to be delivered to a plurality of subscribers is disclosed. The broadband data broadcast system operates by multiplexing a plurality of rich multimedia digital information streams together at a centralized data broadcast center. The data broadcast center then broadcasts the multiplexed digital information stream on a broadcast medium such as satellite broadcasts, radio frequency broadcasts, or digital television broadcasts. A large number of receiver systems receive the broadcast signal and demodulate the broadcast signal to retrieve the multiplexed digital stream. The receiver system extracts a subset of digital information streams that the particular receiver system's owner has designated are of interest. The receiver system caches the interesting digital information stream for later access. The receiver system outputs the interesting digital information streams to a client system upon demand.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device which may be attached to a cable ground block (62) such that the level and type for signal emitted through the upstream flow of the signal, from a residence or business (59), may be determined along with the location of the source of ingress of any such signals. The invention, further includes a device (10) to transmit a signal of predetermined frequency towards a residence, such the source of errant signal ingress may be determined. Further, a method of causing the transmission of the signal at a predetermined time, measurement of the signal and determination of the source of the ingress of the signal is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correlating the transmission of audio-video segments to digital signatures over a wireless or non-wireless medium to allow for real-time substitution and processing of audio and video programs. In one embodiment at least one digital signature having a correlated audio-video segment is transmitted as a digital waveform within an analog modulated signal representing the audio-video segment. The analog modulated signal is transmitted to a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver demodulates the digital waveforms while concurrently playing the correlated audio-video segment. An electronic user interface enables the wireless receiver to define conditional preferences to actively scan a plurality of channels and Internet addresses to substitute a currently playing audio-video segment with a preferred audio-video segment. In an alternative embodiment, a distributed computer network is the broadcast system transmitting digital signatures to either a wireless or non-wireless computer.

Abstract: A method of enabling player device operation using a mobile communication device involves receiving an identifier on the mobile communication device from a provider system, transmitting the identifier from the mobile communication device to a player device to permit operation of the player device, and transmitting a continual signal from the mobile communication device to the player device to permit the player device to continue operation. Appropriate player devices, mobile communication devices and provider systems are described.

Abstract: A system for providing two-way communication using an interactive television system includes a remote control and a set top box. The remote control is configured to control operation of the interactive television system. In addition, the set top box is configured to establish two-way communication with a far-end user via the interactive television system. In one configuration, the set top box includes a noise cancellation module for canceling estimated TV sound from an audio signal captured by the remote control. In another configuration, the set top box includes an output suppression module for suppressing TV sound while an audio signal is being captured.

Abstract: A wireless telephone link for set top box communication between the set top box and a central office is provided. This invention makes use of the AC power line to provide the communication channel between the set top box and the central office. An extension unit, connected to the set top box provides the interface, including coupling and modulation, between the set top box and the AC power line. A base unit, connected to the central office provides the interface, including the coupling and modulation of signals between the central office and the AC power line.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus transmit and receive information in a cable TV network including at least one base station connected to a branching cable network, branching from the base station to at least two subscribers, provided with transmitters. A unique carrier frequency is assigned to each of the subscriber's transmitters, the carrier frequencies being orthogonal. Signals from the subscriber's transmitters are transmitted simultaneously, received in the base station as a broadband signal, and separated using a common algorithm.

Abstract: The CATV system according to the invention comprises at least one primary station (2) and a plurality of secondary stations (4). The primary station (2) and the secondary stations (4) are interconnected via a hierarchical CATV network (6) comprising a plurality of nodes (8, 10, 12, 14). At least part of these nodes (8, 10, 12, 14) are redirection nodes (30) comprising redirection means (32) for redirecting data signals. The redirection means (32) may comprise a router and/or a switch. The CATV network (6) comprises, in addition to prior art CATV networks, horizontal interconnections (20) between redirection nodes (30) which are part of a same hierarchical level and/or diagonal interconnections (22) between redirection nodes (30) which are part of different hierarchical levels and different branches. These additional interconnections (20, 22) can be used for load balancing and for self-healing of the CATV network (6).

Abstract: A system for an interactive remote control wired or wireless, of an audio or video playback application running on a personal computer or other computing platform. This interactive control includes playback of current audio or video content or selection of new audio or video content or lists of content for playback. The wireless interactive remote control device, or navigator, may contain an audio or video browser for simplifying interactive control by integrating control of a variety of content, for example, music, video, and Internet radio, independent of whether this content exists locally on the computing platform or is accessed over the Internet or some other computer network.

Abstract: A method of upstream communication over a linear broadband network includes the steps of generating an upstream baseband signal and modulating it onto an upstream wireless radio frequency carrier to produce a first upstream modulated carrier signal. The modulated carrier signal is transmitted wirelessly, received, and demodulated to reproduce the information integrity of the upstream baseband signal. The signal is then modulated onto an upstream linear broadband radio frequency carrier for transmission on the linear broadband network. Advantageously, noise that accumulates at the subscriber premises is removed from the upstream signal prior to presentation of the signal to the upstream path of the linear broadband network. A system for communicating over a linear broadband network includes network access interface devices coupled to the linear broadband network.

Abstract: Most cable television systems in the United States (over 75% as of this application) are structured for one-way only service between the cable headend and the user. With more and more services being introduced that require a two-way connection with the user (e.g. impulse-pay-per-view, home shopping, Internet access), it has become necessary for more and more cable systems to upgrade to a two-way capability at considerable cost and over a fairly long period of time. The typical short-term solution to the lack of two-way capability is to send request backlinks over he user's telephone line. The problem with this solution is that when used, it ties up the telephone line and requires an additional telephone connection to be located near the cable set-top-box or modem. A more practical solution is the hub centered backhaul invention described herein. With this invention, users can operate their cable systems as if they were two-way systems, with all available interactive capabilities available.

Abstract: Through a memory device and a control circuit on the transmitter side, temporal gaps are inserted into the data stream, said temporal gaps being removed again on the receiving side by an additional memory device. Consequently, the necessary continuous data stream is able to be reproduced for the transmission of the video signals. The gaps in the data stream of the base station and the data and the requests are evaluated by a user-side control circuit, from these, switch-over signals are generated, and the user devices are switched over. The base state switches the station to receive mode in the temporal gaps of the video signals or of the data stream. The present invention is applicable to the transmission of continuous signals using a backward channel via microwaves.

Abstract: A telecommunications data transmission system can provide transmission of data blocks using a unidirectional broadband link and a duplex narrowband link between two subscribers, the narrowband link providing control and addressing information regarding the data blocks sent via the broadband link from the first to the second subscriber, the transmission on the broadband link possibly being sent using Motion Picture Expert Group 2 encoding.