Ingress Noise Patents (Class 725/125)
  • Patent number: 11088495
    Abstract: A cable distribution plant is protected from noise where a modem housing includes a switching power supply and modem digital electronics, the switching power supply for receiving AC mains power from an AC supply via an EMI filter and the modem digital electronics for receiving a switching power supply output from the switching power supply via an LC filter for filtering noise at a switching power supply frequency wherein multiple switching noise filters communicate with respective modems at subscriber sites protect a head end from switching power supply harmonic noise otherwise aggregated by distribute nodes and passed to the head end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Holland Electrics, LLC
    Inventor: George Goebel
  • Patent number: 10931067
    Abstract: A cable distribution plant is protected from noise where a modem housing encloses a switching power supply and digital electronics, the modem switching power supply for receiving AC mains power via an EMI filter and modem digital electronics for receiving a switching power supply output via an LC filter for filtering noise at the switching power supply frequency wherein multiple filters used with respective modems at subscriber sites protect the head-end from switching power supply harmonic noise otherwise aggregated by the nodes and passed to the head end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: HOLLAND ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: George Goebel, Michael Holland, Michael Bott, John Chrostowski
  • Patent number: 10924138
    Abstract: A noise mitigation device includes a signal processing unit positioned within a signal path. The signal processing unit is configured to determine a power level of the signal path at a first time and a second time. The signal processing unit is also configured to determine a dynamic noise threshold based on the power level at the first time and at the second time. The signal processing unit is also configured to store the dynamic noise threshold for a predetermined time period that is longer than a time between the first time and the second time. The signal processing unit is also configured to actuate a switch in the signal path into a first state when the power level exceeds the dynamic noise threshold. The signal processing unit is also configured to actuate a switch in the signal path into a second state when the power level does not exceed the dynamic noise threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: PPC BROADBAND, INC.
    Inventors: Erdogan Alkan, Raymond W. Palinkas, Amos McKinnon
  • Patent number: 10764532
    Abstract: Unlike conventional methods and systems for locating ingress, which only monitor the upstream path, a method and system of locating ingress by monitoring the downstream path is provided. A test system measures the signal quality in the upstream path and in dependence upon a noise level being above a predetermined limit, polls a plurality of terminal equipment devices to return a downstream signal quality measurement. The test instrument analyzes the downstream signal quality measurements to locate an ingress source contributing to the noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Oliver, Koji Okamoto, Gregory W. Massey, Walter Miller
  • Patent number: 10666997
    Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a cloud based content assembly system having a memory and a processor for assembling multiple customized linear channel streams from an assembly template. The method comprises selecting, using the processor, the assembly template from the memory, identifying the customized linear channel streams to be produced using the assembly template, and generating a virtualized assembly environment for each of the customized linear channel streams. The method further comprises provisioning each virtualized assembly environment with content assets corresponding respectively to its customized linear channel stream, and assembling the customized linear channel streams using the respective virtualized assembly environments. The cloud based content assembly system is configured to enable substantially concurrent use of shared infrastructure resources by the virtualized assembly environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Roberts, Daniel Siewers, Michael M. Martin
  • Patent number: 10122962
    Abstract: A device for filtering a cable television (CATV) signal includes an input port configured to receive downstream signals from a CATV headend and provide upstream signals thereto, an output port configured to be coupled to a subscriber device and provide the downstream signals thereto and to receive the upstream signals therefrom, and a filter circuit configured to transmit the upstream and the downstream signals between the input port and the output port for a predetermined duration after the output port is coupled to the subscriber device. The filter circuit is configured to block at least a portion of the upstream signals, at least a portion of the downstream signals, or both from being transmitted between the input port and the output port in response to an expiration of the predetermined duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: PPC BROADBAND, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Hart, Calvin Howard
  • Patent number: 10084538
    Abstract: Cable communication systems and methods to provide voice and/or data services to subscriber premises via a cable plant that conveys upstream information over an upstream path bandwidth, and a cable modem system including one or more demodulation tuners to receive and demodulate one or more upstream radio frequency (RF) signals. An RF signal includes an encoded carrier wave having a carrier frequency of between approximately 5 MHz and 25 MHz that is modulated using quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) with voice and/or data information constituting at least some of the upstream information. A modulation order of the QAM for the first upstream RF signal is at least 32 and as high as at least 256, and at least one demodulation tuner of the cable modem system is configured to receive and demodulate the first upstream RF signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: CERTUSVIEW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Nielsen, Ronald Totten, Travis Halky
  • Patent number: 9401762
    Abstract: Configurations and processes for detecting a location at which noise is being generated in a network are disclosed. A device for identifying a location in a network at which noise is being generated may include: an acquiring unit for acquiring amplitude fluctuations in signals transmitted from a first device via a second device in the network; and a detecting unit for detecting a noise-generating device that is transmitting signals containing noise on the basis of the amplitude fluctuations acquired by the acquiring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9357163
    Abstract: Methods and devices for characterization of repetitious noise in cable networks are disclosed. A frequency band of interest is identified, a time trace of a signal parameter within the frequency band is obtained, and an autocorrelation of the time trace is computed to detect repetitious noise. The repetition frequency can serve as an indicator of the noise source type, and thus it can assist in noise segmentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Ben Maxson, Daniel K. Chappell, Jim Walsh
  • Patent number: 9351051
    Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter connects to a CATV network and serves as a hub in an In-Home Entertainment (IHE) network. IHE signals may be communicated between passive and active ports of an embodiment of the entry adapter through a pair of directional couplers which allow an IHE-enabled embedded multimedia terminal device (eMTA) at the passive port to communicate with multimedia devices of the IHE network connected to the active ports. An IHE frequency rejection filter is used in some embodiments to confine IHE signal to a single subscriber premise. In some embodiments a bidirectional IHE bandpass filter is used to enable IHE signals to pass between the passive and active ports of the CATV entry adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: PPC BROADBAND, INC.
    Inventors: Chad T. Wells, John M. Egan, Jr., Gregory F. Halik, Charles F. Newby
  • Patent number: 9209847
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving China Mobile Multimedia Broadcasting (CMMB) diversity reception are disclosed. The method includes: acquiring respective Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC) data of two antennas; respectively conducting a synchronization and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operation on the ADC data of the two antennas, acquiring delay information about the two antennas, and according to an operation result, selecting a signal to noise ratio (SNR) configuration parameter; according to the delay information, conducting delay compensation on the operated data; and according to the selected SNR configuration parameter, merging the data of the two antennas on which the delay compensation is conducted, and outputting the data. The method and apparatus are able to acquire a signal with extremely small interference and acquire a higher mobile performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignees: ZTE CORPORATION, ZTE Microelectronics Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhi Huang, Li Chen, Shangyuan Wang
  • Patent number: 9172449
    Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a method in a transmitter (101) for transmitting at least a first data burst and a second data burst to a receiver (105) in a system (100) applying applies closed loop codebook-based precoding MIMO. The transmitter (101) comprises at least a first Tx antenna (107a) and a second Tx antenna (107b). The transmitter (101) transmits, to the receiver (105), at least the first data burst through the first Tx antenna (107a) and the second data burst through the second Tx antenna (107b). The first data burst comprises a first training sequence and the second data burst comprises a second training sequence when the first data burst and the second data burst are non-precoded. The first data burst comprises a third training sequence and the second data burst comprises a fourth training sequence when the first data burst and the second data burst are precoded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Miguel Lopez, Eric Nordström, Henrik Sahlin, Mårten Sundberg
  • Patent number: 9154180
    Abstract: A signal conditioning device for conditioning bi-directional radiofrequency (RF) signals in a telecommunications network are provided. The signal conditioning device can allow for the separate conditioning of both downstream and upstream signals in a telecommunication system using a single signal conditioning device disposed at a single location. The signal conditioning device can include first and second line connections and can divide a bi-directional communication signal into downstream and upstream signals. The signal conditioning device can independently condition the downstream and upstream signals using plug-in signal conditioning circuits received into external plug-in sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Thomason Broadband Supply
    Inventor: Christian Hope
  • Patent number: 9131383
    Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises a reception unit that receives a reception signal from a metal cable and extracts reception data; a transmission unit that sends a transmission signal obtained by modulating transmission data with a frequency included in a first frequency band to the metal cable; an interference signal detection unit that detects a signal used in wireless communication, modulated by a frequency included in a second frequency band, and transmitted over the metal cable as an interference signal; and a signal transmission control unit that instructs the transmission unit to modulate transmission data using a frequency included in a third frequency band that does not have any frequency band overlapping the second frequency band when the interference signal is detected and a frequency band overlapping both the first frequency band and the second frequency band exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: NEC MAGNUS COMMUNICATIONS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuusaku Okamura, Yasushi Hamada, Kazutoshi Ohishi
  • Patent number: 9054888
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing broadband communication are provided. A source component may be configured to provide a downstream broadband signal to one or more customer devices and receive upstream signals from the customer devices, including a first upstream signal having a frequency lower than the downstream broadband signal and a second upstream signal having a frequency higher than the downstream broadband signal. An optical fiber node in communication with the source component may be configured to receive and convert downstream and upstream broadband signals from radio frequency signals to light signals and vice versa. A terminator in communication with the optical fiber node via one or more cable lines may be configured to output the radio frequency downstream signal for receipt by the customer devices and to direct the communication of the upstream signals to the optical fiber node via the one or more cable lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 9043855
    Abstract: A coupling device for use in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network may be configured to disable an upstream path through it when there is only noise incident on the upstream path, and enable the upstream path through it when a desired transmission from a cable modem downstream of the coupling device is incident on the upstream path. The coupling device may be a trunk amplifier, a distribution amplifier, a splitter, or the like. The coupling device may comprise a single upstream interface coupled to a plurality of downstream interfaces. The enabling and/or disabling may be in response to a signal strength indicated by the SSI being below a threshold and/or in response to one or more control messages indicating whether any downstream cable modem is, or will be, transmitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: MaxLinear, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Ling, Sridhar Ramesh, Timothy Gallagher
  • Patent number: 9015786
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detection of noise ingress into a network. In an aspect, multiple access devices on the network are analyzed for noise ingress. In another aspect, using characterization data of components in the network and the detection of the noise at the access devices, the location of the noise ingress can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Wolcott, Phillip Chang
  • Publication number: 20150082369
    Abstract: A Cable Television (CATV) node circuit has a forward pathway having a fiber optic input and a forward output. The first pathway passes a forward signal to the forward output in a first frequency range. A return pathway is coupled to the forward pathway. The return pathway has a fiber optic output. The return pathway passes a return signal to the fiber optic output in a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range is higher than the second frequency range. A cancellation circuit is coupled to the forward pathway and the return pathway. The cancellation circuit separates and isolates the forward signal from the return signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: STEVEN K. RICHEY
  • Patent number: 8966565
    Abstract: A method includes detecting, at a video head-end of a video distribution network, a signal populating an ultra high frequency white space frequency. The method includes determining that the ultra high frequency white space frequency is one of a plurality of ultra high frequency white space frequencies with a potential to interfere with video traffic at the video head-end. The method also includes sending an alert from the video head-end to a network management system. The alert indicates the potential of the signal to interfere with video traffic delivered via the video head-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Huffman, Douglas Medina, Darren Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20140380399
    Abstract: A bi-directional return signal noise reducing unit includes first and second ports, an amplifier, and a noise checking circuit. The first port connects to a cable television network. The second port connects to one or more devices of a subscriber to the cable television network. The amplifier includes an input that is connected to the second port and includes an output that is connected to the first port. The noise checking circuit samples the signals flowing from the second port to the first port. The noise checking circuit also: when a level of the signals flowing from the second port toward the first port are less than a predetermined threshold, blocks the signals from the input of the amplifier; and when the level of the signals flowing from the second port toward the first port are greater than the predetermined threshold, supplies the signals to the input of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: David ZILBERBERG
  • Patent number: 8914838
    Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises a reception unit that receives a reception signal from a metal cable and extracts reception data; a transmission unit that sends a transmission signal obtained by modulating transmission data with a frequency included in a first frequency band to the metal cable; an interference signal detection unit that detects a signal used in communication using a cable modem, modulated by a frequency included in a second frequency band, and transmitted over the metal cable as an interference signal; and a signal transmission control unit that instructs the transmission unit to modulate transmission data using a frequency included in a third frequency band that does not have any frequency band overlapping the second frequency band when the interference signal is detected and a frequency band overlapping both the first frequency band and the second frequency band exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Magnus Communications, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuusaku Okamura, Yasushi Hamada, Yoshitaka Nakano, Kazutoshi Ohishi
  • Patent number: 8854947
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a condition responsive device for connection with a communication system. The device includes a receiver configured to receive a physical parameter status signal from a connector of the communication system, the physical parameter status signal containing data pertaining to a condition of the connector connection. The device further includes a processing circuit configured to analyze the data to determine whether a communications signal adjustment is appropriate, wherein the processing circuit is configured to initiate a communications signal adjustment in the communication system if the processing circuit determines that adjustment is appropriate, based on a predetermined set of parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventors: David Jackson, Noah Montena
  • Patent number: 8856850
    Abstract: A method of tagging signals for leakage detection and measurement in cable television networks which uses additional signals carrying the tagging information and transmitted in these networks. A narrowband tagging signal or signals are placed in the unused frequency spectrum parts of any used cable television channel, in particular in the guard bands (GB) of analog or digital channels, carrying, for example, television, radio or data services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kabelkom SP. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Wojciech Sala, Jaroslaw Szostka
  • Patent number: 8811191
    Abstract: Methods for reducing ingress in a neighborhood node of a cable communication system. The node includes a hardline cable plant and multiple subscriber service drops to convey upstream information from multiple subscriber premises over an upstream path bandwidth. A mobile broadcast apparatus equipped with a transmitter is directed along a drive path proximate to the hardline plant, and a test signal having a frequency falling within the upstream path bandwidth is broadcast along the drive path. Respective positions of the broadcast apparatus, and signal amplitudes at the test signal frequency representing test signal ingress in the node due to one or more hardline plant-related and/or subscriber-related faults, are recorded, and a neighborhood node ingress map is generated. Following remediation of one or more faults based on the map, the process is repeated to generate one or more additional iterations of the map to document a progression of ingress mitigation efforts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Ronald Totten, Travis Halky
  • Patent number: 8806559
    Abstract: Methods for reducing ingress in a neighborhood node of a cable communication system. The node includes an RF hardline coaxial cable plant and multiple subscriber service drops to convey upstream information from multiple subscriber premises over an upstream path bandwidth. A test signal having a frequency falling within the upstream path bandwidth is transmitted proximate to one or more potential points of ingress into the hardline cable plant. Based on signal amplitudes at the test signal frequency representing test signal ingress into the hardline cable plant, one or more faults in the hardline cable plant are specifically identified and remediated so as to significantly reduce a noise power in the node in at least a portion of the upstream path bandwidth below approximately 20 MHz. In one example, hardline plant-related and/or subscriber-related faults are remediated so as to significantly reduce ingress arising from terrestrial short wave radio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Nielsen, Ronald Totten, Travis Halky
  • Patent number: 8769597
    Abstract: The present invention helps eliminate ingress noise addition (i.e., the “noise funneling effect” for an HFC coaxial plant). A system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a switch that includes: (i) a first state for allowing passage of a signal therethrough; and (ii) a second state for preventing passage of the signal therethrough. The system further includes a detection circuit in communication with the switch. The detection circuit is configured to: (i) detect whether the signal includes an amplitude of at least a predetermined level; (ii) operate the switch to the first state if the amplitude of the signal is at least the predetermined level; and (iii) operate the switch to the second state if the amplitude of the signal is less than the predetermined level, wherein operation of the switch to the second state is delayed by a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: PCT International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon-En Wang
  • Patent number: 8752108
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and geo-locating signal ingress interferences in a cable distribution network comprising a head station for transmitting content to subscribers at frequencies within a network bandwidth. The system comprises a vehicle mounted geo-locating device for generating geo-location data indicating the geographical position of a vehicle, and a vehicle mounted transmitter for transmitting a radio-frequency signal comprising said geo-location data at a frequency within the network bandwidth as the vehicle travels within the geographical area of the network. If an ingress exists in the network, the ingress signal sent from onboard the vehicle would leak into the network to be received and detected by a receiver at the head station of the cable distribution network. A server is used to process the data extracted by the receiver to produces reports and maps reflecting ingress points in a geographical area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Magella Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8724681
    Abstract: Ingress noise labeling tags are coupled into the signal path at various nodes of a cable network. The tags imprint a unique electric signature into a local ingress noise, making the noise identifiable at the headend of the network. In one embodiment, tags do not require external control signals to operate, the electrical response of the tags being determined by present and/or past magnitudes of the return path signal. Such tags can be made entirely passive, not requiring a control signal or an external source of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Maxson, Walter Miller
  • Patent number: 8718478
    Abstract: A radio-over-fiber (RoF) hybrid wired/wireless transponder is disclosed that is configured to provide both wireless and wired communication between a hybrid head-end and one or more client devices. The hybrid transponder includes optical-to-electrical (O/E) and electrical-to-optical (E/O) conversion capability and is configured to frequency multiplex/demultiplex electrical “wired” signals and electrical “wireless” signals. The electrical wireless signals are wirelessly communicated to the client device(s) via a multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system within a cellular coverage area. The electrical wired signals are communicated to the client device(s) via a wireline cable that plugs into a wireline cable port on the transponder. The hybrid RoF system includes a hybrid head-end capable of transmitting and receiving wired and wireless optical signals, and an optical fiber cable that is optically coupled to the hybrid head-end and to at least one hybrid transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Dean Michael Thelen, Jacob George, Luis Alberto Zenteno, Michael Sauer, Martyn N. Easton
  • Publication number: 20140123203
    Abstract: Unlike conventional methods and systems for locating ingress, which only monitor the upstream path, a method and system of locating ingress by monitoring the downstream path is provided. A test system measures the signal quality in the upstream path and in dependence upon a noise level being above a predetermined limit, polls a plurality of terminal equipment devices to return a downstream signal quality measurement. The test instrument analyzes the downstream signal quality measurements to locate an ingress source contributing to the noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin J. Oliver, Koji Okamoto, Gregory W. Massey, Walter Miller
  • Publication number: 20140082686
    Abstract: Methods and devices for characterization of repetitious noise in cable networks are disclosed. A frequency band of interest is identified, a time trace of a signal parameter within the frequency band is obtained, and an autocorrelation of the time trace is computed to detect repetitious noise. The repetition frequency can serve as an indicator of the noise source type, and thus it can assist in noise segmentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Ben Maxson, Daniel K. Chappell, Jim Walsh
  • Patent number: 8670667
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to an arrayed media converter (AMC) that has an array of Wavelength Division Multiplexing-Passive Optical Network (WDM-PON) Optical Network Units (ONUs) for terminating an optical channel in the feeder or distribution portion of a telecommunication network. The ONU converts an optical signal from the optical channel into at least one electrical signal for transmission to a customer premises. Thus, the AMC serves as an interface between at least one WDM-PON link and at least one conductive connection, such as a twisted pair. In one exemplary embodiment, the AMC comprises a sealed housing that is environmentally hardened to protect the AMC from environmental conditions, including changes in weather. Such an AMC may be used to provide a robust, cost effective Fiber To The Curb (FTTC) solution, but the AMC may be used at other points within the network, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: ADTRAN, Inc.
    Inventors: Leif J. Sandstrom, Kevin W. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8667550
    Abstract: A house amplifier provides automatic gating to selectively block the return path signal in a cable network. The house amplifier includes ports connected to the cable network and to at least one home coaxial outlet. A forward signal path is coupled to pass a forward signal from the cable network. A reverse signal path is coupled to selectively pass a reverse signal from the home to the cable network. The reverse signal path includes a gate configured to block the reverse signal in response to a control signal. A detector circuit detects when the reverse signal is received and activates or deactivates the gate based on the detection. The detector circuit may include a timing circuit configured to provide a delay before deactivating the gate when the reverse signal is no longer detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: PCT International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon-En Wang
  • Patent number: 8656444
    Abstract: A system for proactively troubleshooting set top box issues may include a media distribution network with a remote requesting device and a programming guide server. The programming guide server may be configured to identify a guide data retrieval profile of the requesting device, compare the guide data retrieval profile to an expected profile, and flag the requesting device for troubleshooting based on a lack of correspondence between the retrieval profile and the expected profile. Additionally methods for discovering related devices, predicting that the related devices also require troubleshooting, and limiting restorative measures to only those devices that have been confirmed to be affected by a service issue may also be implemented by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Syed Zafar Beyabani
  • Patent number: 8634719
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling different network nodes of a network access system to share a backhaul communication link are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: connecting a first modem to a first node of the network access system; connecting a second modem to a second node of the network access system; connecting the first modem to a first port of a splitter filter; connecting the second modem to a second port of the splitter filter; and connecting a backhaul communication link to a third port of the splitter filter, which is configured to multiplex signals transmitted by the modems onto the backhaul communication link, wherein the frequency spectrum of the signal transmitted by the first modem does not overlap substantially with the frequency spectrum of the signal transmitted by the second modem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Per-Erik Eriksson
  • Patent number: 8613033
    Abstract: A particular method of mitigating potential video traffic interference includes receiving an alert at a network management system, where the alert indicates detection of a signal in an ultra high frequency (UHF) white space frequency at a video head-end of a video distribution network, where the signal has a potential to interfere with video traffic that has been detected. The method also includes sending data to the video head-end, where the data indicates at least one corrective measure to mitigate interference with the video traffic by the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: AT&t Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Huffman, Douglas Medina, Darren Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8613030
    Abstract: A wireless video camera system including a single or dual HDTV digital camera; a system for the wireless transmission of uncompressed single or multiple SMPTE 292M, HDSDI data streams over an RF band; and automatic self-pointing transmitting and receiving antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Philip S Kossin, John E Nelson
  • Patent number: 8584192
    Abstract: An upstream bandwidth conditioning device is provided that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on a premise of a user. The device includes a tunable low pass filter, a tunable high pass filter connected in series with the tunable low pass filter, and at least one voltage control unit. The voltage control unit is configured to adjust each of the tunable low pass filter and the tunable high pass filter between at least a first intermediate frequency range having a first width and a second intermediate frequency range having a second width. The first width differs in size from the second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Palinkas, Erdogan Alkan
  • Patent number: 8578437
    Abstract: Methods for reducing ingress in a neighborhood node of a cable communication system. The node includes an RF hardline coaxial cable plant and multiple subscriber service drops to convey upstream information from multiple subscriber premises over an upstream path bandwidth. A test signal having a frequency falling within the upstream path bandwidth is transmitted proximate to one or more potential points of ingress into the hardline cable plant. Based on signal amplitudes at the test signal frequency representing test signal ingress into the hardline cable plant, one or more faults in the hardline cable plant are specifically identified and remediated so as to significantly reduce a noise power in the node in at least a portion of the upstream path bandwidth below approximately 20 MHz. In one example, hardline plant-related and/or subscriber-related faults are remediated so as to significantly reduce ingress arising from terrestrial short wave radio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Certusview Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Ronald Totten, Travis Halky
  • Patent number: 8565614
    Abstract: A digital data transmission device is provided comprising optical waveguide architecture, a sideband generator, a modulation controller, an optical filter, a data mapping unit, and a phase controller. The optical waveguide architecture is configured to direct an optical signal through the sideband generator and the optical filter. The sideband generator comprises an electrooptic interferometer comprising first and second waveguide arms. The modulation controller is configured to generate an electrical drive signal to drive the sideband generator at a control voltage that is substantially larger than V? to generate optical frequency sidebands about a carrier frequency of the optical signal. The optical filter is configured to discriminate between the optical frequency sidebands and the optical carrier frequency such that optical sidebands of interest can be directed through the optical waveguide architecture as an optical millimeter wave signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Richard W. Ridgway
  • Patent number: 8561117
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the delivery of digital television and interactive broadband service in a manner that maximizes the usage of the digital broadcast spectrum. A digital television signal is transmitted to a given broadcast area in a relatively small part (for example, a 1 MHz band) of one or more licensed portions of the digital broadcast spectrum. Interactive broadband service is delivered within at least a portion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcast digital television signal, in the remainder (for example, a 5 MHz band) of an unused part of the same licensed portion of the digital broadcast spectrum as is occupied by the digital television signal, or within an unlicensed (unused) portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. The broadcasting of the digital television and delivery the interactive broadband service occur simultaneously. In one embodiment, digital television and broadband service are delivered by the same equipment within the same bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: RTEM Innovations Corp.
    Inventor: William J. Rouhana, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8488966
    Abstract: An optical access network (OAN) system is provided. In the system, a remote radio unit (RRU) receives and sends a wireless signal and implement conversion between the wireless signal and a first frequency signal; an optical network device receives and sends the wireless signal, and implement conversion between the wireless signal and the first frequency signal and conversion between the first frequency signal and a fiber transmission signal; an optical distribution network (ODN) connected to the optical network device transmits the fiber transmission signal; an optical line terminal (OLT) device receives and sends the fiber transmission signal, and implements conversion between the fiber transmission signal and a second frequency signal, conversion between the second frequency signal and a base band signal, and conversion between the base band signal and a signal of another standard protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ruobin Zheng
  • Patent number: 8479247
    Abstract: A device may be used for conditioning an upstream bandwidth. The device can include a return path extending at least a portion of a distance between a supplier side connector and a user side connector, and a coupler connected within the return path, the coupler providing a secondary path. An offset or noise detection circuit is connected electrically downstream the coupler. A microprocessor is connected to the detection circuit. A variable signal level adjustment device is connected within the return path. The variable signal level adjustment device can be controlled by the microprocessor responsive to a detected offset level or noise floor in the return path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20130152151
    Abstract: A house amplifier provides automatic gating to selectively block the return path signal in a cable network. The house amplifier includes ports connected to the cable network and to at least one home coaxial outlet. A forward signal path is coupled to pass a forward signal from the cable network. A reverse signal path is coupled to selectively pass a reverse signal from the home to the cable network. The reverse signal path includes a gate configured to block the reverse signal in response to a control signal. A detector circuit detects when the reverse signal is received and activates or deactivates the gate based on the detection. The detector circuit may include a timing circuit configured to provide a delay before deactivating the gate when the reverse signal is no longer detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: PCT International, Inc.
    Inventor: PCT International, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8464301
    Abstract: An upstream bandwidth conditioning premise device for use as part of a CATV system and for placement on or near a user's premise to reduce noise created on the user's premise that would otherwise be injected into upstream transmission channels and passed into an RF main signal distribution system of the CATV system. The device includes a variable attenuation device, a signal measurement circuit, a memory circuit and an electronic circuit, which is configured to iteratively determine (i) whether an incremental amount of additional attenuation is to be applied and (ii) whether at least a portion of a previously applied incremental amount of attenuation is to be removed. The electronic circuit includes a counting circuit, a threshold comparison circuit configured to compare a peak signal strength to a predetermined threshold, and a peak comparison circuit configured to compare a contemporary peak signal strength to a previous peak signal strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Olson, David Kelma, Joseph Lai, Raymond Palinkas
  • Patent number: 8458759
    Abstract: A system for locating an impairment in a coaxial cable network comprises an encoder, an impairment detector, and a decoder. The encoder couples to the network at a predetermined encoding point, upstream of the impairment. The encoder automatically encodes an identification code on a signal originating downstream of the encoding point and associated with the impairment. The impairment detector couples to the network at an access point, upstream from the encoding point, and receives signals from the network. The detector is adapted to detect from the received signals the signal associated with the impairment and generate a detected version of the signal. The decoder is adapted to decode the identification code from the detected version of the impairment signal. Once the identification code is determined, the encoder and encoding point are identified, and the location of the impairment is determine to be downstream of the encoding point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Arcom Digital, LLC
    Inventor: Victor M. Zinevich
  • Patent number: 8416280
    Abstract: A conference control device includes: a communication processing unit which performs transmission/reception processing of conference information containing voice information and image information between the conference control device and a plurality of video conference terminal devices through a network; an information collecting unit which collects information on connection paths between the conference control device and the respective video conference terminal devices; a grouping unit which sorts the plurality of video conference terminal devices into a plurality of groups based on information on the connection paths collected by the information collecting unit; a band monitoring unit which monitors a use band of the communication processing unit in accordance with every group; and a bandwidth control unit which is, when the group having the use band of less than a predetermined value is detected by the band monitoring unit, controls the bandwidth of the video conference terminal devices belonging to the gr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Oike
  • Patent number: 8351792
    Abstract: A system and communication method for the system interconnecting the optical network with the radio communication network is provided. The solution mainly applies to an optical access network employing fiber for transmission and the radio communication network connected to the optical access network, wherein a base station of the radio communication network is connected to the optical access network and communicates to an entity in the optical access network to achieve interconnection between the optical network and the radio communication network. After the interconnection is established, a user equipment can enjoy communication services through the interconnected radio communication network and the optical network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ruobin Zheng
  • Patent number: 8340625
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable media are provided for transmitting wireless data across a coaxial cable. In one aspect, a set of computer-readable media provides a method that includes receiving a request from a mobile device for data and transmitting the data across a coaxial cable to a cable modem. The method further includes sending the data to the mobile device through a base station, wherein the base station communicates with the cable modem in order to receive the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Harold Johnson, Timothy Euler
  • Patent number: 8214871
    Abstract: A method, device and network for compressing cable modem data signals and conserving bandwidth within the network. Cable modems transmit upstream data signals to a fiber node which compresses the data signals and transmits the compressed signals upstream to a headend which decompresses the data signals. The fiber node compression may be by a shaping filter or a fast Fourier transform (FFT) function. The headend decompression may be by an inverse shaping filter or an inverse FFT function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ofir Shalvi, Mordechai Segal