Receiver (e.g., Set-top Box) Patents (Class 725/131)
-
Patent number: 8713594Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a memory coupled to a processor. The processor can be operable to receive a request for promotional information responsive to a media processor detecting a promotional tag in a media program stream and transmit to the media processor promotional information associated with a promotion responsive to a determination that a promotional offer is available. The processor can also be operable to receive from the media processor a request for redeemable material associated with the promotion and store the redeemable material in a portion of a database associated with a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventors: Reuben Klein, Sreenivasa Gorti, Karen Mullis
-
Publication number: 20140115651Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a digital broadcast, and for providing a semantic application from a receiver for executing the semantic application, which is provided independently from the digital broadcast, and comprises the steps of: (a) executing at least one first semantic application based on a first event while providing the digital broadcast; (b) executing at least one second semantic application based on a second event while executing step (a); and (c) managing the state of the at least one first semantic application depending on the property of same while executing step (b). According to the present invention, a plurality of semantic applications can be provided, and the state of each of the plurality of semantic applications can be managed according to the property and execution mode of the semantic applications, even in an environment where the plurality of semantic applications are executed, thereby efficiently using a system resource of the receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: ANYPOINT MEDIA GROUPInventor: Wonjang Baek
-
Patent number: 8707342Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects of the referencing data in triggers from applications, a device can store multiple triggers for media content. For each of these triggers, a check is made as to whether a presentation of media content satisfies a criteria portion of the trigger. When the presentation satisfies the criteria portion, one or more actions in a payload portion of the trigger are performed. Additionally, data in the triggers can be referenced by applications executing on the device. These applications include applications that are launched as part of the one or more actions when the criteria portion of a trigger is satisfied, as well as other applications executing on the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Eric R. Soldan, Bradley R. Pettit
-
Patent number: 8707381Abstract: A synchronization process between captioning data and/or corresponding metatags and the associated media file parses the media file, correlates the caption information and/or metatags with segments of the media file, and provides a capability for textual search and selection of particular segments. A time-synchronized version of the captions is created that is synchronized to the moment that the speech is uttered in the recorded media. The caption data is leveraged to enable search engines to index not merely the title of a video, but the entirety of what was said during the video as well as any associated metatags relating to contents of the video. Further, because the entire media file is indexed, a search can request a particular scene or occurrence within the event recorded by the media file, and the exact moment within the media relevant to the search can be accessed and played for the requester.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Caption Colorado L.L.C.Inventors: Richard T. Polumbus, Michael W. Homyack
-
Patent number: 8707350Abstract: Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Jim B. Estipona
-
Patent number: 8707371Abstract: An Internet protocol low noise block downconverter (IP LNB) assembly, within a satellite reception assembly, may be operable to determine location information and/or time information of the IP LNB assembly, via a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module in the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may provide services based on the determined location information and/or the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may communicate the determined location information and/or the determined time information to a wireless communication device for determining location information of the wireless communication device. The IP LNB assembly may determine location information of a wireless source device, based on the determined location, information and the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly along with a plurality of other location information and a plurality of corresponding other time information associated with a plurality of other IP LNB assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: MaxLinear, Inc.Inventors: Curtis Ling, Timothy Gallagher, Glenn Chang
-
Publication number: 20140109164Abstract: The present technology relates to a reception apparatus and method by which the load on an electric power system can be decreased at the time of information delivery, to an information delivery apparatus and method, and to an information delivery system. An electric power supply information notification unit notifies, on the basis of content delivery information notified from an information delivery apparatus that delivers content by utilizing a delivery frequency band in a delivery time band, a monitoring control apparatus of electric power supply information including an electric power supply amount and an electric power supply time at the time of receiving the content, the monitoring control apparatus monitoring and controlling electric power supply by an electric power system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Yasuaki Yamagishi
-
Publication number: 20140109163Abstract: A method and an apparatus for achieving fast resynchronization of received signals in a time slice in DVB-T/H systems. When the clock drift is low, the location of the symbol window can be decided based on a previous time slice. When the clock drift is high and when there are large delay spreads, the location of the symbol window can be decided based on the detected scattered pilot positions. The placement of the symbol window can further be enhanced through processing of the received TPS bits.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: MaxLinear, Inc.Inventors: Anand ANANDAKUMAR, Sridhar Ramesh
-
Publication number: 20140109165Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor that includes a memory and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller can be programmed to receive media content from a set top box where the set top box is a separate device from the media processor and where the media content includes video content. The controller can also be programmed to receive supplemental content from a mobile communication device where the supplemental content is based on reading of a two dimensional bar code by the mobile communication device, and where the supplemental content comprises an image. The controller can further be programmed to generate augmented content by overlaying the supplemental content with the media content and to provide the augmented content to a display device for presentation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventor: Lee Friedman
-
Patent number: 8701151Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for downloading terrestrial DMB data using a multi-download algorithm. The multi-download algorithm enables the terrestrial DMB receiving apparatus to download and store the data service data in advance from the ensemble consisting of the video service data, the audio service data, and the data service data while enjoying the video or audio service, so that the DMB subscriber can be quickly provided with the data service data whenever needed later.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ji-Wuck Jung, Young-Jip Kim, Byoung-Dai Lee, Hyun-Chul Kim
-
Patent number: 8695041Abstract: A method for transferring DHCT settings includes receiving by a first digital home communication terminal (DHCT) a request for transmitting a DHCT setting from the first DHCT to a second DHCT, and transmitting the DHCT setting from the first DHCT to the second DHCT. Systems and other methods for transferring DHCT settings are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventors: Anthony J. Wasilewski, Arturo A. Rodriguez
-
Publication number: 20140096163Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for wirelessly providing transcoded broadcasts to mobile devices and receiving content wirelessly via mobile devices. For example, in one embodiment, a distribution device can receive an over-the-air broadcast, transcode the over-the-air broadcast, and broadcast the transcoded broadcast to mobile devices within range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: SYNCBAK, INC.Inventors: JACK F. PERRY, II, STEVEN C. MAHER
-
Publication number: 20140096176Abstract: A system and method for receiving and distributing an over-the-air signal over a network. At least one antenna receives an over-the-air signal containing a plurality of channels, at least one tuner isolates from the over-the-air signal information associated with a selected channel and produces an intermodulated carrier wave associated with the selected channel, at least one demodulator demodulates the intermodulated carrier wave to produce a data stream in a first format. Optionally a processor (for example a transcoder) converts the data stream in a first format into a second format. A communications interface produces a network transport stream from the data stream in the second format and distributes the network transport stream over the network. A line coupling unit (LCU) sets resistance/capacitance values which optimize the signal for distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: NORTHVU SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Ross Jeffery, Spenser Williams
-
Patent number: 8687042Abstract: Set-top box circuitry and methods of operating the same are described that support the delivery of media content between one or more media content sources and a screen assembly of a display system. The set-top box circuitry is configured to process media content having display requirements that exceed constraints associated with a viewing environment that includes the screen assembly to produce processed media content having display requirements that do not exceed the constraints. The set-top box circuitry may also be configured to obtain substitute media content that replaces requested media content when the requested media content has display requirements exceeding constraints associated with a media content source, a communication path from the media content source, and/or the viewing environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, James D. Bennett, Nambirajan Seshadri
-
Publication number: 20140090005Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide an integrated broadcasting communications receiver capable of reliably receiving application activation information and reducing the costs for receiving the application activation information. The integrated broadcasting communications receiver includes an application activation information extracting unit that extracts application activation information from an event information table contained in a transport stream of broadcast data transmitted by a broadcast transmitting apparatus, an application obtaining unit that obtains an application with reference to an address of an application server described in the application activation information, an application executing unit, and an application controlling unit that controls an activation state of the application in accordance with a control code described in the application activation information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: NIPPON HOSO KYOKAIInventors: Hiroshi Fujisawa, Shigeaki Mitsuya, Kinji Matsumura, Akitsugu Baba, Masaru Takechi, Yasuaki Kanatsugu, Hiroyuki Hamada
-
Publication number: 20140090006Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to perform pre-operations at a media device in anticipation of an occurrence of a user action. An exemplary embodiment receives an in-use signal from an electronic device that is remotely proximate to the media device, wherein the received in-use signal corresponds to a user interaction with the electronic device; and performs the pre-operation at the media device. The pre-operation is performed prior to receiving an initial user action configured to operate at least one of the media device and a media presentation device coupled to the media device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: ECHOSTAR UKRAINE LLCInventor: Maxim Litvinov
-
Patent number: 8681680Abstract: A multicast content delivery system can use both multicast and unicast streams to efficiently use available bandwidth to deliver content. Available multicast content can be identified to gateways serving consumption devices, and the gateways can receive requests for unicast content deliver, but honor the requests with multicast group sessions.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLCInventors: Weidong Mao, Jorge Salinger
-
Patent number: 8683512Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable media, and Apparatus is provided for viewing a second content item while a first content item plays an advertisement. When the first content item is changed to a second content item on a display, a window region displays an advertising item related to the advertisement. The advertising item in the window region is modified when the advertisement has ended, alerting the user the advertisement is over. In another embodiment, the advertisement comprises a first and second commercial played in succession, and the advertising item in the window region comprises a first and second product item. In this embodiment, the window region displays the first product item when the first commercial is played in the advertisement, and the second product item when the second commercial plays in the advertisement.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: JLB Ventures LLCInventors: Yakov Kamen, Leon Shirman
-
Patent number: 8683543Abstract: A virtual set-top box (vSTB) for executing a middleware component, designed originally for use with the physical STB, including emulating hardware capabilities of the physical STB to process IPTV content received over a connection for presenting the IPTV content on a display of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: DISH Digital L.L.C.Inventors: Geraint Jenkin, Marcus C. Liassides, Jayne L. Gilmour, Christopher G. Hooks, David F. Evans
-
Patent number: 8683527Abstract: A system and apparatus for supplying media content to portable communication devices is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) having a cellular transceiver and a controller element to direct the cellular transceiver to transmit a media guide for the STB to a terminal device for presentation on a display unit of the terminal device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventors: James Pratt, Jeffrey Brandt, Marc Sullivan
-
Patent number: 8677394Abstract: In one embodiment, a capability is disclosed for conveying a link to further information over a cable system to a consumer device, wherein the video link can be associated with an external video source. The information can be conveyed to the consume device in one embodiment by embedding the video link information within a stream of MPEG formatted video information using an EBIF application. The video link information can be a URL from which the external information, typically video information, can be received. Upon detecting the link, the consumer device opens up a display window on a television image, which is presented to the viewer in an overlaid manner in addition to the MPEG video information on a television display. Typically, after the external video is presented, the window is closed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Ericsson Television Inc.Inventors: Alan Rouse, Charles Dasher
-
Patent number: 8677442Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sending commands to a VOD server, e.g. using RTSP, which is local to the client, said commands comprising a reference to the relative current position. The current relative position is maintained by the receiver on the basis of PTS received in the MPEG stream, without sending a request to the server or relying on the existence of a descriptor in the stream that can be used to deal with jumps in PTS included in the stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Jean-Claude Colmagro, Benoit Mercier, Thierry Quere
-
Patent number: 8677368Abstract: Under a resource manager, unexpected blocking is prevented without calling a handler for resolving a resource contention, by assigning a priority level depending on the program that has requested for a reservation of a resource as well as by assigning a special priority level which permits a reservation of a resource without any conditions in the case of a program which is urgently needed such as an EAS module.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Satoshi Hashimoto, Takaaki Suzuki
-
Patent number: 8677433Abstract: A content processing device is configured to selectively receive a media signal from a media signal provider. A distribution device is configured to selectively receive a media signal from the content processing device, and to selectively provide one or more command signals to the content processing device. A computer is configured to selectively receive the media signal from the distribution device, and to selectively provide commands to the distribution device. The distribution device is further configured to provide the received one or more commands to the content processing device via the one or more command signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Parvathinathan Sankaranarayanan, Deepak Muthumohan
-
Patent number: 8677444Abstract: A set-top box for receiving radio and television signals is disclosed in which there is the presence of at least one unit (2) for receiving a signal (S) and at least one unit (3) for sending the received and processed signal (S?) to an image and/or sound broadcasting apparatus (4) such as a television set, radio set, PC, iPOD, and any other existing and/or achievable apparatus; means for processing the signal (S) converts said signal (S)—into the signal (S?) to be sent through a circuit (5) adapted to allow passage towards the broadcasting apparatus' (4) of information, data, promotions or advertising depending on suitable scheduling of said circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Inventor: Riccardo Pilla
-
Patent number: 8667551Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor communicatively coupled to a remote controller by way of a wireless interface. The media processor can have a controller to wirelessly transmit to the remote controller provisioning information stored in the media processor for restoring at least a portion of the provisioning information stored in the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventors: Scott White, James L. Cansler
-
Patent number: 8666941Abstract: For interactive television subscribers, a system (10) and method for persistent storage of common information relating to a user (25) required by multiple disparate iTV applications to be shared among said applications to ease the burden of data entry off the user. Subscribers do not have to repeatedly enter the same common user information required by multiple applications. The registration information inputted by a user (25) is logged, temporarily stored in the STB (35), and its contents transmitted to a remote central repository (100) at predetermined intervals.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Soloff, Carlos Gonzalez, Edward P. Jurado
-
Patent number: 8667541Abstract: A system is provided for intelligent handset remote control. The system includes a processor on a handset and a remote control component. When executed by the processor, the remote control component stores a list of media network providers, determines a location associated with the handset, retrieves an index associated with a media presentation device based on the location, and maps each of the media network providers in the list with at most one entry in the index. The remote control component also presents the list of media network providers to a user interface for the handset as a list of selectable inputs, receives a selection of one of the list of selectable inputs via the user interface, and transmits a command to the media presentation device to present media based on an entry in the index that corresponds to the selection.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventor: Kevin Zhu
-
Patent number: 8667526Abstract: A system may present video content with a data scroll on a video display device. The data scroll may include data scroll items that are automatically and consecutively presented on the video display device. Each of the data scroll items may include information associated with a particular topic. The system may receive a selection of a softkey corresponding to one of the data scroll items, retrieve, in response to receiving the selection of the softkey, additional content corresponding to the particular topic associated with the one of the data scroll items, and present the additional content on the video display device.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Andrew J Afram, D. Beau Morley, Hannah Y Moon
-
Patent number: 8667552Abstract: A system, method and apparatus to enable a form of addressable advertising content delivery in which multiple addressable content streams are sent in a transport multiplex, Addressable Content Channel Multiplex, different from the Primary Channel Multiplex on which the Primary Channel is delivered describe the present invention. The Primary Channel is network stream onto which the addressable content is to be inserted. Seamless switch between the Primary Channel and the addressable content streams on the Addressable Content Channel Multiplex is accomplished by using Receiver stored content as interim buffers to which the switching happens prior to switching to a different transport multiplex. These buffers in effect feed the audio and video decoders with content, during the time it takes for the tuner to switch to a different transport multiplex.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: M/S, Amagi Technologies Private LimitedInventors: Baskar Subramanian, Srinivasan Karapattu, Srividhya Srinivasan
-
Publication number: 20140059635Abstract: An Intelligent TV can organize metadata about media items for display in a variety of contextual panels. The panels may be interactive or informational and may provide recommendations of other media items to the user. The Intelligent TV can receive a request to activate a panel through the reception of signals from a remote control or a user interface. Based on the request, the Intelligent TV can determine the type of panel requested by the user. The layout, information, and content of a panel may depend on the context and content of the media item with focus when a user activates the panel. The Intelligent TV can retrieve metadata for the requested panel and can then transition to the desired panel and provide the retrieved metadata.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Sanjiv Sirpal, Mohammed Selim
-
Publication number: 20140059637Abstract: An Intelligent TV having a silo manager, a panel manager and a panel controller. The various managers and controllers managing a global panel and an application panel. The global panel includes various types of information and the various types of input and content available. The global panel includes various information including, for example, Live TV information, on demand information, media center information, application information, HDMI 1 information, HDMI 2 information, HDMI 3 information, component 1 information, component 2 information, AV 1 information, AV 2 information, VGA information, as well as an option to hide undetected inputs. The application panel is dynamic and can optionally change based on one or more of context and content of the underlying application being viewed. The application panel can include various subcategories of information, with the number and type of the subcategories also capable of being dynamic based on the underlying context or content.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Tong Chen, Todd Lee
-
Patent number: 8661490Abstract: A method and system for the creation of interactive programming incorporating viewer interactions. An interactive program includes moderator content generated by the moderator and edited participant commentary, such as interactive messages, and is served by a moderator server. Moderators create and manage interactive programs using a Web site. Viewers register to be participants in interactive programs using the Web site. The interactive programs can be distributed as electronic documents written in a markup language such as HTML or XML over a communications network such as the Internet. The interactive programs can also be converted to conventional interactive television content for distribution over an interactive television network. The interactive programs can also be distributed over a virtual private network for use as a collaboration tool by an enterprise such as a business concern.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Mediaip, Inc.Inventor: Chad W. Shusman
-
Patent number: 8661497Abstract: A media presentation device converts media signals based on stored output settings. The media presentation device includes a sink-interaction port to at least partially receive device-specific information of a sink device, a data storage and a processor. The processor determines whether one of the plurality of at least partially stored device-specific information matches the received device-specific information of the sink device, and selects output settings corresponding to the stored device-specific information that matches the received device-specific information of the sink device for use in converting the media signals to an output format supported by the sink device.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Stone, John D. Ogden, Carl A. Burger, Doug R. Szperka
-
Patent number: 8661494Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting media via a set-top box. A set-top box detects a wireless device according to a predetermined communication protocol. A communication channel is established with the wireless device according to the communication protocol. A command message is received, according to the communication protocol, from the wireless device over the communication channel, wherein the command message specifies playback of media resident on the wireless device via the set-top box.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Balamuralidhar Maddali, T. Sahaya George, Madankanth Lanka, Chaitanya Kumar Behara, Venkatasrinivas Namburi, Abhishek Malhotra, Anil Kumar Yanamandra
-
Publication number: 20140053224Abstract: A video framing unit 112 manipulates left eye image data and right eye image data into a state according to the transmission mode, thereby obtaining stereoscopic image data for transmission. On the basis of the left eye image data and the right eye image data, at a predetermined position within an image, a view vector detecting unit 114 detects a view vector that is disparity information of one of a left eye image and a right eye image with respect to the other. A view vector encoder 115 generates an elementary stream of view vector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Sony CorporationInventor: Ikuo Tsukagoshi
-
Publication number: 20140053220Abstract: A video framing unit 112 manipulates left eye image data and right eye image data into a state according to the transmission mode, thereby obtaining stereoscopic image data for transmission. On the basis of the left eye image data and the right eye image data, at a predetermined position within an image, a view vector detecting unit 114 detects a view vector that is disparity information of one of a left eye image and a right eye image with respect to the other. A view vector encoder 115 generates an elementary stream of view vector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Ikuo Tsukagoshi
-
Patent number: 8655994Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may use, for example, a method for sending a set-top box an identification of the media player, receiving operational instructions from the set-top box according to the emulator executed by the set-top box that emulates a user interface of the media player by presenting a representation of the media player in a graphical user interface, and transmitting media content to the set-top box according to the operational instructions. The emulator can be supplied to the set-top box by way of a multimedia system communicatively coupled to the set-top box. The user interface presented by the set-top box by way of the emulator substantially mimics functions of the media player. Additional embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventor: Scott White
-
Patent number: 8656443Abstract: A server may be used to handle at least some of processing of content retrieved via and/or derived from Internet access operations of a plurality of set-top boxes (STBs). Resource allocation and/or utilization, and/or tasks or applications performed in the server during the processing may be configured based on control data, which may be determined by the server and which may comprise capabilities of links between the server and each of the plurality of STBs, requirements of the tasks, characteristics of the content and/or the Internet access operations, user preferences and/or interactions, and/or content provider preferences. The server may dynamically reconfigure the tasks and/or resources based on monitoring of its operations and/or changes of the control data. Configuring tasks and/or resources may comprise time slicing access to resources that are commonly used during concurrent servicing of at least some of the plurality of STBs by the support server.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Marcus Kellerman, Xuemin Chen, Vladimir Silyaev, David Erickson
-
Publication number: 20140047494Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein that provide a TV receiver that supports a set of existing iTV standards and proprietary iTV implementations. Further, the TV receiver can be extended to support additional iTV standards and proprietary iTV implementations. A digital television data stream is received and processed by a client. The digital television data stream is analyzed to determine which interactive television format is present. A registry of interactive television virtual machines is searched to determine whether a virtual machine is registered for the interactive television format. Each of the interactive television virtual machines is adapted for one of the interactive television formats. If a virtual machine that matches the interactive television format is found, it is loaded and hosted. Hosting the virtual includes providing services to the virtual machine through common application programming interfaces (APIs) machine includes. The common APIs may be used by any virtual machine that is loaded.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Edward Goziker, Toby Steele, Tim Zobel, Pavel Glozman, Ross Hewit
-
Patent number: 8650604Abstract: A protocol for wireless transmission of audio/video (A/V) information is provided. The protocol includes sending a request message from a requester to a responder for changing A/V format of an A/V stream transmission between the requester and the responder over a wireless communication medium. In reply to the request message, sending a response message from the responder to the requester for synchronizing the A/V format change. The requester and the responder changing the A/V format of the A/V stream in synchrony.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ju-Lan Hsu, Huai-Rong Shao, Chiu Ngo
-
Patent number: 8650603Abstract: When the user initiates the retrieval of the primary content information item by means of entering a user input into the data processing system, e.g. zapping a digital TV that switches channels upon receipt of the user input, he/she has to wait a noticeable time before the rendering and play-out of the primary content information item actually starts. The length of the delay is predicted, on the basis of which one or more secondary content items are rendered and played out to the user during this delay. The invention can also be used for bridging the waiting time in an online ordering system, when loading a program on a personal computer, and in an IMS-based IPTV network.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignees: Koninklijke KPN N.V., Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventors: Peter-Jan Doets, Anton Havekes, Robert-Ernst Kooij, Martin Prins, Victor Klos, Hans Maarten Stokking
-
Patent number: 8646007Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jin Pil Kim, Kyung Mee Lee
-
Patent number: 8646008Abstract: A method of processing additional information related to an announced service or content in a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and the broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of providing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service in a broadcasting receiver includes receiving a service map table (SMT) and a first descriptor through a service signaling channel, identifying an image identifier and an image type of an image for an NRT service based upon the first descriptor, receiving the image via a flute session and displaying the image when corresponding service is played, wherein the image is logo or icon data for the NRT service. The method may further include connecting a service signaling channel, parsing the received SMT and the first descriptor, determining whether a service is the NRT service based upon the parsed SMT and storing the received image.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jongyeul Suh, Jaehyung Song, Minsung Kwak, Joonhui Lee, Inhwan Choi, Chulsoo Lee, Pilsup Shin
-
Patent number: 8645997Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to transmit a client program having a GUI to a media device, where the client program presents an overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate a user-generated comment with the media content received at the media device. The controller can receive user-generated comments and media content in a temporal vicinity of the user-generated comments via the client program, and can receive a request for the user-generated comments. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Linda Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Ja-Young Sung, Natasha Barrett Schultz, Robert King
-
Patent number: 8646009Abstract: In response to a request from a playback apparatus over a network to play back content, a first recording/playback apparatus transmits data indicating content satisfying the request to the playback apparatus over the network. When selecting desired content from the transmitted data, the playback apparatus requests the first recording/playback apparatus to transmit data of the selected content to the playback apparatus over the network. When the data of the desired content is transmitted to the playback apparatus from the first recording/playback apparatus over the network in response to the request, the content being transmitted is played back via streaming.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tatsuya Narahara, Sho Murakoshi, Shunji Yoshimura
-
Patent number: 8644162Abstract: Various embodiments of network performance assessment apparatus, systems and processes collect performance information pertaining to a current capacity utilization of a network, identify an occurrence of a capacity constraint on a portion of the network that is communicating the program to at least one presentation device, select one of a plurality of paths coupling the receiving device and the presentation device, and modify the program to a format compatible with the selected path.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: Gary R. Langille, John T. Kennedy
-
Patent number: 8643484Abstract: A visual display system for a set-top box is includes a source of event data, a light emitting diode display adapted to display event data to a user in a standby mode of operation ,and a main processor configured to receive event data and control the light emitting diode display in response to the received event data.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventor: IKouroush Mohebbi
-
Patent number: 8646014Abstract: A system and method that provide reduced latency in a video signal processing system. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise transmitting a first video information stream representative of a unit of video information. For example, the transmitted first video information stream may correspond to a video channel. A second video information stream representative of the unit of video information may be transmitted simultaneously with the first video information stream. The second video information stream may also, for example, correspond to the video channel. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise receiving a plurality of simultaneously transmitted video information streams. A video information stream of the plurality of received video information streams may be identified that, when processed, is expected to result in the lowest latency in presenting the unit of video information to the user. The identified video information stream may then be so processed.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Alexander MacInnis
-
Patent number: 8640167Abstract: A system for displaying information may include memory, one or more processors, and one or more modules stored in memory. The one or more modules are configured for execution by the one or more processors and may include instructions for: presenting a subset of a collection of data on a first grid having a first axis corresponding to units of time and a second axis, the collection of data comprising data representing time-bounded events; presenting a second grid having, first and second axes corresponding to the first and second axes of the first grid, the second grid corresponding to a larger portion of the collection of data than the subset presented on the first grid; and presenting a user moveable window for selecting a portion of the second grid, and selecting the subset presented on the first grid in accordance with a current position of the window.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Richard Carl Gossweiler, III, Marisa Bauer, John Wayne Blackburn, David A. Brown, Neha Gupta, Timothy Dharma Heilman, Manish Gordhan Patel, David Scott Reiss, Mehran Sahami, Maricia Scott, Thomas H. Taylor, Alice Tull, Mark Wagner, Lucy Congyun Zhang, Daniel John Zigmond