Programmable Or Upgradeable Patents (Class 725/132)
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Publication number: 20140282749Abstract: A system and method for operating a user receiving device includes a head end associating a first user device with a user account having first user settings. A first user device communicates a device identifier associated with the user receiving device to the head end. The head end communicates the first user settings associated with the user account to the user receiving device. The user receiving device operates with the first user settings.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.Inventors: Kuriacose Joseph, Scott D. Casavant, Sean S. Lee, Phillip T. Wang, Matthew J. Thompson, Brady C. Tsurutani, David N. Schlacht, Johnny Shum
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Patent number: 8839290Abstract: An exemplary method includes receiving a plurality of data chunks each representative of a distinct portion of a media content program, generating a personalized version of the media content program based on at least a subset of the data chunks and in accordance with one or more of a plurality of personalization factors associated with a user, and providing the personalized version of the media content program for presentation to the user. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Brian F. Roberts, Harpal S. Bassali, Sudhanshu Sharma, Donald H. Relyea, Raul I. Aldrey, Japan A. Mehta
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Publication number: 20140250460Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing access to arbitrary applications via an interactive television service using a pool of remote virtual desktops.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Guest Tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd.Inventors: David Andrew Hulse, Jason Thomas, Thomas R. Duke
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Patent number: 8819758Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Wayne R. Howe, Fred Thomas Danner, III, John R. Mauney
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Patent number: 8813139Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface having available content. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the available content from the ordering interactive interface and communicates the content selection to a content processing system. The content processing system generates an unencrypted control word comprising instructions for locating the available content from a user device and communicates the unencrypted control word to the user device. The user device receives the unencrypted control word to enable storing the available content corresponding to the content selection in response to the instructions contained in the unencrypted control word and stores the available content in a storage device of the user device.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Alistair E. Jeffs
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Patent number: 8813253Abstract: Authentication method of at least one application using resources stored in a security module associated to an equipment connected to a control server via a network. The control server receives via the network, analyses and verifies identification data comprising at least an identifier of the equipment and an identifier of the security module, generates a cryptogram comprising a digest of the application, the identification data and instructions intended for the security module and transmits the cryptogram, via the network and the equipment, to the security module. The latter verifies the application by comparing the digest extracted from the cryptogram with a calculated digest, wherein, during at least one of initialization and activation of the application, the security module executes the instructions extracted from the cryptogram and either releases or blocks access to certain resources of said security module according to a result of the verification of the application.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Nagravision S.A.Inventors: Rached Ksontini, Renato Cantini
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Patent number: 8806548Abstract: Integrated processing of multimedia signals can eliminate unnecessary signal processors and converters without losing the functionality of typical home entertainment system components. The integrated system includes a main player that captures and processes signals digitally, a dummy display, and a dummy speaker. The dummy display may only have a display panel and a panel driver. The dummy speaker may only have a driving unit and no crossover logic. The main player may have a PC architecture and process all signals digitally for outputting signals tailored for the display device and the individual driving units of the dummy speaker. The integrated system may generate parameters for optimizing display of a video source. These parameters can be shared among users over a network connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Mondo Systems, Inc.Inventor: Chul Chung
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Publication number: 20140223469Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Wasilewski, Arturo A. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 8797461Abstract: A screen time control device includes a source interface for receiving a video signal, a processor connected to the video source interface for overlaying the video signal with a translucent signal to produce an overlaid video signal, and a device interface connected to the processor for receiving the overlaid video signal and providing the overlaid video signal to the display device. The processor substitutes the translucent signal in the overlaid video signal with a parental signal, where the parental signal can be a substantially opaque overlay signal that masks an image on the screen of the display device to prohibit viewing of the screen, a textual message, or a combination of both.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Behavioral Technologies LLCInventors: Steve G. Davis, Jim Vincent, Trever Patton, Kristin Christopherson
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Patent number: 8799433Abstract: A method and apparatus of upgrading software in a digital broadcasting receiver are provided. The apparatus includes a receiving unit which receives upgrade information including information on versions of a plurality of modules included in the software and information on an upgrading method, and an upgrading unit which performs the upgrading of the software according to the upgrade information by using upgrade data. Accordingly, only the modules which need upgrading can be selectively upgraded, so that it is possible to increase the efficiency of the upgrading.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kwang-hyun Koh
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Patent number: 8793738Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing downloadable features, and more particularly to providing these features to identified receiving locations (50) in a television system (10). Features may be desired by the manufacturer for correcting software defects, updating software, or meeting compatibility requirements. Features may also be ordered by consumers who respond to solicitation advertisements (130) for those features. The data related to the features is compiled and sent from a main location (20) to multiple receiving locations (46, 48 and 50). The data is then stored in a memory (58) in the identified receiving locations (50), and software is used to install or operate the stored feature.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Starsight Telecast IncorporatedInventors: Brian Lee Klosterman, Kenneth Alan Milnes
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Patent number: 8788534Abstract: A system, method and data structure for processing basic client application data types to add thereto extension types and priority levels adapted for use by each of a plurality of set top box classes.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: TVWorks, LLCInventors: James Hindle, Peter G. N. Scheyen, Mark A. Vickers
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Patent number: 8776164Abstract: One and only instance of a video service model component (for example, an electronic program guide (EPG) model description) is executed in a home network gateway, with multiple instantiations of a view/controller module associated with the model module being generated, one for each display device seeking to simultaneously display the video service. In this way the functionality of a single video service model is shared in the network without requiring the underlying model module itself to be replicated.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Stephane Lejeune
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Patent number: 8763064Abstract: The aim of the invention is to indicate the availability of an update for an MHP application, which is modified only periodically, to the user of a set top box, while helping him or her to decide whether the modified update is actually required and optionally still maintaining the availability of the older update without restrictions. To achieve this, information concerning the scope and/or type of modification in relation to the older version is provided in the transmitted version number for the modified MHP application. The set top box starts the saved older version if special information exists (“launchable with older version” flag) and permits a comparison of the version number with the received version number of the modified MHP application as to whether the modifications of the modified MHP application are of such significance that the modified version must be received and saved in the cache memory.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Institut Fuer Rundfunktechnik GmbHInventor: Alexander Erk
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Publication number: 20140173679Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver on a mobile body includes: a tuner that receives a broadcast signal of a physical channel; a signal intensity detector that detects a signal intensity of the broadcast signal; a current position detector that detects a current position of the mobile body; a movement direction detector that detects a movement direction of the mobile body; a reception judging unit that controls the tuner to judge whether the physical channel can be received; an area information storage unit that stores receivable area information indicating a receivable area of the physical channel; and an area information updating unit that determines, when it is judged that the physical channel can be received, a position apart from the current position in the movement direction according to the signal intensity as a receivable position, and updates the receivable area information to extend the receivable area to the receivable position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Aki KIMURA, Keiichi SHIRASUKA, Kazuya TAKAKI, Soichiro MATSUMOTO
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Patent number: 8754992Abstract: A system and method for programming a remote control includes pressing keys to enter a programming mode. State changes are communicated from the remote to a set top box. A user selects a device to be controlled and instructions are communicated to a user. The set top box tracks signals received from the remote corresponding to a device code entered by the user into the remote. A program guides and informs the user of programming success or failure based on signals received by the set top box. The remote includes a transmitter and runs a program associating a particular device code with a particular electronic device. The set top box includes a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter and runs a program providing an interface on a display. The interface guides the user through programming in response to signals received by the set top box from the remote.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Kim W. Schulze, Roshan Menon
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Patent number: 8756645Abstract: Configuring a generic adaptable reconfigurable digital receiver having a programmable signal conditioner includes specifying a number of output RF channels; specifying an RF bandwidth of an output channel; and selecting a digital to analog sampling rate of a digital to analog convertor of the programmable signal conditioner as a function of the RF bandwidth of the output channel using a processor/demux of the generic adaptable reconfigurable digital receiver.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Aurora Networks, Inc.Inventors: Krzysztof Pradzynski, Sudhesh Mysore, Oleh Sniezko
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Patent number: 8756626Abstract: To receive new services including audio or video content for presentation by a cable-compatible digital television or other digital audio/video receiver, a module may be connected to the HOST-POD interface of the digital television. The module has a receiver for receiving audio or video content in a first compression format, a transcoder for converting said audio or video content from the first compression format into a second, different compression format, and a controller for transmitting the audio or visual content in the second compression format to the digital television over a HOST-POD interface. By using such a module, front-end components of the digital television may be bypassed while back-end components may be utilized to decompress and present the content. The module may be a PC card or smart card for example.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: David A. Strasser
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Patent number: 8752116Abstract: A method of updating dedicated firmwares of a plurality of content providers in a network TV system is provided. A user interface allows easy and intuitive control of the update so that the firmwares according to the content providers can be updated in accordance with a user's desired order and type on the network.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sohee Heo, Daesuk Park
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Patent number: 8752115Abstract: The present invention provides for gathering and aggregating data related to the functionality of digital video recorders (DVRs) and transmitting updated instructions to the DVRs. During its operation, a DVR gathers data that is relevant to the detection of commercials such as luminance values, commercial patterns, and user input and stores this information in its internal storage. A central server receives updated instructions from administrators and generates new instructions in response to data aggregated from individual DVRs. The central server transmits the updated instructions to remote DVRs.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Dow, Philippe Pignon
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Patent number: 8752120Abstract: A choice specifying unit 500 specifies, as displayable subtitles, standard subtitles which a subtitle processing unit 300 can decode using a standard function, and expanded subtitles which the subtitle processing unit 300 can decode by an application processing unit 900 executing character expansion applications that can be obtained from data broadcasting. A user interface unit 200 displays a subtitle switching screen on a monitor 30 as a user interface which can present the specified displayable subtitles as choices of switchable subtitles when a user presses a “Subtitle” button, and in the subtitle switching screen the user can select one subtitle out of the presented choices as a subtitle to be superimposed on an image.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuna Maruyama
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Patent number: 8745685Abstract: Methods and apparatus for smoothly and efficiently upgrading set top boxes, e.g., personal video recorders, which have customer selected content stored thereon are described. The described methods allow content stored on a set top box to be uploaded to a network storage device, e.g., automatically at a predetermined time prior to a scheduled upgrade, or in some cases, via manual control of the set top box to be upgraded. After stored content is uploaded to the network storage device, the set top box is replaced with a new set top box. The new set top box can be preloaded with the previously uploaded content or a content download can be triggered, e.g., by activating a hidden application and by supplying information identifying the set top box being replaced as part of the upgrade process.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Hugh Josephs, Stephen Johnson
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Publication number: 20140150048Abstract: A digital service signal apparatus is disclosed. The digital service signal apparatus includes a receiving module receiving signaling information having channel information for an application from the digital service signal, a generating module generating a request using the channel information, a sending module sending the generated request, a downloading module downloading the application, an executing module configured to execute the API related to the application and a registering module configured to register the specific key set according to the mode number.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Sejin OH, Deokhyun KIM, Jaeseung KO, Jongsung CHOI, Kyoungsoo MOON, Jinpil KIM, Youngmu KWON, Sungguk LIM
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Publication number: 20140150045Abstract: To provide a reception and playback device capable of playing back a program in viewer's desired display mode. The reception and playback device receives, with respect to a program that is currently played back in a first display mode, a switching instruction to switch from the first display mode to a second display mode, receives switching permission information indicating whether switching of a playback target stream of the program is permissible from a first stream to a second stream respectively corresponding to the first display mode and the second display mode, when receiving the switching instruction, judges whether switching of the display mode is permissible from the first display mode to the second display mode based on the switching permission information, when judging affirmatively, switches from the first stream to the second stream to perform playback using the second stream, and when judging negatively, performs playback using the first stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhiro Mochinaga, Hiroshi Yahata, Yasushi Uesaka, Tomoki Ogawa
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Publication number: 20140143822Abstract: A method includes receiving a request related to a set top box, the request having a public identifier of the set top box and a user account identifier. The public identifier is accessible by a user associated with the set top box. The method also includes accessing a user record, corresponding to a location, from a database of user records. The method further includes determining, from the user record, a private identifier of the set top box corresponding to the public identifier of the set top box, wherein the private identifier is unique to the set top box among a set of set top boxes associated with the user record and the private identifier is inaccessible by the user and using the private identifier to perform an action related to the set top box in response to the request.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.Inventors: James Fan, Jennifer Lam
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Patent number: 8732749Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing access to arbitrary applications via an interactive television service using a pool of remote virtual desktops.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Guest Tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd.Inventors: David Hulse, Jason Thomas, Thomas R. Duke
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Patent number: 8730391Abstract: Determining video content type of a video displayed on a LCD and triggering adjustment in drive power of the LCD based on the video content type. The video content type indicates relative content motion of the video. A video content type detection module is one or combination of a software and a hardware and directs the LCD to be driven relative slower or faster based upon video content. The module independently or in conjunction with another module identifies an active window from a plurality of windows corresponding to a plurality of applications running on the host device and sets the drive power of the LCD based on speed of a video displayed on the active window. The module may also adapt LCD drive power based upon user input and/or remaining battery life.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, James D. Bennett
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Patent number: 8726330Abstract: Payment-based audiovisual playback system characterized by comprising a microprocessor device associated with a payment device primarily including means for storing, inter alia, in digital format the visual and sound information to be used. The system is associated through interfaces with display means and sound playback means for providing a multimedia environment. The system is controlled by a multitask operating system including a tool and service library integrated into the storage means. The system, which is also associated through an interface with a telecommunications modem, is optionally connected to an audiovisual data distribution network by a telecommunications modem and telecommunications links, said telecommunications function also being controlled by said multitask operating system.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: TouchTunes Music CorporationInventors: Guy Nathan, Tony Mastronardi
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Patent number: 8726403Abstract: A method that includes receiving a first request for video content from a user of a user device; retrieving an identifier for the user device using an application programming interface; sending a second request to receive the video content that includes the identifier; receiving an instruction to provide payment to rent or purchase the video content; sending the payment in response to the instruction; receiving the video content and a token, where the video content is encrypted based on a key and where the token indicates that the payment was processed; sending a third request to obtain a license associated with the video content that includes the token and the identifier; receiving the license, which includes the key and terms under which the video content is to be processed; decrypting the video content, using the key, when the decrypting is performed in a manner permitted by the terms; and playing the decrypted video content.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Jian Huang, Bobby Bo Xiao, Jack Jianxiu Hao, Diego S. Rozensztejn, Okeno R. Palmer, Gaurav Mehta
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Patent number: 8719891Abstract: An exemplary method includes a promotion system 1) detecting a promotion opportunity based on a condition associated with a migration of a user account from being associated with a first digital video recording (“DVR”) system to being associated with a second DVR system and 2) providing, based on the detected promotion opportunity, promotional content for access by a user associated with the user account. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Rual I. Aldrey, Donald H. Relyea, Venkata S. Adimatyam, Kishore Tallapaneni, Michael R. Oliver, George M. Higa
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Publication number: 20140123205Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: AT & T Intellectual Property I, LPInventor: Scott White
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Patent number: 8713624Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Personalized Media Communications LLCInventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
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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
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Patent number: 8701146Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a mobile device having an ordering interactive interface having available content including linear content and on-demand content. The interactive interface receives a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and communicates the selection to a content processing system. The content processing system communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the on-demand content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Alistair E. Jeffs
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Patent number: 8683539Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLCInventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
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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
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Patent number: 8677443Abstract: A method for performing a service action on a particular set top box based on a particular private identifier associated with the particular set top box is disclosed. At a database associated with a service provider, a user record is created. The user record includes a public identifier and a private identifier for each set top box that is available to the user. The public identifier for a particular set top box is accessible by the user and may be used to determine the private identifier for the particular set top box.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: James Fan, Jennifer Lam
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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
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Patent number: 8677311Abstract: A separate-type signal processing apparatus includes: a first device having a data acquisition part; and a second device connected with the first device by wire or wireless, wherein the first and second devices work in cooperation to execute a predetermined process, the first device acquires version renewal data for addition to or renewal of software components for respectively controlling the first and second devices, through the data acquisition part, the first device has a first control part for sending a completion-of-acquisition notice signal to the second device, the second device has a second control part for sending a response signal to the first control part when the notice signal is input thereto, and the first control part transfers at least a part of the acquired version renewal data to the second control part on receipt of the response signal as an input thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masaki Ito
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Patent number: 8667537Abstract: Upon start of processing, a digital broadcast receiver can acquire a CDN configuration information file (XML) after newly connected to a CDN by a user's operation. Next, the digital broadcast receiver acquires a PF configuration information file written in the CDN configuration information. The digital broadcast receiver judges whether there is an IP broadcast or not. If there is an IP broadcast, the digital broadcast receiver connects to a multicast address described in the PF configuration information file (XML), and acquires information on all channels in the PF from a SI dedicated stream (all station SI including no video or audio) (channel scan). The URL of a SNTP is described in the CDN configuration information file. Time information is acquired through the SNTP at the same time as (or at a timing near the timing of, such as immediately before or immediately after) the channel scan.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshinori Shimizu, Ryuhsuke Watanabe, Hajime Yamada
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Publication number: 20140059636Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting targeted advertising and/or other targeted applications in set top boxes which use data and/or applications, e.g., EBIF (Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format) applications, are described. Application level targeting is supported in which an application running on different STBs presents different application behavior and/or presents different visual sub-elements depending on the content of a subscriber profile on the particular individual STB. In the case of addressability at the Application Layer an EBIF application can target different viewers by checking private User Preference Items at runtime. Addressability at the signaling/platform level is also supported allowing targeting of a specific application or a sub-element within an application to a specific target group. In this scenario the particular applications/sub-elements are loaded on the set-tops that belong to a target group, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Vipul Babubhai PATEL, Jian YU, Mehul SHAH
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Publication number: 20140053225Abstract: A data service function for an intelligent television (TV) includes a source plugin that communicates with and receives data from an external content provider and processes the received data into a data model format. The data service function further includes a subservice corresponding to the source plugin, the subservice communicates with and provides the converted data as content to the Intelligent TV. Data formats include video-on-demand, electronic programming guide, and media. The data service function further includes a database to store the received data or the converted data, a resource arbitrator to provide access to the subservice to provide content to the various hardware of the Intelligent TV, and a thumbnail cache manager to manage thumbnail images associated with the received data and to store the thumbnail images in a storage of the Intelligent TV.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Mikhail Shoykher, John S. Visosky
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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
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Publication number: 20140047495Abstract: A method for managing a broadcast receiving apparatus standby mode according to external signaling is provided. The method includes: generating a power management descriptor that a broadcast receiving apparatus refers to in order to perform a standby mode; and transmitting the generated power management descriptor to the broadcast receiving apparatus. Accordingly, since the broadcast receiving apparatus manages the standby mode more effectively, standby power consumed in the standby mode is further reduced and thus power saving effect can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventors: Jung Mee Yun, Sang Hak Lee, Jang Kyu Lee, Jong Chul Weon, Young Min Chae, Jeong Ku Lee
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Patent number: 8646021Abstract: An approach provides interactive application and advertisement within media streams. A program map table of a media stream is retrieved, wherein the program map table includes a plurality of private descriptor fields that permit user specified tag values. One of the descriptor fields is configured to indicate whether the media stream is associated with an interactive application or advertisement information.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Sudhanshu Sharma, Neena Pandey
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Patent number: 8631434Abstract: Multiple channel maps are embedded in a television transmission and the appropriate channel corresponding to the particular television service used by the viewer is downloaded for use with the television receiver. Each channel map is accompanied by a channel map identifier which identifies the source of the television transmission and a geographic identifier. The source of a television transmission is automatically detected by monitoring the radio-frequency spectrum allocations of telecast stations. The geographic area identifier is determined by comparison with a user inputted geographic area identifier. The channel map having a channel map identifier corresponding to the detected television transmission source and the user inputted geographic area identifier is downloaded and stored for future use.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Daniel S. Kwoh, Allen Chang
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Patent number: 8631438Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide favorite channel designation portability from a variety of locations, devices and/or programming service providers.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Inventors: Cedric DeLaCruz, Timothy Lubecki
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Publication number: 20140013379Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving device including: a receiver configured to receive broadcast content; a trigger information acquirer configured to acquire trigger information for identifying a command to control an operation of an application program that is run in conjunction with the broadcast content and is delivered via a network; a correspondence table acquirer configured to acquire a correspondence table in which the command is associated with information for identifying the command; and a control section configured to control operations of a subject application program and another application program other than the subject application program in response to the command identified by the trigger information and the correspondence table.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Naohisa KITAZATO, Mark Eyer
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System And Method For Upgrading A Multiprocessor Set-Top Box Device With A Monolithic Firmware Image
Publication number: 20140007176Abstract: A system and method for downloading a code image at a set-top gateway host that includes an embedded set-top box and an embedded cable modem. The embedded set-top box and the embedded cable modem interact so that each leverages the resources of the other, thereby minimizing the functionality that must be built into each.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATIONInventor: Pinar TASKIRAN-CYR -
Patent number: 8620784Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation and rearrangement of ad hoc networks and more particularly to systems and methods for sharing bandwidth in ad hoc networks. The method comprises broadcasting a table to at least one potential lender requesting pertinent lender information and receiving the table from the at least one potential lender with the pertinent lender information. The method further includes selecting one or more lenders of the at least one potential lender which meet preset criteria and establishing an ad hoc network with the one or more lenders based on the selecting.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Peter G. Finn, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Jenny S. Li