Having Particular Storage Feature Patents (Class 725/142)
  • Patent number: 8023798
    Abstract: A recording apparatus receives, with respect to an identical program, high image quality digital broadcasting data and low image quality digital broadcasting data, records the high image quality program data and the low image quality program data in a recording medium. When a cellular phone device is connected to the recording apparatus, the recording apparatus transfers the recorded low image quality program data to the cellular phone device via a communication interface. The recording apparatus transmits, to the portable cellular phone device, management information of the end of playback and deletion of the first program data whose program is identical to that of the transferred second program data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Hagiwara, Takashi Onoda
  • Patent number: 8024757
    Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver capable of reducing time and labor to back-up contents recorded on one recording medium to another recording medium. A digital broadcast receiver extracts the contents recorded, out of order, on a first recording medium by an extracting unit according to the titles or genres recorded in a content list, and automatically rearranges the extracted contents using an arranging unit according to video-recording date-and-hour recorded in the content list, for recording as a content list onto a second recording medium (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kaoru Nara, Makoto Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8006279
    Abstract: A system is provided for rating multimedia content streamed over a data network as a series of data frames, segments, or packets and for administering display of the rated content. The system includes at least one content source device for creating raw multimedia content; an intermediate content marking and delivery agent for marking and delivering the content created; and a content receiving device for displaying or rejecting delivered content according to detection of and comparison of content markings applied to at least one preset value. In one aspect, the content marking follows some existing or devised rating system and whereupon the marked content is identifiable at the receiving end for each received data frame, segment, or data packet carrying content in a payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Gerard Louis Jacques Paul Damm
  • Patent number: 8000396
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus which includes first filters assigned first numbers different from each other and which detect packets having a previously specified identifiers. The apparatus includes information registers disposed in correspondence with the first filters and which store a predetermined number of bits, and includes a condition storage portion that stores second numbers different from each other and section conditions associated with the second numbers. The apparatus includes a determination portion that determines a number range specifying a part of the second numbers for each first filter as not overlapping each other based on the first numbers of each first filter and selects a second number from each number range per first filter based on values of bits in each information register, and a second filter that checks whether the packet detected by each first filter satisfies the section condition associated with the second number determined for each first filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Kenji Tomizawa
  • Patent number: 7992185
    Abstract: In a TS information sharing system, digital broadcast receivers and a digital-broadcast-compliant TV receive TS information separately and may transfer the received TS information to each other in a peer-to-peer manner or may transfer and store the received TS information into a server. Thus, the digital broadcast receivers and the digital-broadcast-compliant TV can retrieve, from the server, TS information that the digital broadcast receivers and/or the digital-broadcast-compliant TV have not yet received. The invention can be applied to a receiver for receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Kanda
  • Patent number: 7971220
    Abstract: A system, method, computer program product, and apparatus for automatically ensuring consistency between program and system information protocol (PSIP) tables and program specific information (PSI) tables in a digital television (DTV) stream, for example, in ATSC DTV stream. Encoders generate MPEG streams including PSI tables. A PSIP generator generates PSIP information from program information. A remultiplexer combines the MPEG information and the PSIP information while resolving any conflicts between the PSI tables and the PSIP tables based on a set of rules. The transport stream output by the remultiplexer includes consistent information in both the PSI tables and the PSIP tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Frederic Bernard Grenier, Jean Macher
  • Patent number: 7966642
    Abstract: A method for providing adaptive video compression includes encoding a video stream in a first compressed format, storing the video stream in a storage device, retrieving the video stream from the storage device, decoding the video stream, encoding the video stream in a second compressed format, and storing the video stream in the storage device. Systems and other methods for providing adaptive video compression are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Ajith N. Nair, Douglas F. Woodhead, Arturo A. Rodriguez, David B. Burleson
  • Patent number: 7966639
    Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver and data broadcast content processing method are disclosed. The method uses Program Associated Data (PAD) and includes receiving PAD-based broadcast contents; selecting one of the PAD-based broadcast contents to be stored; storing the selected PAD-based broadcast content in a state existing at the time of selection; selecting a stored PAD-based broadcast content for reproduction; and reproducing the PAD-based broadcast content selected for reproduction. As a result, reproduction of a stored audio broadcast can be delivered with the same level of service as real-time audio broadcast reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kwang Min Seo, Ji Min Jeong
  • Patent number: 7966640
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7937730
    Abstract: A recording control apparatus for controlling execution of recording in a recording apparatus, comprising, a channel selection acceptance unit configured to accept a channel selection from a user, a display controller to control a display unit to display program data which is selected among received program data via broadcast signal and is corresponding to the accepted channel selection, an obtaining unit configured to obtain reserve-recording information to be executed, and a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the program displayed on the display unit corresponds to a program according to the reserve-recording information, wherein when the determination unit determines that the program displayed on the display unit corresponds to a program according to the reserve-recording information, the display controller controls the display unit to display a query screen to inquire of the user whether to erase recorded data corresponding to the reserve-recording information in the recording appar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ohno, Yoshikazu Shibamiya
  • Patent number: 7926084
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7926078
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Arsenault, Leon J. Stanger
  • Patent number: 7921449
    Abstract: A live video is directed to a display buffer of the device. The device is preferably a set top box and a live video frame stored in the display buffer is preferably displayed by a display device coupled to the set top box. The display device is preferably a television. A capture command preferably signals the set top box to store one or more frames of the currently displayed live video. Upon receiving the capture command, the live video is paused, thereby preventing the display buffer from loading subsequent live video frames. The live video is then re-directed to a capture buffer, the live video is un-paused, and a current live video frame is captured from the capture buffer. The captured frame is then stored using a conventional storage medium. After the frame is captured, the live video is re-directed from the capture buffer to the display buffer to resume display of the live video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ted Dunn, James Amendolagine
  • Patent number: 7913273
    Abstract: A system and method for purchasing broadcast audio and/or video (audio/video) works. According to one embodiment, the system includes a data stream processor that receives a broadcast audio/video data stream and produces from the broadcast audio/video data stream a first audio/video output data stream and a second audio/video output data stream, wherein the broadcast audio/video data stream contains information corresponding to an audio/video work and the first audio/video output stream is in a format that can be recognized and processed by conventional audio/video reproducing equipment; a storage device that stores data included in the second audio/video output data stream, wherein the data corresponds to the audio/video work; and a user interface that enables a user of the system to input to the system an indication that the user desires to purchase the audio/video work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Music Choice
    Inventors: David J. Del Beccaro, Jeremy Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7904935
    Abstract: A method for providing adaptive video compression includes encoding a video stream in a first compressed format, storing the video stream in a storage device, retrieving the video stream from the storage device, decoding the video stream, encoding the video stream in a second compressed format, and storing the video stream in the storage device. Systems and other methods for providing adaptive video compression are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventors: Ajith N. Nair, Douglas F. Woodhead, Arturo A. Rodriguez, David B. Burleson
  • Patent number: 7900226
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jim B. Estipona
  • Patent number: 7895615
    Abstract: A system and method for applying quality assurance methods in the determination of whether or not to present previously recorded digital content as available to a viewer at a customer site. The present invention checks the digital content and makes a quality assurance comparison in determining whether to add content to an electronic program guide for selection by a customer. The present invention presents acceptable recorded content as available, and withholds unacceptable content as a means of quality assurance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Godwin
  • Patent number: 7895634
    Abstract: An editing apparatus captures material data of audio and/or image data, edits the material data and generates main data. When an instruction to limit reproduction operation of the main data is made, the associated information including limitation information for limiting the reproduction operation of the main data so as to get a desired quality of content-representation is generated. The associated information is combined with the edited main data so that they are transmitted as the content data. Content-sending apparatus generates sending-data based on the data to transmit it. When the associated information including limitation information for limiting the reproduction operation of the main data is combined with the main data, content-reproducing apparatus performs reproduction operation based on the limitation information and controls reproduction speed, display size and the like. Content-representation apparatus represents audio and image at desired quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Ogikubo
  • Patent number: 7895627
    Abstract: Program data for use in electronic program guides is fragmented in advance of delivery to a low resource client. In the described implementation, the program data is fragmented into equal size fragments. The size of each fragment is selected to guarantee that the data fragments will fit in pre-allocated memory segments at the client. When the program data is delivered to the client, the client stores the data packets in the memory segments without making system calls to the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: James Armand Baldwin, Peter T. Barrett
  • Patent number: 7890989
    Abstract: Automated context-sensitive updating of content in an audiovisual (AV) storage system is disclosed. A media storage device for storing a multimedia signal includes a storage medium, such as a dedicated hard drive, a processor, and memory. The storage medium is coupled to the processor and the memory. The memory contains instructions that, when implemented, enable a method of off-site management of data stored on the storage medium. The method includes a step of receiving a media signal with content data and context data at the media storage device. The method also includes a step of receiving storage management instructions from a storage management provider, remotely located from the media storage device. Lastly, the media signal is stored on the media storage device in accordance with the storage management instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Hofrichter, Rob Myers, Richter A. Rafey
  • Patent number: 7890983
    Abstract: A channel buffering method is for dynamically altering a number of channels for an Internet protocol television (IPTV). The method is applicable for a home gateway (HG) having a channel section used for channel buffering. After the HG has received two consecutive channel-switching requests, the HG compares whether the two requests are similarly directed to switching a channel towards the same direction or not; if yes, a cumulative switching frequency is set, and two trimming numerical values are set through the cumulative switching frequency, and thus, the channel section for buffering the channels can be dynamically adjusted through the two trimming numerical values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Telcordia Applied Research Taiwan Company
    Inventors: Chung-Min Chen, Phone Lin, Chen-Kai Hsieh, Yun-Yin Huang
  • Patent number: 7886330
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for set top box (STB) receiving a single selection or actuation, and in response to a single selection from a user, transferring a program and auxiliary data related to the program from a first storage device of the STB to a removable storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: JLB Ventures LLC
    Inventor: Dan Kikinis
  • Patent number: 7882520
    Abstract: A broadcast program recording overrun and underrun scheduling system provides a system for adjusting the start and end times of a broadcast program's recording schedule that has a predetermined start and end broadcast time. An on screen program guide is displayed to the viewer via a monitor or television and lists the predetermined scheduled broadcast times and channels of a plurality of broadcast programs. The viewer selects a particular broadcast program to record from the program guide using a remote input device. The invention schedules the broadcast program to be recorded by inserting the program's information such as program identifier, start and end times, and storage duration into a recording schedule database. The invention allows the viewer to adjust the scheduled start and/or end recording times for a broadcast program by specifying the time increment to add or subtract from the start and/or end recording times of a specific program or series of programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Beach, Alan Waterman
  • Patent number: 7877768
    Abstract: A smart broadcast program recording padding and scheduling system provides a system for adjusting the start and end times of a broadcast program's recording schedule that has a predetermined start and end broadcast time and resolving any conflicts arising from conflicting scheduled program recordings. An on screen program guide is displayed to the viewer via a monitor or television that lists the predetermined scheduled broadcast times and channels of a plurality of broadcast programs. The viewer selects a particular broadcast program to record and the invention schedules the broadcast program to be recorded by inserting the program's information such as program identifier, start and end times, and storage duration into a recording schedule database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Beach, Alan Waterman, David E. Pope, Martin Hibdon
  • Patent number: 7877778
    Abstract: An information processing system includes a receiving apparatus receiving a broadcast signal; and a data generating unit creating notice information relating to download for update data multiplexed with the broadcast signal for transmission and updating software in the receiving apparatus. The data generating unit includes a device operable to describe a prescribed model ID defined by a predetermined standard in the notice information and to describe an extended model ID used in combination with the prescribed model ID in the notice information; and a device operable to generate the notice information having the IDs described. The receiving apparatus includes a device operable to determine whether the prescribed model ID matches an owned prescribed model ID; a device operable to determine whether the extended model ID matches the owned extended model ID when the prescribed model ID is so determined; and a device operable to acquire update data when the extended model ID is so determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Hamada
  • Patent number: 7873982
    Abstract: A system for creating and viewing customized multimedia segments allows a user to create event identification data from in-band data in a program stream. The in-band data is processed and compiled into event identification data associated with the content stream. The event identification data identifies patterns or sequences of in-band data associated with events in the content stream. Metadata are also included in the event identification data. The event identification data is provided to multimedia devices which receive multimedia content streams containing content streams with in-band data. The in-band data are parsed and compared to the event identification data. If a match occurs, the multimedia device uses the metadata to identify events or perform specified actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Smith, Paul Stevens, Adam Feder, James M. Barton
  • Patent number: 7870281
    Abstract: A content playback device has a processor, a memory, a data acquisition portion that acquires streaming data for content from a data transmission device, and a storage portion that stores the acquired streaming data in a storage medium. The content playback device also has a playback portion that plays back the content based on the stored streaming data, a playback control portion that causes the playback portion to halt playback of the content in response to a halt playback request, and an acquisition control portion. The acquisition control portion causes the data acquisition portion to stop acquisition of the streaming data in response to the halt playback request, and causes the data acquisition portion to restart acquisition of the streaming data in response to a resume playback request. The storage portion stores, in the storage medium, the streaming data acquired in response to the resume playback request, starting from a position at which acquisition of the streaming data was stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Masunaga, Yoshikatsu Niwa, Tsunemitsu Takase, Tomoaki Takemura, Junichi Otani
  • Patent number: 7870593
    Abstract: A list of video programs downloadable via a digital subscriber line, including a presently-unavailable video program and its associated date of download availability, is presented to a user. A user selection of the video program is received. Based on the user selection, an entry is added to a download schedule to schedule downloading the video program on or after its associated date of download availability. The video program is downloaded via the digital subscriber line based on the download schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: ATT Knowledge Ventures, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Stuckman, Michael Grannan, Robert R. Bushey, Russell W. White, Benjamin A. Knott, David Patron
  • Patent number: 7861280
    Abstract: An application information table (AIT) includes a set of application information which is associated with a particular broadcast application. The set of application information includes a first data field indicating whether the data broadcast application is a program-bound application. A digital broadcast transmitter transmits a digital broadcast signal including the application information table (AIT) to a digital broadcast receiver, which then reads the first data field included in the set of application information to determine a program binding status of the data broadcast application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Young Tae Chung
  • Patent number: 7860743
    Abstract: Method and system of distributing advertisements for storage in a network. The stored advertisements being retrievable for insertion within or other association with services provided to a network subscriber. Identifying characteristics of the advertisement may be used to facilitate the storage thereof and identifying characteristics of the customs may be used to facilitate advertisements associated with services accessed thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarke Stevens
  • Patent number: 7861279
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for increasing a channel change speed in a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) receiving terminal. The apparatus includes a DMB buffering unit for buffering DMB data, a DMB extractor for extracting only DMB data of a currently set channel, and a controller for setting a changed channel into a DMB signal-receiving unit so that a DMB program can be output using extracted DMB data. DMB data output from the DMB signal-receiving unit is stored in the DMB buffering unit, and DMB data according to a channel set by the user is extracted. Thus, a channel change can be performed without stopping or restarting a DMB receiving operation of the DMB receiving unit, and the time required for the channel change is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hyung-Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 7849483
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying a simplified electronic program schedule guide on a user's television monitor is provided. In one embodiment, the program schedule guide is abbreviated to include only the programs currently available for viewing on a subset of the available channels. In another embodiment, the program guide screen visually distinguishes between programs for the convenience of the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Starsight Telecast Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A Milnes, Steven M Schein
  • Patent number: 7849492
    Abstract: A broadcasting system comprises a transmission apparatus, which multiplexes stream-format data based on a stream transmission protocol and file-format data based on a file transmission protocol with each other and sends them as a single stream, and receiving apparatuses which receive and temporarily accumulate stream-format data and file-format data which are sent as they are multiplexed with each other, and stream-format data and file-format data are temporarily accumulated as they directly are in the form of a single stream, all or some of file-format data are reproduced later at predetermined timing and accumulated once again as a file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuteru Kataoka, Masahiro Takatori
  • Patent number: 7849478
    Abstract: It is the objective of the present invention to easily change between an image display application and the viewing of a program for a digital television, and to improve the usability of the television for operating an image display application. The display change list for a (channel) Up/Down key of a remote controller is dynamically altered so that, during the execution of an image display application, an application screen is displayed by using the Up/Down key. Further, when a memory card is loaded immediately after the television is powered on, a display application can be automatically activated. Furthermore, while a user is watching the television, the contents of a memory card is displayed on a small window in one part of the screen, and execution of the image application controlled by the user. In addition, no icons are displayed while an important program is on displaying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuntaro Aratani, Shigeki Mori, Keiichi Aoyama
  • Patent number: 7831127
    Abstract: A method of combining data with other material comprises the step of repetitively distributing the data in the other material. The data is for example metadata associated with the other material. The other material may be one or more of video, audio and data material preferably in a defined file format e.g. MXF. The material and data from the file are preferably mapped to one of several signal interfaces such as SDI, SDTI and AES3, where the file metadata is repetitively distributed through the stream signal interface by one of several multiplexing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sony United Kingdom Limited
    Inventor: James Hedley Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7827585
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel G Hassell, Edward B Knudson, L. Joe Hedges, Michael D Ellis, David M Berezowski
  • Patent number: 7823177
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Ellis
  • Patent number: 7818777
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7818778
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7814220
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a media player and a control unit operable to selectively access any one of a plurality of different types of media sources, such as a local media file memory, and at least one signal input for media data received through a communication connection from an external source, such as a streaming media data or a real time FM radio signal. A user-operable key is carried on the device, which upon activation triggers the control unit to store data related to a currently accessed media source in a playlist. Both the storage and selection of a playlist, which are dependent on from which type of media source the media data is accessed, are performed automatically in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Tobias Rydenhag
  • Publication number: 20100251307
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention significantly decrease the processing requirements as well as the cost of digital television receivers. In an embodiment, processing requirements of both hardware and software components in digital television receivers are lowered by generating the channel map without regard to channel map information present in a Virtual Channel Table (VCT). In another embodiment, significant recurring portions of an ATSC signal can be neglected with no processing power, cost, and time spent thereon. In another embodiment, processing typically used to process channel map information contained in the VCT portion of the ATSC signal is freed and may instead be used to process other information, thereby enabling further enhancements and features in digital television services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Adil Jagmag, Rajesh Mamidwar
  • Patent number: 7797716
    Abstract: A recording apparatus is disclosed which includes first through n-th recording means for recording input broadcast contents to a recording medium. When a user designates a reservation of a broadcast content recording, the apparatus automatically selects one of the recording means so as to make the recording reservation to the selected recording means. If any such recording means cannot be selected automatically, i.e., if recording reservations have already been made to all recording means for a time slot corresponding to the reservation desired to be made anew, then the user is asked to select particular recording means for the reservation. A recording reservation made to one recording means may be switched automatically to another recording means as needed. That is, any recording reservation after being made may be switched from one recording means to another before actual execution of the recording, in order to reflect the status of other recording reservations that have been made since.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Ishida, Hitoshi Kimura
  • Patent number: 7793332
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7793330
    Abstract: Systems and methods of utilizing hyperlinks in connection with video services are disclosed. One such method includes receiving a video program having a start time. This method also includes receiving, before the start time, a media object associated with the video program. This method also includes storing the media object, and displaying the media object and the video program on a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Arturo A. Rodriguez, Dean F. Jerding
  • Publication number: 20100223653
    Abstract: A digital video broadcast receiver for receiving data of a plurality of services (S1-S3) which are transmitted in bursts of data over a transmission channel is provided. The receiver comprises a rendering unit (HH) for rendering data of a selected first service (S1) from the plurality of services (S1-S3). The receiver furthermore comprises at least one memory unit (FM, SC) for caching at least one received burst of data associated to the selected first service (S1) of the plurality of services (S1-S3). The memory is furthermore used for caching at least a first part of a received burst of data of at least a second service (S2) of the plurality of services (S1-S3). The receiver furthermore comprises an input unit (HH) for inputting a zap command to switch the rendering of the first service (S1) to a second service (S2) of the plurality of services (S1-S3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Arie G. C. Koppelaar, Onno Eerenberg, Armand M. Stuivenwold
  • Patent number: 7784082
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 7765578
    Abstract: This invention relates to a digital broadcast receiver device capable of performing excellent reproduction equivalent to recording sessions in the case of receiving digital broadcast by handheld terminals or mobile/movable bodies, such as land vehicles, and then recording it in a storage device for reproduction. For example, when recording hierarchically transmitted digital broadcast on a recording medium, the reception quality is analyzed by a reception quality analyzer based on the information from a transmission path demodulator. A list generator generates a reception quality list from an analysis result from the reception quality analyzer and time information from a writing unit and then records it on the record medium. Upon playback from the record medium, the reception quality list is analyzed by a list analyzer. A selection instruction unit selects the optimum hierarchical service and then performs playback and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadao Tsuruga, Takatoshi Shirosugi
  • Publication number: 20100175102
    Abstract: An interactive media system includes a broadcasting device for broadcasting TV signals, and a receiving device for receiving TV signals. The TV signals, such as a TV commercial for new movie preview, contain screen related action codes that include device type, action type and the detail action information. The receiving device includes storage for storing the reference address for other home electronic devices, and a button on a remote controller for the users to start interactive with the interactive media system. When the user presses the button, the receiving device will send the action codes to the designated other home device or another TV screen channel, to allow users to perform the action on the other home device instead of performing the action on TV. The system also allows users just use number keys to navigate web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Shaobo Kuang
  • Patent number: 7748020
    Abstract: In order to maintain continuity before and after interruption of a streaming broadcast, a receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes: a reception unit which receives data on a stream broadcast; a memory which is capable of storing a predetermined amount of the received data on a stream broadcast; a data processing unit which processes the data on a stream broadcast to generate video data for the stream broadcast; a video output unit which outputs the video data to a display apparatus; and a detection unit which detects interruption point data indicating a position where the stream broadcast should be interrupted out of the received data on a stream broadcast; when an abnormality is detected, the output of the video data is stopped at a position instructed in the interruption point data detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeki Mori, Tetsu Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20100142921
    Abstract: This research discloses a digital broadcasting contents transmitting/receiving apparatus that can quickly and easily purchase broadcasting contents, and a method thereof. The apparatus for receiving a digital broadcasting includes: a broadcasting contents receiver configured to receive a broadcasting content and first program protection information (PPI) including distribution scope information of the broadcasting content; a content storage configured to store the received broadcasting content; a purchase requester configured to transmit purchase request information according to a purchase request of a user for the stored broadcasting content; and a PPI controller configured to replace the first PPI with second PPI transmitted to the broadcasting contents receiver in response to the purchase request and including information on a changed distribution scope of the broadcasting content for which the purchase request is made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sangwoo AHN, Jeho NAM, Moon-Kyun OH, Sang-Kwon SHIN, Won-Sik CHEONG, Hyon-Gon CHOO, Jooyoung LEE, Jin-Woo HONG