Combined From Plural Information Providers (e.g., Combined Terrestrial And Satellite Sources) Patents (Class 725/48)
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Publication number: 20130014169Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system operative to provide a user interface for selecting content from at least a first content domain and a second different content domain, configured to drive a display device to display one or more content item identifiers (184) identifying content items of said first content domain and content item identifiers (192) identifying one or more content items of said second content domain in a common display arrangement (180). The invention also relates to an apparatus and method.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventors: Patrick Michael Sansom, Ian James Valentine
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Patent number: 8352986Abstract: A picture display system having two display devices and a base device for supplying picture signals to one of the display devices and capable of having bidirectional communication with the other display device is disclosed. The picture display system (1) is made up by a mobile display device (100), a base device (200) and a large format display device (300). The base device (200) sends picture signals to the display device (100) and to the large format display device (300). On a display image surface of the mobile display device (100), there is provided a touch panel for detecting the contact position contacted by a user for displaying a remote-control panel RP accepting an operating input from the user on the display image surface. An operating signal conforming to a display item of the remote-control panel RP, displayed at a contact position, detected by the touch panel, is generated and transmitted by wireless communication to the base device (200).Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Mami Uchida, Tatsuya Yokoyama, Yuka Ohashi, Ayumi Mizobuchi, Jin Sato, Yushi Sayama
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Patent number: 8347338Abstract: This application describes a method of referencing content in an application. The method comprises, for a content element, creating a reference to the content element and associating that reference with the content element. This enables the content element (for example, text or images) to be dissociated from other features related to content; for example, its presentation on the screen. In this way, control over presentation may be achieved separately from control of the content itself. In an example, a Content Provider provides referenced content to an Operator. A Program Provider sends referenced scenarios to the Operator. The Operator resolves the reference and sends data for broadcast by the Broadcaster.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventors: Christophe Colas Noblecourt, Setra Rakotomavo
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Patent number: 8341675Abstract: A method and system for providing program guide data to a user network device associated with a user identifier includes a partner service provider in communication with the user network device and a primary service provider in communication with the partner service provider authenticating the user network device provider using the user identifier. The user network device generates a request for program guide data and communicates the user identifier and the request to the partner service provider. The partner service provider or the primary service provider communicates program guide data to the user network device based on the identifier data. The user network device displays the program guide data on a display device.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Kapil Chaudhry
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Patent number: 8332893Abstract: A hybrid channel map is described. In an implementation, a client obtains a plurality of channel maps, each from a respective one of a plurality of content providers that are configured to provide content via channels to the client. A hybrid channel map is formed from the plurality of channel maps.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Amit A. Dhodapkar, Shannon Vosseller, David Alexander Collacott, Juan G. Mendez Fernandez
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Patent number: 8327404Abstract: An exemplary method includes presenting, by a media content delivery system, an advertisement for a media content instance that is accessible only at or after a scheduled release time, receiving, by the media content delivery system, a request input by a user to purchase access to the media content instance, and providing, by the media content delivery system in response to the received request, enhanced content associated with the media content instance for experiencing by the user before the scheduled release time. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Brian F. Roberts, Siddharth Pandey, Enrique Ruiz-Velasco
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Patent number: 8327400Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes: a receiving section receiving a broadcast signal of a selected channel; a holding section holding, for each community, a broadcast channel list indicating one or more channels broadcast in the community and a representative channel of those channels, and an adjacent community list indicating adjacent communities adjacent to the community with an overlapping area; a specifying section specifying the community; an overlap list creating section creating an overlap list listing the community that is specified and its adjacent communities; a channel selection section selecting a channel received by the receiving section, and determining success/failure of reception of the broadcast signal of the selected channel; and a receive channel list creating section creating a receive channel list indicating receivable channels, on the basis of determination result of success/failure of reception of the broadcast signal of each channel broadcast in the communities listed in the overlap list.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Naohisa Kitazato
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Publication number: 20120297423Abstract: An approach to enable users to control and direct video from streaming video sources uses target devices for displaying video selected on control devices. The switching and control path is provided in the cloud, i.e., by the streaming video source. Further described is an approach to mirror the content displayed on the control device to the target device. In this way, viewers other than the operator of the control device can view available video lists and thus take part in the video selection process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: AEREO, INC.Inventors: Chaitanya Kanojia, Joseph Thaddeus Lipowski
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Publication number: 20120297421Abstract: A method of controlling a display apparatus connected to plural source devices. The method includes receiving first metadata corresponding to contents to be displayed on the display apparatus from a first source externally connected to the display apparatus; receiving second metadata corresponding to contents to be displayed on the display apparatus from a second source externally connected to the display apparatus that is different than the first source; processing the first metadata and the second metadata received from both of the first and second sources; generating a program guide comprising graphic data indicating the contents corresponding to at least one of the first and second metadata; and displaying the generated program guide, wherein a position of the graphic data is arranged in a predetermined order.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Ryoung KIM, Jihe SUK, Gowoon CHOI
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Patent number: 8316396Abstract: A DVR, server, or other agent correlates media metadata from diverse sources, like an EPG data provider and multiple video-on-demand (VOD) service providers. Metadata sets from different sources are compared in order to attempt to identify identical programs to which the metadata sets pertain. From at least one metadata set, information about the program that the other metadata set lacks is selected. A “canonical” data structure instance for the program is created. The information that is lacking from at least one of the metadata sources is inserted into that instance. For each source from which a program is available, the DVR stores the identity of that source on the DVR's persistent storage device in association with the canonical data structure instance for that program. The DVR receives search criteria from a user and then searches the stored canonical data structure instance for programs that satisfy the criteria.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventors: Todd Kulick, Michael Francis Klar, Vin Chawla, Marcel Dubois, Brian Beach, Alain Jobart
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Patent number: 8302128Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method of receiving digital television signals involves tuning a radio frequency tuner to receive a radio frequency modulated channel containing a transport stream; demodulating the channel to produce an output transport stream; the output transport stream containing an Internet Protocol (IP) stream of packets containing non-real time content, a FLUTE file description table (FDT), NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; demultiplexing the IP stream of packets to produce: NRT content that is stored in an electronic storage medium, the FLUTE FDT, NRT service metadata, and NRT content metadata; parsing the metadata to produces NRT service metadata; NRT content description text and NRT content metadata; and processing the NRT content description text derived from a Text Fragment Table (TFT). This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Mark Kenneth Eyer
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Patent number: 8302129Abstract: In certain embodiments, a digital television broadcast method involves generating a digital television signal having one or more transport streams; where data in at least one of the one or more transport streams that supports non-real time (NRT) services, where such data comprises an Internet protocol (IP) stream of packets containing NRT content including a FLUTE file description table (FDT), a NRT information table (NRT-IT), and a Service Map Table (SMT); where the NRT-IT contains a content ID that relates the NRT-IT to the FLUTE FDT, and where the SMT contains a service ID that relates the SMT to the NRT-IT table; and outputting the one or more transport streams for broadcast as a digital television signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Mark Kenneth Eyer
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Patent number: 8302131Abstract: A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jong Yeul Suh, Gomer Thomas, Jae Hyung Song, Jin Pil Kim, Ho Taek Hong, Joon Hui Lee
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Patent number: 8296804Abstract: In certain embodiments, a digital television receiving method that receives non-real time (NRT) content involves receiving a transport stream containing an Internet Protocol (IP) stream of packets containing non-real time content, NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; at a demultiplexer, demultiplexing the IP stream of packets to produce: NRT content that is stored in the electronic storage medium, NRT service metadata, and NRT content metadata; parsing the NRT metadata to produce NRT service metadata, and NRT content metadata; and where the NRT content metadata contains a signal that indicates that an update is available indicating whether or not a referenced content item will be updated periodically. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Mark Kenneth Eyer
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Patent number: 8296806Abstract: In certain embodiments, a digital television broadcast method involves generating a digital television signal having one or more transport streams; where data in at least one of the one or more transport streams supports non-real time (NRT) services; where such data comprises an Internet protocol (IP) stream of packets containing non-real time content, a FLUTE file description table (FDT), NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; where the NRT metadata further comprises NRT content description text that is contained in Text Fragment Table (TFT); and outputting the one or more transport streams for broadcast as a digital television signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Mark Kenneth Eyer
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Publication number: 20120266194Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: Starsight Telecast, Inc.Inventor: Brian Lee Klosterman
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Patent number: 8291445Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a content provider subsystem providing media content over a closed media network and an open network. At least a subset of the media content provided over the closed media network is provided over the open network. The system further includes a user access subsystem communicatively connected to the closed media network and the open network. The user access subsystem is configured to access the media content over the closed media network and the open network and to process and provide at least a component of the accessed media content for presentation to a user. The user access subsystem includes a content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the closed media network and an expansion content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the open network.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Brian Roberts, Heath Stallings, Don Relyea, Ruchir Rodrigues, Sathya Bhaskaran, Ramakrishnan Ramaswamy Sankaranarayan
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System for processing programs and system timing information derived from multiple broadcast sources
Patent number: 8286207Abstract: A system for initiating scheduled program processing functions such as program display, recording or playback, derives a time clock based on a current time reference indication produced by a particular broadcast source. The derived time clock is used in initiating scheduled processing functions for programs derived from the particular broadcast source and time clocks derived from sources other than the particular broadcast source are disregarded. The system displays a second time clock different to the derived time clock. In addition, the system forms a composite program guide from data from multiple broadcast sources to associate current time reference indications with their corresponding broadcast sources.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Daniel Richard Schneidewend, Aaron Hal Dinwiddie -
Patent number: 8276182Abstract: Television content from multiple sources is described. In embodiment(s), a television client device includes an interface to receive television media content in multiple streaming video formats. A television media service implemented in the television client device can process television media content when received in a first streaming video format, and render the television media content for display. In addition, the television media service can process additional television media content when received in a second streaming video format, and render the additional television media content for display.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Haoyun Wu, Min Liu, Ashley C. Speicher, Zhen Ma, Hui Wan, Thomas Meng, Shuyin Zhao, Feng Lu
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Patent number: 8272011Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a system and method for simultaneously displaying advertisements with an electronic program guide (EPG). The system displays television schedule information in rows of schedule information items including the time and channel for least a portion of the displayed television schedule information items. An advertisement is selected for display from a plurality of advertisements, and the selected advertisement is displayed between two rows of the schedule information items simultaneously with the displayed television schedule information items.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Patent number: 8272008Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for retrieving audio signals. A video signal is received that is associated with a content identifier and an alternate audio tag. In response to the alternate audio tag, a query is made for an alternate audio source that corresponds to the content identifier. A query result is received that identifies at least one alternate audio signal that corresponds to the content identifier and that is separately available from the video signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Dennis R. Meek, Robert A. Koch
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Patent number: 8270343Abstract: A wireless communication system comprises a broadcast transmitter broadcasting textual and multimedia information to a remote receiver unit. The broadcast transmitter is operably coupled to a signal manipulation function and arranged to receive and process a broadcast signal that comprises both a textual portion and multimedia information. The signal manipulation function separates the textual and multimedia information into multiple bursts of data sub-blocks, wherein substantially each sub block comprises the textual data and a sub-block of multimedia information for transmitting to the remote receiver unit. By implementing the aforementioned inventive concepts, faster access to the most important (i.e. semantic) part of the transmitted information can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Pierre Tardy, Laurence Poirier-Clarac
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Patent number: 8266655Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Starsight Telecast, IncorporatedInventor: Brian Lee Klosterman
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Patent number: 8250619Abstract: A broadcast signal reception method and a reception system are provided. The reception system includes a first processor, a second processor, and a storage medium. The first processor receives and processes a signaling table, the signaling table comprising first signaling information including access information of Non-Real-Time (NRT) service data and second signaling information including media object association information of the NRT service data. The second processor receives the NRT service data and processes a file including the received NRT service data based on the access information and the media object association information processed by the first processor. The storage medium stores the processed file of the NRT service data.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jae Hyung Song, Chul Soo Lee, Jin Pil Kim, Jong Yeul Suh, Joon Hui Lee
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Patent number: 8250607Abstract: In certain embodiments, a digital television receiver method for receiving non-real time (NRT) content involves receiving a transport stream containing an Internet Protocol (IP) stream of packets containing non-real time content, NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the IP stream of packets to produce: NRT content, NRT service metadata, and NRT content metadata; an NRT metadata parser that produces NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; and where the NRT service metadata contains an indication whether or not a particular NRT service is to be offered on a subscription basis. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Mark Kenneth Eyer
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Patent number: 8250605Abstract: Preferred systems and methods are disclosed for navigating among a group or lists of programs, such as in a network terminal (such as a set top box) in a video program distribution system which presents a viewer with an electronic program guide comprising a plurality of program titles wherein the order is determined by a program score used to predict a level of interest for the viewer based in part on extrinsic data provided to the network terminal regarding the viewer's characteristics and attributes. The extrinsic data could be obtained based on the individual viewer's specific attributes, or the demographic attributes of similarly situated viewers. The extrinsic data, as well as intrinsic data is processed to provide an ordered list of program which are more reflective of that viewer's interests that a linear listing of programs. The system and method can apply for other applications involving prioritizing selection information.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Verizon Services Corp.Inventor: Robert Edward Opaluch
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Publication number: 20120198495Abstract: A method for consolidating and comparing recommendations in selecting TV content for viewing by compiling and displaying recommendation and rating values for the same TV content from Sony and a number of other recommendation and ratings providers. Presenting all recommendation values on a single visual display and providing the preferred Sony recommendation in the most prominent display position and font, and allowing the viewer to select the Sony recommendation value to select that content for viewing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventor: Yuko Nishikawa
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Patent number: 8234672Abstract: A method and system is provided to control playback of digital media on a playback device. The system may include a playback unit including at least one digital media storage communication interface to communicate with a media storage device, and a bi-directional remote control communication interface. Further, the system may include a separate remote control device to control the playback of the digital media on the playback device. The remote control device may include a complemental remote control communication interface for bi-directional communication with the remote control communication interface of the playback unit. The remote control device may also include a display screen, wherein the remote control device receives data from the playback unit for display on the display screen. The invention extends to a playback unit and to a remote control device.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Creative Technology LtdInventors: Lee Morse, Vincent Tong, Chan Tur Wei
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Patent number: 8225354Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for merging EPG data associated with a variety of program sources. In one aspect, EPG data is accessed for different program sources and rules are selected that define how entries in the EPG data are to be merged. The rules may be selected based on whether the EPG data was collected in-band or out-of-band. In addition, the merging rules can be dependent on the program source, which allows the flexibility of applying different rules to different program sources. The EPG data from the different program sources is merged into a single EPG based on the selected rules.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Colin Lee Acton, Cory Jon Cirrincione, Michael S. Hayton, Shawn Pickett, Renaud Bordelet, Paul Irwin, Hans Peter Hess, Hiroshi Ohno, Frederic Azera
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Patent number: 8225353Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently scheduling incoming information objects so that timely objects from a variety of content classes are scheduled for broadcast. The incoming information objects are preferably received from one or more information sources, and are tagged with attributes that associate each object with one or more classes of information (e.g., sports, news, etc.), and provide a gauge of the timeliness or ‘age’ of the object. The tags can be used to select and broadcast objects from a variety of classes, and to identify the most timely objects at any give time.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: ARRIS Group, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan K. Tash
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Publication number: 20120174161Abstract: A system may include a client and a home media server in communication with the client. The home media server may be configured to receive a request for media content from the client; determine content restrictions associated with the client; discover at least one other home media server; receive content listings of media content from the at least one other home media server; aggregate the received content listings to create a unified content listing including instances of media content stored on multiple home media servers; filter the unified content listing according to the content restrictions; and send the filtered unified content listing to the client.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Robin Montague Mathews, Samuel O. Akiwumi-Assani, Tushar Saxena
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Patent number: 8214859Abstract: A user interface receives a user selection of a video content item. The video content item is available in a high definition (HD) format and a non-HD format via a broadband network access line. A format selector automatically selects which format of the video content item from the HD format and the non-HD format to retrieve via the broadband network access line. The format is automatically selected based on at least one rule. A receiver receives the video content item via the broadband network access line in the format automatically selected by the format selector. A television display displays the video content item received by the receiver and in the format automatically selected by the format selector.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Philip Ted Kortum, Marc Andrew Sullivan
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Patent number: 8209721Abstract: A method of providing program recommendations is disclosed that includes receiving a plurality of recommendations related to a television program listed by an electronic program guide from a plurality of first set-top box devices. Further, the method includes receiving a request for the electronic program guide from a second set-top box device. The method also includes determining an aggregated total of the plurality of recommendations, wherein a weighting factor is applied to each recommendation received from one of the plurality of first set-top box devices that is associated with a community related to the second set-top box device.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Kurt Trauth
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Publication number: 20120159549Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for combining electronic program guide data and metadata input from multiple service providers to a common gateway server that connects to consumer electronics devices. A unified interface enables users of a wide variety of consumer electronics devices to easily manage broadcast contents and network services, typically in real-time. In addition to traditional TV EPG applications such as on-screen menus and program descriptions, channel/program searching, and timer and DVR functions, the embodiments provide enhanced metadata features through an Internet connection, including media explorers, streaming content, recommendations and customized advertisements and related searches, and social networking applications. The server manages metadata format translation, and merges content to transparently switch between content providers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Ludovic Douillet, Klaus Hofrichter, Jenke Wu Kuo, Aran Sadja, William Schupp
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Patent number: 8196169Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, a plurality of coordinates of a set top box is identified. In addition, a policy associated with usage of the set top box is enforced utilizing the coordinates.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: NVIDIA CorporationInventor: William S. Herz
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Patent number: 8181199Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for, when a broadcasting receiver outputs a broadcast program, determining whether the same program is present in a program list of an Internet television (TV) provided by an Internet server, and performing a notification function when the same program is present in the program list of the Internet TV, and a broadcasting receiver employing the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Yun Oh Jeong
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Patent number: 8176519Abstract: A method and system for transmitting a plurality of ESG data to an MS over a communication network in a DVB-H CBMS portable broadcasting service are provided. The MS requests ESG data over the communication network, a server collects the requested ESG data and transmits at least one of the collected ESG data in an ESG data group file to the MS over the communication network. The MS receives the ESG data group file and stores the ESG data included in the ESG data group file.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Jin-Woo Jeon, Jae-Yeon Song, Young-Jip Kim
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Patent number: 8166502Abstract: A network-enabled TV sends a geographic location to an Internet server and in response receives back a list of TV service providers for the location. A user selects a provider and the server in response downloads the channel map pertaining to the selected provider.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Eric Hsiao
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Patent number: 8166504Abstract: A content processing method and apparatus which can maximize user convenience by allocating content available in a home network to an empty TV channel are provided. The content processing method includes storing channel information regarding a plurality of broadcast channels to which a broadcast signal has been set, storing channel information regarding a plurality of empty channels to which no broadcast signal has been set, issuing a request for a content list to and receiving a content list from one of a plurality of server devices connected to a home network, mapping the content list to a plurality of empty channels, and selecting one of the channels to which the content list is mapped, and playing back content included in the selected channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eun-jung Kang, Jung-yon Cho
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Publication number: 20120090008Abstract: A method and system for remote control at a client of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) enables a user to add desired multimedia program listings to a user collection. The user collection may be saved at an MCDN server for subsequent retrieval. Multimedia programs corresponding to the listings may be stored in a user collection cache. The user may easily select the listings in a user collection for presentation at an MCDN client. The multimedia programs may be provided from a plurality of content sources, including external content providers and the Internet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.Inventors: Robert King, Darryl Cynthia Moore, Linda A. Roberts
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Patent number: 8156527Abstract: A method includes receiving data representative of a plurality of multimedia channels and associating channel numbers with at least a subset of the plurality of multimedia channels to generate a first channel numbering set. The method further includes providing, in response to user input indicating a selection of a channel number of the first channel numbering set, data representative of one of the plurality of multimedia channels for display. A set of executable instructions manipulate a processor to display an electronic programming guide (EPG) interface. The EPG interface includes a user input interface to receive user information indicating a preferred arrangement of a plurality of multimedia channels ordered in a channel numbering set. The set of executable instructions further manipulate the processor to provide, in response to user input indicating a selection of a channel number by a user, one of the plurality of multimedia channels for display based on the channel numbering set.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Edward Walter, Scott White
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Patent number: 8156526Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for screen display in a digital broadcast receiver for receiving moving picture contents. The method includes: receiving head-end side data including configuration data of lattice-type moving picture contents sent via a broadcasting network, and converting the received head-end side data into content picture configuration data; editing the content picture configuration data and configuring a curved-type circular selection picture so as to display the edited content picture configuration data through the curved-type circular selection picture on a display means of a user terminal; and displaying the configured curved-type circular selection picture containing the moving picture contents on the display means of the user terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Alticast Corp.Inventor: Ji-Young Lee
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Patent number: 8141115Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that effectuate multiple media coordination. The system can include devices and components that coordinate in real time the synchronization of multiple media streams to a multiplicity of diverse devices, distribute the multiple media streams to the various diverse devices, and control the distribution of the multiple media streams to the various devices from at least one of the various devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignees: AT&T Labs, Inc., Futurewei Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Randolph Wohlert, Kaniz Mahdi
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Patent number: 8132204Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting video asset information to a viewer to assist the view in selecting a video asset for viewing is described. The video assets can be available from a plurality of different video asset sources, such as VOD (video on demand), PVR (personal video recorders) and broadcast (including over the air, cable, and satellite). Images from the video assets are displayed in a uniform manner, along with information about the video assets. The information includes data in a metadata category, wherein metadata can be received from the video asset, external sources, or manually input by a user. The view can select one of the video assets for viewing, but also can navigate using metadata categories such as genre, actors, director, and the like. This allows a much easier and natural navigating and selection process for viewers.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Visible World, Inc.Inventor: Seth Haberman
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Patent number: 8099752Abstract: In certain embodiments, a digital television receiver that receives non-real time (NRT) content has an IP demultiplex or a radio frequency tuner that receives a transport stream. The output transport stream contains an IP packet stream containing NRT content, a FLUTE file description table (FDT) and NRT metadata. An electronic storage medium is provided and a demultiplexer demultiplexes the IP stream of packets to produce: NRT content that is stored in the electronic storage medium, the FLUTE FDT, and NRT metadata. An FDT parser parses the FDT to produce NRT file metadata from the FLUTE FDT. An NRT metadata parser produces NRT service metadata, NRT content description text and NRT content metadata. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Mark Kenneth Eyer
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Patent number: 8095466Abstract: Methods and apparatus to conditionally authorize content delivery at content servers in pay delivery systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving an authorization for a program download, receiving a request to download the program from a receiver, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a broadcast signal, and transmitting the program to the receiver via point-to-point communication signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Raynold M. Kahn, Stephen P. Dulac, Hanno Basse, Peter M. Klauss, Deanna R. Kidd, Maria G. Popoli
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Patent number: 8095954Abstract: A method includes associating a first channel identifier of an electronic programming guide with a first multimedia channel from a first content source and associating a second channel identifier of the electronic programming guide with a second multimedia channel from a second content source. The second content source is different from the first content source. A computer readable medium embodies a set of executable instructions that manipulate a processor to generate an electronic programming guide. The electronic programming guide includes a first set of one or more channel identifiers and a second set of one or more channel identifiers. Each channel identifier in the first set is associated with one or more multimedia channels of a cable television transmission and each channel identifier in the second set is associated with a multimedia channel of a packet-based network transmission.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, L.P.Inventors: Edward Walter, Steven M Wollmershauser, Yolius Diroo
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Publication number: 20120005709Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to provide a media processor with a description of available channels, receive from the media processor a request for EPG data and a selection of channels from the available channels where the selection of channels is based on a user's input at the media processor in response to a presentation of the description of the available channels at a display device operably connected to the media processor, and provide to the media processor the requested EPG data representing programming for the selection of channels without programming for remaining channels from the available channels that were not selected, where the media processor presents an EPG based on the provided EPG data, and where a portion of the EPG data is obtained by the controller from a first service provider network that is different from a second service provider network in which the server operates.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.Inventor: EDWARD WALTER
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Patent number: 8091106Abstract: A method and apparatus for using DVD subpicture formatted information within a MPEG data stream to provide data channel information to a television receiver. More particularly, the television receiver comprises a MPEG decoder and a DVD subpicture processor. The MPEG decoder decodes the MPEG stream and extracts the DVD subpicture formatted signal and the DVD subpicture decoder processes one or more DVD subpicture bitstreams to produce DVD graphics. The DVD subpicture bitstream is used to carry and display data channel information such as stock quotes, electronic program guide information, advertisement information, and the like as well as provide interactive menuing functions.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: James Alan Strothmann, Steven Anthony Barron, David Emery Virag
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Patent number: 8091105Abstract: Provided are a method of and an apparatus for reproducing contents based on an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), the method including receiving a plurality of EPGs which are provided by a plurality of content providers, receiving a first EPG generated by a third party using the plurality of EPGs, generating a second EPG using at least one of a list of contents stored in an external storage device, a list of contents retrieved through the Internet, the plurality of EPGs, and the first EPG, and generating the contents based on the second EPG.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyung-eun Lee