Satellite Video Distribution System Patents (Class 725/63)
  • Publication number: 20140282748
    Abstract: In some implementations, a method for distributing content feed of a live event via satellite includes: obtaining media signals for the live event from signal sources, where the media signals comprise audio and visual feed of the live event; converting the media signals into a mixed digital media signal; wirelessly transmitting, using a network protocol, the mixed digital media signal to a satellite uplink device; wirelessly transmitting, using the satellite uplink device, the mixed digital media signal to a satellite; identifying content delivery networks in electronic communication with client devices configured to receive the mixed digital media signal; obtaining the mixed digital media signal from the satellite, using a satellite downlink device; and delivering the mixed digital media signal to the one or more identified content delivery networks, through the satellite downlink device, where the identified content delivery networks further deliver the mixed digital media signal to the client devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Roger McNamee, Glenn Evans, Mark Richards Frederick
  • Patent number: 8839312
    Abstract: Multiple systems for delivering satellite signals are described. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention comprises a receive antenna, including at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), and a module, coupled to and proximate the receive antenna, the module comprising a multiswitch, coupled to the LNB, for directing the satellite signals received by the LNB to a plurality of outputs of the multiswitch, a plurality of tuners, respectively coupled to the outputs of the multiswitch, for tuning to a plurality of specific portions of the satellite signals in a respective fashion, the specific portions of the satellite signals selected based on commands received from a plurality of receivers, and an interface for delivering the specific portions of the satellite signals to the plurality of receivers, wherein the specific portions of the satellite signals are combined into a single combined signal and delivered to the plurality of receivers on a single output of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
  • Patent number: 8839293
    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 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 8837527
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a front-end system for processing a composite wideband signal comprises a pre-receiving unit including a multiplexer for separating the composite wideband signal into a plurality of filtered signals. The front-end system further comprises a plurality of discrete frequency band outputs corresponding to the plurality of filtered signals, and a tuner/down-converter coupled to at least one of the plurality of discrete frequency band outputs. In one embodiment, the pre-receiving unit of the front-end system further comprises a second multiplexer for separating at least one of the plurality of filtered signals into a second plurality of filtered signals. In one embodiment, the pre-receiving unit may further comprise a low noise amplifier for processing at least one of the plurality of filtered signals before it is input to the second multiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Ignacio Gorostegui, Stephen Edward Krafft
  • Publication number: 20140245362
    Abstract: Content delivery systems and methods are operable to provide recoverable program content to a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a qualifying event, wherein the qualifying event is associated with an unavailable portion of a program of interest; communicates a request to establish a backchannel between the media device and a program content device in response to detecting the occurrence of the qualifying event; communicates a request for a recoverable portion of the program of interest from the media device to the program content device over the backchannel, wherein the requested recoverable portion of the program of interest corresponds to the unavailable portion of the program of interest; and receives at the media device the recoverable portion of the program of interest from the program content device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Eric Holley
  • Publication number: 20140245361
    Abstract: Provided is a multilevel satellite broadcasting system for providing a hierarchical satellite broadcasting, including a demodulator to demodulate a transmitted multilevel compression stream based on a modulation parameter, a hierarchical video decoder to receive the demodulated multilevel compression stream, and a channel predicting and controlling unit to process at least one of channel prediction and channel control with respect to the demodulated multilevel compression stream based on channel information of the demodulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jun Gil JEON, Joon Gyu Ryu, Min Su Shin, Deock Gil Oh
  • Patent number: 8819722
    Abstract: Various arrangements for encrypting multiple television channels are presented. A first television channel of a plurality of television channels to be protected via a first entitlement control message (ECM) using a first encryption scheme may be designated. The plurality of television channels may be transmitted using a single transponder stream. A second television channel of the plurality of television channels to be protected via a second ECM encrypted using a second encryption scheme while the first television channel of the plurality of television channels is protected using the first encryption scheme may be designated. The first and second ECMs may be transmitted to a plurality of television receivers. Data from the first ECM may be used for descrambling of the first television channel by the plurality of television receivers. Data from the second ECM may be used for descrambling of the second television channel by the plurality of television receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Echostar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Kummer, Germar Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8819730
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for commonly applying channel scanning to non-network scanning schemes in a digital video broadcasting system are provided. The method includes deleting all services stored in a database, temporarily storing services scanned through each frequency in a temporary storage unit, and performing channel scanning for all frequencies. Accordingly, the same service including different Logical Channel Numbers (LCNs) that is repeatedly stored or another service including the same LCN that is not stored in a Multi Frequency Network (MFN) boundary area using the non-networking scanning scheme is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eung-Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 8806541
    Abstract: A system for a mobile wireless device to receive and display a video stream while preventing overflow or starvation of its receive buffer by requesting changes to the video streaming or encoding rates and by controlling the video playback frame rate. The current receive buffer level is used to make comparisons with several thresholds, the results of which are used to trigger actions. If the current receive buffer level has risen above a start level, then playback of the video can begin. If the current receive buffer level rises above an early detection threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to slow its streaming rate. If the current receive buffer level rises above a high level threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to stop streaming the video. If the current receive buffer level drops below a low level threshold, then the playback frame rate is slowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jun Shen, Venson Shaw
  • Patent number: 8805358
    Abstract: Multimedia communications in multimedia communications with different user terminals. Various optimization for the delivery of multimedia content across different channels are provided concurrently to a plurality of user terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Virginia Innovation Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiehong Wang, Ning Wang, Ximing Wang, Tiejun Wang, William E. Halal
  • Patent number: 8799964
    Abstract: A satellite reception assembly may comprise a housing configured to support receipt and handling of a plurality of satellite signals. The housing may comprise circuitry incorporating integrated stacking architecture for supporting and/or providing channel and/or band stacking whereby particular channels or bands, from multiple satellite signals that are received via the satellite reception assembly, may be combined onto a single output signal that may be communicated from the satellite reception assembly to a gateway device for concurrent distribution thereby to a plurality of client devices serviced by the gateway device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: MaxLinear, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Chang, Brian Sprague, Madhuka Reddy
  • Patent number: 8792841
    Abstract: A method for providing a radio channel list and a mobile terminal supporting the method are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a radio module for performing a radio channel search and for supporting radio broadcast reception, a radio antenna that serves as an antenna for the radio module, a switch placed between the radio module and the radio module, and a control unit for controlling a process of generating a first channel list of ineffective radio channels by performing radio channel search while the radio antenna is disconnected from the radio module by the switch, generating a second channel list of effective radio channels by performing radio channel search while the radio antenna is connected to the radio module by the switch, creating a valid radio channel list by removing entries of the first channel list from the second channel list, and providing the created valid radio channel list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Ryong Park
  • Patent number: 8781152
    Abstract: Automatic identification of media content is at least partially based upon visually capturing a still or video image of media content being presented to a user via another device. The media content can be further refined by determining location of the user, capturing an audio portion of the media content, date and time of the capture, or profile/behavioral characteristics of the user. Identifying the media content can require (1) distinguishing a rectangular illumination the corresponds to a video display; (2) decoding a watermark presented within the displayed image/video; (3) characterizing the presentation sufficiently for determining a particular time stamp or portion of a program; and (4) determining user setting preferences for viewing the program (e.g., close captioning, aspect ratio, language). Thus identified, the media content appropriately formatted can be received for continued presentation on a user interface of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Momeyer, Selena Salazar, Babak Forutanpour
  • Patent number: 8782711
    Abstract: Near real time downloading and verifying of a subscriber's remote record request is provided to control a DVR using the existing satellite network. The insertion of the programming request into the continuous broadcast stream enables near real time processing of the request by a subscriber IRD to accommodate same day and even last minute remote programming requests. The use of a back channel to verify the request provides the subscriber with assurance that the request has been processed successfully and flexibility to change services on the fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Kuether, Philip R. Hilmes, Heang K. Lim
  • Patent number: 8776143
    Abstract: The present invention provides a data processing method, the data processing method including receiving a broadcasting signal where mobile service data are multiplexed with main service data, extracting transmission-parameter-channel signaling information and fast-information-channel signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data, parsing first program table information describing virtual channel information of an ensemble and a service provided by the ensemble using the fast-information-channel signaling information, the ensemble corresponding to a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, obtaining information representing that second program table information, which includes a descriptor describing event information of the mobile service data, is received, from the first program table information, parsing the second program table information, and storing the event information and displaying service guide information including the event information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Sang Yoo, In Hwan Choi, Chul Soo Lee, Jae Hyung Song, Pil Sup Shin
  • Patent number: 8769586
    Abstract: Content used in creating an electronic program guide and/or channels for a television reception system is delivered to a local receiving device, such as a direct to home satellite receiver, as individual digital objects. Rules (i.e., conditional expressions) may be embedded in the digital objects to allow different actions in different situations. These rules can be used to determine whether an object should be stored, which objects should be included in an electronic program guide, and/or what content should be used to create a particular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Arsenault, Tam T. Leminh, Craig A. Finseth, Jeffrey A. Brown, Philip E. Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8763037
    Abstract: A broadcast system and method for allocating its resources includes a broadcast operation channel management system forming a database having broadcast system data from a bit rate allocation for a transponder of a satellite and a guide channel definition. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a user interface that displays a least a portion of the broadcast system data on a display. The broadcast system data is modified through the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T Hayes, Jorge P del Moral, John D Lee, Trang V Luu, Mark T Takamoto, Jonathan L Tronson, Paul P Woo, Gilbert Zaldivar
  • Patent number: 8763059
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) to a telephone line via a coaxial cable used for delivering direct broadcast satellite signals to the IRD. One embodiment comprises a port coupler, coupled to a telephone line and to the coaxial cable, and a client unit, coupled between the port coupler and the IRD, wherein the port coupler connects the IRD to the direct broadcast satellite signals and connects the IRD to the phone line via the client unit, and at least satellite signals, satellite control signals, telephone data signals, and telephone system protocol signals travel on the coaxial cable between the client unit and the port coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Raynold M. Kahn, James D. Allen
  • Patent number: 8763050
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box that can have a controller element to present at a media device content information received over a broadband connection. The content information can be associated with at least one satellite service presented to the media device over satellite signals disassociated with the broadband connection. The content information can also be received responsive to a request for said content information. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Scott White
  • Patent number: 8756636
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a plurality of local channel signals that includes a monitoring system for receiving the plurality of local channel signals and for converting channel signals into RF signals. The system also includes a combiner for combining the RF signals with national signals to form a combined signal and an integrated receiver decoder and a router communicating at least one of the combined signals to an input of the integrated receiver decoder. A display associated with the integrated receiver decoder displays at least one of one of the RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell B. Wasden, Vishal Arya, Darren M. St. Laurent, Charles S. Tellez
  • Patent number: 8756647
    Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a control circuit that provides a combined power signal and control signal to an LNB of a satellite system. The control circuit output may be transmitted to an LNB by a set-top box (STB) such that the STB may control the LNB. The control circuit may accept an enable signal from the STB to alter the circuit from a transmitting circuit to a receiving circuit. The control circuit may also integrate the functionality of a low pass filter into the communication signal circuit, thereby removing the need for a low pass filter at a power supply output. The control circuit may also provide a low overall power consumption of the circuit by isolating the communication signal from the power supply signal before the signals are combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Global B.V.
    Inventor: Herman J. J. de Leeuw
  • Patent number: 8744338
    Abstract: A mobile transceiver device can communicate with a separate broadcast radio receiver, to receive metadata concerning a main program being received by the broadcast radio receiver. The mobile transceiver device uses the metadata to formulate a request or search query, send the request or search query over a WLAN or cellular data network transceiver, to one or more sources of additional information, which respond with additional information. The additional information can comprise more detailed metadata about the main program as well as content and programming that facilitate a commerce transaction. For example, more detailed metadata can include song lyrics and album art when the main program is a song, while if the main program is an advertisement, the additional information can comprise information for furthering completion of a transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Michael Joseph DeLuca
  • Patent number: 8745672
    Abstract: A method of processing broadcast data includes: receiving a broadcast signal including a group including mobile service data, FIC data, TPC data and known data sequences; demodulating the broadcast signal; compensating channel distortion generated in the demodulated broadcast signal based upon at least one of the known data sequences; decoding the FIC data and the TPC data from the channel distortion compensated broadcast signal; extracting the signaling information table from the channel distortion compensated broadcast signal; identifying a stream where keys to decrypt the mobile service data are obtained using the extracted signaling information table; and decrypting the mobile service data using the keys. The group further includes data blocks. First, fourth, fifth and sixth known data sequences are inserted into third, fifth, sixth and seventh data blocks, respectively. Second and third known data sequences are inserted into a fourth data block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Kil Park, In Hwan Choi, Jae Hyung Song, Chul Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 8739227
    Abstract: Data is exchanged between two decoders by means of an antenna cable while, at the same time, being able to position at least two decoders in two different transmission bands or on two independent antennas. A signal distribution device in a multi-decoder reception system has means, such as a band pass filter, for linking the input/outputs, connected to the decoders, between them in order to form an electrical contact limited to a communication frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Raoul Monnier
  • Patent number: 8732781
    Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr., Mark A. Wood
  • Publication number: 20140137162
    Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing an audio/visual feed of a live event include mixing ambient audio signals, from ambient microphones monitoring the live event, with sound board feed from the event public address system, thereby forming a mixed audio signal. A video input signal is received at each video input in a plurality of video inputs at a video board from corresponding cameras recording the event. One such video input signal is selected as the video board output and is combined with the mixed audio signal thereby producing an audio/visual signal. This signal is encoded using a video codec, at each of several bitrates, and an audio codec, thereby forming bitrate streams each comprising the video portion of the audio/visual signal at a unique bitrate. The streams are received by a satellite router and transmitted to a satellite which sends them to one or more downlink servers for Internet distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Moontunes, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger McNamee, Glenn Evans, Mark Richards Frederick
  • Patent number: 8724536
    Abstract: Embodiments provide power-efficient mechanisms for communicating small amounts of information to receiver devices within a mobile broadcast system. A generic transport mechanism enables transmitting data relevant to upper layer protocols in a lower layer sub-channel so multiple information summary flows can share the same physical layer sub-channel. Data fields are added to the Overhead Information Service (OIS) channel to provide power-efficient logical channels for carrying the summary information. Data from the power-efficient logical channels are provided to an upper protocol layer that receives the information summary flows. Information summary flow may carry a version number of an information flow in the broadcast signal, codes or other information. Receiver devices periodically monitoring the OIS receive the information summary flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Qiang Gao, Ralph Akram Gholmieh, An M. Chen
  • Publication number: 20140130105
    Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CONVERGENT MEDIA SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventor: Richard Reisman
  • Patent number: 8713609
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and apparatus for communicating electronic service guide information in a satellite television system are provided. A satellite communication system may receive a signal via an interface to a satellite dish, and receive data from a network via a second interface (e.g., an interface to a LAN or a WAN, such as the Internet). The satellite communication system may be operable to channelize the received satellite signal into a plurality of channels, wherein a first channel of the plurality of channels carries electronic service guide (ESG) data. The satellite communication system may select which of the plurality of channels to input to a demodulator based, at least in part, on whether ESG data is available via the second interface. A second channel carrying media data may be input to the demodulator while the ESG data is available via the second interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: MaxLinear, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis Ling
  • Patent number: 8711758
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a satellite communications system includes first and second receivers, splitters, and combiners. The first receiver is configured to receive a first microwave communications signal; and the first splitter is coupled to the first receiver and configured to split the first microwave communications signal into at least first and second channels. The second receiver is configured to receive a second microwave communications signal; and the second splitter is coupled to the second receiver and configured to split the second microwave communications signal into at least third and fourth channels. The first combiner is coupled to the first and second splitters and configured to combine the first and third channels to form a third microwave communications signal; and the second combiner is coupled to the first and second splitters and configured to combine the second and fourth channels to form a fourth microwave communications signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin C. Hudson, Remberto L. Martin
  • Patent number: 8713612
    Abstract: A hospitality media system includes a plurality of entertainment devices installed at a hospitality location and a content selector. The content selector is configured to retrieve a plurality of user profiles corresponding to current users of the hospitality location, and automatically adjust content made available on each of the entertainment devices at the hospitality location according to information stored in the user profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Guest Tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd.
    Inventors: Arnon Levy, Peter Warrick, Lindsey Carriere, Darren Ziebart, Joseph Kullos, Diego Fontes, Andrew MacMillan
  • Patent number: 8705436
    Abstract: Satellite broadcasting methods include providing a cellular satellite communications system configured to transmit information separately to a plurality of different geographic locations defined by a respective plurality of cellular satellite spotbeams, and concurrently transmitting a program signal on a plurality of different spotbeams. The plurality of different spotbeams may include less than a total number of spotbeams of the cellular satellite communications system. The plurality of different spotbeams may be selected adaptively from an available pool of spotbeams based on locations of users requesting the broadcast program signal. Corresponding satellite gateways, broadcast controllers and wireless user terminals are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Santanu Dutta, Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 8706024
    Abstract: A method of and system for providing interactive services to a set of mobile devices is provided, comprising: providing at least one set of first information adapted for over-the-air broadcast to a set of mobile devices by at least one first facility, wherein the first information is selected from the group comprising program content, basic information and cloud content; providing at least one set of second information adapted for transmission to at least one of the mobile devices by at least one second facility, wherein the second information is selected from the group comprising non-linear information, on-demand information, cloud content and user-defined content, and wherein the second facility comprises a transmitter selected from the group comprising a short range wireless transmitter in intermittent communication with at least one of the mobile devices and a long range wireless transmitter; and receiving at least one set of third information based on information selected from the group comprising the fi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Aldo G. Cugnini, Louis H. Libin
  • Patent number: 8707370
    Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing digital satellite broadcast programs over multicast Internet Protocol (IP) networks are provided. A satellite receiver gateway receives a signal from a digital satellite broadcast and generates service information multicast packets that are transmitted over a multicast IP network. A device receives the service information multicast packets and generates a channel list or electronic program guide for a user. When a user selects a service from the channel list or electronic program guide the device sends a service request for the service towards the satellite receiver gateway. Either the satellite receiver gateway or a switch within the multicast IP network can then transmit the service in multicast IP packets to the requesting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Datacasting Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Carter, Bastian Stassen
  • Patent number: 8707291
    Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a method and apparatus for remotely providing firmware to a wireless device. The wireless device may be configured to detect when the device's firmware is corrupted or may need updating. The device may then transmit a request for a firmware image on a first wireless communication channel. If the request is answered by an updating device, the wireless device may establish a communication with, and begin receiving the firmware image from, the updating device. Further, the wireless device may verify transmitted data and send an acknowledgment message to the updating device for each transmitted data packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Hale, Jeremy S. Mickelsen, William R. Reams, David A. Innes
  • Patent number: 8704959
    Abstract: A remote control device is presented which includes a user interface, control logic, a memory and a transmitter. The user interface is configured to accept an input from a user. The control logic is configured to generate a random number as an address for the remote control device, and to generate a command for an electronic device based on the input from the user. The command comprises the address. The memory is configured to store the address for the remote control device. The transmitter is configured to transmit the command to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Michael Beals, Michael T. Dugan
  • Patent number: 8695045
    Abstract: An event trigger data string is formulated and added to digital content for distribution to an audience via broadcast, satellite, cable or any other technology. The event trigger data string includes identification of an event source, identification of an operation to be performed, and a payload. A controller reads the data string and outputs a command to an appropriate event source for alteration of a digital content stream based upon the identified operation. The payload may, for example, identify an advertisement or notice to be spliced into or out of the digital content stream. Such event trigger data strings may be added to many different digital content streams, and a router or switching component may distribute the streams to systems that disseminate them to the audience. The technique enables interaction with different event sources, and allows command of multiple different operations by these event sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: NBCU University Media, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Andrew Jackson, Michael George Duemo, Michael P. Slavik, Stephen J. Asay, Marcel Bautista
  • Patent number: 8689263
    Abstract: A frequency translation module for delivering satellite signals to Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs). The module comprises at least one input for receiving polarized satellite signals, wherein at least one input is coupled to at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), at least one legacy output, the legacy output coupled to the input through a multiswitch, wherein each legacy output selects a polarization of a satellite signal based on a Legacy IRD command directly to the multiswitch, and at least one combined output, the combined output coupled to the multiswitch through an interface, wherein at least one new IRD selectively commands the frequency translation module such that each new IRD receives a portion of a satellite signal based on commands received from each IRD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
  • Patent number: 8683529
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing data. The method of processing data includes receiving a broadcasting signal where mobile service data are multiplexed with main service data, extracting transmission-parameter-channel signaling information and fast-information-channel signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data; obtaining first program table information describing virtual channel information of an ensemble and a service provided by the ensemble using the fast-information-channel signaling information, the ensemble the ensemble corresponding to a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, obtaining information indicating that second program table information, which describes an additional service provided by the ensemble, is included in the ensemblem and parsing the second program table information according to the obtained information; and providing the additional service by using the second program table information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Sang Yoo, In Hwan Choi, Chul Soo Lee, Jae Hyung Song, Min Sung Kwak
  • Patent number: 8683531
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a digital data stream is divided into at least two complementary digital substreams and delayed in time. The first digital substream and the second digital substream are transmitted by the broadcasting systems with a time offset in accordance with the broadcasting principle such that any receiver can use the respectively intact part of the other complementary digital substream in order to ensure a seamless media reception when a break in the transmission or reception occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Fuss, Christian Schaupmann
  • Publication number: 20140082674
    Abstract: Provided is a data processing apparatus and method that may initialize baseband frame data that is newly input, and may randomize the baseband frame data based on a byte unit. Also, provided is a data processing system and method that may configure baseband frame data by randomizing the baseband frame data based on the byte unit in performing mode adaptation and stream adaptation with respect to a received transport stream (TS) packet, and may perform channel encoding of the baseband frame data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
  • Patent number: 8649772
    Abstract: A method for delivering a stored message to a satellite radio receiver is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to retrieve the message, receiving the message, encoding the message for satellite transmission, and transmitting the message for delivery to the satellite radio receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John Blake Slemmer, Ryan Schaub
  • Patent number: 8644323
    Abstract: In a distributed management scheme for LEO satellite networks interactions between a satellite and the designated fixed center occur according to a time schedule and only when the designated center is in the coverage area of the payload. For exception/alarm reporting and real-time configuration updates the interaction varies with time. Interactions of this type occur between a satellite and the management center that is “nearest” to the payload or satellite at the time instant at which the network event occurs or configuration upload is needed. The nearest management center for a payload is the center that can be reached from the payload with fewest number of crosslink hops. A central network operation center determines, prior to payload launch, the association between satellites and management centers for routine information exchange, and the nearest management center for the payload for different snapshots of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Narayanan Natarajan, Anindo Bagchi, William Edward Stephens, Stephen Leanheart
  • Patent number: 8639179
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for auto-installing an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) includes issuing an auto-installation command from the IRD to an outdoor unit (ODU) and receiving a plurality of tones from the ODU in response to the auto-installation command, each tone representing a center frequency of available user bands (UBs). The auto-installation also includes acquiring a UB center frequency by the IRD, requesting the ODU to confirm a UB number corresponding to the acquired UB center frequency, and receiving confirmation from the ODU that a UB number corresponds to the acquired UB center frequency. The auto-installation also includes sending an acceptance of the assigned UB number from the IRD to signal the ODU that it may mark the assigned UB as assigned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Entropic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Wong, Troy Brandon, Jon Huss
  • Patent number: 8635653
    Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to receive media content transport channels from multiple transponders. An exemplary embodiment receives a first transport channel, wherein the first transport channel comprises a first portion of a media content event of interest multiplexed together with a first plurality of media content events; receives a second transport channel, wherein the second transport channel comprises a second portion of the media content event of interest multiplexed together with a second plurality of media content events; demultiplexes the first portion of the media content event of interest from the first transport channel; and demultiplexes the second portion of the media content event of interest from the second transport channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Leslie Carmichael
  • Publication number: 20140013361
    Abstract: A real time system to both televise and stream sporting events from sports paraphernalia that are ordinarily used by the players on soccer playing fields, ice hockey rinks, tennis courts, baseball playing fields and football playing fields are disclosed. The sports paraphernalia are instrumented with a variety of TV cameras, microphones, and bi-directional communication electronics. Instrumented sports paraphernalia such as ice hockey goals, ice hockey pucks, soccer goals, tennis nets, tennis posts, baseball bases, baseball home plates, baseball pitcher's rubbers and footballs are disclosed. Instrumentation is built into and contained internally within some of the instrumented sports paraphernalia. Instrumentation is mounted and attached onto some of the sports paraphernalia. The instrumented sports paraphernalia can both televise signals to a TV viewing audience, and simultaneously stream onto the internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Lawrence Maxwell Monari, Lawrence Scott Monari
  • Patent number: 8627507
    Abstract: There is disclosed a media file distribution system and method. An asset management and delivery system and method for the distribution of digital files and data is provided. There are two major functions, with sub-functions within each. The system first serves as a fully automated management system for a company involved in video/file distribution, such as in video on demand (VOD) or other digital file industries. The system can ingest, prepare, schedule, transmit, track and report on any aspect of the business chain. Secondly, it also serves as a product for both content providers and recipients to be able to view, manage and run their entire content offering remotely from anywhere through the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Vubiquity Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Stasi, Kelly Perdue, Dom Stasi
  • Patent number: 8627349
    Abstract: A method of providing access to a block of stored content includes transmitting a general EPG at a content receiver for display on a presentation device, the EPG including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available at a plurality of times, receiving input from a user to display a block guide, and transmitting the block guide wherein, the block guide is associated with the block of stored content for accessing the block of stored content, the block guide including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available for a selected airing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Morgan Haden Kirby, Henry Gregg Martch
  • Patent number: 8621508
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for creating and distributing programming content carried by a digital streaming media to be a plurality of remote nodes located over a large geographic area to create customized broadcast quality programming at the remote nodes. At the remote nodes, a multi-window screen display simultaneously shows different programming including national programming and local programming content. The remote nodes utilize a remote channel origination device to assemble the customized programming at the remote location that can be controlled from a central location. An encapsulated IP and IP encryption system is used to transport the digital streaming media to the appropriate remote nodes. Also disclosed is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) providing a software control interface for creating and editing shows or programs that can be aired or played on a remote display device having a multi-window display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Xialan Chi Ltd., LLC
    Inventors: Lynn T. Rowe, John A. Heinen, Peter A. Ernst, Gary H. Olson
  • Patent number: 8621525
    Abstract: Multiple systems for delivering satellite video signals are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a module comprising a multiswitch, the multiswitch selectively directing the satellite video signals to a plurality of outputs of the multiswitch, an interface for delivering the satellite video signals to at least one receiver, and a power inserter, coupled between the interface and the at least one receiver, for controlling the flow of signals between the multiswitch and the at least one receiver, wherein the power inserter continuously flows the satellite video signals to the at least one receiver while selectively flowing commands between the module and the at least one receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah