Abstract: A method and system for providing an interactive virtual tablecloth. A server transmits various types of content, and a projector projects images corresponding to the transmitted content onto a display surface. For example, the display surface can be a table. The server receives control signals from at least one wireless client device, and adjusts the content based on the control signals. When a plurality of users share a common display surface, such as restaurant customers at a table, the display surface is divided into windows for each of the users. Each user can use a wireless client device to control his/her own window.

Abstract: Broadcast systems for selectively delivering satellite video signals. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises an antenna for receiving the satellite video signals, a plurality of amplifiers, coupled to the antenna, each amplifier receiving and amplifying specific satellite video signals based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite video signals, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least some of the inputs are coupled to the plurality of amplifiers in a respective fashion, an interface, coupled to the multiswitch, and at least one receiver, coupled to the interface, each receiver being coupled to the interface on a common connection to the interface, wherein each receiver requests a specific satellite video signal by sending a shift-keyed signal to the interface.

Abstract: A method, device and computer program product are provided for enabling a user to semi-automatically create a media diary or media blog associated with one or more media items consumed by the user during a given period of time. A method, apparatus, system and computer program product are further provided for distributing a corresponding media podcast that takes into consideration the network traffic, the storage space of the network entity responsible for providing access to the media podcast, the storage space of a mobile terminal associated with a party subsequently downloading the media podcast, and the fact that the entity receiving the media podcast may already have access to one or more of the media items associated with the media podcasts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing a similar broadcasting service in a DVB-H system. The method includes: configuring and broadcasting Electric Service Guide (ESG) data including service linking information in which a DVB-H transmission server including data and access information about at least one linked service set in a certain DVB-H service; and receiving and storing the ESG data by a DVB-H reception terminal, detecting service linking information corresponding to a DVB-H service during reception from the ESG data if a reception intensity of signals is less than a preset reference value during reception of the DVB-H service, stopping reception of the DVB-H service being currently received, and receiving a linked service included in the service linking information with reference to the detected service linking information.

Abstract: A system of distributing electronic content has a network operations center generating a broadcast signal having digital electronic content. A communication backbone is coupled to the network operations center. A base station receives the broadcast signal from the backbone. The base station receives the broadcast signal and forms a wireless local area network. The base station rebroadcasts at least a portion of the broadcast signal as a rebroadcast signal using the wireless local network. A user appliance is positioned with said local area network and receives the rebroadcast signal.

Abstract: A POD module system includes a housing, a coaxial cable connector formed on the housing and connectable to a first device to receive a cable signal, a port formed on the housing to receive a wire or wireless signal from a second device, a module unit to process at least one of the cable signal and the at least one of the wireless signal to generate at least one of a copy protection signal and one of video and audio signals, respectively, and a connector formed on the housing and connectable to a third device to transmit the at least one of the copy protection signal and the one of video and audio signals to the third device such that the third device generates at least one of an image and a sound to correspond to the at least one of the copy protection signal and the one of video and audio signals.

Abstract: A wireless network digital electronic device for receiving television broadcasting signals, transforming them into wireless network signals, and transmitting them to a display device is described. The wireless network digital electronic device includes a television signal receiver, a decoder, a processor, and a wireless network signal transceiver. The television signal receiver receives the television broadcasting signals, the decoder decodes the signals, and the processor encodes the decoded signals into wireless network signals. Subsequently, the wireless network signals are transmitted to the display device using the wireless network signal transceiver.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a blackout of media content data includes receiving a media content stream at a local media content device. The media content stream includes the media content data and blackout data related to the blackout of the media content data. The local media content device is operable to implement the blackout of the media content data with the blackout data in the media content stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the delivery of digital television and interactive broadband service in a manner that maximizes the usage of the digital broadcast spectrum. A digital television signal is transmitted to a given broadcast area in a relatively small part (for example, a 1 MHz band) of one or more licensed portions of the digital broadcast spectrum. Interactive broadband service is delivered within at least a portion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcast digital television signal, in the remainder (for example, a 5 MHz band) of an unused part of the same licensed portion of the digital broadcast spectrum as is occupied by the digital television signal, or within an unlicensed (unused) portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. The broadcasting of the digital television and delivery the interactive broadband service occur simultaneously. In one embodiment, digital television and broadband service are delivered by the same equipment within the same bandwidth.

Abstract: A device for wireless, non-line-of-sight delivery of a signal from a coaxial cable to a transceiver at an end user device comprises a signal enhancement and prioritizing module which converts the signal into a wireless signal which comprises less data than the signal, and an antenna which broadcasts the wireless signal to at least one end user device transceiver, wherein the wireless signal has the capability to transfer data to the at least one end user transceiver at a rate of greater than 40 Mbit per second.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for outputting digital broadcast data in a digital broadcast reception device, which includes setting at least two preferred channels in each of at least one broadcast reception mode; detecting when a request for outputting broadcast programs of the preferred channels is input by a user during the output of a digital broadcast program currently received in a specific broadcast reception mode, and outputting the current digital broadcast program to a main screen; generating sub-screens in a number corresponding to the number of the broadcast reception mode or modes in which the preferred channels have been set; receiving digital broadcast programs of the preferred channels set in each broadcast reception mode; and outputting the received digital broadcast programs to the corresponding sub-screens. The method enables the user to view digital broadcast programs of preferred channels while viewing a specific digital broadcast program.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving services is presented. The system comprises a first splitter having an input, a first output and a slaved output receiving a first signal at the input having a single polarization including a first service and a slaved service, wherein the first signal is directed to the first output and the slaved output and selected by a first control signal applied at the input, a first tuner receiving the first output and tuning the first service and a slaved tuner receiving the slaved output and tuning the slaved service. The method comprises generating a first control signal to select a first signal, receiving a first signal including a first service and a slaved service, wherein the first service and the slaved service are at the same polarization, splitting the first signal with a first splitter to a first output and a first slaved output, tuning the first service from the first output with a first tuner and tuning the slaved service from the slaved output with a slaved tuner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving conditional access information (CAI) on one or more of a plurality of tuners while the user is selecting different channels is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving the CAI on a first tuner tuned to a first channel; identifying the first tuner as the tuner receiving the CAI; and commanding the second tuner to receive the CAI after receiving a command to retune the first tuner from the first channel to a second channel.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a multimedia distribution system and method. The system and method has a producer workstation, a delivery server, a high-bandwidth one-way satellite transmission system, a terrestrial two-way communication system (including use of the Internet), a plurality of satellite affiliate workstations, and a plurality of terrestrial client workstations. The delivery server receives digital information (envelopes and associated media files) from the producer workstations for delivery of the information to the affiliate and client workstations addressed in the envelope. The affiliate and client workstations provide the delivery server with confirmation of delivery of each received envelope and its associated files. In the absence of receipt of confirmation of delivery, the delivery server re-sends the unconfirmed envelope and associated files to the non-confirming affiliate or client workstation by a two-way terrestrial connection or by a manual system, such as a dub-and-ship service.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that allows for the automatic, real-time insertion of auxiliary data packets into a single or multi-channel bitstream in a satellite television broadcast system.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provides a direct-to-home integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) and a program for storing and displaying digital objects associated with an electronic television program guide using fuzzy logic. The method and apparatus maintains and adapts a user profile in order to efficiently select digital objects associated with an electronic program guide. The fuzzy logic based user profile may be used to select digital program guide objects for deletion from memory and/or to efficiently select digital program guide objects for display in an electronic program guide. Selection is based on fuzzy variables associated with the objects. In this manner, memory requirements and the number of programs displayed are reduced to decrease cost and reduce the amount of time a user must spend viewing the program guide.

Abstract: The present invention is a low noise blockdown converter (LNB) capable of ensuring sharing of specific information between or among a plurality of microcomputers. In the event that receiver 15 is connected to I/O port 14c assigned to slave microcomputer 13, slave microcomputer 13 may receive inquiry or inquiries from receiver 15 for information specific to LNB 11. Upon receiving such inquiry or inquiries, slave microcomputer 13 may, by way of bus 16, request that master microcomputer 12 provide specific information. Upon receiving such request or requests, master microcomputer 12 may, by way of bus 16, provide slave microcomputer 13 with specific information stored in advance at master microcomputer 12. Slave microcomputer 13 may send this specific information from I/O port 14c to receiver 15.

Abstract: In a digital content distribution method to distribute digital contents via a network, distribution of a digital content is instructed according to a distribution schedule, the digital content is distributed according to the distribution schedule indicated, and a particular digital content is selected from the digital contents distributed and is then sold, thereby conducting the distribution of digital contents at a high speed.

Abstract: Space-based wireless radiotelephone communications are provided in a satellite footprint over a satellite radiotelephone frequency band. The satellite footprint is divided into satellite cells in which satellite radiotelephone frequencies of the satellite radiotelephone frequency band are spatially reused. At least one of the satellite radiotelephone frequencies that is assigned to a given satellite cell in the satellite footprint is terrestrially reused outside the given satellite cell. A radiation pattern of at least the given satellite cell is modified to reduce interference with the at least one of the satellite radiotelephone frequencies that is terrestrially reused outside the given satellite cell.

Abstract: In a step S1, when the user executes a tuning operation (a service-number input operation) on an input section, the information is output to a control section. In a step S3, the control section determines whether the service number selected in the step S1 corresponds to a promotion channel. When it is determined that the service number corresponds to a promotion channel, the procedure proceeds to a step S11. In the step S11, the control section displays on the monitor a message indicating that the selected service number is not found.

Abstract: A multiple source proxy management system is disclosed. Most Internet browsers communicate only with the global Internet. However, new data services may be created that can provide information to an Internet browser in a compatible form. Since Internet browsers only know how to communicate with the Internet, a new system was developed to handle communication with other data services. The system includes a personal proxy server that handles requests from the Internet browser. The personal proxy server directs requests to a proper data server handler. The personal proxy server respects all existing Internet settings such as direct connections, proxy servers, and autoconfig proxy servers.

Abstract: Radiation by an ancillary terrestrial network, and/or satellite radiotelephones that communicate therewith are monitored and controlled, to reduce and preferably prevent intra-system interference and/or interference with other satellite radiotelephone systems. In particular, a satellite radiotelephone system includes a space-based component that is configured to wirelessly communicate with first radiotelephones in a satellite footprint over a satellite radiotelephone frequency band, and an ancillary terrestrial network that is configured to wirelessly communicate with second radiotelephones in the satellite footprint over at least some of the satellite radiotelephone frequency band, to thereby terrestrially reuse the at least some of the satellite radiotelephone frequency band.

Abstract: A system and method for providing signals from a plurality of satellites to a plurality of receiving units is disclosed. The system and method of the present invention make efficient use of multi-switches to enable multiple receiving units to seamlessly alternate between channels of various satellite signals, and optionally between satellite signals and terrestrial antenna signals. In basic form, first and second receptors, such as DISH satellite LNBs, are connected to input ports of primary Digital Broadcast System multi-switches having multiple input ports and output ports. The output ports of the first such primary multi-switch are conductively connected to first input ports of at least two secondary multi-switches, and the output ports of the second such primary multi-switch are conductively connected to second input ports of the same secondary multi-switches. The outputs of the secondary multi-switches are provided to receiving units.

Abstract: A satellite radiotelephone system includes a space-based component, an ancillary terrestrial network, a monitor and a controller. The space-based component is configured to wirelessly communicate with radiotelephones in a satellite footprint over a satellite radiotelephone frequency band. The satellite footprint is divided into satellite cells in which subsets of the satellite radiotelephone frequency band are spatially reused in a spatial reuse pattern. The ancillary terrestrial network is configured to wirelessly communicate with radiotelephones in the satellite footprint over at least some of the satellite radiotelephone frequency band, to thereby terrestrially reuse the at least some of the satellite radiotelephone frequency band.

Abstract: A digital broadcast data receiving apparatus comprises a plurality of broadcast data receiving units for receiving digital broadcast data supplied from a plurality of digital broadcast data sources, respectively and a parallel receiving unit for receiving, from the digital broadcast data output from the plural broadcast data receiving units, object program broadcast data which are multiplexed digital broadcast data including program broadcast data relating to an object program broadcast to be viewed by the viewer, and received broadcast data which are digital broadcast data output from the broadcast data receiving unit different from the broadcast data receiving unit which outputs the object program broadcast data.

Abstract: A store and forward receiver for a satellite communication system employs a multi-threaded command interpreter, and an associated reduced complexity audio control language (ACL) to define commands for controlling actions at different receiver sites, each of which is programmable for its own local programming purposes. Upon receipt of a relatively simple command from the headend, the interpreter accesses and executes an associated sequence of potentially locally unique, previously stored commands, causing performance of a sequence of actions, e.g., play back of potentially locally unique, previously stored information files, interleaved with portions of a headend-source commercial audio program being rebroadcast at the receiver site. This allows different affiliate stations to produce separate potentially locally unique complex sequences of actions from a single headend-sourced command for all receivers in a network grouping.

Abstract: A video and graphics system includes a data transport processor for receiving compressed data streams, a video transport processor for extracting video data, and an audio decode processor for extracting audio data. The data transport processor provides PCRs to the video transport processor and the audio decode processor. The video transport-processor stores the video data in external memory and generates a start code table to index the video data stored the external memory. In the start code table SLICEs of the video data are aligned to a suitable boundary. The compressed data streams may include MPEG Transport streams, and the video data may include SDTV or HDTV data. The video and graphics system may be implemented on an integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring a correct satellite signal connection. Specifically, a user selects a satellite signal via an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) from at least one satellite, and the IRD sends a command signal to a selector switch to acquire and lock onto said satellite signal. The IRD repeats transmission of the command signal to the selector switch once the IRD has acquired and locked onto said information signal. Thus, in the event that the selector switch failed to switch to a low noise block converter (LNB) corresponding to the initial command signal, then the repeated command signal helps to ensure that the selector switch switches to the LNB corresponding with the latest command signal sent by the IRD.

Abstract: A satellite signal distribution system distributes signal blocks of two different received frequencies and polarities simultaneously over the same cable. The satellite system includes a satellite dish or antenna that receives signals. These received signals are transmitted to a block frequency converter that enables the different frequency polarity blocks to be distributed simultaneously via a single cable. The cable is coupled to a head-out receiver processor which distributes the signals to satellite receivers. The receivers are connected to TVs or other sources. This unique design and configuration provides for a system that will permit satellite broadcast signal distribution to high-rise buildings, hospitals, condominiums, schools, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for an asymmetric data connection comprises a head end router which may be coupled to an ATM PVC, a PSTN modem coupled to the head end router, a plurality of downstream routers each couplable to the ATM PVC via respective ATM interfaces, and a plurality of downstream PSTN modems each coupled to a respective downstream router via a respective serial interface. Each ATM interface of each respective downstream router is allocated, in use, a respective IP address in a single subnet. Each serial interface of each respective downstream router is allocated in use, a respective IP address in a single subnet. A method of establishing an asymmetric data connection is also described.

Abstract: A video, audio and graphics system uses multiple transport processors to receive in-band and out-of-band MPEG Transport streams, to perform PID and section filtering as well as DVB and DES decryption and to de-multiplex them. The system processes the PES into digital audio, MPEG video and message data. The system is capable of decoding multiple MPEG SLICEs concurrently. Graphics windows are blended in parallel, and blended with video using alpha blending. During graphics processing, a single-port SRAM is used equivalently as a dual-port SRAM. The video may include both analog video, e.g., NTSC/PAL/SECAM/S-video, and digital video, e.g., MPEG-2 video in SDTV or HDTV format. The system has a reduced memory mode in which video images are reduced in half in horizontal direction only during decoding. The system is capable of receiving and processing digital audio signals such as MPEG Layer 1 and Layer 2 audio and Dolby AC-3 audio, as well as PCM audio signals. The system includes a memory controller.

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing multi-media information from a satellite broadcast system. A hub receives a signal from the satellite broadcast system, wherein the signal represents video information and audio information associated with multiple broadcast channels. The hub centrally demodulates and decodes the received signal for distribution to one of a number of access point devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the decoded signal represents uncompressed video and audio information corresponding to one of the broadcast channels. The access point devices convert the received decoded signal for output respective displays (e.g., television sets). The hub can also be equipped with an interface to provide access to a public data network, such as the global Internet. Further, the hub can be supplied with a digital video recording capability.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is embodied on a monolithic substrate and incorporates a tuning module of the direct sampling type that is able to receive satellite digital television analog signals composed of several channels, as well as several channel decoding digital modules connected at the output of the tuning module so as to deliver respectively simultaneously several streams of data packets corresponding to several different selected channels.

Abstract: A lodging entertainment system has a head end connected via a distribution system to a plurality of guest terminals. The head end includes a satellite dish and a plurality of integrated receiver decoders connected to the satellite dish for decoding programming received from the satellite dish. The lodging entertainment system includes a method for providing an interactive session between a guest terminal and a selected one of the integrated receiver decoders. In implementing this method, the system receives buy data indicative of a guest's purchase of programming available via the satellite dish. The system then allocates a selected one of the integrated receiver decoders for exclusive use by the guest terminal. The system then provides the guest terminal with access to and control of the selected integrated receiver decoder.

Abstract: A media content distribution system comprising a media source unit for transmitting media content, a media destination unit for receiving media content, and a media management unit for accepting inputs from the media source unit and outputting to the media destination unit. The system allows for redirecting media content directly from the media source unit to the media destination unit by an alternating path when the media management unit fails. The distribution system further includes a set of protocols and behaviors in the media source unit and the media destination unit to insure that in the case of failure by the media management unit, the media source unit and the media destination unit will become aware of the failure and redirect the media content along an alternate path to the user.

Abstract: Video, voice and data are integrated using existing telephone connections by using a video network server to receive and transmit video signals to and from clients using telephone wires. Client frequency division multiplexing couplers, each associated with one of the clients, receive video and telephone signals from the client and frequency multiplex them onto the telephone wires for transmission. They also receive video signals from the server and frequency demultiplex them for transmission to the client. A video frequency division multiplexing coupler connected between the video network server and each of the client frequency division multiplexing couplers receive the video and telephone signals from the clients and transmit only the video signals to the video network server.

Abstract: An interactive technique for generating a supplementary, program-related output. A programming signal and a supplementary, program-related data signal containing rewards data for product or service purchases are combined into a broadcast signal which is then broadcast from a program signal source. The broadcast signal is received, and the programming signal of the received broadcast signal is performed with reproduction equipment for an audience. The rewards data is stored on a portable storage media for use in accessing rewards corresponding to the rewards data. The rewards data can be used for printing coupons used in redeeming the rewards or for use in accessing rewards validation codes for storage on the portable storage media. The portable storage media and/or the printed coupons can then be used to purchase the corresponding goods or services.

Abstract: A method of distributing content includes receiving at least one request for a particular content item. Based on the at least one request, a number of users who are to receive the particular content item and are capable of receiving the particular content item via a wireless link is determined. Based on the number of users, at least one of a wireline link and the wireless link from which the users are to receive the particular content item is selected. The particular content item is distributed to the users via the selected at least one link.

Abstract: There is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus which is capable of performing a tuning process in a short period of time even in the case where a large number of tuning requests are issued. A tuning request reception section 204 receives an issue tuning request. A tuning request storage section 205 stores the tuning request received by the tuning request reception section 204. A tuning process section including a tuning request acquisition section 206 and a tuning execution section 207 performs a tuning process for the broadcast signal corresponding to the tuning request, and if a next tuning request is issued during a tuning process, performs a next tuning process in accordance with one of the tuning requests stored in the tuning request storage section 205. A tuning request which is stored in the tuning request storage section 205 during a tuning process is erased by a tuning request erasure section 208 after the tuning process.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an integrated presentation of existing media program services and secondary media program services is described. The method comprises the steps of accepting a election of a secondary media program transmitted on a secondary media program channel; accessing a mapping to determine a primary media program channel associated with the selected secondary media program channel; commanding a first tuner module to receive conditional access information associated with the primary media program channel from the primary service provider; evaluating the conditional access information to determine if a second tuner is authorized to receive the secondary media program channel; and commanding a second tuner module to receive the secondary media program if the second tuner is authorized to receive the secondary media program channel.

Abstract: A satellite digital radio broadcast receiver has an integrated circuit including a first reception series for processing a satellite wave signal from a satellite and a second reception series for processing a ground wave signal from a repeater in order to receive both the satellite wave signal and the ground wave signal having the same broadcast contents and different modulation methods. The receiver has an automatic gain control unit for amplifying a signal from a single antenna at a variable gain amplifier, and in accordance with the level of a signal outputted from the variable gain amplifier, for controlling the gain of the variable gain amplifier; and a two-way distributor for distributing an output of the automatic control unit to two distribution outputs, wherein one distribution output of the two-way distributor is supplied to the first reception series of the integrated circuit and the other distribution output is supplied to the second reception series of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A packet-transmitting system comprising a transmitter and a receiver. In the transmitter, the packet-allocating circuit receives a stream of packets. The circuit allocates the packets having PIDs a1 to b1 to the transmission channel #1, the packets having PIDs a2 to b2 to the transmission channel #2, and so forth. The circuit allocates the packets having PIDs aN to bN to the last transmission channel #N. The control-data generating circuit time-divides and multiplexes packet-group data (groups of PIDs) representing the groups of packets to be transmitted via the channels #1 to #N, thereby generating control data to be transmitted through the transmission channel #0. The packets in the channels #0 to #N are multiplexed by a CDM system.

Abstract: A method for structuring satellite command and control directives in a hierarchical syntax comprises the steps of: defining at least one satellite command and control directive; and, associating the directive with a family of directives. The method can further comprise the step of compiling the associated families and directives into a binary persistent library. In addition, the method can include the step of displaying in a graphical user interface (GUI) a hierarchy representing the associations among the families and directives in order to assist a user in assembling satellite directives, and, in a complex system, subdirectives. Advantageously, the inventive method can present the hierarchy in a tree-structure. In addition, the method can accept a selection of a subnode; and, in response to a selection, display in the GUI parameters corresponding to the directive associated with the selected subnode.

Abstract: A method and system for entertainment and information services delivered via mobile telecommunication devices include a communication network, and a station communicatively linked to the communication network. The station includes an output and an interface. Also included is a head-end having at least one database configured to store programs including an audio content. The head-end receives a request from the station for a desired one of the programs, verifies the request, transmits a first portion of the desired program to the station, and records an association between the identification and the desired program. The head-end further suspends transmission of a second portion of the program based upon detection of an indication to suspend transmission. The head-end further transmits the second portion of the program based upon detection of an indication to resume transmission and stored bookmark data indicating the starting location in the program of the second portion.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling an ad-hoc communication network to maintain connectivity with the mobile nodes in the network in an effective and efficient manner with minimal overhead. The system and method enables an ad-hoc communication network to maintain connectivity between intelligent access points of the network and mobile nodes in the network while performing an on-demand protocol. The system and method further uses an improved distance vector routing algorithm and unicast messages, to thus avoid an increase routing advertisement frequency in the network while keeping network overhead at a minimum. The system and method also modifies the Ad Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector Routing (AODV) protocol to facilitate smooth handoff of subscriber devices in an ad-hoc communication network while also eliminating unidirectional links between nodes in the network.

Abstract: A technique for allocating fingers in a path searcher of a multipath receiver involves determining a required number of fingers for each multipath region, determining a number of allocated fingers for each multipath region according to an area-based weighting scheme such that each multipath region that is allocated fewer than its required number of fingers is deemed to have a non-zero residual area, allocating any surplus fingers to multipath regions having non-zero residual areas until either no surplus fingers remain or each multipath region is allocated its required number of fingers, and placing any fingers allocated to each multipath region within the multipath region. Placing the fingers in un-resolvable path scenario involves detecting path location at the edges of multipath region; placing fingers at the edges and placing remaining fingers uniformly between the first and the last path such that the there is a minimum placement separation between the fingers.

Abstract: A method and system for extending the reach of cable television (CATV) broadcast networks via 60 GHz (nominally) wireless radio frequency (RF) repeaters. An original CATV AML broadcast signal, having a bandwidth of 55-860 MHz, is up-converted to a millimeter wavelength RF signal having a nominal base frequency of 60 GHz (57-64 GHz) such that the up-converted signal has a bandwidth of the base frequency plus the bandwidth of the CATV broadcast signal (e.g., 60.055-60.860 GHz). This up-converted signal is then transmitted from a transmitter antenna to a receiver antenna, which collectively define the end points of a point-to-point wireless link between network nodes. The up-converted signal is then down converted at the receiver end to produce a repeated CATV AML broadcast signal having substantially the same characteristics as the original signal. The radio transmission operations may be performed in accordance with FCC part 15.255 transmissions, enabling unlicensed operation.

Abstract: In a digital television system, a receiver/decoder (or “set-top-box”) can download one or more of several applications which can be run by the receiver/decoder to provide interactivity with the user. The applications include: an Internet browser application which uses a PSTN connection to make Internet requests and the television signal path to receive Internet responses; a shopping application operable in an “impulse” mode and a “catalogue” mode; a banking application; a quiz application which runs in synchronization with a quiz television programme; a magazine browser application; and a weather or traffic application.