Receiver Patents (Class 725/68)
  • Patent number: 8943172
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to accessing computer resources by sensing audio with a microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20150026736
    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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Glenn Chang, Brian Sprague, Madhukar Reddy
  • Patent number: 8934833
    Abstract: A fast and efficient automated satellite constellation detection process can be implemented at least in part independent of in-band data in the satellite signal. The automated detection process iterates through a set of various predefined transponder settings to detect one or more accessible satellite constellations through each satellite dish connected directly or through a switch to a satellite receiver. The process determines whether the satellite receiver is able to lock onto a satellite signal at each transponder setting. Based on the combinations of which satellite constellations are available at each transponder setting, the process allocates a specific satellite constellation to each satellite dish. In one implementation, channel information can be used to further refine the detection and identification of accessible satellite constellations for each satellite dish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lucian Dragne, Rathe Hollingum, Gunther Logemann, Lorcan Mooney
  • Patent number: 8929942
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication device including: a cable port to which an external device is connected; a reading unit that reads identification information from the external device; a determination unit that determines whether the external device is the source-side wireless communication device; an authentication memory unit that performs an authentication process with the source-side wireless communication device; a wireless communication unit that performs a wireless communication with the source-side wireless communication device; and a physical address processing unit that controls the source-side wireless communication device to store a physical address of a source-side device calculated based on from the read identification information of the sink-side device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tomokazu Yuasa
  • Patent number: 8913100
    Abstract: A mobile device, and a method and computer program product for displaying a streaming video image at the mobile device during a packet based video call via a channel established over a wireless communication network, the method includes receiving a speed indication of the mobile device and sending said indication to a communication client application; and responsive to receiving said indication, the communication client application is configured to limit the amount of information in the streaming video image that is supplied for display on a display of the mobile device during the video call when the speed of the mobile device is greater than, or equal to, a first predetermined speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Skype
    Inventor: Sten Tamkivi
  • Publication number: 20140359673
    Abstract: A video content receiving apparatus (103a; 103b) includes an interface (209, 301) for interfacing to at least one associable video reproducing apparatus (102), and including: a receiver for receiving video contents from at least one source of contents (104) through a connection (201a, 203a; 201b, 203b) connected to a plurality of distribution platforms (105, 106), wherein a first connection (203a; 203b) to a first distribution platform (105) is of the broadband type, and wherein a second connection (201a; 201b) to a second distribution platform (106) is of the broadcast type; a first identifier for identifying a video content to be reproduced; a second identifier for identifying at least one active distribution platform on which said video content to be reproduced is currently being transmitted by the source of contents (104); a selector for selecting the reception of the video content through the active distribution platform; a switch for switching between the first connection (203a; 203b) and the second con
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: SISVEL TECHNOLOGY S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro Striuli
  • Publication number: 20140337897
    Abstract: Devices and methods for receiving and/or processing digital data. The devices may include a satellite modem, a transport module, and/or a processing module. The satellite modem, the transport module and/or the processing module may be formed on a single semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Chan, Sack Lee Chan, Hiroshi Suzuki, Prijesh Patel
  • Patent number: 8887207
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely transcoding content includes a set top box generating a playlist corresponding to content titles stored in a memory of the set top box. A user device is in communication with the cloud location and the set top box through a network. The user device reviews the playlist and selects a first content title from the playlist to form a selection. The cloud location includes a transcoder device transcoding content corresponding to the selection to form transcoded content. One of the cloud location and the set top box communicates the transcoded content to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Khader B. Syed, Michael J. Koehlein, Scott D. Casavant, Sean S. Lee, Kuriacose Joseph, Jorge H. Guzman
  • Patent number: 8886112
    Abstract: A personal media device including a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media and broadcast media data from a broadcast source where the broadcast media data includes a media identifier associated with the broadcast media. The media device also includes a data transceiver that sends a retrieval request to a media server for enhanced media data where the retrieval request includes the media identifier and receives the enhanced media data via a wireless data channel. The media device further includes a processor that performs a media device operation in response to the received enhanced media data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee, Michael Ingazio Ingrassia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8881202
    Abstract: A data delivery system leverages existing satellite infrastructure to deliver massive data sets (e.g., genomic data) to last-mile, remote or rural, locations. The system repurposes existing high-capacity satellite links normally used to broadcast entertainment content by creating customized channels specifically adapted to delivering large data sets to be stored upon computer systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nant Holdings IP, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Wittenschlaeger
  • Patent number: 8878994
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a first receiver, a screen transmitter, a second receiver and a controller. The first receiver receives first information associated with a display function of an external device. The screen transmitter generates an operation screen for operating the apparatus based on the first information, and transmits a video signal of the generated operation screen to the external device. The second receiver receives second information associated with content of an operation on the operation screen from the external device. The controller controls operation of the apparatus based on the second information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takahiro Arai, Eita Shuto
  • Patent number: 8875175
    Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Network Entertainment International LLC
    Inventors: Charles McCoy, True Xiong, Stewart Stremler
  • Patent number: 8875190
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring signals corresponding to a satellite having a first transponder generating a first plurality of channel signals, a plurality of integrated receiver decoders receiving the first plurality of signals and generating a first plurality of received channel signals corresponding to the first plurality of channel signals and a monitoring system displaying all of the first plurality of received channel signals corresponding to the first transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Eduardo Barroso
  • Patent number: 8866969
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a receiver which receives a broadcasting signal, a display which displays an image based on the received broadcasting signal, a communication unit which communicates with a mobile device, and a controller which determines whether the mobile device interferes with at least one channel of a plurality of broadcasting channels received through the receiver, and controls the display to display a user interface (UI) indicates a user whether image noise has resulted from channel interference by the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seok-woo Yong
  • Patent number: 8867571
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the transmission of data between a client device and a remote device over a wireless telephone network. More particularly, data from a client device is modulated into an audio signal and transmitted to a wireless telephone. The wireless telephone receives the audio signal and places a phone call to a remote device over a wireless telephone network. During the phone call, the wireless telephone transmits the audio signal across a voice channel of the wireless telephone network to the remote device. The remote device receives and decodes the audio signal to extract the transmitted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gopi K. Manne, William Beals
  • Patent number: 8869213
    Abstract: A reception device includes a first input terminal receiving a first television broadcast signal of a first frequency band or a mixed wave of the first television broadcast signal and a second television broadcast signal of a second frequency band; a second input terminal receiving the second television broadcast signal; first and second tuner; a matching unit extracting a second broadcast signal from a broadcast signal received from a first circuit terminal and outputting the extracted second broadcast signal from a second circuit terminal; a first connection portion selectively performing a connection between the first input terminal and the first circuit terminal of the matching unit; and a second connection portion setting an input path of the second television broadcast signal to the second tuner to a path from the second input terminal or a path from the second circuit terminal of the matching unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Imai, Takayuki Kaida, Kunihiko Morozumi, Katsuki Hirabayashi, Hitoshi Masumura
  • Patent number: 8860890
    Abstract: An electronic device and a control method thereof are disclosed, the electronic device including: an operation implementation unit conducting a predetermined operation; a first main controller controlling the operation of the operation implementation unit; an input reception unit receiving an input signal; a second main controller processing the input signal and being in the power saving state in the standby mode; and a subcontroller controlling the second main controller to process the input signal when the input signal is received in the standby mode, wherein the second main controller processes the received input signal according to control of the subcontroller, controls the first main controller to operate in the normal mode when the input signal corresponds to entering the normal mode, and returns to the power saving state in the standby mode when the input signal does not correspond to entering the normal mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-ick Jang, Chang-yong Kim, Jong-hyuk Jang, Jea-hee Han
  • Patent number: 8862761
    Abstract: A system and method for a operating a content distribution system includes a destination device and a requesting device that communicates a primary audio stream secondary audio stream and a video stream to the destination device. The destination device communicates the primary audio stream to a display. The destination device includes a secondary decoder configured to decode the secondary audio stream to form a decoded secondary audio stream. The destination device combines the secondary decoded audio stream and the primary audio stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Diem V. Nguyen, Noreen Fong, Mark C. Guidarelli, Titus Winters
  • Patent number: 8856857
    Abstract: This technique relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, and a program that can demodulate transmitted signals with high accuracy. A receiving device of this disclosure includes: an amplifying unit that amplifies a received signal; an adjusting unit that adjusts gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with power of the signal; a demodulating unit that demodulates the amplified signal; and a detecting unit that detects an interval from the signal, information having the same content continuously appearing in the interval. The adjusting unit restricts the process of adjusting the gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with a result of the detection of the interval. This disclosure can be applied to receiving devices that receive broadcast signals compliant with DVB-C2 via a CATV network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Kobayashi, Naoki Yoshimochi
  • Patent number: 8848745
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for allowing a first processor to access flash or other non-volatile memory that is associated with a second processor. The first processor obtains parameters that allow the initialization of an internet protocol (IP) stack. The parameters can be obtained using the trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP), for example. The first processor communicates with the second processor using a socket protocol, sending a command word that represents either a read or write command. The command word specifies where in the non-volatile memory the access is to occur, and for how many bytes. Information is then returned to the first processor, allowing the first processor to verify the success of the access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Pinar Taskiran, Karthik Balasubramanian, Jean Cyr
  • Patent number: 8843056
    Abstract: A media device including a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media from a plurality of broadcast sources where the broadcast receiver is tunable to a first broadcast source. The media device also includes a data store that stores a list of contact identifiers where each contact identifier is associated with a broadcast source. The media device includes a user interface that: i) provides a prompt to a user to enable the user to initiate contact with the first broadcast source, and ii) receives a user indication to initiate contact with the first broadcast source. The media device further includes a transceiver that initiates the contact with the first broadcast source by sending a communications session request via a communications network to the first broadcast source that includes a contact identifier associated with the first broadcast source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Allen P. Haughay, Jr., Ryan Perry
  • Patent number: 8842223
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a transmitter apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a transmitter system capable of easily transmitting a wideband signal. The transmitter apparatus includes: a first acquisition unit that obtains first transmission control information; a second acquisition unit that obtains second transmission control information similar to information input to another transmitter apparatus; and a generating unit that processes transmission target data based on a parameter contained in the first transmission control information and generates data including the processed transmission target data and the second transmission control information. The present technology can be applied to a transmitter apparatus that transmits a DVB-C2 signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Takahashi, Lachlan Bruce Michael, Takashi Yokokawa, Naoki Yoshimochi, Takahiro Okada
  • Patent number: 8843968
    Abstract: Various systems and methods allow control information to be provided between a set top box (STB) or other receiver and the outdoor unit (ODU) associated with the satellite antenna over a control network in a network format, such as an IEEE 802.15.4 or other peer-to-peer network format. The ODU includes a network interface that receives instructions from the television receiver via a control network in a peer-to-peer network format. Received satellite broadcast signals are received, converted, demodulated or otherwise processed in response to the instruction received via the control network. The resulting signal is transmitted across a cable connection to the television receiver to thereby allow viewing of the television content by the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Harold Jaramillo
  • Publication number: 20140282749
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a user receiving device includes a head end associating a first user device with a user account having first user settings. A first user device communicates a device identifier associated with the user receiving device to the head end. The head end communicates the first user settings associated with the user account to the user receiving device. The user receiving device operates with the first user settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Kuriacose Joseph, Scott D. Casavant, Sean S. Lee, Phillip T. Wang, Matthew J. Thompson, Brady C. Tsurutani, David N. Schlacht, Johnny Shum
  • 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: 8839333
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving Ultra High Definition (UHD) broadcasting service in a digital broadcasting system are provided. The method includes receiving a TS through a transport channel, determining whether or not the TS includes information about an association relation with other TSs, analyzing the information about the association relation from the TS, determining whether or not the TS includes information about a program provided in association with the other TSs based on the information about the association relation, extracting the information about the program from the TS, and obtaining the program based on the information about the program. In accordance with the present invention, high definition broadcasting service can be provided because a broadcasting program having a great transmission bandwidth can be transmitted and received in a digital broadcasting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Joon Young Jung, Dong Joon Choi, Nam Ho Hur
  • Publication number: 20140259079
    Abstract: A video services receiver and a related method for presenting video content in a picture-in-picture (PIP) window rendered on a display element are presented here. The method involves presenting recorded secondary video content in the PIP window while presenting primary video content in a main area of the display element, resulting in PIP video content. The method continues by receiving a trick play command for the PIP video content, and manipulating presentation of the PIP video content in the PIP window in accordance with the received trick play command. The manipulated PIP video content is presented in the PIP window while concurrently presenting the primary video content in the main area of the display element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ELDON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Neale Hall
  • Patent number: 8832765
    Abstract: A system for providing television (TV) service including high definition television (HDTV) service, and for providing verification that a subscriber has connected an HDTV to the system includes a TV service provider headend and a set top box (STB). The HDTV may have an HDTV digital video interface (DVI) interconnect. The STB may be electrically coupled to the headend and have an STB DVI interconnect. When the HDTV DVI interconnect is initially electrically coupled to the STB DVI interconnect, the HDTV generally presents a data signal to the STB and the STB generally presents the data signal to the headend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew D. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140250469
    Abstract: An apparatus (200) for providing an access on a vehicle (10) to a first and to a second geostationary satellites, which are available through respective satellite signals that can be used by means of respective first and second peripheral devices (33a,33b), said apparatus (200) comprising: a first and a second directional orientable antennas (20a,20b) that are configured to receive said transmitted signals returning respective received signals (21a,21b); a first and a second distribution and/or collection systems (24a,24b) of said received signals (21a,21b), said first and said second distribution and/or collection systems (24a,24b) configured to transform a first and a second received signals (23a,23b) selected between said received signals (21a,21b) into respective distributed signals (32a,32b) intelligible respectively from said first and by said second peripheral device (33a,33b); a first and a second control unit (29a,29b) configured to receive respective first and second reference signals (27a,27b) sele
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Brunello Locatori
  • Patent number: 8826362
    Abstract: An enhanced cable card device is described that operates in host devices without requiring an out-of-band data channel. One embodiment includes a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a processor for coordinating processing in the cable card, a memory for storing data normally received by the cable card over an out-of-band signal, an in band data receiver for receiving an in band data signal, and a control program running on the processor to signal reception of an out-of-band signal to a host device electrically connected to the cable card. In addition, the control program processes data from the memory and provides processed output data to the host device simulating data normally received over an out-of-band data channel, and the cable card allows the host device to operate normally without an out-of-band receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Verimatrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kulakowski
  • Patent number: 8819753
    Abstract: A multi-functional display device and a method of controlling the same are disclosed herein. The multi-functional display device and method provides access to human channel services, such as social network services (SNS), on a designated channel on the display device. The method may include assigning channels for a multi-functional display device including assigning a first channel number to at least one broadcast channel, and assigning a second channel number to at least one social network service (SNS) account of one of a first individual and at least one second individual associated with the first individual. The method may include displaying a list of individuals with channel numbers on a display of the multi-functional display device in a social network service (SNS) channel mode, selecting one of the individuals on the list, and displaying information related to the individual or communicating with the selected individual using a SNS account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Uniyoung Kim, Saehun Jang, Gangseub Lee, Hyungnam Lee, Rajesh Nagaraj Rao
  • Patent number: 8817185
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a reproduction controller and a transmitter. The reproduction controller is configured to reproduce a first type of information of a first content. The first content includes a plurality of types of information. The transmitter is configured to transmit an instruction to reproduce a second type of information of the first content to other electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kazawa
  • Patent number: 8819743
    Abstract: A broadcast programming receiver is provided which includes a broadcast programming interface, a memory, a communication network interface, and output circuitry. The broadcast programming interface is configured to receive broadcast programming, while the output circuitry is configured to transfer the broadcast programming to an output device. The memory is configured to store data related to the broadcast programming. In one embodiment, the communication network interface is configured to receive the data related to the broadcast programming over a communication network from a second broadcast programming receiver and transfer the data to the memory. In another implementation, the communication network interface is configured to receive the data from the memory and send the data over the communication network to a second broadcast programming receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Dish Network L.L.C.
    Inventor: Anton H. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 8819761
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a selection of a television program to record may be received by a television receiver. The television program may be broadcast on a first television channel and as part of a first transponder stream. A plurality of television channels that are transmitted as part of the first transponder stream may be determined. A user interface may be presented that permits a user to select from the plurality of television channels transmitted on the first transponder stream. A selection of a second television channel from the plurality of television channels may be received. In response to the selection of the first television program to record and the selection of the second television channel from the plurality of television channels, record the first television channel and the second television channel via a single tuner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Echostar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Danny Jean Minnick
  • 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: 8813135
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a home cable network may comprise, for example, in a premises-based wired network (network), receiving by a root node network controller (NC), signals that conform to first protocols, where the signals may be received from sources external to the premises. The received signals may be bridged to conform to a second communications protocol and communicated to one or more networked devices comprising a television set top box downstream from the root node device where, for example, only signals conforming to the second communications protocol may be communicated. The first protocol signals may comprise data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), cable television, satellite television, fiber-to-the-home, and/or digital subscriber (DSL) signals. The second communications protocol may, for example, comprise a multimedia over cable alliance (MoCA) standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Maxlinear, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Ling, Timothy Gallagher
  • Patent number: 8804042
    Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, James R. Kozloski, Clifford Alan Pickover, Anne R. Sand
  • 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: 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: 8799972
    Abstract: To effectively utilize the bandwidth of a cable TV network, which is limited, analog TV program material is digitized and compressed before its transmission over the network. The resulting signals consume only part of the analog TV band traditionally needed for transmission of the analog TV program material. The newly available bandwidth in the analog TV band may be utilized for other cable TV services, e.g., video-on-demand (VOD) services. A reception gateway is employed at a user location to frequency-translate any VOD signals, transmitted through the analog TV band, to another frequency band, thereby avoiding disturbing the normal operation of a set-top terminal in receiving the analog TV program material through the analog TV band at the user location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: William Helms, Michael T. Hayashi, Paul D. Brooks, Douglas Semon
  • Patent number: 8799963
    Abstract: A system and method of switching services in a receiver unit includes a verifier module in the receiver unit receiving a service signal and middleware within the receiving unit receiving an evaluate signal and enabling the verifier to determine a service change from the service signal. The middleware changing a service flag for the service when a service change is determined at the verifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hubach, Ivonne Y. Chen, Natalya Klimochkin, Sewon Oh, Tam T. Leminh
  • Patent number: 8793744
    Abstract: A method for reestablishing presentation of a paused media program is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) located in a building can have a controller element that presents a media program to a media device operable only in the building, pauses presentation of the media program responsive to a pause request, generates a departure mark that identifies a presentation point in the media program associated with the pause request, receives a request to resume presentation of the media program from the departure mark at a portable communication device capable of maintaining communications with the STB outside the building, and transmits to the portable communication device a presentation of the media program from the departure mark. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Juan Cordoba
  • Patent number: 8793745
    Abstract: A receiver is used with third code blocks based on first code blocks, second code blocks, and a planning code block. The first code blocks are associated with a first sequence number and modulated with a first modulation scheme. The second code blocks are associated with a second sequence number and modulated with a second modulation scheme. The planning code block associates the third code blocks with the first code blocks and the second code blocks. The receiver includes a de-multiplexing portion, which includes a code block selector and a look up table, that outputs a de-multiplexed signal based on the third code blocks. The code block selector selects a code block from the third code blocks to output as the de-multiplexed signal based on entries in the look up table. The receiver also includes a recovery portion that outputs received code blocks based on the de-multiplexed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hughes Network Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Liming Qin, Marwan Adas, Prachi Raikar, David Roos, Yezdi Antia, Neal Becker
  • Publication number: 20140208369
    Abstract: A set top terminal is configured to be accessible to a content management tool over a local network. The set top terminal includes means for delivering remote content from a cable or satellite content provider to a television screen in a form that is readily viewable on the television screen and means for storing the remote content for delayed viewing. The set top terminal also includes means for transcoding the remote content to a form that the content management tool is configured to utilize, where the form that the content management tool is configured to utilize is different than the form that is readily viewable on the television screen. The set top terminal can be part of a network including a personal display device and a content management tool. The content management tool may be embedded within the personal display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Holmgren
  • Patent number: 8789115
    Abstract: Intelligent switching networks for selectively delivering satellite video signals. A network 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 Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), coupled to the interface, wherein the IRD sends signals to the interface to determine a type of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
  • Patent number: 8782728
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus to enable addressable advertising content delivery in which multiple addressable content streams are sent in a transport multiplex, Addressable Content Channel Multiplex, different from the Primary Channel Multiplex on which the Primary Channel is delivered. The Primary Channel is network stream onto which the addressable content is to be inserted. Seamless switch between the Primary Channel and the addressable content streams on the Addressable Content Channel Multiplex is accomplished by using Receiver stored content as interim buffers to which the switching happens prior to switching to a different transport multiplex. These buffers feed the audio and video decoders with content, during the time it takes for the tuner to switch to a different transport multiplex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: M/S Amagi Technologies Private Limited
    Inventors: Baskar Subramanian, Srinivasan Karapattu, Srividhya Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 8780164
    Abstract: Two different communication terminals share a broadcast content received through a mobile broadcast service. If a mobile broadcast-sharing mode for sharing a broadcast content with a specific communication terminal is set, a mobile broadcast terminal extracts broadcast video data and broadcast audio data from a mobile broadcast signal being received. The mobile broadcast terminal converts a codec of the broadcast video data and the broadcast audio data into a codec used in video communication, and delivers at least one of the converted broadcast video data and the converted broadcast audio data through video communication formed to the communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun-Mi Kim, Jin-Woo Jeon, Young-Jip Kim
  • Patent number: 8774225
    Abstract: Services and service components in a broadcast network may be mapped to disparate physical layer transmission channels (PLPs) using logical layer pipes (LLPs). The use of LLPs allows different service components of a single service to be mapped to physical layer transmission channels (PLPs). Accordingly, service components may be shared among different services. Additionally or alternatively, different functions (e.g., different error detection or correction protocols) may be applied to each service components of a service. A receiver may identify services, service components and corresponding PLPs based on LLP identifiers. The receiver may then access and receive desired services and service components through the identified PLPs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jani Väre, Jyrki Alamaunu, Harri J. Pekonen, Jussi Vesma
  • Publication number: 20140189755
    Abstract: A satellite dish assembly and a set-top box are utilized to provide an internet wireless hotspot. The set-top box connects to the internet through a modem. The set-top box is coupled to the satellite dish assembly allowing the satellite dish assembly to connect to the internet through the set-top box. An antenna coupled to the satellite dish assembly broadcasts a wireless internet signal allowing a mobile electronic device to connect to the internet through the set-top box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventor: Rajiv Singh Cullen Pal
  • Publication number: 20140189756
    Abstract: A media device may be configured for receiving data from one or more satellites. The media device may include one or more processors and one or more storage devices. A first tuner of a media device may tune to a first data stream that came from a first satellite transponder. A second tuner of the media device may tune to a second data stream that came from a second satellite transponder. The first data stream and the second data stream may be derived from source data based at least in part on a data distribution scheme. The data distribution scheme may include distributing at least portions of the source data with the first data stream and the second data stream. The first data stream and/or the second data stream may be processed to store and/or output for presentation content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: William Michael Beals