Abstract: A network bridging system, which receives RF (radio frequency) broadcast digital audio/video and encapsulates and routes selected broadcast content across a Local-Area-Network (LAN). The system includes multiple tuners that allow multiple client devices to access the broadcast content simultaneously through a network connection. It serves as a standalone Ethernet server and does not require a connection to a PC. The broadcast content, encapsulated in unicast or multicast network packets, is shared among multiple users concurrently.

Abstract: A system for unifying heterogeneous multimedia tuners. The system produces a unified channel lineup and coordinates multiple diverse tuners to perform multimedia tasks associated with the unified lineup. In one implementation, tuner allocation policy allows behind-the-scenes tuner assignment and on-the-fly tuner swapping so that the user experience is seamless, access quality is continuously optimized, and tuners with the most bandwidth are kept available.

Abstract: A premises, connected to receive broadband service(s) and also connected to a cable system, is provided with a broadband interface which connects to in-premises cabling which is coupled to consumer receivers such as a television sets, PDAs, laptops. Connected to the broadband interface is an adjunct device which channels broadband, data and voice signals supplied to an in-premises wireless system as distinguished from the signals supplied to the cable connected consumer receivers. The adjunct device formats the broadband and voice signals or any broadband service into packet format suitable for signal radiation and couples them to the in-premises coax cabling, via a diplexer, at a first selected location. At a second cable location a second diplexer, connected to the cable, separates the broadband, data and voice signals and couples them to a signal radiation device (i.e., an RF antenna or leaky coaxial cable) which radiates the signal to the immediate surrounding location.

Abstract: A digital video broadcast (DVB) receiver and methods are provided for processing Internet data. The DVB receiver receives at least one announcement message mapping an Internet protocol address to a transport stream packet identifier. Using the information, the DVB receiver may configure a demultiplexer to filter service components according to an Internet protocol address.

Abstract: A communication node for enabling interworking of a first network in which data transfer is based on a combination of request and response and a second network in which data transfer is not based on a combination of request and response is disclosed. In the communication node, a packet conversion processing is applied to a first packet received by the first interface on the first network side so as to obtain a second packet corresponding to the second network at a time of executing an application across the first network and the second network, and a correspondence between the first packet and the second packet is stored in a packet correspondence memory. Then, a destination node on the first network to which a response packet is to be transferred is identified by referring to the packet correspondence memory using an information of the response packet at a time of receiving the response packet corresponding to the second packet by the second interface on the second network.

Abstract: A digital broadcast (DB) receiver and methods are provided for processing Internet data. The DB receiver receives service identification information mapping a broadcast service component to a unique transmission stream. The DB receiver also receives at least one announcement message mapping an Internet protocol address to a broadcast service component. Using the information, the DB receiver may configure a demultiplexer to filter transmission streams according to an Internet protocol address.

Abstract: A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TIA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.

Abstract: A car theater video and audio entertainment system is provided with a host box. An interior of the host box is installed with a memory, a wireless signal receiving antenna, a booster, and plural sets of video and audio multiplexers. An input end of the host box is connected to a VCD/DVD player, and an output end of the host box is connected to a plurality of display screens and a plurality of control panels. The control panel is provided with more than two insertion holes for receiving a game controller, an earphone, or a pair of head-mounted virtual glasses. The memory stores a lot of video files, music files, image files, and video game software. By using the control panel to control the host box, each user can choose a channel according to his or her preferences, without interfering with or being interfered by other users.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments providing one or more improvements include a media system which connects to multiple media demodulation devices through a cable infrastructure and to a digital media content provider to allow a user to purchase, download and play media content by interacting with a remote control located at any given one of the media demodulation devices.

Abstract: A method of delivering a regional television channel to a user over an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service comprising the steps of forming a multicast of channels intended for delivery to a user each channel having a specific channel slot, the multicast of channels including one or more regional channels corresponding to one of the multicast of channels; broadcasting the multicast channels to the user through a regional gateway; forming a regional channel control signal for scheduling and requesting broadcast of the at least one regional channel instead of the one of the multicast of channels; transmitting the regional channel control signal to the regional gateway; and in accordance with the regional channel control signal, at the required time, switching the regional gateway to the at least one regional channel instead of the corresponding one of the multicast channels such that the regional channel is in the specific channel slot of the corresponding channel.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing and maintaining synchronization of isochronous audio and video information streams in wireless multimedia applications. The system includes a media source device capable of sending multimedia content a media consumer device capable of receiving said multimedia content, control signals that are exchanged between said media source device and said media consumer device, and an algorithm that uses the control signals to synchronize isochronous video and audio streams that pass between said media source device and said media consumer device. Some embodiments of the present invention include an algorithm to enable a device to have both the media sourcing and media consuming functions. The system and method includes algorithms that use the control signals to establish and maintain synchronization between the isochronous audio, data, and video streams of multimedia content, and, optionally, allows a device to both transmit and receive said multimedia content.

Abstract: An video data object distribution system for transfer of video data objects includes a network of digital data file servers. The network of digital data file servers communicate with a client system to transfer video data objects. A scheduling apparatus schedules the transfer of the video data objects. A client streaming device within the client begins transfer of a first segment such that the video data object is started streaming of prior to reception of a totality of the first segment. An ordered sequential transfer device orders and sequentially transfers segments of the video data object to the client system. The preemption device allows persistent video data object transfer of video data object without resending the video data objects. A hierarchical caching controller copies segments of any of the video data objects from a central distribution server to any of the network of data file servers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment is a method of synchronizing media streams among a plurality of digital home communication terminals (DHCTs). The method comprises the steps of: decoding a stream of encoded media frames; receiving an indication of a desired playout time; determining a variation between the target playout time and the desired playout time; and adjusting the decoder playout speed to reduce the variation. At least a first portion of the frames have a target playout time conveyed in the stream. The indication of desired playout time is received for at least a second portion of the frames.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a command receiving device (1200) for controlling an electronic device operable using wirelessly transmitted commands. The command receiving device (1200) includes: a network interface (1210) for coupling to a communications network; a control interface (1240) for coupling to said electronic device; a memory (1230) for storing a set of one or more control commands recognised by said electronic device; and a processor (1220) coupled to the network interface (1210), the control interface (1240), and the memory (1230). The processor (1220) translates at least one command received from said communications network via said network interface (1210) to at least one of said control commands, said control interface transmitting said at least one control command to said electronic device to control said electronic device. The electronic device may include, for example, a recording device or a signal source device.

Abstract: A method used in an information processing apparatus for transferring a set of images from a server unit over a network and controlling a printing process of the transferred set of images, the method comprising: a) forming an image selection method at a local network device for identifying the set of images; b) communicating the image selection method to the server unit over the network; c) receiving, at a network device other than the local network device, the set of images from the server unit over the network responsive to the image selection method; d) arranging the set of images into a layout on the network device other than the local network device; e) converting the layout into a page description language (PDL) format file; and f) communicating the PDL format file to a printer over the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods of assembling an elementary stream from an encapsulated multimedia transport stream are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is performed in a digital home communication terminal (DHCT). This method comprises the steps of: receiving a layer-2 packet through a binding to a network interface driver; applying at least one filter to the received packet to determine whether the received packet contains one or more multimedia transport packets meeting criteria associated with the filter; and for each multimedia transport packet meeting the applied filter criteria, copying the respective multimedia transport packet to an elementary stream buffer.

Abstract: In a local information broadcast system according to the present invention, a content distribution center distributes broadcast contents of local information to broadcast devices arranged in a service area via a master station. Each of the broadcast devices receives the distributed contents by a communication unit, stores the contents in a storage unit and cyclically outputs the stored contents by an output unit, converts the contents into broadcast signals in a transmission system of a digital broadcast and broadcasts the broadcast signals to the service area by a transmission unit, and provides a receiving terminal capable of receiving digital broadcast in the service area of the local information.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating between a signal generator and a signal receiver, for providing controlled access to information and/or communication channels, whereby the signal generator and the signal receiver are set to wirelessly transmit and receive a plurality of simultaneously transmitted signals, respectively, and the signal receiver is set to selectively provide access to information and/or communication channels on receiving the plurality of simultaneously transmitted signals from the signal generator, the signal generator comprising means for limiting a transmission of a predetermined signal to at least one of a prescribed duration and a prescribed number of activations for access to the information and/or communication channels.

Abstract: A host includes a controller configured to receive a request self-diagnostic to the host, wherein the request is for diagnostic information associated with memory allocated for an application. The controller is further configured to collect the requested diagnostic information.

Abstract: A controller for filtering sub-channels of DVB is provided, including a media access control (MAC) unit, at least a data compression unit and at least a physical interface circuit. The MAC unit includes a plurality of registers. The MAC unit is connected to the DVB packets through a bus, and the registers provide storage for the program identification of at least one DVB sub-channel packet so that the MAC unit can determine whether to discard or output the DVB packet based on the program identification. The data compression unit is connected to MAC unit for being controlled to determine whether the packet should be compressed before output. The physical interface circuit is connected to the MAC unit and the data compression unit for outputting the compressed or uncompressed packets.

Abstract: A host device is disclosed. The host device includes a processor and a control mechanism. The processor operates to receive primary and associated data, decode and separate the associated data from the primary data, and cause the associated data to be rendered on a separate hand held device. The processor also operates the control mechanism to control a separate display apparatus to separately receive and render the primary data.

Abstract: The invention prevents unwanted sounds from being outputted from an AV output apparatus such as a HDTV receiver. In the invention, when a streaming signal of a predetermined format having video data and audio data is inputted to a streaming input terminal 10, separation unit 23 of a relay apparatus 2 separates this signal into the video data and audio data. HDMI transmitter 27 generates and outputs a streaming signal having the video data separated by the separation unit 23, of the same format as that of the streaming signal inputted to the streaming input terminal 10.

Abstract: A central service facility is connected via a network and a uniform service interactive platform to a multiplicity of remotely located medical diagnostic systems. The interactive platform includes a video/audio plug-in application which can be used to access a library of videos via a network. The video library is stored at the central service facility or on a local area network at the remote facility. The interactive platform of the medical diagnostic system comprises a web browser which enables the end-user to search and select a training video from the database, and a video/audio player for viewing the selected video directly from the operator's console. Depending on bandwidth availability, the video file can be downloaded to the remotely located medical diagnostic equipment prior to display or streamed in real-time.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of remote control devices receives user-initiated video selections of any of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) channels, digital subscriber line (DSL) video content, and combinations of DBS channels and DSL video content. Based on the selections, each of a plurality of video processing modules is responsive to a corresponding one of the remote control devices to request any of a DBS channel, DSL video content, and a combination of a DBS channel and DSL video content, and to generate a television signal based thereon. A DBS distribution module simultaneously receives and distributes all DBS channels requested by the video processing modules. A DSL modem receives any DSL video content requested by the video processing modules. A networking module distributes the DSL video content to those of the video processing modules requesting same.

Abstract: A communication system and method enable the dynamic use of multiple access technologies and multiple standards using a software functionality approach. An access device configured to communicate dynamically using multiple access technologies and multiple standards has a network interface, a central core, and a service hub with a premises interface. The network interface is configured to transmit communications to, and/or receive communications from, a network using multiple network access technologies. The service hub with the premises interface is configured to transmit communications to, and/or receive communications from, a premises device using multiple premises access technologies. The central core is configured to format communications received or to be transmitted for multiple access technologies and multiple standards and to control the interface from which the communication will be transmitted.

Abstract: A mobile electronic apparatus functions as an image medium reproducer, and, in particular, a moving image, such as a DVD reproducer. The mobile electronic apparatus has a mobile body, and a mobile stand detachably connectable with the mobile body. While the mobile apparatus body is connected to the mobile apparatus stand, the mobile apparatus body performs auralization and visualization of at least one A/V (Audio/Video) signal based on at least one input A/V signal from an A/V storage medium and at least one input body control signal output from the mobile apparatus stand, and outputs at least one stand control signal controlling the A/V signal output by the mobile apparatus stand. When the mobile apparatus body is disconnected from the mobile apparatus stand, the mobile apparatus body operates as an independent mobile electronic apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated phone-based home gateway system. The integrated phone-based home gateway system is a multi-function wireless and wired networking, wireless and wired telephony, broadband, gateway device. It provides automatic wireless and wired broadband initialization, configuration and service provisioning, gateway, routing and bridging functionality, wireless and wired data and telephony functionality and allows resource sharing among multiple wireless and wired devices.

Abstract: A method of playing images on a portable electronic device is disclosed to include the steps of: providing a portable electronic device that comprises a display device, a browser program, a USB port, a USB OTG module, and a memory, and said browser program includes an editing function; connecting a digital camera device to said portable electronic device, and said digital camera device comprises a display device, a USB port, and a memory; thereby said USB OTG module detects whether or not said memory of said digital camera device includes a multimedia file; if yes, then call said browser program and display said multimedia file on said display device; and a user using said editing function to operate said multimedia file on said portable electronic device. The present invention also relates to a portable electronic device, which can control playing images of a digital camera device on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A content retransmission system comprises a content providing server for providing, through external networks, information content purchased and an associated purchase breakdown, a smart communicator for remotely controlling the purchase process, and for wirelessly transmitting, short-range, a transfer request for the information content and a current location reference, a home server for receiving the information content and associated purchase breakdown and storing it and the associated purchase breakdown, and for receiving the transfer request and current location reference and transmitting information content corresponding to the transfer request through a power line, and a communication apparatus for receiving the information content through the power line and transmitting, by infrared, the received information content to the smart communicator.

Abstract: A method for enabling seamless transitions for a cinema presentation package, wherein the cinema presentation package includes pre-shows, trailers, live events, and main features, the steps include determining the requirements of specific protocols corresponding to the cinema presentation that will affect transitioning between the pre-shows, trailers, live events, and main features. Transition behaviors have to be identified between the pre-shows, trailers, live events, and main features that form the cinema presentation package. Flexibility exists in displaying the cinema presentation package, and yet the pre-shows, trailers, live events, and main features are displayed according to the specific protocols and transition rules associated with the specific protocols.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing a plurality of channels within a multimedia system includes processing that begins by receiving a plurality of channels from a multimedia source. The processing then continues by receiving a plurality of channel selection commands from client modules. The processing continues by selecting a channel of the plurality of channels for each of the channel selection commands to produce selected channels. As such, for each channel selection command, a corresponding channel is selected from the plurality of channels. The processing continues by encoding the selected channels based on a data conveyance protocol (e.g., encoding scheme and/or modulation scheme). The encoded channel data is then conveyed to a plurality of clients.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating with, and receiving data representative of equipment state and status from, movie theatre equipment in theatres. The system includes a central computer storage unit for receiving and storing data representative of equipment state and status, and a plurality of remote computer storage units coupled to the central computer storage unit for transmitting data representative of equipment state and status. Each of the plurality of remote computer storage units includes a first remote computer storage unit coupled to at least one theatre automation unit for detecting and transmitting data representative of automation equipment state and status.

Abstract: A wireless AV station is furnished with an Internet browsing function, a TV viewing function, a TV recording and playback function and a message board function, and these multiple functions are activated by a command from a plurality of personal computers each operating as remote controllers, and/or a dedicated remote controller. A control portion executes exclusive control among multiple functions based on exclusive control data, so that concurrently available functions may be used independently by a plurality of remote controllers.

Abstract: A data stream is transmitted to groups of individuals making separate requests for the data stream. The groups may be arranged by placing a maximum number of requesters in a group or by grouping the requesters making requests within a discrete period of time. The individual requester may be shifted from group to group or from a data store to another data store location to change the location in the data stream from which the data is sent to an individual requester or the time of transmission of the data sent from the data store.

Abstract: A processor integrating and controlling at least two A/V devices by constructing a control model, referred to as a filter graph, of the at least two A/V devices as a function of a physical connection topology of the at least two A/V devices and a desired content to be rendered by one of the at least two A/V devices. The filter graph may be constructed as a function of at least two device filters corresponding to the at least two A/V devices, in which the device filters include certain characteristics of the at least two A/V device. These characteristics may include the input or output pins for each device, the media type that the A/V device may process, the type of functions that the device may serve, etc. The desired content may be received as a user input which is entered via a keyboard, mouse or other comparable input devices.

Abstract: A system for transferring real time video information from a source device to one of a plurality of output devices includes an image capturing device for acquiring video information, the image capturing device comprising a processor, a graphics module coupled to the processor, a browsing device coupled to the processor, a packetizing portion coupled to the processor, the packetizing portion being adapted to convert the video information into a packetized stream of information, the packetized stream of information being in a first format, and an output device coupled to the processor for transferring the packetized stream of information to a network, a network gateway coupled to the image capturing device through the network, the network gateway being coupled to a worldwide network of computers, the network gateway comprising a gateway transcoding device for converting the packetized stream of information from the first format to a second format, the network gateway also comprising a packetizing portion for tr

Abstract: A method is described for scheduling a playlist from digital content supplied to a server in a multi-screen digital cinema theater. The playlist includes digital content stored in the server and that is subsequently projected in the digital cinema theater. The method includes: (a) generating and displaying a table of playlists currently available for scheduling; (b) generating and displaying a schedule table showing a schedule view for each screen as an elongated timeline bar representing a time dimension. The method further includes: (c) selecting a playlist from the table of playlists and specifying a scheduled start time and a selected screen; and (d) updating the schedule table by inserting the selected playlist as an elongated element into the elongated timeline bar for the selected screen, whereby the updated schedule table is used to schedule the selected playlist for the selected screen.

Abstract: A method of distributing audio channels to passengers of an aircraft includes digitally encoding a multiplicity of audio channels into a corresponding multiplicity of digital audio channels. Different groups of the digital audio channels are combined into sub-channels having a data rate higher than a data rate of the digital audio channels. The sub-channels are combined into a composite data stream having a data rate higher than the data rate of the sub-channels. A first radio frequency (RF) carrier signal is modulated with the composite data stream to generate a modulated RF signal audio output. The modulated RF signal output containing a large number of audio channels is transmitted over a data network, such as a coaxial cable network, along with a multiplicity of video channel modulated RF carrier signals.

Abstract: A method and system for video distribution among a plurality of users uses a host computing device that allocates tasks among a number of audiovisual serving devices. A user can select between traditional video program material, such as scheduled special events and on-demand feature length films, as well as Internet access, video games and computer applications. Assignable Computing Devices (ACDs), one type of audiovisual serving device within the system, are used for a number of functions including providing Internet access to users, controlling the menu-driven process of selecting program material and providing computer applications to users. Other types of audiovisial serving devices provide program material such as on-demand feature length films and video games. The user communicates with the ACDs through an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) while selecting program material to view through a series of menus, which may be customized according to the preferences of an individual user.

Abstract: An information signal transmission device including objects, an event manager, a broadcast manager, and a network messenger. By simply exchanging a message with the event manager, the object can perform message exchange without any discrimination between communication outside the device and communication inside the device or without any discrimination between particular destinations and unspecified destinations. Cooperation between objects within the device and cooperation between devices are thus assured, permitting a time sufficient enough to transmit information signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing peer-to-peer communications between televisions wherein a query request is sent from any of the televisions to any other of the televisions. The query request is for information identifying content currently watched on the queried television including samples of the currently watched content. In operation, each television is first identified to each other television. The identifying information includes determining whether a given television may receive content identifying information from each other of the televisions. In some instances, the querying television may only be allowed to receive certain types of content identifying information from the queried television. The identifying of the television is performed by either the televisions or a mediator that is separate from each of the televisions. The televisions receive information identifying what content identifying information a given other television may receive from a user of the televisions.

Abstract: A method for further processing data recorded on a computer arranged in a computer network. A quantity of data is recorded on the computer and stored in a memory. A quantity of supplementary data describing a property of the quantity of is generated centrally or peripherally in real time and stored. This quantity of supplementary data is used to specifically access or extract a selected quantity of the quantity of data recorded and stored.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating with, and receiving data representative of equipment state and status from, movie theatre equipment in theatres. The system includes a central computer storage unit for receiving and storing data representative of equipment state and status, and a plurality of remote computer storage units coupled to the central computer storage unit for transmitting data representative of equipment state and status. Each of the plurality of remote computer storage units includes a first remote computer storage unit coupled to at least one theatre automation unit for detecting and transmitting data representative of automation equipment state and status. The first remote computer storage unit is also coupled to at least one theatre projection unit for detecting and transmitting data representative of projection equipment state and status.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a driving profile program. The driving profile program collects information about an end user's driving activity. The information relates to trips made by the end user. The information includes departure times, intermediate stops, arrival times, purposes of the trips, and so on. After collecting this information over a period of time, the driving profile program analyzes the end user's driving activity. The driving profile program provides the end user with a driving activity profile. In addition, the driving profile program determines ways to reduce the amount of time and/or expense that the end user spends traveling in his/her vehicle and suggests modifications to the end user's driving activity that would save the end user time or expense.

Abstract: A system that permits use of existing cable TV wiring for home networking is disclosed. Because of the presence of splitters, notch filters, and other components in the cable distribution system, certain of the premises installations in the system can locally communicate over the same frequency as one another, without interference. In a disclosed embodiment, the cable operator determines the attenuation and isolation among different premises in the system, and then assigns home network frequencies to the particular premises, with those premises installations that are sufficiently isolated from one another being assigned the same home network frequency.

Abstract: In a communication system which has a base station, a mobile station and an object device controllable by the mobile station, the mobile station monitors status of the object device to detect whether or not the object device is ready to receive a data signal sequence sent through the mobile station. Such a data signal sequence may be either a voice data signal or an image data signal. The mobile station can transmit, towards the base station, a response determined by the status of the object device. A reception state of the object device may be switched from one to another to selectively receive the voice and the image data signals.

Abstract: To provide a system which, when data are incorporated into a household device via a bridging medium, is capable of ensuring security in the household device without installing security functions in the household device or bridging medium and regardless of whether the household device and a gateway in which security functions are integrated are connected via a network. The household device transfers data received via the bridging medium to the gateway, whereupon the security of the data is confirmed by security functions in the gateway. Only confirmed data are stored, whereupon a program or the like is executed. When the gateway and household device are not connected through a network, a signature is created in the gateway and this signature is verified in the household device.

Abstract: A communication system including a first terminal device connected to first and second networks, having only a reception function with respect to the first network and transmission and reception functions with respect to the second network, the first network being a radio network according to IEEE 802.11 and the second network being a radio network slower than the first network, and a second terminal device connected to the first and second networks, having at least a transmission function with respect to the first network and transmission and reception functions with respect to the second network is disclosed.

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: 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.