Multiunit Or Multiroom Structure (e.g., Home, Hospital, Hotel, Office Building, School, Etc.) Patents (Class 725/78)
  • Patent number: 9491562
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sharing of mobile applications between callers are provided. A telephone call connection may be provided between a first mobile device and a second mobile device. A selection may be received from a user of the first mobile device that indicates at least one application previously enabled for sharing. It may be detect that the second mobile device has also enabled sharing of the same application. The application may be executed on the first mobile device and the second mobile device. Further, any updated data related to the application may be automatically exchanged between the first mobile device and the second mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: GRANDIOS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: John Cronin
  • Patent number: 9444813
    Abstract: Systems and methods of token-based protection for remote resources are disclosed. For example, a method may include receiving, at a second computing device, a configuration message from a first computing device. The configuration message includes information to configure a resource at the second computing device. For example, the resource may be a cloud transcoder. The method also includes generating, at the second computing device, a short token that enables the first computing device to access the resource. For example, the short token may be used to receive a long token that can be used to send application programming interface (API) requests to the cloud transcoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: WOWZA MEDIA SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Dean Talvensaari, Ian Zenoni
  • Patent number: 9397928
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, apparatus and method for the distribution of digital data signals, which are received at a receiving means, to be sent to a plurality of locations downstream therefrom, in an efficient manner. The received data is received in a first format such as an RF format with a plurality of different components and is then changed in format, in one embodiment to an optical format. The data path is also split to allow a plurality of data paths to be defined which allow the data to be transmitted along the plurality of data paths to each of the downstream locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBAL INVACOM LTD
    Inventor: Gary Stafford
  • Patent number: 9380344
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus receives a user selection of content to be reproduced by an external device connected to the information processing apparatus. A request to reproduce the user selected content is sent to the external device. Information indicating whether the external device has started reproducing the selected content is received from the external device. In response to the external device having started reproduction of the selected content, a thumbnail image is reproduced that corresponds to the content being reproduced by the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Hiroi, Yukio Ichikawa, Yumi Sato, Marie Suzuki, Yasushi Nakajima, Hiroshi Nagatani, Masahiro Hara, Hiroshi Horiki, Kouhei Fujimoto, Takeshi Matsuzawa, Hiroyuki Mitsubori, Sakae Houjou, Mingshan Yang
  • Patent number: 9369746
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tuning to a channel of a Moving Pictures Expert Group transport stream (MPEG-TS), for example used in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network, are provided for optimizing a channel change procedure. The method comprises the steps of receiving a MPEG transport stream at a first bit rate, the MPEG transport stream comprising a plurality of television channels. Program clock reference (PCR) values are identified in the received MPEG transport stream, and one or more of the program clock reference (PCR) values are adjusted. The MPEG transport stream, including the adjusted program clock reference values, are transmitted at a second bit rate, for example to a receiver device such as a set top box, thereby enabling the set top box to perform a channel change procedure more quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Torbjörn Einarsson, Thorsten Lohmar, Thomas Rusert
  • Patent number: 9369748
    Abstract: A hospitality media system includes a media system controller and a plurality of media devices located in a plurality of rooms and coupled to the media system controller. Each room has one or more in-room media devices located therein for performing a media function. A connection port allows a user of a room to establish data communications between the media system controller and a guest device. The media system controller is coupled to the connection port and configured to catalogue guest content available on the guest device to thereby form a guest content list, associate the guest content with one or more associated rooms at least including the user's room, and perform the media function utilizing content selected from the guest content list only on the in-room media devices located within the one or more associated rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Guest Tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter S. Warrick, Brendan G. Cassidy, Brian W. King, Lea Lorenzo, Blake Read, Ian S. McBeth, Andrew T. MacMillan
  • Patent number: 9357257
    Abstract: A portable information processing device (1) is provided with a communication portion (12) capable of communication according to a prescribed network standard allowing sharing of media data between corresponding apparatuses connected to a network, a built-in display portion (10) capable of replaying/displaying the media data, a control unit (18a) capable of controlling a display on the built-in display portion and acquiring the media data, and a first external display (15) noncorresponding to the prescribed network standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Masaki, Sei Kohno
  • Patent number: 9332240
    Abstract: A method, device, and/or medium may be associated with controlling media content delivery to a remote device by generating and transmitting a request to schedule media content for recording. An identification of a remote device that is prohibited from accessing the scheduled media content may be generated and included in the request. A request to transmit the recorded media content may be denied based, at least in part, on the identification of the prohibited device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES FUND 79 LLC
    Inventors: Lakshmi G. Raman, Lawrence E. Lycke
  • Patent number: 9332014
    Abstract: A system for receiving satellite radio signals and/or internet content and extracting a plurality of channels from the satellite radio signals and/or internet content is disclosed. The content of the channels is converted to IP packets and streamed across an Ethernet network. In one embodiment, each of the channels is associated with an IP address or port. Users receive the content of the channels by selecting the IP address or port associated with the desired content. An administrator may control the channels that are available to the users. In one embodiment, the users each have a subscription to access the content, and the subscription may control the channels that the user access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Keiser, Scott Passe
  • Patent number: 9319627
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending high definition multimedia signals from a source to a display over long distances (e.g., up to 300 feet) using a single cable medium having a plurality of twisted pair conductors contained therein. The extender transparently supports HDMI and/or DVI signaling, which allows encrypted video content to be displayed at the remote display (or other sink device). Display data channel control (DDC) information is sampled and transferred in packet from the local unit to a remote unit to comply with high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Video Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Madalin Cirstea, Adrian Bica
  • Patent number: 9319618
    Abstract: A method and system that provides a television service; receives a customer input to access a graphical user interface that includes a main menu pertaining to the television service; retrieves the graphical user interface; and displays the graphical user interface via the customer device, wherein the graphical user interface includes a main menu body and an interactive masthead having an interactive element that permits a customer to access content via the interactive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Venket S. Kandanala, Nicky Pinakin Joshi, Anand N. Sankaran, Rajesh Narayanan, Lisa A. Caputo, Karthik Srinivasan, Mousumi Dasgupta, Jubish C. Parambath, Sudharsan Selvakumar, Sumithra Jayaraman
  • Patent number: 9294823
    Abstract: Program cells of an electronic guide may be generated on a display device in an electronic device. An advertisement cell may be moved based on movement of the program cells. The advertisement cell may be kept stationary when the program cells scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Cumnor Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: George Gerba, Michael R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9294460
    Abstract: Described are techniques and systems for providing service account credentials to a media device. A remote control configured to control the media device may include a remote identifier, service account credentials, or both to the media device. The media device may acquire the service account credentials, and configure the media device to perform one or more operations using the service account credentials. As different remote controls associated with different service account credentials are used, the media device is reconfigured according to the inputs from those remote controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Anthony Thomas
  • Patent number: 9288072
    Abstract: When a user wants to move or share the contents, information on network status, a position of a terminal, and a property of the terminal is collected and displayed intuitively to the user. Then, quality of the contents is adjusted in accordance with selection of the user adaptively. The contents can be displayed through the selected terminal with adaptively adjusted quality based on the information on network status, the position of a terminal, and the property of the selected terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Korea Electronics Technology Institute
    Inventors: Jae Won Moon, Kyung Won Kim, Tae Beom Lim, Kwang Sue Chung, Dong Chil Kim, Doo Yeol Yoon
  • Patent number: 9253543
    Abstract: A video modulator is presented. The modulator includes a video input interface, a video modulation circuit, a video output interface, a communication interface, and control circuitry. The video input interface is configured to receive a video signal to be modulated, the video modulation circuit is configured to modulate the video signal, and the video output interface is configured to transmit the modulated video signal. The communication interface is configured to receive a command via a communication link to control the video modulator. The control circuitry is configured to receive the command from the communication interface and to control at least one of the video input interface, the video modulation circuit, and the video output interface based on the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stephen Strong
  • Patent number: 9167286
    Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in an in-home network for passively communicating multimedia content or information from the CATV network and between subscriber devices connected to the ports of the CATV entry adapter, using CATV signals in a CATV frequency band and network signals in a different in-home network band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: PPC BROADBAND, INC.
    Inventors: Chad T. Wells, John M. Egan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9148756
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling output of content on a media rendering device. A mobile phone may be effective to receive a request for content where the content is from a content processor. The mobile phone may be effective to generate a command based on the request, the command including a URL, the URL including an address of a gateway processor and an identification of the content processor. The mobile phone may be effective to send the command to the media rendering device. The media rendering device may be effective to send a request to the gateway processor using the URL. The gateway processor may be effective to receive the content from the content processor and send the content to the media rendering device. The media rendering device may be effective to output the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: FLIPPS MEDIA AD
    Inventor: Metodi Filipov
  • Patent number: 9131258
    Abstract: A method for providing a personalized service in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) includes pairing a mobile terminal with the IPTV. The method also includes receiving personalized data from the paired mobile terminal, and searching the Internet for contents satisfying the received personalized data and providing the searched contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyu-Yun Lee, Sang-Hyun Shin, Jong-Ho Park
  • Patent number: 9118969
    Abstract: A method enables a user to pause or stop content reproduction in one viewing room, and resume content reproduction in another viewing room according to a timing condition. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method is used in a system including first and second video devices, and includes steps of: receiving by the first video device while playing back a program, a first control signal to interrupt the playback; enabling display of a message by the second video device for a predetermined time interval asking a viewer whether to continue playback of the program by the second video device; receiving by the second video device a second control signal within the predetermined time interval to continue playback of the program; and enabling playback of the program by the second video device in response to the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Mark Francis Rumreich
  • Patent number: 9092834
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting medical displays is arranged to communicate medical information to a caregiver. The system includes at least one display for displaying medical information, a wireless communication device associated with the display and a wireless communication device associated with the caregiver. The wireless communication device associated with the display is arranged to realize if the wireless communication device associated with the caregiver, and thus the caregiver, is present in a predetermined area near the display. A controller associated with the display is arranged to automatically adjust at least one characteristic of the display based upon the realized presence of the caregiver. According to the method, the presence of the caregiver is detected when the caregiver enters the predetermined area near the display. At lease one characteristic of the display is thus adjusted automatically based upon the detected presence of the caregiver in the predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Craig R. Tolmie, Russell C. Ward, Susan A. Meyers, Robert J. Koch
  • Patent number: 9043859
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 9042810
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for auto-installing an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) includes issuing an auto-installation command from the IRD to an outdoor unit (ODU) and receiving a plurality of tones from the ODU in response to the auto-installation command, each tone representing a center frequency of available user bands (UBs). The auto-installation also includes acquiring a UB center frequency by the IRD, requesting the ODU to confirm a UB number corresponding to the acquired UB center frequency, and receiving confirmation from the ODU that a UB number corresponds to the acquired UB center frequency. The auto-installation also includes sending an acceptance of the assigned UB number from the IRD to signal the ODU that it may mark the assigned UB as assigned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Entropic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Wong, Troy Brandon, Jon Huss
  • Patent number: 9038114
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and method for recording media content. For example, in one embodiment, a method for recording media content is disclosed that includes communicating with a home gateway to determine whether a device connected to the home gateway has enough free storage space to store a media content in response to a determination that an internal data storage unit of a set top box does not have sufficient free storage space to store the media content. In one embodiment, the method routes the storage of the media content to the device via the home gateway in response to a determination that the device connected to the home gateway has sufficient free storage space to store the media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jamie Christopher Howarter, Doug Ceballos
  • Patent number: 9038112
    Abstract: A user profile server stores a particular user profile corresponding to a user who belongs to a plurality of separate loyalty programs, and the particular user profile includes a plurality of different loyalty program user identifiers each identifying the user on a respective one of the separate loyalty programs. The user profile server communicates user a preference included on the particular user profile to a first controller via the computer network and communicates the user preference included on the particular user profile to a second controller via the computer network. The first controller is associated with a first hospitality location where the user is identified according to a first loyalty program user identifier included on the particular user profile, and the second is controller is associated with a second hospitality location where the user is identified according to a second loyalty program user identifier included on the particular user profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Guest Tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter S. Warrick, Arnon Levy, Lindsey M. Carriere, Darren T. Ziebart, Joseph A. Kullos, Diego Fontes, Andrew T. MacMillan
  • Patent number: 9032453
    Abstract: A multiplexed transport interface (MTSIF) may be utilized during communication between a demodulation module and a video processing system-on-chip (SoC). The MTSIF may enable concurrent demodulation of a plurality of input modulated video streams, via a plurality of demodulator chips within the demodulation module, by multiplexing data generated by the demodulator chips via the MTSIF during communication between the demodulator module and the video processing SoC. The MTSIF may also be utilized for communicating control signals, which may be used in controlling and/or managing operations of the demodulation module, the video processing SoC, and/or the MTSIF. Communication via the MTSIF may be synchronized. Packets communicated via the MTSIF may be timestamped. Timestamp counters may be used in the demodulation module and the video processing SoC to generate and/or track timestamps in communicated packets. The timestamp counter may be synchronized, using control signals communicated via the MTSIF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Rajesh Mamidwar, Stephen Edward Krafft
  • Patent number: 9032451
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying data related to a content displayed through a set top box includes a second screen device generating a content information request signal requesting data corresponding to the content, communicates the content information request signal to the set top box. The set top box communicates a content information signal to the second screen device comprising a content identifier. The second screen device generates a request for related data signal corresponding to the content using the content identifier, communicates the request for related data signal through a network, receives aggregated related content data corresponding to the content from a data services center and displays the aggregated related content data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Don E. Cansino, Brady C. Tsurutani, Earl J. Bonovich, Charles W. Beeson
  • Patent number: 9032450
    Abstract: A method is provided comprising: receiving a constant bit rate video stream representing a single video from a video source via a managed broadband connection; converting the constant bit rate video stream into a single non-adaptive bit rate video stream by modifying a video transport stack of the video to be compatible with a home device media player video transport stack; modifying a video control stack of the video to be compatible with a device in a home network; adding a home networking transport stack to the video stream, wherein the home networking transport stack is such that it would appear to the device in the home network as if the video stream came from a server local to the home network; and delivering the video stream to a device in the home network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Glenn Algie, Alan Messer
  • Publication number: 20150121432
    Abstract: A method includes identifying a video service device that receives a video service. The video service includes video content provided by a video service provider, and the video service device is associated with a customer premises network. The method includes identifying a first video program displayed by the video service device. The method also includes identifying a personal device that accesses other content via another communication channel. The method includes identifying a user account associated with the personal device, identifying preferences associated with the user account, and determining cross channel content based on the video content, the first content and the preferences associated with the user account. The method includes integrating the cross channel content and the first content to form integrated content, and providing the integrated content at the personal device coordinated with the receipt of the first video program at the video service device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Siddharth Pandey
  • Patent number: 9021522
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for processing iTV. A request to play a first interactive television signal at a first electronic device is received. A first virtual machine for processing the first interactive television signal is instantiated at the first electronic device. A first file that includes information associated with playing interactive TV on the first electronic device is accessed from non-volatile storage on the first electronic device. A request to play a second interactive television signal at a second electronic device that is communicatively coupled to the first electronic device is received. A second virtual machine for processing the second interactive television signal is instantiated at the first device. A second file that includes information associated with playing interactive TV on the second electronic device is stored in non-volatile storage on the first electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Shigeru Aoki, Azmee Carlton Lane, Kenichiro Tanaka, Michimune Kono
  • Publication number: 20150113574
    Abstract: Methods and systems for cross-protocol time synchronization may comprise, for example, in a premises-based network, receiving, by a root node network controller in the premises, signals that conform to one or more first communications protocols. The received signals may be bridged to conform to a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocol, and the bridged signals may be communicated to networked devices within the network, where only signals conforming to the second communications protocol may be concurrently communicated over the network in a frequency range of the first communications protocol and in a frequency range of the second communications protocol, the frequency range used by the first communications protocol being different from and not overlapping with the frequency range used by the second communications protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Curtis Ling, Timothy Gallagher
  • Patent number: 9015774
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Earl Hennenhoefer, Richard V. Snyder, Robert Stine
  • Patent number: 9009344
    Abstract: A method of sending a data stream of video images between a server and at least one client device in a communication network, employing a rate setting for the sending of data over the communication network, the method comprising the following steps: obtaining (910) an item of information Pc representing a speed of variation over time for a rate setting, said item of information depending on at least one characteristic of the state of the traffic over the communication network, comparing (920) said item of information Pc so obtained with a scheduled time Ev for a set of video image data to send, adapting (930) the rate setting delivered by the server on the basis of at least the result of the comparing step, compressing said set of video image data to send using a compression mode which depends on the adapted rate setting, sending said set of video image data so compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eric Nassor, Frédéric Maze
  • Patent number: 9003455
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing digital content to televisions or other devices having media playback capabilities over a network infrastructure using virtual set top boxes (VSTBs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Guest Tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd.
    Inventors: David Hulse, Thomas Duke
  • Patent number: 9003456
    Abstract: A method of presenting still image data on multiple display devices using a wireless home entertainment hub comprises obtaining a registration of a plurality of devices with the wireless home entertainment hub, where the plurality of devices includes at least two display devices. An assignment of a zone for each display device of the at least two display devices is received. Still image data is caused to be displayed on a subset of the at least two display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Porto Vinci Ltd. Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Patrick T. Igoe, Edward A. Ehrlacher
  • Patent number: 8997157
    Abstract: An audio/video network system for distributing satellite broadcast services includes an antenna unit for receiving audio/video broadcast services. The antenna unit is in communication with a master receiver, which receives the audio/video broadcast services and displays them on a first television associated with the master receiver. The master receiver is in communication with a plurality of slave clients, which receive audio/video broadcast services from the master receiver and display them on a respective television associated with each of the slave clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harish N. Patel, Daniel A. Lotocky, Nathan B. Zerbe, Thomas H. James
  • Publication number: 20150089550
    Abstract: A multimedia server receives a plurality of programs of a multimedia source. The multimedia server includes a tuning module to receive the plurality of programs and to select a set of programs from the plurality of programs based on a set of program select commands that is derived from select requests. A program mixer mixes the set of programs into a stream of program data. One or more transceiving modules transmit the stream of program data on to corresponding communication paths and receive the select requests. A client module produces the select requests for one or more clients. The client module includes a selection module to produce at least one of the select requests. A network interface controller transmits at least one of select requests to the multimedia server and receives the stream of program data via the communication path or paths in response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: VIXS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Indra Laksono
  • Publication number: 20150089537
    Abstract: A multimedia server receives a plurality of programs of a multimedia source. The multimedia server includes a tuning module to receive the plurality of programs and to select a set of programs from the plurality of programs based on a set of program select commands that is derived from select requests. A program mixer mixes the set of programs into a stream of program data. One or more transceiving modules transmit the stream of program data on to corresponding communication paths and receive the select requests. A client module produces the select requests for one or more clients. The client module includes a selection module to produce at least one of the select requests. A network interface controller transmits at least one of select requests to the multimedia server and receives the stream of program data via the communication path or paths in response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: ViXS Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Indra Laksono
  • Patent number: 8988495
    Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Eletronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jeongsim Kim
  • Patent number: 8990317
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to establish a group presence session between at least a first device associated with a first network and a second device associated with a second network. During the group presence session, multimedia content is provided to the first device and to the second device at substantially the same time, and first presence information from the first device is provided to the second device at substantially the same time as second presence information from the second device is provided to the first device. The method further includes synchronizing the multimedia content, the first presence information, and the second presence information based on a first device capability, a second device capability, information associated with the first network, and information associated with the second network. Synchronized content streams that include the multimedia content and presence information are transmitted to the devices via the respective networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Cagatay Buyukkoc, Robert C. Streijl
  • Publication number: 20150082360
    Abstract: A BCN network with BCN modems that enable network wired devices to communicate over a typical home coaxial network that may include passive splitters and different types of coaxial cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Anton Monk, Brett Bernath, Itzhak Gurantz, Ron Porat, Yusuf Ozturk, Ronald B. Lee, Wee Peng Goh, Magnus Berggren
  • Patent number: 8984565
    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/TTA 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: CBV, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Hennenhoefer, Richard Snyder, Robert Stine
  • Patent number: 8978076
    Abstract: Methods and system for providing content are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a request for data at a first time, wherein the data comprises a first time duration, determining a buffer size based upon the first time duration, and determining a playback window based upon the determined buffer size and the first time. The method can also comprise synchronizing presentation of content on a plurality of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Gilson
  • Patent number: 8973063
    Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing digital media playback at multiple digital media playback devices interconnected on a network is provided. A digital media playback device comprising a processor, a synchronization component, a timekeeper component and a digital media source performs synchronization processes to arrange for other players to begin playback at a predetermined position and time in the digital media signal. Synchronization is accomplished by processes which approximate the arrival time of a packet containing audio and/or video digital content across the network and instruct the playback devices as to when playback is to begin, and at what point in the streaming media content signal to begin playback. One method uses a time-stamp packet on the network to synchronize all players. Other methods utilize reiterative processes to narrow approximations of packet arrival time at each playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: NETGEAR, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Spilo, Jonathan Daub
  • Patent number: 8970616
    Abstract: A method of displaying images, which includes displaying a first image in a first display portion, receiving a first image-quality condition for setting a first image quality of the first image displayed in the first display portion, generating, via a first display controller of the first display portion, a first image-quality setting image by applying the first image-quality condition to the first image displayed in the first display portion, transmitting the generated first image-quality setting image from the first display controller to a second display controller of a second display portion, and displaying the transmitted first image-quality setting image on the second display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Ha Lee, Duk Jun Jo
  • Patent number: 8973062
    Abstract: A multimode physical (MMP) layer circuit for physical (PHY) layer handling of signals transported over a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable in a home multimedia network, wherein the signals are compliant with at least two different PHY layer modes. The MMP layer circuits comprises a plurality of PHY transceivers respectively coupled to a plurality of TP channels of the HDMI cable through a HDMI connector, wherein each PHY transceiver of the plurality of PHY transceivers handles signals transported over its respective TP channel according to a PHY layer mode of the transported signals; and a controller is coupled to the HDMI connector and to each of the plurality of PHY transceivers, the controller recognizes the PHY layer mode of signals transported over each of the plurality of TP channels and sets each of the plurality of PHY transceivers according to the recognized PHY layer mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Bar-Niv
  • Patent number: 8973064
    Abstract: A control device that interacts with a television system. The control device may receive a user input identifying a video selection. At least one module of the control device may display video information corresponding to the video selection. The control device may alternately, or in addition, cause display of the video information on a television system. The control device may respond to a second user input identifying a storage selection by triggering storage of the video information in a storage unit corresponding to the storage selection. The control device may also receive a third user input identifying a replay request for other video information that may be selected from a plurality of stored videos. The control device may direct display of the other video information on the television system and/or on a display of the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz
  • Patent number: 8966521
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to present supplemental media on a second screen are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining, at a digital media device, media identifying data from audio data of a portion of first media being presented via the digital media device; determining that the portion of the first media is an advertisement based on the media identifying data; detecting, at the digital media device, a command to cause the digital media device to skip the portion of the first media; and providing an indication to a second device in response to detecting the command, the indication to cause the second device to present second media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Padmanabhan Soundararajan, Venugopal Srinivasan, Alexander Topchy
  • Patent number: 8966545
    Abstract: A method of connecting a legacy device in a home entertainment system containing a wireless home entertainment hub utilizing a home theatre network interface box includes obtaining a registration with the wireless home entertainment hub for the home theatre network interface box. The home theatre network interface box is connected to the legacy device and the home theatre network interface device is identified at the wireless home entertainment hub according to the functionality of the legacy device. An instruction from the wireless home entertainment hub to transmit data produced by the legacy device to at least one sink device in the home entertainment system is received, where the legacy device is a source device. Representation of the data produced by the legacy device from the home theatre network interface box to the at least one sink device is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Porto Vinci Ltd. Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Patrick T. Igoe
  • Patent number: 8949909
    Abstract: Method, device, and storage medium to identify that a resource conflict exists pertaining to tuners of a device that tune to programs; notify a user that the resource conflict exists; receive a request to release a tuner; release the tuner in response to the request; determine whether a program offer is to be made; and provide the program offer in response to determining that the program offer is to be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Enrique Ruiz-Velasco, Japan A. Mehta, Venkata S. Adimatyam
  • Patent number: 8949910
    Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing, by a system comprising at least one processor, a content display configuration corresponding to a plurality of feed selections from a plurality of media content feeds available from a service provider network, a plurality of display selections from a plurality of available displays, and a plurality of pairing selections assigning each feed selection of the plurality of feed selections to at least one display selection of the plurality of display selections, transmitting a plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration, modifying the content display configuration according to a request, and transmitting the plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Sheldon Kent Meredith, Jeremy Fix, Zachary Meredith