Multiunit Or Multiroom Structure (e.g., Home, Hospital, Hotel, Office Building, School, Etc.) Patents (Class 725/78)
  • Patent number: 8346639
    Abstract: Transaction processing involves receiving data from an access transaction application of a portable consumer device, wherein the received data comprises data from an access transaction data string that includes a transit verification value wherein, with the exception of the transit verification value, the access transaction data string is substantially similar to a retail data string comprising retail data, wherein the access application data string is adapted for use with an access transaction processing system and the retail data string is adapted for use with a retail processing system. The transaction processing involves processing access transaction application data for selective authorization of the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Visa U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Ayman Hammad, Philip B. Dixon
  • Patent number: 8341679
    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: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: CBV, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Hennenhoefer, Richard Snyder, Robert Stine
  • Patent number: 8340709
    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: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tomokazu Yuasa
  • Publication number: 20120324514
    Abstract: A demonstration arrangement for controlling a plurality of television sets or other controllable electronic devices has one or more programmed processors. A control interface is adapted to receive user commands. The processors are programmed to, upon receipt of user commands: select one or more television sets or groups of television sets while leaving others of the television sets unselected; select one of the content sources; and send signals that cause the selected content sources to be displayed by the selected one or more television sets or groups of television sets without affecting operation of unselected television sets or groups of television sets. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Leonid Dashevskiy, Trevor Davies, Robert Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20120324515
    Abstract: A method of electronic devices arranged on display walls involves a processor receiving information in a self description signal from an electronic device that characterizes it by at least an IP address and a command set which is stored in a database. A video representation is generated for display on a video display. The electronic device is selected from the database to retrieve at least a portion of the self identification information of the device from the database. Instruction are then issued to place an icon representing the device in a location on the video representation of one of the plurality of walls, where the icon is associated with the electronic device in the location on the wall with a selection of the electronic device for remote control. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Leonid Dashevskiy, Trevor Davies, Robert Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20120324516
    Abstract: A method and system to provide networking related features and other features to a consumer electronics system. The system implementation described herein shows one option to implement the method for a DTV system. The system includes a router and a DTV System-on-a-Chip. The router provides features to the DTV when the DTV system can be in any mode including on and stand-by, features like Access Point, WiFi Direct, Network Storage, Ethernet Switch and Network Pre-fetch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MEDIATEK SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Itamar GOLD-GAVRIELY
  • Patent number: 8336073
    Abstract: Strategies are described for adding a mark to media content at a source location in response to the activation of a marking mechanism, and then resuming the presentation of the media content at a second location based on the mark. The source location may be the same as the destination location, or the source location may differ from the destination location. In the latter case, the source location can correspond to a first room in a home that provides a first media processing mechanism, and the destination location can correspond to a second room in the home that provides a second media processing mechanism. The marking mechanism can correspond to a mark button provided by a remote control. Various user interface displays facilitate the adding of the mark and the resuming of the presentation, including various timelines displays, mark panel displays, thumbnail displays, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Edward M. Tecot, Michael J. Darnell, Laurie June Vertelney, Shannon C. Hegg
  • Patent number: 8316391
    Abstract: This video signal processing apparatus includes a first resolution conversion portion, a first analog video output portion, a digital video output portion and a control portion. The control portion is so formed as to make the first resolution conversion portion convert a video signal to a digital video signal of high definition and make the digital video output portion output the digital video signal of the high definition when recognizing that connection between the digital video output portion and a display is in an on-state, also in a case where a broadcast signal includes a signal for restricting output of the video signal of the high definition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Kawai
  • Patent number: 8307401
    Abstract: A method for operating conflicting source devices communicating over the same self-configurable asymmetric link, comprising: transmitting uncompressed video from a first source device to a first sink device over a first direction of a self-configurable asymmetric link; receiving a request to transmit uncompressed video from a second source device to a second sink device over the opposite direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link; locating an accessible rendering device able to receive compressed video from the second source device and to transmit uncompressed video to the second sink device without flipping the direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link; and transmitting compressed video from the second source device to the rendering device, whereby the rendering device renders and transmits the video to the second sink device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Valens Semiconductor Ltd.
    Inventor: Eyran Lida
  • Patent number: 8299889
    Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment is operable to receive, from a remote control device associated with a video display device, biometric input of a user. Responsive to a match of the biometric input with stored biometric data of the user, the user is authenticated. The remote control device and/or the video display device are then configured based on user settings associated with the stored biometric data of the user. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Kumar, Labhesh Patel, Shmuel Shaffer, Mukul Jain, Arturo A. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8296795
    Abstract: A channel tuning method and a broadcast receiving apparatus using the same are provided. The channel tuning method includes receiving a channel selection command from a user, tuning to a predetermined broadcast signal using channel index information corresponding to selected channel information, and displaying the tuned broadcast signal. The channel index information includes physical transmission channel (PTC) information, and program number information which is contained in a program map table (PMT). Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously manage a plurality of broadcast receiving apparatuses using separate channel index information corresponding to channel information input to the broadcast receiving apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joo-yeon Lee
  • Patent number: 8291445
    Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a content provider subsystem providing media content over a closed media network and an open network. At least a subset of the media content provided over the closed media network is provided over the open network. The system further includes a user access subsystem communicatively connected to the closed media network and the open network. The user access subsystem is configured to access the media content over the closed media network and the open network and to process and provide at least a component of the accessed media content for presentation to a user. The user access subsystem includes a content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the closed media network and an expansion content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the open network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Roberts, Heath Stallings, Don Relyea, Ruchir Rodrigues, Sathya Bhaskaran, Ramakrishnan Ramaswamy Sankaranarayan
  • Patent number: 8291457
    Abstract: A method for a client module to provide a channel selection request in a multimedia system begins by receiving an input signal from a client. The method continues by interpreting the input signal to determine type of signal. The method continues, when the type of signal is control information, by determining whether the control information relates to a local command or a system-level command. The method continues, when the control information relates to a system-level command, by processing the control information for conveyance to a multimedia server to produce a control message. The method continues by transmitting the control message to the multimedia server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: VIXS Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Indra Laksono
  • Patent number: 8286204
    Abstract: A control system includes a control apparatus and a controlled apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is remotely controlled by a remote controller. The controlled apparatus transmits a control panel to the control apparatus. The control panel includes icons used to control the controlled apparatus. The controlled apparatus includes (a) a communication unit which receives, from the control apparatus, remote control information including information about operation keys included in the remote controller, the remote control information being received before the controlled apparatus transmits the control panel to the control apparatus, and (b) a modifying unit which modifies a position of the icons included in the control panel according to the remote control information. The communication unit transmits the control panel to the control apparatus after the modifying unit modifies the position of the icons included in the control panel according to the remote control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsu Fukuda, Yoshikazu Shibamiya, Katsuhiro Miyamoto, Takashi Yamamoto, Yuichi Matsumoto, Shuntaro Aratani, Masaki Kutsuna
  • Patent number: 8286209
    Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals are bypassed around the CATV communication paths within the entry adapter to maintain adequate signal strength and to allow a passive port of the entry adapter to be used as part of the MoCA network. MoCA signals are suppressed from exiting the CATV entry adapter onto the CATV network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Egan, Jr., Chad T. Wells
  • Patent number: 8281345
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing an interactive television system for recording television programming. The interactive television system may include components for providing personal video recorder (PVR) functionality, such as an interactive television program guide (IPG), PVR extensions, PVR application programming interfaces (APIs), a PVR device, any suitable hardware or software, or a combination thereof. These components may be implemented in, for example, an arrangement having an integrated PVR-compliant device with a PVR device, or in an arrangement having a PVR-compliant device (e.g., a set-top box) coupled to PVR equipment (e.g., a remote PVR server or a PVR sidecar) with a PVR device. The PVR-compliant device may include software and hardware configured to implement the IPG. The PVR APIs may be a library of intelligent vendor-specific and vendor-independent APIs able to determine the type of PVR device being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Baumgartner, Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr., Michael D. Ellis, Danny R. Gaydou
  • Patent number: 8281344
    Abstract: A method is described that enables a user to remotely manage and/or monitor servers such as digital cinema screen servers and other equipment such as digital projectors within one or more digital multiplex theaters. In one embodiment, the remote management and/or monitoring of the present invention can be performed via a public, wide area network (e.g., the Internet) with or without VPN. In other embodiments, the remote management and/or monitoring of the present invention can be performed via a private, wide area network (WAN), or via a satellite communication link. In yet another embodiment, the remote management and/or monitoring of the present invention can be performed via a local area network (LAN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation of America
    Inventor: Harry M. Mathias
  • Publication number: 20120233646
    Abstract: The experience of a consumer of a primary video or audio program is enriched by providing secondary and time relevant content to a secondary device, such as a laptop computer, tablet, or smart phone. Transmissions of the primary video or audio are augmented by secondary data providing links to the secondary content. The secondary data also contains data identifying the corresponding primary program and the temporal location within the primary program at which the secondary content is to be offered. Upon receipt and display of a pre-produced primary program, a device driving the primary program output device, such as a set-top-box driving a television, transmits the secondary data over a local network to the secondary device, which displays links to the secondary data, and enables the consumer to request the corresponding secondary content for display on the secondary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Straker J. Coniglio, Richard Gianattasio
  • Patent number: 8266643
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for providing data in a multiple dwelling facility. The system may comprise a headend unit that receives a data stream that comprises a plurality of programs, and a multiple dwelling unit network that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the data stream from the headend unit and provide at least a subset of the plurality of programs to individual users in the multiple dwelling facility. The method may comprise the acts of receiving a data stream that comprises a plurality of programs, distributing at least a portion of the data stream to a multiple dwelling unit network, and providing access to a specific one of the plurality of programs to each of a plurality of individual users within the multiple dwelling facility via the multiple dwelling unit network depending on whether each of the plurality of individual users has met at least one predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Terry Wayne Lockridge, Mike Arthur Derrenberger, Robert Eugene Trzybinski
  • Patent number: 8264341
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a broadcast signal retransmission system and method using illuminating visible-light communication. The broadcast signal retransmission system comprises one or more light-emitting diode (LED) lighting fixtures, one or more smart communicators, and a home server. The home server receives and demodulates a multi-channel broadcast signal and, in reply to a signal request message from a smart communicator, transmits a demodulated broadcast channel signal through a power line to an LED lighting fixture indicated by the signal request message. The LED lighting fixture converts the broadcast channel signal into a light signal. The smart communicator receives the light signal from the LED lighting fixture and decodes the light signal into a broadcast signal. As a result, the user can selectively receive a broadcast signal of a desired channel using a smart communicator via a nearby LED lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee Won Jung, Jong Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 8255959
    Abstract: A first playback apparatus instructs a server apparatus to suspend playback of content, and the first playback apparatus stores identification information of the content for which suspension of playback was instructed and suspension information indicating the location at which playback of content was suspended. In response to a request from a second playback apparatus, the first playback apparatus presents the second playback apparatus with the stored suspension information, and the second playback apparatus selects the content, which is to be played back, in accordance with the suspension information presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Ito, Takeshi Toyama, Makoto Kobayashi, Kyohei Inukai
  • Patent number: 8253865
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for programming and/or charging one or more audio/video devices such that the audio/video devices will be programmed and charged to receive transmitted audio and video signals associated with an event, allowing a user to use the audio/video device to observe the sights and sounds of the event. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cart with a docking port for each of a plurality of personal audio/video devices, a charger configured to charge the power source of each personal audio/video display device, and programming logic configured to program each of the personal audio/video devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Entertainment
    Inventors: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr., Mark A. Wood
  • Patent number: 8254983
    Abstract: A communication device has a plurality of circuit modules including a processing module, a memory module and a wireless telephony transceiver for communicating with a network in accordance with a wireless telephony protocol. An RF data bus communicates first data between at least two of the plurality of circuit modules over a first millimeter wave communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Publication number: 20120216231
    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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Z-Band, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Hennenhoefer, Richard V. Snyder, Robert Stine
  • Patent number: 8250620
    Abstract: A novel mechanism is disclosed by which a sender can direct information such as an audiovisual signal to a particular recipient's audiovisual display device, such as a cable television set and, thereby, share information between the sender and the recipient. In one embodiment of the invention, a calling party originates a telephone call and associates that telephone call with audio-visual information that exists on the caller's personal computer or on an Internet server. The called party answers the call, and can tune an associated cable television to the appropriate channel in order to view the audio-visual information. In another embodiment, the caller is a hotel guest and the called party is a hotel concierge and vice versa. The concierge provides information to the hotel guest such that the hotel guest can tune in to a channel on their hotel television set and access the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrea Basso, Steven Lloyd Greenspan, David M. Weimer
  • Patent number: 8250612
    Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a method for processing data in the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a digital television (DTV) located in one independent space among a plurality of independent spaces physically separated from one another is disclosed. The DTV includes an access point (AP) card. The method includes receiving guest information recorded in a storage area of a compact wireless device and a wired equivalent privacy (WEP) key value of the AP card, receiving the WEP key value corresponding to the AP card of the DTV from a management server, comparing the WEP key value received from the compact wireless device with the WEP key value received from the management server, switching an operation mode of the DTV from a power-off mode to a wake mode, if the WEP key values are identical to each other, and controlling at least one guest information received from the compact wireless device to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Wook Kim, Sang Rea Woo
  • Publication number: 20120210349
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for supporting multiple-screen interactivity between at least a first screen on a first device and a second screen on a second device. The system includes an interactivity server for providing complementary content for display on the second screen relative to primary content displayed on the first screen. The system further includes a communication device for communicating the complementary content to the second device to display on the second screen thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: David Anthony Campana, Shemimon Anthru, Ishan Uday Mandrekar, Jens Cahnbley, Saurabh Mathur, David Brian Anderson
  • Patent number: 8238813
    Abstract: A broadcast satellite single wire interface. Such an interface comprises a low noise block amplifier module having multiple outputs, a plurality of filter banks, each filter bank coupled to each of the outputs of the low noise block amplifier module in a respective fashion and comprising a plurality of filters, and a plurality of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, each A/D converter coupled to a filter in the plurality of filters in the plurality of filter banks in a respective fashion, wherein the A/D converters directly sample incoming downconverted broadcast satellite signals and the sampled incoming downconverted broadcast signals are output on a single wire in a stacked output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Popoli
  • Patent number: 8239905
    Abstract: An end-to-end lecture broadcast system (LBS) is described. The LBS system typically comprises three modules: a schedule module, a capture module and a transmission module. The schedule module is comprised of a scheduler that is implemented as a software add-on on the lecture host's computing device, a schedule server, and a schedule agent component in the uploading peer to provide for channel based management. The capture module is comprised of a video camera for capturing video content, one or more microphones for capturing audio content, and a VGA signal capture for capturing presentation materials. The transmission module is comprised of an uploading peer and a web server. The uploading peer is responsible for transmitting video/audio content to the Internet/intranet using peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming technology. The web server is responsible for the delivery of captured presentation materials and for ensuring the synchronous play back of video/audio content and presentation materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Fan Li, Jian-guang Lou, Yusuo Hu, Qingwei Lin, Jiang Li
  • Patent number: 8234678
    Abstract: A method for broadcasting video data sequences by a server to a client terminal via a network includes generating a request by the client terminal following an event, sending the request to the server, the request including a video sequence broadcasting order to the client terminal, the video sequence defining a transition between a current or “father” state and a subsequent or “child” state, each state being associated with a static final image and the aforementioned server including a memory configured to store an identifier of each state, a transition table starting from each state, compressed data corresponding to a video sequence associated with a transition from one state to another, and verifying by the server that the child state associated with the broadcasting order is a known state in the transition table starting from the parent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sagem Communications SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Morard, Stéphane Vialle, Olivier Pietquin, Virginie Galtier
  • Patent number: 8234677
    Abstract: A selection method and system. The method comprises receiving by a tracking apparatus data comprising audio/video data segments with associated tracking data segments. The audio/video data segments and the associated tracking data segments are associated with a plurality of locations. The tracking apparatus is moved within a specified proximity of a first location of the locations. The tracking apparatus senses the first location. The tracking apparatus retrieves a first audio/video data segment of the audio/video data segments associated with the first location. The retrieving is based on a first tracking data segment of the associated tracking data segments associated with the first audio/video data segment. The tracking apparatus broadcasts a specified portion of the first audio/video data segment. The specified portion is dependent on a specified condition of the tracking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Craig William Fellenstein, Steven Van Jackson
  • Patent number: 8230470
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a full duplex wideband communications system for a local (e.g. in-home) coaxial network. The system employs a Frequency-division duplex (FDD) scheme that allows identical wideband modems to communicate with each other. To achieve this, the wideband modems contain a duplexer and a switch that allows reversing the connection of the wideband transmitter and receiver to the duplexer. Each wideband modem includes a control modem that is used to control access to the wideband channels. A wideband transmitter, which may be included in a modem associated with a server set-top terminal (STT), transmits a video presentation to a wideband receiver, which may be included in a modem associated with a client STT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventors: Neil C. Robertson, Jose M. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8225363
    Abstract: A wireless information signal transfer and interactive television system comprises: a first communication unit, operatively coupled to a television set, for generating an information signals and for generating display signals for display on the television set; a remote keyboard device, wirelessly coupled to the first communication unit, for permitting a system user to control display of the display signals on the television set and enter data corresponding to the display of the display signals; a satellite network, operatively coupled to the first communication unit, for wirelessly transferring signals including the information signals; a second communication unit, operatively coupled to the satellite network, for receiving the information signals; and a server, operatively coupled to the second communication unit, for processing the information signals and providing data included in the information signals to a network; wherein the server retrieves return data from the network and provides the return data to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajiv V. Joshi, Suchitra R. Joshi
  • Patent number: 8214865
    Abstract: A video signal receiving apparatus, includes: a plurality of receiving parts which receive a video signal; a plurality of communicating parts which transmit the video signal to a plurality of external display devices, and transmit and receive control data for changing a display property of the video signal and a setting of the display devices to and from the external display devices; and a control part which controls the communicating parts to transmit the video signal received by the receiving part to the external display devices, and to receive the control data and to transmit a signal which controls the corresponding display devices if the control data is input from the external display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8209727
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for method and apparatus for distributing signals. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communications interface (CI) (101 having a controller that manages a transceiver (102) coupled to a residential gateway (RG) (118) and one or more set top boxes (STBs) (116). The controller can be programmed to receive (202) a very high bit rate digital subscriber line (VDSL) signal, transmit (204, 208) the VDSL signal to the RG over a select one of a plurality of coaxial interfaces, and receive (210) an IP signal from the RG for distribution to the one or more STBs. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Ahmad Ansari, Vernon Reed, Pierre Costa, David Hartman
  • Patent number: 8209726
    Abstract: A satellite transponder switch (STS) maintains a table that maps set-top boxes (STBs) to carrier frequencies. The STS receives a first request from a first STB for a first transponder band and a second request from a second STB for a second transponder band. The STS receives contact from the first STB on a control channel upon power-up of the first STB and in response to the contact from the first STB, assigns a first carrier frequency to the first STB. The STS frequency shifts the first transponder band to a first carrier frequency assigned to the first STB and the second transponder band to a second carrier frequency assigned to the second STB. The STS outputs a signal that comprises the frequency-shifted first and second transponder bands to the first STB and the second STB. The frequency-shifted first and second transponder bands are separated by a separation band. A first carrier frequency of the signal is unique to the first STB and a second carrier frequency of the signal is unique to the second STB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Dinesh Nadarajah, Ahmad C. Ansari
  • Patent number: 8201212
    Abstract: A signal from a tuner is outputted to a primary display. An analog signal from another tuner is digitally compressed, subjected to an encrypting process, transmitted to a secondary display by a wireless LAN, and displayed by an LCD of the secondary display. An output of a digital tuner is displayed by the primary display. A video signal of 480I is transmitted to the secondary display. A signal inputted through the Internet is decoded and sent to the primary display. The signal is sent to the secondary display in the compressed state without being decoded and the decoding process is executed in the secondary display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Goto, Shinji Takada
  • Patent number: 8199659
    Abstract: A communication device (9) has a Wi-Fi® device (14) for communicating with another communication device (9). The Wi-Fi® device (14) has one output connected to an antenna (13) and another output connected to a coaxial cable jack (10) via a coupler (11). The antenna (13) therefore provides a wireless communications link and the coupler (11) provides a wired communications link. A diversity switch (18) of the Wi-Fi® device (14) uses antenna diversity switching provided for in the Wi-Fi® standards to switch between the wireless communications link and the wired communications link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Iwo-Martin Mergler, Michael James
  • Publication number: 20120144434
    Abstract: A set top box interface 10 for one or more televisions permits the one or more televisions to directly control one or more associated set top boxes so that the each television may provide an integrated remote control interface for television and set top box functions. Under direction of the interface 10, when each television is viewing the video source controlled by the interface, the television forwards remote control functions received by each television to the interface and translated for control of each associated set top box. The interface, after translation, forwards these remote control functions to the associated set top box. The invention is particularly useful in patient care environments where the television controls may be integrated into a pillow speaker/pillow remote, which can have a simple and intuitive format and yet control all of the relevant functions needed by the patient/guest functions of the set top box and television.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: PDI COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Jonathan T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120144435
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Spilo, Jonathan Daub
  • Patent number: 8190304
    Abstract: An automatic configuration-tracking apparatus for tracking the configuration of a vehicle having a multitude of components for which it is desired to consult and record various items of data specific thereto, and their identification/authentication parameters, history, and operating state includes transponders. The transponders are coupled respectively to components of the vehicle. The transponders communicate this specific data via a meshed wireless network in order to enable the data to be transmitted by secure wireless transmission to an external installation. A secrecy perimeter coincides substantially with an outline of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Christian Feuillebois, Mathieu Glade, Eric Pauly
  • Patent number: 8184974
    Abstract: A modular, scalable, extensible, In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) data communication system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a hub providing connection between one or more server/switch line replaceable unit including at least one server and a plurality of passenger video display units. A server, such as, for example, an audio server, a video server, an audio/video server, a game server, an application server, a file server, etc., provides data (e.g., entertainment programming, internet file data, etc.) to the video display unit. In one embodiment, the connection between the plurality of server/switch line replacement units, the hub and the plurality of video display units is provided by passive fiber optic links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Lumexis Corporation
    Inventor: James Douglas Cline
  • Patent number: 8185949
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a hierarchy of authentication folders configured in a control directory server (CDS) of a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) network, a personal identification number (PIN) code associated with a user and comprising of identifiers, and non-public media content organized in the CDS to provide selective service to users, where the non-public media content is made accessible to the user when the user is authenticated with a selection of the hierarchy of authentication folders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8181208
    Abstract: A media server located in the home has video processing and storage capability. The media server receives video programming and control data from the cable plant head-end and receives status and control data from set top boxes (STBs). The media server can also receive locally generated video programming. The media server transmits signals that implement head-end functions to set top boxes within the home, including video programming and control data. The media server receives status data from the STBs. A point of entry distribution device provides signal coupling and blocking to allow signals to propagate within the home and to the head-end but block certain signals from leaving the home to maintain isolation. The server communicates to legacy STBs and to new STBs and devices that do not use the legacy waveform. Legacy STBs can communicate with the server or with the cable head-end. New devices can communicate with the server and with each other over the in-home coaxial cable wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Entropic Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Ladd Elwardani
  • Patent number: 8166514
    Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Tohru Doumuki
  • Patent number: 8160073
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller operable to receive signaling information from a local resource manager (LRM) identifying a recipient media processor (RMP) and describing at least one media characteristic of media content selected by an initiating media processor (IMP) to be presented at the RMP, determine a location of the RMP and a media capability of the RMP, compare the media capability of the RMP to the at least one media characteristic of the media content, determine a media configuration of at least one network element in an interactive television network based on the comparison, configure at least one network element of a virtual private network (VPN) based on the media configuration, and transmit signaling information to the LRM to enable the IMP to present the media content at the RMP over the VPN. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Troy C. Meuninck
  • Patent number: 8151307
    Abstract: Operation history information in which information on an operation using multiple devices on a network performed in another system is recorded is acquired from the other system, and it is determined whether or not the operation performed in the other system is reproducible based on the operation history information. And the operation determined to be reproducible is presented to a user so as to reproduce the operation selected by the user. Reproduction can be executed simply and securely without being conscious of configurations and capabilities of devices in the system on the part of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoto Kagaya
  • Patent number: 8146125
    Abstract: The present invention relates to testing signals on a coaxial home network that carries a digital video signal. It has direct application to testing so-called Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) standards-compliant networks and applies to similar networks. In one mode, a computerized device joins the MoCA network and relays signals intended for a set-top-box to the STB. In another mode, the computerized device joins the MoCA network instead of the STB and tests signal strength, attenuation and similar physical layer characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Spirent Communications, Inc
    Inventors: Douglas Grinkemeyer, David Dailey
  • Patent number: 8132217
    Abstract: First, a control device determines a reproduction-display device, from which the control device has been able to obtain neighborhood device information via a short-range wireless communication section, to be located in the neighborhood of the control device, and registers this reproduction-display device to neighborhood determination information. Next, the control device detects the reproduction-display devices connected to a network, to which a content server is connected, using a network communication section and registers these reproduction-display devices to reproduction device registration information. The reproduction-display device, which is registered in both of the reproduction device registration information and the neighborhood determination information, is designated by priority, and reproduces and displays content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuya Miyata
  • Patent number: 8131207
    Abstract: A system for processing data in a ubiquitous home network is provided. The system uses RF signals based on combination of the remote-controller and the ubiquitous sensor network (USN) technologies and integrally controls a plurality of control targets. Although the remote-controller is spaced relatively far apart from the control targets, the system can control the control targets only if the spaced distance is within the range of an RF signal. As well, the system can automatically control the control targets based on the information detected by the respective sensor nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: MAXFOR Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Sung-Il Hwang, Young-Jin Kim