Before receiving an instruction from a media player to encode a media program, a placeshifting device or other video encoder pre-encodes at least a portion of the media program to a low-bandwidth format that can be readily transmitted to the media player upon request. When the media player does instruct the placeshifting device to encode the media program, the placeshifting device initially provides the pre-encoded portion of the media program to thereby allow the media player to begin immediate playback of the pre-encoded portion. After providing the preencoded portion of the media program, the placeshifting device live encodes the remaining portions of the media program according to then-current network conditions to thereby provide the placeshifted video stream to the media player.
H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs
H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
H04N 21/2662 - Controlling the complexity of the video stream, e.g. by scaling the resolution or bitrate of the video stream based on the client capabilities
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
H04N 21/4402 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
Described herein are systems and methods for providing hardware based security to software applications in a television receiver. The system can include a television receiver having a trusted hardware environment that includes a security processor and a standard environment that includes an application processor. The security processor can ensure that at least a portion of the software application executed by the application processor is secure. A portion of the software application code can be placed in an interrupt service routine memory space. During execution of the software application, the security processor can security check the portion of the software application in the interrupt service routine memory space, making it trusted code. The security processor can force the application processor to execute the trusted code by triggering an interrupt. Such forced execution can allow the security processor to not only ensure that code is trusted, but that it is executed.
A distributed indoor antenna system for over the air television reception includes technological improvements that increase signal quality on a display device. The system includes a plurality of active distributed antenna nodes and a reception gateway. The distributed antenna nodes are placed and oriented at various spaced-apart locations around a user's residence or other location of interest. Each of the plurality of active distributed antenna nodes includes an antenna, a demodulator, and a Wi Fi converter. The plurality of active distributed antenna nodes receives the broadcast signals, decodes the broadcast signals, and transcodes the decoded broadcast signals into a Wi Fi signal format. The reception gateway receives the transcoded broadcast signals and determines which signal or which signal combination to retransmit to the display device.
H04H 20/63 - Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast to plural spots in a confined site, e.g. MATV [Master Antenna Television]
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
Described herein are systems and methods for providing a targeted and secure software image or other data to a television receiver. The data item can be provided to the smart card through a television service provider distribution system in blocks of data that are small enough to be processed by the smart card. For each block of data, the smart card can decrypt the block of data with a global network key, generate a partial hash representing the block of data, update a full hash with the partial hash, encrypt the block of data with a dynamically generated item key, and transmit the encrypted block of data to the television receiver. Once complete, the smart card can security check the software image including an integrity check using the full hash. If the security check passes, the smart card can transmit the dynamically generated item key to the television receiver.
H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
H04L 1/22 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received using redundant apparatus to increase reliability
H04L 9/06 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols the encryption apparatus using shift registers or memories for blockwise coding, e.g. D.E.S. systems
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
5.
RF ANTENNA ARRANGEMENT CONFIGURED TO BE A PART OF A LID TO AN APPARATUS
An RF antenna arrangement has the same or slightly larger footprint as the RF shield for radio chips on a printed circuit board. The apparatus includes a printed circuit board, a digital processor, a radio chip(s), a radio frequency shield, a lid, and an RF antenna arrangement(s). The lid has the same or slightly larger footprint as the RF shield, which enables the lid to fit on the RF shield. The RF antenna is formed as an integral part of the lid. The apparatus also includes an RF transmission coaxial cable(s) having a first end physically and electrically connected to the RF antenna arrangement(s) and the surface of the lid, and a second end electrically coupled to an RF connector. By forming the antenna arrangement(s) from the lid, this invention solves the space constraint problems of antenna placements for wireless device applications. Additionally, this invention is cost-effective and simple to manufacture.
H01Q 1/44 - ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS - Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas using equipment having another main function to serve additionally as an antenna
H01Q 1/52 - Means for reducing coupling between antennas; Means for reducing coupling between an antenna and another structure
H05K 9/00 - Screening of apparatus or components against electric or magnetic fields
6.
CONTENT DELIVERY OPTIMIZATION USING ADAPTIVE AND DYNAMIC DNS
Systems, methods, and computer program products for determining network characteristics are provided. The network characteristics may be used to facilitate changes to how content is delivered over a network, such as to avoid network congestion, to provide improved throughput, or to provide a good (or better) user experience, such as when streaming media. For example, the network characteristics may be determined, in part, by tracking domain name resolution requests by using specially formulated domain names that require resolution at an authoritative name server.
Described are systems and methods for providing improved indoor reception of OTA (Over-the-Air) broadcast signals. The systems described include antenna systems with one or more network interfaces for providing a transport stream received by an antenna to a network.
H01Q 1/44 - ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS - Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas using equipment having another main function to serve additionally as an antenna
Embodiments described herein provide various techniques for programming and authorizing television receivers and other subscriber equipment via Internet Protocol (IP) networks. In some embodiments, a television receiver device (e.g., a satellite television receiver, cable television receiver, etc.) may detect and establish a connection to an IP network. After connecting to an IP network, the receiver may transmit identification data to a backend computer server of a cable or satellite television provider. The backend server may use the receiver identification data to determine television subscription(s) associated with the receiver and/or customer, and may determine and transmit one or more authorization codes back to the television receiver over the IP network. The television receiver may use the authorization codes to program the receiver device to decode and output the television channels and programs corresponding to the subscription.
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
H04N 21/61 - Network physical structure; Signal processing
9.
DETECTION AND MARKING OF LOW QUALITY VIDEO CONTENT
A mobile electronic device and a related method of processing video information are presented herein. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the method of processing video information captures video data with a source device, and determines that a segment of video content conveyed by the video data does not satisfy predetermined video quality criteria. In response to the determination, the method initiates corrective action to disregard the segment of video content.
Various embodiments provide a smart card reader that includes a smart card reader body and smart card contacts. The smart card reader body is a single, contiguous piece of electrically dissipative material. As a smart card is inserted in to the smart card reader body and makes contact with portions of the smart card reader body, any electrostatic charge that has accumulated on plastic portions of the smart card is discharged through the smart card reader body itself, and to ground. As a result, damage to circuitry coupled to the smart card reader and an embedded circuit housed in the smart card is avoided.
G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
11.
REMOTE STORAGE DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER STREAMING AND RELATED METHODS
Systems, devices, and methods for streaming media content over a network are provided. One exemplary method of streaming media content over a network using a RS-DVR system involves receiving, at the RS-DVR system, a request for a portion of the media content from a media player on a client device via the network, receiving, at the RS-DVR system, the portion of the media content from an origin server on the network, buffering the portion of the media content at the RS-DVR system, and transmitting the portion of the media content to the media player on the client device. The portion of media content may be transmitted using a modified transport layer protocol, and in some embodiments, marked as non-cacheable.
H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
H04N 21/2747 - Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
Systems, electronic devices, and methods are directed to a self-adjustable heat spreader. A spring system may include one or more spring members and a contact surface adapted to contact a circuit board component. Each spring member may include a thermally conductive material. A thermal spreader plate may be coupled to the one or more spring members. The spring system and the thermal spreader plate may be configured to allow movement, with respect to the thermal spreader plate along multiple axes, of one or more portions of the one or more spring members proximate to the thermal spreader plate when the contact surface is pressed against the circuit board component and the spring system transitions from a first state to a compressed state. The contact surface and the spring system may be configured to transfer heat between the circuit board component and the thermal spreader plate.
A method for estimating bandwidth associated with an oscillating network includes determining a set of first average bandwidths within a corresponding set of first sliding windows, wherein each of the first sliding windows has a first duration. A second sliding window is defined such that it includes the set of first sliding windows, the second sliding window having a second duration that is larger than the first duration. The system then determines whether a bandwidth oscillation (as illustrated) is occurring based on the first set of first average bandwidths within the second sliding window.
H04L 41/0896 - Bandwidth or capacity management, i.e. automatically increasing or decreasing capacities
H04L 41/147 - Network analysis or design for predicting network behaviour
H04L 41/16 - Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks using machine learning or artificial intelligence
According to principles of the embodiments as disclosed herein, a device that determines its own orientation and selects an appropriately oriented antenna based on the device's orientation is provided. The device may include a housing including an interior having a base and a top and a first sidewall extending from a perimeter of the base to the top. A plurality of antenna may be coupled to the housing one or more orientation sensors may also be coupled to the housing. A controller may be electrically coupled to each of the plurality of antenna and the one or more orientation sensors, and may be configured to receive information from the one or more orientation sensors, determine an orientation of the housing, and select one of the plurality of antenna to transmit and receive data. A transceiver may be located within the housing and at least one of the plurality of antenna may be being electrically coupled to the antenna.
H01Q 1/00 - ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS - Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
H01Q 1/22 - Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
H01Q 3/04 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying one co-ordinate of the orientation
H01Q 3/24 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
H04N 5/64 - Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers
Systems, devices, and methods for streaming media content over a network are provided. One exemplary method of streaming media content over a network involves a media player at a client device selecting a particular content delivery source of a plurality of content delivery sources using a prioritized list and requesting the media content from the selected content delivery source via the network. In one embodiment, content is requested from an origin server and subsequently requested from another content delivery source. In one embodiment, content is requested from and transmitted by an RS-DVR system. In one embodiment, the delivery route between a content delivery source and a network is dynamically adjusted based on performance.
H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
H04N 21/2747 - Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
Systems, devices, and methods for streaming media content over a network are provided. One exemplary method of assisted streaming of media content over a network involves detecting, by a media player at a client device coupled to the network, a first condition with respect to streaming the media content, and in response to the first condition, requesting, by the media player, a first portion of the media content from a first content delivery source on the network. After requesting the first portion of the media content, the method further comprises detecting, by the media player, a second condition with respect to streaming the media content, and in response to detecting the second condition, requesting, by the media player, a subsequent portion of the media content from a second content delivery source on the network. The first content delivery source transmits the media content using a modified transport layer protocol.
H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
H04N 21/2747 - Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
Systems, devices, and methods for streaming media content over a network are provided. One exemplary method of streaming media content over a network involves transmitting one or more portions of the media content to a client device via a delivery route between a content delivery source and the network, determining a performance metric associated with the transmitting of the one or more portions via the delivery route, and dynamically adjusting the delivery route between the content delivery source and the network based at least in part on the performance metric.
H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
H04N 21/647 - Control signaling between network components and server or clients; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. controlling the quality of the video stream, by dropping packets, protecting content from unauthorised alteration within the network, monitoring of network load or bridging bet
H04L 43/0876 - Network utilisation, e.g. volume of load or congestion level
A computer implemented method for inserting advertisement content into a program content stream includes receiving, by a headend content server, the program content stream. The program content stream includes an advertisement insertion cue. The method further includes detecting the advertisement insertion cue in the program content stream, and the advertisement insertion cue indicates an insertion point in the program content stream for inserting an advertisement. The method further includes modifying the advertisement insertion cue to indicate an expiration date and time for playout of a first advertisement content to be inserted into the program content stream, and inserting the first advertisement content into the program content stream.
H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/8547 - Content authoring involving timestamps for synchronizing content
19.
SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING A TRANSPORT STREAM FROM SATELLITE TRANSPONDER SIGNALS
Various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and methods are described for assembling at least one transport stream from satellite transponder signals. In one example, the method includes capturing at least one satellite feed, the at least one satellite feed including a plurality of transponder signals; demodulating each of the plurality of transponder signals, each demodulated transponder signal corresponding to a transport stream including a plurality of input streams; parsing one or more selected streams from the plurality of input streams; assembling at least one new transport stream from the one or more selected streams; modulating the at least one new transport stream to generate at least one new transponder signal; adding the at least one new transponder signal to a channel stack; and transmitting the channel stack to a receiving device.
H04H 20/00 - Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
H04H 40/90 - Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups specially adapted for satellite broadcast receiving
H04N 21/222 - Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server or cable television Head-end
H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream
H04N 21/2362 - Generation or processing of SI [Service Information]
Systems and methods are operable to distribute targeted assets to a plurality of media devices. An exemplary embodiment generates an asset file defined by an asset file time period, wherein target assets are selected for saving into the asset file when the intended initial presentation time of a target asset falls within the asset file time period of the asset file that is being generated. Then, the asset file is communicated to a plurality of media devices at a time in advance of the intended initial presentation times of a target assets of the asset file.
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/44 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
Various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods are described for presenting relevant programming information. A viewing action of an audiovisual event is detected on a receiving device. Data associated with the viewed audiovisual event is then retrieved. The retrieved data includes at least receiving device information and audiovisual event information. The retrieved data is then stored in a historical viewing database, and at least one scoring table is generated from the data in the historical viewing database. Programming information for a plurality of candidate audiovisual events that are available to be viewed is then organized based at least in part on the at least one scoring table and a selected time, and the organized programming information is output to a presentation device.
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
22.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF TELEVISION CHANNEL DATA
A television navigation device, such as a digital video recorder (DVR), searches for a television channel program lineup in an electronic program guide (EPG) of a service provider that matches the television channel program lineup for what the television navigation device understands to be that of a particular television channel. The television navigation device then assigns the particular television channel to the service provider's channel identifier of the matching television channel the EPG. This channel identifier will then be used by the television navigation device to command the receiving device associated with the service provider to tune to the particular television channel at the appropriate time.
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
H04H 60/82 - Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself the transmission system being the Internet
H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfaces; Content or additional data rendering
H04N 21/647 - Control signaling between network components and server or clients; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. controlling the quality of the video stream, by dropping packets, protecting content from unauthorised alteration within the network, monitoring of network load or bridging bet
G06F 16/783 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using metadata automatically derived from the content
Auxiliary or enhanced features associated with broadcast television programs are activated using carrier-based active text enhancement (CATE) signals embedded within timed text (TT) associated with the broadcast program. The active text enhancements can be interpreted by the viewer's set top box (STB) or other receiver to activate software applications, video clips, imagery, uniform resource locators (URLs), interactive interface features or the like on either or both of primary or secondary displays. Timed text enhancements can flexibly reference different types of content to provide richer and more powerful viewer experiences for the viewer.
H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
24.
HIGH DATA TRANSFER SMART CARD READER WITH HEAT SINK
Various embodiments provide a high data transfer smart card reader. In a preferred embodiment, the high data transfer smart card reader includes smart card contacts, a heat sink, a heat conductor, and a heat sink plate. The smart card contacts are configured to contact a pad in a contact area of a smart card to create an electrical connection. The heat sink is configured to physically contact a smart card to dissipate heat. The heat conductor and the heat sink plate are connected to the heat sink to maximize heat dissipation by increasing the surface area of the heat sink. The smart card contacts, the heat sink, the heat conductor, and the heat sink plate are secured to a circuit board by an encasing member.
The disclosure relates systems and methods for analyzing viewing habits on an audiovisual content receiving device such as a set-top box, including both program recording and viewing habits for live programs, and to determine viewer preferences for audiovisual events such as television programs for any given timeslot.
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
H04H 60/33 - Arrangements for monitoring the users' behaviour or opinions
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
Methods, systems and devices to stream media content are described. A user interface is presented to a user via a media device. When the media device has determined that an interaction with the user interface has occurred (e.g., the user has begun scrolling through a list, or has performed a keyword search), the media device requests, from a media content source, a subset of first media content based on the interaction with the user interface and prior to selection of the first media content via the user interface. The subset of first media content is then displayed in response to the selection of the first media content.
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
27.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OVERLAYING A DIGITAL MINI GUIDE ONTO A VIDEO STREAM
Systems and methods are described for superimposing a program guide browser onto a video stream. The method includes receiving a request from the client while media content is displayed at the host; in response to the request, transmitting a user interface (UI) to the client; and displaying the UI at the client without interrupting the displayed media content; wherein the UI comprises a horizontally scrollable ribbon. Additional or alternate features may be provided as desired.
Video content is processed for delivery using an automated process that allows for convenient packaging of encrypted or digital rights management (DRM) protected content in a manner such that the packaged content can be efficiently stored in a content delivery network (CDN) or other content source for subsequent re-use by other media clients without re-packaging, and without excessive storage of unused content data.
H04N 21/2347 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream encryption
H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/6334 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key
H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
29.
COMMUNICATIONS SIGNAL ISOLATION ON MULTI-PORT DEVICE
Automated processes, devices and systems isolate signals received on first and second ports from each other using staggered time division multiple access (TDMA) schemes. Additionally or alternately, port and/or client identifiers can be included within communications propagating in multiple TDMA schemes, thereby allowing host and/or client devices to verify that communications are received on the intended ports. By logically isolating the communications of the multiple TDMA schemes and/or by providing identifying information within propagated communications, crosstalk between the two schemes can be substantially reduced or eliminated, often without substantial modifications to the hardware configuration of the system.
System, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media to facilitate expansion of media device interface capabilities are provided. A first media device may be configured to be communicatively couplable to a second media device. A first set of one or more interface ports that are configured to interface with one or more multimedia devices may be recognized. The second media device may be recognized when the second media device is communicatively coupled to the first media device. A second set of one or more interface ports provided by the second media device may be determined. A third set of interface ports may be determined based on the first set and the second set. Configuration information may be generated and provided to facilitate indication of interface options. Content may be provided via at least one interface port of the second set of one or more interface ports provided by the second media device.
Characteristics of speech in a first audio portion of media content in a first language are retrieved, the first audio portion being related to a video portion of the media content. A second audio portion is stored related to the video portion, the second audio portion including speech in a second language. Characteristics of the speech are used to modify the second audio portion.
A heat sink embodiment has at least one anti-rocking tab that extends outwardly and downwardly from an edge of the body portion of the heat sink. A leading lower edge of the anti-rocking tab is above a top surface of the motherboard when the heat sink is being affixed to the motherboard over a flip chip. During installation of the heat sink to the motherboard, a travel distance limit is imposed by the leading lower edge of the anti-rocking tab, thereby limiting a force that is applied to the die of the flip chip so that an edge and/or a corner of the die of the flip chip is not crushed, or such that the die of the flip chip is not cracked.
Various arrangements are presented for recording broadcast television programming. An electronic programming guide database may be accessed to determine a scheduled start time and a scheduled end time for the broadcast television program. A timer may be defined to record the broadcast television program. The start time for the timer may be a first predefined period of time before the scheduled start time of the broadcast television program and an end time for the timer may be a second predefined period of time after the scheduled end time of the broadcast television program. The broadcast television program may be recorded, the recording beginning at the start time of the timer and ending at the end time of the timer. One or more bookmarks that are based on the scheduled start time and/or scheduled end time of the broadcast television program may be created for the recorded television program.
H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfaces; Content or additional data rendering
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
34.
ADAPTIVE DATA SEGMENT DELIVERY ARBITRATION FOR BANDWIDTH OPTIMIZATION
Systems, devices and processes are described to adapt segment requests placed by an autonomous media player [130] operating on a client device [120] during media streaming to compensate for fluctuations in the bandwidth consumed by the requested segments due to variances in the underlying video content. By providing predictive data [107] about the bandwidth consumption of upcoming video segments [106], client devices can adapt requests for future segments accordingly. Further, indicia [141] of predictive data can be shared between players operating within shared bandwidth to assist players needing additional bandwidth for upcoming video sequences.
H04N 21/4402 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
35.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING CONSECUTIVE RECORDINGS
Various arrangements for managing multiple consecutive recordings by a television receiver are presented. Stored timers may be analyzed by a television receiver. Based on such analysis, a first television program and a second television program that are scheduled to be broadcast in consecutive time slots and are both broadcast as part of a single transponder stream may be identified. The first television program and the second television program may be recorded to a single file stored to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the television receiver. Such a single file may be handled in various ways to reduce the likelihood of any portion of the recording of one of the television programs being missed.
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
36.
AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF RELEVANT VIDEO CONTENT THROUGH REPLAYS
Summaries of video programs can be automatically created by identifying and compiling repeated portions of the program content. In many programs (such as broadcasts of sporting events), the most interesting portions of the event are often repeated more than once during the course of the program. By automatically identifying the replayed portions of the video presentation, then, a highlight summary of a television broadcast can be automatically created. Repeated imagery can be automatically identified by comparing metric values representing the contents of video frames. This technique can be implemented within a set top box or other television receiver that is operated by a viewer, thereby providing a high level of flexibility and convenience.
H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
H04N 19/142 - Detection of scene cut or scene change
H04N 19/186 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being a colour or a chrominance component
A system includes a microphone array having a plurality of microphones. The system further includes a camera configured to capture stream video and a processing device configured to steer the microphone array based at least in part on the video acquired by the camera. A method includes receiving video captured by a camera, processing the video, and steering a microphone array using signal processing where the steering direction is defined by the processed video.
A method for synchronized utilization of an electronic device is provided. The method receives closed captioning data from an audio/video content receiver for a set of audio/video content; retrieves detail for a first event occurring in the set of audio/video content, wherein the first event is indicated by the received closed captioning data; and presents content to a user, using the electronic device, based on the retrieved detail.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/41 - Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
A secondary television receiver device includes one or more television tuners that can be integrated into a whole-home television receiving system. The secondary device that is enhanced with tuner capability registers the tuners with a primary receiver, which allocates tuners from available sources as needed. The tuned video stream may be directed to the primary television receiver for storage, trick play or other features prior to re-transmission to the ultimate viewing device. Alternatively, the received video stream may be directly rendered to a video display attached to the enhanced secondary receiver.
H04N 21/41 - Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
H04H 40/90 - Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups specially adapted for satellite broadcast receiving
H04N 21/61 - Network physical structure; Signal processing
One or more of a system, method, apparatus, and computer-program product to identify or approximate or estimate where a particular television receiver is geographically located using spot beam transport information as described in the specification and/or shown in any of the drawings.
H04H 60/50 - Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying locations of broadcast or relay stations
H04N 21/65 - Transmission of management data between client and server
Embodiments detailed herein may involve a first status update of a home automation device installed as part of a home automation system in a home being received. An entry of a plurality of entries in a master home automation model may be updated based on the first status update of the home automation device. The master home automation model may be maintained by the home automation host system. The plurality of entries may correspond to home automation device characteristics of the plurality of home automation devices. A numerical identifier used to track status updates related to the home automation system in the home may be incremented. Within the master home automation model, the incremented numerical identifier may be assigned to the updated entry in the master home automation model.
Automation control for water leaks is provided. First sensor readings from first sensors disposed about water supply lines at a home to detect a first type of metrics indicative of water flow may be received and recorded over a first time period. Second sensor readings may be received from a second sensor. A first correlation between the first sensor readings and the second sensor readings may be identified. A first activity profile may be generated based on the first correlation. A first water use profile may be generated based on the first activity profile. First thresholds may be identified based on the first water use profile and may be retained in association with the first activity profile. Water use at the home may be monitored with the first sensors and activity at the home may be monitored with the second sensors. A water leak condition may be determined.
A system includes a server configured to monitor wireless interference between at least two media content delivery devices. The server coordinates communication with the media content delivery devices to reduce wireless interference, and the communication is coordinated according to requirements of media content requests received from the media content delivery devices. A method includes monitoring wireless interference between at least two media content delivery devices and coordinating communication with the media content delivery devices to reduce wireless interference.
A light switch plate (32) includes a wireless transmitter (36) for transmitting control signals to a smart light assembly (50). The light switch plate (32) is placed over a conventional light switch (22) and prevents a user from further manipulating the conventional light switch (22). The light switch plate (32) includes a further switch (40) which a user can manipulate to cause the transmitter (36) to transmit control signals to turn on or turn off a light of the smart light assembly (50).
A television receiver comprises a receiver configured to receive a control signal; control circuitry coupled to the receiver and configured to determine that a light switch plate is wirelessly paired with a light assembly; a transmitter coupled to the control circuitry, wherein the transmitter is configured to: transmit the control signal to the light assembly to turn on or off the light assembly; and transmit status request signals to a plurality of appliances with wireless capability, wherein the receiver is configured to receive status signals indicating respective current statuses of the plurality of appliances; and a memory coupled to the control circuitry, the memory configured to store the respective current statuses of the plurality of appliances.
A remote control system and related method for controlling a video device are presented. The remote control system contains a plurality of buttons arranged in a grid pattern that correspond to user selectable options displayed on a display screen arranged in the same grid pattern. The user selects options on the screen by pressing the corresponding button on the remote control.
An enhanced smartcard reader having a row of first reading contacts, a row of second reading contacts, and a row of third reading contacts. The first reading contacts have arm portions that are cantilevered off a first mounting member of the reader, the second reading contacts have arm portions that are cantilevered off a second mounting member of the reader, and the third reading contacts have arm portions that are cantilevered off a third mounting member of the reader. The third mounting member is located vertically distanced from the second mounting member, and the arm portions of the third reading contacts directly overlay the arm portions of the second reading contacts.
Systems, devices and methods are provided to support multiple audio tracks in an adaptive media stream. Segments of the adaptive stream are encoded so that the player is able to locate and request a specific one of the available audio tracks using byte range requests or the like. Audio content can be removed from video segments, or at least moved to the end of the segments so that a byte range request obtains just the video content when the default audio is not desired. The audio content can be obtained from a separate audio segment. Indeed, multiple audio tracks can be packaged into a common audio segment so that byte range requests can obtain just the particular audio track desired.
Systems, devices and methods are provided to support placeshifting of adaptive media streams. A home device acts as an intermediary that passes requests for segments of an adaptive stream from a remote device to a content source. The content source responds with the requested segments, which are forwarded to the remote device. A connection service may be provided to facilitate placeshifting sessions between home and remote devices.
Methods, systems and devices are described to avoid stalling during playback of an adaptive media stream delivered to a media player device over a network. The media device requests segments of the media stream that are received in a buffer. Buffer utilization is monitored over time to determine a rate of change, and future segment requests are adjusted based upon the determined rate of change in the buffer utilization. By making adjustments based upon the rate of change in buffer utilization, sudden changes that could otherwise affect the viewer's experience can be avoided.
A media device may be configured for receiving data from one or more satellites. The media device may include one or more processors and one or more storage devices. A first tuner of a media device may tune to a first data stream that came from a first satellite transponder. A second tuner of the media device may tune to a second data stream that came from a second satellite transponder. The first data stream and the second data stream may be derived from source data based at least in part on a data distribution scheme. The data distribution scheme may include distributing at least portions of the source data with the first data stream and the second data stream. The first data stream and/or the second data stream may be processed to store and/or output for presentation content.
Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device "punches through" volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is "punched through" to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface.
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
53.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING VIEWER INTEREST IN CONTENT AND ADVERTISEMENTS
A method for assessing viewer interest in content and advertisements may include receiving an indication regarding a content playback mode change (e.g., a change from a skip or fast-forward mode to a pause or rewind mode) occurring during playing of a media content segment such as a television program or movie. The method then proceeds to associate the playback mode change with a sub-segment of the television program, such as an advertisement or commercial, and a level of interest of a user in the advertisement or commercial is determined based on the associated content playback mode change. An item, such as an advertisement or promotional offer can be selected to be presented to the user based on the determined level of interest of the user in the advertisement or commercial. Systems for assessing viewer interest in content and advertisements include devices and components configured to perform or enable such methods.
Various arrangements for encrypting multiple television channels are presented. A first television channel of a plurality of television channels to be protected via a first entitlement control message (ECM) using a first encryption scheme may be designated. The plurality of television channels may be transmitted using a single transponder stream. A second television channel of the plurality of television channels to be protected via a second ECM encrypted using a second encryption scheme while the first television channel of the plurality of television channels is protected using the first encryption scheme may be designated. The first and second ECMs may be transmitted to a plurality of television receivers. Data from the first ECM may be used for descrambling of the first television channel by the plurality of television receivers. Data from the second ECM may be used for descrambling of the second television channel by the plurality of television receivers.
H04N 21/2347 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream encryption
H04N 21/418 - External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access
H04N 21/4405 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream decryption
Various arrangements are presented to record multiple television channels concurrently. When a first television prow-am on a first television channel is selected for recording, a user interface can be presented that allows a user to select a second television channel that is transmitted on the same transponder stream as the first television program. A record timer may be set for a second television program appearing on the second television channel. Recording of the second television program initiates prior to a record timer for the first television program, thereby allowing recording of the beginning of each television program.
H04N 5/7617 - Systems for programming the time at which predetermined television channels will be selected for recording by using data entered by the user and reference data transmitted by the broadcasting station
H04N 21/4405 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream decryption
Various arrangements are described that may cause a recording of a television channel to be stored. The recording of the television channel may include a plurality of television programs. A graphical playback status element may be displayed via a display device. The graphical playback status element may indicate a start point for each television program of the plurality of television programs within the recording of the television channel.
Various arrangements for descrambling multiple television channels concurrently are presented. A set-top box may receive a first plurality of television channels as scrambled data packets. A previously-received locally- stored networking information table may be accessed that associates each of the multiple television channels with the same entitlement control message, as indicated by a packet identifier. An entitlement control message having the same packet identifier may be received. A smartcard may be used to decrypt the entitlement control message having the same packet identifier to obtain a first control word and a second control word. Scrambled data packets corresponding to the multiple television channels may be descrambled using the first control word and the second control word. These television channels may be stored and/or output for presentation by the set-top box.
H04N 21/4405 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream decryption
H04N 21/41 - Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
H04N 21/6336 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client directed to decoder
A first user interface may be presented comprising a single selection option that enables recording of multiple television channels. A first user input, in response to the first user interface may be received enabling the option for recording of the multiple television channels. Data indicating a time period during which a television channel of the multiple television channels is to be recorded may be received from a television service provider. A record timer for the television channel of the multiple television channels may be set based on the user input enabling recording of multiple television channels and the data indicating the time period. The television channel of the multiple television channels may be recorded based on the record timer.
H04N 5/7617 - Systems for programming the time at which predetermined television channels will be selected for recording by using data entered by the user and reference data transmitted by the broadcasting station
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
A computer-implemented method comprises scheduling a first user-initiated program recording timer to record a particular program broadcast on a particular television channel at a particular time by a television service provider; scheduling a second array program recording timer to record a plurality of programs broadcast consecutively over a time period including the particular time, on the same particular television channel by the television service provider; determining that the second array program recording timer and the first user-initiated program recording timer are both set to record the same particular program broadcast on the same particular television channel at the same particular time; outputting a programming guide including a descriptor of the particular program; and based on the determination that the second array program recording timer and the first user- initiated program recording timer are both set to record the particular program broadcast on the same particular television channel at the same particular time, outputting two different recording timer indicators on the programming guide in association with the descriptor of the particular program, a first graphical indicator that identifies scheduling of the first user-initiated program recording timer, and a second graphical indicator that identifies scheduling of the second array program recording timer.
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
Systems, devices and processes are described to transfer a media program [102] from a media server [110] to a playback device [120] over a network [130]. The media program is encoded in a multi-layer format having a plurality of layers [103-106] comprising a base layer [103] and at least one additional layer [104- 106]. The base layer supports playback of the entire media program at a lower resolution and each of the additional layers provides additional data that, when combined with the base layer, supports playback of the media program at a higher resolution. The base layer is initially transferred to allow playback of the media program at the lower resolution on the playback device. If sufficient resources remain after transfer of the base layer, then at least one of the additional layers may be subsequently transferred to allow playback of the media program at the higher resolution.
Systems and methods provide control of operating states of an electronic device. A first exemplary electronic device detects a consumer electronic control (CEC) communication sent from a second electronic device to a third electronic device, the CEC communication communicated over high-definition multimedia (HDMI) connectors communicatively coupling the first electronic device, the second electronic device and the third electronic device; determines, based on information in the CEC communication, whether the CEC communication is one of a first kind of CEC communication or a second kind of CEC communication; in response to determining that the CEC communication is one of the first kind of CEC communication, transitions the first electronic device to a predefined operating state; and in response to determining that the CEC communication is one of the second kind of CEC communication, maintains the first electronic device in a current operating state.
G06F 1/3209 - Monitoring remote activity, e.g. over telephone lines or network connections
H04N 21/40 - Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of, or interaction with, content, e.g. STB [set-top-box]; Operations thereof
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/63 - Control signaling between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
G06F 1/3234 - Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
62.
DIFFERENTIATING BOOKMARKS IN CONTENT ACCESS LISTS SHARED AMONG MULTIPLE CONTENT PLAYER DEVICES
A content player accesses content via a content access list shared by a network of players. The content is stored by one or more of the players. One or more of the players may be thin clients that can access content stored by other players but cannot themselves store content. The content access list lists available stored content. The content player associates a bookmark with the content and includes identification information that identifies the requestor related to generation of the bookmark. When the content player presents the content access list, bookmarks associated with content included in list are also be along with the identification information. In some implementations, the requestor related to generation of the respective bookmark may be the content player that generated the bookmark, the specific user that entered input that prompted generation of the bookmark, and/or a combination thereof.
63.
RECONFIGURING REMOTE CONTROLS FOR DIFFERENT DEVICES IN A NETWORK
A control device transmits a first type of signal and a second type of signal as part of transmitting an instruction. An electronic device receives the first signal and determines the control device is paired with another device. The electronic device displays a notification indicating such as well as a prompt requesting confirmation to pair the control device. Upon receiving an affirmative response, the electronic device notifies the other device, which transmits unpairing information to the control device. The control device then unpairs from the other device. The other device also transmits pairing information to the control device via the electronic device and the control device utilizes the information to pair with the electronic device. In some implementations, the other device may receive a request to locate the control device. In response, the other device displays that the control device has been paired with the electronic device.
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
H04B 7/24 - Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field for communication between two or more posts
64.
ASSISTING USE OF CONTROL DEVICES WITH DIFFERENT ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A remote determines an acknowledgement is not received for a command transmitted to a first device, broadcasts a discovery message, receives a response from a second device that received the discovery message and a proximity signal from the remote, and configures itself to control the second device. The remote may also transmit an acknowledgement to the second device. The second device may notify the first device. In various implementations, configuration information in the response may include pairing information and the remote may unpair itself from the first device and pair with the second device. In some implementations, the remote may include a table for controlling devices and the remote may utilize an entry in the table for the second device instead of the first device. In various implementations, the remote may receive responses to the discovery message from multiple devices and may select one to configure itself to control.
A method for searching metadata associated with programs in a device controlled by a remote is provided. The method comprising: receiving metadata associated with programs, the metadata comprising data fields; associating remote buttons with respective fields and storing the associations; when a button is activated, comparing the fields' data for a first program with a subset of the programs' data; presenting data relating to programs having equivalent data in the fields of the activated button; waiting for a time after determining the button is activated before comparing the data; determining, during the time, whether further buttons are activated; and: comparing further data, for the first program, with the subset data; and presenting data relating to programs having equivalent data in the fields of the activated buttons; associating a further button with a search operator; and when the further button is activated, adjusting a search according to the operator.
A television service provider system includes a first set top box, a second set top box, and a remote control. The remote control transmits an infrared pairing signal which is only received by one of the set top boxes. The receiving set top box pairs itself to the remote control. The non receiving set top box is not paired to the remote control. The remote control then transmits control signals to operate the receiving set top box. The control signals are received by both set top boxes, but are executed only by the set top box that is paired to the remote control.
A method for recording multiple pieces of content with a single tuner. A content delivery network can include multiple channels organized into bands with several channels per band. These bands can be transmitted on an up-link such as to a satellite. The bands can be relayed to receivers at the end user locations. The end user receivers can tune to one, two, or some other fraction of the total number of transmitted bands. When a user selects a program to view and/or record, a tuner of the receiver tunes to the band that includes the channel that includes the program. The method prompts the user regarding the other channels that form the set of channels on that band, and solicits input for recording one or more concurrent programs of the band, which can all be recorded on the single receiving tuner.
H04H 60/72 - Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information using electronic programme guides [EPG]
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to record these multiple instances from at least a single transponder. In some instances, multiple transponders may have a common control word so that content carried on each such transponder may be simultaneously received, decoded and recorded. Further, a single demodulator may be associated with multiple tuners, so that the single demodulator processes all content received from transponders with common control words and/or other encryption mechanisms.
H04N 21/2347 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream encryption
H04N 21/2365 - Multiplexing of several video streams
H04N 5/913 - Television signal processing therefor for scrambling
A method for displaying content stored in a block of multiplexed content, the multiplexed content including a plurality of instances of content where each instance of content includes an associated content identifier, the method including receiving, at a content receiver, content identifying information for the content and instructions for displaying the content, determining a selected content identifier based on the content identifying information, selecting the block from one or more blocks based on the selected content identifier, scanning the block for a content identifier and encountering the content identifier, comparing the encountered content identifier to the selected content identifier, and processing an instance of content associated with the encountered content identifier where the encountered content identifier corresponds to the selected content identifier. A system for displaying and a system for storing multiplexed content are also described.
H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream
H04N 21/242 - Synchronization processes, e.g. processing of PCR [Program Clock References]
H04N 21/4402 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
H04N 21/8547 - Content authoring involving timestamps for synchronizing content
A receiver accumulates characteristic information by tracking content being presented. When the receiver determines to present a menu of recorded content, the receiver analyzes the accumulated information to rank the recorded content based on a frequency of the characteristics and sorts the menu based at least one the analysis. The receiver may present an instance of content when it is selected. In some implementations, the instances of content are recorded as part of recording multiple instances of content received via at least one broadcast wherein the multiple instances of content are all included in a same frequency band of the broadcast and are all encoded utilizing a same code word. In one or more implementations, the menu may include content information for one or more of the instances of content in the menu, such as the number of related instances of content also stored by the content receiver.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfaces; Content or additional data rendering
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 7/24 - Sorting, i.e. extracting data from one or more carriers, re-arranging the data in numerical or other ordered sequence, and re-recording the sorted data on the original carrier or on a different carrier or set of carriers
71.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEMORY JUMPING WITHIN STORED INSTANCES OF CONTENT
Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to perform memory jumping operations within files having the simultaneously recorded multiple instance of content stored therein. The memory jumping operation may jump locations within the file corresponding to a predetermined memory jumping operation timeframe, and in order to account for the variability in the recording bit rate and therefore the playing of the instance of content, the jump locations in the memory jumping operation may be dynamically adjusted based on recording bit rates.
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
72.
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND MANAGING AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT OF TELEVISION CHANNELS
A method of providing access to a block of stored content includes transmitting a general EPG at a content receiver for display on a presentation device, the EPG including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available at a plurality of times, receiving input from a user to display a block guide, and transmitting the block guide wherein, the block guide is associated with the block of stored content for accessing the block of stored content, the block guide including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available for a selected airing time.
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
H04N 21/432 - Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
H04N 21/4405 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream decryption
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
73.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING TIMED TEXT IN VIDEO PROGRAMMING
Systems, devices and methods are described to process timed text that is associated with television or other video programming. Pre-set data that describes the particular format of the timed text that is associated with a program is initially received and stored at the television receiver prior to receiving the program with encoded timed text. The timed text that is associated with the received program is interpreted according to the pre-set data previously stored at the television receiver, and the program with the interpreted timed text is output to a display for presentation to the viewer.
H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
H04N 7/088 - Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval the inserted signal being digital
74.
CONFIGURING THE FUNCTIONALITY OF CONTROL ELEMENTS OF A CONTROL DEVICE BASED ON ORIENTATION
A control device controls the functionality of two or more sets of control elements. A processing unit of the control device determines that it is oriented in a first zone or in a second zone based on input received from a magnetometer. The first and second zones are defined with respect to a magnetic reference point and are oriented relative to a controlled device or an electronic device. If the processing unit determines that the control device is oriented in the first zone, the processing unit configures a first functionality for the first set of control elements. If the control device's orientation changes from being oriented in the first zone to being oriented in the second zone, the processing unit configures the first set of control elements with a second functionality.
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
G06F 3/02 - Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
A method for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content. The method includes detecting, utilizing the target device, a matrix code associated with an audio/visual program. Data encoded in the matrix code includes program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. The method further includes generating, utilizing the target device, a request for the program based at least in part on the encoded data. The method also includes transmitting, utilizing the target device, the program request across a network.
H04N 5/765 - Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
76.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING A USER'S ABILITY TO PERCEIVE HARD DRIVE NOISE
A system for reducing a user's ability to perceive noise generated by a storage device. The system includes a processing unit and a storage device communicably coupled to the processing unit. The storage device may be, for example, a hard disk drive. The processing unit is provided with computer implemented instructions to: (i) receive a content stream comprising an audio component and a video component, wherein the content stream further comprises volume data and timing data relating to the audio component; and (ii) instruct the storage device to carry out read/write operations of the hard disk drive based, at least in part, on the volume data and the timing data.
Systems, methods and computer program products utilize a content receiver to generate a dynamically modifiable expanded programming guide with a grid containing a plurality of regions. Each region is associated with a plurality of channels over a timeframe. The content receiver transmits the expanded programming guide to a content display. The grid may be utilized to navigate through regions and therefore across a large amount of programming information associated with a wide range of channels and timeframes. The content receiver may transmit a magnified view of the expanded programming guide and may display content-related information associated with a subset of regions for the associated channels and timeframes.
H04N 21/4725 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content for requesting additional data associated with the content using interactive regions of the image, e.g. hot spots
A method for displaying the progress of an activity performed on a user device is provided. The method includes outputting, to a display, a progress indicator indicative of the progress made in completing an activity, such as a download, and updating the progress indicator as the activity proceeds. Simultaneously, a first progress rate indicator is also output to the display, the progress rate indicator having a property indicative of the rate at which the activity is being progressed. The property of the progress rate indicator is based on a value determined by receiving a rate value indicative of the activity progress rate and comparing the rate value with a value indicative of the maximum progress rate of the user device for the particular activity. By displaying a progress rate relative to a maximum rate the user is provided with a more meaningful indication of the performance of the activity by their system. A corresponding apparatus and computer program for carrying out the method are also provided.
Techniques for facilitating social networking via a media device are described. Some embodiments provide a social networking facilitator ("SNF") as part of a media device, such as a set-top box that is configured to receive media content events from a broadcast system, such as a satellite broadcast system. As the media device presents a media content event, a user can share, via the SNF, information about the presented media content event with members of his social network. In particular, the SNF prepares a message that includes information about or from the presented media content event, such as a title, a channel, a summary, rating, video clip, or the like. This message can then be edited by the user, such as by adding a comment or rating, before being transmitted by the SNF a social networking system, to be forwarded as a notification to members of the user' s social network.
H04N 21/4788 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
80.
APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING MEDIA CONTENT EVENTS
Systems and methods are operable to transmit at least a portion of a media content event. An exemplary embodiment receives a request from a first media device, wherein the request identifies a media content event of interest; identifies a first media content stream with a concluding portion of the media content event of interest currently transmitting to a second media device; concurrently transmits the concluding portion of the media content event of interest to the first media device; and transmits a second media stream containing an initial portion of the media content event to the first media device.
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
81.
REDUCING LATENCY FOR SERVED APPLICATIONS BY ANTICIPATORY PREPROCESSING
A server that hosts an application transmits a state of the application to a client. The server determines that a response to the state is expected and that the response will be one of a finite number of possible responses. The server then generates one or more additional states utilizing at least one possible response from the finite set and provides the additional state(s) to the client. In some implementations, the server provides the additional state when the response is actually received. However, in other implementations, the server provides the additional state when generated and the client presents it when user input that equals the response is received. Additionally, in various implementations, the server may generate an additional state for each of the possible responses. However, in various other implementations, the server may generate additional states for a selected number of the possible responses.
82.
APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PAIRING A CONTROLLED DEVICE WITH AN RF REMOTE CONTROL USING AN RFID TAG
Systems and methods are operable to initiate a pairing process and a de-pairing process between a controlled device and a radio frequency (RF) remote control. An exemplary embodiment detects presence of a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag in an interrogation zone established by an RFID tag reader, automatically initiates a pairing process in response to detecting the presence of the RFID tag in the interrogation zone, and completes the pairing process between the RF remote control and the controlled device, wherein the pairing process identifies a unique identifier associated with the RF remote control. A subsequently received RF signal emitted by the RF remote control includes at least one command configured to control operation of the controlled device and includes the unique identifier.
A content player receives user-specific information from different users and associates the information with content. Subsequently, the player receives a request to perform a content-altering operation. In response, the player performs the operation such that the information for the requesting user is affected, but not the information for other users. The information may include a placeholder, an indication as to whether the content and/or the entire content has been accessed, a protection status indicating whether or not the content can be deleted, and so on. The information may be added to and/or configured to accompany and/or otherwise be associated with the content. The player may identify the user so that different information for different users can be associated with the content for the respective user, such as by prompting the user to select an identifier from a list or perform a "log in."
A method for controlling the execution of a process in a user device, such as a set-top-box is provided. An instruction is received at an input of the user device from the user and this instruction causes an uninterruptible process to begin or commence in the user device after a time delay, measured preferably from receipt of the initial instruction. The input, or inputs, of the device is/are monitored to determine whether a subsequent instruction is received from the user within a time period. Based on this determination, the time delay applied to future processes is adjusted. By adjusting the time delay in response to input from the user, the time delay can be automatically matched to a user's preferences. A corresponding apparatus and computer readable medium are also provided.
H04N 21/40 - Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of, or interaction with, content, e.g. STB [set-top-box]; Operations thereof
H04N 21/2387 - Stream processing in response to a playback request from an end-user, e.g. for trick-play
H04N 19/61 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding in combination with predictive coding
G06F 9/06 - Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
Disclosure is directed to determining a condition of the television receiver and communicating information regarding that condition to end-points that are external to the television receiver. The television receiver may create a two-dimensional barcode with information regarding the receiver condition and output the two-dimensional barcode for display on a display device. Once displayed on the display device, the two-dimensional barcode may be scanned into a mobile device where the information regarding the receiver condition may be stored, processed and/or forwarded to another location or device.
H04N 17/04 - Diagnosis, testing or measuring for television systems or their details for receivers
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/4425 - Monitoring of client processing errors or hardware failure
ABSTRACT A method comprises scanning a two-dimensional barcode into a mobile device, the two dimensional barcode being displayed on a display device associated with television receiver; decoding the two-dimensional barcode at the mobile device to determine one or more configuration settings for the television receiver; and storing the one or more configuration settings for later use in reconfiguring the television receiver. -16- Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-12
One embodiment described herein may take the form of a system or method for generating one or more matrix codes that may then be obtained by a reader device, the one or more matrix codes including information that may be utilized to access additional content related to one or more multimedia presentations. For example, the information contained within the one or more matrix codes may include one or more web addresses that, when selected, may link to one or more webpages on the Internet containing information related to the multimedia presentation. In another example, the information contained within the matrix codes may include instructions that may be executed by an electronic device to provide the additional content. The additional content may be displayed a display device associated with the distribution system, on a reader device, or any electronic device that includes a display.
H04N 21/41 - Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
H04N 21/4722 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content for requesting additional data associated with the content
H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
88.
UTILIZING MATRIX CODES DURING INSTALLATION OF COMPONENTS OF A DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
One embodiment described herein may take the form of a system or method for generating one or more matrix codes that may then be obtained by a reader device, the one or more matrix codes including information that may be utilized to aid in the installation and configuration of one or more components of a distribution system. In one embodiment, the one or more matrix codes may be utilized by the system to configure one or more aspects and features of a component of the system, such as a receiver or display device. In another embodiment, the one or matrix codes may provide system information to a provider or an installer to verify proper installation of one or more components. The information encoded in the matrix codes may include any type of information about one or more components of the distribution system to aid the system or an installer in configuring or installing components of the system.
H04N 17/00 - Diagnosis, testing or measuring for television systems or their details
H04N 21/60 - Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client; Communication details between server and client
H04B 17/30 - Monitoring; Testing of propagation channels
A method of presenting a matrix code for providing accessibility content includes receiving, at a content receiver, a signal carrying accessibility content, generating, at the content receiver, a matrix code from the accessibility content, and transmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to a presentation device for display, wherein the content presentation includes at least one of audio and visual content and the accessibility content includes an alternative form of at least one of the audio and the visual content for allowing a user to more fully comprehend the content presentation. Systems for implementing the method are also provided.
H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream
H04N 21/41 - Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream
H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
90.
MATRIX CODE FOR USE IN VERIFICATION OF DATA CARD SWAP
A content receiver receives an update to a memory unit contained therein utilizing data stored in a data card inserted or incorporated into the content receiver. The content receiver dynamically generates a matrix code based on the updates received in the memory and on information uniquely identifying the content receiver. The matrix code is transmitted to a content display device for display, and a matrix code reader detects the displayed matrix code and transmits information contained within the matrix code to a content provider for updating a user's account associated with the updated content receiver. The content provider may transmit a message to the content receiver for display on the content display device indicating the update to the user's account. The content provider may transit a similar message to the matrix code reader.
H04N 5/00 - PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - Details of television systems
H04N 21/00 - Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
91.
APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING DISPLAYED IMAGE INFORMATION OF A MOBILE MEDIA DEVICE ON A LARGE DISPLAY AND CONTROL OF THE MOBILE MEDIA DEVICE THEREFROM
Systems and methods are operable to concurrently present images on a small display of a mobile media device and a large display of a media presentation system. An exemplary method receives emulated information from a mobile media device, wherein the emulated information corresponds to at least one image that is being currently presented on a display of the mobile media device; generates at least one image based upon the received emulated information, wherein the at least one image is configured for presentation on a display of a media system; and communicates the at least one image to a display of the media system. The image presented on the display of the media system is substantially the same image presented on the display of the mobile media device. The image presented on the display of the media system is substantially larger than the image presented on the display of the mobile media device.
The invention provides a method of operating a user device for receiving and recording media content. The method comprises receiving, at one or more inputs, a media content stream, and initial timing data, such as EPG data, indicative of the time at which a selected program contained within the media content stream is scheduled to begin. At least a portion of the media content stream containing the selected program is recorded to a memory using the initial timing data to determine the recording start and finish time. Second updated timing data, indicative of the time at which the program began, is also received. A portion of the recorded media content stream is then deleted between the beginning of the recording and the beginning of the program as identified by the second timing data. The second timing data may be made more accurate than the first or initial timing data, and therefore recorded content that does not contain the desired program may not be output. Deleting at least a portion of the recorded media content stream based on the second timing data saves on finite memory space. This also allows the viewer to begin watching their content faster. A corresponding apparatus and appropriate computer program are also provided.
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04H 60/09 - Arrangements for device control with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for control of broadcast-related services
A method is provided for transmitting media content from a media content receiving device such as a set-top-box to one or more user devices capable of displaying, storing or outputting the media content. The method includes receiving, at the set-top- box, media content encoded according to a particular format, embedding in the media content, while it is encoded according to the particular format, a watermark containing data identifying the set-top-box and then transmitting the watermarked media content to one or more user devices. Encoding a watermark while the content is encoded according the received format allows protection to be added and the content passed to other devices without having to decode the content first. The method may be implemented by a suitable media content receiving device operating a computer program. A corresponding apparatus for implementing the method is provided.
H04N 21/8358 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates involving watermark
H04N 21/6334 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key
A method for controlling the place shifting of media content from a local user device, such as a set-top-box, comprising a place shifting unit or device for place shifting media content over a network to a remote user device for outputting content to a user. According to the method media content to be place shifted is received at the local user device along with a place shift enabled parameter containing data associated with the received media content and indicative of whether the received media content is authorised to be place shifted. A user command to place shift the received media content to the remote user device is also received. It is then determined, by analysing the place shift enabled parameter, whether the received media content is authorised to be place shifted and based on this determination the place shifting of the received content to a remote device is allowed or impaired. A corresponding method applied at a remote user device are also provided, as are corresponding local and remote user devices.
H04N 21/6334 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 5/445 - Receiver circuitry for displaying additional information
H04N 21/8358 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates involving watermark
95.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SCHEDULING RECORDINGS OF PROGRAMMING EVENTS
Systems and methods allow for automatic scheduling of audio/video recordings made by in a digital video recorder (DVR) or similar device. The various times during which each of the programming events will be available are determined and maintained in a list. Conflicting periods of time during which multiple programming events are simultaneously received are identified, and a schedule by which each of the programming events is to be recorded is created. Conflicts can be resolved by automatically scheduling the recording of one or more programming events to occur during a re-broadcast of the event at a different time that does not conflict with the other events.
In one or more implementations, a computing device may receive information from a matrix code reader that scans multiple matrix codes, each displayed by one of multiple devices. The computing device may determine whether or not the devices are being fraudulently utilized, such as whether the devices are in the same location. Additionally, in some implementations, a computing device may receive a service request from a matrix code reader that includes an associated telephone number. The computing device may extract the number and may handle the service request based on the number. Moreover, in various implementations, a computing device may receive information from a matrix code reader that scans a displayed matrix code. The information may include an electronic signature that is included in the matrix code by the device. After receiving the information, the computing device may analyze the information to determine that the electronic signature is valid.
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/61 - Network physical structure; Signal processing
G06F 21/00 - Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
G06K 5/00 - Methods or arrangements for verifying the correctness of markings on a record carrier; Column-detection devices
97.
CONFIGURING REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES UTILIZING MATRIX CODES
An electronic device determines information for configuring control of the device by a remote, generates a matrix codes including the information, and transmits the matrix code to a display device. The remote then captures the displayed matrix code, decodes the information, and configures itself to control the electronic device. Configuration of the remote may include pairing, configuring selection elements of the remote, and so on. In some implementations, the electronic device may interact with another device and the information may be for configuring the remote to control the electronic device in the context of the other device. Additionally, in various implementations, the remote may transmit identifying information to the electronic device which may configure itself to further communicate with the remote utilizing such information. Moreover, in various implementations, the remote may capture matrix codes generated by other devices in order to configure the remote to control those devices as well.
A method for processing a matrix barcode displayed in three dimensions to extract data represented thereby involves capturing the component images of the three dimensional representation. The method includes receiving a first component image of the matrix barcode and receiving a second component image of the matrix barcode as the two images are displayed on a display device. After the two images have been received, the first component image and the second component image of the matrix barcode are captured on an image capture device. Then depth information between elements of the matrix barcode presented in the first and second component images is determined and additional data represented in such depth information is extracted.
Systems and methods are operable to present audio content of a received media content stream in a plurality of user controllable spot focused sound regions. An exemplary embodiment receives an audio content stream comprising at least a first audio channel and a second audio channel; multiplies the first audio channel into a plurality of first audio channels, multiplies the second audio channel into a plurality of second audio channels; communicates a first one of the multiplied plurality of first audio channels and a first one of the multiplied plurality of second audio channels to a first audio sound region controller; and communicates a second one of the multiplied plurality of first audio channels and a second one of the multiplied plurality of second audio channels to a second audio sound region controller.
An electronic device identifies that it will transmit a matrix code to a display. Then, the device may transmit a signal to a matrix code reader. The signal instructs the reader to perform a matrix code capture action such as playing an alert, powering an optical reader, launching a capture application, and so on. The device may evaluate one or more conditions before transmitting and the reader may evaluate one or more conditions before performing the action. The device may transmit the signal to any reader within a communication range, only to readers on a matrix code reader list, and so on. Additionally, a reader may transmit a confirmation message to the device when the reader captures a matrix code after receiving a related signal confirming that the matrix code was captured successfully.
patents
