In one embodiment a fiber tray include an arrangement of retaining slots configured to receive retaining clips in a variety of different orientations and sizes. Retaining clips may have standardized sizes to correspond with the arrangement of retaining slots and to secure a variety of components to the fiber tray in different locations and orientations. Fiber management means may be provided to guide fiber optic cable from the components in a variety of orientations and locations. The fiber tray may be configured to move between a stowed position within a node housing in which the mounting surface of the tray faces downward and an access position in which the tray faces upward. The tray may be transparent to allow a technician to view the fiber arrangement without moving the tray from the stowed position.
Disclosed herein are systems and method for adjusting bitrate among multiple media streams delivered on a common subscriber connection. One such method comprises receiving information describing a maximum bitrate provisioned on the subscriber connection, and receiving a plurality of media streams. Each media stream utilizes a corresponding bitrate, and the plurality of media streams has a combined bitrate. The method also comprises adjusting the bitrate of at least a portion of the plurality of media streams so that the combined bitrate is related to the maximum bitrate provisioned on the subscriber connection.
A method of challenging an incoming call to a called party based on predetermined call challenge rules. The call challenge rules may include challenging a calling party when an incoming call falls within a call challenge time window of the local time of the called party. A method may include determining the local time of the called party, announcing the local time to the calling party, and prompting the calling party whether to ring the ringer of the called party or be routed to voicemail. Also mentions modifying the call challenge rules based on a TV programme guide thus allowing the blocking of telephone calls when a user is watching their favourite programme. The system maybe configured using a web interface.
Provided herein are at least one embodiment of a system and method for reducing or eliminating crosstalk and associated distortion in a wavelength-division multiplexed optical signal transmitted over a fiber optic network by inversion of the RF signals that are inputs to the system.
Navigation in program guides with non-uniform events. The program guide includes a user interface screen for providing a plurality of television programs by time and channel in a grid format. Each television program becomes selectable from the EPG based upon user interaction. Vertical and horizontal bias lines are calculated to determine which program to select when navigating in a program guide having programs with non-uniform run times.
An embodiment of a cable television system includes a media content source configured to transmit media content to a plurality of home communication terminals (HCTs) over a plurality of physical channels over a shared communication medium. Each physical channel carries the media content on a plurality of logical channels. The system further includes a media allocation server configured to receive requests from the plurality of HCTs, each of the requests from a respective HCT designating desired media content to be simultaneously received at the respective HCT and allocating at least a portion of the desired media content among a plurality of physical channels on respective logical channels.
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling encryptor devices to provide realtime messages having offset cryptoperiods according to an offset algorithm within common crypto-sync pulse boundaries. A master clock aligns the encryptor devices to a common crypto-sync pulse. Subsequently, a cryptoperiod offset aligner assigns a different offset value according to an algorithm to each encrypted service. The corresponding encryptor device then begins the cryptoperiod, during which real-time messages are transmitted, at the assigned offset value from the common crypto-sync pulse.
The present invention is directed towards a frequency modulated burst mode optical system. More specifically, optical signals having a common wavelength provided by a plurality of frequency modulated optical transmitters are passively combined onto a single optical fiber. A single frequency modulated optical receiver then receives the combined signals and processes them accordingly. Each of the plurality of frequency modulated burst mode optical transmitters includes a frequency modulation modulator that modulates reverse electrical signals at a frequency, such as 1.21 GHz. Additionally, a carrier detect circuit monitors the reverse electrical signals for the presence of a carrier signal. Subsequently, only in the presence of a carrier signal, an optical laser is turned on, thereby converting the frequency modulated electrical signals into optical signals. Advantageously, the frequency modulated electrical signals are only transmitted if a carrier signal is detected. Due to the burst-mode transmission of optical signals, the optical signals can be passively combined and transmitted to a single optical receiver.
The present invention is directed towards a frequency modulated burst mode optical transmitter. A frequency modulated modulator modulates reverse electrical signals at a frequency, such as 1.21 GHz. Additionally, a carrier detect circuit monitors the reverse electrical signals for the presence of a carrier signal. Subsequently, in the presence of a carrier signal, an optical laser is turned on, thereby converting the frequency modulated electrical signals into optical signals. Advantageously, the frequency modulated electrical signals are only transmitted if a carrier signal is detected.
The present invention is directed towards a discrete protection circuit located on a circuit card, and systems and methods related thereto. The protection circuit protects circuit card components from an inrush current and overcurrent conditions. The discrete protection circuit includes a switch to control a delivered load current to an output port, an SCR which latches when an overcurrent condition is detected across a sense resistor, and a series of resistors and a 10 capacitor that determines the retry delay subsequent to an overcurrent detection. Advantages of the discrete protection circuit of the invention over prior art integrated circuits include: lower parts counts, lower production costs, greater flexibility, and increased reliability.
Video processing systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment (300), among others, includes a video compression engine (220) configured to provide reconstructed pictures corresponding to a real-time presentation of a video program and a compressed version of the real-time presentation, a display buffer of the video compression engine, the display buffer configured to store the reconstructed pictures, and a persistent storage device (263), wherein the video compression engine is further configured to store the compressed version of the real-time presentation to the persistent storage device while simultaneously providing the real-time presentation of the video program.
Systems and methods of secure content key distribution using multiple distinct methods are disclosed herein. Example embodiments include receiving multiple distinct control words from multiple conditional access systems and encrypting packets or a group of packets using the multiple distinct control words.
Systems and methods of assembling an elementary stream from an encapsulated multimedia transport stream are disclosed. An exemplary method includes: receiving a command from a user mode video playback component; in response, processing layer-2 packets received through a network interface driver binding to assemble, into an MPEG elementary stream, multimedia transport packets encapsulated within; and supplying the stream to a decoder. The receiving and processing steps are performed in kernel mode. Also disclosed is an exemplary digital home communication terminal that includes a network interface, memory, and a processor. The processor executes code to: receive a command from a user mode video playback component; process layer-2 packets received through a network interface driver binding, in order to assemble into an MPEG elementary stream multimedia transport packets encapsulated within the received layer-2 packets; and supply the elementary stream to a decoder. The receive and process operations are performed in kernel mode.
Systems and methods are disclosed for a managed access network device that generates and transmits a schedule map for requesting bandwidth to a plurality of network devices. The managed access network device then broadcasts a request time where the request time is broken down into a plurality of periods. When a network device generates a packet having a priority, the schedule map is then consulted to determine one of a plurality of periods in which to transmit the request for bandwidth, where each period corresponds with at least one priority. The network device then subsequently transmits the request for bandwidth during the determined period within the request time.
Methods and systems of handling channel changes in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a request for access to a downstream network connected to the DHCT; determining a source of the request for access; and setting at least one parameter to a value based on the determined source; and performing a channel change using the at least one parameter having the set value An exemplary system comprises: a channel acquisition component, memory, and a processor. The processor is programmed by code, stored in memory, to: receive a channel change request; determine whether the channel change request is user initiated; and instruct the channel acquisition component to perform a channel change using at least one parameter. The parameter has a value that is based on the determination.
Methods and systems of handling channel changes in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a channel change request; determining whether the channel change request is user-initiated; setting at least one channel change parameter to a value based on the determination; and performing a channel change using the at least channel change parameter having the set value. An exemplary system comprises: a channel acquisition component, memory, and a processor. The processor is programmed by code, stored in memory, to: receive a channel change request; determine whether the channel change request is user-initiated; and instruct the channel acquisition component to perform a channel change using at least channel change parameter. The channel change parameter has a value that is based on the determination.
In one embodiment the application provides a method for outputting auxiliary information for use in playing back a video sequence, the method comprising obtaining a measure of usefulness of a particular picture for playing back the video sequence, wherein the measure of usefulness indicates a performance of playing back the video sequence if the particular picture is available in a decoded state at a time of playback versus the particular picture not being available in a decoded state at a time of playback; determining a position in a data stream that includes the video sequence; and storing the auxiliary information at the determined position in the data stream.
G11B 27/30 - Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording on the same track as the main recording
To prevent poaching of an Internet Protocol (IP) set top box (STB) asset or similar network computing device from one system operator to another, code executing in the IP STB not only authenticates downloaded software images using a public key provided in a serial-number assigned digital certificate, but also confirms that the serial number appears on a signed whitelist, or does not appear on a signed blacklist. The code executing in the STB further preferably enforces a rule that only the authority that signed the already-loaded whitelist/blacklist may replace it with a new list. Such a sticky whitelist/blacklist ensures that if the STB boots or resets in a new network, the existing authentication list will not be replaced by a list that is valid for a new or different network, and, as a result, that new software code images will not be authenticated.
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing an AGC circuit for maintaining a constant output power level from an amplifier. More specifically, the AGC circuit includes a circuitry for determining whether an input signal is a QAM or a CW signal. A QAM/CW gain switch is then controlled depending upon the input signal. Depending upon the mode of the QAM/CW gain switch, the AGC circuit either attenuates the power level of the signal or bypasses the signal. The bypassed or attenuated signal is then compared to a reference signal so that the AGC circuit produces an adjusting voltage accordingly. The amplifier finally receives the adjusting voltage and attenuates the output power level of the signal.
In one embodiment, systems for transporting a signal between at least one control point and a user device, comprising a passive optical network operatively coupled to the at least one control point and an optical network termination operatively coupled to the passive optical network and operatively coupled to the user device, wherein the optical network termination comprises an upstream laser and an upstream laser driver coupled to the upstream laser and an upstream laser driver trigger, the upstream laser driver trigger is configured to activate the upstream laser driver and initiate an upstream signal in compliance with Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) from the user device to the at least one control point.
Systems and methods for creating universal microcode images and for reconstructing a microcode image from a universal microcode image are described in the present disclosure. One method, among others, comprises receiving a plurality of microcode images each configured to initialize hardware within an electronic device before the electronic device is booted up. The method also includes separating each microcode image into sections and comparing the sections to determine whether or not two or more sections contain identical code. The method also includes creating a universal microcode image from the sections that are unique.
A system for selectively handling information. In an example embodiment, the system includes a first mechanism for processing information pertaining to one or more sub-blocks of a macroblock in a first stream and a second stream, and outputting a first processed stream and a second processed stream in response thereto. A second mechanism selectively combines information in the first processed stream and the second processed stream and provides an updated version of the first stream or the second stream to the first mechanism in response thereto. In a more specific embodiment, the first mechanism includes a processor, such as in intra 4x4 search module, that processes a sub-block of a macroblock by performing intra prediction for the sub-block. The processor is adapted to process sub-blocks of a macroblock in parallel, such as in a pipelined fashion or via separate engines capable of operating in parallel.
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a switched digital video (SDV) client to intelligently generate and transmit reverse request in a SDV system. In this manner, reverse channel traffic is reduced. During rapid channel changes using the up and down keys on a remote control, the SDV client waits a predetermined amount of time before generating a reverse request that is subsequently transmitted upstream to a headend server. By way of example, changing broadcasted channels quickly will not generate a reverse request until the predetermined amount of time is over. In the event that a changed channel is an SDV session, a program select request is immediately generated in order to begin receiving the SDV session.
A video processing system. In a specific embodiment, the system implements a system for processing macroblocks that includes a first module for processing a macroblock. A controller provides a first macroblock to the first module and provides a second macroblock to the first module, without waiting for the first module to complete processing of the first macroblock, when information is available to the first module to process the second macroblock. The first module may implement a pipelined processor that is adapted to process macroblocks simultaneously. Alternatively, the first module includes a first engine and a second engine, which may run in parallel as parallel engines. In a more specific embodiment, an entire image frame is treated as a single slice and processed by the system via a pipelined engines or parallel engines.
An entropy coding apparatus. In a specific embodiment, the entropy coding apparatus includes a renormalization process and an encode-decision process that communicates with the renormalization process. The encode-decision process is adapted to run in parallel with the renormalization process without the renormalization process being nested therein. In a more specific embodiment, the entropy coding apparatus includes an entropy encoder that is H.264 compliant. The encode-decision process includes a first mechanism for pre-computing certain parameters to eliminate the need to nest the renormalization process within the encode-decision process. The renormalization process and the encode-decision process are components of a Context Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CABAC) module.
A video-processing architecture. In a specific embodiment, the architecture includes a first set of modules that accommodate certain functional traffic flowing between each module thereof. A broadcast module broadcasts video traffic to one or more of the first set of modules. In a more specific embodiment, the first set of modules and the broadcast module are configured to facilitate isolation of video traffic from functional traffic. The first set of modules includes plural modules having similar module architecture. The similar module architecture includes a local memory in each of the plural modules, wherein the local memory stores video data associated with the video traffic. The local memory includes a first memory bank for storing input pixel data and a second memory bank for storing reconstructed pixel data.
A system for processing sub-blocks of a macroblock of a video frame. In an example embodiment, the system includes a first module that is adapted to process each sub-block of the macroblock, wherein each sub-block is associated with a predetermined position in a first sequence. The processing of certain sub-blocks in the first sequence requires results of processing of one or more previously processed sub-blocks in the first sequence. A controller selectively enables the first module to process each sub-block of a second sequence that is altered from the first sequence so that the first module implements parallel or pipelined processing of certain sub-blocks of the macroblock. In a more specific embodiment each sub-block in the first sequence of sub-blocks is consecutively numbered 0-15 according to H.264 standards.
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a switched digital video (SDV) server to prioritize SDV programs. More specifically, SDV programs carried on an RF carrier frequency are given priorities in the event of unavailable bandwidth. In this manner, the SDV server selects which SDV programs to broadcast, to unbind, or not to fulfill.
Systems and methods of upstream communications using frequency modulation are disclosed. An exemplary method embodiment, among others, includes frequency modulating a communications signal, intensity modulating the frequency modulated signal, and applying that intensity modulated signal to a transmission medium. Also disclosed is a method of receiving the upstream signal including intensity demodulating the signal received from the transmission medium and frequency demodulating the resultant signal.
Systems and methods are disclosed for adjusting bandwidth of streams carried on a subscriber loop. One exemplary method comprises the steps of: determining bandwidth in use on a subscriber loop; selecting, for adjustment, at least one of a plurality of TCP streams carried on the subscriber loop; and adjusting at least one flow control parameter of the selected TCP stream based on the bandwidth in use. An exemplary multimedia terminal adapter (MTA) comprises memory and a processor. The memory stores program code, and the code programs the processor to enable the MTA to: determine bandwidth in use on a subscriber loop; select, for adjustment, at least one of a plurality of TCP streams carried on the subscriber loop; and adjust at least one flow control parameter of the selected TCP stream based on the bandwidth in use.
First run notification of a presentation. An indicator on the program guide or recorded programs list would allow a user to quickly distinguish between first run presentations that have never before been available at an earlier time in the program guide and' presentations that have been previously shown. The first run presentations could be distinguished by an indicator such as background color, a special icon, text color, or specific text. Notification of viewed presentations in a recorded programs list. An indicator on the recorded programs list would allow a user to quickly distinguish between presentations that have at least been partially viewed and those that have not been viewed.
Viewer data collection in a multi-room system. A TV viewing log is created for each user or each device in a multi-room system. The log can be used to limit or monitor the amount of television watched in the household. The log allows more accurate viewer data to be collected, compressed, and then sent to the headend at off-peak hours.
Disclosed are systems and methods for signaling characteristics of picture interdependencies in a video signal in subscriber television systems. In this regard, a representative method comprises allocating auxiliary information at a transport layer of a video program as to determine whether a picture is one of the following: discardable picture, forward predicted picture, a backward predicted picture, and a bi-directional predicted picture. The auxiliary information at the transport layer is generally unencrypted and transmitted as part of private data or an adaptation field. The auxiliary information enables a video decoder to determine whether to drop the picture corresponding to the auxiliary information without having to parse a video stream.
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for utilizing forward error correction (FEC) during a channel-change event. In one embodiment, among others, a method for executing a change from one communication channel to another includes receiving a channel-change indication and obtaining data and FEC that corresponds to the data. The data and FEC are related to a new channel, and the data includes a portion of data within a data packet. By utilizing the FEC, the method further includes recreating portions of data of the data packet that were missed due to the channel-change indication occurring in the middle of the transmission of the data packet. As an example, the data packet can be associated with video data arranged in a group of pictures (GOP) structure.
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a media terminal adapter (MTA) for locally ringing back coupled telephones having a caller identification display. Management information base (MIB) objects are defined to enable a caller identification information function along with caller identification name and number in order to verify the caller identification information is working properly. A technician or user dials a predetermined digit string from a coupled telephone, and the MTA responds with the defined caller identification information.
The present invention is directed towards reducing hard disk drive (HDD) activity by sharing the buffering activity between a provisional load sharing buffer (PLSB) and a time shift buffer (TSB). The HDD may be included in a digital host communications terminal (DHCT). Initially, the PLSB buffers initial streaming programs to accommodate for channel changes. Additionally, the streaming program is buffered in a standard definition quality regardless of the format of a connected television. Once a predetermined time has passed determined by the size of the PLSB without a channel change, the TSB begins buffering the streaming program. The TSB can then switch between buffering a high definition quality to a standard definition quality of a streaming high definition program depending on other factors to further decrease the HDD activity. Additionally, the TSB can be disabled to prevent buffering of the streaming program.
The present invention is directed towards reducing hard disk drive (HDD) activity by reducing the activity of an internal time shift buffer (TSB). The HDD may be included in a digital host communications terminal (DHCT). The TSB can switch between buffering a high definition quality to a standard definition quality of a streaming program. Additionally, the TSB can be disabled to prevent buffering of the streaming program. The reduced buffering of the TSB is determined by several factors including the temperature of the HDD, the health of the HDD, a set-up menu including TSB options, and/or whether there is a high definition television connected to the DHCT.
G11B 27/24 - Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by sensing features on the record carrier other than the transducing track
G11B 27/36 - Monitoring, i.e. supervising the progress of recording or reproducing
38.
LABEL ASSIGNMENT ALGORITHM WITH RECEIVE-SIDE PROCESSING IMPLEMENTATION
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods of routing payload data in a communications system. Specifically, the payload data is routed using a source address. The destination node(s) utilize a dynamically-stored look-up table indicating the source address when the payload data is to be dropped at that node(s).
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling an embedded media terminal adapter (EMTA) with included MIB objects to redirect a received telephone call. Based on the MIB objects, the EMTA communicates with a cable modem termination system (CMTS) to set up two service flows where one flow is set up between two EMTAs and one flow is set up between the endpoint EMTA and the NOC.
The present invention is directed towards reducing hard disk drive (HDD) activity by reducing the activity of an internal time shift buffer (TSB). The HDD may be included in a digital host communications terminal (DHCT). The TSB can switch between buffering a high definition quality to a standard definition quality of a streaming program. Additionally, the TSB can be disabled to prevent buffering of the streaming program. The reduced buffering of the TSB is determined by several factors including the temperature of the HDD, the health of the HDD, a set-up menu including TSB options, and/or whether there is a high definition television connected to the DHCT.
Systems and methods are disclosed for a media terminal adapter (MTA) that includes a session initiation protocol (SIP) to media gateway control protocol (MGCP) translator (315). The MTA receives SIP-based signaling packets including the MTA address and subsequently translates the signal packets to provide MGCP-based signaling packets. The MGCP-based signaling packets are subsequently transmitted to a communications network (120) in order to set up a call where the associated voice packets are transmitted with QoS.
Systems and methods are disclosed for a media terminal adapter (MTA) that contains a routing table for routing incoming telephone calls based on caller identification information. The MTA is coupled to a router/hub, where all digital telephones are then connected to the router/hub. Any analog telephones are connected to the MTA. The routing table defines incoming calls using their caller identification information and associates each defined call with a corresponding telephone(s). In this manner, an incoming call that is intended for one predominant telephone user is routed to the desired telephone using the telephone's IP address or a physical connection interface.
The present invention is directed towards enabling systems and methods for providing an identifier that displays which channels are not viewable according to a services package authorization. More specifically, a digital host communications terminal (DHCT) receives a package authorization and stores the authorization in memory. Upon display of an interactive program guide (IPG), a processor retrieves the authorization from memory and updates the IPG. The IPG then identifies which channels are not authorized, and subsequently not viewable, by placing an identifier next to each non-authorized, or non-viewable, channel. In this manner, the subscriber knows which channels are not viewable by the IPG as opposed to selecting a non-authorized channel and receiving a message displayed indicating the selected channel is not viewable.
Systems and methods for signal conversion with smart multitap are disclosed. Embodiments of the systems can be scalable to model different signal topologies, transmission frequencies, bandwidths, and distances. An exemplary embodiment of the systems and methods includes a fiber optic to RF converter and a smart multitap. Although a fiber optic to RF converter is used in exemplary embodiments throughout the disclosure, conversion between other signal topologies is within the scope of the disclosure. The smart multitap includes a multiple tap for distributing a signal to multiple terminals and a microprocessor to select a particular terminal for a signal. Exemplary embodiments include downstream implementations in which a stream is typically sent from a service provider server to a user. Alternative embodiments include downstream implementations as well as upstream implementations in which a user typically sends a stream to a service provider server.
Systems and methods for transmitting signals according to service flows are described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a routing device, such a cable modem, comprises memory configured to store a configuration file. The cable modem also comprises a network port and a plurality of input ports. The network port is configured to communicate with a cable network via a cable modem termination system (CMTS). The input ports are each configured to communicate with a communication device. The configuration file includes logic for defining a service flow for data transmission on the network port based on one or more input ports.
Systems and methods for applying media retention rules are disclosed. One embodiment of a method for applying media retention rules comprises recording instances of media content to a first storage medium associated with a digital media recorder, detecting that a second storage medium is available for storing and maintaining additional instances of media content associated with the digital media recorder and, at a time after detecting that the second storage medium is available for storing and maintaining additional instances of media content, determining at least one of the instances of media content stored to the first storage medium or second storage medium can be deleted based on a retention policy that applies selected media retention rules associated with the instances of media content based on the storage medium to which the media content is stored.
A digital media device having selectable media content storage locations, and associated methods, are disclosed. One exemplary method includes displaying a plurality of instances of media content available to be stored to a plurality of storage locations associated with a digital media device in a graphical user interface provided by the digital media device and receiving a user selection of an instance of media content from the plurality of instances of media content displayed in the graphical user interface. The exemplary method further includes displaying, in response to receiving the user selection of the instance of media content from the plurality of instances of media content, a selection of one of the plurality of storage locations to which to store the selected instance of media content. The method further includes receiving a user selection of one the plurality of storage locations to which to store the selected instances of media content.
Systems and methods for media content transfer are described. One exemplary embodiment of a method for transferring content from a first digital video recorder (DVR) set-top to a second DVR set-top includes recording instances of media content to a first storage medium located internal to a housing of the first DVR set-top and receiving an indication that the instances of media content stored to the first storage medium are to be made available for playback using the second DVR set-top. One exemplary method further includes, in response to receiving the indication that the instances of media content stored to the first storage medium are to be made available for playback using the second DVR set-top, providing the instances of media content to the second DVR set-top over a communication interface of the second DVR set-top, the communication interface accessible from an external port of the second DVR set-top.
Systems and methods for profiling power cycle characteristics in a device powered at least by a battery are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: detecting a series of power cycle events, examining the series of power cycle events for at least one indication of reduced life of the battery; storing the indication; and notifying a user of the device about the indication. Each power cycle event indicates a transition between line power and battery power.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
G01R 31/36 - Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
Included are systems and methods for providing access. At least one embodiment of a system includes a host configured to receive at least one tool for providing conditional access and a secure processor configured to receive conditional access logic. Some embodiments of the conditional access logic are configured to send at least one configuration message for configuring the at least one tool at the host component for operation with the received access logic.
Systems and method for encapsulating an MPEG program stream in an MPEG transport stream are disclosed. In one embodiment comprises the steps of: receiving a plurality of elementary streams, each of the elementary streams divided into access units; and generating an MPEG transport stream which encapsulates an MPEG program stream by combining, in order, a program stream pack header, a packetized elementary stream (PES) packet produced from one of the elementary streams, and a PES padding stream packet. so that total size of the pack header, PES packet and PES padding stream packet is equal to a size derived from a predefined pack size.
Systems and methods for signal conversion with smart multitap are disclosed. Embodiments of the systems can be scalable to model different signal topologies, transmission frequencies, bandwidths, and distances. An exemplary embodiment of the systems and methods includes a fiber optic to RF converter and a smart multitap. Although a fiber optic to RF converter is used in exemplary embodiments throughout the disclosure, conversion between other signal topologies is within the scope of the disclosure. The smart multitap includes a multiple tap for distributing a signal to multiple terminals and a microprocessor to select a particular terminal for a signal. Exemplary embodiments include downstream implementations in which a stream is typically sent from a service provider server to a user. Alternative embodiments include downstream implementations as well as upstream implementations in which a user typically sends a stream to a service provider server.
Systems and methods for signal conversion with smart multitap are disclosed. Embodiments of the systems can be scalable to model different signal topologies, transmission frequencies, bandwidths, and distances. An exemplary embodiment of the systems and methods includes a fiber optic to RF converter and a smart multitap. Although a fiber optic to RF converter is used in exemplary embodiments throughout the disclosure, conversion between other signal topologies is within the scope of the disclosure. The smart multitap includes a multiple tap for distributing a signal to multiple terminals and a microprocessor to select a particular terminal for a signal. Exemplary embodiments include downstream implementations in which a stream is typically sent from a service provider server to a user. Alternative embodiments include downstream implementations as well as upstream implementations in which a user typically sends a stream to a service provider server.
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for correcting errors. In one embodiment, among others, a method comprises receiving a plurality of error indications from a plurality of respective receivers. The receivers are configured to receive a data stream of packets transmitted within a multicast channel. Each error indication indicates which ones of a number of the packets were not received. The method further comprises analyzing the error indications to determine a first set of receivers to which forward error correction (FEC) code is multicast transmitted and a second set of receivers to which unicast data is transmitted.
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for requesting additional forward error correction, when needed, in a communication system. In one exemplary embodiment, among others, a method includes receiving a first set of data packets and a first amount of forward error correction (FEC) from an upstream transmitting device. The method also includes determining whether or not the first amount of FEC is sufficient to correct any detected errors with respect to the data packets. Then, an error indication is transmitted to the upstream transmitting device when the first amount of FEC is not sufficient to correct the detected errors.
H04L 1/18 - Automatic repetition systems, e.g. Van Duuren systems
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for transmitting data packets through a communication system. In one of several embodiments, a communication device in the communication system comprises a buffer configured to store a stream of data packets and forward error correction (FEC) code associated with the stream of data packets. The communication device also includes a processor configured to control the transmission of the stream of data packets and FEC code to a receiver device located downstream on the communication system. The processor is further configured to wait a predetermined period of time, after transmitting the stream of data packets and a portion of the FEC code, to determine whether or not the receiver device requests for additional FEC code.
Systems and methods for managing media data are disclosed. A system includes a digital media device comprising memory, processing logic, and a communications interface configured to transport data between an external storage device and the digital media device. The external storage device is configured to store media data recorded by the digital media device and maintain a media catalog associated with the media data stored to the external storage device.
An embodiment of a method for secure escrow and recovery of media device content keys includes generating, with a first processor of a media device, an escrow key for encrypting a plurality of content keys, the content keys for encrypting instances of media content. The first processor of the media device encrypts the escrow key with a public key of a key clearinghouse. The escrow key, encrypted with the public key of the key clearinghouse, is stored in a storage location outside of the first processor of the media device.
Systems and methods of assembling an elementary stream from an encapsulated multimedia transport stream are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is performed in a digital home communication terminal (DHCT). This method comprises the steps of: receiving a layer-2 packet through a binding to a network interface driver; applying at least one filter to the received packet to determine whether the received packet contains one or more multimedia transport packets meeting criteria associated with the filter; and for each multimedia transport packet meeting the applied filter criteria, copying the respective multimedia transport packet to an elementary stream buffer.
Systems and methods for providing forward error correction are disclosed in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, among others, a method comprises transmitting a stream of data packets to a receiver and transmitting a first amount of forward error correction (FEC) to the receiver. The first amount of FEC is designed to restore a first number of dropped data packets. The method also includes receiving a message from the receiver that the first amount of FEC is not sufficient to restore a detected number of dropped data packets, and then transmitting additional FEC to restore the detected number of dropped data packets.
The present invention is directed towards enabling a set-top box, a cable card, or a television to insert data into horizontal or vertical bars on a display image. More specifically, when an aspect ratio of a program is converted, letterboxing bars are used either along the horizontal or vertical edges. Within these edges, data is then composited at appropriate times to display such things as program information, television information, personal settings, etc. Additionally, graphical bars may be rendered in order to block any received data from being inserted into these bars.
Included are systems and methods for providing an enhanced program guide. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving a request to provide a plurality of program titles in a browsing format and determining whether at least one of the program titles is a duplicate program title. Other embodiments include, providing a display that includes the requested program titles, the display excluding the at least one duplicate program title, and the display providing an option to view the at least one duplicate program title. Still other embodiments include providing the at least one duplicate program title according to a time-dependent format.
Systems and methods, including methods performed by a processing device, are disclosed herein for filling the unused or blank spaces of a display screen. In one exemplary system, among others, the system comprises a display screen configured to display video images and a display screen controller configured to control the display screen. The display screen controller comprising a device for sampling a plurality of pixels from a stream of video images and a device for calculating an average color of the plurality of sampled pixels. Also, the display screen controller includes a device for adding color bands in unused portions of the display screen, the color bands comprising a color corresponding to the calculated average color. With the present system, the difference between the burn-in pattern of a video image and the unused portions of the display screen is reduced, thereby preserving the integrity of the display screen.
Included are systems and methods for performing an internal operations test to a set top terminal (STT). At least one embodiment of a method includes creating a test pattern for testing video functionality of the STT, sending the created test pattern to a digital encoder, and converting the test pattern to an analog signal.
Included are systems and methods for testing functionality of a set top terminal (STT). At least one embodiment of a method includes retrieving a test pattern from a storage device, the test pattern being configured to facilitate testing of at least one component of the STT, decoding the retrieved test pattern, and converting the decoded test pattern to at least one analog signal.
Systems and methods for managing time-shift buffering in a digital media recording device are disclosed. One embodiment of a method comprises receiving media content through at least a first tuner of the digital media recording device, the media content comprising at least a first instance of media content received consecutive to a second instance of media content. The method further includes directing the first instance of media content into a first time-shift buffer, the first instance of the media content received through the first tuner of the digital media recording device. After directing the first instance of the media content into the first time-shift buffer, the second instance of media content is directed into one of the first time-shift buffer and a second time-shift buffer while continuing to direct media content received through the first tuner of the digital media recording device into the first time-shift buffer for at least a predetermined duration of time.
Systems and methods for reducing multicast IP packet bandwidth in a local area network carrying Internet protocol television (IPTV) traffic are disclosed. One embodiment of a system comprises: a layer-2 switch; a slave digital home communication terminal (DHCT); and a master DHCT. The layer-2 switch has a control channel and a plurality of data ports. The slave DHCT is coupled to a first data port of the plurality. The master DHCT is coupled to the layer-2 switch control channel. The master DHCT comprises logic for requesting the layer-2 switch, over the control channel, operate in a first configuration. In the first configuration, the layer-2 switch associates a layer-2 multicast address with the first data port, examines layer-2 multicast packets, and forwards the examined layer-2 multicast packets on the first data port only if the layer-2 destination address is the first layer-2 multicast address.
Included are systems and methods for performing a functionality test to an STT. At least one embodiment of a method includes storing at least one test pattern in a storage device, decoding the at least one stored test pattern, and sending the test pattern from a output port to an input port, the input port being coupled to at least one tuning device. Other embodiments include tuning, via the at least one tuning device, the STT according to the test pattern and converting the decoded test pattern to at least one output signal.
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods that include an optical polarization scrambler or depolarizer after the optical transmitter. In this manner, the optical signal is depolarized. Accordingly, the noise peaks that were translated from Guided Acoustic-Wave Brillouin Scattering (GAWBS) by the devices with polarization dependent loss or gain is mitigated in order to have little effect on the quality of the RF signal carried by lightwave.
The present invention is directed towards monitoring and adjusting a power level of reverse subcarrier signals at an input of an optical node as opposed to at an input of a CMTS blade. Advantageously, reverse subcarrier signals are digitally transmitted throughout the optical link thereby avoiding the use of attenuators in the optical link. Therefore, any attenuation of the power level of the reverse subcarrier signals is caused by an RF feeder portion of the communications system. The CMTS blade then detects the power level of the reverse subcarrier signal that is equivalent to the power level at the input of an optical node and sends a control signal to CPE adjusting the transmitter power level without affecting the optical node dynamic range.
Included are systems and methods for providing sub-divided video. At least one embodiment of a method includes dividing a video stream into sub-regions, each of the sub-regions being configured to provide motion video for display, determining positions of the sub-regions, rearranging at least one of the sub-regions from the determined positions, and facilitating display of the rearranged sub-regions of the video stream.
Systems and methods are disclosed for a media terminal adapter (MTA) that gathers and reports steps of an initialization process as well as other information. The MTA tracks each completed step via a state machine and subsequently converts the steps and other information into an FSK format. FSK data is then provided to either a Type 1 or Type II caller identification telephone, or other caller identification box that includes a caller identification display, or a coupled handheld display device. Additionally, the MTA may also convert the completed steps into an audio wave file that is then transmitted to a connected telephone or an internal speaker.
The present invention is directed towards enabling systems and methods for customizing and providing multiple interactive program guides (IPGs) for each member in a household. Once determined which member(s) is in the room watching television, the associated customized IPG is displayed. If there are multiple members in the room watching television, a customized combined IPG may be displayed. The present invention determines who is in the room by one of toggling buttons on a remote control; a GUI screen displaying the multiple members; facial recognition; Bluetooth or wireless technology, to name but a few.
Systems and methods are provided for updating a temperature table for a disk subsystem in a client system using information provided by a server system. In one embodiment, among others, the client receives an update command from the server system. The update command comprises instructions to update the temperature table. The client updates the temperature table in the disk subsystem in accordance with the update command. The client selects one of the write current values in the temperature table based on a disk subsystem temperature, and writes data to the disk subsystem using the selected write current values.
Systems and methods are provided for updating a temperature table for a disk subsystem in a client system using information provided by a server system. In one embodiment, among others, the client receives an update command from the server system. The update command comprises instructions to update the temperature table. The client updates the temperature table in the disk subsystem in accordance with the update command. The client selects one of the write current values in the temperature table based on a disk subsystem temperature, and writes data to the disk subsystem using the selected write current values.
An embodiment of a system for securing media content includes a digital media device comprising a memory associated with a secure element. The memory contains a private key and storage for at least one group key. The private key is used to decrypt transmissions from a remote access control system that are encrypted by a corresponding public key. The digital media device further comprises logic configured to respond to a first message received from the remote access control system encrypted by the public key and including a first group key, the logic responding to the first message by decrypting the first group key and storing the first group key in the memory of the secure element. The digital media device further comprises logic configured to decrypt a content key with the first group key. The content key is used to encrypt media content stored on a medium accessible by the digital media device.
A data processing system including a buffer configured to temporarily maintain a portion of a plurality of compressed data streams and a switch. Each portion of the plurality of compressed data streams comprise one or more units of an encoded media signal. The switch is for providing selective connectivity between the buffer and one or more processors configured to change a property of the data stream. The switch directs one or more units from the buffer to the one or more processors.
The present disclosure is directed towards providing a viewer an option of beginning a previously viewed DVD or DVR from its last viewed position. A processor determines a unique identifier of the DVD or DVR and stores the unique identifier in a presentation table in either an internal hard drive or RAM. When a viewer stops the DVD or DVR, the processor records the address (e.g., a logical block address and byte offset) of the DVD or hard drive, respectively, in the presentation table. At the time the DVD or DVR is viewed again, the processor provides the option of beginning the presentation at the last viewed osition.
The present invention is suitable for use in a communications system that transmits a transport stream, such as an MPEG stream. The present invention addresses the need of generating a valid value for a duplicated packet in the transport stream. A first embodiment of the present invention interpolates between a PCR value in the original packet and the PCR value in the next PCR packet. A second embodiment of the present invention copies an original packet along with its PCR value into a duplicate packet. Subsequently, the present invention interpolates a new value for the original packet based on the original value in the duplicated PCR-bearing packet and the previous value in a PCR-bearing packet.
DVD multi-room playback after headend conversation. The DVD content is saved to a hard drive of a primary device in a networked multi-room system. While the content is being saved to the hard drive, the headend is contacted to secure permissions, pay royalties, etc. for the copyrighted material. The movie saved on the primary device can then be retrieved by any of the remote devices by accessing the program guide or the recorded programs list.
The present invention is suitable for use in a multi-encrypted system that dynamically allocates stream identifiers in a secondary overlay stream depending upon the identifiers in a primary encrypted stream. The primary encrypted input stream is monitored to determine the presence of all identifier values. Once the identifier values are determined, the values are stored in an allocation table and marked as 'in-use' to ensure that these identifier values are not allocated to any of the secondary overlay streams. The primary encrypted stream is monitored and the allocation table is updated continuously to detect any changes or conflicts to the identifier values, and the secondary overlay streams are dynamically updated accordingly.
Systems and methods are disclosed for qualifying performance of a disk drive in a digital home communications terminal (DHCT) deployed in the field. In embodiment, among others, at least one DHCT is identified for performance testing. A disk drive performance test application is downloaded to the DHCT over a communication channel. Performance test results are received from the DHCT over the communication channel. A DHCT is designated as having a hard disk failure if the test results are below a threshold.
Systems and methods are disclosed for testing performance of a disk drive in a digital home communications terminal. In one such method, the steps comprise: measuring at least one time for data transfer of a group of sectors on the disk drive; and providing the time to a server over a communications channel. In another method, the steps comprise: downloading a disk drive performance test application from a server over a communication channel; executing the test application to measure at least one time for data transfer of a group of sectors on the disk drive; and reporting the time to the server over the communication channel.
Included are embodiments of a method for detecting errors in a set top terminal (STT). At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving error data related to at least one error that occurred in at least one STT and comparing the received error data to at least one signature file, the at least one signature file including a pattern related to at least one documented error. Additional embodiments of the method may also include in response to determining that the received error data does not match the pattern related to at least one documented error, creating a new signature file, the new signature file including at least one pattern associated with the received error data.
Disclosed herein is a system (800) for the variable attenuation of broadband differential signals. An exemplary system of variable attenuation of broadband differential signals includes attenuation devices (830, 840, 850, 860) arranged such that an attenuation device on the positive side of the differential signal has a corresponding attenuation device (835, 845, 855, 865) on the negative side of the differential signal with both of the corresponding attenuation devices on the same semiconductor die (801,802).
A digital media recorder includes a first storage device associated with the digital media recorder and an interface for removably attaching a second storage device to the digital media recorder. Each of the first and second storage devices are configured to store media data representing programming from a media source. The digital media recorder is configured with logic for prioritizing the storage of the media data to one of the first and second storage devices before storing the media data to the other of the first and second storage devices.
Bandwidth management in each network device in a switched digital video environment. Each device in a user's home and the switched digital video (SDV) device can evaluate the bandwidth requirements of a request from any device in the home and compare it to the bandwidth available at the user's home. This is done as the request is passed upstream from device to device. If there is insufficient bandwidth available, an error message is returned to the requesting device.
Expedited digital signal decoding. A multicast or unicast data stream is sent fro a headend to a set-top box at a natural rate. A decoder buffer in the set-top box begins to fill. Once the buffer is partially full, a decoder begins to decode the data at a rate lower than the natural rate. Images are displayed to the user before the buffer is full, allowing for a faster channel change.
A data processing system buffers temporarily a portion of a plurality of compressed data streams. Each portion comprises one or more units of an encoded media signal. A switch provides selective connectivity between the buffer and a plurality of processors analyzing the one or more units of the encoded media signal in the buffer and generating statistical data about the encoded media signal. One or many transcoders are configured to decode a second portion of the compressed data streams, which includes units ordered ahead of the one or more units in the buffer, and then encode the second portion of the compressed data streams based on the statistical data. A controller receives the statistical data from the processors and directs the encoding of the second portion of the compressed data streams.
Atomic channel change in a switched digital video (SDV) system. A set-top box (STB) sends join and leave message commands to a SDV device when requesting a channel change. If one of the IGMP message commands does not reach the SDV device, oversubscription can occur. A combined join and leave message ensures that a join command is performed only when a leave command is also performed. If the single message does not reach the SDV device, the STB resends the command.
Quality of service management in a switched digital video environment. The devices in a user's home can be given quality of service priority statuses by a system operator. In the event of oversubscription, the quality of service management allows the user to determine which services will have priority over others if more bandwidth is requested than available.
Channel changes between services with differing bandwidth in a switched digital video system. A services map published by the headend and distributed to all of the edge devices, allows a bandwidth requirement to be correlated with each request from a device in the home. The bandwidth requirement is passed upstream along with the request for service and is subject to a system resource management validation.
A fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) system transmits forward and reverse optical signals, such as video, voice, and data signals, via optical fiber, and includes a plurality of home network units. The home network units include an optical receiver for receiving at least one of the video, voice, and data signals. Included is a plurality of gain stages that are distributed throughout the optical receiver. The gain stages include a preamplifier stage, two interstage amplifiers, and a postamplifier stage. Two gain control circuits automatically adjust the gain of the video signal based upon the input power level to the FTTH optical receiver. Additionally, a tilt network performs level compensation for externally located coaxial cable. A signal is then provided to a device located within a home via the coaxial cable at the proper RF level having low noise signals.
Systems and methods for implementing a communication mode for a communication terminal are provided. An embodiment of a method for implementing a communication mode includes receiving a first type of data over a first type of communication channel, determining that the first type of data is subsequently not available over the first type of communication channel, and responsive to determining that the first type of data is subsequently not available over the first type of communication channel, receiving the first type of data over a second type of communication channel.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
G06F 13/00 - Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
H04N 5/445 - Receiver circuitry for displaying additional information
H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
95.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RESERVE ALLOCATION OF EVENT DATA
Disclosed are systems and methods for reserve allocation of event data. A request event is received. The request event is associated with memory storing request event data. Memory for response event data is allocated from a first pool. The response event data is associated with a response, and the response is associated with the request. Upon failure of the allocation of memory for the response event data, memory is obtained for out-of-memory response event data. The out-of-memory response event data is associated with the response event. The request event is completed using the response event.
Multi-room network guide with scheduling device indicators. The networked multi-room system is made up of at least one primary device and one or more remote devices. The remote devices are able to view the network guide saved on the primary device and schedule programs to be recorded. When viewing the network guide or the recorded programs list, from any of the devices, the presentation scheduled to be recorded, or presentations saved to the hard drive, will have an indicator corresponding to the device that requested the recording. The indicator could be color, icons, or text.
Systems and methods are disclosed for inserting programs into broadcasted primary programs by a conditional access (CA) module that is inserted into a host device, such as a digital-ready television. The CA module utilizes primary and secondary program map tables and/or primary and secondary packet identifiers. A splicer splices the secondary packet identifiers, which is associated with a secondary program, into the primary packet identifiers, which is associated with a program, such as a broadcasted program. Additionally, the CA module may contain memory that is capable of storing the secondary program's packet identifiers and/or program map table that can be used for insertion into the primary program.
DVD playback over Multi-room by copying to the hard drive of a primary device in a networked multi-room system (NMS). The DVD content is saved to a hard drive and can then be retrieved by any of the remote devices in the NMS by accessing the program guide or the recorded programs list. The DVD menu can be altered to include previews, contests, products, etc.
Optimizing data rates for video services on a broadband network. Different data rates can be delivered to a subscriber premises depending on the size of the display screen connected to a set-top box, the type of content being requested, or whether there is real-time viewing. Therefore, the data rate can be optimized to maximize the number of video streams that can be delivered to any one subscriber without causing a perceived reduction in video picture quality.
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing downstream signals to a plurality of receiver networks. A receiver network (i.e., a networked multimedia system) includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM), a primary set-top terminal (STT), and at least one point of deployment module. The point of deployment module communicates with the primary STT via the SIM over coaxial cable. Accordingly, the point of deployment module and connected television utilize some or all of the features including hardware and software that are included in the primary STT via the networked multimedia system.
patents
