| ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120131416 | Facilitating User Support of Electronic Devices Using Matrix Codes - An electronic device detects occurrence of an error condition and selects a matrix code to include in an error message to transmit to a display device based on the error condition. A reader device decodes the displayed matrix code to present information regarding resolution of the error condition. The electronic device may select the matrix code by looking up the error condition in a table or by dynamically generate the matrix code. In various implementations, the electronic device may determine that the information regarding resolution of the error condition has been utilized to unsuccessfully resolve the error condition. If so, the electronic device may select and transmit and additional matrix code that may be decoded by the reader device to access and present an additional set of information regarding resolution of the error condition or to initiate an electronic device support request. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130851 | Ordering Via Dynamic Matrix Code Generation - A content receiver receives ordering information from a content provider for orderable content or products. The content receiver also derives information specific to the content receiver and dynamically generates a matrix code including the ordering information and the specific information. The content receiver then transmits the matrix code to a display and when the displayed matrix code is detected and decoded by a reader, the reader initiates an order for the orderable content to be transmitted to the content receiver or products. In some implementations, the orderable content may be ordered from the content provider, which may then transmit the ordered content to the content receiver. However, in other implementations the orderable content may be ordered from a third party provider. As such, the third party provider may transmit the ordered content to the content provider, which may then transmit it to the content receiver. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128267 | Facilitating User Support of Electronic Devices Using Dynamic Matrix Code Generation - An electronic device may derive information specific to the device, dynamically generate a matrix code that includes the information as well as user support information, and transmit the dynamically generated code to a display. When a user captures the matrix code with a reader device, the reader device may decode (or use a back end server to decode) the specific information specific and the user support information and initiate a user support request. Thus, user support for electronic devices may be facilitated utilizing dynamically generated matrix codes, such as (but not limited to) QR codes. In response to the initiated user support request, user support may then be provided for the user. Problems may be automatically taken care of for the user, tutorials may be provided for the user, one or more notifications may be provided to the user, service calls may be scheduled for the user, and so on. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120110614 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMER PREMISES WEATHER REPORTING AT A MEDIA DEVICE - Customer premises weather station systems and methods are operable to present local weather information on a media presentation system display located at the customer premises. An exemplary embodiment detects at least one ambient weather condition using a detector located at a customer premises, determines occurrence of a degradation of at least one characteristic of an over the air (OTA) media content signal received by a receiving antenna located at the customer premises, and generates a report in response to the determined degradation of the OTA media content signal characteristic. The report is configured to be presented on a display to a customer. The report may indicate the at least one ambient weather condition. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120092565 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AN ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE USING A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for remotely controlling an entertainment device using a mobile communication device. A user utilizes a mobile communication device to input information that requests manipulation of playback of content outputted for presentation by an entertainment device. The mobile communication device transmits the user input to the entertainment device, and responsive to receiving the user input, the mobile communication device manipulates playback of the video content. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120087671 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DETECTING INFRARED NOISE AT A REMOTE CONTROL - Systems, devices and methods provide feedback about the quality of communication between a device and a remote control. A wireless signal is sent between a controlled device and the remote control. The quality of the signal can be measured and reported to a user, installer, troubleshooter, customer service agent or other person in any manner. Quality may be determined based upon the strength of the received signal as well as the amount of noise that is present. The quality measurements provide feedback that allows a user, installer, customer service representative or other person to change the positions of the device or the remote control, or to take other actions based upon the quality of the wireless signal that is received. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120081527 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF 3-D SHUTTER GLASSES TO ONE OF A PLURALITY OF PRESENTATION DEVICES - Systems and methods enable three dimensional (3-D) program content viewing in a media environment with different media presentation devices. An exemplary embodiment detects a first synchronization signal transmitted from a first synchronization signal source, wherein the first synchronization signal is associated with first 3-D program content and includes a first signal identifier; detects a second synchronization signal transmitted from a second synchronization signal source, wherein the second synchronization signal is associated with second 3-D program content and includes a second signal identifier; receives a selection of one of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal; discriminates between the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal based upon the first signal identifier and the second signal identifier; and controls a left lens and a right lens of 3-D shutter glasses in accordance with the selected one of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120057848 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INTERSTITIAL BREAKS IN A PROGRESS BAR OF A VIDEO STREAM - Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for presenting information regarding interstitials of a video stream. A recording of a television show may include segments of the show interspersed with interstitials (e.g., commercials). The location of the interstitials within the recording is identified, and the locations of the interstitials are presented in progress bar during presentation of the video stream. The location of the interstitials may also be utilized to determine durations of the interstitials, and provide a user with information regarding the lengths of the interstitials of a recording, and/or the length of the other content of a recording (e.g., segments of a television show). | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120057847 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FILTERING CONTENT IN A VIDEO STREAM USING CLOSED CAPTIONING DATA - Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for skipping and/or filtering content from a video stream using closed captioning data associated with the video stream. The closed captioning data is parsed using metadata to identify portions of the video stream to skip during presentation, and/or to identify portions of the video stream to output to a user. The portions of the video stream that are to be skipped are filtered from the video stream, and the filtered video stream is presented to a user. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120047532 | Methods and Apparatus for Accessing External Devices From a Television Receiver Utilizing Integrated Content Selection Menus - Described herein are systems, methods and apparatus which allow users to remotely access content from other devices. One embodiment provides a method for presenting available content to a user via a television receiver. A first content selection menu is output for display that includes at least a first content selection item associated with locally accessible content and a second content selection item associated with an external device. Responsive to a request associated with the second content selection item, the method includes outputting for display a second content selection menu. The second content selection menu specifies at least one content item remotely available through the external device. A user provides a selection of the at least one content item and the television receiver receives the selected content item from the external device and outputs the selected content item for presentation by a presentation device. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042247 | USER-SELECTED MEDIA CONTENT BLOCKING - Presented herein is a method of blocking user-selected media content, such as, for example, audio and/or video content. In the method, at least one media content stream is presented to a user, wherein the at least one media content stream includes multiple showings of an identifiable contiguous segment of media content. One example of such a segment may be a commercial or advertisement. While presenting a current showing of the segment of media content to the user, a command is received from a user to block the segment of media content from presentation to the user. In response to receiving the command, information identifying the segment of media content is generated. The at least one media content stream is analyzed using the information to detect subsequent showings of the segment of media content. Presentation of at least one of the subsequent showings of the segment of media content is prevented when detected in the at least one media content stream. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120030703 | Systems, Methods and Apparatus For Transmitting Weather Information in a Television Distribution Network - Described herein are techniques for transmitting alert information in association with television programming in a transport stream. The alert information may be transmitted to a plurality of television receivers for which the message may be applicable to at least a portion of the television receivers. Each television receiver receives the alert information and determines whether to output the alert information for presentation to a user. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026413 | Remote Control Device Programming and Indication of Programming Mode Status - A method and apparatus for assisting a user in programming a universal remote control. More specifically, a method and apparatus for helping the user reestablish system configurations, providing feedback, instructing the user, and supplying system information. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120019633 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC SYNCHRONIZATION OF AUDIO AND VIDEO SIGNALS - Described herein are techniques which facilitate the automatic synchronization of audio and video signals between an entertainment device and a presentation device. A sensing device detects and records timing information from a video test pattern generated by an entertainment device and output by a presentation device. Using the timing information from the sensing device, the entertainment device synchronizes the audio and video signals it outputs to one or more presentation devices. The presentation device exhibits synchronized audio and video to a user. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120017242 | Long Distance Audio Attendance - In one embodiment, a system or method is provided for collecting audio, video and/or graphical inputs from one or more viewers of a program. The received input(s) may then be provided to an aggregator that combines the received inputs into one or more aggregated audio, video, data and/or combined signals. Such aggregated signals may be generated based on one or more predefined or dynamically defined criteria. The aggregated signal may be provided by a system or method to an external user or customer connected via one or more distribution systems to other viewers of the program such that the viewers may substantially/simultaneously receive the one or more audio, video and/or data inputs provided by other viewers during given presentation of the program. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120013804 | System and Method for Data Item Filtering Based on Character Sequence Entry - A method of filtering a plurality of data items according to user input is presented. Each of the data items, such as media content files, is identified via a multiple-character identifier. In the method, a collection of individual characters is presented to a user for selection. A character sequence is received from the user, wherein the character sequence includes at least one character selection selected from the collection of individual characters. For each character selection in the sequence, more than one character from the collection is associated with the character selection. The data items are then filtered based on the associated characters corresponding to each character selection. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120013536 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DUAL USE REMOTE-CONTROL DEVICES - Various embodiments provide a dual use remote-control device. In one embodiment, a dual use remote-control device may include a first set of input controls such as buttons positioned on a top side of the housing, a second set of input controls positioned on a bottom side of the housing including a QWERTY keyboard and an optical sensor to remotely control movement of a cursor on a display by the optical sensor detecting movement of a user's finger across the optical sensor or movement of the optical sensor across an object such as a table, arm of a chair or user's lap. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120008693 | Substituting Embedded Text for Video Text Images - During encoding, blank frames may be substituted for text images in video content, encoding the blank frames instead of the text images. The text images may be any kind of text images such as opening credits, ending credits, and so on. The selection of text images to substitute may be performed by optical character recognition, user selection and so on. The text associated with the text images may be embedded in the encoded video. If the text is already embedded, an indicator of the location may be added. If not, the text may be derived from the text image using optical character recognition and then embedded. When decoded, the encoded video may be analyzed to determine whether blank frames were substituted for text images. Embedded text associated with the text images may then be located, obtained, and added to the decoded video. Thus, the original text images are essentially reconstructed. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007763 | Assisted Remote Control Macros - A receiver interacts with a remote control to assist with one or more user-defined macros. In a first embodiment, the receiver may execute a macro recording program to record user input and create a macro based at least partially thereon. The receiver may associate the macro with a remote control selection element or a menu element of a menu operable to be displayed by the receiver on a display. The receiver may also transmit the macro to a storage medium. Subsequently, the user may trigger execution of the macro by the remote control or the receiver. In executing the macro, the remote control or the receiver may transmit instructions to entertainment system components or may signal the other to do so. In a second embodiment, the remote control may record the macro transmit it to the receiver for storage. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006508 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AIR CONDITIONING TO AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT IN A SATELLITE ANTENNA INSTALLATION - An air conditioning system provides air to an enclosure associated with a satellite antenna that houses an amplifier or other electronic component. The air conditioning system supplies conditioned air to the bottom of the enclosure and receives return air from the top of the enclosure for improved airflow. Various implementations may also provide redundancy through the use of common supply and return plenums, or other features. In some embodiments, the air conditioning system may be conveniently retrofit onto existing satellite antenna installations to provide improved efficiency and redundancy. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110321114 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH MEDIA PROGRAMMING - Various systems and methods allow supplemental information such as recipes, parts lists, instructions, notes, outlines or other information associated with a television program to be delivered in the same transport stream that carries the television program to the viewer. The transport stream includes at least two elementary streams, wherein the first elementary stream conveys video content associated with the television program and the second elementary stream conveys supplemental information that summarizes at least a portion of the television program. The device receiving the digital transport stream identifies the first and second elementary streams in the digital transport stream, processes the first elementary stream to present the video content associated with the television program to the viewer, and makes the supplemental information in the second elementary stream available to the viewer. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110321096 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING AND SYNCHRONIZING PRESENTATION OF MEDIA CONTENT AND SUPPLEMENTAL MEDIA RICH CONTENT IN RESPONSE TO SELECTION OF A PRESENTED OBJECT - Media rich content systems and methods are operable to provide access to supplemental media rich content in response to user selection of a presented object of interest. An exemplary embodiment receives at a media device a video stream comprising at least a plurality of video frames, wherein at least one of the video frames is configured to present an object of interest; processes a supplemental media rich content trigger associated with the at least one video frame, wherein the supplemental media rich content trigger comprises information that identifies a region where the object of interest is presented in the video frame, and comprises information configured to access supplemental media rich content associated with the object of interest; receives a user selection of the object of interest presented in the at least one video frame; and presents the supplemental media rich content on a presentation device. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110321089 | Apparatus and Methods for Accessing Content Using Alternative Identifiers - Apparatus and methods are described for allowing users to access channels of a receiving device using custom channel identifiers rather than content provider assigned channel identifiers. A receiving device receives a first set of channel identifiers assigned by a content provider for a plurality of channels. The receiving device further receives a second set of custom channel identifiers identifying the plurality of channels. At least a portion of the first set of channel identifiers maps to the second set of channel identifiers. The user provides user input specifying one of the second identifiers to access and the receiving device correlates the user input to a corresponding first identifier to determine the selected channel the user desires to access. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110320627 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING AND SYNCHRONIZING PRESENTATION OF MEDIA CONTENT AND SUPPLEMENTAL MEDIA RICH CONTENT - Media rich content server systems and methods are operable to provide access to supplemental media rich content at a portable media device. An exemplary embodiment communicatively couples a portable media device to a media device that initially receives a media content stream comprising at least one supplemental media rich content trigger, wherein the supplemental media rich content trigger includes access information configured to access at least one media rich content server; receives a portion of the media content stream with the supplemental media rich content trigger at the portable media device; establishes a communication link between the portable media device and the media rich content server based upon the access information in the received supplemental media rich content trigger; receives supplemental media rich content from the media rich content server; and presents at least the received supplemental media rich content on a display of the portable media device. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110320057 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USER DEFINED POWER CONSERVATION PERIODS - Electronic device communication systems and methods are operable to decrease power consumption in an electronic device during user defined power conservation periods. An exemplary embodiment identifies an occurrence of a start of a user defined power conservation period, maintains power to a first group of components in the electronic device, and shuts off a second group of components in the electronic device in response to the occurrence of the start of the user defined power conservation period. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319043 | Signal Degradation Detection - Implementations are directed to predicting signal degradation at receivers used to display a programming service. The receivers capture signal strength data that is then transmitted to a processing location, which may be associated with a provider of the programming service. A signal degradation detector at the provider operates to predict whether or not a future unacceptable signal quality will occur within a time interval. The prediction may be based on a test quantity calculated from signals captured at the receiver and based on a figure of merit for the geographic locale in which the receiver is located. A maintenance call may be initiated for those receivers that have such a poor signal quality. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110310305 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HISTORY-BASED DECISION MAKING IN A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Various embodiments facilitate history-based decision making in television receivers, such as set-top boxes. In one embodiment, a history-based decision facilitator (“HBDF”) is provided. The HBDF facilitates decision making in a television receiver based on device history data received from the television receiver. In one embodiment, the HBDF receives an indication of an operation to be performed by the television receiver, the operation including one or more parameters. In response, the HBDF determines values for the one or more parameters, based on device history data received from the television receiver. The HBDF then provides the determined parameter values to the television receiver. In one example application, the HBDF can determine a tuner of the television receiver to utilize for recording a program, based on the history of the television receiver, such as that the determined tuner is typically idle during the scheduled recording time period. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110304518 | ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR AN ANTENNA - A mounting assembly for an antenna includes a mounting foot, an antenna mast, and two mast positioning components. The foot includes a base that can be attached to a mounting structure, and two opposing sidewall flanges extending from the base. Each sidewall flange has a respective slot formed therein. The antenna mast has a proximal end pivotally coupled to the foot between the sidewall flanges. The first mast positioning component is coupled between the sidewall flanges, it is movable within the slots, and it provides a first adjustable support structure for the antenna mast. The second mast positioning component is coupled between the sidewall flanges, it is movable within the slots, and it provides a second adjustable support structure for the antenna mast. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110302619 | BACKUP AND RESTORE OF NETWORK CONFIGURATION DATA USING A REMOTE CONTROLLER DEVICE - Presented here is a method of operating video services receivers in a network that includes a controller device and at least one member device. Also presented is a controller device that facilitates the method. The method obtains network configuration data at a first video services receiver, where the network configuration data is utilized by the first video services receiver to support data communication with the controller device and the at least one member device. The method continues by establishing a data communication link between the first video services receiver and the controller device, and uploading the network configuration data from the first video services receiver to the controller device via the data communication link. The controller device can thereafter be used to download the network configuration data to a second video services receiver. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298672 | ANTENNA ORIENTATION DETERMINATION - A method of determining a current orientation of an antenna compared to a desired orientation is presented. In the method, current orientation data indicating a current orientation of the antenna is generated in circuitry mounted to the antenna. Data indicating a desired orientation for the antenna at the geographical location of the antenna is received. The desired orientation data is compared with the current orientation data. Based on this comparison, alignment information is generated which indicates whether the current orientation of the antenna aligns with the desired orientation of the antenna. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110296456 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTENT AVAILABILITY NOTIFICATION - Systems and methods are operable to notify a user of content availability. An exemplary embodiment receives a content availability notification request that specifies at least one content of interest, searches current electronic program guide (EPG) information to identify the content of interest, determines that the information identifying the specified content of interest is unavailable based upon the search of the current EPG information, generates a content availability reminder that is associated with the specified content of interest, monitors a content database to determine an availability of the specified content of interest identified in the content availability reminder, determines that the specified content of interest is available when the monitored content database indicates availability of the specified content of interest, and generates a content availability reminder notification that indicates at least a title of the specified content of interest. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292989 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF SIGNAL COMPENSATION FOR DIFFERENT SIGNALS COMMUNICATED OVER A COAXIAL CABLE SYSTEM - Communication signal compensation systems and methods are operable to compensate communication signals communicated to media devices using an agile equalizer over a coaxial cable communication system. An exemplary embodiment receives a first compensation control signal from a first media device, compensates a received first communication signal based upon the first compensation control signal, communicates the first compensated communication signal to the first media device over the first coaxial cable; receives a second compensation control signal from a second media device, compensates a received second communication signal based upon the second compensation control signal, and communicates the second compensated communication signal to the second media device over the second coaxial cable. The first compensation control signal defines compensation for communication signals communicated over a first coaxial cable. The second compensation control signal defines compensation for communication signals communicated to the second media device over a second coaxial cable. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110285540 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A LOW BATTERY CONDITION EXISTS IN A REMOTE CONTROL - Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a low battery detection thresholdin a remote control. An embodiment of a method includes determining a type of a battery powering a remote control of an entertainment device and determining a first low battery threshold for the battery based on the type of the battery. The first low battery threshold indicates a low battery condition of the remote control. Responsive to measuring a voltage of the battery, a determination is made regarding whether the voltage of the battery is below the low battery threshold. Responsive to determining that the voltage of the battery is below the first low battery threshold, a low battery message is transmitted to an entertainment device. The entertainment device utilizes the message to present an indicator to a user regarding the low battery condition of the remote control. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110273344 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SNOW AND ICE DETECTION AND REMOVAL ON A COMMUNICATION ANTENNA - A method of detecting and removing ice and/or snow on a communication antenna is presented. In the method, environmental data indicating at least one current environmental condition is received. An optical signal is transmitted from a signaling structure of the communication antenna toward a reflecting surface of the antenna. The optical signal is received at the signaling structure upon returning from the reflecting surface. The returning optical signal is then processed to determine at least one characteristic value of the returning optical signal. The reflecting surface is then heated if the environmental data indicates that ice or snow accumulation on the communication antenna is possible, and the at least one characteristic value of the returning optical signal is outside a predetermined range. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110260840 | Twist Remote Control with Keyboard - A remote control includes a top portion with programming receiver functionality selection members and a bottom portion with a keyboard. The two portions are rotatable between a closed position (where the top portion covers the keyboard) and an open position (where portions of the keyboard project laterally out from under the top portion). When the two portions are in the open position, the selection members and the keyboard share an orientation. The remote control may transmit signals to a programming receiver. The programming receiver may update a display based on signals received from the remote control device. In some implementations, the updated display transmitted by the programming receiver may be based at least in part on a context of a previous display. In various implementations, the remote control may provide indicators to a user. These indicators may be based on signals received from a programming receiver. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110258662 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO VIEWER-ORDERABLE TELEVISION EVENTS - A method of providing access to an orderable television event is presented. An orderable television event may be, for example, a pay-per-view television event or a video-on-demand television event. In the method, preview video content for the orderable television event is received and stored. The event is associated with one of a plurality of channel identifiers not associated with a television broadcast channel. A channel selection of the channel identifier associated with the orderable television event is received. In response to receiving the channel selection, the preview video content for the orderable television event is output for presentation to the user as a full-screen display. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110244802 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING FEEDBACK ABOUT A QUALITY OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A DEVICE AND A REMOTE CONTROL - Systems, devices and methods provide feedback about the quality of communication between a device and a remote control. A wireless signal is sent between a controlled device and the remote control. The quality of the signal can be measured and reported to a user, installer, troubleshooter, customer service agent or other person in any manner. Quality may be determined based upon the strength of the received signal as well as the amount of noise that is present. The quality measurements provide feedback that allows a user, installer, customer service representative or other person to change the positions of the device or the remote control, or to take other actions based upon the quality of the wireless signal that is received. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110234906 | Multiple Input Television Receiver - Disclosure is generally directed to a television receiver with multiple inputs, some accepting a local broadcast and some accepting satellite transmissions or transmissions across another network. The television receiver may pass local transmissions through to a display in their original form and at their original frequency, while retuning the display to receive the transmission at its original frequency. The television receiver may also receive, process and provide satellite or other types of programming to the television as necessary. The output of the receiver's modulator may switch back and forth as a user changes between local broadcast and satellite channels. Further, an EPG may be provided that includes information for both programming sources in an integrated fashion. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110231660 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURELY STREAMING MEDIA CONTENT - Systems and methods securely provide media content from a media server to a media client via a network. The media content is segmented to create multiple media segments that are each identified in a playlist, and at least one of the media segments is encrypted using a cryptographic key. The cryptographic key is also identified in the playlist, and the playlist is provided from the media server to the media client via the network. The various media segments and cryptographic keys may then be requested from and provided by the media server using hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) or similar constructs to allow the media client to receive and decrypt the various segments of the media content. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110215811 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR GROUND CURRENT DETECTION - Various systems, methods and apparatus are described for detecting an excessive or faulty ground current in a conductive wire or electronic device. A ground current detector is coupled to a known earth ground to determine whether other ground lines are carrying excessive, faulty and/or leaking currents. If these types of unsafe conditions are detected, then a user can take appropriate action to locate and correct these problems. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110208456 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LEARNING A CRITICAL VOLTAGE OF A MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL UNIT - A microcontroller-based electronic device and its operating methods are operable to learn a critical voltage value for a microprocessor control unit residing in the microcontroller-based electronic device. The microprocessor control unit receives power from a battery. An exemplary embodiment detects an operating voltage provided to the microprocessor control unit by a supplemental power reservoir after removal of the battery, stores information corresponding to a value of the operating voltage in a nonvolatile memory, repeats the detecting and the saving information as the operating voltage decays in response to a discharge of the supplemental power reservoir, and determines the actual minimum operating voltage for the microprocessor control unit based on a last one of the stored information corresponding to the value of the operating voltage. A learned critical voltage value is based upon the defined actual minimum operating voltage. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110207395 | Broadcast Communication System and Method for Providing Users with Information Associated with a Geographical Area - A method is presented for providing information associated with a geographical area to users of broadcast communication receivers. The information, as well as an indication of the geographical area associated with the information, are transmitted to, and received by, each of the broadcast communication receivers. In each of the receivers, the indication of the geographical area is compared with a geographic code associated with, and stored within, the receiver. Each of the receivers also provides at least one alert to a user of the respective broadcast communication receiver if the geographic area is located on a travel vector of the respective broadcast communication receiver indicated by the geographical code. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110197251 | RECORDING EXTENSION OF DELAYED MEDIA CONTENT - Presented herein is a method of extending a recording in a media content receiver of a media event that is delayed. In the method, a recording of media content is begun at an expected start time for the media event based on a recording timer, wherein the recording timer indicates the expected start time and an expected end time for the media event. After beginning the recording, the media content being recorded is analyzed to determine an actual start time for the media event. The actual start time is then compared with the expected start time. If the difference between the actual start time and the expected start time exceeds some predetermined value, the expected end time is adjusted to extend the recording. The recording is then ended at the adjusted end time. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110194840 | 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. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110187491 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE CONTROL LEARNING - Device control systems and methods learn to control an electronic device. An exemplary embodiment has a base device and a learning remote control. The learning remote control receives a device command signal transmitted from a remote control that controls the controlled electronic device. The base device receives a first identifier associated with a first input interface of the learning remote control, a second identifier associated with a second input interface of the learning remote control, and device control information from the learning remote control, wherein the received device control information includes information corresponding to the device command signal. The base device determines device instruction code information enabling the learning remote control to generate and transmit an emulated device command signal that is substantially the same as the device command signal when the learning remote control receives signals generated by the first input interface and the second input interface. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110163886 | Systems and Apparatus for Battery Replacement Detection and Reduced Battery Status Transmission in a Remote Control - Various mechanisms are described for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. The remote control refrains from transmitting one or more subsequent low battery messages to the controlled device prior to detection of replacement of batteries. The remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110159804 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING SIGNAL DEGRADATION IN A RECEIVER - Described herein are systems, methods and apparatus for identifying signal degradation in a receiver. A process for identifying signal degradation includes determining a first signal strength of a signal received by the receiving device at a first time and determining a second signal strength of the received signal at a second time. The process further includes calculating a signal strength difference between the first signal strength and the second signal strength and determining whether the signal strength difference is greater than a first decision value. The process further includes outputting for presentation a message responsive to determining that the signal strength difference is greater than the first decision value, the message indicating to a user the degradation of the signal. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110156862 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING A LOST REMOTE CONTROL - Described herein are techniques for locating a lost remote control. The method includes receiving user input, at a controlled device, the user input requesting to locate a lost remote control for the controlled device. The method further includes lowering a volume of the output of content associated with the controlled device responsive to the user input and transmitting a message from the controlled device to the remote control, the message requesting the remote control to activate an indicator device (e.g., sound, visual, physical or the like) of the remote control. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110156725 | Calculating A Parasitic Capacitance of an Oscillator Circuit - Described herein are techniques for determining a board parasitic capacitance of a crystal oscillator circuit. A crystal's frequency is measured under load condition off-circuit. After coupling the crystal to the oscillator circuit, external capacitors may be adjusted to produce frequencies approximating the off-circuit measurement with upper and lower margins. Calculation of the load capacitor values at the exact frequency measured off-circuit allows for derivation of the board parasitic capacitance by subtracting the calculated capacitor values from the original total load value used in the off-circuit measurement. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110150483 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPENSATING INFRARED NOISE IN AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM - Remote control signal detection systems and methods are operable to compensate detected infrared energy to identify an infrared energy communication signal emitted by a remote control. An exemplary embodiment detects first infrared energy, wherein the infrared energy communication signal is absent in the first infrared energy; determines compensation based on the first infrared energy; detects second infrared energy, wherein the infrared energy communication signal is present in the second infrared energy; and compensates the second infrared energy based on the determined compensation. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110140985 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING AN OBJECT TO A STRUCTURE - Systems, methods and apparatus are described for mounting objects to a structure, such as a wall or roof of a home. One embodiment is a mounting apparatus that includes a base configured to attach to a structure and mount an object to the structure. The apparatus further includes at least one load applying member attached to the base configured to apply a preload force to the structure. The load applying member includes a loading plate and a plurality of force applying members attached to the loading plate. The force applying members apply a preload force to a surface of the structure during mounting of the object to the structure. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110140847 | AUDIBLE FEEDBACK FOR INPUT ACTIVATION OF A REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE - A method of informing a user of an identity of an input of a remote control device is presented. In the method, user activation of one of the inputs of the remote control device is detected. An audible signal associated with the activated input is determined. Each of the inputs of the remote control device is associated with a unique one of a plurality of audible signals. The audible signal associated with the activated input is produced to inform the user of the identity of that input. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110136442 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING A USER OF AN ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE VIA A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Described herein are systems, methods and apparatus for identifying a user of an entertainment device. An entertainment device includes a wireless transceiver that communicatively couples to a mobile communication device through a wireless network The wireless transceiver and the mobile communication device automatically establish a communication link over the wireless network when the mobile communication device is located proximate the entertainment device. The entertainment device further comprises control logic operable to identify a user of the mobile communication device, responsive to establishment of the communication link, based on information identifying the mobile communication device and customize output of content responsive to identifying the user. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110135284 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVE ARCHIVAL OF MEDIA CONTENT - Described herein are techniques for selective archival of media content. A first entertainment device stores a plurality of media content files on a first storage medium. The first entertainment devices selects a portion of the media content files for backup based on characteristics of the media content files and transmits the portion of the media content files to a second entertainment device through a communication network. The second entertainment device stores the portion of the media content files on a second storage medium associated therewith. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110134320 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEDIA DEVICE OPERATION PREFERENCES BASED ON REMOTE CONTROL IDENTIFICATION - Remote control signal detection systems and methods are operable to set media device operation preferences in a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects a remote control communication signal transmitted from a remote control, wherein the remote control communication signal includes a unique identifier associated with the transmitting remote control; determines that at least one foreign language preference is associated with the transmitting remote control; and reconfigures information generated by the media device into the preferred foreign language. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110131620 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING RECOVERABLE PROGRAM CONTENT - Content delivery systems and methods are operable to provide recoverable program content to a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a qualifying event, wherein the qualifying event is associated with an unavailable portion of a program of interest; communicates a request to establish a backchannel between the media device and a program content device in response to detecting the occurrence of the qualifying event; communicates a request for a recoverable portion of the program of interest from the media device to the program content device over the backchannel, wherein the requested recoverable portion of the program of interest corresponds to the unavailable portion of the program of interest; and receives at the media device the recoverable portion of the program of interest from the program content device. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110119727 | REMOTE CONTROL VIDEO MODULATOR - A video modulator is presented. The modulator includes a video input interface, a video modulation circuit, a video output interface, a communication interface, and control circuitry. The video input interface is configured to receive a video signal to be modulated, the video modulation circuit is configured to modulate the video signal, and the video output interface is configured to transmit the modulated video signal. The communication interface is configured to receive a command via a communication link to control the video modulator. The control circuitry is configured to receive the command from the communication interface and to control at least one of the video input interface, the video modulation circuit, and the video output interface based on the command. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110119719 | Mosaic Application for Generating Output Utilizing Content from Multiple Television Receivers - A television receiver generates an output utilizing content from other television receivers connected via a local area network. The television receiver sends requests to the other television receivers, receives content in response to the requests, generates an output including the content, and displays the output on a display device. The television receiver may include its own content. Subsequently, the television receiver may alter the output based on user input. The other television receivers may determine whether the requests are allowed by a content control system. The requests may include detected content received by a detection device or programming content such as currently displayed content, content from a tuner, and/or recorded content. The other television receivers may also convert the content to a still image prior to sending. If so, the television receiver may periodically send out new requests for updated still images and update the output accordingly. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110115985 | Associating a Control Device with an Electronic Component - A method and device for associating a remote with a component. The method and system may include receiving a control command from the remote. Upon receiving the control command, an identification signal may be transmitted to a display. The identification signal may include information for identifying the component. The remote may be associated with the component based on the identification signal. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110113815 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AIR CONDITIONING TO AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT IN A SATELLITE ANTENNA INSTALLATION - An air conditioning system provides air to an enclosure associated with a satellite antenna that houses an amplifier or other electronic component. The air conditioning system supplies conditioned air to the bottom of the enclosure and receives return air from the top of the enclosure for improved airflow. Various implementations may also provide redundancy through the use of common supply and return plenums, or other features. In some embodiments, the air conditioning system may be conveniently retrofit onto existing satellite antenna installations to provide improved efficiency and redundancy. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110113463 | Build Profile for a Set-Top Box - One embodiment of the present disclosure takes the form of a method for generating a profile of a build program for one or more set-top box platforms supported by a satellite distribution system. The one or more build profiles may maintain information about the one or more the modules and sub-modules of the build program, including but not limited to a memory address indicating the location of each module of the build program in the memory components of the set-top box. In another embodiment, the build profile may also maintain the relative offset address of each module of the build program from the beginning of the build program, an indicator of each module and sub-module and the amount of memory that each module comprises when stored in memory. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110113454 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISTRIBUTING USER GENERATED CONTENT - A television provider receives content from a plurality of users. The user generated content is aggregated and scheduled for broadcast across a channel of the television provider. The user generated content is then broadcast at the scheduled time for reception by communication devices associated with the television provider. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110113394 | PWB Voltage and/or Current Calculation and Verification - Disclosed is a layout tool that verifies the operability of a printed circuit board design. Electrical parameters may be calculated for wire traces that are laid out for a given design. Based on the voltage drop calculations and the voltage and current requirement of the various system components, the layout tool may determine if a given system component will remain within its required operating range. The layout tool may additionally be operable to verify proper spacing between traces that make up a differential signal and to verify that certain pins of integrated circuit are properly connected. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110107378 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTHORIZING ACCESS TO CONTENT FOR A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Described herein are techniques for transferring content authorization information between television receivers. Authorization information for content and features associated with a television receiver is securely stored on a portable storage device. The portable storage device may be moved and connected to a different television receiver in order to transfer the authorization information to the different television receiver. The other television receiver accesses information on the portable storage device and allows the user to access the content and features that are authorized on the home television receiver. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110107159 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING REMOTE CONTROL ERRORS IN CONTROLLED DEVICES - Apparatus, systems and methods are described that facilitate the detection of errors within a remote control for a controlled device. A remote control detects an error condition during operation and transmits information regarding the error to a controlled device. The information regarding the error may be analyzed to determine the source of the problem in the remote control and/or possible solutions. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110103562 | Methods and Apparatus For Providing Remote Diagnostics to a Television Receiver - Described herein are techniques for allowing a customer support agent to remotely analyze a television receiver. A television receiver is communicatively coupled to a customer support center through a communication network. A customer support agent remotely accesses the television receiver and the television receiver transmits video content to the customer support center through the communication network. The video output is outputted to the customer support agent at the customer support center for analysis of the television receiver. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110102675 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING CONTENT SELECTION MENUS - A content output device identifies a set of content including both high definition content and standard definition content. The content output device determines whether an associated presentation device is capable of presenting high definition content. The content output device then filters the set of content accordingly responsive to determining whether the presentation device is capable of presenting high definition content. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110102295 | POSITIONING MECHANISM - Antenna systems include adjustment mechanisms to adjust the position of dish antennas. The adjustment mechanism includes a clip, a bracket, and a cam mechanism. The clip is fixedly coupled to and projects outwardly from a mast. The bracket is pivotally coupled to the mast and is between the stationary clip and cam mechanism. The cam mechanism is pivotally coupled to the clip and positioned to rotate the bracket and the dish antenna as the cam mechanism rotates. The clip is made of a lightweight material to reduce the overall weight of the antenna system to enhance performance. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110101184 | STRUCTURE FOR ATTACHING AN OBJECT TO A MAST - An apparatus for mounting an object to a mast is presented. The apparatus includes a mast-end component configured to be attached to the mast, and an object-end component configured to be attached to the object. Each of the components has a pivot region which includes a set of extensions, with each extension defining at least one opening. The extensions of the object-end component mesh with the extensions of the mast-end component, with the openings of the extensions aligning along an axis. The apparatus further includes a fastener extending through the openings of the extensions along the axis. When the fastener is tightened, the first and second extensions are compressed together to maintain an angular orientation between the mast-end component and the object-end component about the axis. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110096243 | Systems and Methods for Television Receiving System Setup Including Terrestrial Transmitter Locating - A television receiving device may include a tuner configured to selectively tune a television channel from a first plurality of television channels received from a primary television programming source and a second plurality received from a television programming source other than the primary source, wherein the second plurality is received as over-the-air terrestrial television signals. The device may further include a processor configured to set the tuner to receive the second plurality based on location information of the device and location information of a plurality of over-the-air terrestrial antennas. A system for receiving television signals may include a processor configured to set a television receiving device to receive over-the-air television signals from select over-the-air terrestrial antennas, and to determine the select over-the-air terrestrial antennas based on location information of one of the television receiving device and an antenna device and location information of the plurality of over-the-air terrestrial antennas. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110093101 | Dynamically Updated Audio Juke Box - Embodiments discussed herein are directed to an apparatus and method for providing a library of audio files. In one embodiment, a receiver records a number of music tracks or other audio files from broadcasts or other transmissions that are sent across a number of channels. The receiver may be operable to receive a number of audio and/or video channels. The audio tracks may be recorded from the audio channels and stored on the receiver, when the receiver is not otherwise being used In this way, the receiver accumulates a number of audio tracks that may be played back by a user at a convenient time The receiver may adapt to record certain tracks or channels based on choices made by a user. In certain embodiments, a user may enter one or more preferences that cause the receiver to record certain tracks or channels. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110083157 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEDIA FORMAT TRANSCODING - Various embodiments facilitate sharing program content between computing devices that utilize different media formats. In one embodiment, a media format transcoder facilitates content sharing between a receiving device, such as a set-top box, and a content player, the receiving device providing a program as data formatted in a first media format. The media format transcoder obtains from the receiving device the data formatted in the first media format, transcodes the received data into data formatted in a second media format that is compatible with the content player, and causes the content player to present the program by transmitting the transcoded data to the content player. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110081900 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING DATA TRANSMISSION OVER A VOICE CHANNEL OF A TELEPHONE NETWORK - Various embodiments facilitate data communication between a client device and a remote device over a voice channel of a telephone system. In one embodiment, the data communication over the voice channel is synchronized to align with voice frames utilized by the telephone system to transmit communicated data between the devices. In some embodiments, the synchronization is performed by determining an offset between a received synchronization audio signal and the voice frames used by the telephone system to process the synchronization audio signal, such as based on an amount of energy present in the received synchronization audio signal. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110081855 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING AN OPERATIONAL BEHAVIOR OF A RECEIVING DEVICE - A receiving device receives one or more signals, each signal including transponder identifying information. The receiving device processes the transponder identifying information to determine which signals are receivable by the receiving device. Based upon the receivable signals, the receiving device modifies its operational behavior accordingly. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110078735 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RICH MEDIA ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDES - Electronic program guide (EPG) systems and methods are operable to incorporate image information into an EPG generated at a media device. An exemplary embodiment receives an image associated with a program, processes the received image into a rich media EPG image, receives program presentation schedule information that specifies a presentation schedule of a plurality of programs, wherein the program is one of the plurality of programs scheduled for presentation, associates an identifier with the rich media EPG image and the program, and generates a rich media EPG schedule based upon the received program presentation schedule information and the identifier. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110078434 | PROCESS MANAGEMENT PROVIDING OPERATING MODE SWITCHING WITHIN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method of process management for facilitating switching of operating modes within an electronic device is presented. In the method, the electronic device initiates a first process associated in a configuration file with a first operating mode of the device. The configuration file includes an indication as to whether the first process is authorized to request a switch to a second operating mode of the device. A request to switch to the second operating mode is received from the first process. The device determines by way of the indication whether the first process is authorized to issue the request. If the first process is authorized to issue the request, the device initiates a second process associated in the configuration file with the second operating mode in response to the request. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110068801 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR GROUND CURRENT DETECTION - Various systems, methods and apparatus are described for detecting an excessive or faulty ground current in a conductive wire or electronic device. A ground current detector is coupled to a known earth ground to determine whether other ground lines are carrying excessive, faulty and/or leaking currents. If these types of unsafe conditions are detected, then a user can take appropriate action to locate and correct these problems. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110066364 | Navigation Device Automated Mode Sensing and Adjustment - A navigation device automatically determines a travel mode based on at least one non-user input and configures itself based on the travel mode. The device generates one or more directions or navigation routes based on routing information, a user location, a destination, and the travel mode. The device then displays the one or more directions for the user. The automatic determination may be based on a travel speed, connection to an external power source, connection to an external power source and a travel speed, and/or receipt of one or more signals from a transmitter coupled to a vehicle. The user may be able to override configuration of the device based on the travel mode. The system may be implemented as an integrated device or may be implemented as a server computing device connected to a client computing device. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110063506 | User Input Command Relaying - Embodiments discussed herein are directed to an apparatus and method for relaying user input commands by a receiver to other devices connected to or in communication with the receiver. In one embodiment, a receiver receives one or more commands from a user input device and determines if the command is intended for the receiver or for a device in communication with the receiver. Based on this determination, the receiver may either execute the command or relay the command to a device that is attached or otherwise in communication with the receiver. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110061109 | Controlling Access to Content and/or Services - The exemplary embodiments of the method and system according to the present invention provide a system and method for controlling access to audiovisual content such as television shows, video-on-demand services or streaming video which can be delivered by cable, satellite, wired or wireless networks, cell phones, the Internet, etc. More particularly, the present invention provides a capability to define certain criteria which can be used to restrict access to content based on combinations of various parameters including, but not limited to, time of day, day of the week, type of content, source of content, content display device, etc. These criteria may also be provided by data storage arrangements or a network, and access restrictions specified by such criteria can be associated with a plurality of display devices. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110061062 | COMMUNICATION AMONG EXECUTION THREADS OF AT LEAST ONE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method of communication in at least one electronic device is presented. In the method, a first execution thread and a second execution thread are created in the at least one electronic device. Also created is a message service for receiving messages for the first thread. A message to be transferred from the second thread to the message service of the first thread is generated. Outside of control by either the first or second threads, one of multiple data transfer mechanisms is selected for transferring the message from the second thread to the message service of the first thread based on a relationship between the first and second threads. This relationship may be one in which the first and second threads are executing within a single process, within different processes of the same device, or within different devices. The message is transferred to the message service of the first thread using the selected data transfer mechanism and processed in the first thread. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110059695 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICALLY ISOLATING MULTIPLE DEVICES - Various embodiments of apparatus and systems are provided for electrically isolating two devices while transferring power and RF signals therebetween. An electrical isolation apparatus includes an isolation transformer communicatively coupled to a first device. The isolation transformer operates to electronically isolate the first device from the second device and transfer power from the first device to the second device. A decoupling device of the apparatus transfers radio frequency (RF) signals between the first device and the second device. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110059690 | Method and Device for Band Translation - A band translation method and device for selecting two or more desired frequency bands of data and bandstacking the two or more desired frequency bands of data into a single output. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110052156 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING STORED PROGRAMS - Systems and methods are operable to manage previously recorded programs. In at least one embodiment identifies a plurality of previously recorded programs, categorizes each one of the plurality of previously recorded programs into one of a plurality of recorded program categories, and generates a recorded program category-based graphical user interface (GUI). The recorded program category-based GUI graphically depicts the plurality of recorded program categories and graphically depicts an amount of memory capacity utilized by each of the plurality of recorded program categories based upon an amount of memory capacity utilized by the previously recorded programs. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110035774 | PREVIOUSLY VIEWED CHANNEL QUICK BAR - Methods are provided for storing and retrieving recently viewed programming channel information in a last-in-first-out (LIFO) memory register. The programming channel information comprises previously viewed channel information and subsequently viewed channel information where the previously viewed channel information is stored prior to the subsequently viewed channel information in the order of viewing. The methods also include, receiving a viewer instruction to render the imagery on the display device and reading the programming channel information from the LIFO register. The previously viewed channel information is read from the LIFO memory register after the subsequently viewed programming channel information is read in the reverse order of viewing. The method further includes the functions of modifying an imagery file associated with the imagery being rendered with the programming channel information and rendering the modified imagery to the user on the display device. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110032424 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GRAPHICALLY ANNOTATING DISPLAYS PRODUCED IN A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Systems, devices and methods provide for graphically annotating television images received and presented by a set top box (STB) or other television receiver. A pallette of available illustration tools is presented on the display in conjunction with the television image to be annotated, and the viewer is able to use the various illustration tools to make annotations, captions, edits or other changes to the displayed image. Viewer inputs may be provided via a touchpad, directional pad or other device capable of providing two-dimensional inputs. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110032172 | NONCONDUCTIVE ANTENNA MOUNT - An antenna mount is disclosed. The antenna mount includes a mast and a foot that are substantially free of electrically conductive elements. The mast has a first end having a circular cross-section configured to be received by a mounting bracket of a satellite dish having a circular interior cross-section. The foot is configured to be secured to a stationary mounting surface and to be pivotally attached to a second end of the mast. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110030010 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING PREDEFINED CATEGORY-BASED CHANNEL LISTS - Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of category-based predefined channel lists. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a predefined channel list that includes multiple channels that carry related programming. The channel list includes an associated category and indicators of the multiple channels, the multiple channels each carrying at least some programming in the associated category. The EPG manager presents to a user at least some of the multiple channels in an electronic program guide. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110030005 | USER-CONTROLLED DATA/VIDEO INTEGRATION BY A VIDEO CONTROL SYSTEM - A video control system transfers a video signal to display a data/video integration menu and receives user instructions indicating user-selected data and display positioning for the user-selected data. The video control system transfers a data request and receives the user-selected data. The video control system receives video content. The video control system integrates the user-selected data and the video content into a video signal that positions the user-selected data relative to the video content according to the display positioning in the user instructions. The video control system transfers the video signal to display the integrated video content and user-selected data. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110029874 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING VOLUME OF COMBINED AUDIO CHANNELS - Audio volume control systems and methods are operable to control volume of audio channels of a combined audio channel. An exemplary embodiment displays an audio channel control graphical user interface (GUI) on a display, displays on the audio channel control GUI a specified first volume level for a first audio channel of the combined audio channel, displays on the audio channel control GUI a specified second volume level for a second audio channel of the combined audio channel, and adjusts volume of the combined audio channel in accordance with the specified first volume level for the first audio channel and the specified second volume level for the second audio channel. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026904 | Multi-User Recording Allocation - Disclosed is an apparatus and method for allocating recordings to multiple users of a receiver. A graphical user interface may be displayed at a receiver and may show a listing of programs that have been recorded from a service provider broadcast or other transmission. An enhanced graphical user interface may include a listing of multiple users, each with separate listing of recordings. The recordings may be stored in a storage device associated with the receiver. A particular recoding may be deleted from the storage device when the recording has been deleted from each user's list of recordings. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026902 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING DISRUPTIONS IN RECORDED PROGRAMMING - Various embodiments reduce disruptions in recorded programming, by automatically recording retransmissions of prior programming. In one embodiment, a recording manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The recording manager detects a disruption in a recorded program. In response, the recording manager automatically records, or schedules a recording of, a later transmission of the same program. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026765 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HAND GESTURE CONTROL OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Systems and methods of generating device commands based upon hand gesture commands are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment generates image information from a series of captured images, generates commands based upon hand gestures made by a user that emulate device commands generated by a remote control device, identifies a hand gesture made by the user from the received image information, determines a hand gesture command based upon the identified hand gesture, compares the determined hand gesture command with the plurality of predefined hand gesture commands to identify a corresponding matching hand gesture command from the plurality of predefined hand gesture commands, generates an emulated remote control device command based upon the identified matching hand gesture command, and controls the media device based upon the generated emulated remote control device command. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110025453 | Signal Strength Detection - Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a source or sources of noise that interferes or potentially interfere with communications between a remote and a receiver. The noise source may be detected through the operation of a noise detector which is integrated as a component of a remote. The remote may be configured to operate in one of two modes. In a first mode, the remote may convey commands inputted by a user from the remote to the receiver. In a second mode the receiver may operate as a noise detector device. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110023689 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING A GAME DEVICE MUSIC TRACK FROM MUSIC - Game player performance information systems and methods generate game player performance information. An exemplary embodiment receives a specification of an audio track of interest; receives a specification of a musical instrument, wherein the musical instrument corresponds to an instrument simulation device that a game player operates when playing the musical game; determines an instrument audio track based upon the audio track of interest, wherein the instrument audio track corresponds to music played by the specified musical instrument during the recording of the audio track of interest; generating a plurality of instrument notes based upon the instrument audio track; generates a plurality of game play notes based upon the instrument notes; and generates game player performance information based upon the game play notes, wherein the game player performance information identifies the sequence of specific player actions for the game player to make during playback of the audio track of interest. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110023074 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING ANTENNA CONFIGURATION - Various embodiments facilitate antenna peaking, such as by assisting a user in configuring the position and/or orientation of an antenna to improve the quality of a received signal. In one embodiment, an antenna peaking system (“APS”) is provided. The APS includes a receiving device, such as a set-top box, and an antenna peaking assistant. The receiving device determines strength of a signal received by an antenna, and transmits information about the determined signal strength to the antenna peaking assistant. The antenna peaking assistant wirelessly receives the transmitted information, and presents an indication of the signal strength. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110023067 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING PURCHASES ASSOCIATED WITH VIDEO PROGRAMMING - A method for facilitating a purchase associated with video programming is provided. The method includes detecting a product signal related to video programming, and activating an indicator within a user interface in a remote control in response to the product signal. The method also includes placing a product corresponding to the product signal within a selected item list in response to an activation of an input selector within the user interface of the remote control. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110020774 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION - Various embodiments facilitate foreign language instruction. In one embodiment, a foreign language tutor is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The foreign language tutor facilitates language instruction by enabling a user to view a received program in various languages, even though those languages may not be part of the audio or subtitles of the received program. In particular, the user may view the received program with an audio track in his/her native language and a subtitle track in a foreign language, or vice versa. In addition, the foreign language tutor is configured to obtain and display reference information (e.g., a dictionary definition) for a word of a subtitle track. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110019105 | VERIFICATION OF SYMBOLS RECEIVED THROUGH A TOUCHPAD OF A REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE IN AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM TO ALLOW ACCESS TO SYSTEM FUNCTIONS - An electronic system comprises an electronic device and an associated remote control device having a touchpad. The electronic system receives verification data that corresponds to a first user input of a verification symbol. The electronic system receives a second user input through the touchpad, and in response, generates user data that corresponds to the second user input. The electronic system compares the verification data to the user data to determine if a matching relationship exists between the verification data and the user data. The electronic system provides access to a function if the matching relationship exists, and denies access to the function if the matching relationship does not exist. In some examples, the electronic system receives the first user input of the verification symbol through the touchpad, and in response, generates the verification data that corresponds to the first user input. In some examples, the electronic system is a video system. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110017825 | EXPANDED SMART CARD INTERFACE - Described herein is a smart card having a first set of contact pads disposed on a first region of a first surface of the smart card and a second set of contact pads disposed on a second region of the first surface. The first and second set of contact pads are configured to simultaneously electrically engage a socket of a host device and exchange data with the host device. The smart card also includes control circuitry communicatively coupled to the first and second sets of contact pads and operable to control the exchange of data with the host device. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110010735 | Addressable Account Commands - One embodiment takes the form of an apparatus or method for generating and transmitting distribution system commands addressed by a general identification, such as a customer-specific identification. The general identification may take the form of a customer number or any other identifier unique to a customer account. The identifier may be stored in the computer-readable memory of several or all of the set-top boxes associated with a particular customer such that commands addressed with the unique identifier may be decrypted and executed by the set-top boxes. Thus, a single command addressed with the customer identification may be received and executed by several or all of the set-top boxes for a particular customer without the need for addressing the command to each set-top box individually. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110010734 | SEPARATE ADDRESSING OF A MEDIA CONTENT RECEIVER AND AN INSTALLED REMOVABLE CIRCUIT DEVICE - A method of communication involving a media content receiver is presented. In the method, the media content receiver receives a message including an address. The receiver processes the address to determine whether the address is associated with the media content receiver. Additionally, if a removable circuit device is installed in the receiver, the receiver processes the address to determine whether the address is associated with the installed removable circuit device. If the address is associated with the media content receiver, the receiver processes the message. If the address is associated with the removable circuit device, the receiver transfers the message to the removable circuit device, which then processes the message. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110007218 | AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF VIDEO PROGRAMMING CHANNEL BASED ON SCHEDULING INFORMATION - A method of automatically selecting between a first video programming channel and a second video programming channel in a video content receiver is presented. In the method, the receiver receives video programming carried over at least one of the first channel and the second channel, as well as scheduling information regarding the two channels. The receiver also receives a channel selection for one of the two channels, such as from a user. In response to the channel selection, the receiver compares the scheduling information for the first channel to a current time value. If the scheduling information indicates the first channel is not currently carrying video programming that is available for presentation to the user, the receiver selects the second channel for presentation to the user; otherwise, the receiver selects the first channel. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110007087 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A COMMON IMAGE DATA ARRAY FILE - Image data file systems and methods are operable to generate image data files for a plurality of images having a common image data array, and are operable to generate images from the image data files. An exemplary embodiment stores a common image data array into a master image data file, wherein the stored common image data array corresponds to an image data array of a first image of the plurality of images; and generates a soft link image data file based upon a second image of the plurality of images, wherein an image data array of the second image is the same as the common image data array, and wherein a soft link in the soft link image data file identifies a location of the stored common image data array. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110001879 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TOASTED VIDEO DISTRIBUTION - The systems and methods disclosed transmit a composite channel to a receiver. The composite channel may be a static channel that contains different original channels of content in different locations on a displayed page, or may be a dynamic channel that is processed by the receiver to display a multiple different video streams on a single display device. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100333163 | VOICE ENABLED MEDIA PRESENTATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various embodiments facilitate voice control of a receiving device, such as a set-top box. In one embodiment, a voice enabled media presentation system (“VEMPS”) includes a receiving device and a remote-control device having an audio input device. The VEMPS is configured to obtain audio data via the audio input device, the audio data received from a user and representing a spoken command to control the receiving device. The VEMPS is further configured to determine the spoken command by performing speech recognition on the obtained audio data, and to control the receiving device based on the determined command. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100333131 | APPARATUS SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURELY SHARING CONTENT WITH A PLURALITY OF RECEIVING DEVICES - Various embodiments facilitate secure content sharing between a plurality of receiving devices, such as set-top boxes. One embodiment is a system with a distribution server communicatively coupled via a satellite communication system to a plurality of set-top boxes that are located at different customer premises. The distribution server is operable to provide access control information via the satellite communication system to a first set-top box and a second set-top box of the plurality, with the access control information enabling the first set-top box to securely share content of the first set-top box with the second set-top box. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100329780 | BUSHING AND COUPLING SYSTEM - A bushing includes a base portion having a central axis, a substantially circular aperture extending through the base portion along the central axis, and a plurality of tapered fingers integral with and protruding from the base portion. Each of the tapered fingers are configured to deflect from a first position in which a bolt or similar fastener may pass through the bushing to a second position in which the bushing constricts or clamps down around the bolt. A coupling system and method for rigidly securing two or more components together using one or more bushings is also provided. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100328547 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SMART REMOTE-CONTROL DEVICES - Various embodiments provide a smart remote-control device. In one embodiment, a smart remote-control device includes a keypad and a display. The smart-remote-control device is configured to obtain information about other media devices, and to display that information upon the display. The smart remote-control device is further configured to establish master-slave relationships between itself and other media devices, including set-top boxes, presentation devices, and other remote-control devices. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100328132 | AUTOMATIC CHANGE OF ASSOCIATION OF A REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE WITH AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method of changing an association of a remote control device from a first electronic device to a second electronic device is presented. In the method, a command for an electronic device is generated and transmitted by the remote control device. At this point, the remote control device is associated with the first electronic device to control the first electronic device, and the remote control device is not associated with the second electronic device. If an acknowledgment of the command is not received, a request to associate the remote control device with another electronic device is transmitted. A reply to the request is then received from the second electronic device. In response to the reply, the remote control device is disassociated from the first electronic device and associated with the second electronic device. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100325671 | SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING A SATELLITE TELEVISION OUTDOOR UNIT VIA A NETWORK - Various systems and methods allow control information to be provided between a set top box (STB) or other receiver and the outdoor unit (ODU) associated with the satellite antenna over a control network in a network format, such as an IEEE 802.15.4 or other peer-to-peer network format. The ODU includes a network interface that receives instructions from the television receiver via a control network in a peer-to-peer network format. Received satellite broadcast signals are received, converted, demodulated or otherwise processed in response to the instruction received via the control network. The resulting signal is transmitted across a cable connection to the television receiver to thereby allow viewing of the television content by the viewer. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100325670 | Satellite Signal Distribution - Disclosed is a system and method for receiving satellite television signals. A centralized system component may be provided in association with the satellite antenna. The centralized system component includes at least one or more tuners and one or more demodulators. The centralized component may provide output through a network adaptor that provides output through a single output, which is a coaxial cable in one embodiment. The centralized component may send output in the form of packetized data directed to one or more set-top boxes by way of a network transaction. The set-top box or boxes may be operable to receive the network transaction and to process the data, as appropriate, for display on a TV/monitor. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100325649 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUDITING AUTHORIZATION OF A SERVICE USING DISPLAYED WATERMARKS - Auditing systems and methods detect access authorization of a media device for a service during an audit. An exemplary embodiment receives an audit trigger at a media device communicating the service to a media presentation device, determines whether the media device is authorized to communicate the service to the media presentation device, and communicates a security watermark from the media device to the media presentation device. The security watermark is displayed on a display of the media presentation device and indicates authorization to access the service to an auditor performing the audit. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100325565 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING GRAPHICAL INTERFACES - The various embodiments described herein provide for the layout and rendering of graphical interfaces to be independent from the underlying functionality of the application. The layout functionality for a graphical interface of an application is detached from the application itself, allowing the application and its associated graphical interface to be moved to different platforms utilizing different graphical application programming interfaces (APIs). | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324855 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE ELECTRONICS DEVICE TESTING - Testing systems and methods are operable to perform diagnostic testing of a remote electronic device under test (DUT). An exemplary embodiment establishes a communication link between a diagnostic test device and the electronic DUT, receives a plurality of diagnostic commands from the electronic DUT, each of the plurality of diagnostic commands defined by at least one device diagnostic instruction (DDI) and a corresponding DDI description; generates a diagnostics script based upon selection of at least one of the diagnostic commands, wherein the generated diagnostics script includes at least one return device diagnostic instruction (RDDI) corresponding to the selected at least one diagnostic command; and transmits the at least one RDDI from the diagnostic test device to the DUT. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100323618 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Described herein are mobile communication devices that are insertable within a slot of a host system. The mobile communication device is sized to fit within the host system. When inserted within the slot of the host system, the mobile communication device may interface with the host system to exchange data. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100322592 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODIFYING THE PRESENTATION OF CONTENT - Described herein are methods and apparatus for the identification of locations in a presentation stream based on metadata associated with the presentation stream. Locations within a presentation stream are identified using location information and/or signature data associated with the presentation stream. The identified locations within a presentation stream may be utilized to identify boundaries of segments within the presentation stream, such as segments of a show. The boundaries of the segments may then be utilized to change the volume of segments or playback a segment at a non-real time presentation rate. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100321401 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMBINING IMAGES INTO A FILE USING MULTIPLE COLOR PALETTES - Image data systems and methods combine a plurality of images into a single multiple-palette image data file, or generate a selected image from the multiple-palette image data file. An exemplary embodiment receives first pixel information for a first pixel of a first image, the first pixel having a first color; receives second pixel information for a like-located second pixel of a second image, the second pixel having a second color; and specifies a color palette location value that identifies a first color palette array element in a first color palette of the first image and identifies a second like-located color palette array element in a second color palette of the second image. First color information stored in the first color palette array element defines the first pixel color. Second color information stored in the second image data color palette array element defines the second pixel color. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100319034 | SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR PRESENTING SOCIAL NETWORKING EVENTS VIA A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Systems and methods provide for presenting updates or events from a social networking website or other community to a viewer on a television. Information describing the event occurring at a social networking community is received at the television receiver. Television imagery that includes television content and also a description of the social networking event is formatted for presentation, and the imagery is presented on the television to thereby provide the description of the social networking event to the viewer via the television. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100315209 | Systems And Apparatus For Transmitting Remote Control Commands Over A Communication Network - Described herein are techniques for transmitting remote control commands to a controlled device over a communication network. A user provides input to a remote control requesting to remotely operate a controlled device. A remote control command is transmitted from the remote control to the controlled device through an electrical distribution network. The controlled device receives and processes the remote control command and changes its operational state according to the command. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100309375 | INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS OF A GRAPHICAL DISPLAY - A method of managing a graphical display incorporating individual graphical elements is presented. In the method, a data set is created for each of the graphical elements, wherein each of the data sets describes a graphical feature of the associated graphical element. A separate function is associated with each of the data sets, wherein each of the functions is configured modify the data set of the associated graphical element to alter a graphical feature of the associated graphical element. A signal influencing the graphical display is generated. In response to the signal, the function associated with each of at least one of the data sets is initiated. The graphical display is transferred to an output device for viewing by a user. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100306797 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A NATIONAL EMERGENCY ALERT TEST MESSAGE - National emergency alert test systems and methods are operable to test a national emergency alert system. An exemplary embodiment initiates a test of the national emergency alert message system, retrieves a national emergency alert test message from a memory, communicates the national emergency alert test message to a programming stream receive system via a local area network, interrupts programming provided in a plurality of program streams, and replaces the interrupted programming in the program streams with the retrieved national emergency alert test message. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100295995 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TOASTED VIDEO DISTRIBUTION - The systems and methods disclosed transmit a composite channel to a receiver. The composite channel may be a static channel that contains different original channels of content in different locations on a displayed page, or may be a dynamic channel that is processed by the receiver to display a multiple different video streams on a single display device. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100284137 | TELEVISION WITH FOLDING STAND - This disclosure generally relates to a television that includes a foldable stand for selective support of the device in a variety of positions and/or viewing orientations. In some cases, a television includes a display having a substantially flat display surface, a housing coupled to the display, and a stand having an elongated support leg, the support leg pivotably coupled to the housing about a pivot axis such that the stand is movable between a first position in which a majority of the stand is located within a perimeter of the display surface projected towards a back surface of the housing and a second position in which the stand is adapted, when placed on a support surface, to support the display in a viewing orientation. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100272257 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN A DECRYPTION DEVICE AND A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Techniques are described herein for securing communications in a television transmission network. A television receiver receives encrypted content from a transmission network and the encrypted content is input into a decryption device. The decryption device decrypts the encrypted content and generates supplemental data in order to pad the size of the decrypted content. The padded content may then be output from the decryption device to other components of the television receiver, for further processing, such as decoding and output to an associated presentation device. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100269147 | VIDEO STREAM INDEX GENERATION AT A VIDEO CONTENT TRANSMITTER - A method of generating and using indexing information for video content is presented. In the method, an index stream for a video stream is generated at a video content transmitter. The video stream includes video frames, and the index stream includes an index for each of at least some of the video frames within the video stream. The video stream and the index stream are transmitted from the video content transmitter to a video content receiver, which receives and stores the video and index streams. Further, at the video content receiver, the index stream is processed to locate the video frames within the video stream that are associated with at least some of the indexes of the index stream, and at least some of the located video frames of the video stream are presented to an output device under control of a user of the video content receiver. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100263000 | CONTROL MESSAGE FEEDBACK IN A SATELLITE BROADCAST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A method of communicating control information in a satellite broadcast communication system is presented. In the method, at least one copy of a control message set is transmitted from a control system by way of a satellite to a broadcast receiver. The control message set includes at least one control message. At least one copy of each of the control messages of the control message set is received at the broadcast receiver. A feedback message is transmitted from the broadcast receiver by way of a terrestrial communication link to the control system. The feedback message includes an indication that all of control messages of the control message set were received at the broadcast receiver. The feedback message is received at the control system. In response to receiving the feedback message, transmission of subsequent copies of the control message set is terminated at the control system. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100262999 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING SELECTED PACKETIZED PROGRAMMING STREAMS - Programming stream communication systems and methods are operable to communicate programming streams to a media transmit facility. An exemplary embodiment receives at the media transmit facility a first packetized programming stream (PPS), the first PPS including a first programming stream (PS) generated by a first local programming provider (LPP); receives at the media transmit facility a second PPS, the second PPS including a second PS generated by a second LPP; multiplexes the first PS and the second PS into a transport channel; and communicates the transport channel from the media transmit facility. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100262992 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR OVERLAYING CONTENT ONTO A COMMON VIDEO STREAM - Described herein are techniques for presenting non-common content in association with common content to end users. A television receiver receives common content as well as one or more portions of non-common content. The television receiver determines whether to present the non-common content based on criteria associated with the non-common content and parameters associated with the television receiver. As appropriate, the non-common content may be overlaid onto the common content, presenting the user with content that may be localized or otherwise personalized for the user. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100260473 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERRUPTED PROGRAM RECORDING - Program recording systems and methods are operable to adjust recording times of a program of interest in response to an occurrence of an interrupting program that alters the scheduled recording times of the program of interest. An exemplary embodiment receives an unscheduled program flag (UPF) corresponding to an occurrence of an unscheduled program; adjusts at least one of a scheduled recording start time associated with the program of interest to an updated record start time and a scheduled recording end time associated with the program of interest to an updated record end time in response to receiving the UPF; and records the program of interest based upon at least one of the updated record start time and the updated record end time. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100260328 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING CALLER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION - Described herein are techniques for extracting caller identification information during a phone call and transmitting the caller identification information over a network to another device that presents the caller identification information to a user. An apparatus includes a first communication interface communicatively coupled to a telephone network and a second communication interface communicatively coupled to a communication network. The apparatus receives a phone call, extracts caller identification data, and transmits the caller identification data to another device over the communication network. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100254527 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MATCHING SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES WITH CUSTOMERS - Systems and methods of providing customer support are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment compares a plurality of customer attributes associated with corresponding ones of a plurality of service representative attributes to identify a “best match” service representative. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100245255 | MULTIPLY TASKED TOUCHPAD REMOTE CONTROL - A remote control exploits a multiply tasked touchpad. The remote control includes a planar transparent substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface in opposed relation. A transparent organic light emitting diode (TOLED) is formed on the transparent substrate lower surface. A translucent touchpad overlays the TOLED affixed to the upper surface. A character projecting base-layer is affixed to the lower surface, such that when activated, the character projecting base projects a character through the transparent light emitting diode onto the translucent touchpad. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100238303 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEMORIALIZING A VIEWER'S VIEWING EXPERIENCE - Systems and methods of memorializing a viewer's viewing experience are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment presents a program stream to the viewer, detects an occurrence of one of a plurality of event capture triggers, captures at least one image of the viewer in response to detecting the event capture trigger, and stores the image of the viewer. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100231384 | BACKLIGHTING REMOTE CONTROLS - A remote control includes sensing circuitry operable to detect a user touching the remote control. The remote control further includes a light source operable to backlight user input circuitry of the remote control. Control logic of the remote control activates the light source responsive to the sensing circuitry detecting the user touching the remote control. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100208146 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AN AUDIO INDICATOR VIA A REMOTE CONTROL - Apparatus, systems and methods are described for outputting audible or visual indicators via a remote control for a controlled device. A remote control queries an associated controlled device for information. The controlled device generates a request for the remote control to activate an audio or visual indicator. The request is integrated with a response to the query that is transmitted to the remote control. The remote control outputs an audio or visual indicator responsive to the request. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100208145 | Graphically Based Programming for Control Devices - A method for programming a control device. The method for programming the control device may include using a graphical programming interface. The graphical programming interface may direct a user through the programming process with text and graphics. The graphical programming interface may provide a control device image that corresponds to the physical control device that is being programmed. The graphical programming interface may graphically verify to a user whether a button was successfully programmed. Additionally, the graphical programming interface may illustrate the correct positioning of one control device to another control device while programming. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100205637 | Electronic Program Guides, Systems and Methods Providing Date Access to Program Information - An enhanced electronic program guide (EPG) for television programming may allow access to program information based on a specified date. In embodiments, the EPG may be output for display with timeslots containing program information corresponding to television programs being broadcast currently and to television programs scheduled for future broadcast, and a header indicating a plurality of dates for accessing corresponding program information. User input received while the EPG is being output for display with the header indicating a plurality of dates that identifies one of the plurality of dates may cause program information in the EPG corresponding to the identified date to be accessed and the EPG to be output for display with the program information corresponding to the identified date and with a header indicating times of the timeslots. In embodiments, the header indicating times of the timeslots may replace the header indicating a plurality of dates. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100205636 | Personalized Multimedia Content Driven By User Preferences - One embodiment may take the form of an apparatus for providing personalized multimedia content to a user of a television system based on the user's preferences. In one implementation, a television receiver of a television system may monitor the habits and usage of the users of the system. The information gathered concerning the usage of the system may be stored in a database and accessed by the television receiver to provide multimedia options to a user that may be of interest to the user. These options may be presented to the user through any number of on-screen guides accessible by the user on the television system. In other implementations, the multimedia options based on the user's preferences may be automatically presented to the user as part of a favorite channels list at least partially constructed by the user. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100205632 | Electronic Program Guides, Systems and Methods Providing Variable Size of Textual Information - An enhanced electronic program guide (EPG) for television programming may be provided by changing a size of at least a portion of textual information to be displayed in the EPG. In embodiments, a television receiving device may include: a memory configured to store an EPG, the EPG including textual information corresponding to television programs scheduled to be broadcast; a user interface configured to receive user input; and a processor in communication with the memory and the user interface, configured to output the EPG to be displayed with at least one portion of the textual information in a first size in response to first user input received via the user interface, and configured to output the EPG to be displayed with the at least one portion of the textual information in a second size different from the first size in response to a second user input received via the user interface. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100201879 | Customizable Picture-in-Picture - In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provide systems and methods for customizing picture-in-picture video images on a television. Specifically, in one embodiment, a television receiver for depicting multiple images on a single display is described. The television receiver includes a first receiver operative to receive a first video image, a second receiver operative to receive a second video image, a processor configured to overlay the first video image on a portion of the second video image, the processor in communication with the first and second receivers and a transmitter operatively coupled to the processor and the display, the transmitter operative to transmit the first and second video images to the display. The television receiver also includes a third receiver operative to receive a command to adjust the first video image with respect to the second video image and relay the command to the processor, wherein the processor adjusts the first video image with respect to the second video image in response to the command and the operation of adjusting the first video image with respect to the second video image comprises one of resizing the first video image, moving the first video image across the second video image and changing a transparency of the first video image. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100199310 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR RECOMMENDING MEDIA CONTENT - A method of recommending media content is presented. In the method, a first media content receiver receives from a first user an indication of recommended media content and an identity of a second user. The indication and an identity of the first user are transmitted to a second media content receiver associated with the second user. The indication, the identity of the first user, and available commands associated with the recommended media content are presented via the second media content receiver to the second user. The second media content receiver receives a selection of one of the available commands from the second user. The recommended media content is processed at the second media content receiver according to the selected command. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100199303 | BROADCAST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING USERS WITH INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA - A method is presented for providing information associated with a geographical area to users of broadcast communication receivers. The information, as well as an indication of the geographical area associated with the information, are transmitted to, and received by, each of the broadcast communication receivers. In each of the receivers, the indication of the geographical area is compared with a geographic code associated with, and stored within, the receiver. Each of the receivers also relays the information to the user of the receiver if the geographic code indicates that the receiver is located within the geographical area. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100195972 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING PORTIONS OF A VIDEO STREAM BASED ON CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VIDEO STREAM - The various embodiments described herein generally provide for the identification of locations in a presentation stream based on metadata associated with the presentation stream. Locations within an audio/video stream are identified by processing associated text data using autonomous location information referencing the text data. The identified locations within a presentation stream may be utilized to identify boundaries of segments within the presentation stream, such as segments of a show and interstitials of the show. Processing is then performed to determine whether the identified boundaries possess specific characteristics. If the identified boundaries do not possess the identified characteristics, then additional processing is performed to identify other locations, temporally near the identified boundaries, which correspond with boundaries of the portion of the audio/video stream identified by the autonomous location information. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194984 | BROADCAST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING USERS WITH INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA - A method is presented for providing information associated with a geographical area to users of broadcast communication receivers. The information, as well as an indication of the geographical area associated with the information, are transmitted to, and received by, each of the broadcast communication receivers. In each of the receivers, the indication of the geographical area is compared with a geographic code associated with, and stored within, the receiver. Each of the receivers transfers the information in a video format to the user of the receiver if the geographic code indicates that the receiver is located within the geographical area. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100191779 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING FILES ON A STORAGE DEVICE - Described herein are techniques for the dynamic allocation of storage capacity between multiple namespaces associated with a storage system. Data from multiple namespaces is stored in a common pool of addresses of the storage system and data from each namespace is capable of being written to any free address of the storage system at any time. Metadata associated with each of the files stored in the storage system is maintained that tracks the particular storage address or addresses and namespace associated with the file. Storage capacity can be dynamically allocated between multiple namespaces by writing data to free blocks and updating the metadata accordingly. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100188572 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CLOSED CAPTIONING IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGERY - Systems and methods are presented for processing three-dimensional (3D or 3-D) or pseudo-3D programming. The programming includes closed caption (CC) information that includes caption data and a location identifier that specifies a location for the caption data within the 3D programming. The programming information is processed to render the caption data at the specified location and to present the programming on the display. By encoding location identification information into the three-dimensional programming, a high level of configurability can be provided and the 3D experience can be preserved while captions are displayed. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100171878 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTING AND DISPLAYING VIDEO CONTENT - A television receiver displays television receiver menu information simultaneously with a video stream in an integrated display screen. From within the display screen, the user can select the video stream to close the menu information and display the video stream the television programming in a full screen mode. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100169945 | Virtual Control Device - A method for controlling multiple devices using a virtual device that may be displayed on a screen. The method may include providing the information for the virtual device from a set-top box to the screen. The method may also include using a control device to scroll around the virtual device and make a selection fro the options provided by the virtual device. Additionally, the buttons on the control device may not correspond to the functionality associated with the virtual buttons on the virtual device. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100165216 | Antenna Diversity for Control Device Applications - One embodiment may take the form of a method for routing a signal to a target device. The method may include a control device that may transmit a signal on a first network. The signal may reach devices other than the target device. The devices that receive the signal may recognize that the signal is intended for another device and may transmit the signal on a second network. The signal may be received by the target device via the second network. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100162344 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING SEGMENTS OF CONTENT IN A PRESENTATION STREAM USING SIGNATURE DATA - Described herein are methods and apparatus for the identification of locations in a presentation stream based on metadata associated with the presentation stream. Locations within a presentation stream are identified using signature data associated with the presentation stream. The identified locations within a presentation stream may be utilized to identify boundaries of segments within the presentation stream, such as logical chapters, scenes or other sections of the content. The identified segments of the presentation stream may then be selectably viewed by a user. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100162317 | USER CLASSIFIABLE SET-TOP BOX - One embodiment may take the form of an apparatus for providing separate user classifications and interfaces to multiple users of a set-top box of the television system. Each user classification may be configurable to provide different interfaces, menus and available features to the users of the set-top box. Further, each user classification may include several sub-classifications to further personalize the set-top box to the various users of the system. Also, each user classification may also monitor the habits and usage of each class and store such information for use by the set-top box to suggest settings of the set-top box that the user may be interested in, such as a favorite channel list. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100162301 | TARGETED ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT - The present invention is directed to a system and method for managing the display of a targeted advertisement. In one embodiment an advancing functionality is inhibited or modified in connection with the display of a stored video or other stored content. In inhibiting or modifying an advancing function a user is forced or otherwise encouraged to watch a directed advertisement. The present invention may include status or indicator information which enables the particular functionality in connection with the targeted advertisement. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100162291 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FILTERING CONTENT FROM A PRESENTATION STREAM USING SIGNATURE DATA - Described herein are methods and apparatus for the identification of locations in a presentation stream based on metadata associated with the presentation stream. Locations within a presentation stream are identified using signature data associated with the presentation stream. The identified locations within a presentation stream may be utilized to identify boundaries of segments within the presentation stream, such as segments of a show and interstitials (e.g., commercials) of the show. The identified portions of a presentation stream may then be utilized for filtering segments of content during presentation. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100158484 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FILTERING AND INSERTING CONTENT INTO A PRESENTATION STREAM USING SIGNATURE DATA - Described herein are methods and apparatus for the identification of locations in a presentation stream based on metadata associated with the presentation stream. Locations within a presentation stream are identified using signature data associated with the presentation stream. The identified locations within a presentation stream may be utilized to identify boundaries of segments within the presentation stream, such as segments of a show and interstitials (e.g., commercials) of the show. The identified portions of a presentation stream may then be utilized for filtering segments of content during presentation. Additionally, supplemental content is identified and inserted into the presentation stream during presentation. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100158477 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RESOLVING RECORDING CONFLICTS OF A DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER - Apparatus and methods are provided which facilitate the resolution of recording conflicts of a digital video recorder (DVR). A DVR identifies a recording conflict between a first recording timer associated with a first television program and a second recording timer associated with a second television program. A communication is initiated to a communication device associated with a user of the digital video recorder to inform the user of the recording conflict. Responsive to the communication, the user provides information to the DVR via the communication device requesting to resolve the recording conflict. The DVR utilizes the provided information to modify one or more of the conflicted recording timers to resolve the conflict. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100158098 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUDIO/VIDEO CONTENT TRANSCODING - A method for transcoding audio/video content is presented. In the method, a first digital file including the audio/video content is received and stored. Audio/video attributes for generating a second digital file including the audio/video content of the first digital file are also received. The stored first digital file is then transcoded based on the audio/video attributes to generate the second digital file. The second digital file is then stored and transferred for presentation to a user. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100154006 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A REMOTE ALARM - Systems and methods of issuing a reminder from a remote control are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an exemplary embodiment has a remote control and a set top box (STB). In at least one embodiment, the remote control has a transmitter that transmits information corresponding to at least one reminder event with a reminder time, a reminder alert receiver that receives a reminder alert, and at least one of a sound emitter that issues audible reminder alerts, a vibration generator that issues vibration reminder alerts, and a light source that issues visible reminder alerts. In at least one embodiment, the STB has a receiver that receives the information corresponding to the reminder event from the remote control, a STB processing system that generates a reminder alert based upon the received reminder event, and a reminder alert transmitter that transmits the reminder alert to the remote control. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100147343 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN ANTENNA HUB TARP - Systems and methods of protecting service personnel and electronics in an antenna hub from inclement weather are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of an antenna hub shelter has an attachment member secured to a hub, wherein the attachment member is located above an access door of the hub and a top portion defined by a first edge and a second opposing edge. The first edge is attachable to the attachment member. The second edge is secured to a handrail of an access platform of the antenna. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100146579 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM RECONFIGURATION - A method for reconfiguring an entertainment system to restore audio/video content to a user is presented. In the method, a request to reconfigure the entertainment system is received at a first component of the entertainment system. In response to the request, an indication of a configuration command for a second component of the entertainment system is transmitted from the first component to a remote control device. In response to receiving the indication of the configuration command at the remote control device, the configuration command is transmitted from the remote control device to the second component. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100131975 | Locally Stored Advertisements - The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing supplemental content during a broadcast. The supplemental content is provided by the operation of a interactive application resident on a receiver. The interactive application is initiated through a trigger that is received during a otherwise standard broadcast. The trigger includes an interactive prompt that is to be displayed during a particular portion of the broadcast. The prompt including a means for enabling receipt of a user input. The user input may be a request for further information. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100131968 | Account-Specific Encryption Key - One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for creating a customer-specific encryption key for encrypting digital information. The encryption key may be based on a customer number and may be associated with several devices such that the devices may encrypt and decrypt the digital information. Because each device may have the same encryption key, the encrypted data may be encrypted by a first device, transferred from the first device to a second device and decrypted and read by the second device. Thus, encrypted digital information may be shared between devices that generate a customer-specific encryption key from a common customer number. In one embodiment, the customer-specific encryption key may be utilized by a set-top box of a television system to encrypt and decrypt a digitally recorded television program. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100130141 | Account Tracking System - The present invention is directed to a system and method for identifying and responding to missing or absent receivers. The invention includes determining, at a particular receiver that is a member of a group of receivers, that one member of the group is currently or was at a particular time missing, absent or otherwise unresponsive. Embodiments of the invention are directed to notifying a service provider of a receiver status or absence, which, in response, may take one of a number of predetermined actions. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100127947 | ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FOR DISH ANTENNA SYSTEM - Antenna systems include adjustment mechanisms to adjust the position of dish antennas. The adjustment mechanism includes a clip, a bracket, and a cam mechanism. The clip is fixedly coupled to and projects outwardly from a mast. The bracket is pivotally coupled to the mast and is between the stationary clip and cam mechanism. The cam mechanism is pivotally coupled to the clip and positioned to rotate the bracket and the dish antenna as the cam mechanism rotates. The clip is made of a lightweight material to reduce the overall weight of the antenna system to enhance performance. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100115576 | FIRMWARE RECOVERY OF WIRELESS DEVICES - One embodiment may take the form of a method and apparatus for remotely providing firmware to a wireless device. The wireless device may be configured to detect when the device's firmware is corrupted or may need updating. The device may then transmit a request for a firmware image on a first wireless communication channel. If the request is answered by an updating device, the wireless device may establish a communication with, and begin receiving the firmware image from, the updating device. Further, the wireless device may verify transmitted data and send an acknowledgment message to the updating device for each transmitted data packet. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100115550 | GRAPHICAL INTERFACE NAVIGATION BASED ON IMAGE ELEMENT PROXIMITY - A method of facilitating navigation of a graphical user interface is presented. In the method, an image associated with the graphical user interface is generated for presentation to a user. The image includes a plurality of image elements, wherein the image elements collectively occupy less than the entirety of the image. An input indicating a location not coinciding with at least one of the image elements is received. One of the image elements is selected based upon the proximity of the location with the one of the image elements. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100115545 | Systems and Methods for Setting a Timer via an Interactive Trigger - Systems and methods may provide for setting a timer via an interactive trigger. The interactive trigger may be combined with a video stream and detected when the video stream is to be displayed. Based on the detection, a selectable display object associated with the interactive trigger may be displayed with the display of the video stream. Selection of the selectable display object may enable a timer to be set based on the interactive trigger. The timer enabled by the interactive trigger may be a recording timer, an auto-tune timer or a reminder timer. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100115544 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ALTERNATIVE ACCESS TO VIDEO EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH VIDEO BROADCAST SERVICES - A video services receiver system and related operating methods provide alternative event information to a customer who is subject to a blackout for a desired event. If the blacked out content is available via a different event on a different service, the system will find the other event and provide an appropriate notification to the customer. A method of providing access to events by a customer associated with a video services receiver begins by identifying a first event on a first service, the first event corresponding to a first presentation of content. The method continues by retrieving an alternative event identifier for the first event and using the alternative event identifier to search for a second event on a second service, the second event corresponding to a second presentation of the content. Thereafter, the method generates an alternative event notification for the customer. The alternative event notification indicates availability of the second event for access by the customer. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100100581 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DELIVERING SUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT ASSOCIATED WITH AUDIO/VISUAL CONTENT TO A USER - A method for delivering supplemental content associated with audio/visual content to a user of the audio/visual content is presented. In the method, the audio/visual content and the supplemental content are received. The audio/visual content is then transferred as a stream to a first device for presentation to the user. The supplemental content is transferred to a second device for presentation to the user. The transferred supplemental content is organized into segments, wherein each of the segments is to be presented by the second device to the user in synchronization with the presentation of a corresponding portion of the audio/visual content. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100095346 | SET-TOP BOX RECEIVER SOFT CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100095330 | SATELLITE RECEIVER SYSTEM WITH RECHARGEABLE BATTERY AND ANTENNA SOLAR CELL - A satellite receiving system is constructed including an antenna, a solar cell, and a set-top box receiver. The set-top box receiver includes a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the solar cell, and a main power supply. The solar cell is configured to charge the rechargeable battery. The set-top box is configured to operate from either the rechargeable battery or the main power supply, and to operate from the rechargeable battery when the main power supply is turned off. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100094157 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING A USER OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE - A method for identifying a user of an electronic device is presented. In the method, for each of a plurality of users, a bioelectrical impedance of the user is measured, a value based on the measurement is generated, and the value is associated with information corresponding to the user. A bioelectrical impedance of a current user of the electronic device is also measured, and a value based on this measurement is generated. The value associated with the current user is compared with at least one of the values associated with the plurality of users. In response to the comparison, the electronic device is operated based on the information corresponding to one of the plurality of users in response to the current user interacting with the electronic device if the value associated with the current user indicates the current user is the one of the plurality of users. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100091187 | METHOD AND AUDIO/VIDEO DEVICE FOR PROCESSING CAPTION INFORMATION - A method for operating an audio/video device is presented, comprising receiving first caption data into the audio/video device, receiving second caption data into the audio/video device, processing the first caption data to display caption information in a first format, after the processing of the first caption data, receiving an instruction to display caption information in a second format, and in response to the instruction, processing the second caption data to display the caption information in the second format. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100088728 | MEDIA CHANNEL SELECTION - A media control system processes a numeric user input to identify a set of alphabetic letters. The media control system selects a plurality of media channel names based on the set of alphabetic letters. The media control system generates a first signal to drive a first display of the media channel names. The media control system processes additional user input to select one of the displayed media channel names. The media control system generates a second signal to drive a second display associated with a media channel identified by the selected one of the displayed media channel names. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100083319 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING CONTENT IN AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMING GUIDE - The various embodiments described herein facilitate the identification of television content related to a specific search descriptor and genre. A user provides input requesting to locate television content related to a particular search descriptor and genre. A search keyword is identified based on the search descriptor and a search of an electronic programming guide is performed based on the search keyword to generate intermediate search results of television events related to the search descriptor. A filtering operation is performed on the intermediate search results using one or more filters identified based on the programming genre to generate final search results. The final search results thus include content that both matches the search keyword and has characteristics of the programming genre of content requested by the user. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083315 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GRAPHICAL CONTROL OF USER INTERFACE FEATURES PROVIDED BY A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Systems and methods provide for changing the presentation of a current channel to another channel on a display in response to a viewer input received via a remote control. Viewer input from a remote control is received at a set-top box (STB) or similar television receiver. Imagery on the display initially corresponds to the current channel. At least a portion of the imagery is scrolled in response to the viewer input to thereby tune the other channel on the display. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083313 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GRAPHICAL ADJUSTMENT OF AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE - Systems and methods provide for displaying an electronic program guide (EPG) on a display generated by a set top box (STB) or other television receiver. The electronic program guide is presented in at least a portion of the display. A resize indicator is also provided on the display so that viewer inputs corresponding to the resize indicator can be received. The size of the electronic program guide presented on the display can be adjusted in response to the viewer input corresponding to the resize indicator. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083312 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GRAPHICAL CONTROL OF USER INTERFACE FEATURES IN A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Systems and methods provide for graphically providing features on a set top box (STB) or other television receiver in response to viewer instructions received from a remote control. Imagery including various tiles each corresponding to one of the provided features is presented on the display. A two-dimensional input is received from the remote control that indicates a selected one of the plurality of tiles, and, in response to the received two-dimensional input, the feature associated with the selected tile is provided. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083310 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE CHANNEL RECALL ON A TELEVISION RECEIVER - The various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for providing multiple channel recall on a television receiver. A television receiver stores multiple previously viewed channels for selective recall by a user. A television receiver outputs a selection menu that includes a plurality of previously viewed channels. A user selects one of the channels from the selection menu for viewing, and a tuner of the television receiver is commanded to output the selected channel. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083309 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CUSTOMER SERVICE FEATURES VIA A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE IN A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Systems and methods provide for graphically providing customer service features on a set top box (STB) or other television receiver in response to viewer instructions received from a remote control. Imagery including a customer service tile is presented on the display. A two-dimensional input is received from the remote control that indicates that the tile has been selected, and, in response to the received two-dimensional input, the customer service feature is provided. The customer service feature may provide information received from a remote source via a network, programming connection or other medium. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083301 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ACCESS TO VIDEO EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH VIDEO BROADCAST SERVICES - The video services receiver system and related operating methods disclosed herein enable better management of blackout information for events associated with a broadcast service, such as a satellite television service. A system for providing video content to a display for viewing by a customer includes a receiver interface configured to receive data associated with a service, a display interface for the display, at least one memory element configured to store dated blackout information for events on the service, and to store frequently updated blackout information for events on the service, and a processor coupled to the receiver interface, the display interface, and the at least one memory element. The processor is configured to control access to a current event on the service by analyzing both the dated blackout information and the frequently updated blackout information. The processor is configured to present video content associated with the current event if access is granted. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100082635 | AUDIO/VIDEO ARCHIVING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of archiving audio/video content is presented. In the method, a plurality of audio/video content streams is received. Each of the received audio/video content streams is indexed according to time. Each of the indexed audio/video content streams is transferred to a data storage system for storage. A request for a portion of one of the stored audio/video content streams associated with a time period is received. The requested portion of the one of the stored audio/video content streams is retrieved from the data storage system. The requested portion of the one of the stored audio/video content streams is transferred. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100079682 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC CONFIGURATION OF A REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE - A remote control device establishes a bi-directional communication with a television receiver and uploads a set of remote control codes associated with a target component selected by the user. One method includes storing, within a television receiver, a set of remote control codes associated with a corresponding set of component types; presenting a component-selection user interface; receiving a target component type selected from the set of component types presented by the component-selection user interface; determining, from the set of remote control codes, a target remote control code associated with the target component type; and transmitting the target remote control code to the remote control device. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100079681 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GRAPHICAL CONTROL OF SYMBOL-BASED FEATURES IN A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Systems and methods provide for graphically controlling numeric, alphanumeric or other symbol-based features on a set top box (STB) or other television receiver. A keypad image is presented on the display that includes key images corresponding to the symbol-based features. A two-dimensional input is received from the remote control that indicates one of the key images, and imagery on the display is updated in response to the received two-dimensional input. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100079680 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURATION OF A REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE - A remote control device establishes a bi-directional communication with a television receiver and uploads a set of remote control codes associated with a target component selected by the user. One method includes storing, within a television receiver, a set of remote control codes associated with a corresponding set of component types; presenting a component-selection user interface; receiving a target component type selected from the set of component types presented by the component-selection user interface; determining, from the set of remote control codes, a target remote control code associated with the target component type; and transmitting the target remote control code to the remote control device. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100079671 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GRAPHICAL CONTROL OF PICTURE-IN-PICTURE WINDOWS - Systems and methods are provided for presenting a picture-in-picture (PIP) window on a television or other display generated by a set-top box (STB) or other video receiver. The picture-in-picture window is presented in conjunction with a navigation feature on the display. A two-dimensional input associated with the navigation feature is received from a remote control having a touchpad or other two-dimensional input device. The picture-in-picture window on the display is appropriately adjusted in response to the two-dimensional input. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100077432 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION IN AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMING GUIDE - The various embodiments described herein facilitate the display of television guide information to a user simultaneously with supplemental content related to the guide information. An electronic programming guide is initially displayed in first and second portions of a display menu. Responsive to a user selections the size of the display menu devoted to the electronic programming guide data is modified to free space for the display of supplemental content. Thus, the supplemental content is presented in a first portion of the display menu previously devoted to the electronic programming guide, and the electronic programming guide is simultaneously presented in a second portion of the display menus | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100074592 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR VISUALLY DISPLAYING RECORDING TIMER INFORMATION - The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the display of television recording information to. More particularly, television recording information is presented visually to a user in a recording information menu. The visual recording information menu includes a time axis, and recording timers associated with particular television programs are presented as visual representations along the time axis. In the case that multiple television receiving resources are available, a resource axis may separately present recording timers associated with each of the disparate television receiving resources. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100064339 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE AUDIO OUTPUTS - A method for transmitting audio signals. The method of transmitting audio signals may include separately transmitting a video signal and an audio signal. Further, the method of transmitting audio signals may include transmitting a first video signal and a first audio signal to one component, transmitting a second video signal to the same component and separately transmitting a second audio signal to a second component. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100058083 | Systems and Methods for Controlling Power Consumption of Power Supply of Electronic Devices - A method of controlling power consumption of a power supply of a device may include receiving a control signal that switches the device between first and second modes of operation; and switching the supply between corresponding first and second modes based on the received signal, the supply being configured to draw different amounts of power in the first and second modes. A power supply for supplying electrical power to a device may include power supply mode circuitry configured to place the supply into one of at least two power modes: a first mode in which the supply draws a first amount of power and a second mode in which the supply draws less power. An electronic device may include circuitry that generates a control signal, based on which the power supply mode circuitry selectively places the electrical power supply into one of a plurality of power modes. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100054327 | Data Transcoding - A system and method for transcoding data, such as an audiovisual program, audio data or video data, from a first format to a second format. Systems may accept a first data file and transcode it to create a second data file in a different format. Transcoding may occur at a time other than the time at which the system receives the data file. The later transcoding time may be user-selected. The system may generate an icon or other indicator to signify the data has been marked for later transcoding. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100017831 | Pay-Per-View Sharing - One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for sharing a purchased pay-per-view (PPV) event over a plurality of set-top boxes (STB). Thus, a PPV event purchased through one STB may be viewed through every STB associated with the customer ID number of the purchaser, including an STB located in a separate location from the PPV purchaser. The customer information used to locate the STBs associated with the customer ID may be retrieved from a database or may be provided by a billing site. Providing for the purchaser to view the PPV event on several STBs may allow the customer of the PPV service maximum access to the purchased PPV event. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100013551 | Systems and Methods for Controlling Power Consumption in Electronic Devices - A method of controlling power consumption in an electronic device may include selecting between an on mode of the electronic device in which first circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a first operation, an off/standby mode in which second circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a second operation, and a sleep/vacation mode in which the second circuitry is controlled to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation. An electronic device may include: first circuitry configured to perform a first operation when the electronic device is in an on mode; second circuitry configured to perform a second operation when in an off/standby mode; and a circuitry controller configured to control the second circuitry to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation when in a sleep/vacation mode. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100001832 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION OF A USER IN A BROADCAST COMMUNICATION RECEIVER - In a method for identifying a user in a network of broadcast communication receivers, a physical characteristic of a user is analyzed in association with the user accessing a first of the receivers. First biometric information based on the characteristic as analyzed in association with the user accessing the first receiver is generated. Data associated with use of the first receiver by the user is also generated and associated with the first biometric information. The physical characteristic of the user is then analyzed in association with the user accessing a second receiver. Second biometric information based on the physical characteristic as analyzed in association with the user accessing the second receiver is generated. The first and second biometric information are then compared. If the first and second biometric information indicate the physical characteristic of the same user, the data is employed in conjunction with the user accessing the second receiver. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090322583 | Systems and Methods for Remote Control Setup - A remote control device may include: first circuitry to control a function of a first electronic device; second circuitry to be set to control a function of a second electronic device; and a setup controller to set the second circuitry to control a function of a target electronic device based on a code received from a separate device. An electronic device to be controlled by a remote control device may include: an input device to receive a signal from the remote control device; an output device to send a signal to the remote control device; and a processor coupled to the input and output devices, and configured to access a database of codes and to selectively provide codes from the database to the remote control device, the codes configured to set circuitry of the remote control device to control a function of the electronic device and/or an auxiliary electronic device. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090320124 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DYNAMIC PICTORIAL IMAGE AUTHENTICATION - Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for facilitating user authentication in a computing system based on pictorial discernment of images displayed to a user. Multiple images are displayed to a user, with each image having one or more distinguishing characteristics. Each symbol of the user's password is associated with a particular characteristic included in one of the displayed images. The user is properly authenticated if they select the images having the characteristics corresponding with the symbols of the user's password. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090320055 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONSERVING ENERGY IN AN ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - Apparatus, systems and methods are described for conserving energy in an entertainment system. An entertainment device tracks usage patterns of a user over time while outputting presentation content and utilizes the collected information to determine whether to automatically enter a low power mode state at appropriate times. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090307741 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DIVIDING AN AUDIO/VIDEO STREAM INTO MULTIPLE SEGMENTS USING TEXT DATA - Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for identifying multiple segments of content in a recorded audio/video stream. Thus, an audio/video stream may be segmented into various logical chapters, scenes or other sections and the like. The segments of the audio/video stream may then be selectably viewed by a user. A DVR presents the selected segments and automatically skips over the undesignated segment of the audio/video stream. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090303097 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CHANGING AN OPERATIONAL MODE OF A REMOTE CONTROL - Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for changing an operational mode of a remote control for a controlled device. A remote control queries a controlled device to determine the operating state of the controlled device. Responsive to determining the operating state of the controlled device, the remote control determines whether to enter an active mode state and/or limited power mode state. Components of the remote control may then be commanded to enter a selected operating mode state depending on whether the components are utilized by the present operational state of the controlled device. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090300773 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING UNAUTHORIZED USE IN A TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Systems, method and apparatus are described for reducing unauthorized usage in a television distribution system. A television receiver communicates with base stations of a wireless communication network. Based on the communications with the base station, the television receiver identifies its location and transmits the location information to a data collection system through the wireless communication network. The data collection system utilizes the location information to identify unauthorized uses of the television receiver. | 12-03-2009 |
