| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080229361 | Initial Arrangement of Interactive Program Guide - A method and system for a programmable television services client device that enables a user to navigate to an individual television service and is coupled to a programmable television services server device is provided. The client device comprises a memory for storing data. The client device also includes an interactive program guide contained in the memory that displays program information received from the headend server device. The memory of the client device stores configuration information for a plurality of initial guide arrangements. One of the initial guide arrangements is denoted in the configuration information by either the subscriber or the system operator at the headend as the selected guide for implementation at any given time. The client device also includes a processor that is responsive to the interactive program guide and the configuration information and causes the client device to display program information according to the selected initial guide arrangement. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080253464 | System and Method for Adapting Video Decoding Rate - An embodiment of the present invention provides systemsand methodsfor adaptive video decoding. An example method includes determining that a video decoding rate of received video input is to be reduced, and receiving video input comprising a first and a second plurality of pictures. The method also includes reducing the video decoding rate while maintaining synchronization with an unmodified audio decoding rate, responsive to the determining that the video decoding rate of the received video input is to be reduced. The reducing includes foregoing decoding the first plurality of pictures and decoding the second plurality of pictures. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080260045 | Signalling and Extraction in Compressed Video of Pictures Belonging to Interdependency Tiers - In one embodiment, a method comprises providing a video stream, and providing information identifying compressed pictures in the video stream corresponding to respective picture interdependency tiers. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080276274 | Media Services Devices and Methods - A media services device including a display device configured to present user-selectable options corresponding to video-on-demand services, and a video-on-demand application server component configured to provide the video-on-demand services responsive to user selection of the options. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080279217 | Managing Bandwidth Allocation to a Plurality of Subscribers Utilizing Opportunistic Bandwidth - In a resource manager, a method for managing bandwidth allocation to a plurality of subscribers utilizing opportunistic bandwidth including tracking a bandwidth utilization on multiple links, receiving a request for services along one of the links, and selecting a video data rate on the one of the links that meets available bandwidth. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080279284 | System and Method for Adapting Video Decoding Rate By Multiple Presentation of Frames - An embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods for adaptive video decoding. An example method includes: receiving a video stream comprising a first plurality of pictures having a first type and a second plurality of pictures having a second type; determining whether a resource in the system is constrained; responsive to the determination that a resource in the system is constrained, determining whether a picture repetition mode is to be initiated; and responsive to the determination that a picture mode is to be initiated, initiating the picture repetition mode. The initiating includes: foregoing decoding the first plurality of pictures; decoding the second plurality of pictures; and presenting a picture in the second plurality of pictures a plurality of times. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080281968 | Updating Download Options for Unavailable Media Content - A method provides download options for purchasable recordable media (PRM). The method includes storing a download option associated with a PRM content instance, updating the option, and transmitting the option to a digital home communication terminal. The option includes a time at which the PRM content instance is downloadable from a digital content delivery system. The update and transmit occurs in response to a change in availability of resources for transmitting the PRM content instance to a subscriber. Another method includes providing a download option to a user. The option is associated with a PRM content instance and includes an indication of a time at which the PRM content instance is available for download from the remote server. The option is updated responsive to a change in availability of the option due to a change in download resources that are associated with transmitting the PRM content instance to the subscriber. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080282307 | Providing Video Content to a Subscriber While Minimizing Transmission Channel Capacity - A method for providing video content to a subscriber while minimizing transmission channel capacity that includes acquiring information corresponding to factors contributing to a perceived picture quality at a display device in communication with a set-top box, compressing video content based on the acquired information, and transmitting over a local loop the compressed video content at a bit rate based on the acquired information, the bit rate corresponding to the perceived picture quality of the video content capable of being provided by an ensemble comprised of the display device, the set-top box, and the local loop. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080282308 | Optimizing Data Rates For Video Services to a Subscriber - A method for optimizing data rates for video services to a subscriber that includes receiving an indication of whether incoming video signals to a set-top box corresponding to the subscriber are being recorded, receiving an indication of whether video content corresponding to the video signals being recorded is being simultaneously viewed by the subscriber, and reducing a data rate for storing the video content that is not simultaneously being viewed by the subscriber. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20090033739 | DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT OF PICTURE QUALITY IN A VIDEO CONFERENCE WITH DIVERSIFIED CONSTRAINTS - In one embodiment, a method dynamically configures a BL bandwidth in a conference based on bandwidth capabilities in the video conferencing network. In one embodiment, the conference may include any combination of endpoints characterized as BL endpoints and SVCL endpoints. The method includes determining one or more bandwidth capabilities for a plurality of endpoints participating in a conference. The bandwidth capabilities for each respective endpoint may be based on its video decoding capability, the maximum bit-rate it can accept, the video encoding capability of the other endpoints, or a bandwidth constraint manifestation in a portion of the network, etc. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090033791 | VIDEO PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Video processing systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, includes a video compression engine configured to provide reconstructed pictures corresponding to a real-time presentation of a video program and a compressed version of the real-time presentation, a display buffer of the video compression engine, the display buffer configured to store the reconstructed pictures, and a persistent storage device, wherein the video compression engine is further configured to store the compressed version of the real-time presentation to the persistent storage device while simultaneously providing the real-time presentation of the video program. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034627 | NON-ENHANCING MEDIA REDUNDANCY CODING FOR MITIGATING TRANSMISSION IMPAIRMENTS - In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying a plurality of frames of interest from a primary stream of encoded frames. The method further comprises selecting at least one of the frames of interest for inclusion in a separate redundant stream. The method further comprises producing another encoded instance of the at least one selected encoded frame. The method further comprises associating the another encoded instance of the at least one selected frame in the separate redundant stream with the corresponding selected encoded frame in the primary stream. The method further comprises providing the primary stream, the separate redundant stream, and a common clock reference to a decoder. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090067507 | Video compositing of an arbitrary number of source streams using flexible macroblock ordering - In one embodiment, a system includes a compositor operable to receive a plurality of source video streams, each containing source images, and to convert each of the source video streams into source slice groups using flexible macroblock ordering (FMO). The compositor is further operable to add pad slice groups to the source slice groups to create a composite image, and reorder the source slice groups and pad slice groups into a single composite output stream. A device receives the single composite output stream and displays the composite image as a rectangular picture that has a size larger than that of any of the source images. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090100482 | Conveyance of Concatenation Properties and Picture Orderness in a Video Stream - Systems and methods that provide a video stream including a first video sequence followed by a second video sequence, and that provide a first information in the video stream pertaining to pictures in the first video sequence, wherein the location of the first information provided in the video stream is in relation to a second information in the video stream, wherein the second information pertains to the end of the first video sequence, wherein the first information in the video stream corresponds to a first information type and the second information in the video stream corresponds to a second information type different than the first information type, and wherein the first information corresponds to auxiliary information. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090103605 | PROCESSING IDENTIFIABLE VIDEO STREAMS OF A PROGRAM ACCORDING TO STREAM TYPE VALUES - Methods and systems for the efficient and non-redundant transmission of a single video program in multiple frame rates, optionally employing a combination of video coding standards, in a way that is backwards-compatible with legacy receivers only supportive of some subsection of frame rates or of some subsection of video coding standards. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090119713 | Selective Search and Display for Categorized Channels In a Subscriber Television System - In a subscriber television system, assigning categories to a channel as an entity reduces the searching requirements associated with searching a database of thousands of individual program records, identifying the channel on which an identified program will be displayed, and then sorting the resultant information. The channel information is searched for the assigned category information and the associated program information for just those channels is retrieved. This reduces the processor requirements for searching the thousands of records in the program records database. With the reduced processor requirements and the increased efficiency of information organization for searching, a single machine state change is possible between viewing full screen video and a browse banner or between viewing full screen program information and video with a browse banner. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090119714 | Method and System for Assigning Categories to Channels in a Subscriber Television System - In a subscriber television system, assigning categories to a channel as an entity reduces the searching requirements associated with searching a database of thousands of individual program records, identifying the channel on which an identified program will be displayed, and then sorting the resultant information. The channel information is searched for the assigned category information and the associated program information for just those channels is retrieved. This reduces the processor requirements for searching the thousands of records in the program records database. With the reduced processor requirements and the increased efficiency of information organization for searching, a single machine state change is possible between viewing full screen video and a browse banner or between viewing full screen program information and video with a browse banner. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090146779 | Home entertainment system providing presence and mobility via remote control authentication - An apparatus in one embodiment is operable to receive, from a remote control device associated with a video display device, biometric input of a user. Responsive to a match of the biometric input with stored biometric data of the user, the user is authenticated. The remote control device and/or the video display device are then configured based on user settings associated with the stored biometric data of the user. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090148056 | Video Processing With Tiered Interdependencies of Pictures - Systems and methods that receive a video stream comprising a sequence of plural compressed pictures, wherein the plural compressed pictures comprises a plurality of sets of compressed pictures, wherein each set in the plurality of sets has a respective picture interdependency characteristic, wherein the compressed pictures in the first set depend for decoding only on pictures from the first set. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090148132 | INFERENTIAL PROCESSING TO ASCERTAIN PLURAL LEVELS OF PICTURE INTERDEPENDENCIES - Systems and methods that receive a video stream comprising a sequence of compressed pictures, the compressed pictures comprising a plurality of levels of picture importance including a first picture level and a second picture level, track the compressed pictures to ascertain which of the compressed pictures correspond to the first level, and responsive to ascertaining which of the compressed pictures correspond to the first level, tracking the compressed pictures to ascertain which of the compressed pictures correspond to the second level. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090150946 | VOD SERVICE FOR A LESSER FEE WITH SUPPLEMENTARY ADVERTISEMENTS - A method for providing media to a user via an interactive media services client device coupled to a programmable media services server device includes receiving user input requesting on-screen comments to be provided with a media presentation and providing the user with a media presentation along with comments related to the media presentation. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090150948 | Hyperlinked Media Objects - Systems and methods of utilizing hyperlinks in connection with video services are disclosed. One such method includes receiving a video program having a start time. This method also includes receiving, before the start time, a media object associated with the video program. This method also includes storing the media object, and displaying the media object and the video program on a screen. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090150957 | PROVIDING ALTERNATE SERVICES CORRESPONDING TO UNAUTHORIZED REQUESTED TELEVISION SERVICES - The present invention provides a system for providing alternative services in a television system. In one implementation, a subscriber is provided an alternative service upon attempting to access an unauthorized service, thereby providing a framework for efficient control of conditional access and enhanced services. In addition, in one implementation, user device limitations or variations are handled conveniently through the same multi-purpose system for providing alternative services. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090150958 | PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE SERVICES BASED ON RECEIVER CONFIGURATION AND TYPE OF DISPLAY DEVICE - The present invention provides a system for providing alternative services in a television system. In one implementation, a subscriber is provided an alternative service upon attempting to access an unauthorized service, thereby providing a framework for efficient control of conditional access and enhanced services. In addition, in one implementation, user device limitations or variations are handled conveniently through the same multi-purpose system for providing alternative services. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090154553 | RECEIVING AND SEPARATING AN ENCODED VIDEO STREAM INTO PLURAL ENCODED PICTURES WITH DIFFERENT IDENTIFIERS - Methods and systems for the efficient and non-redundant transmission of a single video program in multiple frame rates, optionally employing a combination of video coding standards, in a way that is backwards-compatible with legacy receivers only supportive of some subsection of frame rates or of some subsection of video coding standards. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158306 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING USAGE OF PURCHASABLE ENHANCEMENTS OF TELEVISION SERVICES - A method for providing a television service enhancement includes receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the user with an option to receive an enhancement to the television service for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to receive the enhancement to the television service. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158310 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING VIEWING STATUS OF TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENT - A method for providing television advertising includes receiving user input for selecting an advertising parameter and providing a user with an advertisement corresponding to the advertising parameter. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158319 | TV Advertisements Download Management - Systems and methods of presenting advertisements in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. One such method comprises receiving electronic advertisement information (EAI) describing a plurality of advertisements. The method further comprises storing the received EAI. The method further comprises receiving the plurality of advertisements, and storing only a portion of the advertisements in accordance with user advertisement preferences. The method further comprises accessing the stored EAI to provide at least one of the stored advertisements in accordance with the user advertisement preferences. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158324 | METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING TELEVISION SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS - A method for providing a television service enhancement includes receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the user with an option to receive an enhancement to the television service for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to receive the enhancement to the television service. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158329 | CONFIGURATION OF ENHANCEMENT OPTIONS PROVIDED WITH A TELEVISION SERVICE - A method for providing a television service enhancement includes receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the user with an option to receive an enhancement to the television service for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to receive the enhancement to the television service. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158331 | MANAGEMENT OF GENERIC SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS FOR TELEVISION SERVICES - A method for providing a television service enhancement includes receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the user with an option to receive an enhancement to the television service for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to receive the enhancement to the television service. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158332 | UPGRADING ACCESS OF TELEVISION PROGRAM INFORMATION WITH OPTIONAL FEATURES - A method for providing a television service enhancement includes receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the user with an option to receive an enhancement to the television service for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to receive the enhancement to the television service. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158333 | Enabling Advertisements in Designated Periods of a Recurring Schedule - Systems and methods of enabling advertisements in a digital home communication terminal according to a recurring schedule are disclosed. One such method comprises receiving and storing an advertisement. The method further comprises associating the stored advertisement with a recurring schedule. The method further comprises presenting the advertisement in accordance with the associated recurring schedule. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158334 | Characterization of Advertisements into Selectable Subcategories - Systems and method of organizing advertisements in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. One such method includes displaying a plurality of advertisement categories corresponding to products, services, or combinations thereof. The method also includes receiving a user selection of one of the advertisement categories. The method also includes displaying a plurality of subcategories associated with the user selected advertisement category, responsive to the user selection. The method also includes receiving a user selection of one of the subcategories. The method also includes presenting an advertisement matching the selected advertisement category and subcategory. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158335 | Interactive Consumption of Advertisements with Respectively Value Levels - Systems and methods of interactive consumption of advertisements in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. One such method comprises: presenting a plurality of advertisements, each advertisement associated with a value; and tracking a total value of the presented advertisements, wherein the frequency or duration of the presented advertisements is inversely proportional to the total value. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158339 | CONFIGURABLE OPTIONS FOR ACCESSIBLE ON-DEMAND INFORMATION - A method for providing a television service enhancement includes receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the user with an option to receive an enhancement to the television service for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to receive the enhancement to the television service. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158351 | AUTHORIZED USER CUSTOMIZATION OF IPG PRESENTATION - A method for providing television functionality includes defining a time period, associating a user preference with the time period, providing a first result in accordance with the user preference if a request for television functionality is received during the defined time period, and providing a second result if the request for the television functionality is received outside the defined time period. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158352 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PURCHASABLE ENHANCEMENTS OF VOD SERVICES - A method for providing a television service enhancement includes receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the user with an option to receive an enhancement to the television service for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to receive the enhancement to the television service. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158354 | SELECTION OF PURCHASABLE ENHANCEMENTS OF A TELEVISION SERVICE - A method for providing a television service enhancement includes receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the user with an option to receive an enhancement to the television service for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to receive the enhancement to the television service. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158355 | Configuration and Selection of Advertisements by Product Name Brands - Systems and methods of organizing advertisements in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. One such method comprises displaying a plurality of advertisement categories corresponding to products, services, or combinations thereof. The method further comprises receiving a user selection of one or more advertisement categories, and presenting an advertisement corresponding to the one or more selected advertisement categories. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158356 | System and Method for Conveyance of Preferred Advertisement Categories - Systems and methods of presenting advertisements in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. One such method comprises displaying a plurality of advertisement descriptors. The method also comprises receiving a user selection of one of the advertisement descriptors. The method also comprises presenting an advertisement associated with the advertisement descriptor, responsive to the user selection. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158363 | Management and Processing of Electronic Advertisement Information - Systems and methods of presenting advertisements in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. One such method comprises receiving electronic advertisement information (EAI), storing the received EAI, and accessing the stored EAI in accordance with user advertisement preferences. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090158375 | Media Delivery System Supporting Set-Tops With and Without Local Storage - Systems and methods of transparent access to stored media content at a headened by digital home communication terminals (DHCT) are disclosed. One such system comprises a first DHCT, a second DHCT, and a headend. The first DHCT includes a local file system. The second DHCT does not include a local file system. The headend is in communication with the first and the second DHCT and is configured to provide the locally stored media content to both the first and the second DHCT. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090190028 | DETERMINING DEVICE THAT PERFORMS PROCESSING OF OUTPUT PICTURES - A system and method for determining the characteristics of a device coupled to a client device are disclosed. A method, according to one embodiment, includes driving a display device with a first video output signal formatted according to a first video interface specification; responsive to driving the display device, soliciting user input based on information included in the first video output signal; determining a characteristic of the display device based on the user input; and driving the display device according to the determined characteristic. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090190667 | Picture Relevance By Compressed Size - In one embodiment the invention provides a method for outputting auxiliary information for use in playing back a video sequence, the method comprising obtaining a measure of usefulness of a particular picture for playing back the video sequence, wherein the measure of usefulness indicates a performance of playing back the video sequence if the particular picture is available in a decoded state at a time of playback versus the particular picture not being available in a decoded state at a time of playback; determining a position in a data stream that includes the video sequence; and storing the auxiliary information at the determined position in the data stream. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090193467 | PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR BROADCAST AND BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES - The present invention provides methods and systems for accessing services in a television system. In one embodiment, a DHCT presents a subscriber an EPG presentation containing a plurality of selectable bi-directional services that are purchasable for a period of time and rendered to a buying subscriber on an individualized basis as offered by the cable television system. The subscriber navigates an EPG menu presentation with an input device such as a remote control device and selects a purchasable service by choosing the visual representation that corresponds to the desired service. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selected command into an executable program call that queries service availability and, if the service is available, initiates the selected bi-directional audiovisual service on a personalized session. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090193468 | TRACKING AND PROVIDING AVAILABILITY STATUS OF PERSONAL BI-DIRECTIONAL SERVICES - The present invention provides methods and systems for accessing services in a television system. In one embodiment, a DHCT presents a subscriber an EPG presentation containing a plurality of selectable bi-directional services that are purchasable for a period of time and rendered to a buying subscriber on an individualized basis as offered by the cable television system. The subscriber navigates an EPG menu presentation with an input device such as a remote control device and selects a purchasable service by choosing the visual representation that corresponds to the desired service. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selected command into an executable program call that queries service availability and, if the service is available, initiates the selected bi-directional audiovisual service on a personalized session. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090193471 | PROVIDING INFORMATION PERTAINING TO AUDIO-VISUAL AND PERSONAL BI-DIRECTIONAL SERVICES - The present invention provides methods and systems for accessing services in a television system. In one embodiment, a DHCT presents a subscriber an EPG presentation containing a plurality of selectable bi-directional services that are purchasable for a period of time and rendered to a buying subscriber on an individualized basis as offered by the cable television system. The subscriber navigates an EPG menu presentation with an input device such as a remote control device and selects a purchasable service by choosing the visual representation that corresponds to the desired service. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selected command into an executable program call that queries service availability and, if the service is available, initiates the selected bi-directional audiovisual service on a personalized session. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090193480 | BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES OVER CABLE NETWORKS - The present invention provides methods and systems for accessing services in a television system. In one embodiment, a DHCT presents a subscriber an EPG presentation containing a plurality of selectable bi-directional services that are purchasable for a period of time and rendered to a buying subscriber on an individualized basis as offered by the cable television system. The subscriber navigates an EPG menu presentation with an input device such as a remote control device and selects a purchasable service by choosing the visual representation that corresponds to the desired service. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selected command into an executable program call that queries service availability and, if the service is available, initiates the selected bi-directional audiovisual service on a personalized session. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090196341 | Annotations for Supporting Trick Mode Operations - Systems and methods for generating annotations for trick mode operation in a digital home communication terminal (DHCT) are disclosed. One such method comprises ingesting a program. The program includes a series of picture sequences. The method also comprises storing the program on a local storage device and, as the program is being ingested, creating annotation data which references locations on the storage device corresponding to the picture sequences. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090196345 | Format Adaptable Video Transcoding - A method for providing adaptive video compression includes encoding a video stream in a first compressed format, storing the video stream in a storage device, retrieving the video stream from the storage device, decoding the video stream, encoding the video stream in a second compressed format, and storing the video stream in the storage device. Systems and other methods for providing adaptive video compression are also disclosed. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090196357 | Trick Mode Operations - Systems and methods for trick mode operation in a digital home communication terminal (DHCT) are disclosed. One such method comprises receiving a plurality of parameters describing trick mode operations for a stored program. The method also comprises selecting multiple picture sets, from the stored program, based at least in part on the parameters. The method also comprises decoding the selected multiple picture sets for a duration specified in the plurality of parameters, to produce a plurality of decoded pictures. The method also comprises displaying the decoded pictures. The method also comprises selectively repeating the decode or the display of one of the pictures in the selected multiple picture sets, based on the parameters. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090196514 | Display of Reconstructed Pictures from Encoder During Video Transcoding - Video processing systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, includes a video compression engine configured to provide reconstructed pictures corresponding to a real-time presentation of a video program and a compressed version of the real-time presentation, a display buffer of the video compression engine, the display buffer configured to store the reconstructed pictures, and a persistent storage device, wherein the video compression engine is further configured to store the compressed version of the real-time presentation to the persistent storage device while simultaneously providing the real-time presentation of the video program. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090196568 | BUFFERING OF PRIOR DISPLAYED TELEVISION CHANNELS UPON ACCESSING A DIFFERENT CHANNEL - Systems and methods are provided for managing a time-shift buffer (TSB) that is used for buffering video presentations. One such method includes receiving user input identifying a storage capacity for the TSB and modifying a storage capacity of the TSB such that it is at least substantially equal to the storage capacity identified by the user input. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090196571 | SIGNALING OF POTENTIAL SPLICE POINTS IN A VIDEO STREAM - In one embodiment the invention provides a method for outputting auxiliary information for use in playing back a video sequence, the method comprising obtaining a measure of usefulness of a particular picture for playing back the video sequence, wherein the measure of usefulness indicates a performance of playing back the video sequence if the particular picture is available in a decoded state at a time of playback versus the particular picture not being available in a decoded state at a time of playback; determining a position in a data stream that includes the video sequence; and storing the auxiliary information at the determined position in the data stream. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090196577 | Prioritizing Picture Processing Other Than By Picture Type - In one embodiment the invention provides a method for outputting auxiliary information for use in playing back a video sequence, the method comprising obtaining a measure of usefulness of a particular picture for playing back the video sequence, wherein the measure of usefulness indicates a performance of playing back the video sequence if the particular picture is available in a decoded state at a time of playback versus the particular picture not being available in a decoded state at a time of playback; determining a position in a data stream that includes the video sequence; and storing the auxiliary information at the determined position in the data stream. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090196578 | Conveyance of Picture Information Related To Picture Processing Times - In one embodiment the invention provides a method for outputting auxiliary information for use in playing back a video sequence, the method comprising obtaining a measure of usefulness of a particular picture for playing back the video sequence, wherein the measure of usefulness indicates a performance of playing back the video sequence if the particular picture is available in a decoded state at a time of playback versus the particular picture not being available in a decoded state at a time of playback; determining a position in a data stream that includes the video sequence; and storing the auxiliary information at the determined position in the data stream. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090199249 | SECONDARY VIDEO SUPPLEMENTS DURING VOD SERVICES - A method for providing media to a user via an interactive media services client device coupled to a programmable media services server device includes receiving user input requesting on-screen comments to be provided with a media presentation and providing the user with a media presentation along with comments related to the media presentation. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090199260 | Coordinated Output of Pictures of a Video Program from a Decoder and an Encoder - Video processing systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, includes a video compression engine configured to provide reconstructed pictures corresponding to a real-time presentation of a video program and a compressed version of the real-time presentation, a display buffer of the video compression engine, the display buffer configured to store the reconstructed pictures, and a persistent storage device, wherein the video compression engine is further configured to store the compressed version of the real-time presentation to the persistent storage device while simultaneously providing the real-time presentation of the video program. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090199261 | System and Method for Video Encoder Extension To a Decoder - Video processing systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, includes a video compression engine configured to provide reconstructed pictures corresponding to a real-time presentation of a video program and a compressed version of the real-time presentation, a display buffer of the video compression engine, the display buffer configured to store the reconstructed pictures, and a persistent storage device, wherein the video compression engine is further configured to store the compressed version of the real-time presentation to the persistent storage device while simultaneously providing the real-time presentation of the video program. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090199262 | Signalling Between Encoder and Decoder to Effect Video Program Output - Video processing systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, includes a video compression engine configured to provide reconstructed pictures corresponding to a real-time presentation of a video program and a compressed version of the real-time presentation, a display buffer of the video compression engine, the display buffer configured to store the reconstructed pictures, and a persistent storage device, wherein the video compression engine is further configured to store the compressed version of the real-time presentation to the persistent storage device while simultaneously providing the real-time presentation of the video program. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090199263 | Mastering Access to Encoded Picture Buffer During Video Compression to Display Pictures - Video processing systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, includes a video compression engine configured to provide reconstructed pictures corresponding to a real-time presentation of a video program and a compressed version of the real-time presentation, a display buffer of the video compression engine, the display buffer configured to store the reconstructed pictures, and a persistent storage device, wherein the video compression engine is further configured to store the compressed version of the real-time presentation to the persistent storage device while simultaneously providing the real-time presentation of the video program. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090202224 | Conveyance of Picture Properties Other Than By Picture Type - In one embodiment the invention provides a method for outputting auxiliary information for use in playing back a video sequence, the method comprising obtaining a measure of usefulness of a particular picture for playing back the video sequence, wherein the measure of usefulness indicates a performance of playing back the video sequence if the particular picture is available in a decoded state at a time of playback versus the particular picture not being available in a decoded state at a time of playback; determining a position in a data stream that includes the video sequence; and storing the auxiliary information at the determined position in the data stream. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090202225 | Simplified Identification of Certain Pictures in a Video Stream - In one embodiment the invention provides a method for outputting auxiliary information for use in playing back a video sequence, the method comprising obtaining a measure of usefulness of a particular picture for playing back the video sequence, wherein the measure of usefulness indicates a performance of playing back the video sequence if the particular picture is available in a decoded state at a time of playback versus the particular picture not being available in a decoded state at a time of playback; determining a position in a data stream that includes the video sequence; and storing the auxiliary information at the determined position in the data stream. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204994 | MANAGEMENT OF TV PROGRAMS BY THEIR BUFFERED LENGTHS - Systems and methods are provided for managing a time-shift buffer (TSB) that is used for buffering video presentations. One such method includes receiving user input identifying a storage capacity for the TSB and modifying a storage capacity of the TSB such that it is at least substantially equal to the storage capacity identified by the user input. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090205010 | Switched Decoding and Output of a Video Program from an Encoder to Decoder - Video processing systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, includes a video compression engine configured to provide reconstructed pictures corresponding to a real-time presentation of a video program and a compressed version of the real-time presentation, a display buffer of the video compression engine, the display buffer configured to store the reconstructed pictures, and a persistent storage device, wherein the video compression engine is further configured to store the compressed version of the real-time presentation to the persistent storage device while simultaneously providing the real-time presentation of the video program. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090220012 | SIGNALLING PICTURE ENCODING SCHEMES AND ASSOCIATED PICTURE PROPERTIES - Systems and methods that provide a video stream, the video stream comprising a sequence of plural compressed pictures corresponding to a video program, the plural compressed pictures having plural sets of compressed pictures, each of the plural sets adhering to one or more picture interdependencies, properties, or a combination of the picture interdependencies and properties, and provide auxiliary information in the video stream, the auxiliary information comprising plural data fields, the plural data fields comprising a first data field corresponding to one of multiple possible coding scheme, the coding scheme comprising a set of tiers that uniquely define the one coding scheme, the plural data fields further comprising a second data field different from the first data field, the second data field comprising an indication of whether the one or more picture interdependencies, properties, or a combination of both corresponding to the set of tiers is valid for use in decoding. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090276808 | CONFIGURATION OF TV SERVICES VIA ALTERNATE COMMUNICATION - The present invention provides a method and system for accessing services in a television system. In one implementation, a DHCT presents a user a menu containing a plurality of selectable link representations corresponding to separate services or applications offered by the cable television system. The user navigates the menu with a remote device and selects a desired service by choosing the selectable link representation corresponding to the desired service or application. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selectable link command into an executable call, and activates the service or application corresponding to the selected link representation from the menu chosen by the user. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090282372 | Method and System for Providing a Screen Saver for Interactive Media Services - Systems and methods of providing a screen saver utility are disclosed. One such method includes providing selectable interactive media services in a client device. The client device is coupled to a programmable media services server device. The method further includes configuring a screen saver operation for the client device, and receiving, in the client device, information that corresponds to the configured screen saver operation. The method further includes configuring the client device to activate a screen saver according to the configured screen saver operation. The method further includes providing, in the client device, non-changing visual information that corresponds to a first one of the selectable interactive media services. The method further includes providing, in the client device, the configured screen saver. The activation of the screen saver in the client device is configured to follow the providing of the non-changing visual information. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090282428 | TIME-ADAPTIVE IPG BASED ON USER VIEWING HABITS DURING PREDETERMINED INTERVALS - A method for providing television functionality includes tracking viewing parameters corresponding to services that are provided to a user, determining a user preference for a viewing parameter, receiving user input requesting television functionality, and providing a user with a result that is responsive to the user input and to the user preference. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090282440 | PURCHASABLE AUDIOVISUAL AND PERSONAL BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES - The present invention provides methods and systems for accessing services in a television system. In one embodiment, a DHCT presents a subscriber an EPG presentation containing a plurality of selectable bi-directional services that are purchasable for a period of time and rendered to a buying subscriber on an individualized basis as offered by the cable television system. The subscriber navigates an EPG menu presentation with an input device such as a remote control device and selects a purchasable service by choosing the visual representation that corresponds to the desired service. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selected command into an executable program call that queries service availability and, if the service is available, initiates the selected bi-directional audiovisual service on a personalized session. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090299752 | Recognition of Voice-Activated Commands - Systems and methods for voice activated commands in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. One example method includes storing a program audio signal corresponding to a program tuned by the digital home communication terminal. The method also includes storing an incoming audio signal carrying speech and removing from the incoming audio signal a portion of the incoming audio signal that corresponds to the program audio signal, this producing an improved version of the incoming audio signal. The method also includes selecting one of a plurality of voice-activated commands that corresponds to the improved version of the incoming audio signal, and performing a function corresponding to the selected voice-activated command. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090310934 | PICTURE INTERDEPENDENCIES SIGNALS IN CONTEXT OF MMCO TO ASSIST STREAM MANIPULATION - In one embodiment, a method that provides tier information corresponding to a picture, the tier information provided in an adaptation field of a transport packet, the transport packet comprising a first byte of a header of a packetized elementary stream (PES) containing the picture; and provides the first transport packet. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090313662 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING MULTI-LATTICED VIDEO STREAMS - An apparatus for facilitating reception of multiple representations of a video signal. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mechanism for receiving plural representations of the video signal corresponding to plural decimated versions of the video signal, associating pictures of the received plural representations of the video signal, and outputting pictures corresponding to information from associated pictures in accordance with a relative temporal order. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090313668 | TIME-SHIFTED TRANSPORT OF MULTI-LATTICED VIDEO FOR RESILIENCY FROM BURST-ERROR EFFECTS - An apparatus for facilitating robust data transport. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first mechanism for selecting plural lattices of an input video signal, processing plural decimated video signals, and time shifting corresponding portions of plural video streams in accordance with a second relative temporal order. A second mechanism changes an initial relative temporal order to the second relative temporal order. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090323822 | SUPPORT FOR BLOCKING TRICK MODE OPERATIONS - In one embodiment, a method that provides information corresponding to information that assists a receiver provide trick mode operations, such information provided with a corresponding picture, and such information provided in the transport packet containing the start of the corresponding picture, and such information including a tier number corresponding to the picture that conveys picture interdependencies. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090327334 | Generating Measures of Video Sequences to Detect Unauthorized Use - A system that generates a first measure for a first version of a video sequence having a finite length, the first measure corresponding to measured transitions of a video object of the first video scene, drops pictures to obtain a second version of the video sequence of finite length, and generates a second measure for the second version, the second measure having a similar value to the first measure, the second measure corresponding to measured transitions of the video object of the first video scene. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090328125 | VIDEO FINGERPRINT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method that provides identification information for a portion of a video stream includes receiving a video stream, wherein the video stream includes one or more successive video scenes, wherein the one or more successive video scenes respectively corresponds to one or more sets of visual information, wherein each of the one or more successive video scenes includes plural successive pictures, wherein a first visual object is included in a first video scene, wherein the one or more successive video scenes includes the first video scene, detecting the first visual object over a first plurality of pictures of the first video scene, deriving information corresponding to one or more measured transitions of the first visual object over the first plurality of pictures of the first video scene, and providing identification information corresponding to the derived information. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090328237 | Matching of Unknown Video Content To Protected Video Content - A system that stores plural reference measures, each reference measure corresponding to measured transitions of one or more video objects of plural successive pictures corresponding to a video scene, receives first and second measures of plural successive pictures corresponding to a first video scene received from a remote device, the first and second measures corresponding to measured transitions of a video object of the first video scene, compares the first and second measures with the stored plural reference measures, and indicates to the remote device whether a threshold percentage match exists between the first and second measures and one of the stored plural reference pictures. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100003015 | PROCESSING OF IMPAIRED AND INCOMPLETE MULTI-LATTICED VIDEO STREAMS - An apparatus for facilitating reception of multiple representations of a video signal. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mechanism for receiving plural representations of the video signal corresponding to plural decimated versions of the video signal, associating pictures of the received plural representations of the video signal, and outputting pictures corresponding to information from associated pictures in accordance with a relative temporal order. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100020878 | Transcoding for Systems Operating Under Plural Video Coding Specifications - A system and method that computes a threshold based on an average sum of absolute residual (SAR) values and a standard deviation, each SAR corresponding to the sum of absolute values of the residual signal of a non-intra encoded macroblock in a frame of a first video stream encoded according to a first video specification, decodes the macroblocks of the frame, compares a SAR of one of the macroblocks to the threshold, the one of the macroblocks having a first motion vector; and provides the first motion vector for encoding the one of the macroblocks according to a second video specification if the SAR of the one of the macroblocks is less than the threshold. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100074591 | Determining Parameters for Trick Modes of Video Programs - Systems and methods for trick mode operation in a digital home communication terminal (DHCT), are disclosed. One such method comprises receiving user input indicating one of a plurality of trick mode operations to be performed on a stored program. The method further comprises retrieving annotation data associated with the stored program. The method further comprises determining parameters for the trick mode operation, based on data associated with the indicated trick mode operation and on the retrieved annotation data. The method further comprises selecting multiple picture sets from the stored program based on the parameters. The method further comprises decoding the selected multiple picture sets. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100118973 | ERROR CONCEALMENT OF PLURAL PROCESSED REPRESENTATIONS OF A SINGLE VIDEO SIGNAL RECEIVED IN A VIDEO PROGRAM - In one embodiment, a method that includes receiving a single video stream, wherein the video stream includes plural processed representations of a single video signal, wherein each of the plural processed representations of the video signal (PPROTVS) includes a respective sequence of compressed latticed pictures, wherein each compressed latticed picture of each of the PPROTVS represents a corresponding respective picture of the video signal, wherein each respective picture of the video signal is represented by at most one compressed latticed picture from each of the PPROTVS, wherein corresponding segments of the PPROTVS are ordered and time shifted relative to each other to facilitate error concealment, the time-shift imposed by interspersing of non-corresponding segments between each of the corresponding segments; and providing error concealment on the received video stream. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100118974 | PROCESSING OF A VIDEO PROGRAM HAVING PLURAL PROCESSED REPRESENTATIONS OF A SINGLE VIDEO SIGNAL FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND OUTPUT - In one embodiment, a method that includes receiving a single video stream, wherein the video stream includes plural processed representations of a video signal, wherein each of the plural processed representations of the video signal (PPROTVS) includes a respective sequence of processed latticed pictures, wherein each processed latticed picture of each of the PPROTVS represents a corresponding respective picture of the video signal, wherein each respective picture of the video signal is represented by at most one processed latticed picture in each of the PPROTVS, wherein plural consecutive non-overlapping segments of one of the PPROTVS are received in a single video stream, each separated by one or more consecutive, non-overlapping segments of the other PPROTVS received in the single video stream; and outputting the plural segments in decompressed format in output picture order. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100118978 | FACILITATING FAST CHANNEL CHANGES THROUGH PROMOTION OF PICTURES - In one embodiment, a method that includes receiving plural representations of a single video signal, wherein each includes a respective sequence of latticed pictures, wherein each latticed picture in each of the plural representations originates from a corresponding respective picture of the video signal; processing the plural representations; separating the processed plural representations into plural segments, each segment consisting of a respective sequence of processed latticed pictures from one of the processed plural representations; arranging the plural segments in successive segments distributions intervals (SDIs) according to a first temporal order and a second temporal order, the successive SDIs to be provided in a video stream; and promoting one or more of the processed latticed pictures among one or more of the plural segments, the promotion corresponding to an increase in picture importance. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100118979 | TARGETED BIT APPROPRIATIONS BASED ON PICTURE IMPORTANCE - In one embodiment, a method that provides plural representations of a single video signal that comprises a successive sequence of pictures, one or more of the plural representations including a respective sequence of latticed pictures, each latticed picture in the one or more plural representations originating from a corresponding respective picture of the video signal, the order of successive latticed pictures in the one or more of the plural representations of the video signal corresponding to the order of successive pictures in the video signal; processes the plural representations based on a predetermined encoding strategy, the predetermined encoding strategy targeting an appropriate respective amount of bits to each of a plurality of the processed latticed pictures, each of the plurality of the processed latticed pictures having a respective picture importance; and provides the plurality of processed latticed pictures in plural successive, non-overlapping, ordered segments in a single video stream. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100131980 | RECEIVER FOR ACCELERATING CHANNEL CHANGE TIME - In one embodiment, a receiver for an accelerated channel change is provided. The receiver receives a first version of a video stream for a first channel and causes display of video for the first version of the video stream for the channel. A second version of a video stream is received upon a channel change to a second channel, the second version including non-discardable pictures from the first version of the video stream. The receiver displays video for the second version of the video stream for the second channel. When a transition point is reached in the first version of the video stream for the second channel, a first version of a video stream for the second channel can be displayed. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100132007 | ACCELERATING CHANNEL CHANGE TIME WITH EXTERNAL PICTURE PROPERTY MARKINGS - In one embodiment, a method for accelerating channel change time is provided. The method comprises determining when a channel change occurs. A video stream of pictures is then determined. For example, the video stream may be for a channel that is tuned to by a user. Picture discardability information transmitted with the video stream of pictures is determined. For example, the picture discardability information may be transmitted in a data field outside of the video stream. The method then determines which pictures in the video stream are considered nondiscardable pictures and which ones are discardable pictures based on the picture discardability information transmitted with the video stream of pictures. A non-discardable picture stream may then be determined and transmitted to a video processing device. By sending the non-discardable picture stream, a faster channel change time may be provided because it is expected that the non-discardable pictures may be pictures that can be used to display a picture faster than if the regular video stream was transmitted. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100215338 | SIGNALLING OF DECODABLE SUB-SEQUENCES - In one embodiment, providing a transport stream including a video stream that comprises a sequence of pictures corresponding to a video program, each of the pictures of the sequence uniquely associated with one of k successive tiers, where k is a non-negative integer number starting with a lowest tier number; and providing personal video recording assist (PVRA) information in the transport stream at a location corresponding to each of the pictures of the sequence associated with a first tier and each of the pictures of the sequence associated with a second tier different than the first tier, the PVRA information comprising an indication of a first tier number corresponding uniquely to the pictures associated with the first tier and a second tier number corresponding uniquely to the pictures associated with the second tier, the pictures corresponding to the first tier number decodable independently of the pictures corresponding to the second tier number. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100218232 | SIGNALLING OF AUXILIARY INFORMATION THAT ASSISTS PROCESSING OF VIDEO ACCORDING TO VARIOUS FORMATS - In one embodiment, receiving at a video stream receive-and-process (VSRP) device auxiliary information corresponding to a video stream, the auxiliary information corresponding to a fixed quantity of framestores to be allocated in a decoded picture buffer; receiving at the VSRP device the video stream comprising a first portion of compressed pictures having a first picture format and a second portion having a second picture format during transmission over a given channel, wherein the first compressed picture of the second portion of compressed pictures is the first compressed picture in the video stream after the last compressed picture of the first portion of compressed pictures; and decoding the first and second portions of the video stream with the fixed quantity of framestores according to the received auxiliary information and outputting the first and second decoded portions of the video stream with a fixed output resolution per the received auxiliary information. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100293571 | Signalling Buffer Characteristics for Splicing Operations of Video Streams - In one method embodiments, providing a transport stream to a client device, the transport stream comprising a head stream and a tail stream, the head stream and the tail stream each comprising a compressed video sequence; providing information in a transport stream packet associated with the head stream, the information configured to cause the client device to selectively control an output of at least one of a plurality of pictures of the head stream yet to be output from a decoded picture buffer (DPB) at an out-point from the head stream to the trail stream. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100322302 | Dynamic Streaming with Latticed Representations of Video - In one embodiment, a method that partitions a first sequence of pictures into plural representations, encodes each of the plural representations independently of each other with a common time base, provides a first portion of the plural encoded representations based on a first network condition, the first portion having a first bit-rate, and provides a second portion of the plural encoded representations having a second bit-rate different than the first bit-rate, wherein a switch from providing the first portion to providing the second portion is responsive to a second network condition different than the first network condition. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110075997 | DECODING EARLIER FRAMES WITH DTS/PTS BACKWARD EXTRAPOLATION - In one method embodiment, receiving a video stream comprising a first compressed picture without associated time stamp information and a second compressed picture having associated first time stamp information, the second compressed picture following the first compressed picture in transmission order; deriving second time stamp information based on the first time stamp information; and processing the first compressed picture based on the second time stamp information. | 03-31-2011 |
