公开(公告)号：US20080247541A1

公开(公告)日：2008-10-09

申请号：US12060852

申请日：2008-04-01

申请人： Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms ,  Louis D. Williamson

发明人： Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms ,  Louis D. Williamson

IPC分类号： G06F15/16 ,  H04N7/167

CPC分类号： H04N21/64707 ,  H04L63/0464 ,  H04L69/08 ,  H04L2463/101 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/43637 ,  H04N21/440218 ,  H04N21/4408

摘要： Methods and apparatus for connecting, e.g., bridging, a cable network to other networks and/or devices is described. A bridge device facilitates the distribution of cable provider content to end users operating IP based devices. The bridge device performs one of more of the following: interface protocol conversions, user device controlled tuner selection, transcoding of data, transrating of a data stream, decryption in accordance with a conditional access protocol and re-encryption in accordance with an authorized service domain protocol.

摘要翻译： 描述了将电缆网络连接（例如，桥接）到其他网络和/或设备的方法和装置。 桥接设备有助于将电缆提供商内容分发给运行基于IP的设备的终端用户。 桥接器件执行下列其中之一：接口协议转换，用户设备控制的调谐器选择，数据的代码转换，数据流的转换，根据条件访问协议的解密以及根据授权服务域的重新加密 协议。

公开(公告)号：US08649385B2

公开(公告)日：2014-02-11

申请号：US11754714

申请日：2007-05-29

申请人： Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms

发明人： Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms

IPC分类号： H04L12/28

CPC分类号： H04N21/6581 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/2385 ,  H04N21/4263 ,  H04N21/6118

摘要： In response to user requests for content, content may be dynamically mapped to communications channels, e.g., QAM channels, used to communicate multiple programs during the same transmission time slot, e.g., through the use of multiplexed MPEG streams. A customer premise device, e.g., STB, uses a tuner tuned to the QAM channel to receive the communicated stream, recovers multiple programs communicated using the single communications channel, and records and/or displays the recovered programs. In this manner, more programs can be received and recorded than there are tuners in the customer premise device, e.g., STB. In some embodiments a content service provider control node processes user requests for content, maps requested programs to transport streams, communicates mapping decision information to a content distribution node, and communicates QAM tuning information to the user devices which can then receive and record multiple programs communicated via a single communications channel. In some embodiments a customer premise device utilizes program information to direct demultiplexed program channels to local or remote recorders (for storing) or decoders (for playback).

摘要翻译： 响应于用户对内容的请求，内容可以动态地映射到通信信道，例如QAM信道，用于在相同的传输时隙期间例如通过使用复用的MPEG流来传送多个节目。 客户驻地设备（例如STB）使用调谐到QAM信道的调谐器来接收所传送的流，恢复使用单个通信信道传送的多个节目，并且记录和/或显示所恢复的节目。 以这种方式，可以接收和记录比客户住宅设备（例如STB）中的调谐器更多的节目。 在一些实施例中，内容服务提供商控制节点处理内容的用户请求，将所请求的节目映射到传输流，将映射决定信息传送到内容分发节点，并将QAM调谐信息传送到用户设备，然后可以接收并记录多个节目传送 通过单个通信通道。 在一些实施例中，客户驻地设备利用程序信息将解复用的节目频道引导到本地或远程录像机（用于存储）或解码器（用于播放）。

公开(公告)号：US08553882B2

公开(公告)日：2013-10-08

申请号：US12060852

申请日：2008-04-01

申请人： Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms ,  Louis D. Williamson

发明人： Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms ,  Louis D. Williamson

IPC分类号： H04N7/167 ,  H04N5/91 ,  H04N7/16 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N7/12 ,  G06F15/16 ,  G06F12/14 ,  H04L12/56 ,  G06F15/173 ,  H04L12/28 ,  H04N7/10 ,  H04N21/41

CPC分类号： H04N21/64707 ,  H04L63/0464 ,  H04L69/08 ,  H04L2463/101 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/43637 ,  H04N21/440218 ,  H04N21/4408

摘要： Methods and apparatus for connecting, e.g., bridging, a cable network to other networks and/or devices is described. A bridge device facilitates the distribution of cable provider content to end users operating IP based devices. The bridge device performs one of more of the following: interface protocol conversions, user device controlled tuner selection, transcoding of data, transrating of a data stream, decryption in accordance with a conditional access protocol and re-encryption in accordance with an authorized service domain protocol.

公开(公告)号：US20100020794A1

公开(公告)日：2010-01-28

申请号：US11754714

申请日：2007-05-29

申请人： Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms

发明人： Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms

IPC分类号： H04L12/56 ,  H04N7/173

CPC分类号： H04N21/6581 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/2385 ,  H04N21/4263 ,  H04N21/6118

摘要： In response to user requests for content, content may be dynamically mapped to communications channels, e.g., QAM channels, used to communicate multiple programs during the same transmission time slot, e.g., through the use of multiplexed MPEG streams. A customer premise device, e.g., STB, uses a tuner tuned to the QAM channel to receive the communicated stream, recovers multiple programs communicated using the single communications channel, and records and/or displays the recovered programs. In this manner, more programs can be received and recorded than there are tuners in the customer premise device, e.g., STB. In some embodiments a content service provider control node processes user requests for content, maps requested programs to transport streams, communicates mapping decision information to a content distribution node, and communicates QAM tuning information to the user devices which can then receive and record multiple programs communicated via a single communications channel. In some embodiments a customer premise device utilizes program information to direct demultiplexed program channels to local or remote recorders (for storing) or decoders (for playback).

摘要翻译： 响应于用户对内容的请求，内容可以动态地映射到通信信道，例如QAM信道，用于在相同的传输时隙期间例如通过使用复用的MPEG流来传送多个节目。 客户驻地设备（例如STB）使用调谐到QAM信道的调谐器来接收所传送的流，恢复使用单个通信信道传送的多个节目，并且记录和/或显示所恢复的节目。 以这种方式，可以接收和记录比客户住宅设备（例如STB）中的调谐器更多的节目。 在一些实施例中，内容服务提供商控制节点处理内容的用户请求，将所请求的节目映射到传输流，将映射决定信息传送到内容分发节点，并将QAM调谐信息传送到用户设备，然后可以接收并记录多个节目传送 通过单个通信通道。 在一些实施例中，客户驻地设备利用程序信息将解复用的节目频道引导到本地或远程录像机（用于存储）或解码器（用于播放）。

公开(公告)号：US20090248794A1

公开(公告)日：2009-10-01

申请号：US12055388

申请日：2008-03-26

申请人： William L. Helms ,  George Sarosi ,  Chris Cholas ,  Jeffrey P. Markley

发明人： William L. Helms ,  George Sarosi ,  Chris Cholas ,  Jeffrey P. Markley

IPC分类号： G06F15/16

CPC分类号： H04L12/2861 ,  H04L12/2885 ,  H04L12/2898 ,  H04L65/4084 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/21815 ,  H04N21/2223 ,  H04N21/237 ,  H04N21/239 ,  H04N21/242 ,  H04N21/25875 ,  H04N21/2743 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/4788 ,  H04N21/6125

摘要： A video content system includes a head end server module and a content-sharing server coupled to a video content network. Also included is a converged premises gateway module coupled to the video content network at a location remote from the head end server module and the content-sharing server. The converged premises gateway module includes a processor and a video content network interface coupled to the processor and the video content network and configured for communication with the head end server module over the video content network. The gateway module also includes a memory module having a predetermined storage location for content to be shared with the content-sharing server and a local area network configured at least for distribution of video content within the remote location. The system further includes an upload module configured to cause the content in the predetermined storage location to be uploaded to the content-sharing server.

摘要翻译： 视频内容系统包括头端服务器模块和耦合到视频内容网络的内容共享服务器。 还包括在远离头端服务器模块和内容共享服务器的位置处耦合到视频内容网络的融合房屋网关模块。 融合房屋网关模块包括耦合到处理器和视频内容网络的处理器和视频内容网络接口，并且被配置用于通过视频内容网络与头端服务器模块进行通信。 网关模块还包括具有用于内容共享的内容共享服务器的预定存储位置的存储器模块和至少配置用于在远程位置内分发视频内容的局域网。 该系统还包括被配置为使预定存储位置中的内容上传到内容共享服务器的上载模块。

公开(公告)号：US20140068688A1

公开(公告)日：2014-03-06

申请号：US13596969

申请日：2012-08-28

申请人： George Sarosi ,  Chris Cholas ,  David Bell ,  William L. Helms

发明人： George Sarosi ,  Chris Cholas ,  David Bell ,  William L. Helms

IPC分类号： H04N21/47

CPC分类号： H04N21/6543 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/4135 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/431 ,  H04N21/43622 ,  H04N21/458 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/6587

摘要： A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.

摘要翻译： 与数字视频记录器进行网络通信的DVR控制器接收来自用户的指令，指示数字录像机在一组可用功能中执行功能。 该组可用功能包括一个记录功能，可操作以使数字录像机记录内容并将该内容存储在数字视频录像机上，以及播放功能，该播放功能可使数字录像机播放存储在数字录像机上的内容 。 随后，至少部分地响应于来自用户的指令，DVR控制器向数字录像机发出命令以执行该功能。 数字视频记录器可操作以在由用户控制的呈现设备上呈现内容。 DVR控制器又在内容提供商的设施中从数字录像机远程处理。

公开(公告)号：US09253537B2

公开(公告)日：2016-02-02

申请号：US13596969

申请日：2012-08-28

申请人： George Sarosi ,  Chris Cholas ,  David Bell ,  William L. Helms

发明人： George Sarosi ,  Chris Cholas ,  David Bell ,  William L. Helms

IPC分类号： H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N21/41 ,  H04N21/436 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N5/765

CPC分类号： H04N21/6543 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/4135 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/431 ,  H04N21/43622 ,  H04N21/458 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/6587

摘要： A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.

摘要翻译： 与数字视频记录器进行网络通信的DVR控制器接收来自用户的指令，指示数字录像机在一组可用功能中执行功能。 该组可用功能包括一个记录功能，可操作以使数字录像机记录内容并将该内容存储在数字视频录像机上，以及播放功能，该播放功能可使数字录像机播放存储在数字录像机上的内容 。 随后，至少部分地响应于来自用户的指令，DVR控制器向数字录像机发出命令以执行该功能。 数字视频记录器可操作以在由用户控制的呈现设备上呈现内容。 DVR控制器又在内容提供商的设施中从数字录像机远程处理。

公开(公告)号：US08924999B1

公开(公告)日：2014-12-30

申请号：US13355235

申请日：2012-01-20

申请人： Bryan Santangelo ,  Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  Albert William Straub

发明人： Bryan Santangelo ,  Chris Cholas ,  George Sarosi ,  Albert William Straub

IPC分类号： H04N7/16

CPC分类号： H04N21/6582 ,  H04N21/25875 ,  H04N21/25891 ,  H04N21/2668

摘要： Methods and apparatus for providing individual customized content delivery features and services to service subscribers are described. Individual service subscribers are issued devices such an RFID chip or IR device such as a remote control capable of transmitting service subscriber identification signals and/or records. A set top box detects signals used to identify individual subscribers and determines a subscriber identifier corresponding to each of the identified subscriber(s) and/or receives service profile record and/or service preference information from the user device. Service and/or other customer records corresponding to detected service subscriber(s) are used to determine what services and/or features are to be provided, what program channels may be accesses, what recorded programs corresponding to a subscriber may be accessed and, in some embodiments, service preference information such as personal preferences/settings relating to program guide presentation.

摘要翻译： 描述了为服务用户提供单独的定制内容传送功能和服务的方法和装置。 个体服务用户被发布诸如能够发送服务用户识别信号和/或记录的遥控器的RFID芯片或IR设备。 机顶盒检测用于识别单个订户的信号，并确定与所识别的订户中的每一个相对应的订户标识和/或从用户设备接收服务简档记录和/或服务偏好信息。 使用与检测到的服务订户相对应的服务和/或其他客户记录来确定要提供哪些服务和/或特征，哪些节目频道可以被访问，可以访问对应于订户的记录节目，并且 一些实施例，诸如与节目指南呈现相关的个人偏好/设置的服务偏好信息。

公开(公告)号：US09014540B1

公开(公告)日：2015-04-21

申请号：US13551422

申请日：2012-07-17

申请人： Chris Cholas ,  Eric D. Hybertson

发明人： Chris Cholas ,  Eric D. Hybertson

IPC分类号： H04N9/80 ,  H04N21/258

CPC分类号： H04N21/258 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/8455

摘要： A local media player in network communication with a remote storage system stores a portion of content. It then compares the portion of content stored on the local media player with content stored on the remote storage system to determine if the portion of content is duplicated on the remote storage system. If so, the portion of content stored on the local media player is replaced with a pointer to a duplicate portion of content stored on the remote storage system. The portion of content is played back by the local media player at least in part by receiving the duplicate portion of content from the remote storage system if the portion of content has been replaced by a pointer, or by accessing the portion of content stored on the local media player if the portion of content has not been replaced by a pointer.

摘要翻译： 与远程存储系统进行网络通信的本地媒体播放器存储一部分内容。 然后，将本地媒体播放器上存储的内容的部分与存储在远程存储系统上的内容进行比较，以确定内容的一部分是否在远程存储系统上复制。 如果是这样，则存储在本地媒体播放器上的内容的部分被替换为指向存储在远程存储系统上的内容的重复部分的指针。 内容的部分至少部分地通过从远程存储系统接收内容的重复部分来播放，如果内容的一部分已被指针替换，或者通过访问存储在内容中的内容部分 如果内容的一部分没有被指针替代，则是本地媒体播放器。

公开(公告)号：US08862155B2

公开(公告)日：2014-10-14

申请号：US13600064

申请日：2012-08-30

申请人： Peter Stern ,  Chris Cholas ,  Roger Graham Stafford

发明人： Peter Stern ,  Chris Cholas ,  Roger Graham Stafford

IPC分类号： H04W24/00

CPC分类号： H04W4/02 ,  H04L12/2801 ,  H04L12/2898 ,  H04W4/043 ,  H04W4/18 ,  H04W64/00

摘要： Apparatus and methods for enabling location identification and related services in a premises. In one embodiment, location identification services are provided via a gateway device using data extracted from a wireless signal. The data is used to estimate a location of a device (based on comparison to previously gathered and/or reference data). In another embodiment, infrared (IR) or other short range wireless signals are broadcast from the client devices to a set-top-box (STB), and the STB or gateway correlates the signals to a location within the premises. A profiling process is used to establish specific locations within a premises, and associate location-specific services therewith. The location-based services include for example (i) loading particular applications and/or content when the user enters a particular location, (ii) providing information and/or advertisement opportunities when the user is near a particular public or business location, and (iii) content delivery optimization among multiple user devices.

摘要翻译： 用于在场所中进行位置识别和相关服务的装置和方法。 在一个实施例中，使用从无线信号提取的数据经由网关设备提供位置识别服务。 该数据用于估计设备的位置（基于与先前收集的和/或参考数据的比较）。 在另一个实施例中，将红外（IR）或其他短距离无线信号从客户端设备广播到机顶盒（STB），并且STB或网关将信号与房屋内的位置相关联。 使用剖析过程来建立房屋内的具体位置，并将位置特定的服务与之相关联。 基于位置的服务包括例如（i）当用户输入特定位置时加载特定应用和/或内容，（ii）当用户靠近特定公共或商业位置时提供信息和/或广告机会，以及（ iii）多个用户设备之间的内容传递优化。