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：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：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：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：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：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：US20060020950A1

公开(公告)日：2006-01-26

申请号：US10883374

申请日：2004-06-30

申请人： Patrick Ladd ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms

发明人： Patrick Ladd ,  George Sarosi ,  William Helms

IPC分类号： G06F9/46

CPC分类号： H04N21/818 ,  H04L63/10 ,  H04L63/168 ,  H04N21/4431

摘要： Apparatus and methods for improved software programming interface functionality in a network. In one exemplary embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable network with CPE in which network-specific programming interfaces (e.g., APIs) may be downloaded to the CPE, registered, authenticated, stored and executed in a software protocol stack implementing OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) or Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standards. The host device software comprises a “manager” module that registers APIs identified by the OCAP Monitor Application, such that all applications launched thereafter on the device can use these communications APIs, provided they have the appropriate permission(s). This relieves individual applications from having to support details regarding network-specific protocols and APIs. In an alternate embodiment, class and data files associated with the API functionality are downloaded along with an application. The downloaded application registers the API using a modified version of the API using a description file (DF). The DF describes the class and data files provided with the application that are part of the registered API.

摘要翻译： 用于改进网络中的软件编程接口功能的装置和方法。 在一个示例性实施例中，网络包括具有CPE的HFC电缆网络，其中可以将网络特定编程接口（例如，API）下载到CPE，在实现OpenCable应用平台的软件协议栈中注册，认证，存储和执行 OCAP）或多媒体家庭平台（MHP）标准。 主机设备软件包括注册由OCAP监视器应用程序标识的API的“管理器”模块，使得其后在设备上启动的所有应用可以使用这些通信API，只要它们具有适当的许可。 这减轻了个别应用程序不必支持有关特定于网络的协议和API的细节。 在替代实施例中，与API功能相关联的类和数据文件与应用一起下载。 下载的应用程序使用API​​的修改版本使用描述文件（DF）注册API。 DF描述作为注册API一部分的应用程序提供的类和数据文件。

公开(公告)号：US20060036750A1

公开(公告)日：2006-02-16

申请号：US10782680

申请日：2004-02-18

申请人： Patrick Ladd ,  George Sarosi

发明人： Patrick Ladd ,  George Sarosi

IPC分类号： G06F15/16

CPC分类号： H04N21/4431 ,  G06F9/44526 ,  H04N21/4432 ,  H04N21/4433 ,  H04N21/8166

摘要： Methods and apparatus for extending the capabilities of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using one or more on-demand applications. In one aspect, an improved media handling extension is provided within the device with which the various application(s) can interface to facilitate on-demand interaction between the CPE and the head end or other network entity. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box (DSTB) having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the OCAP/ACAP/MHP mandated Java Media Framework (JMF) APIs. A specially configured application is downloaded to the DSTB and run, the application configuring the paths within the device to provide, inter alia, media access to the on-demand application(s) according to one or more network specific protocols. Accordingly, the network MSO can also uniquely configure the CPE within its network for on-demand capability according to its own specific protocols from the head-end. Improved client device and head-end configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 用于使用一个或多个按需应用来扩展客户端设备（例如，有线网络中的消费者驻地设备）的能力的方法和装置。 在一个方面，在设备内提供改进的媒体处理扩展，所述各种应用可通过该扩展来接口以便于CPE与头端或其他网络实体之间的按需交互。 在一个示例性实施例中，客户端设备包括具有启用Java的中间件的数字机顶盒（DSTB），适用于实现OCAP / ACAP / MHP强制的Java Media Framework（JMF）API。 将特殊配置的应用程序下载到DSTB并运行，配置设备内的路径的应用程序，尤其是根据一个或多个特定于网络的协议向按需应用程序进行媒体访问。 因此，网络MSO还可以根据其自己的头端的特定协议，在其网络内唯一地配置CPE以进行按需能力。 还公开了改进的客户端设备和头端配置以及操作这些系统的方法。