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。

公开(公告)号：US20140066098A1

公开(公告)日：2014-03-06

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： H04W4/02

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。

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：US08438607B2

公开(公告)日：2013-05-07

申请号：US13118192

申请日：2011-05-27

申请人： Chris Cholas ,  William L. Helms ,  Louis D. Williamson ,  Jeffrey P. Markley

发明人： Chris Cholas ,  William L. Helms ,  Louis D. Williamson ,  Jeffrey P. Markley

IPC分类号： H04N7/10 ,  H04N7/173

CPC分类号： H04N21/43615 ,  H04L12/2856 ,  H04L61/2007 ,  H04L61/6022 ,  H04L69/325 ,  H04L69/326 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/42676 ,  H04N21/438 ,  H04N21/4433 ,  H04N21/4627 ,  H04N21/6118 ,  H04N21/6168 ,  H04N21/64322 ,  H04W84/12

摘要： Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.

公开(公告)号：US20110107404A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-05

申请号：US12611041

申请日：2009-11-02

申请人： Scott W. Ramsdell ,  Jeffrey P. Markley ,  Renee Storosh ,  Chris Cholas ,  Srinivas Guduru

发明人： Scott W. Ramsdell ,  Jeffrey P. Markley ,  Renee Storosh ,  Chris Cholas ,  Srinivas Guduru

IPC分类号： G06F17/30 ,  G06F17/00

CPC分类号： H04L12/14 ,  H04L12/1403 ,  H04L12/2801

摘要： Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, the premises network is a Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) network, and is secured by a requirement that devices use a password or key to access the network. The password may be given only to authorized devices. Information regarding a device may be utilized to associate the device with a particular premises network, and provide a password to authorized devices. The password is unique to the premises in one variant by being derived from a subscriber account. At least one of the devices requesting access to the premises network may comprise a gateway device. A home network utilizing existing coaxial cable in the premises is created between a plurality of authorized devices each receiving the password.

摘要翻译： 用于启用受保护的房屋网络功能的装置和方法。 在一个实施例中，房屋网络是多媒体同轴联盟（MoCA）网络，并且通过设备使用密码或密钥访问网络的要求来保护。 密码只能授予授权设备。 可以使用关于设备的信息来将设备与特定的房屋网络相关联，并且向授权的设备提供密码。 通过从订户帐户派生，该密码对于一个变体中的场所是唯一的。 请求访问房屋网络的设备中的至少一个可以包括网关设备。 在每个接收密码的多个授权设备之间创建利用现场同轴电缆的家庭网络。

公开(公告)号：US09743142B2

公开(公告)日：2017-08-22

申请号：US12070560

申请日：2008-02-19

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

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

IPC分类号： H04N7/173 ,  H04N7/18 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N5/44 ,  H04N5/50 ,  H04N21/426 ,  H04N21/436 ,  H04N21/458 ,  H04N21/462

CPC分类号： H04N21/47214 ,  H04N5/4401 ,  H04N5/50 ,  H04N21/4263 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/4583 ,  H04N21/462

摘要： Apparatus and methods for enhanced tuner efficiency, wherein tuner resources function to permit multiple content streams to be demultiplexed and thus made available for subsequent display. In one embodiment, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) comprises a resource manager on which a guide application is run to control the tuning of an available tuner resource. This approach obviate reliance on OCAP or other proprietary vendor architecture applications. In another variant, the CPE is adapted to receive RF source data from a wideband tuner, or multiple tuners. The CPE may also be utilized in conjunction with other system configurations designed to enforce a security or other policies within a premises network. The CPE may also employ ‘look ahead’ capabilities to anticipate a QAM stream content before it is received.

公开(公告)号：US09300919B2

公开(公告)日：2016-03-29

申请号：US12844739

申请日：2010-07-27

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

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

IPC分类号： H04N21/436 ,  H04N21/4402 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/433

CPC分类号： H04N21/4332 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/25875 ,  H04N21/26258 ,  H04N21/4126 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/4402 ,  H04N21/47214

摘要： Methods and apparatus for content, media and data delivery and access between devices of a premises and one or more portable media devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a media bridge between a portable media device (PMD) and a user's home network and/or home devices (e.g., set-top boxes, DVRs, etc.)). The apparatus is adapted to convert content stored on a PMD to a format capable of being rendered on a home device which may then store or playback the content. Control of the presentation is also provided by the bridging apparatus. The apparatus may also be adapted to transfer content from the home device to the PMD for storage or playback. In another embodiment, the apparatus may function within a home network having a trusted domain to provide content between a plurality devices on the network (and in the domain) and the PMD.

摘要翻译： 用于内容，媒体和数据传送以及在场所的设备与一个或多个便携式媒体设备之间的访问的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，该装置包括便携式媒体设备（PMD）和用户家庭网络和/或家庭设备（例如，机顶盒，DVR等）之间的媒体桥。 该装置适于将存储在PMD上的内容转换成能够在家用设备上呈现的格式，然后可以存储或回放内容。 桥接设备也提供了演示的控制。 该装置还可以适于将内容从家庭设备传送到用于存储或重放的PMD。 在另一个实施例中，该装置可以在具有可信域的家庭网络内起作用以在网络（和域）和PMD之间的多个设备之间提供内容。

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：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：US20120274850A1

公开(公告)日：2012-11-01

申请号：US13094992

申请日：2011-04-27

申请人： Sherisse Hawkins ,  Matthew Osminer ,  Chris Cholas

发明人： Sherisse Hawkins ,  Matthew Osminer ,  Chris Cholas

IPC分类号： H04N9/475

CPC分类号： H04N21/4307 ,  H04N5/04 ,  H04N21/4126 ,  H04N21/41415 ,  H04N21/4363 ,  H04N21/4856 ,  H04N21/8106

摘要： Digital video data and digital multiple-audio data are extracted from a source, using a hardware processor in a content source device within a premises. The extracted digital video data is processed for display on a main display device in the premises; and the extracted digital multiple-audio data is processed into a primary soundtrack in a primary language, to be listened to within the premises in synchronization with the displayed extracted digital video data. The primary soundtrack corresponds to the displayed extracted digital video data, in the primary language. The extracted digital multiple-audio data is processed into at least one secondary audio asset, different than the primary soundtrack; and the at least one secondary audio asset is transmitted to a personal media device within the premises, for apprehension by a user of the personal media device in synchronization with the displayed extracted digital video data.

摘要翻译： 数据视频数据和数字多音频数据是从场景中的内容源设备中的硬件处理器提取的。 提取的数字视频数据被处理以在房屋的主显示设备上显示; 并且提取的数字多音频数据被处理成主要语言的主音轨，以与所显示的提取的数字视频数据同步地在房屋内收听。 主要音乐对应于主要语言中显示的提取的数字视频数据。 所提取的数字多音频数据被处理成与主音轨不同的至少一个辅助音频资源; 并且所述至少一个次要音频资产被传送到所述场所内的个人媒体设备，以供所述个人媒体设备的用户与所显示的所提取的数字视频数据同步地进行听觉。